Jamestown, New York Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Weber Knapp Company has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for innovation in ergonomic design and mechanical efficiency. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11910954, titled ‘Cover or lid counterbalance assembly’, introduces a safer and smoother way to lift and lower heavy lids and panels.
This newly patented system uses a refined combination of arms, pivot points, and counterweights to assist in lifting covers, lids, or doors. The design allows the user to move heavy or awkward panels with minimal force while maintaining complete control throughout the motion.
The invention has practical applications in kitchens, industrial equipment, toolboxes, and medical or laboratory settings. It helps prevent injuries by reducing strain and minimizing the risk of sudden lid slams or drops. The mechanism can be tuned to accommodate various weights and sizes, making it highly adaptable.
Weber Knapp Company has a long history of engineering balance mechanisms, and this latest development showcases their ongoing commitment to usability and user safety. With this technology, manufacturers can offer products that feel lighter, safer, and more intuitive to operate. It’s a small change that delivers a big impact wherever controlled motion is essential.