Patent ID: 8882173

Claim:
A support mechanism for a moveable closure panel of a vehicle body, the support mechanism comprising: a connection rod assembly including a connection rod and a connection rod base structure, the connection rod operatively connected to the closure panel and the connection rod base structure; a counterbalancing device including: at least two guide blocks disposed within the connection rod base structure for movement therewith; at least two resistance members defining a gap therebetween, such that each of the resistance members has a first end, a second end, a first side facing the gap, and a second side facing away from the gap, the resistance members being flexible along a length, such that the length is defined between the first end and the second end; wherein the guide blocks and the connection rod base structure are moveable along the length of the resistance members, such that each of the guide blocks directly engages the second side of one of the resistance members creating an interaction therebetween; and wherein the interaction between the guide blocks and the resistance members creates a resistance force sufficient to counterbalance the closure panel as the connection rod base structure moves along the length of the resistance members.