Adjustable hinge assembly

A hinge assembly may include a hinge bracket, a pivot member and a hinge arm. The hinge bracket may be adapted to be mounted to a frame member of a vehicle. The pivot member may be connected to the hinge bracket and may be pivotable relative thereto. The hinge arm may be connected to the pivot member and may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the pivot member. The hinge arm may be linearly adjustable in a first direction relative to the hinge bracket and linearly adjustable in a second direction relative to the hinge bracket. The first and second directions may be substantially perpendicular relative to each other. The hinge arm may be adapted to be coupled to a closure panel of the vehicle to move the closure panel relative to the frame member between an open position and a closed position.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable hinge assembly.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle may include a hood, a trunk, doors, a tailgate, and/or one or more other closure panels that are movable between open and closed positions to selectively permit and restrict access to various compartments and/or spaces of the vehicle. Hinge assemblies may couple the closure panels relative to a frame member or other structure of the vehicle. Due to manufacturing tolerances, initial installation of a hinge assembly and a corresponding closure panel onto a vehicle may result in some degree of misalignment between the closure panel and the frame member. Traditionally, such misalignment of the closure panel would be corrected through tedious trial-and-error iterations of moving the closure panel and hinge assembly relative to the frame member until the proper fit and alignment was achieved.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a hinge assembly that may include a hinge bracket, a pivot member and a hinge arm. The hinge bracket may be adapted to be mounted to a frame member of a vehicle. The pivot member may be connected to the hinge bracket and may be pivotable relative thereto. The hinge arm may be connected to the pivot member and may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the pivot member. The hinge arm may be linearly adjustable in a first direction relative to the hinge bracket and linearly adjustable in a second direction relative to the hinge bracket. The first and second directions may be substantially perpendicular relative to each other. The hinge arm may be adapted to be coupled to a closure panel of the vehicle to move the closure panel relative to the frame member between an open position and a closed position.

In some embodiments, the closure panel can include a hood of the vehicle. The hinge arm may be linearly adjustable in a third direction relative to the hinge bracket. The third direction may be substantially perpendicular relative to the first and second directions.

In some embodiments, the hinge assembly may include a first cam member coupled to the pivot member that is pivotable about the longitudinal axis relative to the hinge bracket independently of the hinge arm. Pivotal motion of the first cam member relative to the hinge bracket may cause corresponding linear adjustment of the pivot member in the first direction.

In some embodiments, the hinge assembly may include a pivot pin attached to the hinge bracket and a second cam member engaging the pivot pin for pivotable motion relative to the hinge bracket. The hinge bracket may include a base portion and an upright portion extending from the base portion. The base portion may include a reaction member extending therefrom and engaging a peripheral surface of the second cam member. Rotation of the second cam member relative to the hinge bracket may exert a force on the reaction member causing linear movement of the hinge arm relative to the frame member of the vehicle. In some embodiments, pivotal motion of the second cam member relative to the hinge bracket may cause corresponding linear adjustment of the hinge bracket in the second direction. Each of the upright portion and the base portion may include a slot facilitating relative movement between the hinge arm and the frame member.

In some embodiments, the hinge assembly may include a pivot bushing fixedly engaging the hinge arm and threadably engaging the pivot member. Threadable adjustment of the pivot member relative to the pivot bushing may cause corresponding linear adjustment of the hinge arm relative to the hinge bracket in a third direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction and the first and second directions may be perpendicular to the third direction.

The present disclosure also provides a hinge assembly that may include a hinge bracket, a pivot member, a hinge arm, and a cam member. The hinge bracket may be adapted to be mounted to a frame member of a vehicle. The pivot member may be connected to the hinge bracket and may be pivotable relative to the hinge bracket. The hinge arm may be connected to the pivot member and may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the pivot member. The hinge arm may be linearly adjustable relative to the hinge bracket and may be adapted to be coupled to a closure panel of the vehicle to move the closure panel relative to the frame member between an open position and a closed position. The cam member may be coupled to the pivot member and may be pivotable about the longitudinal axis relative to the hinge bracket independently of the hinge arm. Pivotal motion of the cam member relative to the hinge bracket may cause corresponding linear adjustment of the pivot member.

