Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed that includes: a vehicle body defining a door frame; a vehicle door that is movably connected to the vehicle body; and an actuation system. The vehicle door includes: an inner panel that is secured to the door frame; an outer panel that is secured to the inner panel; a reinforcement that is secured between the inner panel and the outer panel; and a support bracket that is secured to the reinforcement and which includes a body with a generally planar configuration. In contrast to the door frame, which includes a metallic material, the inner panel and the outer panel each include a non-metallic material. The actuation system is connected to the vehicle door to facilitate opening and closure thereof and extends through the reinforcement and the support bracket.

Abstract: A handle base bracket has a first handle receiving section and a fastener opening that extends through the first handle receiving section. In a fully assembled state the outboard surface of the handle base bracket overlays a portion of an inboard surface of a door panel. A first fastener member extends through the first handle opening and into the fastener opening. A head portion overlays a portion of the outboard surface of the door panel adjacent to the first handle opening. A metallic bracket has a main section fixedly attached to the handle base bracket. First and second side flanges of the metallic bracket extend toward the inboard surface of the door panel. An operation handle has a grip portion outboard of the door panel and a protrusion extending into the first handle receiving section of the handle base bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed that includes: a vehicle body defining a door frame; a vehicle door that is movably connected to the vehicle body; and an actuation system. The vehicle door includes: an inner panel that is secured to the door frame; an outer panel that is secured to the inner panel; a reinforcement that is secured between the inner panel and the outer panel; and a support bracket that is secured to the reinforcement and which includes a body with a generally planar configuration. In contrast to the door frame, which includes a metallic material, the inner panel and the outer panel each include a non-metallic material. The actuation system is connected to the vehicle door to facilitate opening and closure thereof and extends through the reinforcement and the support bracket.

Abstract: An outer door panel and an inner door panel are fixed to one another defining a cavity therebetween. A door handle assembly is fixedly attached to the outer door panel, with at least a portion of the door handle assembly overlaying an inboard surface of the outer door panel within the cavity. An inboard portion of the door handle assembly has a connection structure. An upwardly extending bracket within the cavity is fixed to an upper end and a lower end of at least one of the inner door panel or the outer door panel. The upwardly extending bracket is spaced apart from the door handle assembly. A vibration absorbing member has a first end fixed to the connection structure of the door handle assembly and a second end attached to the upwardly extending bracket at a location spaced apart from upper and lower ends of the upwardly extending bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure includes an inner panel, an outer panel, a guard beam and a reinforcing member. The guard beam extends laterally in a cavity between the inner and outer panels. The reinforcing member disposed in the cavity and being positioned on a floor of the vehicle door structure below the guard beam.

Abstract: A vehicle door is described, including: a bracket that is configured to support a window during opening and closing; a door locking mechanism that is positioned proximate (e.g., near or adjacent to) the bracket; and an absorption member that is configured and positioned to absorb energy from an impact with the vehicle door to thereby protect the door locking mechanism. The absorption member includes a body defining an internal channel that is configured to receive the bracket in an interference fit such that the absorption member is fixedly securable to the bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure includes an inner panel, an outer panel, a guard beam and a reinforcing member. The guard beam extends laterally in a cavity between the inner and outer panels. The reinforcing member disposed in the cavity and being positioned on a floor of the vehicle door structure below the guard beam.

Abstract: An outer door panel and an inner door panel are fixed to one another defining a cavity therebetween. A door handle assembly is fixedly attached to the outer door panel, with at least a portion of the door handle assembly overlaying an inboard surface of the outer door panel within the cavity. An inboard portion of the door handle assembly has a connection structure. An upwardly extending bracket within the cavity is fixed to an upper end and a lower end of at least one of the inner door panel or the outer door panel. The upwardly extending bracket is spaced apart from the door handle assembly. A vibration absorbing member has a first end fixed to the connection structure of the door handle assembly and a second end attached to the upwardly extending bracket at a location spaced apart from upper and lower ends of the upwardly extending bracket.

Abstract: A handle base bracket has a first handle receiving section and a fastener opening that extends through the first handle receiving section. In a fully assembled state the outboard surface of the handle base bracket overlays a portion of an inboard surface of a door panel. A first fastener member extends through the first handle opening and into the fastener opening. A head portion overlays a portion of the outboard surface of the door panel adjacent to the first handle opening. A metallic bracket has a main section fixedly attached to the handle base bracket. First and second side flanges of the metallic bracket extend toward the inboard surface of the door panel. An operation handle has a grip portion outboard of the door panel and a protrusion extending into the first handle receiving section of the handle base bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle door is described, including: a bracket that is configured to support a window during opening and closing; a door locking mechanism that is positioned proximate (e.g., near or adjacent to) the bracket; and an absorption member that is configured and positioned to absorb energy from an impact with the vehicle door to thereby protect the door locking mechanism. The absorption member includes a body defining an internal channel that is configured to receive the bracket in an interference fit such that the absorption member is fixedly securable to the bracket.

Abstract: A cargo bed step is described including a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The frame is disposed proximate a rear portion of a cargo bed. A pivoting mechanism is disposed between an inner surface and the upper portion for selectively pivoting the cargo bed step assembly between a stowed position and an extended position. At least one step is disposed proximate the lower portion. The frame is selectively pivotable to be generally flush with the inner surface of either an inner cargo bed surface or an inner tailgate surface in the stowed position.