Patent attributes
An apparatus for closing a member against a substantially horizontal surface of an object, wherein the member comprises a first end and a second end thereby defining a longitudinal axis of the member, and wherein the first end of the member is hingably attached by a first hinge and a second hinge to the substantially horizontal surface and the second end of the member is separated from the substantially horizontal surface with the longitudinal axis at a non-perpendicular angle to the substantially horizontal surface. The apparatus comprises a mechanical timing mechanism comprised of a housing, and a rotatable shaft extending outwardly from the housing, the mechanical timing mechanism adapted for providing a torque upon the rotatable shaft and the mechanical timing mechanism operatively connected to the horizontal surface of the object; a linkage operatively connected to the shaft of the mechanical timing mechanism and to the member, the linkage transmitting the torque applied by the mechanical timing mechanism on the rotatable shaft to provide a first force upon the member, the first force directed to bringing the longitudinal axis of the member from the non-perpendicular angle with the substantially horizontal surface to a perpendicular angle with the substantially horizontal surface; and a variable rate spring assembly for providing a second force upon the member that resists bringing the member into contact with the substantially horizontal surface.
