Door Hinge Detail Patents (Class 296/146.11)
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Patent number: 7798557Abstract: A vehicle rear door articulating and sliding mechanism including an articulating hinge assembly having a hinge arm pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof, and a vehicle rear door pivotally and slidably mounted to the hinge arm at an opposite end of the hinge arm. A guide track may be mounted to the rear door, and a slide block may be pivotally mounted to the hinge arm and slidably attached to the guide track. The hinge arm may be disposed at first and second angular positions relative to the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in closed and opened positions, and the slide block may be disposed at first and second positions along a length of the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in the closed and opened positions, to thus provide articulating and sliding movement of the rear door.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Adrian N. A. Elliott, Justin T. Johnson, Jason Falenski, Henry Hausler, Dave M. Lechkun
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Patent number: 7770960Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a biaxial rear door hinge of a vehicle that allows the vehicle door to open outward and then upward. This biaxial hinge system allows the rear door in a sedan to mimic the look of a vertically pivoting front door.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Dan Greenbank
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Patent number: 7762608Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a trunk, in which the trunk has a body cutout opening which can be closed off by a two-part trunk lid which is composed of an upper trunk lid and a lower trunk lid. The upper trunk lid can be pivoted downward by an angle from, in each case, one closed position into, in each case, one open position. The lower trunk lid has at least one pivot lever, which is arranged such that it can be pivoted by way of a pivot axle formed on a lower body section. In the open position of the lower trunk lid, the pivot lever is in engagement with the lower body section.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Gersmann, Andreas Clausen-Schaumann, David Evans
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Publication number: 20100180399Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: Ventra Group, Inc.Inventors: Brad F. PATZER, Michael D. J. SMITH, Stanislav MAGOVSKI, David W. SHAW, Joaquin HUNG
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Patent number: 7748768Abstract: A door hinge for a motor vehicle has a column console that can be arranged on a door frame and a door console that can be attached to a vehicle door, wherein the door console and the column console are connected together as counterpieces at two bearing points arranged spaced from each other in a pin-jointed manner and separable for disassembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Automotive Group ISE Innomotive Systems Europe GmbHInventors: Dennis Hofacker, Jakob Löwen, Johann Olfert
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Patent number: 7725990Abstract: Hinge reinforcement (10), for a motor vehicle door hinge, has a shape corresponding to the shape of the hinge bracket (6) and is able to be joined to the hinge bracket. The first end (11) of the reinforcement (10) facing the hinge pin (5) is provided with a fork-like shape so that it can be placed against the hinge pin (5) from below the bracket onto the hinge pin between the bearing arms (9) of the bracket, and on its side facing the bracket a cam (12) engages a recess (13) of the hinge bracket (6) to prevent the hinge reinforcement (10) from falling out. The second end (14) of the reinforcement is connected to the hinge bracket (6) by a fastening element.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Valeo Sicherheitssysteme GmbHInventor: Matthias Patzold
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Publication number: 20100127530Abstract: A simultaneous movement system for a vehicle door includes a vehicle door having a door inner panel, first and second outboard members, first and second inboard members, first and second guide tracks, a third curved guide track, first and second points on the second outboard member, and first and second slide members. The first and second guide tracks are operatively mounted to the vehicle door. The third curved guide track may be operatively mounted to the vehicle door and is configured to receive a second point on the second outboard hinge arm. The first point on the second outboard hinge arm may be pivotally mounted on a second slide member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Adrian Nicholas Alexander Elliott, Jason Falenski, Dave Michael Lechkun, Craig Blust
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Patent number: 7717493Abstract: A sliding door system for a motor vehicle, including a door that is configured to be disposed within a door opening that is formed in the vehicle body, a trim panel connected to the door, and an opening formed through the trim panel. A hinge arm extends through the opening in the trim panel and has a first end connected to the vehicle body and a second end slidably connected to the door for movement of the door between a closed position and an open position. A closure panel is moveable between a deployed position, wherein the closure panel obstructs at least a portion of the opening in the trim panel, and a stowed position, wherein the closure panel does not obstruct the opening in the trim panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.Inventor: Richard Plavetich
