Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle hood structure disposed in a front region of a vehicle body and supported in an openable and closable manner, which comprises a link member swingably supported in a pivoted manner by a pivot member located on the vehicle body, and a restriction mechanism adapted to couple the link member to a rear end of a hood so as to restrict the link member from being separated away from the hood. The restriction mechanism includes a restricting element located in either one of the link member and the hood, and a restricted element located in the remaining one of the link member and the hood. The vehicle hood structure of the present invention makes it possible to release a coupled state between the link member and the hood according to need, and, facilitate an operation of re-coupling the link member and the hood.

Abstract: A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.

Abstract: Described here is a motor vehicle comprising a body, a bonnet and also at least one actuator which is supported on the body and engages with a first edge of the bonnet for the purposes of raising the first edge up to a stop means in the event of an impact. Prior to the striking of the stop means, the actuator accelerates the first edge to a speed which is such that the impulse received by the bonnet is sufficient to raise a second edge of the bonnet that is located opposite the first edge when the first edge strikes the stop means.

Abstract: An actuator is longitudinally aligned along a side of the vehicle body in the fore and aft direction of the vehicle, and a lower and upper links connected to the actuator is widely opened and lift the hood, thereby minimizing the occupancy of the actuator and linkage, and preventing interference with adjacent components without changing the structure of the vehicle body. Moreover, the hood is lifted high enough for pedestrian safety using a relatively short stroke of the actuator, contributing to a formation of a compact structure as a whole and a prevention of the weight increase of the vehicle.

Abstract: A body-side tie-up point for a drive of a lid for a body aperture of a vehicle. The tie-up point has an inner reinforcing plate which is fastened on the outside to a sealing duct laterally adjacent to the body aperture, and an outer reinforcing plate which is fastened to the inner reinforcing plate on a side facing away from the sealing duct. A strengthening element is provided which bears against the sealing duct and the inner reinforcing plate in a contact zone on a side facing away from the inner reinforcing plate. The outer reinforcing plate directly or indirectly supports the strengthening element in a region spaced apart from the contact zone.

Abstract: A hood lift device with a restraint system is disclosed. The system can include a catching hole configured to constrain an actuator tip within a hood after the hood lift device is deployed. By engaging the hood lift device with a hood, the hood may be restrained from contacting a windshield.

Abstract: A system configured to lift a hood includes: a first mounting member, provided on a rear part of the hood; a second mounting member, provided on a body of the vehicle body; a connecting member, including: a first portion, supported on a first position of the first mounting member; and a second portion, supported on the second mounting member; a detector, configured to detect a collision of the vehicle body with an object; an actuator, configured to lift the rear part of the hood when the detector detects the collision; and a stopper, configured to restrict a rising amount of the hood, the stopper including: a third portion, s supported on the first mounting member, the third portion being located in a rear side of the first portion; and a fourth portion, supported on the second mounting member coaxially with the second portion.

Abstract: A force assist arrangement for a slidable coupling, a slidable coupling including the force assist arrangement, and a machine including respectively slidable portions, the slidable coupling, and the force assist arrangement. The force assist arrangement includes at least first and second links pivotably coupled together at one end and to the respectively slidable portions at the other ends, and a force assist device pivotably coupled to the links along their respective lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of hinge devices for use in hood lifting systems for pedestrian protection. An exemplary embodiment of such a hinge device includes an upper hinge portion configured to be connected with a vehicle hood and a lower hinge portion configured to be connected with a vehicle body. The upper hinge portion may be configured to releasably engage the lower hinge portion such that the upper hinge portion can disengage from the lower hinge portion and lift the vehicle hood upon a threshold separation force being applied to the hinge device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a portion of a vehicle hood away from a portion of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a first portion; a second portion, comprising; a fixed portion and a slidable portion slidably mounted to the first portion for movement between a first position and a second position, the fixed portion comprising a first opening at one end and an elongated opening, the slidable portion comprising a second opening juxtaposed to the first opening when the slidable portion is in the first position; a first connecting member being pivotally secured to the first portion at one end and releaseably secured to the second portion at another end by a pivot pin that is rotatably secured within the first opening and the second opening when the slidable portion is in the first position; a second connecting member being pivotally secured to the first portion at one end and slidably secured to the second portion at another end by a pin that is slidably received within the elongated opening of the fixe

Abstract: A front hood assembly has a front hood of a motor vehicle that is hinged to the chassis of the motor vehicle via at least one multi-jointed hinge, said front hood being lockable via at least one hood lock. The at least one multi-jointed hinge comprises at least one connecting rod that is variable in length under the impact of a collision with a pedestrian. The assembly provides a protection for pedestrians that is technically feasible and can be implemented at low cost.

