Abstract: A method of manufacturing a body panel assembly for a vehicle. The method includes providing first and second panels, applying an adhesive, positioning the first and second panels, hemming the first and second panels together to form a subassembly, applying a coating to at least a portion of the subassembly, and heating the subassembly to at least partially melt the adhesive.

Abstract: A construction vehicle door assembly includes a frame member having an inside surface and an outside surface, a window pane is positioned proximate one of the inside surface and outside surface, and a first resilient member substantially vibrationally isolates the frame member and the window pane. A fastener extends through the frame member, window pane and first resilient member to couple the window pane to the frame member. A second resilient member substantially vibrationally isolates the window pane and the fastener. A pair of hinges are coupled to the frame member, a pair of hinge pins are selectively extended into the respective one of the pair of hinges, and a lever is coupled to the pair of hinge pins for moving the pair of hinge pins relative to the pair on hinges upon movement of the lever, to detach the door assembly from the vehicle.

Abstract: A guide rod system movably connects a trunk lid to a vehicle such that the lid is movable between a base position in which the lid covers a trunk of the vehicle, a luggage storage position in which the rear of the lid is raised relative to the trunk, and a roof transport position in which the front of the lid is raised relative to the trunk. The guide rod system includes first and second guide rods and a coupler. The first guide rod is respectively connected at opposite ends to the front of the lid and the vehicle. The second guide rod is respectively connected at opposite ends to the rear of the lid and the vehicle. The coupler is connected between the guide rods to actuate the guide rods to move the lid between the base, luggage storage, and roof transport positions.

Abstract: A structural mounting insert for sealing between and/or adhering to surfaces of members is described. The insert includes a base member and activatable material about the base material.

Abstract: Back of a motor vehicle with a rear hatch, a rear hatch opening and a device for moving the rear hatch of a motor vehicle between a closed position and an intermediate position. The device has positioning means by which the rear hatch can be moved solely by linear translation between the intermediate position and the closed position. In the intermediate position, the opening edge and the rear hatch edge as a whole have an essentially constant distance from one another. For closing the rear hatch from the open position, the rear hatch is pivoted out of the open position into the intermediate position, and afterwards, linear displacement of the rear hatch out of the intermediate position into the closed position is performed, the linear displacement taking place over a path from 1 cm to 5 cm.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus of a vehicle includes, an opening and closing member for opening and closing an opening portion of a vehicle body; a lower hinge for pivotably supporting the opening and closing member from below; and a cover member disposed below the opening and closing member placed in a closed state for covering a pivot support portion of the lower hinge from behind, wherein when the opening and closing member is in an open state, a pivoting portion pivotably supported by the pivot support portion straddles the cover member, the opening and closing member is located rearwardly of the cover member, and an uppermost site of the pivoting portion is located at a position not higher than an upper surface of the opening and closing member.

Abstract: A vehicle having a closure system that includes a closure structure, a body structure component, and a hinge pin. The closure structure is configured to pivot with respect to the body structure component.

Abstract: A door hinge for a motor vehicle has a column console that can be arranged on a door frame and a door console that can be attached to a vehicle door, wherein the door console and the column console are connected together as counterpieces at two bearing points arranged spaced from each other in a pin-jointed manner and separable for disassembly.

Abstract: A door checker includes: a check lever 6 formed, at the proximal end thereof, with a boss 10 connected to a bracket 7 via a shaft 8; a case 1 having through holes 4, 5 through which the check lever 6 passes; and shoes 19 which are in sliding contact with detent surfaces 9 of the check lever 6 in the case 1. The check lever 6 is provided, at the distal end thereof, with a full open stopper 12 which comes into contact with an outside surface of the case 1 to define a full open position of a door D. The full open stopper 12 is formed integrally with the check lever 6. The boss 10 is formed so as to be capable of passing through the through holes 4, 5 in the case 1 and between the pair of shoes 19. Therefore, the door checker for an automobile can be assembled while eliminating a process of installing the full open stopper to the check lever.

