Abstract: A door support assembly for a motor vehicle is described. Generally speaking, the assembly includes a pin with a tapered section and being attached to the vehicle door, a passage with a mating surface for the tapered section fixed to the vehicle, and a latching mechanism configured to pull the vehicle door inward when engaged. When the latch mechanism is engaged, the assembly provides zero-gap with the door frame. The pin is tapered to a degree that it does not become wedged within the passage as the result of an explosive event.

Abstract: A compartment includes a plurality of side walls and a floor configured to define a storage area. The compartment also includes a panel operatively connected to the floor or to at least one of the plurality of side walls. The panel is configured to selectively expand and restrict access to the storage area. The compartment additionally include a torque rod having a wall thickness, a hollow interior, a first end fixed relative to the storage area and a second end fixed relative to the panel. The torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction to thereby assist operation of the panel. A vehicle employing such an enclosure is also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a magnetic decklid damper system is provided for a vehicle. The system comprises a decklid coupled to a body of the vehicle via a hinge strap facilitating the decklid moving between a closed position and an open position. The hinge strap includes a first magnetic element coupled to the hinge strap, and a second magnetic element coupled to a body member of the vehicle. The first and second magnetic elements have a common polarity to magnetically repel each other as the decklid moves toward the open position to provide a damping effect for the decklid.

Abstract: A damping stop for damping the rotation of two members connected by a hinge shaft is formed by a block of elastomeric material. The damping stop includes a fastening zone inserted forcibly into a seat situated between the first member and the hinge shaft, a contact zone that enters into contact with the second member after pivoting thereof around the hinge shaft in the direction of the first member, and a compression zone formed by a material void in the interior of the block of elastomeric material. The material void extends over the entire length of the damping stop in a direction parallel to the hinge shaft when the damping stop is inserted into the seat. The damping stop is used in a hinge of a vehicle.

Abstract: A counterbalanced decklid hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid relative to a vehicle includes a torque rod extending between a first hinge box and a second hinge box. A support member is rotatably supported by each of the first and second hinge boxes. A linkage system interconnects one axial end of the torque rod to one of the support members, and is attached to the axial end of the torque rod in a manner that allows for a straight axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no bends. A lever is attached to and rotatable with the other axial end of the torque rod, and is attached in a manner that allows for a straight axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no bends.

Abstract: A side protection device for a motor vehicle with a body and an opening for at least one passenger to access the vehicle, including: a side protection element, configured to be shifted from a closed position to an open position; an internal skeleton including a structural module of plastic and a stiffener tube of metal, the structural module including a multi-ribbed first portion, configured to receive the stiffener tube, and a second open portion, configured to define a frame for a translucent panel.

Abstract: A sealer (5) for sealing a sealed portion (3) is a sheet member formed into a shape that matches a three-dimensional shape of the sealed portion (3). The sealed portion (3) is sealed by placing the sealer (5) over the sealed portion (3) and heating the sealer (5).

Abstract: A seal module for sealing between a first door and a second door of opposing-hinged doors is moveable between an sealing position for sealing between the first door and the second door, and a withdrawn position longitudinally spaced from one of the first door and the second door to allow for independent pivotable movement of either the first door or the second door. A linkage system including a first swing arm and a second swing arm rotatably interconnects the seal module to the second door, and moves the seal module between the sealing position and the withdrawn position along an arcuate path that is disposed along a plane substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the opposing-hinged doors.

Abstract: An automobile hinge repair tool comprising: (a) a base having a substantially planar top surface; and, (b) a cylindrical insert extending generally perpendicularly from the base, the cylindrical insert including an outer circumferential surface extending longitudinally and having a substantially constant radial diameter, where the substantially planar top surface of the base extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical insert at least a predetermined distance and, where the cylindrical insert and the base cooperate to create an automobile hinge repair mold.