Abstract: A hood lift-up apparatus of the invention is arranged on a lower side of a rear end of a hood panel of a vehicle and includes an actuator of a constitution of fixing a cylinder in a shape of a circular cylinder arranged by making an axial direction thereof substantially in line with a vertical direction to a body member of a vehicle by utilizing an attaching bracket. The attaching bracket is constructed by a constitution of including a holding portion of holding the cylinder by being disposed on a rear portion side constituting a side of the cylinder, and an attaching portion arranged on a front side of the cylinder by being extended to the front side from the holding portion and is fixed to a body member at a portion of the attaching portion.

Abstract: An interlock for a skid steer vehicle with a rear engine compartment and a rear door to that compartment includes a beam that is mounted transversely to the bottom of the door and has an upward facing surface that, like the beam, extends across the entire rear engine compartment opening. An interlocking second member is fixed to the chassis and extends across the rear engine compartment opening. When the door is impacted and forced upward, the first beam engages the second interlocking member over its width and transfers the force from the door (and beam) to the chassis When the door is impacted with a forward-directed force, the first beam also contacts the second member and transfers the forward forces through the second member to the chassis. Injury to the door is reduced or eliminated by transferring door impact forces to the chassis since the first beam extends substantially the entire distance across the door and is fixed to an inner surface of the door's frame.

Abstract: A bonnet bumpstop for use on an automotive vehicle is formed with a first component having a support part for supporting a bonnet on the vehicle in the vertical direction during normal operation when the bonnet is closed against the automotive frame, a second component attachable to the vehicle frame, and a member interconnecting the first and second components to each other. When the bonnet bumpstop incurs a force greater than a predetermined value, such as a force transmitted from a bonnet to the bonnet bumpstop, the bonnet bumpstop is collapsible by substantially instantaneous neutralizing of the interconnection between the first component and the second component. At least a part of the first component, including said support part, is then freed to be move relative to the second component so as to allow the bonnet to move downwardly in case of an impact between an object and the bonnet.

Abstract: A hood-hinge assembly may include at least one structural member, a hinge linkage moveable between a closed position and an open position, and a hinge bracket disposed on the at least one structural member and supporting the hinge linkage. The hinge bracket being deformable in response to a force applied to the hinge linkage.

Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body and a vehicle bonnet assembly. The vehicle bonnet assembly includes a bonnet 14 hinged at its front to the vehicle body 10 and latched at its rear by two latch devices. Each latch device comprises a latch assembly 17 mounted to the vehicle body 10 and a striker 21 mounted to the bonnet 14. Impact sensors are configured to detect a front collision with a pedestrian and two lift actuators 18 are arranged to raise the rear edge of the bonnet 14 into a deployed position in response to a pedestrian impact. Each latch assembly 17 includes a latch claw 26 moveable between a latch position in which the striker 21 is held by the latch claw 26 and a release position in which the striker 21 is releasable from the latch claw 26. Each latch assembly 17 also includes a release member 27 which is operable by a driver of the vehicle to allow the latch claw 26 to be moved towards its release position and allow the bonnet 14 to be lifted.

Abstract: A working vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a front section and a bonnet arranged on the front section. A first engagement mechanism for the bonnet is provided at a front section of the vehicle frame and a second engagement mechanism is provided at a front lower end section of the bonnet. A front face of the vehicle frame includes a cutout section and a cover doubling as a seal member for the bonnet is provided at the cutout section. When the first and second engagement mechanisms are engaged, the first and second engagement mechanisms are positioned on one side of the cutout section and a portion of the cover that covers the cutout section is positioned on an opposite side of the cutout section. The construction can provide the bonnet with high assembly accuracy.

