Abstract: In a support arrangement for a rear trunk lid of a convertible vehicle supported on a vehicle body so as to be selectively pivotable about a front pivot joint and a rear pivot joint, releasable trunk lid locking means are provided at both ends of the trunk lid for selectively locking the front or rear end to the respective pivot joint and a control element is provided for operating the releasable locking means in such a way that, upon locking of the front pivot joint, a rear actuator connected between the trunk lid and the vehicle body is moved into a non-functional position in which it is disengaged from the vehicle body and, upon unlocking of the front pivot joint, the rear actuator is moved to a functional position, in which it is engaged with the vehicle body.

Abstract: A door closer includes a striker, a latch mechanism, and an actuator that brings the striker into a standby position when the actuator performs a standby action and, brings the striker into a closed position when the actuator performs a closing operation. After the striker is located at the standby position and engaged with the latch mechanism, the striker is moved to the closed position, thereby closing the trunk lid with respect to the vehicle body. Between the actuator and the striker, the striker is held at the standby position when the actuator performs the standby action in a normal state. When a switching operation is performed, the striker is allowed to move to the closed position even when the actuator 30 performs the standby action.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a car body having a rear vehicle area with a trunk. The rear vehicle area has a roof compartment having a lid. The roof is stowable under the lid in the roof compartment. The lid of the roof compartment is movable for releasing a passageway for stowing the roof and for releasing a loading opening for the trunk. The lid of the roof compartment is of a multi-part configuration and has at least one joint between parts of the lid, wherein the at least one joint extends transversely to a travel direction of the convertible vehicle. For releasing the passageway for the roof, the parts are pivotable relative to one another in a pivot direction. At least one drive-effecting member acts on the parts in the pivot direction.

Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.

Abstract: A user operable release system for a trunk compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk compartment of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the deck lid by a user within the trunk compartment. The release system includes a user actuable input device for actuating a release mechanism of the deck lid in order to open the compartment, a housing, and at least one illumination source, which is operable to provide illumination for the user actuable input device. The housing includes at least one wall defining a recess and a perimeter surface at an outer edge of the recess. The user actuable input device is positioned within the recess such that the user actuable input device is within the recess inwardly of the perimeter surface. The illumination source is positioned at the housing and/or at the user actuable input device.

Abstract: A trunk lid or back door of a vehicle includes an inner panel and an outer panel, and a gap is formed between the inner panel and the outer panels. A reinforcement member is provided outside the inner panel at a position corresponding to an attachment unit of a latch. An extending portion of the reinforcement member extends to the outer panel and is provided with an attachment portion which is fixed on the outer panel. The latch is provided inside the inner panel and a latch disengaging lever is attached to the latch at the outer side thereof in a rotatable manner. In addition, the extending portion of the reinforcement member is positioned directly above the latch disengaging member.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody with a rear area provided with a trunk lid. A roof is stowable within the rear area of the convertible vehicle underneath the trunk lid. The trunk lid is movable in a first direction for releasing a passageway for the roof and in a second direction for releasing a receiving opening for luggage. The trunk lid is divided into several parts along at least one joint extending substantially in a transverse vehicle direction. When opening the trunk lid in the first direction, a frontmost one of the several parts of the trunk lid, viewed in a travel direction of the convertible vehicle, is moved in the travel direction at least partially into a position above a rear part of the lid.

Abstract: An articulating decklid system for a vehicle with a retractable roof includes a first linkage member with a forward end pivotally interconnected with the vehicle body and a rearward end spaced therefrom. A decklid has a forward end and a rearward end, with the rearward end being pivotally connected to the rearward end of the first linkage member. A second linkage assembly has an upper end pivotally interconnected with the decklid and a lower end pivotally interconnected with the first linkage member between its forward and rearward ends. The second linkage assembly has a folded and an unfolded position. The system also includes an actuator. The system has a closed position with the rearward ends of the first linkage member and decklid adjacent the rearward end of the luggage compartment, the second linkage assembly folded, and the forward end of the decklid adjacent the forward end of the luggage compartment.