Abstract: A diagonal motion door hinge for a vehicle door includes an upper door connection plate having a second motion assembly pivotally mounted to the upper door connection plate. The axis of rotation of the second motion assembly is perpendicular to the upper door connection plate. A first motion assembly is mounted to the second motion assembly at a first motion hinge. The first motion assembly is adapted to connect to an upper portion of a vehicle door. The lower door connection plate includes a lower door connection plate stopper and a lower shock connection. The lower door connection plate stopper has a lower door double motion stopper surface. A point of contact between the ballpoint and the lower door double motion stopper surface is offset from a horizontal motion hinge pin axis to provide a first diagonal motion.

Abstract: Unitary closure panels for automotive vehicles may be formed to have regions of different materials by a spray casting process. Separate sprays of different materials, for example two different metal alloys, are applied to touching regions of a spray application surface. The separate sprays may be applied sequentially or simultaneously to the forming surface to coat the respective regions so that the regions are contiguous or overlapping and a unitary body is formed. The spray formed body may be compressed and trimmed between facing surfaces to form a vehicle closure panel of specified outline, curvature, thickness, and porosity.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cargo vehicle that includes a body with operator cabin and enclosed cargo area sections. The cargo area is located behind the operator cabin and includes at least one swing door hingedly attached to the body of the cargo area. The door is configured to swing open and closed via a hinge attached to both the swing door and to the body. When the swing door is open a longitudinal gap is formed between the body and the swing door. A longitudinally extending closeout panel is located over at least a portion of that longitudinal gap and coupled to both the swing door and body inside the cargo vehicle. The closeout panel is configured to fold to the interior of the cargo vehicle when the swing door is closed and expand when the swing door is opened.

Abstract: An opening and closing device for an automobile trunk lid is capable of producing an optimum pop-up amount by mounting an elastic spring, which is used to hold a trunk lid in a popped-up state in cooperation with torsion bars when the trunk lid is unlocked, in a link mechanism part that transmits the torsional torque of the torsion bars to the hinge arm of the trunk lid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are active material based closure hinge assemblies, latch assemblies, and alignment methods. In one embodiment, a closure assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a first hinge portion having one end attached to a closure, a second hinge portion attached to the first hinge portion having one end attached to a vehicle body, and an active material configured to provide the first hinge portion with up to six degrees of freedom relative to second hinge portion upon receipt of an activation signal and less than or equal to two degrees of freedom in the absence of the activation signal.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body; a seat provided on the vehicle body; a pair of right and left entrances through which a user to be seated on the seat gets into and out of the vehicle, the entrances being provided at both sides of the vehicle body in a vehicle width direction; and a pair of right and left doors for opening and closing the pair of right and left entrances, respectively; each of the pair of right and left doors including a door body closing at least a portion of a corresponding entrance and a hinge for coupling the door body to the vehicle body such that the door body is rotatable around the hinge; and the door body including a door component which is substantially symmetric in shape in a rightward and leftward direction.

Abstract: A hinge and spring assembly is provided for supporting at least one synthetic enclosure access door's on an enclosure. The enclosure has at least a first wall and at least one second wail, the second wall being formed in part by the access door. The access door has a mounting rib integrated therein. The hinge and spring assembly comprises a primary support element having at least one first hinge member and a spring support member. A door mounting member is secured to the mounting rib of the synthetic enclosure access door and comprises a spring mounting member and a second hinge member. The second hinge member of the door mounting member is movably attached to the first hinge member of the primary support element to form an articulating hinge joint. At least one spring member has first and second ends, the first end being secured to the spring support member of the primary support element, and the second end bend secured to the spring mounting member of the door mounting member.

Abstract: A double motion door hinge for a vehicle door includes an upper door connection plate having a second motion assembly pivotally mounted to the upper door connection plate. The axis of rotation of the second motion assembly is perpendicular to the upper door connection plate. A first motion assembly is mounted to the second motion assembly at a first motion hinge. The first motion assembly is adapted to connect to an upper portion of a vehicle door. The lower door connection plate includes a lower door connection plate stopper and a lower shock connection. The lower door connection plate stopper has a lower door double motion stopper surface.