Abstract: A door hinge for a motor vehicle comprises a column console that can be arranged on a column of a door frame, a door console that can be attached to a motor vehicle door assigned to the door frame, wherein the door console and the column console are pin-jointed together via a hinge pin and the door console or column console is formed from two releasably connected partial units, which rest against each other at assigned contact areas. In order to provide a separable motor vehicle door hinge with an at least two-piece door or column console, which enables a dimensionally accurate restoration of an original installation position even after a separation, it is provided that the contact surfaces on the door and/or column console are formed by delineated partial surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle door operating mechanism includes a reversible electric motor, a rack member and a door rod. The reversible electric motor has an output gear. The rack member has teeth engaged with the output gear that movably arranged relative to the motor so that the rack member moves in response to rotation of the output gear of the motor. The door rod has a first rod end portion, a second rod end portion and a connector. The first rod end portion is operatively coupled to the rack member. The second rod end portion is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a vehicle door. The connector couples the first and second rod end portions together to provide a limited amount of relative axial movement within the door rod between the first and second rod end portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of utility trailers and more specifically, to a covered utility trailer and a kit for assembling same. The covered utility trailer includes a trailer bed for supporting cargo. The trailer bed has a leading edge, an opposed trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge and a pair of first and second, spaced apart, side edges joining the leading edge to the trailing edge. A pair of first and second, spaced apart, sidewalls and a leading wall are also provided. Each sidewall extends upright from a respective side edge of the trailer bed. The leading wall is mounted between the first and second sidewalls and extends upright from the leading edge of the trailer bed. A rear cargo access door assembly is disposed opposite the leading wall and between the first and second sidewalls. The rear cargo access door assembly extends upright from the trailing edge of the trailer bed.

Abstract: A door (6), for example in a vehicle, is mounted at one edge (8) for acurate movement about the axis of a shaft (16), and at the other edge (10) for displacement substantially in the plane of the door opening along rails (26, 28). Thus, on opening, the edge (8) swings outwards from the door opening before moving longitudinally away from the door opening, with the edge (10) being guided along the rails (26 and 28).

Abstract: A door structure for a cab includes a door frame defining an entrance to the cab, a door for opening and closing the entrance, a hinge disposed between the door and the door frame and having an axis, the door being configured to be allowed to swing about the axis of the hinges between an open position and a closed positions, a door handle attached to the door for opening and closing the door, and a door lock for locking the door in the closed position. The door includes a door body formed of resin, and a reinforcing frame fixed to the door body. A gap between the door body and the door frame when the door is in the closed position is sealed by a seal material interposed between the door body and the door frame.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a side door for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one hinge device for pivotal connection of the side door to one of the body posts of the motor vehicle, the hinge device including a first hinge half adapted to be fastened to one of the body posts of the motor vehicle, a second hinge half which by means of a joint is fastened to a first side of the side door, a hinge pin which pivotally connects the first hinge half to the second hinge half in such a manner that the side door is pivotable about a vertical axis, defined by the hinge pin, between an open and a closed position, the joint including at least one threaded bolt which extends horizontally, from the first side of the side door, through a through hole in the second hinge half and through a through hole in the side door, and projects from a second side of the side door, a threaded nut element arranged around the through hole on the second side of the side door and in threaded engagement with the threaded bolt.

Abstract: A vehicle body decklid hinge includes at least one hinge set carried by a bracket that retains a pivot pin and a retainer bar in a cantilevered manner. The pivot pin supports a lever, such as a gooseneck strap, that will be coupled to the hood, while the bracket includes a mount that will be carried by peripheral body structure around the decklid opening. The retainer bar carries a helically wound spring that secures one end of the spring for resistance to rotation about the axis of the bar. The other end of the spring engages an adjustor that variably urges the lever to pivot toward the open position. The method and apparatus reduce specificity of components and improve adaptably to various models and styles by reducing adjustments to tension variability in adjusting the biasing force applied to the decklid strap.