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 trunk lid support device for an automobile, wherein, without great change to the gas pressure of a gas lifter according to the prior art and without big structural modification, the moment force provided by the gas lifter in a maximally open state of the trunk lid can be greatly formed compared with the prior art, to thereby enable to embody a smooth operability and stable open state of the trunk lid.

Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle with a convertible top (12), a stowage space (58) which uses part of the trunk space (60), and a convertible top hatch (30) formed as part of the trunk lid (34), in which the convertible top (12) can be moved between a closed position in which it covers the passenger compartment (14), and a stowage position in which it is held as a folded package in the stowage space (58) which is covered by the convertible top hatch (30). The position of the convertible top (12) can be adjusted upward into an intermediate position by moving the convertible top hatch (30). In the intermediate position, the folded package extends out of the stowage space (58), for providing increased access to the trunk space. The convertible top hatch (30) can be pivoted around a first pivoting device (40, 42, 44) for opening of the stowage space, and the trunk lid (34) can be pivoted around a second pivoting device (38) independently of the convertible top hatch (30) for opening the trunk (60).

Abstract: A covering of a convertible top compartment of a convertible which has a convertible top which can be deposited in a convertible top compartment, the covering having at least one first cover part and one second cover part which are supported to be able to pivot relative to one another.

Abstract: A boot lid mechanism for the lid of the boot of a convertible motor car which includes means enabling the lid to pivot about an axis situated near the forward portion of the lid and substantially orthogonal of the longitudinal centre line of the car, this pivoting movement being accompanied by a movement towards and away from the axis.

Abstract: A base plate has mutually opposed first and second side surfaces. A first group of parts are arranged on the first side surface, which includes an electric motor, a speed reduction unit and an electromagnetic clutch. The speed reduction unit has a gear member which is projected to the second side surface from the first side surface through an opening formed in the base plate and driven by the motor when the electromagnetic clutch assumes ON condition. A second group of parts are arranged on the second side surface, which includes an intermediate gear which is rotatably connected to the base plate and meshed with the gear member, an output gear which is rotatably connected to the base plate through a shaft secured to the output gear and meshed with the intermediate gear and an output arm which is connected to the output gear to rotate therewith. The output arm is connected to the lid through a link.

Abstract: In a folding top for vehicles, in particular passenger cars, it is proposed to assign to the folding top, between its closing position and its put-away position, an intermediate position in which the folding top assumes a folded-together stowage position, from which the folding top can be transferred as a stack into the put-away position or can be unfolded into the closing position.

Abstract: A trunk lid for a convertible vehicle with a folding roof can be opened on the one hand for stowing the folded roof in the trunk and on the other hand to obtain access to the trunk for stowing luggage. The trunk lid is fixed to the bodyshell so that it can pivot from the rear toward the front and simultaneously slide from the front toward the rear.

Abstract: In a convertible vehicle including a roof which is movable between a closed position, in which the roof covers an interior vehicle space, and an open position, in which the roof is deposited in a storage compartment behind the passenger compartment of the vehicle, that is covered by a rear lid, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the rear lid is provided which includes front and rear pivot arms pivotally mounted to the vehicle body, a coupling arm pivotally connected to the pivot arms and first and second links, each of which has one end pivotally connected to the rear lid and the first link is pivotally connected with its other end to the coupling arm while the second link forms an extension of the rear pivot arm.

Abstract: A pull-in device for a string includes a tubular cylinder, a piston adapted to move inside the cylinder, an urging spring for elastically urging the piston inside the cylinder in the direction of one terminal part of the cylinder, and a string to be pulled in or pulled out with the movement of the piston. The device is characterized by a plurality of hooking parts, each capable of slidably hooking the string, that are formed on the piston as mutually opposed across the center of the piston, a hooking part capable of slidably hooking the string that is formed on a cap adapted to close the other terminal opening part of the cylinder, one terminal part of the string pulled out of the cylinder, intervening points of the whole length of the string hooked serially on the hooking parts and as folded back, and the other terminal part of the string fixed on the cylinder or piston.

