Abstract: A motor vehicle has a safety body structure and side doors, each side being fixed to a door pillar of the safety body structure by at least one door hinge. When the vehicle receives a frontal impact, the forces which are imparted to the front section of the safety body structure are transmitted to the door pillar and are transmitted by the door to other body parts further away from the point of impact when the side door remains closed or is supported against the door pillar in the area of the door hinge without swinging outwardly. In order to prevent the front end of the door from swinging outwardly, the front end is caused to move, upon frontal impact to the vehicle, parallel to or inwardly toward a longitudinal center line of the vehicle by a controlled orientation of the deformation of a door hinge part in relation to the door pillar.

Abstract: A vehicle component sub-assembly having self-aligning appropriately fitted structural members is disclosed wherein a closure member, such as a vehicle door, hood or trunk is integrated with and becomes a structural part of a vehicle body. The sub-assembly includes mating components wherein a first mating component is mounted to the vehicle body and a second mating component is mounted to the closure member in such a manner that the first and second mating components become substantially aligned and structurally engaged with one another. The first mating component includes at least one structural key member formed thereon and the second mating component has a complementary mating receptacle therein. When the first and second mating components are aligned into interlocking engagement, the structural key members and mating receptacles are thereby structurally integrating the vehicle body and the closure member.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor includes a cab frame having structural support post. The tractor also includes a hinge member having a first end portion which is pivotally coupled to the structural support post of the cab frame, and a second end portion which is opposite the first end portion. The tractor further includes a support arm secured to the second end portion of the hinge member in a substantially horizontal orientation. The support arm has a mounting boss secured thereto. The tractor further includes a window panel having a mounting aperture defined therein. The tractor further includes a fastener that is received through the mounting aperture so as to engage the mounting boss thereby securing the window panel to the support arm. Such a configuration allows for replacement of the window panel in the event of breakage thereof without the need to remove the hinge member from the structural support of the cab.

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

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a center mounted tailgate is provided. The hinge assembly includes a pair of hinge members and a hinge pin structure having a pin member and a pair of mounting brackets. The pin member includes a pair of generally cylindrical pin ends and a pin axis. Each of the mounting brackets are fixedly coupled to the pin member and include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the pin axis and is adapted for mounting the hinge pin structure to a vehicle body. The second portion fixedly couples the first portion to the pin member. The hinge members include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion has as generally hollow interior that is operable for engaging an end of the pin member to permit the first hinge portion to rotate about the pin axis. The first hinge portion may include a bearing for supporting the hinge member for rotation about the pin member.

Abstract: A door structure for a vehicle has a door seated in a door jam frame at the rear end of the vehicle. The door jam fame has a first upright with an opening therein disposed nearby one side of the vehicle to provide a space between this side and the first upright. A second upright is nearby the other side of the vehicle. A hinge member is attached to the door which includes a first connecting member attached to the door member near the one side of the vehicle, a second connecting member pivotally attached to the first upright and disposed in the space between the one side of the vehicle and the first upright, and an intermediate arcuate member connected between the first and second connecting members which extends through the opening in the first upright.

Abstract: A body side joint structure for an automotive vehicle has a support member extending longitudinally rearward from a front end member with a distal end secured in overlapping relationship laterally inward of a hinge pillar of an adjacent body side member. A hinge reinforcement member is attached on a laterally inner surface of the distal end of the support member and door hinge brackets are attached on an outer surface of the hinge pillar which together provide a clamping load to the joint layering of the body side and front end, thus resulting in an improved lateral load path.

Abstract: A box-shaped structure is defined by an inner projection of a rear inner panel forming a side portion of a vehicle body and a roof rail outer member of a roof rail extending transversely of the vehicle body at an upper portion of a rear part of the roof rail. The box-shaped structure includes as bracing an outer projection of a rear pillar stiffener for reinforcing the rear inner panel and a stiffener projection of a hinge stiffener for reinforcing the roof rail outer member, which extend diagonally within the box-shaped structure to thereby divide the structure into a plurality of closed sections. A rear portion of the rear inner panel and the rear panel stiffener joint comprise a rear pillar. With the structure thus constructed, the connection between the rear pillar and the roof rail will be imparted increased stiffness against a twisting stress and against external stresses applied from the directions of the corners of the closed sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side door of a passenger vehicle, which for opening purposes, following a sideways movement which moves the side door out of the door aperture, is actuated by auxiliary forces to pivot forwards and upwards around a horizontally aligned, bodywork-mounted bearing point, and it is proposed, in order to provide quick release from the A-pillar and to create the preconditions for a conveniently operating movement mechanism with expedient accommodation for the latter, that in the horizontal plane, in relation to the transverse direction of the vehicle, the pivot axis of the bearing point respectively runs at an angle, which does not exceed for example 25.degree. in each case, in the anticlockwise direction on the left-hand side and in the clockwise direction on the right-hand side.