Abstract: A vehicle door attachment unit for rotatably and detachably coupling a vehicle door to a vehicle body. The unit may include a bodyside bracket mountable to the vehicle body and having first and second portions with respective first and second apertures, with the first and second portions extending generally away from the vehicle body. A doorside bracket may be mountable to the vehicle door and include a segment with a third aperture, the segment extending generally away from the vehicle door. A retaining mechanism may extend through the third aperture, and through the first and/or second apertures. A fastener may extend through at least one of the apertures and mate with the retaining mechanism to substantially align the first, second, and third apertures. A bearing may be disposed on the retaining mechanism for providing rotational freedom between the retaining mechanism, and the bodyside or doorside bracket.

Abstract: A door hinge for a vehicle, having a check function includes: a vehicle body-side hinge member to be fixed to a vehicle body; a door-side hinge member to be fixed to a door; a hinge shaft that relatively rotatably connects between the vehicle body-side hinge member and the door-side hinge member; a movable member capable of being displaced in a direction substantially along this hinge shaft; an operation conversion device that converts a relative rotational operation between the vehicle body-side hinge member and the door-side hinge member into a displacement of the movable member substantially along the axial direction; and a check resistance application device that applies a retention resistance against an operational force to the movable member.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of opposing-hinged doors having a first door and a second door. The first door includes a first edge and a second edge, and is moveable between a closed position, an intermediate position and an open position. The vehicle includes a slideable hinge assembly that moves laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of a body of the vehicle to move the second edge of the first door laterally away from the body and move the first edge parallel with the longitudinal axis and away from the second door when the first door moves from the closed position into the intermediate position. Once in the intermediate position, the first door is free to swing into the open position independently of the second door.

Abstract: A one-way valve having a conduit for allowing liquid to flow therein, a valve element provided in the conduit, a hole portion provided in the conduit on the upstream side of the valve element and configured to be brought into a closed state by being closed by the valve element, and a spring that urges the valve element in the direction to close the hole portion, in which the peripheral surface of the valve element is formed with a first surface and a second surface intersecting the direction of movement of the valve element and generating a component force in the direction to close the hole portion when an urging force of the spring is applied, the first surface and the second surface are formed so as to increase the component force in the direction to close the hole portion as the valve element approaches the hole.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes one or more swinging doors which may be immobilized in a number of positions, so as to allow the doors to be used to assist passengers upon entering and leaving the vehicle. The motion of the door may be damped, or stopped entirely, either at the discretion of a vehicle occupant, or automatically, in the event that the door is driven by external forces to swing at a high rate.

Abstract: A sliding door in a vehicle includes a motor unit, a guide positioned rail along the sliding door, a slider that slides along the guide rail, a cable coupled to the motor unit, a hinge unit in which the outer thereof end is pivotally mounted to a body of the vehicle and the inner thereof is pivotally mounted to the slider, and a control lever pivotally mounted to the slider and coupled to the hinge unit. The cable is pulled by in the motor unit to turn the control lever, which turns the hinge unit and moves the sliding door from a closed position to a projecting position for opening.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a hinge member joined to a vehicle door. A cam member is disposed about a portion of the hinge member, and the cam member has a protrusion. A casing is joined to a body portion of the vehicle, and the casing has an aperture along an axis. The aperture is configured to receive a portion of the cam member therein, and the casing has a slot including a first detent configured so the protrusion of the cam member moves along the slot. A biasing member urges the cam member in a direction to move the door to a closed position. When the door is rotated to an open position, the protrusion moves along the slot to an engaged position with the first detent such that the door is maintained in the open position until the door is moved to disengage the protrusion from the first detent.

