Abstract: A hinge assembly that includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member for mounting to an external vehicle closure member and a vehicle body, a pivot pin, a first clamp member with a first clamp surface, and a second clamp member having a second clamp surface is provided. The pivot pin is pivotally connected to the first hinge member to provide pivotal movement of an external vehicle closure member about a horizontal pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The first and second clamp members are configured to clamp a mounting portion of the second hinge member between the first and the second clamp surfaces. The mounting portion of the second hinge member has an opening therethrough for receiving the pivot pin and is oversized relative to the pivot pin to accommodate relative radial adjusting movement during installation.

Abstract: A motion assist hinge mechanism includes a first and second hinge part mounted to the tailgate and vehicle body, respectively. The first hinge part includes a first cam having a sloped engagement surface engaged with a sloped engagement surface of a second cam of the second hinge part, under the bias of a resilient member, for moving axially along a pivot axis. The second cam is fixed to the vehicle body against pivotal movement relative to the pivot axis. When the tailgate is moved from a lowered, open position towards a raised, closed position, the resilient member translates a torque assisting force to the tailgate. The surface of the second cam may also include a detent that mates with the surface of the first cam to lock the tailgate at an angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge for connecting a panel to a body for movement between open and closed positions. The hinge comprises a first bracket constructed to be mounted to one of the body and the panel in an installed position of the hinge, and a second bracket constructed to be mounted to the other of the body and the panel in the installed position of the hinge. At least one hinge pin pivotally connects the first and second brackets. An engaging member is provided on the first bracket, and a check arm is movably connected to the second bracket. The check arm has an engaging surface with at least one detent. The engaging surface is engaged with the engaging member. A spring seat is pivotally mounted to the hinge pin, and a spring has one end engaging the spring seat and the other end engaging the check arm so as to bias the check arm into engagement with the engaging member.

Abstract: A motion assist hinge mechanism includes a first and second hinge part mounted to the tailgate and vehicle body, respectively. The first hinge part includes a first cam having a sloped engagement surface engaged with a sloped engagement surface of a second cam of the second hinge part, under the bias of a resilient member, for moving axially along a pivot axis. The second cam is fixed to the vehicle body against pivotal movement relative to the pivot axis. When the tailgate is moved from a lowered, open position towards a raised, closed position, the resilient member translates a torque assisting force to the tailgate. The surface of the second cam may also include a detent that mates with the surface of the first cam to lock the tailgate at an angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge for connecting a panel to a body for movement between open and closed positions. The hinge comprises a first bracket constructed to be mounted to one of the body and the panel in an installed position of the hinge, and a second bracket constructed to be mounted to the other of the body and the panel in the installed position of the hinge. At least one hinge pin pivotally connects the first and second brackets. An engaging member is provided on the first bracket, and a check arm is movably connected to the second bracket. The check arm has an engaging surface with at least one detent. The engaging surface is engaged with the engaging member. A spring seat is pivotally mounted to the hinge pin, and a spring has one end engaging the spring seat and the other end engaging the check arm so as to bias the check arm into engagement with the engaging member.

Abstract: A door support system for supporting a vehicle door on a vehicle body for movement in opening and closing directions includes a door hinge system and an infinite door check system. The door hinge system includes a pair of first mounting structures and a pair of second mounting structures pivotally coupled to provide for movement of the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body. The infinite door check system includes first and second one-way check devices. The first one way check device applies a biasing force to resist movement of the vehicle door in the closing direction, and the second one way check device applies a biasing force to resist movement of the vehicle door in the opening direction. Each of the check devices includes a biasing structure that provide the biasing force and a clutch that enables or disables the application of the biasing force to the vehicle door.

Abstract: A door support system for supporting a vehicle door on a vehicle body for movement in opening and closing directions includes a door hinge system and an infinite door check system. The door hinge system includes a pair of first mounting structures and a pair of second mounting structures pivotally coupled to provide for movement of the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body. The infinite door check system includes first and second one-way check devices. The first one way check device applies a biasing force to resist movement of the vehicle door in the closing direction, and the second one way check device applies a biasing force to resist movement of the vehicle door in the opening direction. Each of the check devices includes a biasing structure that provide the biasing force and a clutch that enables or disables the application of the biasing force to the vehicle door.