Abstract: A truck door frame and door installation assembly and method for making the door frame are disclosed. Specifically, a door frame constructed of a monolithic piece of sheet metal completely bounds a door opening. The door frame is attached to an underlying sidewall frame structure. The door frame has a pilot hole therethrough for receiving a protruding alignment element from a door positioner and supporter. Other truck cab assembly components, such as the roof structure and firewall assembly, are attachable to the door frame. A door installation assembly and method for adjusting and installing a door in the closed position is also provided. In particular, a piano hinge having a first flap is mounted to a fore side edge of a door. The second flap of the hinge is mounted to an exterior hinge receiving surface of the door frame and extends forwardly and substantially perpendicularly to the fore side edge and first flap when the door is closed.

Abstract: In a region between at least two mutually adjacent body parts, an assembly template is connected to the body support structure, which template has at least one adjustment edge against which the adjacent body parts can be aligned. The template is centered on centering pins of vehicle door hinges and the adjustment edge serves to position a fender part with respect to the door.

Abstract: A truck comprises a motorized body including a chassis and a cab. The cab includes opposed sidewalls, one of which includes an access opening having front and rear edge portions. The door that covers the access opening comprises upper and lower panels. The lower panel is pivotally attached to the front edge portion of the opening to rotate about a first substantially vertical axis of rotation between open and closed positions. The upper panel is hinged to the rear edge portion of the opening to rotate about a second substantially vertical axis of rotation between open and closed positions. The upper and lower panels are sized and configured such that, when each is rotated to its closed position, each spans the opening of the cab, and the upper panel is disposed above the lower panel. In such a configuration, the lower panel can be closed to protect the driver, and the upper panel can be moved to its open position to provide ventilation.

Abstract: A side intrusion beam is disclosed for mounting within a vehicle door to inhibit intrusion into the vehicle during a collision. The intrusion beam spans across substantially the entire main portion (i.e. non-window portion) of the door. Structural keys located on the four corners of the intrusion beam mate with complementary shaped receptacles on the door jamb when the door is closed to anchor the intrusion beam to the vehicle chassis. Preferably, the intrusion beam includes a framework of truss members which create an overall outwardly curved shape. In the preferred embodiment, the entire framework is constructed from two sheet metal stampings that are welded together, forming a void therebetween. A structural foam can be injected into the void to increase strength and deaden sound.

Abstract: An impact barrier extending along the entire length of one side of a cabin of a motor vehicle. The impact barrier includes plural constituent barrier segments each protecting a door or a body panel. Barrier segments interlock or interengage neighboring barrier segments or, alternatively, engage fixed anchorage components of the barrier during an impact. Barrier segments remain free of interengagement when no impact occurs, so that doors and hatches may be opened. Each barrier segment connects to its neighboring segment or, alternatively, to an anchorage component of the barrier by hooks. As an alternative to hooks, any suitable male and female interengaging devices may be employed. Anchorage components are permanently fixed to structural elements of the cabin, such as a doorpost or pillar, for anchoring barrier segments during an impact.

