Importance

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Abstract

A hinge and check assembly for checking the door of a motor vehicle when in the open position. The assembly provides a base having check profiles formed therein to establish predetermined check positions. The assembly also provides a strap that provides a spring biased contact surface for engaging the check profiles formed in the base. The strap is pivotally connected to the base through a pivot pin that defines a hinge axis, and the strap is allowed to rotate with the door of the vehicle about the hinge axis. Upon rotation of the strap, the contact surface follows the check profile and establishes a predetermined check position. The check profiles are perpendicular to the pivot pin, and the contact surfaces are perpendicular to the check profiles so that the check force applied to the pivot pin is in an axial direction. By having the check force applied axially to the pivot pin, deformation and wear to the pivot pin and its associated bushing does not occur. The strap and base of the assembly are fabricated from a cast magnesium alloy which provides a light weight, high strength assembly. This reduces weight in the vehicle which in turn leads to improved fuel economy. Also, the casting process reduces the amount of machining operations necessary to form the finished parts, and therefore, tolerances are reduced, and performances are enhanced.

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First Claim