The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 14, 1998
Filed:
Dec. 13, 1995
Ming Xiao, Terryville, CT (US);
Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
Disclosed is a self rising cover assembly for use on a machine housing which includes a frame and a plurality of panels connected to the frame to define the machine housing. The cover assembly includes a flat body member which is pivotally connected to a portion of the frame to pivot from a closed horizontal position to an open nearly vertical position to provide operator access to the interior of the machine housing. A spring loaded actuator is interconnected between the body member and the frame which exerts sufficient upward torque on the body member to overcome the downward torque on the body member from the force of gravity to urge the body member upwardly after it has been manually lifted through a relatively short distance, after which the actuator moves the body member to the fully open position. The amount of torque exerted on the body member by the actuator to ensure that it becomes self rising at the desired point in its upward movement and that it remains in the open position until it is manually closed.