In some embodiments, the hinge assembly may include an adjustment member and a link member connected to the cam member. Movement of the adjust member may cause corresponding movement of the link member. Movement of the link member may cause corresponding movement of the cam member.

In some embodiments, the hinge arm may be independently movable in first and second directions relative to the frame member. The first and second directions may be substantially perpendicular to each other. In some embodiments, the hinge arm may be movable in a third direction relative to the frame member. The third direction may be perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the summary and detailed description, including the disclosed embodiments and drawings, are merely exemplary in nature intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application or use. Thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

When an element or component is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or component, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or component, or intervening elements or components may be present. In contrast, when an element or component is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or component, there may be no intervening elements or components present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference toFIG. 1, a vehicle10is provided that may include one or more structural members12(shown schematically), one or more closure panels14, and one or more hinge assemblies16(shown schematically inFIG. 1). The hinge assemblies16may be connected to corresponding structural members12and the closure panel14and may allow the closure panel14to pivot relative to the structural members12between an open position (shown in phantom lines inFIG. 1) and a closed position (shown in solid lines inFIG. 1). In various embodiments, the hinge assemblies16may be operable to adjust an alignment and fit of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in one or more of a lateral dimension X, a vertical dimension Y, and a fore/aft dimension Z. The lateral dimension X may be substantially perpendicular to the vertical dimension Y and the fore/aft dimension Z, and the vertical dimension Y may be substantially perpendicular to the fore/aft dimension Z.

In the particular embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the closure panel14is a hood of the vehicle10and the structural members12may be portions of a frame of a body of the vehicle10, for example. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the structural member12could be any other frame member, support member or structural component of the vehicle10and the closure panel14could be a trunk, a door, a tailgate, a glove compartment, a fuel door, or any other member movable between open and closed positions to selectively permit and restrict access to a compartment and/or space of the vehicle10. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the closure panel14may be connected to the structural member12by only a single hinge assembly16or any other number of hinge assemblies16.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-4, the hinge assembly16may include a hinge bracket18, a hinge arm20, a pivot member22, and a cam member24. The hinge bracket18may include a first portion26and a second portion28. The first portion26may act as a base of the hinge bracket18and may be secured to the structural member12via one or more bolts30, rivets, and/or welds, for example. The second portion28may extend from the first portion26and may include a slot32(FIG. 4) formed therein. The slot32may be elongated in the vertical dimension Y and may extend through a thickness of the second portion28in the lateral dimension X.

In some embodiments, the second portion28may extend from the first portion26in a generally upright manner such that the first and second portions26,28may form a generally L-shaped member. The first and second portions26,28could be integrally formed with each other or the first and second portions26,28could be discrete pieces that are welded, bolted and/or otherwise fixed relative to each other. In some embodiments, the hinge bracket18may be formed without the first portion26, in which case, the second portion28could be secured directly to the structural member12.

The hinge arm20may include a first end portion34and a second end portion36. In some embodiments, the hinge arm20may include an elbow portion37and the first and second end portions34,36may be generally perpendicular or angled relative to each other. WhileFIGS. 3 and 4depict the hinge arm20as a generally hollow member, it will be appreciated that the hinge arm20could be a solid member. The first end portion34may include an aperture38(FIG. 4) that may be substantially aligned with at least a portion of the slot32formed in the second portion28of the hinge bracket18. The second end portion36may include a flange40(FIG. 2) that may be attached to the closure panel14via welding and/or one or more fasteners42, for example.

The pivot member22may be a generally elongated pin or bolt, for example, and may include an elongated body portion44and a head portion46. The body portion44may define a longitudinal axis A1and may be received through the slot32in the hinge bracket18and through the aperture38in the hinge arm20. A washer48and a nut50and/or any other retaining member may engage an end portion52of the body portion44and may cooperate with the head portion46and the cam member24to retain body portion46in the slot32and aperture38. The hinge arm20may be pivotable about the longitudinal axis A1of relative to the hinge bracket18to move the closure panel14between the open and closed positions.

