Patent ID: 7481397

Claim:
Force supporting device ( 10 ; 110 ) for providing a load-dependent supporting force, for a lowerable overhead locker ( 12 ; 112 ) in an aircraft, comprising a bracket ( 20 ; 120 ), having a first end attached to a supporting structure so as to be pivotal about an axis (P) and a second end configured for connection to an object to which the supporting force should be applied, a gas-filled spring ( 22 ; 122 ), having a first end pivotally articulated to the bracket ( 20 ; 120 ) and a second end pivotally articulated to a first end of an oscillating lever ( 24 ; 124 ), the oscillating lever having a second end pivotally attached to at least one bearing plate ( 18 a , 18 b ; 118 a , 118 b ) and which can pivot relative to the bearing plate ( 18 a , 18 b ; 118 a , 118 b ) between a first end position and a second end position, an arresting device for arresting the oscillating lever ( 24 ; 124 ) at a plurality of positions in the region of its first end position to the second end position, and a displacing device ( 46 ; 146 ) for pivoting the oscillating lever ( 24 ; 124 ) between its first end position and its second end position as a function of a load determined by a load determining device ( 50 ; 150 ) which interacts with the displacing device ( 46 ; 146 ).