Abstract: A system for accessing internal electrical components of an LED display panel assembly includes a case and a display panel having a plurality of LEDs on an outer surface and electrical components on an inner surface. A linkage assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the case and the inner surface of the display panel and configured for generally translational and generally rotational movement of the display panel from a closed position to an open position for accessing the electrical components.

Abstract: A vehicle door and hinging is described that allow for the door of a vehicle to be translated forward and rotated upward upon being opened in order to improve occupant ingress and egress. In addition, the doors and hinges of embodiments of the present invention allow for the door to be translated slightly outward for increased body panel clearance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a door has a four bar link hinge where the first and second pivots of a first bar of the four bar link hinge each allow for a single degree of motion. The pivot points are not co-axial and allow the door to translate vertically and horizontally. A second bar has first and second pivot points that each allow for three degrees of rotation to allow for the vertical and horizontal translation of the door member when actuated.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle trunk lid includes: a hinge arm, one end of which is supported by a vehicle body and an other end of which extends outside from an opening of a trim and is provided with a trunk lid; an adjusting member fixed to the hinge arm inside the trim opening; a torsion bar link, one end of which is supported by the vehicle body and the other end of which is supported by the hinge arm, and the torsion bar link configured to assist the trunk lid to be opened; a first link associated with an output shaft of a driving member so as to rotate with the output shaft; and a second link, one end of which is supported by the first link and an other end of which is supported by the adjusting member.

Abstract: In a device for the side impact protection for a vehicle door of a vehicle, at least one arrangement is provided for moving the vehicle door before and/or during an impact outwards in the direction away from the vehicle interior.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle body with a passenger compartment and a door opening to the passenger compartment. A door is pivotally mounted to the door opening with an inclined axis which may extend laterally outboard and downward relative to the vehicle body in a rearward direction of the vehicle. The door opening may be provided through a sidewall and a roof of the vehicle; and the door may be provided with a side panel and a roof panel to match the door opening. Also disclosed is a hinge arrangement for attaching the door to the vehicle body at an upper region and a rearward region of the door.

Abstract: Door assembly includes a doorframe that can be secured to the vehicle, and a preferably rigid door that is movable between an open and closed position. The door can be secured to the vehicle in the open position so that the passengers have the option of riding in the vehicle while the door remains open. A hinge system minimizes the clearance necessary to open and close the door, and provides an optional assist feature that helps urge or bias the door to the open or closed position and maintain it there.

Abstract: A trailer includes a ramp having an end attached to the trailer for pivotal movement of the ramp between a raised gate position and a lowered, inclined loading position. An elongate support is attached to the trailer adjacent to the end of the ramp, and a tension spring encircles the support and has a first tag end coupled to the end of the ramp and a second tag end coupled to the trailer and winding and unwinding in response to movement of ramp between the raised gate position and the lowered, inclined loading position, respectively.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a vehicle frame (1) with a frame portion (2) having a lateral frame opening (2b) for receiving a battery block. A door (3) covers the frame opening (2b) and may be pivoted outwardly about a substantially vertical axis of rotation (A1). To allow the door (3) to be opened approximately 180°, the door (3) is connected to the vehicle frame (1) by a double hinge (5). A second axis of rotation (A2) is set apart and parallel to the first axis of rotation (A1) and is alterable in its position when the door (3) pivots about the first axis of rotation (A1). A device for obstructing a rotational motion of the door (3) about the second axis of rotation (A2) can be provided, which device can be active in the pivoting range between the closed position and an open position that is approximately at right angles.

Abstract: A hinged vehicle body part for a motor vehicle is inserted into an opening of a vehicle body and, on its circumference side, is surrounded by stationary vehicle body parts. For linking the hinged body part, hinges are connected on one side with the hinged vehicle body part and are connected on the other side with a stationary vehicle body part. So that the hinged body part can be adjusted in its closed state in the correct position with respect to the adjoining vehicle body and can be fixed in the adjusted position, it is provided that at least one fastening point of each hinge provided on the stationary body part is arranged outside the contour of the hinged vehicle body part. These fastening points, which are situated outside the contour of the hinge part, can be covered by a releasably fastened assembly part of the adjoining stationary vehicle body part.

