| 摘要 |
A support device (10) for a hinged panel (12) mounted on a vehicle (14), the panel (12) being angularly displaceable between an opened position (16) and a closed position (20). The support device (10) comprises an elongate connecting member (22) pivotally connected to the panel (12) and an associated rotatable helical mating surface (24). A support arm (26) is pivotally connected to the vehicle (14). The support arm (26), including its own helical mating surface (28) is adapted to telescopingly receive the helical mating surface (24) of the elongate connecting member (22). A multi-coil torsional spring (30) may exert a torque between the respective helical mating surfaces (24, 28) when they are in contiguous relationship. As an operator swings the panel (12) open, the support device (10) extends, and the torsional spring (30) stores potential energy. As the operator lifts the panel (12) to separate the helical mating surfaces (24, 28) momentarily, the torsional spring (30) produces a rotational displacement thereof, thereby re-uniting them. The frictional force generated between the helical mating surfaces (24, 28) resists the weight of the hinged panel (12). The hinged panel (12) may be secured in the opened position (16) or descend toward the closed position (20) at a rate which is controlled by the support device (10).
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