Abstract: A door is aligned in an opening of a motor-vehicle in which is fixed a latch by first mounting in the door opening a keeper having a screw adjuster effective for horizontally displacing the keeper on the vehicle transverse to a normal vehicle travel direction, a bolt engageable with the latch and orbitable about a horizontal axis transverse to the normal vehicle travel direction through an arc having an outer pull-in section and an inner adjustment section, a drive including a motor for orbiting the bolt through its arc, and a controller connected to the motor for operating same. Then the door is carefully closed to engage the latch with the bolt and the door is pulled into the opening by orbiting the bolt by its motor through the outer pull-in section of its arc.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis is disclosed wherein a conventionally hinged door is integrated with and becomes a structural part of the main chassis when the door is closed. Wedge-shaped structural keys located on the forward and rearward edges of the door engage mating receptacles on the door jamb to transmit compressive, tensile, and torsional forces across the door opening when the door is closed. Preferably, the door hinges are separated when the door is closed so that all forces are transmitted through the keys and receptacles without interference from the hinges. The inventive technology can also be used with other vehicle door panels such as sliding side van doors, hoods, trunks, liftgates and tailgates to form a stronger, stiffer vehicle chassis that is less susceptible to deformation during impact.

Abstract: A method of producing an elongated member having a main body portion and terminal portions extending form ends thereof includes bending an elongated strip between circumferential faces of first forming rolls and second forming rolls having parallel central rotational axes. The circumferential faces of the first forming rolls include annular main body portion bending sections that form the main body portion in the strip and adjacent transition portion bending sections that form adjacent transition portions in the strip, thereby forming an intermediate stage elongated member. The transition portions have a cross-section that changes continuously from the annular cross-section of the main body portion to a different cross-section of the terminal portions.

Abstract: A door reinforcement system for closing an aperture in a side of a body of a pick-up truck includes a first door and a second door pivotally connected to the body and joined pillarlessly between an open position and a closed position, a vertical reinforcement beam disposed within one of the first door and the second door, and a door latch striker connected directly to the vertical reinforcement beam and a door latch connected to the other one of the first door and the second door to engage the door latch striker to resist inward movement of the first door and second door from the closed position with respect to the body of the pick-up truck.

Abstract: A hinge fastening structure and method of creating a hinge to box-section pillar joint which includes a fastener extending from the pillar outer panel to the pillar inner panel wherein the fastener includes first and second threaded portions of substantially identical pitch but different diameters adjacent to the head and the tip thereof respectively. The fastening structure and method may also be applicable for attaching other forms of hardware to box-section structures.

Abstract: An upper body structure for a car body includes a hollow front pillar, which includes inner and outer front pillar panels shaped so as to form a column space in the front pillar. The front pillar is connected to an upper portion of a dash panel by a gusset configuration.

Abstract: A structural beam, particularly for use as a door pillar or a bumper of a motor vehicle, includes a one-piece elongated extruded member formed of a light metal. The member has therethrough an elongated, laterally enclosed cavity defined by elongated side walls including at least two generally parallel side walls. A deformation pressure is applied to walls extending generally transverse to the two side walls, with the result that there occurs controlled folding of the two side walls with the formation therein of folds that extend parallel to the direction of elongation of the member. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the cavity through the member is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge past system which enables an operator to simultaneously install and position a door at a desired location on the body of a motor vehicle. The hinge past system includes a hinge having a first section and a second section. The second section is rotatably connected to the first section. The second section further includes a key for securing the door to the vehicle and for adjusting the position of the door relative to the vehicle, along the longitudinal axis. The hinge post system further includes hinge post having a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has an extension for securing the post to the vehicle. The second chamber includes an extension and other means for adjusting the position of the hinge relative to the second chamber along the vertical and lateral axes. The longitudinal, vertical and lateral axes are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has first and second flexible members disposed within front and rear doors in the longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle. First ends of each of the flexible members are coupled together through a coupling member which ensures coupling when the doors are closed. Respective other ends of the two flexible members are each coupled with respective lower portions of the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conical central pillar assembly for the bodywork of a passenger car, especially a bodywork having a space-frame bearing structure constructed from extruded light metal section bearers and cast light metal joining elements. According to the invention, the central pillar assembly includes a substantially plate-like base section wall having a multi-layer, multi-chamber extruded section disposed thereon. The section chambers in the outermost layers are selectively cut at various heights in step wise fashion in order to produce a desired conical cross section with a wide base portion and narrow top portion. Additional cuts are made in the outermost section chambers to form recesses for accommodating door locks, hinge assemblies and the like. An additional piece, preferably in the form of a light metal casting or a sheet metal stamping, is provided and forms an outer cover for at least a bottom portion of the central pillar.

