Abstract: A liftgate component module mountable on a pivotal liftgate window provides a unitary mounting platform for a plurality of components including a window wiper drive motor and a window latch. A unitary bracket carries the wiper drive apparatus and the window latch apparatus. A handle, which may include an electrical switch, is also mounted on the window. The electrical connections between the handle switch and a controller carried on the window as part of the motor enables instantaneous response of the latch to activation of the handle switch. The same controller can also control a liftgate latch and a liftgate electrical switch handle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided in which a motor 11 with reduction gears, a clutch 12 and a gas stay are provided between a vehicle body 2 and a tailgate 1 so that a fully opened position of the tailgate can be held by virtue of a thrust of the gas stay only, and in this apparatus, when a closure of the tailgate from its own weight is detected after the motor with reduction gears is disconnected, the motor with reduction gears is connected to the tailgate to drive to forcibly close it after the tailgate is driven to be opened to the fully opened position thereof. By this construction, when the holding force of the opened position is short, since the tailgate is closed after it is opened to the fully opened position once, cargo loading and unloading work can be completed while the tailgate is so closed.

Abstract: A vehicle rear structure having an upper door and a lower door for opening and closing a rear opening of a vehicle, and a damper mechanism for slowing opening and closing movements of the lower door is provided. The damper mechanism is placed in a space formed by an outer panel and an inner panel constituting a side panel.

Abstract: A power drive assembly moves a liftgate (12) of a motor vehicle (10) between its open and closed positions. The motor vehicle (10) defines an opening and the liftgate (12) closes the opening when the liftgate (12) is in its closed position. The power drive assembly (22) includes a base (24) that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle (10) at a position in spaced relation to the opening. A drive mechanism (38) is fixedly secured to the guide. The drive mechanism (38) converts electrical energy into a linear force. The power drive assembly (22) includes a translation linkage (58) connected to the drive mechanism (38) for receiving the linear force and translating it into a nonlinear force to move the liftgate (12) between the open position and the closed position. A nut (52), secured to the translation linkage (58), moves the translation linkage (58) as it travels along a lead screw (50) that is rotated by a motor (40).

Abstract: A self-camming torque rod assembly for an endgate of a vehicle includes a dual-pivot hinge assembly connected to the endgate and a vehicle body of the vehicle and having a dual pivot to allow the endgate to pivot to a first open position and a second open position and to a closed position relative to the vehicle body. The self-camming torque rod assembly also includes a roller rotatably connected to the dual-pivot hinge assembly. The self-camming torque rod assembly further includes a self-camming torque rod to interface with the roller having a first portion for connection to the endgate and a second portion extending from the first portion and spaced from the roller when the endgate is in the closed position and cooperating with the roller when the endgate is moved between the closed position and the first open position and the second open position to counterbalance a weight of the endgate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle (2) including a door assembly (4) configured to provide support for a canopy assembly (12) attached to the door assembly. The canopy assembly includes a canopy (18) and at least one canopy support member (20 and 22).

Abstract: A rear closure assembly for use with a vehicle includes a door having first and second handles for pivoting the door about first and second vertical pivot axes. Latches on the door are engageable with strikers on the vehicle. The latches and strikers form the first and second vertical pivot axes. The latches are disengageable by the handles to selectively pivot the door about one of the vertical pivot axes.

Abstract: A structure of a tail gate is formed by bonding peripheral edge portions of an inner panel and an outer panel to each other, and covering a rear portion of a vehicle body so the tail gate is able to freely open and close. A cover is arranged in an inner side of the inner panel, and a lock apparatus is provided with a latch capable of engaging with a striker fixed to a vehicle body. The lock apparatus is disposed between the inner panel and the cover.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a thermal barrier can be removably attached to portals such as trailer doors, partitions, bulkheads, and the like. In one embodiment, a flexible thermal barrier having an associated flexible seal is attached to an interior surface of a roll-up trailer door in a refrigerated trailer to insulate the cargo area from the ambient air. In other embodiments, seals mounted to the trailer wall cooperate with an insulating blanket disposed on a portal such as a roll-up door. In still other embodiments, wall mounted seals are used alone, without a blanket, to provide peripheral thermal sealing.