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Publication number: 20100109376Abstract: A vehicle door structure includes a vehicle structure formed with an opening, an interior panel and an exterior door. The interior panel is supported to the vehicle structure for pivotal movement by a first hinge arrangement about a first pivot axis. The exterior door is supported to the vehicle structure for pivotal movement by a second hinge arrangement about a second pivot axis that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis. The exterior door is also supported to the interior panel such that the interior panel and the exterior door move together as the exterior door is moved between an open position and a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: NISSAN DESIGN AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Richard Plavetich
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Patent number: 7690715Abstract: An open-close portion structure of a vehicle body includes: an open-close member which opens and closes an opening of the vehicle body; a first hinge member provided on the vehicle body; a second hinge member provided on the open-close member, being pivoted with the first hinge member; and a stretchable stay provided between the vehicle body and the open-close member and biasing the open-close member to open, wherein an end of the stretchable stay is coupled to the second hinge member.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koki Hakamata, Tomofumi Ichinose
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Patent number: 7677639Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: John A. Cafeo, Alan L. Browne, Gary L. Jones, Nancy L. Johnson
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Patent number: 7673928Abstract: An integrated rear spoiler and hinge cover that covers a flip-glass window hinge that is not attached to the flip glass window hinge and rotates from a fully closed position to a fully open position substantially simultaneously with the flip-glass window hinge.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher Walker, Akihiko Kuribayashi, Takuji Ohara, Ryo Inoue, Bob Tamarapoo, Joshua Morrow
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Patent number: 7673927Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a tail gate (10) affixed to a lateral, rear pillar of the vehicle structure by means of at least one hinge so as to be pivotable about a substantially vertical axis (A-A), a hinge part that swings out together with the tail gate is located in an area of a lateral tail light (18) of the vehicle when the tail gate (10) is closed.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Franz-Ulrich Brockhoff, Winfried Bunsmann, Jochen Klein, Wolfgang Nentwig, Markus Grave
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Patent number: 7673929Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Ventra Group, Inc.Inventors: Brad F. Patzer, Michael D. J. Smith, Stanislav Magovski, David W. Shaw, Joaquin Hung
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Patent number: 7669916Abstract: A rear door is supported at a rear end of a vehicle by a hinge assembly, which includes a hinge base part and a door hinge part. The hinge base part is provided in a groove formed at a joint between a roof panel and a side panel of a vehicle body, and the door hinge part is attached to the rear door and swingably supported by the hinge base part. The hinge base part includes an anchor portion fixed to a bottom of the groove, a swing motion support portion disposed in a position aligned in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle with the anchor portion and separate from the anchor portion to support the door hinge part, and a connecting portion extending between the anchor portion and the swing motion support portion to fix the swing motion support portion relative to the anchor portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Munenaga, Fumiyoshi Mizutani
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Patent number: 7651153Abstract: A vehicle has a body and at least two trailing arm suspensions, one proximate each side of the body. Each trailing arm suspension has a swing arm pivotably mounted at one end to the body and a fluid suspension extending between the swing arm and the body. A wheel is rotatably mounted to a free end of each swing arm. A power plant is provided for powering each wheel and a control system is provided for controlling a volume of fluid in each fluid suspension. The vehicle may have a longitudinally extending body with a sliding side door riding along a track configured such that said door has an open position extending transversely of said body. The vehicle may have a monocoque body with at least substantially planar sides and at least one parcel shelf extending along an inside of, and attached to, each of the sides for stiffening the sides and resisting torsion.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Unicell LimitedInventors: Roger Martin, Scott J. Vader
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Publication number: 20090322120Abstract: A system and method for assembling a closure for a vehicle. The system includes first, second and third closure manipulators adapted to engage different areas of the closure, a first hinge manipulator configured to receive and fasten a first hinge to the closure, and a nab pin manipulator configured to position and secure a nab pin in a fixed position relative to the door and the hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Richard Daniel Pastrick, Anthony Peter Young, Paul Temple
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Publication number: 20090295187Abstract: An improved vehicle door hinge allows a door to swing open in a horizontal plane in order to clear the vehicle frame, this rotation is accomplished by a hinge. A curved rail mounted on the door then allows the hinge portion to move upward, the curvature of the rail allowing a small amount of motion of the rail to cause a twist of the door as it moves, and the twist causes the door to move clear of the doorway of the vehicle frame. The rail comprises roller races on each edge, the rail races have running on them a set of four rollers, two rollers on each edge of the rail. The hinge is located on one end of the rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: Demetrius Calvin Ham