Abstract: A motor vehicle side panel which includes at least two uprights and a lower member of the substructure of the vehicle which form a door frame, and at least one door mounted upon the door frame which includes a solid lower part formed of an outer panel and an inner panel defining a housing for a drop glass therebetween. The inner panel is substantially planar and includes an inner side facing the door frame when the door is closed, with the inner panel including an outer side which faces the outer panel. Steel sections are welded on the inner side of the inner panel and project toward the door frame, with the steel sections extending at least along the portions of the inner panel which face the upright members and the lower member of the door frame.

Abstract: An improved door pillar assembly for a passenger car coachwork formed as a substantially vertical extruded light metal hollow-section member and having an outer wall to which longitudinally spaced upper and lower hinge lugs are adjustably secured for swivel connection of a vehicle door. The extruded hollow section member includes a pair of inner transverse ridge members which extend along the longitudinal dimension and divide the hollow interior into three transversely spaced cage sections. Each of the outer cage sections further includes a longitudinal channel formed into the inner surface of the common wall to which the hinge lugs are adjustably secured. An upper and lower pair of slots are provided in the outer wall and are aligned with respect to the channels for receiving the mounting hardware (i.e., bolts) for the hinge lugs whereby the hinge lugs can be selectively positioned within the slots prior to tightening to provide a desired height adjustment.

Abstract: An improved bearer joint in a vehicle bodywork consisting of extruded light metal bearer members connected together by cast metal joining elements. According to the invention, an end portion of at least one bearer member is received within a concave region of at least one joining element and is connected thereto at two connection points on either side of the coverage region so that the portion of the bearer member between the connection points and overlying the concave region acts as a tension member or steadying strut depending on the direction of the load. In a preferred embodiment, the improved bearer joint is the node connector type joining element located at the middle of the A post where the downwardly and obliquely oriented forward roof post joins the substantially vertically upright forward door post. The invention provides a rigid connection with high expansion and energy absorption capabilities, thereby strengthening an otherwise critical weak point in the vehicle roof structure.

Abstract: A side door assembly is provided which includes a catch and striker reinforcement mechanism positioned between the free-edge of the door of the adjacent body panel of the vehicle. The striker cooperates with the catch to enhance engagement in response to the imposition of laterally imposed loads through providing a disc-like knob for engagement with catch plate upon deflection of adjacent body panels.

Abstract: A reinforcement is comprised of a support member in the form of a waved sheet and a plate member in the form a generally flat sheet and secured to the support member. The support member has a ridge-like bent portion protruding to one side thereof and forming an opening to the other side thereof. The plate member has a ridge-like projection protruding into the opening to close the same while cooperating with the ridge-like bent portion to constitute a tubular portion for rigidly holding two structural members at a predetermined distance from each other and and receiving a bolt extending between the two structural members for attachment of another member to the two structural members.

Abstract: A side body structure of a vehicle includes a side sill and a roof side rail, both of which extend in a lengthwise direction of a vehicle body, and front and center pillars which extend between and connect the side sill and the roof side rail so as to define a generally rectangular front door opening in the side body. The side body structure is reinforced by a sill reinforcement extending in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle, inside of the side sill, and pillar reinforcements extending between the side sill and the roof side rail, inside the front pillar and the center pillar, respectively. The sill reinforcement is secured, at its front end, to the front pillar reinforcement and, at its rear end, to the center pillar reinforcement.

Abstract: A vehicle body has a door aperture the door aperture being bounded along its lower edge by a sill section and by forward and rearward upstanding post sections, a door being located in the door aperture, the door being hinged to one post section and releasably engaging a catch on the other post section, a tie bar is provided adjacent the edge of the door remote from the sill section, clamping elements being provided for releasably clamping the tie bar with respect to both the forward and rearward post sections when the door is closed, the tie bar being capable when clamped of transmitting tensile, compressive and torsional loads from one post section to the other post section.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a vertically openable access door includes a reinforcement bracket for each cylinder mounting. The bracket is bent to provide tortional and other force absorption capability. The bracket is also of sufficient size to cover the immediate area where a cylinder is mounted and any remote locations where forces may be applied through a moment arm created by rotation and exertion of a force on the vehicle by a cylinder. The cylinders may be hydraulically operated to effectuate opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: A weatherstrip system disposed on a body flange of a vehicle at a location facing the door system of the vehicle to establish a seal between the body flange and the door system when the door system is closed comprises a frame member formed of a resin material adapted to clamp the flange of the frame member, an additional layer formed of co-extrudable material laid on a surface of the frame member, and a sealing member joined to the surface of the additional layer for contacting the door system for establishing the sealing between the body flange and the door system. The additional layer is co-extruded with the frame member. An edge line of the sealing member is presented on the additional layer and is colored with the color of the layer to enhance the outer appearance of the edge line.