Abstract: A vertically opening vehicle door hinge has a base member secured to a chassis at bolt slots disposed as elongated openings on the base member. A primary swivel member is swivel mounted to the base member so that the primary swivel member swivels on the plane defined by the base member. The primary swivel member has a primary swivel axis normal to the point defined by the base member. The arm is swivel mounted to the primary swivel member at a secondary swivel. The secondary swivel has an secondary swivel axis of rotation normal to the primary swivel axis. The arm is mounted to a door of the vehicle. The arm has an extended position corresponding to an open vehicle door and a retracted position corresponding to a closed vehicle door.

Abstract: An assembly to pivotally connect an external vehicle closure panel to a vehicle body includes a first hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to one of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a second hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to the other of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a shaft that is constructed to pivotally connect the first hinge member to the second hinge member, and a viscous rotary damper. The damper includes a cover, a rotor, and a viscous material. The shaft connects to the rotor such that rotation of the external vehicle closure panel between a closing position and an opening position causes relative motion between the rotor and the cover of the viscous damper to provide a resistance for controlling the velocity of the external vehicle closure member.

Abstract: An operator cab for a skid steer vehicle is equipped with an inwardly folding front access door that can be locked in either a fully closed position or a fully open position. A pair of over-centered cylinders assists with closing and opening of the front access door. A lever, located in the operator cab, may be used to unlock the door from either its fully open position or its fully closed position. The skid steer vehicle may be operated effectively when the front access door is locked in the fully open position.

Abstract: In a preassembly position, the hinge elements of the two hinges of the vehicle door are each connected fixedly to the vehicle door via a pivotable hinge element of the two hinges. The vehicle door is held in position with precise gap positioning in a side wall door cutout of the vehicle body. In a final assembly position, the positionally fixed hinge element of the two hinges is connected to outer and inner wall parts of a vehicle pillar of the vehicle body via fastening screws and via a torque strut.

Abstract: A structural mounting insert for sealing between and/or adhering to surfaces of members is described. The insert includes a base member and activatable material about the base material.

Abstract: A door system includes a structural member and a door that is movably mounted with respect to the structural member for movement between an open position and a closed position. A spring is mounted with respect to the structural member or the door and being sufficiently positioned to bias the door toward its open position when the door is in its closed position. Active material based actuators may selectively compress the spring prior to door closure to minimize door closing effort.

Abstract: An adjustable closure hinge assembly, includes a first hinge portion having a first aperture, a second hinge portion having a second aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, a hinge member disposed in the first and second apertures for joining the first and second hinge portions, wherein the hinge member further comprises a spacer intermediate walls defining the first and second apertures and the hinge member, wherein the spacer comprises an active material, 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 at least one property of the active material, wherein the change in the at least one property is effective to provide up to six degrees of freedom to the hinge member and less than or equal to two degrees of freedom in the absence of the activation signal.

Abstract: A door hinge has a bottom bracket and a bottom bracket mounting rib extends from the bottom bracket. A piston has a piston housing and a piston extension connecting in telescopic connection to the piston housing. The piston housing is connected to the bottom bracket at a bottom bracket mounting rib ball joint. The door bracket extension extends from the door bracket. A connection between the door bracket extension and the piston connector is a door bracket extension ball joint. An intermediate connector is connected to the door bracket at an intermediate door bracket joint, wherein the intermediate door bracket joint is a swivel joint. The top bracket is connected to the intermediate connector at a top bracket axle.

Abstract: The attachment of a modified upper rear door hinge patch to the outside surface of a center pillar stiffener creates an energy absorbing cavity that: 1) reduces the chances that the center pillar stiffener will buckle or kink in a side impact collision, and 2) improves door mounting accuracy apart from the center pillar stiffener, and 3) improves the formability of the steel used in the manufacture of center pillar stiffeners.

