Counterbalance device for mail processing system cover

A counterbalance device comprising:

• a first part;
• a second part;
• a support arm fixedly mounted to said first part and articulately mounted to said second part such that said first part pivots with said support arm relative to said second part;
• a cam having a cam surface and being slaved to pivot with said support arm relative to said second part;
• a follower arm pivotably mounted to said second part;
• a follower associated with said follower arm and disposed against said cam surface;
• and
• biasing means, fixedly mounted to said first part to pivot therewith and connected to said follower arm, for biasing said follower against said cam surface such that as said cam pivots with said support arm said follower moves along said cam surface whereby said biasing means via said follower, said follower arm, said cam and said support arm imparts a biasing force to counterbalance the effective weight of said first part throughout movement of said first part between a closed position and a fully opened position.

A counterbalance device comprising:

• a first part;
• a second part;
• a support arm fixedly mounted to said first part and articulately mounted to said second part such that said first part pivots at a cover pivot point with said support arm relative to said second part;
• a cam having a cam surface and being slaved to pivot with said support arm relative to said second part;
• a follower arm pivotably mounted to said second part and having a follower thereon disposed against said cam surface;
• and
• biasing means, mounted to one of said first and second parts and connected to said follower arm, for biasing said follower against said cam surface such that as said cam pivots with said support arm said follower moves along said cam surface whereby said biasing means via said follower, said follower arm, said cam and said support arm imparts a biasing force to counterbalance the effective weight of said first part throughout movement of said first part between a closed position and a fully opened position.