US Patent 7090314 Load assist mechanism for an overhead bin

A luggage bin assembly (10) adapted to be disposed within a vehicle is provided. The luggage bin assembly includes a bin (14) reciprocally mounted for movement between an opened position and a closed position. The luggage bin assembly also includes a linkage assembly (16) adapted to be hingedly mounted to the bin for swinging movement with the bin as the bin is reciprocated between the open and closed positions. A reciprocating assist mechanism (20) is coupled to the linkage mechanism to selectively apply an assist load to the linkage assembly when the bin is reciprocated between the opened and closed position.