Importance

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Abstract

An extendable hinge is provided including a hinge base attachable to a vehicle, a panel bracket attachable to a vehicle body panel such as rear gate or trunk lid, and a hinge member pivotally attachable to the hinge base and slideably attachable to the panel bracket. The hinge base and the hinge member include a 'camelback' bend for increased strength. The panel bracket is configured with a low profile and the hinge member is configured to slideably receive the panel bracket so that a minimum amount of space is consumed and further so that the panel bracket can be slideably moved within the hinge member from an extended position which facilitates painting to a retracted position which positions the vehicle body panel for optimal aesthetics. Flanges on the hinge member and the panel bracket define integral stops that engage to limit the panel movement at the extended and retracted positions.

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First Claim