Patent ID: 6789357
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: E02D,E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
In combination, a lift assist mechanism for assisting in the pivotal movement and lifting of an enclosure member with respect to a body member between a closed position, an intermediate position, and an open position, comprising:a body member, said body member having base plate associated therewith; an upstanding enclosure member pivotally attached along at least one edge thereof to said body member so as to permit said enclosure member to move between a closed position, an intermediate position, and an open position; a swing arm member having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion of said swing arm being pivotally connected to said body member; an expansible strut member having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion of said strut member being pivotally connected to said second end portion of said swing arm member and said second end portion of said strut being pivotally connected to said enclosure member, said strut having a contracted condition when the enclosure member is in its closed position and an extended condition when said enclosure is in its intermediate and open positions; whereby when said enclosure member is in its closed and intermediate positions said second end of said swing arm member and said first end of said strut member are in contact with said base plate, and when said enclosure member is in its open position said second end of said swing arm member and said first end of said strut member are spaced from said base plate member so that said strut member is neither assisting nor detracting from the opening or closing of the enclosure member.