Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a window movably mounted for vertical movement between a raised closed position and a lowered open position. The window includes a lower portion having a constant transverse curvature and an upper portion having an accelerated transverse curvature. The window includes a side edge. The window has a notch on the side edge of the upper portion of the window.

Abstract: A recess is formed in the outside of the door and a fluid filled bladder such as a tubular hose is mounted in the recess. The bladder has an integral bellows portion formed on the end thereof which is distended from the bladder when pressure is imposed thereon by the vehicle user. A linkage is operably connected to the bellows portion of the bladder and adapted to release the door latch upon distention of the bellows portion from the bladder.

Abstract: According to the invention a vehicle instrument panel has an opening housing a glove box. A closure for the glove box is movably mounted on the instrument panel for movement between a closed position closing the opening and an open position moved rearwardly away from the instrument panel to provide access into the glove box. A tray is mounted on the instrument panel by a sliding or telescoping mechanism permitting tray movement between a retracted position concealed behind the closure and an extended position in which the tray is cantilevered rearwardly from the instrument panel to accept beverage containers or other articles at the discretion of the occupant. The closure and the tray are configured to engage with one another when the tray is in the fully open position so that the closure will support the cantilevered tray. The tray must be comprised of a plurality of telescopically connected tray portions.

Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle has a frame for connection with vehicle body structure, a fixed window in the frame which is substantially flush with the frame at its exterior, a sliding window moveable between open and closed positions and releasable locks for locking the sliding window in its closed position. The sliding window when moved to its open position is parallel to and behind the fixed window and when moved forward its closed position is also automatically cammed and moved outwardly so as to lie in the same plane and be flush with the fixed window.

Abstract: A window guide and seal arrangement for use with a framed vehicle door assembly includes a pair of stationary guide tracks carried by the door, a rim module secured to the window and extending along its sides and bottom and which is slidably received in the guide tracks, and a hollow seal of constant cross section carried by the rim module and engageable with the outer side of the guide tracks, the guide tracks being constructed and arranged such that it causes the window to be moved inwardly as it is being lowered to reduce friction between the seal and guide track and to be moved outwardly into tight engagement with the guide tracks and so that it is substantially flush with all sides of the exterior door assembly when it approaches its closed position.

Abstract: A window guide arrangement for a framed vehicle door assembly includes pairs of stationary side-by-side guide tracks carried by the door thereof and a bi-pivoted guide means having integral living hinges slidably contained in the tracks and connected with the window, the guide arrangement being operable to guide the movement of the window and to position the window when in its closed position so as to be substantially flush with the exterior of the door assembly at its belt line and the bi-pivoted guide means including an integral noise abatement baffle and an interior close out seal.

Abstract: An improved hinge assembly for a vehicle, such as a van having a rear door and a tail light. The hinge assembly mounts the door to the vehicle, and in addition, is hidden from view from outside the vehicle, but for edge surfaces of a pair of movable hinge members that are located within spaced gaps to either side of the tail light. The edge surfaces thereby appear to border the tail light, providing an enhanced aesthetic appearance. In addition, the movable hinge members move out through the spaced gaps, which open both sidewise and rearwardly of the vehicle body, when the door opens. Consequently, the door can open wide, outboard of the side of the vehicle.