Abstract: An appearance of a vehicle is improved by reducing an opening formed in an interior trim for vehicle. An actuator unit is mounted in a pillar of the vehicle, and a linking rod is linked to a rack bar, which linearly reciprocates along an axial direction provided at this actuator unit. This linking rod protrudes from the pillar through the opening formed in an interior trim, and the other end thereof is linked to a back door. Moreover, this actuator unit is disposed so that a moving direction of the rack bar inclines on a vehicle-rear side by an opening/closing inclination angle &agr; with respect to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle and inclines inward in a vehicle-width direction by a width inclination angle.

Abstract: A cam-type door latch assembly comprises a handle and an arm assembly terminating in a finger-like cam and pivotal to bring the cam into engagement with a conventional locking pin assembly. The arm assembly is selectively adjustable for lengthening or shortening the arm assembly, thereby adjusting the contact force between the cam and the locking pin and, consequently, the door closing force. The arm assembly comprises a sleeve enclosing a wedge nut and a cam arm having offsetting inclined faces which are tightened against each other with a threaded connector to lock the wedge nut and cam arm in position in the sleeve when the cam has been properly adjusted relative to the locking pin.

Abstract: A drivable flap hinge for connecting a flaps such as a front hood or a trunk lid, to a body of an automobile in an articulated manner. The drivable hinge includes a first retaining part for fixing to the flap, a second retaining part for fixing to the body, at least one connecting member, which is pivotably arranged on at least one of the two retaining parts with a joint, and a driving motor, which is drive-connected to a joint pin of the joint. The flap hinge advantageously enables a front gate or tail gate of an automobile to pivot in a driven manner as a result of the driven joint pin connecting the first retaining part and the connection member.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment enclosed by a body, which body includes at least a roof present at the upper side, two side walls positioned opposite each other on either side of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which join the roof, and a rear wall, which joins both the roof and the side walls. At least a portion of the rear wall and a rear portion of the roof can be moved in a forward direction so as to form a reduced passenger compartment and a freely accessible loading space located therebehind.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure comprises: a side roof rail, a rear roof rail, and a rear pillar, which are disposed in the rear portion of an vehicle body, and which intersect each other at an intersecting portion; a rear door provided for optionally opening and closing a rear port of the vehicle body; an automatic opening and closing unit disposed inside the vehicle body and in the vicinity of the intersecting portion; an aperture provided in the intersecting portion; and an arm provided through the aperture for connecting the automatic opening and closing unit to the rear door. The automatic opening and closing unit is fixed to at least the side roof rail, the rear roof rail, and the rear pillar so as to pass above the aperture.

Abstract: The invention proposes an external module (18) for equipping a motor vehicle of the type which comprises means of controlling the locking of the closed position of a movable part (12), such as a tailgate, with respect to a fixed part of the vehicle structure,

Abstract: A roof structure of a motor vehicle with a movable front cover mechanism for closing or at least partially clearing a front roof opening and with a rear hatch or rear window which is connected to the front cover mechanism and which can be swiveled up around its front edge for clearing a rear roof opening. The front cover mechanism is supported on a module frame which is assigned to the front roof opening and which is attached to the body-mounted roof frame. On a rear transverse frame part of the module frame is a swivel bearing mechanism for permitting the swiveling up and down of the rear hatch or rear window.

Abstract: A rack includes a closed position teeth portion meshed with a teeth portion of an output gear when the rack is disposed at a closed position corresponding to a closed position of an opening and closing member and an opened position teeth portion meshed with the teeth portion of the output gear when the rack is disposed at an opened position corresponding to an opened position of the opening and closing member and a clearance between faces of teeth of the closed position teeth portion and the teeth portion of the output gear is made larger than a clearance between faces of teeth of the opened position teeth portion and the teeth portion of the output gear.