Abstract: An assembly of a motor vehicle having a roof, a door, and a window pane includes a box-like frame of the door, and a window guide profile section to be retained on the door frame. The door frame has a top with a longitudinally extending gap formed therein. The window guide profile section has a sealing lip, an inner surface with a rib-like projection thereon, and a U-shaped cross section. The window guide profile section is slipped onto the door frame with the sealing lip protruding laterally toward the window pane and laterally toward the roof, and the projection snapping into the gap.

Abstract: A backhoe loader includes a tractor-type vehicle with an operator station enclosed in a cab. Access to the cab is provided through a pair of front doors that are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the tractor hood, the upper portion of the doors also forming the front windshield of the cab. The major portion of the doors is formed by curved window glass, and each door includes a rigid metal frame that substantially conforms to the door opening. The door is made by placing the metal frame in a mold and encapsulating the frame in a polyurethane material that is molded around the metal frame by a reaction injection molding process. The door hinges and the latching mechanism are attached to the metal frame, while the molded polyurethane supports the window glass.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of motor vehicle bodies. The vehicle bodies are constructed from a lower section formed of pressed metal panels connected together, and an upper section formed of frame elements. The lower section functions as a primary strength imparting component of the vehicle body, and the upper section functions as a primary style imparting component of the body. The configuration of the upper section can be varied by varying the arrangement of configuration of the frame elements so that the style of the vehicle body can be varied without necessitating a change to the lower section. The lower section will thus remain substantially unchanged for a range of vehicle styles or models.

Abstract: An upright-pillar for a vehicle body structure which, in the cross-sectional view, has the shape of a box-shaped hollow profile, is made of light metal and is placed on a side member disposed underneath. The pillar has an extruded profile and a closing part connected with it, which provides a pillar for a body structure which, with low-cost manufacturing, is easy to adapt to the shape of the door joint and can easily be connected to the adjacent body parts.

Abstract: A cover for providing a closure for a substantially triangular opening formed between a marginal section of a door frame of the body of an automobile and a substantially vertical forward upper edge portion of a window movably mounted in the door.

Abstract: A sag-resisting door assembly for an armored vehicle. Upper and lower hinges are mounted to the door edge, but at least one of the hinges is also connected through the door edge to an armor panel within the door, rather than being connected to the panel only by the door panel or skin. Preferably a bolt is connected between the movable leaf of the upper hinge and a flange on the door armor panel, through the door edge, and a stop on the armor abuts the movable leaf of the lower hinge.

Abstract: A motor vehicle molding assembly for concealing the space between the edges of a window panel and a door which are mounted to a pillar. The molding assembly has a retainer mounted to the pillar. The retainer has a first projection projecting generally perpendicular to the pillar, with a hook formed at the end of the first projection. A dual durometer molding has a rigid portion having a groove with a catch portion adapted to receive and engage the hook of the retainer to secure the molding to the door pillar. A pliable portion encases the rigid portion and has a pair of legs depending towards and engaging the retainer mounted to the pillar for biasing the dual durometer molding away from the retainer and maintaining the engagement of the hook with the catch portion. A continuous flexible lip is extruded integral with the pliable portion and bridges across the top of the legs and the interposed rigid portion.

