Hinge trim system

A hinge trim system comprising a covering portion overlying at least a portion of at least one of the exposed surfaces of a hinge, wherein the covering portion includes one or more covering surfaces overlying the hinge so as to maintain a barrier surface between one or more pivot points and the covering portion and wherein the hinge includes a support link having a first end pivotally connected to a first strap and having a second end pivotally connected to a second strap, the first strap having a first mounting segment and the second strap having a second mounting segment and wherein the hinge trim includes:

• a first covering portion overlying at least a portion of the support link;
• a second covering portion adjacent the first covering portion overlying at least a portion of the first strap;
• and
• a third covering portion adjacent the first covering portion overlying at least a portion of the second strap, wherein the first covering portion moves with the hinge relative to the second covering portion and the third covering portion so as to maintain a barrier surface over one or more pivot points.

A hinge and hinge trim arrangement, comprising:

• a hinge including a support link having a first end pivotally connected to a first strap and having a second end pivotally connected to a second strap, the first strap having a first substantially planar mounting segment and the second strap having a second substantially planar mounting segment, the first and second mounting segments continuously remaining substantially parallel during operation of the hinge system;
• and
• a hinge trim system for covering one or more exposed surfaces of the hinge, including:
• a first covering portion overlying the support link;
• a second covering portion adjacent the first covering portion overlying the first strap;
• and
• a third covering portion adjacent the first covering portion overlying the second strap, wherein the first covering portion moves with the hinge relative to the second covering portion and the third covering portion so as to maintain a barrier surface between respective adjacent end portions of the first covering portion, the second covering portion, and the third covering portion and the hinge while simultaneously maintaining a covering over a substantial portion of the hinge surfaces.

A method for installing the hinge and hinge trim assembly on an automobile frame, the method comprising:

• providing a door to be hinged to an automobile frame;
• coupling a hinge to one surface of the door;
• coupling the opposite end of the hinge to a portion of the automobile frame;
• providing a hinge trim having a covering portion for covering at least a portion of one or more exposed surfaces of the hinge, wherein the covering portion includes one or more covering surfaces overlying the hinge so as to maintain a barrier surface between one or more pivot points and the covering portion, wherein the hinge includes a support link having a first end pivotally connected to a first strap and having a second end pivotally connected to a second strap, the first strap having a first substantially planar mounting segment and the second strap having a second substantially planar mounting segment, the first and second mounting segments continuously remaining substantially parallel during operation of the hinge system.