Abstract: A dual pivot door hinge assembly for a side door system of a vehicle includes a body side-mounting bracket adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The dual pivot door hinge assembly also includes a door side-mounting bracket adapted to be connected to a side door of the side door system of the vehicle. The dual pivot door hinge assembly includes at least one load arm pivotally connected to the body side-mounting bracket to form a first pivot axis and pivotally connected to the door side-mounting bracket to form a second pivot axis. The dual pivot door hinge assembly further includes a connecting member operatively interconnecting the first pivot axis and second pivot axis to allow the side door to remain parallel to a side of the vehicle body as the side door is pivoted radially outward and longitudinally.

Abstract: A rear end closure assembly for selectively opening and closing a rear passageway of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The closure assembly includes a first panel and a second panel attached to each other using rotatable members and a torque bar such that the second panel can be raised to a juxtaposed vertical relation relative to the first panel to partially open the rear passageway. Thereafter, the first and second panels are upwardly rotated together to fully open the rear passageway.

Abstract: A rear end closure assembly for selectively opening and closing a rear passageway of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The closure assembly includes a first panel and a second panel attached to each other using rotatable members and a torque bar such that the second panel can be raised to a juxtaposed vertical relation relative to the first panel to partially open the rear passageway. Thereafter, the first and second panels are upwardly rotated together to fully open the rear passageway.

Abstract: A vehicle access system includes an access opening for the passenger compartment that is closed by a swinging door in combination with an articulating door. The articulating door moves through an arc without angling away from the vehicle body and is supported on a hinge assembly that attaches near the center of the door. An arm assembly guides the door throughout its range of positions and maintain the door in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the vehicle body. When the doors are open, an uninterrupted access opening is provided to the area of the second and third seat rows of the vehicle.