The cam member24may be a generally oblong disc having an aperture54(FIG. 4) extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the cam member24may be welded or otherwise secured to the head portion46of the pivot member22. In some embodiments, the cam member24could be integrally formed with the pivot member22. The cam member24may include a peripheral surface56defining a lobe58. The lobe58may include a peak60, which may be defined as the point or portion of the peripheral surface56that is further away from the aperture54than any other point or portion of the peripheral surface56. The body portion44of the pivot member22may extend through the aperture54such that the second portion28of the hinge bracket18is disposed between the cam member24and the hinge arm20. The cam member24may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis A1relative to the hinge bracket18.

With reference toFIGS. 2-4, operation of the hinge assembly16will be described in detail. As described above, the hinge bracket18may be fixed relative to the structural member12, and the hinge arm20may be fixed relative to the closure panel14. The hinge arm20may be mounted to the hinge bracket18for pivotable motion relative thereto by inserting the body portion44of the pivot member22through the slot32in the hinge bracket18and through the aperture38in the hinge arm20.

Alignment of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the vertical dimension Y may be adjusted by rotating the cam member24about the longitudinal axis A1to a position such that the peripheral surface56of the cam member24is in contact with the first portion26of the hinge bracket18. As the cam member24is rotated toward a position where the peak60of the lobe58is in contact with the first portion26(i.e., a position where an axis A2extending between the peak60and the aperture54is perpendicular to the first portion26), the pivot member22will correspondingly move linearly upward in the vertical dimension Y within the slot32, and hence the hinge arm20and closure panel14will correspondingly move linearly upward in the vertical dimension Y relative to the structural member12. Conversely, rotating the cam member24in a direction that moves the peak60away from the first portion26of the hinge bracket18will cause the pivot member22to move linearly downward within the slot32in the vertical direction Y, which causes the hinge arm20and closure panel14to move linearly downward in the vertical dimension Y relative to the structural member12.

Once the cam member24is rotated to a position in which a desired relative alignment between the closure panel14and the structural member12is achieved, the cam member24can be welded, bolted or otherwise fixedly secured to the second portion28of the hinge bracket18to thereby “lock” the alignment of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12. Of course, even after the cam member24is fixedly secured in the desired position relative to the hinge bracket18, the hinge arm20is free to pivot about the longitudinal axis A1to move the closure panel14between the open and closed positions.

With reference toFIGS. 5-7, another hinge assembly116is provided that may include a hinge bracket118, a hinge arm120, a pivot member122, a cam member124, and an adjustment linkage125. The hinge bracket118, hinge arm120, pivot member122, and cam member124may be substantially similar to the hinge bracket18, hinge arm20, pivot member22, and cam member24described above, apart from any differences noted below. Therefore, substantially similar features may not be described again in detail. Like the hinge assembly16, the hinge assembly116may be connected to the structural member12and closure panel14, may be movable to allow the closure panel14to move between the open and closed positions, and may be adjustable to align the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the vertical dimension Y.

Like the hinge bracket18, the hinge bracket118may include a first portion126and a second portion128. The second portion128may include a slot132, at least a portion of which may be substantially aligned with an aperture138in the hinge arm120. A body portion144of the pivot member122may extend through the slot132and the aperture138. The second portion128may also include a cantilevered portion129extending therefrom. The cantilevered portion129may include a threaded hole131.

The cam member124may be a generally oblong disc having an aperture154extending therethrough. The cam member124may include a peripheral surface156defining a lobe158. The lobe158may include a peak160, which may be defined as the point or portion of the peripheral surface156that is further away from the aperture154than any other point or portion of the peripheral surface156. The body portion144of the pivot member22may extend through the aperture154such that the second portion128of the hinge bracket118is disposed between the cam member124and the hinge arm120. The cam member124may be rotatable relative to the hinge bracket118about a longitudinal axis A3of the body portion144of the pivot member122. The cam member124may also include a protrusion161extending from the peripheral surface156. The protrusion161may include a slot or hole163extending therethrough.