Abstract: In closure apparatus and method for an elongated lid of a compartment, the lid being pivotally supported on a wall defining the compartment via a pair of mutually spaced apart hinge arms, a control device controls each of a first driving device and an electromagnetic clutch to make a deformation of the lid to the compartment return to its original form in response to an output of the locked state detection signal from the detecting section. In the first embodiment, a rotation direction of a reversible motor is changed to a reverse direction which corresponds to an open direction of the lid to drive the lid toward the open direction in response to the output of the locked state detection signal.

Abstract: A safety sensing and/or release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid in response to an occupant detection or a manual actuation of the system from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, a release assist device, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control for activating the assist device or the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event, such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle system employs a generally rigid body panel which is movable in an automatic manner from a generally horizontal and closed position to an upwardly angled open position. In another aspect of the present invention, an entire vehicle body panel is initially movable from a closed position to a vertically raised intermediate position, and then subsequently pivoted to an open and somewhat vertically angled position.

Abstract: A trunk lid or back door of a vehicle includes an inner panel and an outer panel, and a gap is formed between the inner panel and the outer panels. A reinforcement member is provided outside the inner panel at a position corresponding to an attachment unit of a latch. An extending portion of the reinforcement member extends to the outer panel and is provided with an attachment portion which is fixed on the outer panel. The latch is provided inside the inner panel and a latch disengaging lever is attached to the latch at the outer side thereof in a rotatable manner. In addition, the extending portion of the reinforcement member is positioned directly above the latch disengaging member.

Abstract: A storage structure for convertible hardtop for effectively using a stored roof while no excessively large rear trunk is necessary. The storage structure is provided for storing a roof and a rear pillar of a convertible hardtop vehicle which has plural row forward-facing seats, in which the roof is substantially horizontally stored from the back side of a backrest of the most front seat in a manner such that the roof bestrides a parting line between the rear pillar and a trunk lid of the vehicle, and the rear pillar is stored under the roof.

Abstract: An actuating arrangement for opening and closing a hinged motor vehicle panel has a fluid drive, a control unit, and a sensor unit. The hinged motor vehicle panel is movable between a starting position and an end position, and the control unit evaluates start signals from the sensor unit and stopping the movement of the motor vehicle panel in an intermediate position. The start signals from the sensor unit correspond to current angles of opening of the hinged motor vehicle panel, and predetermined angles of opening of the hinged motor vehicle panel define certain criteria. It is possible to set at least the angle of opening of the intermediate position via the control unit.

Abstract: A trunk lid latch device comprises a latch unit and a striker. The latch unit has a latch engageable with the striker, a ratchet for keeping engagement between the latch and the striker, and an open lever for releasing the ratchet from the latch. An emergency knob formed of a luminous material is coupled to the open lever and accessible from inside the trunk room. The emergency knob is disposed inside a frame member of a trunk lid or a vehicle body so as not to protrude into the trunk room. The emergency knob comprises a printed symbol that suggests an opening of the trunk lid.

Abstract: A compact and simple vehicle deck lid power operator wherein a reversible electric motor, pinion and curved rack cooperate with standard deck lid gooseneck hinge arm and support bracket components. The curved rack is fixedly on the bracket and has a curved row of rack gear teeth concentric with the hinge arm pivot deck lid axis. The motor unit is mounted in nested relation on the curved section of the gooseneck hinge arm with its output pinion in driving mesh with the rack gear teeth. Operation of the motor causes rotation of the pivot and travel thereof in a curved path along the rack teeth so that the gooseneck-supported motor unit forces the gooseneck hinge to pivot about its pivot axis to either open or close the deck lid.

Abstract: An improved four-bar hinge assembly for attaching a trunk deck lid to a vehicle body in which the control link of the four-bar linkage has its usual vehicle-mounted pivot pin replaced by the rotatably driven output drive shaft of a power drive mechanism that is rigidly and directly coupled to the control link to swing to the same and thereby power actuate the four-bar linkage in order to pivot the deck lid between open and closed positions. The hinge elements are located on the weather side of the vehicle body components and the drive shaft extends through the vehicle sheet metal into the weather sealed trunk compartment so that the electro-mechanical drive components are mounted within the weather sealed trunk.

