Patent ID: 6457622
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: B60J,F16F

Abstract:
An actuation mechanism for a cover system on an open-topped container, the cover system including a cover extendable from a stowed position to a deployed position covering the container and a bail member attached to the cover and movable relative to the container to move the cover between the stowed and deployed positions, said mechanism comprising:at least one double-coil spring having two coil portions concentrically wound around each other and disposed in a common plane with an integral center portion between each said coil portion, each of said coil portions including a free reaction end; a pivot shaft mountable on the container, and having a portion configured for attachment to said center portion of said spring; a housing connectable to the bail member and defining a bore to receive said pivot shaft therethrough, said housing configured to receive said at least one spring therein with said center portion attached to said pivot shaft; a pair of reaction posts disposed within said housing, each of said posts configured to contact said reaction end of a corresponding one of said two coil portions, whereby said at least one double-coil spring applies a torsional force to the bail member through said pair of reaction posts and said housing; and wherein said housing includes a male half and a female half connectable to said male half; and wherein each of said reaction posts includes a first portion and a second portion and each of said first portions is attached to one of said housing halves and each of said second portions is attached to the other of said housing halves.