The adjustment linkage125may include a link member165, an adjustment member167, a collar169, and a nut171. The link member165may include a body portion173and a peg175extending therefrom. The peg175may rotatably engage the hole163in the protrusion161of the cam member124, and may be retained therein by a clip176, for example.

The body portion173may include an aperture177that may be generally aligned with the hole131in the cantilevered portion129of the hinge bracket118. The adjustment member167may include a head portion179and a threaded elongated portion181. The elongated portion181may extend through and threadably engage the threaded hole131in the cantilevered portion129.

The collar169may include a generally U-shaped cross section defining a cavity183. An aperture185may be formed in the collar169and may extend into the cavity183. The elongated portion181of the adjustment member167may extend through the aperture185and into the cavity183. The nut171may be threadably secured to an end of the elongated portion181of the adjustment member167and may be received in the aperture177in the link member165. The nut171and the adjustment member167may be freely rotatable within the aperture177of the link member165. An end184of the link member165may be fixedly received in the cavity183of the collar. In some embodiments, the collar169may be welded or adhesively bonded to the end184of the link member165.

With continued reference toFIGS. 5-7, assembly and operation of the hinge assembly116will be described. The first portion126of the hinge bracket118may be bolted or otherwise secured to the structural member12. The body portion144of the pivot member122may be inserted through the aperture154in the cam member124and through the slot132in the second portion128of the hinge bracket118. The hinge arm120can be assembled to the pivot member122such that the body portion144of the pivot member122is received through the aperture138in the hinge arm120.

The adjustment linkage125can be assembled to the hinge bracket118and the cam member124by first threading the elongated portion181of the adjustment member167through the threaded hole131in the cantilevered portion129. Then, the collar169can be slid onto the elongated portion181such that the elongated portion181is rotatably engaging the aperture185of the collar169. Thereafter, the nut171can be threaded onto the elongated portion such that the nut171is received in the cavity183of the collar169. The end184of the link member165can then be inserted into the cavity183such that the nut171is received in the aperture177of the link member165. The end184of the link member165can be welded, adhesively bonded or press-fit into engagement with the cavity183of the collar169.

Alignment of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the vertical dimension Y may be adjusted by rotating the cam member124about the longitudinal axis A3to a position such that the peripheral surface156of the cam member124is in contact with the first portion126of the hinge bracket118. As the cam member124is rotated toward a position where the peak160of the lobe158is in contact with the first portion126(i.e., a position where an axis A4extending between the peak160and the aperture154is perpendicular to the first portion126), the pivot member122will correspondingly move linearly upward in the vertical dimension Y within the slot132, and hence the hinge arm120and closure panel14will correspondingly move linearly upward in the vertical dimension Y relative to the structural member12. Conversely, rotating the cam member124in a direction that moves the peak160away from the first portion126of the hinge bracket118will cause the pivot member122to move linearly downward within the slot132in the vertical direction Y, which causes the hinge arm120and closure panel14to move linearly downward in the vertical dimension Y relative to the structural member12.

The rotational position of the cam member124can be adjusted by manipulating the adjustment linkage125. More specifically, the adjustment member167can be rotated within the threaded hole131in either direction to move the link member165upward or downward in the vertical dimension Y. Because the peg175of the link member165engages the hole163in the protrusion161of the cam member124, upward or downward motion of the link member165in the vertical dimension Y relative to the hinge bracket118causes corresponding rotation of the cam member124about the longitudinal axis A3.

Once the cam member124is rotated to a position in which a desired relative alignment between the closure panel14and the structural member12is achieved, the cam member124can optionally be welded, bolted or otherwise fixedly secured to the second portion128of the hinge bracket118to “lock” the alignment of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12. Of course, even after the cam member124is fixedly secured in the desired position relative to the hinge bracket118, the hinge arm120is free to pivot about the longitudinal axis A3to move the closure panel14between the open and closed positions.

With reference toFIGS. 8 and 9, another hinge assembly216is provided. The hinge assembly216may be connected to the structural member12and closure panel14, may be movable to allow the closure panel14to rotate between the open and closed positions. As will be subsequently described, the hinge assembly216may be adjustable to align the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the vertical dimension Y and the fore/aft dimension Z.

