Hinge

A hinge mechanism connectible between a spa foundation and a spa cover having a closed position atop the foundation and an open position, the mechanism comprising:

• a base plate attachable to a side of a spa foundation;
• a crank plate rotably coupled to the base plate about a first axis fixed in the base platel;
• a swing arm having proximal and distal ends, the arm being rotably coupled at its proximal end to the crank plate about a second axis fixed in the crank plate and spaced apart from the first axis, the distal end being connectible to a spa cover;
• a stop mounted onto the crank plate for limiting rotation of the swing arm about the second axis;
• a spring operatively connected between the base plate and the crank plate at a location on the crank plate apart from the second axis, and exerting a force on the crank plate creating a first moment in a first rotational direction about the first axis;
• whereby a spa cover connected to the arm at its distal end can travel along a path from its closed position to an open position along a first path segment from the first closed position to an intermediate position in which the crank plate does not rotate relative to the base plate, and a second path segment of motion from the intermediate position and an open position of the cover relative to the foundation in which the crank plate turns about the second axis and acts against the force of the spring.

A hinge for opening and closing a panel relative to a frame, the hinge comprising:

• a base member connectible to the frame;
• a first member rotably coupled to the base member about a first pivot;
• a second member connectible to the panel and rotably coupled to the first member about a second pivot;
• and
• a spring coupled between the base member and the first member at a location of the first member apart from the second pivot, the spring exerting a force against the first member creating a moment about the first axis in a first rotational direction, the second member having a limit of rotation in the opposite direction relative to the first member.

A hinge comprising:

• a base plate;
• a crank plate coupled to the base plate and rotatable relative to the base plate about a first axis;
• a swing arm coupled to the crank plate and rotatable relative to the crank plate about a second axis;
• A biasing member coupled between the base plate and the crank plate, the biasing member biasing the crank plate toward a first angular position relative to the base plate and exerting a force on the crank plate urging the crank plate toward the first angular position of the crank plate relative to the base plate, the force being adequate to hold the crank plate from moving about the first axis during movement of the swing arm about the second axis relative to the crank plate.