Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Ford Motor Company Limited

Daniel Trentin

Dave Spink

Michael J Gardynik

Kevin Joseph Favero

Steven Frank

Michael Neumann

Danny P Manginen

An armrest console includes an armrest, a fixed gear coupled to a top of a storage compartment in the armrest console, an elevating gear coupled to the armrest; a dampener gear engaged with the elevating gear and the fixed gear, and a gear connector to receive the elevating gear and the dampener gear. When the armrest is rotated about an axis of the elevating gear in a counterclockwise direction to open, the elevating gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction and the dampener gear is rotated in a clockwise direction and both the elevating gear and the dampener gear are rotated about an axis of the fixed gear, and wherein the elevating gear and the dampener gear are moved up at a height direction when the armrest is rotated to open.

Hinge mechanism and armrest console including hinge mechanism

A hinge assembly can removably mount a tailgate to a vehicle. The hinge assembly includes a first bracket attached to a first part. The hinge assembly further includes an engagement member and a second bracket attached to a second part and including a resilient member. A pivot shaft pivotally connects the first and second brackets. The engagement member engages the resilient member when the first part is at a first position and disengages the resilient member when the first part is at a second position.

Hinge assembly for a tailgate of a vehicle

A hinge to removably mount a tailgate to a vehicle is provided. The hinge comprises a tailgate leaf connected to a tailgate and a body leaf connected to the box of the vehicle. The tailgate leaf is attached to the slider through a hinge pivot. The body leaf has a first chamber in which a slider can be locked and unlocked through a locking mechanism in the second chamber. The locking mechanism comprises a locking wedge, a threaded shaft, and a cam lever to operate the locking wedge without the requirement of a tool.

Hinge for a removable tailgate

A hinge assembly comprises a link arm; a first pivot connected to a door leaf and the link arm; a second pivot parallel, distant to the first pivot, and connected to a body leaf and the link arm; a first gear attached to the first pivot; a second gear attached to the second pivot; and an idler gear engaging the first and second gears at a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot.

Dual pivot hinge assemblies

A device for securing a movable panel relative to a vehicle body includes a housing, a plunger, a handle, and a spring. The housing defines a bore and a slot. The plunger includes a shaft and a clamp extending radially outward from the shaft. The shaft extends through the bore and is coupled to the housing for relative axial and rotational movement relative to the housing. The handle is fixedly coupled to the shaft and extends through the slot. The spring biases the clamp toward the housing.

Hold down device and method for securing movable vehicle panels during processing

Dual pivoting laterally translating hinges that attach between a stationary first substrate such as a vehicle body, and a rotating second substrate such as a vehicle door, and extend laterally when the second substrate is rotated. In some examples, the hinges include a knuckle and leadscrew mechanism that changes the hinge geometry when the second substrate is rotated, causing the leadscrew to rotate by either a set of gears or a rack and pinion. In some further examples, the hinges include a jackscrew that changes length as the second substrate is rotated, causing the hinge to extent laterally.

Dual pivot laterally translating hinges

A mechanical force gauge assembly includes a bracket, a housing, a hand member, a spring, a first ring, and a plunger. The bracket is for mounting to a vehicle frame. The housing is mounted to the bracket and defines a cavity and a housing cutout. The hand member is sized for disposal and translation within the cavity and defines an extension sized to extend through the housing cutout. The spring is disposed within the housing to bias movement of the hand member. The first ring is external to the housing and arranged with the extension to move in a first direction therewith. The plunger receives a force from a vehicle component secured to the vehicle frame. The plunger is arranged with the hand member such that the first ring moves to provide a force measurement reflective of the force received by the plunger.

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Ivanhoe, Australia

Daniel Trentin