The hinge assembly216may include a hinge bracket218, a hinge arm220, a pivot member222, a first cam member224, and a second cam member225. The hinge bracket218, hinge arm220, pivot member222, and first cam member224may be generally similar to the hinge bracket18, hinge arm20, pivot member22, and cam member24described above, apart from any differences noted below. Therefore, substantially similar features may not be described again in detail.

The hinge bracket218may include a first portion226and a second portion228. The first portion226may include first and second slots227,229that may extend through a thickness of the first portion226. The first and second slots227,229may extend longitudinally in the fore/aft dimension Z. First and second bolts230,231may extend through the first and second slots227,229, respectively, and may extend through corresponding apertures (not shown) in the structural member12. Nuts (not shown) may threadably engage the first and second bolts230,231to prevent the first and second bolts230,231from disengaging the structural member12and hinge bracket218. The first slot227may include first and second opposing ends221,233, and the second slot229may include first and second opposing ends235,237.

The first portion226may also include first and second reaction members239,241extending therefrom. The first and second reaction members239,241may include first and second reaction surfaces243,245, respectively. The first and second reaction surfaces243,245may be concave surfaces that generally face each other. The first and second reaction members239,241may be disposed adjacent the first and second ends235,237, respectively, of the second slot229.

Like the second portion28of the hinge bracket18, the second portion228may include a slot232, at least a portion of which may be substantially aligned with an aperture238in the hinge arm220. A body portion244of the pivot member222may extend through the slot232and the aperture238.

The first cam member224may include an aperture254and a peripheral surface256defining a lobe258. The lobe258may include a peak260, which may be defined as the point or portion of the peripheral surface256that is further away from the aperture254than any other point or portion of the peripheral surface256. The body portion244of the pivot member22may extend through the aperture254, through the slot232in the second portion228of the hinge bracket218, and through the aperture238in the hinge arm220. The first cam member224may be rotatable relative to the hinge bracket218about a longitudinal axis A5of the body portion244of the pivot member222.

The second cam member225may be a generally oblong disc having an aperture245extending therethrough and a peripheral surface247defining a lobe249. The lobe249may include a peak251, which may be defined as the point or portion of the peripheral surface247that is further away from the aperture245than any other point or portion of the peripheral surface247. The second bolt231may extend through the aperture245, through the second slot229and into the structural member12. In some embodiments, the second cam member225may be welded or otherwise secured to the second bolt231. In some embodiments, the second cam member225could be integrally formed with the second bolt231. The second bolt231and the second cam member225may be rotatable relative to the hinge bracket218about a longitudinal axis A6defining the second bolt231.

With continued reference toFIGS. 8 and 9, operation of the hinge assembly216will be described. The hinge arm220may be mounted to the hinge bracket218for pivotable motion relative thereto by inserting the body portion244of the pivot member222through the slot232in the hinge bracket218and through the aperture238in the hinge arm220. As described above, the hinge assembly216may be operable to adjust a position of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the vertical dimension Y and in the fore/aft dimension Z.

Alignment of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the vertical dimension Y may be adjusted by rotating the first cam member224about the longitudinal axis A5to a position such that the peripheral surface256of the first cam member224is in contact with the first portion226of the hinge bracket218. As the first cam member224is rotated toward a position where the peak260of the lobe258is in contact with the first portion226(i.e., a position where an axis A7extending between the peak260and the aperture254is perpendicular to the first portion226), the pivot member222will correspondingly move linearly upward in the vertical dimension Y within the slot232, and hence the hinge arm220and closure panel14will correspondingly move linearly upward in the vertical dimension Y relative to the structural member12. Conversely, rotating the first cam member224in a direction that moves the peak260away from the first portion226of the hinge bracket218will cause the pivot member222to move linearly downward within the slot232in the vertical direction Y, which causes the hinge arm220and closure panel14to move linearly downward in the vertical dimension Y relative to the structural member12.