Abstract: A vehicle door which can be used as a tailgate or a side door of a vehicle and a manufacturing method of this vehicle door is provided. A tailgate (1) which is a vehicle door is formed of an outer panel (2) on an outer side of a vehicle, an inner panel (3) on an inner side of the vehicle, and a module plate (4) to which door parts such as a wiper motor (18) are attached, and a lining (6). The inner panel (3) is in a frame shape with only a marginal portion (10) of the whole periphery left and with an opening (11) formed therein, which results in reduction in the weight of the tailgate (1).

Abstract: An actuation arrangement for movable parts on a vehicle, especially for trunk lids, rear hatches, hoods or the like, including at least one main support bracket (2) fastened to the vehicle, one hinge (3), one lever (1) connected to the movable part, which is swivably mounted to the hinge (3) in the main support bracket (2), and a driving device (4) coupled to said lever (1) with one of its ends to introduce a moment of rotation whereby a rigid extension piece (5) extends from the main support bracket (2) that is engaged by the opposite end of the driving device (4). Only the main support bracket (2) is fastened to the vehicle itself so that introduction of forces of the actuation arrangement into the vehicle body is avoided at simple and compact construction.

Abstract: A module includes a frame having opposed first and second ends. First and second mounts are associated with each of the first and second frame ends for mounting at least one of a plurality of components to the frame. In one aspect, the frame is formed of a flexible material allowing offset of the first and second ends relative to each other during mounting of the frame to a vehicle liftgate. In another aspect, the frame is formed as a rigid member. In one aspect, the mounts are separate mounting brackets or mounting flanges carried on the components, which are separably attachable to the frame. In the rigid frame aspect, the mounts are end portions of the frame.

Abstract: For pivotally connecting an upper end of a rack bar and a lower end of a connecting rod, there is employed a joint/slider unit which is slid in and along a guide slot of a rail member. The unit comprises a bolt member passing through the guide slot and including first and second sections which are respectively projected into one and the other sides with respect to the rail member. The first section is held by the upper end of the rack bar and the second section is pivotally held by the lower end of the connecting rod. A first slider is disposed on the first section of the bolt member and slidably contacts one surface of the rail member. A second slider is disposed on the second section of the bolt member and slidably contacts the other surface of the rail member. A universal joint structure is disposed between the second slider and lower end of the connecting rod to permit a pivoting of the connecting rod relative to the bolt member in universal directions.

Abstract: A motor vehicle trunk door articulated to the ends of a first arm mounted pivoting, at its other end, about a vertical lateral pin integral with a body. The truck door moves from a closing position towards an opening position, substantially perpendicular to the closing position, by the first arm having a curved shape, and a second arm. One of the ends of the second arm is secured to the trunk door and the other end is mounted pivoting on a sliding sleeve mounted on a guide rail.

Abstract: A pin-linked latch structure for an automobile tailgate is disclosed wherein the outside handle can be positioned up or down of latch assembly. Using a reverse-U aligned rod, the rod can be rendered upward as well as downward.

Abstract: A unitary vehicle liftgate component module carries a plurality of pre-mounted vehicle liftgate components for one-step mounting on the liftgate when the module is attached to the liftgate. At least two of a liftgate wiper motor, a liftgate window latch, and liftgate window defrost terminal connectors are carried on the module or interact with portions carried on the module. In one aspect, the liftgate window latch striker and an optional electrical contact are carried on a support which is laterally adjustable with respect to a base fixed to the liftgate window for automatic centering of the striker and the optional contact as the liftgate window is moved to a closed position with respect to an opening in the liftgate.

Abstract: A liftgate force control assembly (20) adjusts the force required to move a liftgate (12) that is pivotally secured to a motor vehicle (10) using a hinge (14). The liftgate force control assembly includes a track (42) that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A follower (46) is movably secured to the track. A strut (34, 36) has a movable end (26, 28) and a secured end (30, 32). The secured end (30, 32) is pivotally secured to the liftgate (12) and the movable end (26, 28) is pivotally secured to the follower (46). The strut (34, 36) defines a moment with respect to the hinge that secures the liftgate to the motor vehicle. A motor (50) is connected to the follower (46) to move the follower (46) along the track (42) changing the moment of the strut such that the force required to move the liftgate (12) changes as the moment changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for automatically actuating a vehicle door (1), in particular a side door or a tailgate of the motor vehicle. Said device comprises a control device (12) and a drive (4;4′) that consists of a motor (5) with a gearing (6) connected downstream and at least one transmission element (8;20) located between the gearing (6) and the vehicle door (1). The aim of the invention is to facilitate the manual actuation of an automatically actuated vehicle door (1) that is in an open position. To achieve this, a load sensor (10) is mounted on the drive (4). When a predetermined load on the open vehicle door (1) has been reached, said sensor generates a control signal, which is fed to the control device (12) for activating the motor (5), or for decoupling a coupling (18) that is located between the gearing (6) and the transmission element (8;20), the load on the open vehicle door (1) being produced e.g. by a corresponding manual pressure on said vehicle door (1).

