Abstract: A vehicle emergency egress system includes a transparent armor assembly disposable in a vehicle window frame, the transparent armor assembly including at least one transparent armor pane, and interiorly accessible release means, the release means being selectively operable by a vehicle occupant for effecting release of at least the one of the transparent armor panes, such release permitting shifting a respective one of the at least one transparent armor panes from the transparent armor assembly to define an egress portal. A method of forming a vehicle emergency egress system is further included.

Abstract: An economical method of manufacturing a plastic glazing panel having a decorative marking and/or opaque border printed from a UV curable ink is presented. This economical method includes the steps of forming a plastic panel; printing an opaque pattern from an ink, the pattern having an A-side and a B-side with the B-side being in contact with the plastic panel; curing the ink in the shape of the printed pattern using UV radiation directed at the ink from both the A-side and B-side; applying a weatherable layer on the A side of the pattern and on the plastic panel; curing the weatherable layer; and depositing an abrasion resistant layer onto the weatherable layer.

Abstract: A first covering part of the present invention covers a portion from the front part to the upper part of a door window and expands to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the lower surface thereof is open. A second covering part covers a portion lower than the first covering part of the upper part of the door window, is provided so as to be on the outside of a window glass and be located on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the lower edge of the first covering part, and is formed so as to gradually approach the window glass from the rear end toward the front end, the lower edge thereof being provided close to the outer surface of the window glass.

Abstract: A self-illuminating handle assembly for a release mechanism of an emergency egress system for a vehicle. The handle assembly includes a sensor for sensing a predetermined condition and providing a sensor signal in response thereto, and a sensor-activated switch assembly for causing the handle assembly to self-illuminate in response to the sensor signal. The sensor could be a so-called tilt sensor for sensing when the vehicle orientation is tilted beyond a threshold tilt orientation, or an acceleration sensor (accelerometer) for sensing when the vehicle has undergone an acceleration or deceleration beyond a threshold, indicative of a crash or the vehicle having been exposed to an explosion.

Abstract: The present invention is a touch sensor assembly for a closing panel of a frame member that at least partially defines an opening and is oppositely disposed from the closing panel. The touch sensor assembly can have an elongated housing dimensioned to attach to a leading edge of the closing panel or a trailing edge of the frame member. The touch sensor assembly can also have a wire harness with a first portion encapsulated within the housing and a second portion that extends a predetermined length from the housing and passes through an aperture in the closing panel or an aperture in the frame member. A wire harness protector is also provided, the protector being attached to the wire harness proximate to the elongated housing.

Abstract: A seal module for sealing between a first door and a second door of opposing-hinged doors is moveable between an sealing position for sealing between the first door and the second door, and a withdrawn position longitudinally spaced from one of the first door and the second door to allow for independent pivotable movement of either the first door or the second door. A linkage system including a first swing arm and a second swing arm rotatably interconnects the seal module to the second door, and moves the seal module between the sealing position and the withdrawn position along an arcuate path that is disposed along a plane substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the opposing-hinged doors.

Abstract: A vehicle closure assembly includes a vehicle body defining an opening, a latch assembly mounted to the vehicle body, a track mounted to the vehicle body, a slidable closure movable with respect to the vehicle body for selectively covering the opening, and a roller and striker assembly connected with the slidable closure for movement with the slidable closure. The roller and striker assembly includes a roller riding on the track and a striker for cooperating with the latch assembly. The roller moves with respect to the track to allow the slidable closure to move with respect to the vehicle body. The striker engages with the latch assembly to preclude movement of the slidable closure with respect to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of opposing hinged doors. The pair of opposing hinged doors includes a first door and a second door. An articulating trim panel is moveably attached to the second door, and is moveable between a deployed position and a refracted position. When in the deployed position, the articulating trim panel conceals an interior gap between a first interior trim panel of the first door and a second interior trim panel of the second door. When in the refracted position, the articulating trim panel is withdrawn from the interior gap, thereby allowing independent pivotable movement of the first door and the second door relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.

Abstract: A luminant component, such as reflective tape or an electrically powered component, is applied to the window frame of a motor vehicle. The component is visible from both the outside of the window, through the window and the inside of the window to illuminate at least portions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for controlling an access opening in a vehicle body includes first and second doors arranged to selectively open and close first and second portions of the opening. The system also includes first and second latches operatively connected to the first and second doors, respectively, and configured to selectively latch the first and second doors to and release the first and second doors from the body. The system additionally includes a device operatively connected to the first door and configured to be selectively retracted before at least one of the first and second doors is opened and protracted when the first and second doors are closed to seal the opening. Furthermore, the system includes a third latch operatively connected to one of the first and second doors and configured to selectively latch the first door to the second door and release the first and second doors.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body and a vehicle door assembly. The door assembly is selectively movable with respect to the body between open and closed positions. The door assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is selectively movable relative to the upper portion such that the height of the door above the ground is selectively variable.

