Hinge for vehicle hood
AssigneePACCAR Inc
InventorsEric N. Tucker, Joseph F. Marrs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hinge is provided suitable for attaching a hood to a car or truck. The hinge includes generally tubular members sharing a common axis of rotation. Elastomeric elements interposed between the tubular members provide isolation between the parts of the hinge. Relative rotation between the tubular members compresses the elastomeric elements creating a spring-force opposing the relative rotation. The hood, hinge, and vehicle may be configured so that the spring-force of the elastomeric elements assists in opening and/or closing of the hood.
Claims20
A hinge comprising:
- a first tubular member;
- a second tubular member juxtaposed in an overlapping and concentric relation to the first tubular member;
- a first plurality of elastomeric members disposed between the first and second tubular members;
- a third tubular member juxtaposed in an overlapping and concentric relation to the second tubular member;
- and
- a second plurality of elastomeric members disposed between the second and third tubular members.
Apparatus for coupling a hatch to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one hinge comprising:
- a first tubular member coupled to a frame of the vehicle;
- a second tubular member coupled to the hatch;
- a third tubular member juxtaposed in an overlapping relation with the first and second tubular members;
- a first plurality of cushioning members disposed between the first and third tubular members such that relative rotation of the first and third tubular members about their longitudinal axes causes compression of the first plurality of cushioning members;
- and
- a second plurality of cushioning members disposed between the second and third tubular members such that relative rotation of the second and third tubular members about their longitudinal axes causes compression of the second plurality of cushioning members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.