Patent ID: 8607416

Claim:
A hinge assembly for a vehicle, the decklid hinge assembly comprising: a hinge box configured for attachment to the vehicle; a support member rotatably attached to the hinge box for rotation about a rotation axis between a closed position and an open position; and a counterbalance torque system including: a linkage system interconnecting the hinge box and the support member; and a torque storing assembly coupled to the hinge box and the linkage system and pre-loaded with a moment to generate a torque for assisting the movement of the support member from the closed position toward the open position; wherein the torque storing assembly includes a torque rod having a first axial end and a second axial end, and a torque tube having a first axial end and a second axial end; wherein the torque tube defines a hollow interior with the torque rod disposed within the hollow interior; and wherein the first axial end of the torque rod is attached to the linkage system in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, the second axial end of the torque rod is attached to the second axial end of the torque tube in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, and the first axial end of the torque tube is attached to the hinge box in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween.