Jeffrey D Heath

US Patent:

7469953, Dec 30, 2008

Filed:

Jul 24, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/459369

Inventors:

Jeffrey D. Heath - Orion MI, US
David T. Renke - Macomb MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B62D 25/10

US Classification:

296 76, 29614611, 49386, 16289

Abstract:

A gooseneck hinge assembly for a closure of a vehicle includes a body side bracket adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle and a closure side bracket having a gooseneck shape adapted to be connected to a closure for closing an aperture in the vehicle body. The gooseneck hinge assembly also includes a pivot pin to pivotally connect the closure side bracket to the body side bracket to allow rotational movement therebetween. The gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a torque rod adapted to be connected to another one of the closure side bracket, and a torque rod assembly connected to the body side bracket and the torque rod and being infinitely adjustable to counterbalance a weight of the closure when opening and closing the aperture.

US Patent:

7815241, Oct 19, 2010

Filed:

May 31, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/421087

Inventors:

David T. Renke - Macomb MI, US
Jeffrey D. Heath - Orion MI, US
Martin R. Manley - West Bloomfield MI, US
Andrew R. McIntyre - Midland, CA
Robert A. Woods - Cookeville TN, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

E05D 11/06
B62D 25/12

US Classification:

29614611, 296 76, 16375

Abstract:

A gooseneck hinge assembly for a closure of a vehicle includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle and a closure side strap having a gooseneck shape adapted to be connected to a closure for closing an opening in the vehicle body. The gooseneck hinge assembly also includes a pivot pin pivotally connecting the closure side strap and the body side strap to allow rotational movement therebetween. The gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a wedge bumper interconnecting the body side strap and the closure side strap to allow the decklid to free rise to a fully open position and to dampen an impact of the closure side strap.