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Patent number: 7618084Abstract: A rear structure of a vehicle body in which a tailgate is mounted on a rear part of the vehicle body so as to be openable and closable includes a hinge member having a hinge base fixed into a groove extending in the length of the vehicle body and a gate hinge rotatably connected to the hinge base and fixed to the tailgate; a hinge cover having a rear wall to cover an upper portion and a rear portion of the hinge base by closing a rear end of the groove, the rear wall covering the rear portion of the hinge base and having: a notch allowing the gate hinge to pass therethrough, and a rear shielding member fixed to the tailgate to cover an upper portion of the gate hinge, wherein the notch is covered with the rear shielding member in a state where the tailgate is closed.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yosuke Kimura
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Publication number: 20090261618Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: FERRARI S.p.AInventor: Giovanni Stefani
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Patent number: 7594690Abstract: A vehicle having a closure system that includes a closure structure, a body structure component, and a hinge pin. The closure structure is configured to pivot with respect to the body structure component.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
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Patent number: 7585013Abstract: A temporary checking device is provided that works in conjunction with elements of a vehicle hinge that remain in the vehicle's final configuration. The hinge includes a hinge pin rotatably connecting a door hinge bracket to a pillar hinge bracket. The checking device includes a spring portion that is disposed between the door hinge bracket and the pillar hinge bracket. The spring portion is compressed during movement of the door hinge bracket relative to the pillar hinge bracket from either of two rest positions. The spring portion urges the vehicle door affixed thereto back into one of the rest positions, thus allowing manufacturing operations such as painting, etc., to be performed on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mark Brown, Marc Iman, Cindy Tran, James Ritchie, Ohno Takahiro, Ogawa Takashi, Ishikawa Takeshi
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Publication number: 20090167053Abstract: An integrated rear spoiler and hinge cover that covers a flip-glass window hinge that is not attached to the flip glass window hinge and rotates from a fully closed position to a fully open position substantially simultaneously with the flip-glass window hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Christopher Walker, Akihiko Kuribayashi, Takuji Ohara, Ryo Inoue, Bob Tamarapoo, Joshua Morrow
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Publication number: 20090151125Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Kelly G. Craigo, Wade W. Bryant, Therese A. Tant
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Patent number: 7546663Abstract: A vehicle body hinge mechanism includes at least one hinge set carried by a support plate that retains a pivot pin and a retainer bar in a cantilevered manner. Preferably, the plate is stamped, and the pivot pin supports a lever, such as a gooseneck arm, that will be coupled to the hood. The plate includes a mount that will be carried by peripheral body structure around the hood opening. The retainer bar carries a helically wound spring that secures one end of the spring for resistance to rotation about the axis of the bar. The other end of the spring engages a linkage that urges the lever to pivot toward the open position. Preferably, a stop limit is integrally incorporated in the linkage carried by the plate to stop the lever at a desired hood opening limit.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: M & C CorporationInventor: Michael J. Duffy
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Patent number: 7540554Abstract: A hinge for a vehicle flap is provided which includes a first hinge part (2), mounted on one of the door arrangement elements flap and flap frame, a second hinge part (3), mounted on the other door arrangement element, a hinge pin (4) which is linked with the first hinge part (2) and the second hinge part (3) so as to be pivoted about a first pivoting axis (S), and a lever arrangement (17), coupling the first hinge part (2) with the second hinge part (3). The lever arrangement comprises at least on first lever (20), the lever (20) being linked with the hinge part (2) located on the flap so as to be pivoted. The hinge allows for a safe and controlled opening and closing of an automotive flap. For this purpose, a fixing device (24) for a motor (16) is provided on the hinge part (2) disposed on the flap and the first lever (20) of the lever arrangement (17) is rotationally driven by the motor (16).Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Edscha AGInventor: Jochen Bals
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Publication number: 20090134662Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventor: Simon Gojcaj