Abstract: A weather strip for sealing an opening portion around an opening in a vehicle body against a periphery of a closing member for closing the opening in the vehicle body. The weather strip includes a base portion and a tubular seal portion which projects outwardly from an outer surface of the base portion. The tubular seal portion includes a pair of leg portions which project outwardly from the base portion, extending portions which extend from ends of the leg portions in opposite directions along the outer side wall to have an L-shaped cross-section with the leg portion, and a seal wall for connecting ends of the extending parts into an arc-shaped cross-section. The base portion and the leg portions are composed of a solid material while the seal wall is composed of a sponge material. A boundary between the solid material and sponge material is located in each of the extending portions of the tubular seal portion.

Abstract: A convertible has a car body and a lid part arranged to the rear of the car body. The convertible top can be stowed under the lid part. The lid part can open and close for releasing a through opening for the top adjacent to a forward end of the lid part and for releasing a loading opening for luggage adjacent to a rearward end of the lid part. An auxiliary frame is arranged underneath the lid part in a closed position of the lid part. The auxiliary frame is connected pivotably on the car body and is pivotable transversely to the travel direction about a pivot axis. The pivot axis of the auxiliary frame, in the travel direction of the convertible, is arranged in front of the rearward end of the lid part.

Abstract: A trunk lid support device for an automobile, wherein, without great change to the gas pressure of a gas lifter according to the prior art and without big structural modification, the moment force provided by the gas lifter in a maximally open state of the trunk lid can be greatly formed compared with the prior art, to thereby enable to embody a smooth operability and stable open state of the trunk lid.

Abstract: An improved four-bar hinge assembly for attaching a trunk deck lid to a vehicle body in which the control link of the four-bar linkage has its usual vehicle-mounted pivot pin replaced by the rotatably driven output drive shaft of a power drive mechanism that is rigidly and directly coupled to the control link to swing to the same and thereby power actuate the four-bar linkage in order to pivot the deck lid between open and closed positions. The hinge elements are located on the weather side of the vehicle body components and the drive shaft extends through the vehicle sheet metal into the weather sealed trunk compartment so that the electromechanical drive components are mounted within the weather sealed trunk.

Abstract: A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle includes a gas operable assist device and at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector. The release system is positionable within a compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid. The compartment has a release mechanism for opening the deck lid and the release system is adapted for operation from the interior of the compartment. The gas operable assist device is connectable to the release mechanism and is operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to a user input to the manual input device or a detection of an occupant within the compartment by the occupant detector. The gas operable assist device includes at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element.

Abstract: A safety handle for opening a deck lid of a vehicle from inside the trunk compartment includes a handle and a housing having an outer wall and a perimeter surface. The housing defines a recess therein, which is positioned below or behind a plane defined by the perimeter surface of the housing. The handle is positioned in the recess and includes a handle portion and a shaft portion which defines a pivot axis of the handle. The shaft portion is pivotably mounted to the housing whereby said handle portion is positioned within the recess and below the plane defined by the perimeter surface such that the handle is pivotable within the recess. The handle is connectable to the release mechanism of the deck lid and pivotable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid of the trunk.

Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, a release assist device, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control for activating the assist device or the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.

