Abstract: A counterbalance hinge (20, 20?) for a vehicle closure includes a pivot and counterbalance assembly (44) having a cam (46) and a spindle (50) with a helical threaded connection biased by a spring (56,56?) that provides closure counterbalancing. In one embodiment the spring (56) is of the helical tension type and another embodiment has the spring (56?) of the helical compression type.

Abstract: A vehicle seat adjuster having a single rail and an integral recliner mechanism on each side of the seat. The rails are secured to the floor by generally conventional floor supports. The recliner mechanisms each include rollers positioned both above and below the corresponding rail. Forward and rearward adjustment of the seat is obtained by moving the recliner mechanisms along the rails. In addition, each integral recliner mechanism includes upper arms that form the upright portions of the seat back frame. A seat back, preferably a molded seat back, is attached directly to the upper arms of the integral recliner mechanism.

Abstract: A two-piece sheave assembly is provided for a tire lift/carrier winch. The sheave assembly includes a molded plastic, one-piece sheave component that is molded to include a first sheave side plate, an integral sheave center hub with a cable-wrapping track thereon and optionally an integral annular toothed driven ring gear for mating with a toothed drive gear of the winch. The molded plastic sheave component is attached to a second sheave side plate, which may be metal, to form the two-piece sheave assembly. Apertures for the winch drive shaft and the pivotable cable end fitting are integrally molded in the first sheave component.

Abstract: A blade-shaped armrest pivots along mutually orthogonal axis to provide compact storage adjacent the side of a seat and yet provide a wide support surface when moved to a lowered use position. In one embodiment, the armrest automatically rotates in two planes as it is moved between a stored position and the use position. In another embodiment of the invention, an armrest is pivotally mounted forwardly of a pivoted support member and both members rotated together from a generally vertical position to a horizontal position and the armrest is then rotated with respect to the support member to a horizontal position for use. A releasable latch holds the armrest in a selected position with respect to the support member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat adjuster with an easy entry mechanism for releasing the seat latch to enable the seat to move forward upon a forward rotation of the seat back from its generally upright position. The easy entry mechanism includes a set position locator on the stationary rail of the seat adjustor to serve as a memory of the adjusted seat position to relatch the seat in its adjusted position upon return of the seat. During manual seat adjustment the set position locator is moved along with the seat assembly.