Patent ID: 6062148
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: A47B

Abstract:
A counterbalance mechanism for vertically adjustable worksurfaces and the like, comprising:a support adapted to mount said counterbalance mechanism adjacent an associated worksurface;a drive shaft mounted on said support for axial rotation, and adapted for operable connection with the worksurface to facilitate vertical adjustment of the same within a predetermined range;a first energy storage device operably connected between said support and said drive shaft, and applying a first axial torque to said drive shaft in a first rotational direction; said first energy storage device being configured such that said first axial torque diminishes at a predetermined rate as said drive shaft rotates in said first rotational direction; anda second energy storage device operably connected between said support and said drive shaft, and applying a second axial torque to said drive shaft in a second rotational direction opposite to said first rotational direction, thereby defining a resultant counterbalance force which facilitates vertical adjustment of the worksurface; said second energy storage device being configured such that when said drive shaft rotates in said first rotational direction, said second axial torque diminishes at a rate which is substantially equal to said predetermined rate of said first energy storage device, whereby said resultant counterbalance force remains generally constant throughout said predetermined range of vertical adjustment of the worksurface.