Abstract: An operating system for a tractor to which an implement is attachable, the operating system comprises: a steering wheel provided rearwardly of a hood that houses an engine located in a forward region of the tractor; a control panel provided rearwardly of the hood and adjacent the steering wheel; a center cover extending generally vertically below the steering wheel; an operation lever provided at a position laterally of the control panel; a valve unit with a pair of spools, the valve unit being located at a lower position with respect to the steering wheel and being covered by the center cover; a link mechanism that links the operation lever and the pair of spools, the link mechanism being covered by the center cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a front gate on a vehicle, the arrangement comprising at least one hinge system located at the rear in the direction of travel, in the form of a four-bar mechanism with a long arm and a short arm. The hinge system enables the front gate to be pivoted for standard opening and closing, and to be raised at the rear thereof in the event of a collision. To this end, the hinge system comprises an energy accumulator that actuates a displacement device in the event of a collision of the vehicle, said displacement device, in turn, acting directly on the front gate and being detachably connected to the same.

Abstract: A hood support for a tractor includes a bracket attached to an engine compartment under the tractor hood, a rod bent into a U-shaped loop having a pair of ends pivotably mounted to the bracket, and a spring coiled around one of the ends urging the U-shaped loop toward a raised position. A pocket under the tractor hood is dimensioned to receive the U-shaped loop and support the hood in the raised position.

Abstract: A hinge for connecting a hood, especially an engine hood, to a vehicle body, having a least one hinge carrier arranged on the vehicle body, at least one hinge arm arranged on the hood and at least one connecting part for the pivotable connection of the hinge arm to the hinge carrier. The connection of the hinge arm to the hinge carrier is released in the event of an accident by removal and/or destruction of the connecting part. The connecting part is configured to be removed and/or destroyed by forces acting in a direction of a pivot axis of the hinge, in the event of an accident.

Abstract: There is provided a pedestrian protection air bag system M1 in which air bags accommodated on a cowl each have a recessed portion which avoids a hinge mechanism and project from lateral side edges of a lower surface of a hood panel at a rear end thereof so as to cover front sides of front pillars. The hood panel is configured to be raised on a rear end side thereof so as to form a projection space for the air bags between the cowl and the rear end of the hood panel, while when in normal use, the hood panel is made to be opened upwards at a front end side thereof by means of the hinge mechanisms provided near the left and right edges at the rear end thereof. The hinge mechanisms, cases which cover the folded air bags and actuators for raising the hood panel are provided sequentially in that order towards the front on the lateral side edge of the hood panel at the rear end thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device (13) includes an actuator (17) which thrusts a hood (11) upward from underside at a point close to a rear end of the hood (11) to raise the same by a specific amount when an obstacle is detected, and a mechanical connector (21) which connects the rear end of the hood (11) to the vehicle body (12), the mechanical connector (21) being structured such that, when the actuator (17) raises the rear end of the hood (11), the mechanical connector (21) extends while swinging about a pivot (P) by which the mechanical connector (21) is joined to the vehicle body (12). The mechanical connector (21) includes a rod (24), and a locking part (26) having a through hole (32a) in which the rod (24) is inserted. The locking part (26) engages with the rod (24) in such a manner that the rod (24) can move in only one direction in which the rod (24) is extracted from the locking part (26), and the rod (24) is disengaged from the locking part (26) when turned about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system configured to lift a hood includes: a first mounting member, provided on a rear part of the hood; a second mounting member, provided on a body of the vehicle body; a connecting member, including: a first portion, supported on a first position of the first mounting member; and a second portion, supported on the second mounting member; a detector, configured to detect a collision of the vehicle body with an object; an actuator, configured to lift the rear part of the hood when the detector detects the collision; and a stopper, configured to restrict a rising amount of the hood, the stopper including: a third portion, s supported on the first mounting member, the third portion being located in a rear side of the first portion; and a fourth portion, supported on the second mounting member coaxially with the second portion.

Abstract: A hood support for a vehicle having a hood moveable between open and closed positions is provided. The hood support includes a spring assembly disposable between the vehicle hood and another portion of the vehicle. The spring assembly is moveable into an extended position to accommodate movement of the hood into the open position and moveable into a compressed position to accommodate movement of the hood into the closed position. The hood support further includes a lock tube surrounding a portion of the spring assembly and moveable relative to the spring assembly. The lock tube is selectively actuatable between a locked position, wherein the lock tube secures the spring assembly in the extended position, and an unlocked position, wherein the spring assembly is permitted to be displaced into the compressed position.