Abstract: A liftgate component module mountable on a pivotal liftgate window provides a unitary mounting platform for a plurality of components including a window wiper drive apparatus and a window latch apparatus. A unitary bracket carries the wiper drive apparatus and the window latch apparatus. The bracket may be an integral extension of the wiper motor apparatus housing. Connections on the bracket mate with connectors carried on the liftgate window for securing the bracket to the liftgate window in a single assembly.

Abstract: A rack includes a closed position teeth portion meshed with a teeth portion of an output gear when the rack is disposed at a closed position corresponding to a closed position of an opening and closing member and an opened position teeth portion meshed with the teeth portion of the output gear when the rack is disposed at an opened position corresponding to an opened position of the opening and closing member and a clearance between faces of teeth of the closed position teeth portion and the teeth portion of the output gear is made larger than a clearance between faces of teeth of the opened position teeth portion and the teeth portion of the output gear.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment separated by a midgate assembly which occupies a midgate opening. A seat is positioned in the passenger compartment. The midgate assembly includes a midgate panel which is movable along a pair of guide tracks from a closed position in the midgate opening to an open position under the seat.

Abstract: A decklid hinge is provided for a rear compartment of a vehicle. The decklid hinge includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The decklid hinge also includes a decklid side strap adapted to be connected to a decklid for closing a recess of the rear compartment. The decklid hinge includes a first link interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap for allowing rotation therebetween. The decklid hinge further includes a second link interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap for guiding pivoting action of the hinge along a predefined path. The decklid hinge includes a primary spring interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap to counterbalance a weight of the decklid when opening. The decklid hinge further includes a free-rise mechanism to allow the decklid to free-rise from a partial open position to a full open position.

Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the rear doors or liftgates of motor vehicles includes a strut assembly having two struts, each strut mounted on one side of the door between the door and the vehicle's door frame. One end of each strut is connected to a powered rotating arm. To open the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that they have a substantial mechanical advantage. In this position, the force provided by the struts overcomes the weight bias of the door, thus opening the door. To close the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that the struts have a decreased mechanical advantage, reducing the force provided by the struts, and therefore causing the door to fall closed under its own weight bias. A control system for controlling the power-operated system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a flap, which is implemented, for example, as a tail gate, and is swivellably linked by way of a hinge device to the body of the motor vehicle, and opens and closes a flap opening, which hinge device comprises a body-side and a flap-side fitting part, and the two fitting parts are swivellably connected relative to one another by way of at least one multi-control-arm arrangement having at least two control arms. For adjusting the flap relative to the body of the motor vehicle, the flap-side fitting part for the fastening to the flap is provided with at least one oblong hole, and between the flap-side fitting part and the flap, an adjusting slide is arranged which has at least a second oblong hole, in which case a fastening element reaches through the two oblong holes and is fastened to the flap, and the second oblong hole extends at an angle (&agr;) with respect to the first oblong hole, this angle (&agr;) amounting to more than 0° and less than 90°.

Abstract: A power operating system for a vehicle liftgate includes an actuator having a gas strut and a linear electric motor mounted thereto along a common axis. By activating the linear electric motor, a slidable rotor moves along the linear stator to drive the gas spring between an extended position and a retracted position to provide remote operation of the liftgate. When power is unavailable to the linear electric motor, the liftgate may still be manually opened and closed in the conventional manner without the necessity of an override.

