Multiple Axis Hinge for a Vehicle Body Side Door
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsJoel S. Hooton, Armand J. Ybarra, Raymond L. Wojdacki, JR., Douglas J. Amick, Samer J. Mona
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle door hinge assembly includes a first hinge supported to pivot about a first axis, a guide surface, a door located at a side of the vehicle, a bracket to which the door is secured, supported to pivot about the first axis and a second axis and including a follower engaged with the guild surface, and a strut secured to the bracket that extends as the bracket pivots toward an open position and retracts as the bracket pivots toward a closed position.
Claims20
A hinge assembly for a door of a vehicle comprising:
- a first bracket able to be fixed in position on the vehicle;
- a first hinge supported to pivot on the first bracket about a first axis;
- a guide surface;
- a second bracket supported on the first bracket to pivot about a second axis and including a follower engaged with the guild surface;
- and
- a displaceable strut secured to the second bracket for holding the second bracket in an open position.
A door hinge assembly for a vehicle, comprising:
- a first hinge supported to pivot about a first axis;
- a guide surface;
- a door located at a side of the vehicle;
- a bracket to which the door is secured, supported to pivot about the first axis and a second axis and including a follower engaged with the guide surface;
- and
- a strut secured to the bracket and that extends as the bracket pivots toward an open position and retracts as the bracket pivots toward a closed position.
A method for supporting a vehicle door, comprising:
- providing a first hinge that pivots about a first axis;
- securing the door to a bracket that is supported on the first hinge to pivot about a second axis;
- guiding movement of the bracket on a guide surface that is secured in position;
- and
- supporting the door in an open position by securing an expandable and retractable strut to the bracket and to a body of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.