Patent ID: 7648189

Claim:
An actuating device for moving a closure panel between an open position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof, said actuating device comprising: a telescopic arm including a first member coupled to one of the closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the other of the closure panel and the vehicle body, said first and second members slidable relative to one another to move said actuating device between a refracted position corresponding with the closed position and an extended position corresponding with the open position; said first member including an outer tubular casing and having a screw journaled therein, said screw being rotatable in situ relative to said outer tubular casing, said screw including a cavity formed therewithin; said second member including an inner tubular casing partially disposed within said outer tubular casing, said inner tubular casing including a nut disposed on an inner wall thereof and threadingly engaging said screw such that rotation of said screw moves said second member towards and away from said first member to move said actuating device between said respective refracted and extended positions; and a gas spring at least partially disposed within said cavity of said screw for urging said actuating device into said extended position to move the closure panel into the open position, said gas spring comprising a cylinder filled with pressurized fluid formed within said cavity of said screw and a piston, connected to said outer tubular casing, movable within said cylinder.