Once the first cam member224is rotated to a position in which a desired relative alignment between the closure panel14and the structural member12is achieved, the first cam member224can be welded, bolted or otherwise fixedly secured to the second portion228of the hinge bracket218to thereby “lock” the vertical alignment of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12. Of course, even after the first cam member224is fixedly secured in the desired position relative to the hinge bracket218, the hinge arm220is free to pivot about the longitudinal axis A5to move the closure panel14between the open and closed positions.

Similarly, alignment of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the fore/aft dimension Z may be adjusted by rotating the second cam member225about the longitudinal axis A6to a position such that the peripheral surface247of the second cam member225is in contact with the first or second reaction surface243,245of the respective first or second reaction member239,241. As the second cam member225is rotated toward a position where the peak251of the lobe249is in contact with the first reaction surface243(i.e., a position where an axis A8extending between the peak251and the aperture245is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A5), the hinge bracket218will correspondingly move linearly forward in the fore/aft dimension Z relative to the structural member12(i.e., the hinge bracket218is moved such that the second side237of the second slot229is moved closer to the second bolt231), and hence the hinge arm220and closure panel14will correspondingly move linearly forward in the fore/aft dimension Z relative to the structural member12. Conversely, rotating the second cam member225in a direction that moves the peak251toward the second reaction surface245will cause the hinge bracket218to correspondingly move linearly rearward in the fore/aft dimension Z relative to the structural member12(i.e., the hinge bracket218is moved such that the first side235of the second slot229is moved closer to the second bolt231), and hence the hinge arm220and closure panel14will correspondingly move linearly rearward in the fore/aft dimension Z relative to the structural member12.

Once the second cam member225is rotated to a position in which a desired relative alignment between the closure panel14and the structural member12is achieved, nuts (not shown) may be secured to ends of the first and second bolts230,231and/or the second cam member225can be welded, bolted or otherwise fixedly secured to the first portion226of the hinge bracket218to thereby “lock” the fore/aft alignment of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the first cam member224of the hinge assembly216could include structure similar to that of the cam member124described above. In such embodiments, the hinge assembly216could include structure similar to the adjustment linkage125described above to adjust the alignment of the closure panel14in the vertical dimension Y.

With reference toFIGS. 10 and 11, another hinge assembly316is provided. The hinge assembly316may be connected to the structural member12and closure panel14, may be movable to allow the closure panel14to rotate between the open and closed positions. As will be subsequently described, the hinge assembly316may be adjustable to align the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the vertical dimension Y, the fore/aft dimension Z, and the lateral dimension X.

The hinge assembly316may include a hinge bracket318, a hinge arm320, a pivot member322, a reaction bracket321, a threaded adjustment member323, a first cam member324, and a second cam member325.

The hinge bracket318may include a first portion326, a second portion328, and a third portion386. The first portion326may act as a base of the hinge bracket318and may be attached to the structural member12via first and second bolts330,331. The second and third portions328,386may extend from the first portion326and could be integrally formed with the first portion326or the first, second and third portions326,328,386could be discrete pieces that are welded, bolted and/or otherwise fixed relative to each other. The first portion326may include first and second slots327,329that may extend through a thickness of the first portion326. The first and second slots327,329may extend longitudinally in the fore/aft dimension Z. The first and second bolts330,331may extend through the first and second slots327,329, respectively, and may threadably engage the structural member12. The first slot327may include first and second opposing ends321,333, and the second slot329may include first and second opposing ends335,337.

The first portion326may also include first and second reaction members339,341extending therefrom. The first and second reaction members339,341may include first and second reaction surfaces343,345, respectively. The first and second reaction surfaces343,345may be concave surfaces that generally face each other. The first and second reaction members339,341may be disposed adjacent the first and second ends335,337, respectively, of the second slot329.

The second and third portions328,386may include first and second slot332,387, respectively. The first and second slots332,387may be substantially aligned with each other. The first and second slots332,387may be elongated in the vertical dimension Y and may extend through thicknesses of the second and third portions328,386, respectively, in the lateral dimension X. The reaction bracket321may extend between and may be fixedly secured to the second and third portions328,386. The reaction bracket321may include an aperture302that may loosely receive the threaded adjustment member323.