Abstract: A vehicle door for fitting to a vehicle body includes a vehicle door frame, and a pivot arm coupled to the door frame. The door frame includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a pair of opposite sides extending between the upper and lower portions. The pivot arm is coupled to the door frame adjacent one of the opposite sides, and includes a pair of opposite ends. One of the ends of the pivot arm includes a first hinge for pivotally coupling the pivot arm to the vehicle body about a first pivot axis. The other end includes a second hinge pivotally coupling the door frame to the pivot arm about a second pivot axis.

Abstract: A door for use in a vehicle and including an interior panel portion having an outer boundary facing toward an interior portion of the vehicle and including an opening. An insert positioned within at least a portion of the opening.

Abstract: A device having a drive (6) for pivoting a vehicle door or vehicle lid rotationally connected to a hinge bow (1) around a hinge axle (3). In order to build the device (5) in a compact manner, wherein no special reinforcement of the hinges of the vehicle door or vehicle lid is required for utilization of the device (5) in compliance with regulations, a drive (6) is provided with a drive shaft (7) that is arranged in an extension of the hinge axle, the drive shaft (7) being connected to a bow-shaped drive lever (9) that is arranged parallel to the hinge bow (1) and that can be fixed to the hinge bow (1).

Abstract: A power tailgate apparatus of the present invention includes: a curved arm of which one end side is connected to a tailgate; a rod of which one end side is connected to another end side of the curved arm; a rectilinearly moving rack connected to another end side of the rod; a driving power source arranged at a position adjacent to the rectilinearly moving rack; a driving force transfer part which transfers a driving power of the driving power source to the rectilinearly moving rack; and a guide having a curve that is concentric with the curved arm, which guides the curved arm along the curve.

Abstract: A forward facing rear door assembly for a motor vehicle includes a forward facing rear door having a forward end and a rear end. The forward facing rear door assembly also includes a hinge connected to the rear end of the forward facing rear door and for connection to a “C” pillar of a vehicle body to allow a forward end of the rear door to open and close a door opening in the vehicle body.

Abstract: An automated car door opening system proposes a very simple yet reliable system that can easily be retrofitted on most cars. It uses the combination of a large electrically actuated inner shaft cooperating with a piston. The piston opens the car door slightly in a manner similar to the normal opening of a car door, so that the door clears the car frame and then, a combination of outward but more predominantly upward motion by the inner shaft has the door opening in an upwardly rotational motion along a vertical plane which fully opens it. The reverse process closes the door.

Abstract: An automatic opening and closing device including: a trunk lid; a drive unit which generates drive force for operating the opening and closing member; a hinge arm which is mounted between a rear fender and wheel house inner panel and the trunk lid; and a first link and a second link which transmit the drive force of the drive unit to the trunk lid. The drive unit is fitted to an edge portion of a trunk room aperture portion, and the first and second link are provided so as to straddle the hinge arm.

Abstract: A door hinge system for supporting a vehicle door on a vehicle body is provided that allows the door to moved between (a) a fully closed position wherein the door is positioned in covering relation with respect to a door opening in the vehicle body, (b) a fully opened position wherein the door is moved out of the covering relation and is positioned substantially alongside the vehicle body, and (c) an intermediate position between the fully open and fully closed positions wherein the door is moved out of the covering relation and extends generally outwardly away from the vehicle body. The hinge system includes a pair of hinge assemblies, which each include (a) a body mounting structure configured to be mounted to the vehicle body, (b) a door mounting structure configured to be mounted to the vehicle door, and (c) a dual pivot swing arm.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a door closure system. The closure system includes a first door pivotably connected with respect to the vehicle body for selective movement between open and closed positions. A second door is movably connected with respect to the vehicle body. In a first configuration, the first door is in the closed position such that the first door obstructs a first portion of a body opening and the second door is in a first position such that the second door obstructs a second portion of the body opening. In a second configuration, the first door is in the closed position and the second door is in a second position such that at least a portion of the second door inner surface opposes the first door outer surface.