Abstract: A sliding door structure of a vehicle is provided for sliding a door body with respect to an opening portion of a vehicle body in forward and rearward directions of the vehicle body for opening and closing. The sliding door structure includes a rail disposed on the door body and aligned with the forward and rearward directions of the vehicle body. An arm protrudes from an edge portion on a door opening direction side of the opening portion of the vehicle body, and is configured to engage with the rail to hold the door body movably in the forward and rearward directions. The door body is able to slide in the door opening direction after engagement between the vehicle body side engagement portion and the arm side engagement portion when the arm pushes the door body outwardly in the width direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle side door structure includes a door and a rocker panel providing a show surface beneath the door. The rocker panel includes a trim portion providing the show surface and a connecting portion moveably connected to the trim portion by a region of weakness such that the connecting portion is movable relative to the trim portion while connected thereto between an unlatched position and a latched position. The trim portion includes a lowest point and an upwardly extending section that locates a lowermost point of the region of weakness above the lowest point of the trim portion with the connecting portion in the latched position.

Abstract: A vehicle rear door unsequenced articulating mechanism including one or more articulating hinge assemblies having one or more hinge arms pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof via a C-pillar hinge mount and pivotally mounted to a vehicle rear door at another end thereof via a door hinge mount. The hinge arm may include a generally U-shaped profile between the ends thereof for permitting unsequenced articulation of the rear door up to 180° from a rear door closed position. The door hinge mount may include a door check engageable with a stop on the hinge arm, for limiting pivotal movement of the vehicle rear door to a first intermediate open position from the rear door closed position, upon pivotal movement of the door check relative to the hinge arm.

Abstract: A power machine having a frame, an engine, a cab defining an operator compartment having an access opening, and a door capable of being attached to the cab adjacent the opening is discussed. A hinge includes first and second hinge components attached to the cab and the door, respectively. A hinge securing mechanism for securing the second hinge component to the door is attached to the door. The mechanism includes a shaft with a handle moveable between first and second positions coupled to its first end and a protrusion extending radially proximal to its second end. The shaft extends through a bore in the door so that the handle is proximal to an interior surface and the protrusion is proximal to an exterior surface of the door. The shaft extends through an aperture in the second hinge component when the second hinge component is mounted to the door.

Abstract: The invention concerns a driver protection system for a vehicle comprising a restraining bow frame (7) which is pivotable about a pivot axis between a securing position in which the restraining bow frame (7) secures a driver from falling out of the vehicle and a release position in which the restraining bow frame (7) permits the driver to climb out of the vehicle, wherein the restraining bow frame (7) in the release position is displaced relative to the securing position in the direction of the pivot axis.

Abstract: A door hinge for a motor vehicle comprises a column console that can be arranged on a column of a door frame, a door console that can be attached to a motor vehicle door assigned to the door frame, wherein the door console and the column console are pin-jointed together via a hinge pin and the door console or column console is formed from two releasably connected partial units, which rest against each other at assigned contact areas. In order to provide a separable motor vehicle door hinge with an at least two-piece door or column console, which enables a dimensionally accurate restoration of an original installation position even after a separation, it is provided that the contact surfaces on the door and/or column console are formed by delineated partial surfaces.

Abstract: A hinge for vehicle doors includes: a first part fixable to a vehicle door and including an essentially vertical pin; a second part fixable to a frame of the vehicle and including an essentially cylindrical and vertical first cavity that houses the vertical pin; and a retaining device that retains infinite angular positions between the first and second parts. The retaining device includes: a sleeve surrounding the pin in the first cavity and an engagement member arranged between the pin and the sleeve. The engagement member couples the sleeve to the pin in any angular rest position of the hinge and automatically decouples the sleeve from the pin during relative rotation between the first and second parts. An interruption of the relative rotation between the first and second parts causes the engagement member to automatically couple the sleeve to the pin.

Abstract: A vertically opening vehicle door hinge has a base member secured to a chassis at bolt slots disposed as elongated openings on the base member. A primary swivel member is swivel mounted to the base member so that the primary swivel member swivels on the plane defined by the base member. The primary swivel member has a primary swivel axis normal to the point defined by the base member. The arm is swivel mounted to the primary swivel member at a secondary swivel. The secondary swivel has a secondary swivel axis of rotation normal to the primary swivel axis. A motor actuates the primary swivel member. The arm has an extended position corresponding to an open vehicle door and a retracted position corresponding to a closed vehicle door.