The hinge arm320may include a first portion334and a second portion336. First and second attachment arms388,389may extend from the first portion334. The first and second attachment arms388,389could be integrally formed with the first portion334or the first and second attachment arms388,389could be welded or otherwise fastened thereto. The first and second attachment arms388,389may include first and second apertures390,391, respectively. The first and second apertures390,391may be substantially aligned with each other. The first and second attachment arms388,389may be disposed between the second and third portions328,386of the hinge bracket318and may be aligned with at least a portion of the first and second slots332,387. A bushing392may be received in each of the first and second apertures390,391, and may be retained therein via welding, adhesive bonding, and/or a press or interference fit, for example. Each of the bushings392may include a threaded aperture393.

The pivot member322may include an elongated body portion344and a head portion346. The body portion344may be at least partially threaded and may include an annular groove394formed therein. The body portion344is defined by a longitudinal axis A9about which the hinge arm320may rotate relative to the hinge bracket318to move the closure panel14between the open and closed positions. The body portion344may extend through the first and second slots332,387and an aperture354in the first cam member324and may threadably engage the threaded apertures393of the bushings392. A clip395may snap into engagement with the groove394to restrict or prevent movement of the body portion344in the lateral dimension X relative to the hinge bracket318. The clip395could be a generally omega-shaped or C-shaped clip, for example, or any other type of clip.

With the clip395restricting or preventing movement of the pivot member322relative to the hinge bracket318in the lateral dimension X, the pivot member322can be rotated relative to the bushings392to threadably adjust the position of the hinge arm320relative to the second and third portions328,386of the hinge bracket318in the lateral dimension X. That is, rotation of the pivot member322in a first direction relative to the bushings392may cause corresponding linear motion of the hinge arm320relative to the structural member and the hinge bracket318toward the second portion328in the lateral dimension X, and rotation of the pivot member322in a second direction relative to the bushings392may cause corresponding linear motion of the hinge arm320relative to the structural member12and the hinge bracket318toward the third portion386in the lateral dimension X. In this manner, the alignment in the lateral dimension X of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12can be adjusted.

Similar to the cam member24, the first cam member324may include a peripheral surface356defining a lobe358and a peak360. The first cam member324may also include a protrusion361having a threaded aperture363extending therethrough. The threaded adjustment member323may threadably engage the threaded aperture363. In this manner, the adjustment member323can be rotated within the threaded aperture363to cause rotation of the first cam member324about the longitudinal axis A9to adjust the position of the pivot member322within the slots332,387, thereby adjusting the position of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the vertical dimension Y.

While the hinge assembly316is described above as including the reaction bracket321, adjustment member323, protrusion361and threaded aperture363that enable adjustment in the vertical dimension Y, in some embodiments, the hinge assembly316may alternatively include structure for adjustment in the vertical dimension Y that is substantially similar to that of the hinge assembly16,116or216.

The second cam member325may be substantially similar to the second cam member225described above. Consequently, the hinge assembly316may be operable to adjust a position of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the fore/aft dimension Z in substantially the same manner as the hinge assembly216. Therefore, substantially similar features and functionality may not be described again in detail. Briefly, the second cam member325may include an aperture345and a peripheral surface347defining a lobe349and a peak351. The second bolt331may extend through the aperture345, through the second slot329and through the structural member12.

Alignment of the closure panel14relative to the structural member12in the fore/aft dimension Z may be adjusted by rotating the second cam member325relative to the hinge bracket318to a position such that the peripheral surface247may contact and exert a force against the first or second reaction surface243,245of the respective first or second reaction member239,241. As the second cam member225is rotated toward a position where the peak251of the lobe249is in contact with the first reaction surface243, the hinge bracket218will correspondingly move linearly forward in the fore/aft dimension Z relative to the structural member12. Conversely, rotating the second cam member225in a direction that moves the peak251toward the second reaction surface245will cause the hinge bracket218to correspondingly move linearly rearward in the fore/aft dimension Z relative to the structural member12.