Abstract: A hinge structure for an opening-and-closing member of an automobile includes a base member attachable to an automobile body. The base member has front and rear through holes formed therein. Front and rear bushes are fitted to the through holes. The bushes have a rod slidably inserted therethrough. The rod has its front and rear ends projecting from the base member. The front end of the rod is pivotally connected to an arm. The arm is attached to a trunk lid. The base member has one end of a connection link connected via a pin thereto. Another end of the connection link is connected to the arm by a pin.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing a deck lid of a vehicle body. An elongated rack is mounted in a housing for longitudinal movement. A rotatable pinion meshes with the rack to move the rack longitudinally in one direction or the other depending on the direction of rotation of the pinion. A reversible motor rotates the pinion in opposite directions. The deck lid is attached to a pair of arms pivoted to the vehicle body. A link has one end pivoted to the rack and the opposite end pivoted to one of the arms. The deck lid is moved to open position in response to longitudinal movement of the rack in one direction or to closed position in response to longitudinal movement of the rack in the other direction.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a dual locking structure of a trunk lid for burglarproof and more particularly, to the dual locking structure. for burglarproof comprising a protector mounted inside of a trunk lid panel and fixed firmly therewith by inserting a retainer, wherein said retainer is designed to be fixed with a lid plate lamp outside of the trunk lid panel and simultaneously to hold firmly said protector not to be removed from the trunk lid panel even though a screw for fixing the retainer is removed.

Abstract: A vehicle body closure assembly combines a hinge, that provides a plurality of pivot axes that are aligned with a common intersection point above a body opening closed by a closure panel hinged to the vehicle body, and a displacement limiter that controls the open position of the closure so that the hinge pieces maintain a stable alignment with respect to each other. Preferably, the hinge structure or adjacent supports include the displacement limiter. A panel mount defmes a first hinge axis, a body mount defines a second axis and a pair of links are pivotally secured together between the panel mount and the body mount to complete a hinge set. Preferably, a pair of hinge sets are secured to the hinge side of the closure panel to align said panel for movement in a non-interfering path with respect to body portions adjacent the path.

Abstract: A deck lock system for usage in the rear area of a sport utility vehicle and covering the entire rear area of the vehicle, the deck lock system comprising: a deck surface, which comprises a first deck surface panel, a second deck surface panel, and a third deck surface panel. Each panel is substantially horizontal to the floor of the vehicle, each panel attached together along distal edges by a hinge, allowing the first two panels to fold along a vertical axis. A faceplate is securely connected to the deck surface along a front edge, the faceplate extending downwardly from the deck surface in a substantially perpendicular relation, the faceplate extending inwardly from a right side of the vehicle to a left side. The faceplate faces the front of the vehicle; creating a front wall to complete an enclosed storage area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spoiler which constitutes a traveling safety device for a motor vehicle. The spoiler is adapted for controllably diverting airflow which passes over aerodynamic surfaces of a motor vehicle, upon high speed traveling of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A latch, lock and hinge system having components that are well suited for use with closures such as tonneau covers that close the upwardly opening rear cargo compartments of pickup trucks and the like, includes rotary latch assemblies that are mounted on hinges for releasably engaging latch strikers to provide cover mounting connections that permit the cover both to pivot between open and closed positions, and to be removed when desired. The hinges have pivotally connected arms that are biased to hold the hinge-carried latches adjacent the cover when the cover is removed. Also included are other rotary latch assemblies that are connected by flexible cables to a latch operator assembly having an elongate housing that defines near its opposite ends a pair of recesses wherein latch operators are nested that can be concurrently moved toward each other by the fingers of one hand to unlatch and pivot open the cover. The latch operator assembly is lockable to prevent the cover from being opened and/or removed.

Abstract: A remote control type vehicular trunk is provided which includes a plurality of trunks each having a lid whereby the lids are locked and unlocked by a remote controller. The trunks have a pop-up device, which opens at least one of the lids in response to a predetermined remote control. The controller includes a first actuator for locking or unlocking each of the lids, and a second actuator for unlocking the at least one of the trunks provided with the pop-up device and actuating the pop-up device.

Abstract: A torsion bar for use in raising a vehicle trunk lid has a center extender portion to increase the effective length of the torsion bar. The extender portion generally includes three U-shaped portions of the torsion bar which extend on a generally horizontal plane. Two of the U-shaped portions extend transversely across the vehicle. The third extends longitudinally. A pair of lifting portions extend radially at either end of the torsion bar. The lifting portions engage a link pivotally attached to hinge arms to form a biasing force to lift the trunk lid. The increased effective length of the torsion bar permits the torsion bar to produce desired lifting criteria while preventing the torsion bar from being overstressed.

