摘要 |
<p>A hinge assembly (30) of the type used on an automotive hood, trunk lid, door, or the like, has a pair of pivot arms (10, 36, 38) and a pair of support arms (32, 34) pivotally connected to opposite ends of the pivot arms (10, 36, 38) through pivot joints. Each of the pivot arms has opposed surfaces with an opening extending between the surfaces. Each pivot joint includes a bearing (12, 14) that is integrally molded to the pivot arm and extends through an opening (18) in the pivot arm. A portion of the bearing is formed over the surfaces of the pivot arm to prevent separation of the bearing (12,14) from the arm. A fastener (24) extends through an opening of the support arm (32, 34) and is in rotational contact with the bearing for pivotally connecting the pivot arm to the support arm. A method of forming the pivot arm and hinge assembly is also disclosed.</p> |