Abstract: A vehicle hood structure of the present invention has: a hood outer panel structuring a vehicle body outer side surface of a hood; a hood inner panel disposed along an entire region of a reverse surface of the hood outer panel, a cross-sectional configuration of the hood inner panel as seen from a vehicle longitudinal direction being a wavy configuration; and shelf portions formed along the vehicle longitudinal direction at side wall portions of the wavy cross-sectional configuration, wherein the cross-sectional configuration of a wavy configuration, of the hood inner panel, is formed along the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of the devices used in the field of automotive safety to protect a pedestrian in the event of a frontal impact between the said pedestrian and a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a safety device (1, 101, 201) for raising the bonnet (11, 111, 211) of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, comprising a pyrotechnic actuator (2, 102, 202, 302) provided with a thrust piston (17, 117) secured to a mechanism for raising the bonnet (11, 111, 211) and able to deploy the said mechanism which is itself secured to the said bonnet (11, 111, 211), and a blocking device intended to block the said actuator (2, 102, 202, 302) in a given position.

Abstract: A tractor realizes the remarkable reduction of time and efforts necessary for an assembling operation of a hood. Here, a hood is split into a fixed-side forming body which is fixed to the body frame and an open-and-close side forming body which can open/close an upper surface of the fixed-side forming body, and the fixed-side forming body is split into a left half forming member and a right half forming member. On the other hand, a connecting support body is formed on the front portion of the body frame in an upwardly raised state and, front-end abutting portions of left-and-right-side half forming members are connected and fixed to the connecting support body using a connecting body in a state that the front-end abutting portions are sandwiched between the connecting support body and the connecting body in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.

Abstract: An engine hood door including a variable door handle is provided, in which a protruding length of the door handle from an outer side of the engine hood door is varied. The engine hood door includes a door handle having a handle portion and extending portions extending from both ends of the handle portion, each of the extending portions being movably engaged to a through-hole formed in the engine hood door, a resilient member, positioned between the extending portion penetrating the through-hole and an inner side of the engine hood door, for variably adjusting the protruding length of the handle portion protruding from an outer side of the engine hood door, and a locking pin fixed to each end of the extending portions for preventing the door handle from being released from the engine hood door. When the handle portion is pulled so as to open the engine hood door, the protruding length of the door handle from the outer side of the engine hood door is varied.

Abstract: A hinge bar for the hinge assembly of a large motor vehicle's hood has a body with opposite ends, arms, curved end sections connecting the arms to the body at each end and hinge bar brackets extending from the arms. At least one ring is located between the midsection of the body and one of the opposite ends.

Abstract: A vehicle pop-up hood apparatus of the invention includes: an arm member whose proximal end portion is connected to a vehicle body so as to be pivotable about a first axis extending in the vehicle width direction; and a connection mechanism by which a hood of the vehicle is integrally connected to a tip side portion of the arm member. The hood is allowed to pivot relative to the arm member about a second axis extending in the vehicle width direction, and to move relative to the arm member in the vehicle longitudinal direction when the integrative connection, established by the connection mechanism, between the arm member and the hood is broken. The apparatus further includes an actuator that breaks the integrative connection, established by the connection mechanism, between the hood and the arm member, and that generates a lifting force that lifts the hood relative to the body.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a foldaway top connected to the carbody. A top compartment receives the foldaway top when folded open. A top compartment lid is provided for closing the top compartment. A hinge device is connected to the carbody and to the top compartment lid so that the top compartment lid is pivotable relative to the carbody. The top compartment lid has a front end interacting with a locking device in the area of a lateral side rail for locking it on the side rail by a push-pivot movement; it is released by a reverse movement. A lifting drive acting on the top compartment lid is supported on the carbody spaced from the hinge device and is pivotably connected to the top compartment lid. The top compartment lid is pivotable in the area of the hinge device relative to support part of the hinge device.