Abstract: A rear pillar structure of a vehicle frame is provided for supporting a dual mode tailgate including a pillar member having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends generally vertically along a side wall of the vehicle frame which partially defines a load carrying bed. The second leg extends along a cross member connecting a pair of frame rails of the vehicle frame. A support member is mounted inside the first leg for reinforcing the first leg at a location at which the dual mode tailgate connects to the pillar.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of opening a vehicle door in a doorway of a vehicle body, the method comprising: rotating such vehicle door in a horizontal plane of motion until such vehicle door substantially clears such vehicle body; and then rotating such vehicle door in a vertical plane of motion until such vehicle door substantially clears such door way. The invention may be easily retrofitted to existing vehicles or factory installed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle, especially a passenger utility vehicle, e.g., a station wagon or SUV with a cargo space (3) which is located in the rear (2) of the vehicle, a cargo floor (16) which can be extended rearward, a cargo space door (44) for opening and closing the rear cargo space opening, and at least one roof movable panel for opening and closing a roof opening, in which a continuous opening combining the rear cargo space opening and the roof opening is formed when both the at least one rear roof panel and the cargo space door are in their open positions. In one advantageous embodiment, the cargo space door (44) is mounted to the vehicle body by a four bar mechanism for movement outward and downward from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A retrofit vehicle door lift conversion kit adapted for lifting a vehicle door vertically that fits as a conversion kit replacing factory door hinges on a variety of different types of existing vehicles. A door attaching arm is mounted to a fixed chassis plate by a double axis connector for horizontal and vertical motion. A lift assisting actuator, which may be a vehicle specific pressure adjustable gas pressure spring, pivotally mounted between the plate and the arm, assists in lifting the door vertically. Replaceable vehicle specific plates mount to the fixed chassis plate. A replaceable vehicle specific arm and door attaching brackets mount to the door attaching arm. A horizontal limiter, a mechanical vertical height limit adjustment device, a vertical lift adjustment, and a safety lock for maintaining the door in the up position are adjustable for specific vehicles.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an improved front-end to body-side joint (10) for an automotive vehicle. This joint (10) includes an integral front end structure (12) having a fender attachment portion (16) and one or more hinge-reinforcement portions (14). The fender attachment portion (16) is coupled to a fender (24). Moreover, the hinge-reinforcement portions (14) are attached to a pillar member (28) of a vehicle body (46) for supporting a door (20). The integral front end structure (12) is a master-locating component for positioning the fender (24) and the door (20) in a predetermined configuration within the joint (10).

Abstract: A door hinge assembly is mounted between a door mounting pillar of the vehicle body and a door to swingably mount the door to the door mounting pillar. The door hinge assembly includes an upper dual pivot hinge, a lower dual pivot hinge, and a torsion bar extending substantially vertically between the upper and lower hinges. The door mounting pillar is configured and arranged to accommodate the dual pivot hinges so that that are not exposed when the door is closed.

Abstract: A multi-axis automobile door mount providing a combination of swing-out and vertical-lift motion suitable for retrofitting a conventional swing-out automobile door for vertical-lift operation. The door is opened from a closed position in the conventional swing-out movement about a swing-out hinge. At a predetermined swing-out angle of the door to the automobile body, the door is moved in an upward vertical direction about the vertical-lift hinge. The door is closed by lowering the door to the horizontal orientation and closed in the conventional swing-in manner. A vertical-lift door system is provided to substantially incorporate the movement of a vertical-lift door with an integrated system of one or more hinges and lift assist devices. The lift assist devices provide for, singularly or in combination, among other things, controlled and deliberate movement of the door, power-assisted door operation, and/or easier integration and assembly onto the automobile.

