Automotive glove box hinge mechanism

A glove box hinge mechanism usable with a vehicle dashboard structure having an opening, the mechanism comprising:

• a glove box with a front closure member disposable in the opening in the vehicle dashboard and having a closed position for retaining stowables and an open position for providing access to the stowables;
• at least two upper linkages pivotally attached at first ends thereof to the glove box and at second ends thereof to the vehicle dashboard structure;
• at least two lower linkages pivotally attached at first ends thereof to the glove box and at second ends thereof to the vehicle dashboard structure;
• and
• at least one torque tube affixed between the upper linkages to coordinate movement of the upper linkages, the torque tube supporting an integral striker that rotates with the upper linkages to provide clearance for the glove box;
• wherein the upper and lower linkages are configured to pivot and translate the glove box and front closure member to limit downward travel of the glove box and the front closure member.

A glove box hinge mechanism usable with a vehicle dashboard structure having an opening, and a striker disposed along a portion of the opening, the mechanism comprising:

• a glove box having a plurality of sides and disposable in the opening in the vehicle dashboard structure, the glove box having a closed position for retaining stowables and an open position for providing access to the stowables;
• a front closure member defining one of the sides of the glove box and being integral with the vehicle dashboard structure when the glove box is in the closed position;
• a latch disposed along the front closure member for selectively engaging the striker to retain the glove box in the closed position;
• and
• a plurality of rotatable linkages pivotally attached to the vehicle dashboard structure and pivotally supporting the glove box, the linkages rotate and translate the glove box and front closure member outwards and upwards towards the open position when the latch releases the striker, and limit downward travel of the glove box and the front closure member.