Abstract: A vehicle rear structure having an upper door and a lower door for opening and closing a rear opening of a vehicle, and a damper mechanism for slowing opening and closing movements of the lower door is provided. The damper mechanism is placed in a space formed by an outer panel and an inner panel constituting a side panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blow-molded vehicle part and a blow-molding process for generating a one-piece vehicle part with improved strength, aesthetic appearance and reduced weight and cost. The blow-molded vehicle part includes a front vehicle part portion and a back vehicle part portion, wherein the front vehicle part and the back vehicle part have at least an outer unreinforced layer of a thermoplastic that forms a smooth outer surface of the vehicle part and a reinforced inner layer.

Abstract: A dual-pivot hinge assembly for an endgate of a vehicle includes a body bracket for connection to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The dual-pivot hinge assembly also includes an intermediate bracket pivotally connected to the body bracket and for operative connection to the endgate and having a dual pivot to allow the endgate to pivot to a first open position and a second open position and to a closed position relative to the vehicle body. The dual-pivot hinge assembly includes a roller rotatably connected to the intermediate bracket to interface with a torque rod having a first portion for connection to the endgate and a second portion extending from the first portion and cooperating with the roller to counterbalance a weight of the endgate.

Abstract: A wedge system for stabilizing a liftgate of a vehicle relative to vehicle structure of the vehicle includes a first member for mounting on one of the liftgate and the vehicle structure. The wedge system also includes a second member for mounting on the other of the liftgate and the vehicle structure. The wedge system further includes a third member disposed between the first member and the second member and being movable and adjustable relative thereto to accommodate a gap between the liftgate and the vehicle structure and to stabilize the liftgate by providing a load path from the liftgate to the vehicle structure when the liftgate is in a closed position.

Abstract: A power liftgate drive assembly automatically moves the liftgate of a vehicle between its open and closed positions. The drive assembly is secured to the vehicle at a position near the top of the liftgate. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives a sector gear between two positions. A guide rod is secured to the sector gear to translate the rotational movement of the sector gear into the pivotal movement of the liftgate. A slot extends through the sector gear that allows the liftgate to be moved manually. A latch locks the guide rod in position with respect to the sector gear for automated movement whereas the latch releases the guide rod to move in the slot for manual operation.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly having an inner panel and an outer panel which is selectively coupled to the inner panel. The tailgate assembly further includes at least one stiffening member which is selectively and operatively contained between the panels and which increases the strength and durability of the tailgate assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle with a tailgate (5) or the like, the vehicle being defined in that the tailgate (5) has a sensor for sensing objects at least during the opening operation.

Abstract: A lightweight tailgate assembly for pickup trucks and other motor vehicles includes several metal panels that are made from a single metal sheet and a plastic reinforcing module between inner and outer metal panels. The side panels of the tailgate are formed as part of the plastic reinforcing module. A preferred assembly may also include a hinge device for connection with a truck body and a latch mechanism for locking the assembly between opposed rear corner posts in a truck body. The hinge device may be integrally molded into the plastic reinforcing module. A particularly preferred tailgate assembly made with AA 6022 aluminum alloy sheet and a reinforcing module containing polymer and glass fibers may weigh less than half as much as a conventional steel truck tailgate. Metal cover plates can be used to obscure visibility of the plastic side panels from the exterior.

Abstract: A power liftgate assembly is disclosed for moving a liftgate between an open position and a closed position. The liftgate is secured to a motor vehicle having a roof. The power liftgate assembly includes an elongated bracket that is fixedly secured to the roof of the motor vehicle. The elongated bracket extends between first and second ends. A motor is fixedly secured to the elongated bracket. A slide operatively engages the motor. The slide moves along the elongated bracket. An articulated bracket is connected to the slide and moves with the slide. The articulated bracket includes a slot that extends therealong to provide lost motion between the articulated bracket and the slide. An arcuate bracket extends between the articulated bracket and the liftgate for receiving the motion of the articulated bracket and for moving the liftgate in response thereto.