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Patent number: 7533920Abstract: A selectively detachable tailgate hinge assembly connects a tailgate to a vehicle. The hinge assembly has a hinge mechanism, a first wiring harness, and a second wiring harness. At least a first portion of the hinge mechanism may be selectively detached from a second portion of the hinge. The first wiring harness operatively connects to at least one component within a tailgate and further has a first electrical contact that is positioned within the first portion of the hinge mechanism. The second wiring harness operatively connects to a power source positioned in the vehicle and further has a second electrical contact that is positioned within the second portion of the hinge mechanism. The electrical contacts are electrically engaged with one another when the hinge mechanism is assembled and electrically disengaged when the first portion of the hinge mechanism is detached from the second portion of the hinge mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin G. Ohly
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Patent number: 7530623Abstract: A cab for a vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, a tractor, or small construction vehicle, is constructed of twin-sheet plastic panels that can be easily assembled, preferably with snap-together interlocking features. One of the panels can be a door panel having a door hinged to a door frame to control passage through a doorway. Both the door and the door frame have spaced apart hinge knuckles that interleave along a hinge axis to allow the door to pivot about a hinge pin. The door and door frame can be molded in a single twin-sheet panel. The two walls of the panel are fused together along the outer periphery of the panel door portion and the inner periphery of the panel door frame portion. The door is separated from the door frame by cutting the each of the walls along a door perimeter between the door and door frame portions of the molded panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Lance T. Hampel
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Publication number: 20090096246Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Ventra Group, Inc.Inventors: Brad F. Patzer, Michael D.J. Smith, Stanislav Magovski, David W. Shaw, Joaquin Hung
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Patent number: 7517003Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus for an opening and closing body of a vehicle. The opening and closing apparatus includes a reciprocating member movable along a plane perpendicular to a hinge shaft. A connecting member is provided having a first end section fixed to the opening and closing body, and a second end section pivotally attached to the reciprocating member through a connecting shaft. The opening and closing body is moved to open and close through the connecting member upon a movement of the reciprocating member. In the opening and closing apparatus, the connecting member includes two side wall sections apart from each other in a direction parallel with the axis of the connecting shaft. A suppression member is disposed to a stationary body in the vehicle and so engaged between the two side wall sections as to be relatively movable to the connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Okada, Nao Mizumoto
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Publication number: 20090072582Abstract: 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 J-shaped profile between the ends thereof for permitting unsequenced articulation of the rear door up to approximately 180° from a rear door closed position. The door hinge mount may include a door stop engageable with a stop surface on the hinge arm for limiting pivotal movement of the vehicle rear door.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Adrian N. A. Elliott, Justin T. Johnson, Jason Falenski, Craig Blust, Dave M. Lechkun
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Publication number: 20090070960Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Adrian N. A. Elliott, Justin T. Johnson, Jason Falenski, Craig Blust
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Patent number: 7503612Abstract: A trailer includes a ramp having an end attached to the trailer for pivotal movement of the ramp between a raised gate position and a lowered, inclined loading position. An elongate support is attached to the trailer adjacent to the end of the ramp, and a tension spring encircles the support and has a first tag end coupled to the end of the ramp and a second tag end coupled to the trailer and winding and unwinding in response to movement of ramp between the raised gate position and the lowered, inclined loading position, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Inventor: Ricky Taylor
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Patent number: 7503618Abstract: A wheeled automotive vehicle including a body structure, including a driver compartment and including an opening into the compartment. A door is cooperatively dimensioned and configured to close the opening, the opening being formed by portions of the body structure at the front and rear side of the opening. A hinge is pivotably holding the door, in a first position, at one of the front and rear side of the opening. A guide system is provided along a lower portion of the door on the same side of the opening as the hinge. During opening, the door is maneuverable upwardly along the guide system until it reaches the first position. From the first position, the door is pivotally movable around an axis, propagating in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and in a direction away from the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Inc.Inventors: Mattias Geyrhofer, Patrick Verhée, Alex Daniel
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Publication number: 20090056076Abstract: A pivot device has a first hinge part and a second hinge part pivotably connected to the first hinge part about a pivot axis. A blocking device secures the first and second hinge parts in a pivoted position relative to one another against backward and forward pivoting out of the pivoted position. The blocking device has first and second friction surfaces that, when pivoting the first and second hinge parts relative to one another, glide across one another and move axially relative to one another in an axial direction of the pivot axis as a pivot angle between the first and second hinge parts increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Hans-Peter Goller, Richard Morawetz