Abstract: In the process, doors are used in which a framework and an outer covering panel are constituted by two separated members, provided with reciprocal fixing means arranged in positions such as not to be visible from the outside of the finished motor vehicle. The painting of a body lacking the doors and the painting of the outer covering panels is executed. The fittings are installed on the framework of each door lacking the outer covering panel. Once the fittings are installed, each door framework lacking the outer covering panel is installed in the respective opening of the body. Finally, the respective outer covering panel is applied and fixed to the framework of each installed door.

Abstract: A forward facing rear door assembly for a motor vehicle includes a forward facing rear door having a forward end and a rear end. The forward facing rear door assembly also includes a hinge connected to the rear end of the forward facing rear door and for connection to a “C” pillar of a vehicle body to allow a forward end of the rear door to open and close a door opening in the vehicle body.

Abstract: A dual pivot door hinge assembly for a side door system of a vehicle includes a body side-mounting bracket adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The dual pivot door hinge assembly also includes a door side-mounting bracket adapted to be connected to a side door of the side door system of the vehicle. The dual pivot door hinge assembly includes at least one load arm pivotally connected to the body side-mounting bracket to form a first pivot axis and pivotally connected to the door side-mounting bracket to form a second pivot axis. The dual pivot door hinge assembly further includes a connecting member operatively interconnecting the first pivot axis and second pivot axis to allow the side door to remain parallel to a side of the vehicle body as the side door is pivoted radially outward and longitudinally.

Abstract: A two-way opening side door structure of a vehicle of which side openings are covered by a front door and a rear door includes a door hinge located at a front end of the front door for swingably supporting the front door, a door hinge located at a rear end of the rear door for swingably supporting the rear door, and an assisting device including a door checker for assisting a vehicle occupant in closing the rear door.

Abstract: Lightweight sectional doors for cargo bodies and the like are reinforced by a reinforcing member supported on an inner wall surface of at least alternate ones of the panels of a multipanel door. The reinforcing member comprises an elongated, preferably extruded member having spaced apart coplanar flanges and an arcuate web interposed the flanges. An integral rib is disposed at the midpoint of the arcuate web to provide additional stiffness for the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member may be secured to selected door panels by conventional mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A side door structure of a vehicle of which side openings are covered by a front door swingably supported by a door hinge located at the front of the front door and by a rear door swingably supported by a door hinge located at the rear of the rear door. The side door structure includes a door checker for holding the front door at an open position situated slightly on the outside of a swing trajectory of the rear door.

Abstract: A door hinge assembly is mounted between a door mounting pillar of the vehicle body and a door to swingably mount the door to the door mounting pillar. The door hinge assembly includes an upper hinge and a lower hinge with a double pivot pin arrangement, and a torsion bar extending substantially vertically between the upper and lower hinges. The upper and lower hinges are fastened at interior fastening points on an inner side wall of the door mounting pillar and at exterior fastening points on an exterior wall portion of the door mounting pillar with longitudinal fastening axes that extend in a substantially orthogonal direction to the inner side wall and the exterior wall portion of the door mounting pillar. The interior fastening points are disposed rearwardly of the torsion bar and the exterior fastening points are disposed forwardly of the torsion bar.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle with a door which is capable of swinging horizontally to open and closed via at least two hinges. Two door side hinge mounting parts are out of alignment in the direction of the length of a vehicle body, and at least one of the hinges is comprised of a vehicle body side hinge mounting part, a door side hinge mounting part, and an extension part which connects the vehicle body hinge mounting part and the door side hinge mounting part.

Abstract: A catch for two objects moveable in relation to one another, in particular a door catch, includes a cylinder, which is operatively connected to a first object, a friction surface carrier, which is operatively connected to a second object, a friction element for creating a frictional grip between the cylinder and the friction surface carrier through an energy input. The friction element being connected to an electrical voltage supply device, wherein a change in the volume of the friction element, which constitutes an actuating movement of the friction element in relation to the friction surface, occurs as a function of the voltage applied to the friction element.