Abstract: A reinforcement ring (14) for a vehicle hitch (10) has a square shape with elongated portions (38) each having a J-shaped cross section that extends around the rear end of a hitch receiver tube (12) to provide reinforcement and a smooth transition upon insertion of a hitch tongue (16).

Abstract: A reinforcement ring (14) for a vehicle hitch (10) has a square shape with elongated portions (38) each having a J-shaped cross section that extends around the rear end of a hitch receiver tube (12) to provide reinforcement and a smooth transition upon insertion of a hitch tongue (16).

Abstract: A vehicle hitch assembly (10) includes a stamped sheet metal cross tube (16) of an elongated shape with a central hitch support section (18) and lateral ends (20) mounted on the vehicle. A pair of stamped sheet metal members (22) of the sheet metal cross tube (16) each have intermediate portions (24) that project away from each other as well as having spaced peripheral flanges (26, 28) that are engaged with and secured to the peripheral flanges of the other stamped sheet metal member. The central hitch support section (18) of the stamped sheet metal cross tube (16) has a hitch ball support (32) for mounting a ball hitch on the hitch assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch assembly (10) includes a stamped sheet metal cross tube (16) of an elongated shape with a central hitch support section (18) and lateral ends (20) mounted on the vehicle. A pair of stamped sheet metal members (22) of the sheet metal cross tube (16) each have intermediate portions (24) that projects away from each other as well as having spaced peripheral flanges (26, 28) that are engaged with and secured to the peripheral flanges of the other stamped sheet metal member. The central hitch support section (18) of the stamped sheet metal cross tube (16) has a hitch ball support (32) for mounting a ball hitch on the hitch assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle hinge and counterbalance assembly (34) for pivotally mounting a lateral end of a vehicle tailgate (26) at a lower extremity thereof for movement of the tailgate on an associated vehicle between an upper closed position and a lower opened position and for also providing counterbalancing of the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle integrated hitch and bumper support assembly (10) and a method for making the support assembly from tube stock includes an elongated tube (12) having an intermediate portion (14) and end portions (16) that are cut so that the elongated tubes can be cut from tube stock whose length is less than the combined length of the elongated tubes.

Abstract: A four bar hinge (24) for mounting a vehicle rear deck lid (26) for movement between open and closed positions includes first and second vehicle body and deck lid mounted hinge members (28, 32) one of which has an adjuster (38), and the hinge also includes first and second connection members (42, 52) that extend between the hinge members with pivotal connections to provide a four bar linkage (62) that supports the deck lid for movement between open and closed positions. An adjuster member (40) of the adjuster (38) is adjustable upon assembly to move the deck lid vertically so as to be flush with the rear deck outer skin (16) of the vehicle. This adjustment is provided by a threaded connection (70).

Abstract: A four bar hinge (24) for mounting a vehicle rear deck lid (26) for movement between open and closed positions includes first and second vehicle body and deck lid mounted hinge members (28, 32) one of which has an adjuster (38), and the hinge also includes first and second connection members (42, 52) that extend between the hinge members with pivotal connections to provide a four bar linkage (62) that supports the deck lid for movement between open and closed positions. An adjuster member (40) of the adjuster (38) is adjustable upon assembly to move the deck lid vertically so as to be flush with the rear deck outer skin (16) of the vehicle. This adjustment is provided by a threaded connection (70).

Abstract: A vehicle body door check (10) includes a scissors assembly (20) and a keeper (48) received between a pair of elongated check arms (22,24) of the scissors assembly and operable under the bias of a spring (46) to hold an associated vehicle door in an open position upon engagement with a check formation (36).

Abstract: An adjustable gooseneck hinge (22) for supporting a vehicle closure member (20) includes an adjuster (60) having an adjuster strap pivotally supported by a pivotal connection (32) on a vehicle body mounted hinge member (26) and including a pin and elongated slot connection (64) that connects a first end (42) of a gooseneck strap (40) with the pivotal connection and the adjuster strap. An adjustable connection (65) of the adjuster (60) adjusts the spacing between the pivotal connection (32) and a curved gooseneck portion (48) of the gooseneck strap (40), that connects the first end thereof with a second end (44) thereof on which the closure member (20) is mounted. A second pin and elongated slot connection (66) is also provided between the adjuster strap (62) and the gooseneck strap first end (42) at a spaced location from the pivotal connection (32).