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Publication number: 20090058131Abstract: A motion assist hinge mechanism includes a first and second hinge part mounted to the tailgate and vehicle body, respectively. The first hinge part includes a first cam having a sloped engagement surface engaged with a sloped engagement surface of a second cam of the second hinge part, under the bias of a resilient member, for moving axially along a pivot axis. The second cam is fixed to the vehicle body against pivotal movement relative to the pivot axis. When the tailgate is moved from a lowered, open position towards a raised, closed position, the resilient member translates a torque assisting force to the tailgate. The surface of the second cam may also include a detent that mates with the surface of the first cam to lock the tailgate at an angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Ventra Group Inc.Inventors: Michael D. J. SMITH, Bradley F. PATZER, Stanislav MAGOVSKI
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Publication number: 20090051194Abstract: A vehicle rear door articulating and sliding mechanism including an articulating hinge assembly having a hinge arm pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof, and a vehicle rear door pivotally and slidably mounted to the hinge arm at an opposite end of the hinge arm. A guide track may be mounted to the rear door, and a slide block may be pivotally mounted to the hinge arm and slidably attached to the guide track. The hinge arm may be disposed at first and second angular positions relative to the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in closed and opened positions, and the slide block may be disposed at first and second positions along a length of the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in the closed and opened positions, to thus provide articulating and sliding movement of the rear door.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Adrian N. A. Elliott, Justin T. Johnson, Jason Falenski, Henry Hausler, Dave M. Lechkun
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Patent number: 7488029Abstract: An automotive vehicle is disclosed with a pillarless door opening for occupant ingress and egress. The first door is pivotally connected to the vehicle at a first end with a second end that extends to a central region of the door opening in the closed position. A second door has a first end translatably connected to the vehicle and a second end translatably connected to the vehicle adjacent to the central region of the opening at a closed position. The first door and the second door cooperate to close the opening. The second door can be translated relative to the vehicle to an intermediate position for providing clearance from the first door. One of the second door ends is detachable from the vehicle for pivoting the second door to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David M. Lechkun, John M. Beranek, Richard J. Wells
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Publication number: 20090015036Abstract: A temporary checking device is provided that works in conjunction with elements of a vehicle hinge that remain in the vehicle's final configuration. The hinge includes a hinge pin rotatably connecting a door hinge bracket to a pillar hinge bracket. The checking device includes a spring portion that is disposed between the door hinge bracket and the pillar hinge bracket. The spring portion is compressed during movement of the door hinge bracket relative to the pillar hinge bracket from either of two rest positions. The spring portion urges the vehicle door affixed thereto back into one of the rest positions, thus allowing manufacturing operations such as painting, etc., to be performed on the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Mark Brown, Marc Iman, Cindy Tran, James Ritchie, Ohno Takahiro, Ogawa Takashi, Ishikawa Takeshi
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Patent number: 7472942Abstract: A vehicle side portion structure, which is applied to a vehicle body, has a pillar that is arranged at the side of a vehicle body and which extends in the substantially up and down directions of the vehicle; and a side door turnably supported around a door hinge attached to pillar. A preset gap is set between the surfaces of the pillar and the side door that face each other. A load-conveying component is provided at the gap or vicinity thereof, and this suppresses the rotational displacement of the pillar around the door hinge when a frontal collision load is input and makes the frontal collision load act upon the side door as an axial force towards the rear side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroki Yamasaki
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Patent number: 7469953Abstract: A gooseneck hinge assembly for a closure of a vehicle includes a body side bracket adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle and a closure side bracket having a gooseneck shape adapted to be connected to a closure for closing an aperture in the vehicle body. The gooseneck hinge assembly also includes a pivot pin to pivotally connect the closure side bracket to the body side bracket to allow rotational movement therebetween. The gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a torque rod adapted to be connected to another one of the closure side bracket, and a torque rod assembly connected to the body side bracket and the torque rod and being infinitely adjustable to counterbalance a weight of the closure when opening and closing the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Heath, David T. Renke