Abstract: A strut assembly having first and second mounting members extending from opposite ends of the housing for mounting the strut assembly to a hood assembly. A locking member is connected to the housing and slides into locking engagement with the rod member. Restraining members are secured to the mounting members to prevent unwanted travel of the hood assembly beyond a fully opened position.

Abstract: A vehicle engine compartment hood is provided for a vehicle body having a hood opening. A hood panel normally closes the engine compartment. A hood base panel underlies the hood panel and is pivotally mounted on the vehicle body for pivotal opening movement to lift the hood panel and allow access to the engine compartment through the hood opening. A mechanism acts between the hood panel and the hood base panel for selectively elevating the hood panel above the hood base panel and the hood opening when the vehicle is in a pedestrian rich environment. The mechanism absorbs energy when an impact is received against the hood panel.

Abstract: A hood structure comprises an outer and an inner which form a closed cross section through spaces. The inner's cross-sectional shape is an interconnected stair step curve based on a series of concentric geometric shapes. This multi-tiered hood structure can provide a uniform, excellent head impact resistance independent of material selection for the outer and inner panels. The multi-tiered hood structure also excels in rigidity, strength, weight, cost and manufacturability. Accordingly, the car body hood panel structure efficiently satisfies requirements of head impact resistance for pedestrian protection.

Abstract: A hood assembly 100 for a vehicle 104 is disclosed. The hood assembly includes a hood 102 coupled to the vehicle and movable between an open position and a closed position. The hood assembly also includes a locking assembly 106. The locking assembly has a locked position for selectively locking the hood in the open position and a release position for permitting the hood to move from the open position to the closed position. The hood assembly further includes a release assembly 110 coupled to the locking assembly for actuating the locking assembly between the locked position and the release position, wherein the release assembly is actuatable by a user 105 standing in front of the hood.

Abstract: A novel active hood system is disclosed. The active hood system is designed such that in the event of a pedestrian/vehicle accident, the active hood system will soften the impact between the pedestrian and the vehicle by moving the vehicle hood into an elevated position. In some embodiments, the active hood system is constructed such that during a pedestrian/vehicle collision, the active hood system will raise the vehicle hood into an elevated position by having the hood move through a first travel distance and a second travel distance. The active hood system includes an actuator and a hinge. The actuator may be attached to the hinge. The actuator is designed such that if it is deployed, the actuator will raise the hood into the elevated position. Additional embodiments may also be made in which the actuator is vented during deployment. A dampener is also added to the active hood system. The dampener is designed to dampen the movement of the hood as the hood is moved through the second travel distance.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a closure panel including an outer panel and an inner panel includes a palm area reinforcement for attachment to the outer panel and a latch area reinforcement for attachment to the inner panel, the latch area reinforcement being disposed on a depression in the reinforcement which is integral with the palm area reinforcement.

Abstract: A hinge member comprises a mounting portion to be secured to a vehicle body panel, and an extension portion having a fixed orientation relative to the mounting portion. The extension portion has a pivot-receiving slot defining a hinge pivot hole to receive a hinge pivot, and a slot portion extending from the hinge pivot hole. At least a portion of the pivot-receiving slot has a lateral dimension smaller than a diameter of the pivot hole. A hinge assembly includes a first hinge member pivotally joined to a second hinge member by a hinge pivot having a hinge pivot pin in a pivot pin bushing. Preferably, the pivot pin bushing shears under a pre-selected level of force or load to permit the pivot pin to be slidingly received in the slot. Embodiments of the hinge assemblies are well suited for hingedly mounting motor vehicle body panels to the vehicle body.

Abstract: The actuator mechanism of the present embodiment comprises the first cylinder, a rod protruding from the first cylinder to lift a hood and lock balls arranged along the outer periphery of the rod and digging into the rod when the rod is pushed back. The diameter of the lock balls and the lapping amount of the lock balls are within specific ranges.

Abstract: An interlock for a skid steer vehicle with a rear engine compartment and a rear door to that compartment includes a beam that is mounted transversely to the bottom of the door and has an upward facing surface that, like the beam, extends across the entire rear engine compartment opening. An interlocking second member is fixed to the chassis and extends across the rear engine compartment opening. When the door is impacted and forced upward, the first beam engages the second interlocking member over its width and transfers the force from the door (and beam) to the chassis When the door is impacted with a forward-directed force, the first beam also contacts the second member and transfers the forward forces through the second member to the chassis. Injury to the door is reduced or eliminated by transferring door impact forces to the chassis since the first beam extends substantially the entire distance across the door and is fixed to an inner surface of the door's frame.

