US Patent 7243970 Lid operating device and storage device using the same

A lid operating device for switching a lid between a closed position and an open position relative to a main body includes a first urging device for urging the lid from the closed position to a mid position before reaching the open position, and a second urging device for urging the lid from the open position to the mid position. A striker is disposed on the lid or main body, and a latching device is disposed on the main body or lid for engaging the striker to hold the lid at the closed position. The lid is automatically rotated from the closed position to the mid position by the first urging device, and manually rotated from the mid position to the open position against the urging force of the second urging device.