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Publication number: 20080309120Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes one or more swinging doors which may be immobilized in a number of positions, so as to allow the door to be used, for example, to assist passengers in entering and leaving the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Kelly M. Kohlstrand, Christina M. Sammut, Ronald J. Brzuch, James L. Van Gilder, Brian L. Dunlavy, Michael J. Vinarcik
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Publication number: 20080303307Abstract: A method and assembly line (10) for vehicle door mounting provides initial door installation for painting and subsequent reinstallation as previously positioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: UTICA ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Mark A. Savoy
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Patent number: 7455137Abstract: A counterweighted fork-lift truck has a vehicle frame (1) with a frame segment (2) having a lateral frame opening (2b). A pivoting door (3) covers the frame opening (2a). The door (3) is connected to the vehicle frame (1) by a double hinge (5). Protection against buckling is provided such that when the door (3) is in the closed position, an intermediate door leaf (3a) located between the axes of rotation (A1, A2) can be blocked in position with respect to an adjacent main leaf (3b). The protection against buckling has a spring element (24) with which, in the closed position of the door (3), the intermediate leaf (3a) is biased toward the open position and is in engagement with a stop (25), which is fastened to the main leaf (3b). The intermediate leaf (3a) and the main leaf (3b) enclose an obtuse angle (S).Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbHInventor: Peter Magsaam
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Patent number: 7445267Abstract: A hinge device for a flap of a motor vehicle includes a piston/cylinder unit arranged between a fixed structural part and a first flap which is pivotable about an axis of rotation. A second flap is likewise pivotable about the axis of rotation and can be connected releasably to the first flap. The piston/cylinder unit is arranged between a first leg, firmly connectable to the fixed structural part, and a second leg carrying the first flap, of a hinge 6. A third leg carries the second flap, wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg 9 are pivotably arranged on a common hinge axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Jean-Noél Charon, Rolf Mintgen
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Patent number: 7441827Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear support (12) for a vehicle (24) that is to be fitted to the rear end of the body (22) of the vehicle (24) in the vicinity of a door (14) movable to pivot about an axis that is substantially horizontal, pivoting being enabled by at least one hinge (16) having a stationary portion and a portion secured to the door, said portion being movable relative to the stationary portion, the support (12) being shaped to receive the stationary portion of at least one hinge (16) and to enable it to be secured to the body (22), and also to receive at least one item of functional equipment (32, 34, 36) of the vehicle (24).Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Eric Bonneau, Francis Cordebar
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Patent number: 7429075Abstract: There is provided an alternative construction of driver's cab (1) for a load-handling vehicle and in particular an alternative construction of door (5) for a driver's cab. The door (5) is pivotally mounted on one of the uprights (13) of the driver's cab (1) and does not protrude outwardly from the driver's cab when opened or closed. The door (5) is mounted so that it effectively pivots about its own substantially vertical plane. The door (5) is provided with a locking mechanism that allows the door to be secured in position relative the upright (13) without the need for additional locking members being mounted on another of the uprights (13) on the driver's cab. The construction of driver's cab is lightweight and compact and allows for a more simplified manufacture by virtue of the omission of additional components.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Moffett Research and Development LimitedInventors: Kevin Turnbull, Barry McGrane
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Patent number: RE41143Abstract: A door hinge assembly is mounted between a door mounting pillar of the vehicle body and a door to swingably mount the door to the door mounting pillar. The door hinge assembly includes an upper hinge and a lower hinge with a double pivot pin arrangement, and a torsion bar extending substantially vertically between the upper and lower hinges. The upper and lower hinges are fastened at interior fastening points on an inner side wall of the door mounting pillar and at exterior fastening points on an exterior wall portion of the door mounting pillar with longitudinal fastening axes that extend in a substantially orthogonal direction to the inner side wall and the exterior wall portion of the door mounting pillar. The interior fastening points are disposed rearwardly of the torsion bar and the exterior fastening points are disposed forwardly of the torsion bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nandkumar Rangnekar, William Bowes, Gary Nylander, William Spencer Evans, Takehito Ichino
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Patent number: RE41560Abstract: An automotive closure panel which is rotatable about a pivot axis has an axial locator insert situated within a pivot bearing insert bore to set a margin extending between the closure panel and a vehicle body. This system is particularly useful for closure panels such as tailgates having torsion bar or motorized lift assist, because such systems are not easily disassembled for the purpose of setting the closure panel margins.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott G. Miller, Jeff A. Firzlaff