Abstract: A convertible (1) with a roof (2), which can be stowed in the rear region (3) of the vehicle beneath a lid part (4), it being possible to open and close the lid part (4), on the one hand, for unblocking an opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) adjacent to the front region (4a) of the lid part (4) and, on the other, for unblocking an opening (8) for luggage, adjacent to the rear end region (9), an auxiliary frame (11) being disposed beneath the lid part (4a) and connected in the, in the driving direction (F), pre-disposed area over a multiple joint (14) with the lid part (4) and mounted moveably with respect to the vehicle body in its rear region (12), wherein the multiple joint (14), while the opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) is unblocked, is held in stood-up position which enlarges the distance between the lid part (4) and the auxiliary frame (11) relative to that of the closed position.

Abstract: A torsion bar for use in raising a vehicle trunk lid has a center extender portion to increase the effective length of the torsion bar. The extender portion generally includes three U-shaped portions of the torsion bar which extend on a generally horizontal plane. Two of the U-shaped portions extend transversely across the vehicle. The third extends longitudinally. A pair of lifting portions extend radially at either end of the torsion bar. The lifting portions engage a link pivotally attached to hinge arms to form a biasing force to lift the trunk lid. The increased effective length of the torsion bar permits the torsion bar to produce desired lifting criteria while preventing the torsion bar from being overstressed.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by the trunk linkage. A tonneau is provided to cover the retractable hard top storage area in both the top up and stowed position. Rear quarter windows are shifted from a top up position in which they function as windows to a stowed position in which the windows are rotated to a stowed position. The retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, tonneau, and roll bar may be assembled as a single unitary module including the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau.

Abstract: A vehicle body closure assembly combines a hinge, that provides a plurality of pivot axes that are aligned with a common intersection point above a body opening closed by a closure panel hinged to the vehicle body, and a displacement limiter that controls the open position of the closure so that the hinge pieces maintain a stable alignment with respect to each other. Preferably, the hinge structure or adjacent supports include the displacement limiter. A panel mount defines a first hinge axis, a body mount defines a second axis and a pair of links are pivotally secured together between the panel mount and the body mount to complete a hinge set. Preferably, a pair of hinge sets are secured to the hinge side of the closure panel to align said panel for movement in a non-interfering path with respect to body portions adjacent the path.

Abstract: In closure apparatus and method for an elongated lid of a compartment, the lid being pivotally supported on a wall defining the compartment via a pair of mutually spaced apart hinge arms, a control device controls each of a first driving device and an electromagnetic clutch to make a deformation of the lid to the compartment return to its original form in response to an output of the locked state detection signal from the detecting section. In the first embodiment, a rotation direction of a reversible motor is changed to a reverse direction which corresponds to an open direction of the lid to drive the lid toward the open direction in response to the output of the locked state detection signal.

Abstract: A base plate has mutually opposed first and second side surfaces. A first group of parts are arranged on the first side surface, which includes an electric motor, a speed reduction unit and an electromagnetic clutch. The speed reduction unit has a gear member which is projected to the second side surface from the first side surface through an opening formed in the base plate and driven by the motor when the electromagnetic clutch assumes ON condition. A second group of parts are arranged on the second side surface, which includes an intermediate gear which is rotatably connected to the base plate and meshed with the gear member, an output gear which is rotatably connected to the base plate through a shaft secured to the output gear and meshed with the intermediate gear and an output arm which is connected to the output gear to rotate therewith. The output arm is connected to the lid through a link.

Abstract: A pivoting hinge joint having two end stop positions including a pivot arm including a first guideway, a stationary guide including a second guideway having a bent configuration with a turning point, a pivot axis for allowing the pivot arm to pivot with respect to the stationary guide, a guide member adapted to be guided in the first and second guideways, at least one spring adapted to bias the guided member to a first stop position and a second stop position, wherein the turning point is disposed between the first stop position and the second stop position and wherein the pivot arm pivots with respect to the stationary guide between the first stop position and the second stop position.