The invention relates to a force supporting device (10) for providing a
load-dependent supporting force, in particular for a lowerable overhead
locker (12) in an aircraft. The device (10) comprises a bracket (20),
whose one end is attached to a supporting structure so as to be pivotal
about an axis (P) and whose other end is configured for connection to an
object to which the supporting force should be applied. There is also a
gas-filled spring (22), whose one end is pivotally articulated to the
bracket (20) and whose other is pivotally articulated to one end of an
oscillating lever (24), whose other end is pivotally attached to a
bearing plate (18) and which can pivot relative to the bearing plate (18)
between a first end position and a second end position. By means of an
arresting device the oscillating lever (24) can be arrested at a
plurality of positions in the region of its first end position to the
second end position. A displacing device (46) serves to pivot the
oscillating lever (24) between its first end position and its second end
position as a function of a load determining device which interacts with
the displacing device (46).