Abstract: A pillar for a vehicle door. A lightweight pillar having reduced rigidity is prestressed into a curved shape by an internal bolt or cable or the like to increase the strength thereof. This results in a lightweight pillar whose curvature is adjustable.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a door opening adjacent an occupant seat and a cowl structure extending transversely across the vehicle body forward of a windshield opening. A door provided for closing the door opening is mounted on a door support arm having an inboard end pivotally mounted on the cowl structure and an outboard end connected to the door so that pivotal movement of the support arm bodily swings the door vertically between a lowered closed position and a raised open position. The support arm is preferably mounted on the vehicle cowl structure by a pivot located closely adjacent the center line of the vehicle body and the support arm is configured to fit flush with the surface of the cowl structure and hood of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An arrangement for suspension of a door, preferably a luggage compartment door, on a vehicle body. Between the vehicle body and the door there are arranged separate first and second spring elements. The attachment points of the second spring element, during the first part of the pivoting movement of the door from a closed to an open position, exerts a torque in a direction counter to the pivoting movement and, during the continued pivoting movement of the door, exerts a torque in the direction of the pivoting movement.

Abstract: A vehicular back door fitting mechanism includes a plurality of hinges arranged along one rear pillar with hinge portions turnable with respect to the one rear pillar. A window glass is provided with a cut out at one lower corner thereof so that the uppermost hinge is located at the cut-out part of the window glass. This arrangement of the uppermost hinge permits a hinge span which is longer, resulting in a fitting strength of the back door being increased remarkably. The uppermost hinge is covered with a trim element and at least one other hinge is located below the uppermost hinge, arranged inside of the back door so that they cannot be seen from the outside. This arrangement provides an improved appearance.

Abstract: A demountable door for a golf cart consists of a panel of clear plastic which is translatably attachable to the cart by links for movement across an access opening in the side of the cart. Two links are attached at one end to a strap which can be releasably connected to the upper end of the panel with the other end of the links attached to the cart. A third link is connected to the lower end of the panel and the cart. When the strap is released the lower link is lifted with the panel clear of a pivot socket on the cart whereby the panel can be mounted or demounted in seconds.

Abstract: A side body section for motor vehicles is disclosed in a whole surface flush side glazing unit where even the region of the center column is covered by a transparent shield. In the side body section according to the invention, a transparent shield is fastened to a door frame which is prolonged by the width of the center column. This produces only one separating line between the two side doors. The glass or synthetic glass shield is arranged in the plane of the side windows. In the region of the shield, the door frame has recesses which permit the fastening of receiver units for locking systems or the like to the inside of the shield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door with a multi-shell door body, into which a door pane running on guides can be lowered. An inner wall of the door body extends essentially with a closed surface over the height of the door body, while an outer wall of the door body is divided along a horizontal joining line and has a removable anti-ram trim as a lower wall portion. A transverse reinforcement which extends in the direction of the depth of the motor vehicle door is arranged in the region near the joining line, and starting from the upper wall portion of the outer wall.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly comprises a pillar assembly and a vehicle door including a quarterglass frame in which the quarterglass frame is provided with a channel member which in the closed position of the door engages around at least a part of the pillar assembly. The channel member thus provides support for the pillar assembly in the event of the vehicle overturning but readily disengages from the pillar assembly when the door is opened.

Abstract: First and second hinge leaves are mounted respectively on the body and the door with one hinge leaf having a pivot pin and the other hinge having a hinge aperture adapted to engage the pivot pin to establish a door hinge pivot axis. The first and second leaves have flanges which interengage one another through the normal range of pivoting movement of the door between open and closed position so as to maintain the engagement between the hinge aperture and the pivot pin. The door is separable from the body by pivoting the door beyond the range of normal pivoting movement to disengage the bearing portions of the hinge leaves from one another and then lifting the door axially of the hinge pin axis to disengage the hinge aperture and the pivot pin. The separable door hinge also includes an offset auxiliary pivot axis provided by an alignment abutment on one of the hinge leaves axis and an alignment notch provided on the other of the hinge leaves.

Abstract: A power-driven cowl for an automotive vehicle including a cowl panel which is shiftable between a closed and an open position. The cowl panel covers a front windshield wiper and in the open position uncovers the windshield wiper to allow normal operation. An electric motor causes the cowl panel to shift between the closed and open positions. A cowl forcing member forces the cowl member to uncover the windshield wiper in, for example, an emergency need. A releasable locking member holds the cowl forcing member locked to permit normal automatic operation of the power driven cowl. If the cowl driving electric motor becomes inoperative and the cowl panel is closed, the locking member can be operated by the driver to cause the cowl forcing member to open the cowl panel to uncover the windshield wiper and enable operation thereof.