Abstract: A lift spring assembly has a compression spring rod with a housing having a longitudinal axis and axially opposite ends, and having a rod member coaxial with the axis and having an inner end in the housing and an outer end axially outwardly of one of the opposite ends. A guide member is provided on the inner end of the rod member for supporting the rod member during movement of the rod member. A first stage spring assembly extends between one of the opposite ends of the housing and the guide member. A second stage spring assembly extends between the other of the opposite ends of the housing and the guide member. A mounting member extending from one of the opposite ends of the housing for mounting the spring rod assembly to a hood assembly. A locking member is pivotally connected to the mounting member and pivots into locking engagement with one of the ends of the housing.

Abstract: A front hood system has a front hood of a vehicle that is coupled to the frame of the vehicle via at least one multiple-joint hinge. In addition, the vehicle's front opening hood can be latched by means of at least one hood lock. At least one multiple-joint hinge has at least one link that can separate into at least two parts due to the force of impact of a pedestrian.

Abstract: A vehicle body stiffener comprises an assembly of an outer member and an inner stiffener member which are joined to form a closure for the body. The inner stiffener member is formed to carry tension, compressive and torsional loads from the vehicle body and two locating pins at the corners of one side of the assembly and two latch pins at the corners of the opposite side of the assembly engage complementary receptacles on the vehicle body to make the assembly act as a structural member of the body to transfer forces from the body to the assembly. The assembly is preferably pivotally connected to the vehicle body by a pair of hinges which allow the assembly to be opened to gain access to the vehicle body interior. The assembly can be an engine compartment hood, a trunk lid or other closure.

Abstract: A hood for an off road work vehicle includes a thermoformed polymer outer top panel having a smooth outer surface, a thermoformed inner panel, the inner panel having laterally extending corrugations, and a pattern of adhesive arranged between the inner and outer top panels. The inner and outer top panels are secured together by the pattern of adhesive, the pattern of adhesive comprising non-linear longitudinally extending regions spaced apart and straddling a longitudinal centerline of the inner top panel. The non-linear regions can be undulating or zigzag regions.

Abstract: A front hood assembly has the front hood of a motor vehicle hinged to the chassis of the motor vehicle via at least one hinge, the front hood being lockable via at least one hood lock for locking the front hood with the body of a motor vehicle. To this end, the hood lock allows a horizontal displacement of the front hood even if it is locked. The locking element of the front hood allows a displacement of the front hood into horizontal escape space while the front hood remains locked.

Abstract: A hinge is provided suitable for attaching a hood to a car or truck. The hinge includes generally tubular members sharing a common axis of rotation. Elastomeric elements interposed between the tubular members provide isolation between the parts of the hinge. Relative rotation between the tubular members compresses the elastomeric elements creating a spring-force opposing the relative rotation. The hood, hinge, and vehicle may be configured so that the spring-force of the elastomeric elements assists in opening and/or closing of the hood.

Abstract: A latching device and operating mechanism are provided suitable for controlling the opening or closing of a tilting cover such as the hood of a car or truck. The latching device operates to prevent accidental closure of the cover when the cover is open. The operating mechanism is coupled to the latching device for releasing the latching device when the hood is to be shut. The operating mechanism is located on the vehicle near a location from which an operator typically opens or closes the hood.

Abstract: A vehicle hood structure in which a space is formed by a hood outer panel, which structures a vehicle body outer side portion of a hood, and an hood inner panel, which structures a vehicle body inner side portion of the hood, the vehicle hood structure having: step portions formed along a vehicle front-end direction in the hood outer panel; a plurality of convex portions which swell toward a vehicle body top side and which are formed along the vehicle front-end direction at predetermined intervals in a vehicle transverse direction, at a central region of the hood inner panel which is other than outer peripheral edge portions of the hood inner panel; joining portions formed at peak portions of the convex portions, and joined with the hood outer panel; and optionally, extending portions formed along configurations of the step portions from the convex portions nearest to the step portions.