Abstract: A hatchback for an automobile has an essentially peripheral supporting frame (1) designed as a hollow metal section, with a windshield area and a wall area, with a connecting section (2) arranged transversely in the supporting frame (1) at the transition of the windshield area and wall area, with a windshield (3) mounted on the supporting frame (1) in the windshield area and with an outside door panel (4) mounted on the supporting frame (1) in the wall area, whereby hinge brackets (5) that are movable with the supporting frame (1) are mounted on the upper edge of the supporting frame (1) in the windshield area and are pivotably connectable by at least one hinge element (8) each to stationary hinge blocks (7) mounted on a stationary body part (6) when the automobile hatchback is installed.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure comprises: a side roof rail, a rear roof rail, and a rear pillar, which are disposed in the rear portion of an vehicle body, and which intersect each other at an intersecting portion; a rear door provided for optionally opening and closing a rear port of the vehicle body; an automatic opening and closing unit disposed inside the vehicle body and in the vicinity of the intersecting portion; an aperture provided in the intersecting portion; and an arm provided through the aperture for connecting the automatic opening and closing unit to the rear door. The automatic opening and closing unit is fixed to at least the side roof rail, the rear roof rail, and the rear pillar so as to pass above the aperture.

Abstract: A decklid and luggage compartment system for an automotive vehicle includes a luggage compartment located at one end of a vehicle and a decklid for closing the luggage compartment. A linked hinge moves the decklid translationally from a closed position to a raised position and axially displaced open position. The decklid maintains a common attitude in both the closed and opened positions. A combination load floor and bumper assembly having a load floor for the luggage compartment is mounted upon a sliding carrier for movement between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rear transverse part includes a generally vertically oriented element defining a frame closed by a rear window and an internal support structure and an external fitting panel and also including an equipment module directly mounted on the element and a wiper system for the rear window and a flashing light. The equipment module is received in a housing matching the element wherein it is mounted from outside.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a dual panel vehicle rear closure assembly is actuated by a cable drive assembly. Cables push a rear panel upward from a closed position to a second position above the roof. The cables may then push both panels forward toward a third position to open a rear opening in the roof. A motor pushes the cables through channels to slide the rear panel. Free ends of cables are guided into cable return tubes. Compression assist springs in the tubes are compressed by the cables when the rear panel is in its closed position and provide a counterbalance force to assist in opening the panel. The compression springs may be shorter than the full cable. The shorter springs can be made stronger for applying the balancing forces to the lower portion of the panel travel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a rear body opening that is closed by an upwardly-pivoting liftgate assembly that itself defines, when in a closed position, a secondary opening whose lowermost portion achieves a height on the vehicle significantly below the vehicle's beltline. The liftgate assembly also includes a pivotally mounted liftglass assembly for closing the secondary opening, thereby permitting limited access through the secondary opening into an interior space of the vehicle. When the liftglass assembly is in its closed position, the lowermost edge of the liftglass assembly extends downwardly on the vehicle to a height significantly lower than the vehicle beltline. A raised feature of the liftglass assembly, preferably having a color and surface finish that is coordinated with a painted body surface, defines a step that is substantially aligned with the vehicle beltline to thereby aesthetically substantially continue the vehicle beltline across the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a dual panel vehicle rear closure assembly is actuated by a cable drive assembly. Cables push a rear panel upward from a closed position to a second position above the roof. The cables may then push both panels forward toward a third position to open a rear opening in the roof. A motor pushes the cables through channels to slide the rear panel. Free ends of cables are guided into cable return tubes. Compression assist springs in the tubes are compressed by the cables when the rear panel is in its closed position and provide a counterbalance force to assist in opening the panel. The compression springs may be shorter than the full cable. The shorter springs can be made stronger for applying the balancing forces to the lower portion of the panel travel.

Abstract: A wedge system for stabilizing a liftgate of a vehicle relative to vehicle structure of the vehicle includes a first member for mounting on one of the liftgate and the vehicle structure. The wedge system also includes a second member for mounting on the other of the liftgate and the vehicle structure. The wedge system further includes a third member disposed between the first member and the second member and being movable and adjustable relative thereto to accommodate a gap between the liftgate and the vehicle structure and to stabilize the liftgate by providing a load path from the liftgate to the vehicle structure when the liftgate is in a closed position.