Abstract: A vertically opening vehicle door hinge has a base member secured to a chassis at bolt slots disposed as elongated openings on the base member. A primary swivel member is swivel mounted to the base member so that the primary swivel member swivels on the plane defined by the base member. The primary swivel member has a primary swivel axis normal to the point defined by the base member. The arm is swivel mounted to the primary swivel member at a secondary swivel. The secondary swivel has an secondary swivel axis of rotation normal to the primary swivel axis. A motor actuates the primary swivel member. The arm has an extended position corresponding to an open vehicle door and a retracted position corresponding to a closed vehicle door.

Abstract: A car provided with: a chassis supporting a pair of front wheels which turn about a first horizontal rotation axis and a pair of rear wheels which turn about a second horizontal rotation axis; a passenger compartment obtained between the front wheels and the rear wheels; and at least one pair of front doors, each of which is hinged to the chassis by means of a hinge to turn about a third rotation axis between an opening position and a closing position of the passenger compartment; the hinges of the front doors are arranged in proximity to the first rotation axis of the front wheels so that the projection on a horizontal plane of the hinges is within the rectangular area comprised between the two front wheels.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism having a vehicle bracket that includes a pawl engagement member extending therefrom. A horizontally-rotating swing arm is rotatably coupled with the vehicle bracket. The hinge mechanism includes a pawl with an engagement portion and an abutment portion. The pawl is connected with the swing arm and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A door bracket is rotatably coupled with the swing arm. A lever actuation member extends from the door bracket and is aligned to engage the abutment portion of the pawl.

Abstract: A vehicle including an integrated vehicle door hinge and interior handle is disclosed. The integrated vehicle door hinge and interior handle may comprise a door hinge and an interior door release handle, with the door hinge having a hinge support flange pivotally coupled with a vehicle body, and an exposed hinge arm extending from the hinge support flange. The interior door release handle may include a pull handle configured for gripping by a vehicle occupant, and a handle pass through arm extending from the pull handle and connected to the exposed hinge arm, with the handle pass through arm mounted to the door.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation, lateral motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal plane, as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: The rear unit comprises first and second doors for a motor vehicle. The first and second doors respectively comprise first and second tailgates, the second door carrying the first tailgate. The first rear door has hinge means for hinging the first tailgate relative to the body of the motor vehicle, which means are fastened to the first tailgate. The first tailgate is pivotally movable relative to the body about a main pivot axis of the hinge means. The main axis is also suitable for moving in at least one guide slideway for guiding the main pivot axis in translation relative to the body in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle door that opens from a point of rotation in a scissors like motion is provided. When the door is unlatched, it moves away from the side of the vehicle and swivels upward in a scissors like motion traveling along an arcuate path which parallels the curvature of the vehicle. It is suitable for use with any vehicles including four door sedan, two door coupe, two or four door convertible, pick-up truck, van, minivan and minibus.

Abstract: A gooseneck hinge assembly for a closure of a vehicle includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle and a closure side strap having a gooseneck shape adapted to be connected to a closure for closing an opening in the vehicle body. The gooseneck hinge assembly also includes a pivot pin pivotally connecting the closure side strap and the body side strap to allow rotational movement therebetween. The gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a wedge bumper interconnecting the body side strap and the closure side strap to allow the decklid to free rise to a fully open position and to dampen an impact of the closure side strap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pivoting device, by means of which a vehicle door (10), in particular a wing door, is in the normal case mounted on a body (36) of a motor vehicle and can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pivoting device comprises a separating device (18), by means of which the vehicle door (10) can be detached from the body in an emergency, in particular after a rollover. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a separating device (18).