Clarence C Clouse

US Patent:

45278253, Jul 9, 1985

Filed:

Nov 17, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/552704

Inventors:

Clarence Clouse - Ferndale MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60J 900

US Classification:

296 1C

Abstract:

A motor vehicle body has a fuel filler neck accessible through a flanged opening in a vehicle body panel and concealed by a door adapted to fit within the opening flush with the vehicle body panel. The door is mounted by a gooseneck hinge bracket having a first end which is mounted on the vehicle body by a main pivot defining a hinge axis located beyond the edge of the door, and having an associated main spring which urges the hinge bracket to a normal position closing the door. The other end of the hinge bracket is connected to the door by an auxiliary pivot having an associated stop which limits pivotal movement of the door relative to the hinge bracket and an associated spring which normally urges the door to the closed position. Depressing the edge portion of the door causes the door to pivot about the auxiliary pivot to an extent permitted by the stop. The other end of the door is then gripped and pulled outwardly to initiate outward movement of the gooseneck hinge bracket about the main pivot until the main spring goes overcenter to hold the hinge bracket in the door open position.