Abstract: An active bolster for a vehicle is provided, wherein the bolster comprises an expansible hollow interior that is inflatable and is self-supporting in both an inflated and in an uninflated position. The bolster has an inflator module for inflating the expansible hollow interior. The bolster has an inner wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle and away from the side of the vehicle on inflation of the expansible hollow interior. The bolster may have a relatively non-expansible component located between a first expansible chamber and a second expansible chamber. The bolster may comprise an outer wall having an attachment portion for attaching the outer wall to a portion of the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: Unitary closure panels for automotive vehicles may be formed to have regions of different materials by a spray casting process. Separate sprays of different materials, for example two different metal alloys, are applied to touching regions of a spray application surface. The separate sprays may be applied sequentially or simultaneously to the forming surface to coat the respective regions so that the regions are contiguous or overlapping and a unitary body is formed. The spray formed body may be compressed and trimmed between facing surfaces to form a vehicle closure panel of specified outline, curvature, thickness, and porosity.

Abstract: An inner body panel for a vehicle, e.g., an inner panel for a trunk lid assembly, is manufactured from a magnesium alloy, and includes an abrasively rounded edge surface along an edge of the panel. The rounded edge surface includes a radius that is equal to one half the thickness of the inner panel. The rounded edge surface allows for a uniform deposition of a corrosion resistant coating along the edge of the panel.

Abstract: A protection system kit is provided for at least one vehicular window panel mounted in a window opening of a vehicle. The kit comprises a film unit supply assembly including a release liner and a multi-layer, self-adhesive film unit. The film unit includes a first film layer and a first adhesive layer releasably securing the first film layer to the release liner. The film unit further includes a second film layer secured to the first film layer on the release liner by a second adhesive layer. The second film layer is selectively removable from the first film layer by peeling the second film layer away from the first film layer. The first adhesive layer is adapted to secure the first film layer to a vehicular window panel in an associated window opening of a vehicle. The first and second film layers are pre-configured to fit the window opening.

Abstract: A drive system for an entry/exit facility with at least one pivotably and/or slidably mounted door, ramp, tread or the like of a passenger transport vehicle, the system including at least one actuator or drive motor and a mechanical system driven by it and/or a gear unit for effecting the pivoting or sliding movement of the door, ramp, tread or the like, with an absolute value encoder for acquiring a momentary position during the pivoting or sliding movement, where an evaluation unit is configured to compare the momentary position with at least one reference position stored in a non-volatile memory of the evaluation unit in order to generate an output signal dependent thereon, and the absolute value encoder is flange-connected to a pin that fixes the pivoting movement of the door, ramp, tread or the like, and the gear unit includes a first reduction gear unit, a second reduction gear unit, and a controllable coupling is provided between the reduction gear units.

Abstract: A system for automatically detaching a windshield from a vehicle cab comprises a pressure applying device mounted between a windshield and a frame element, a roll-over condition sensor, and a controller connected to receive a signal indicating a roll-over condition from the roller-over condition sensor and connected to activate the pressure applying device responsive to receiving said signal. The pressure applying device may be one or more pyrotechnic devices. The system includes a delay function to delay activating the pressure applying device to allow the vehicle to come to a rest.

Abstract: A method and system for deforming a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. An automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod deformation member. The drive rod deformation member can be positioned adjacent to the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod deformation member impacts and deforms the drive rod. The deformation of the drive rod can correspond to a compression of the door and the door can be opened by actuating the door handle. However, the deformation of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker through compression of the door.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle body including a frame having a first boundary and a second boundary. A first door and a second door with first and second ends are pivotably coupled to the first boundary and the second boundary, respectively, of the frame. The second door includes an end panel at its second end, and a pivot is fixed to the end panel. A cancel lever is rotatably coupled to the pivot, and the cancel lever is arranged to be contacted by the first door at any location within a zone of contact determined by the relative positions of the first and second doors such that a force applied to the cancel lever by the first door includes a component perpendicular to a radius of the cancel lever at the point of contact.

Abstract: A door assembly having an anti-theft device is provided. The assembly includes a door component defining an internally protruding cavity. A locating tab extends from the anti-theft device and is insertable in the cavity in the door component, thereby locating the anti-theft device relative to the door component. The door component includes a locking tab attached or integrally formed on the door component and adapted to snap into an opening in the anti-theft device, thereby securing the anti-theft device relative to the door component. The anti-theft device may be a shield and the door component may be a latch mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle door with an irregular-circular frame for a recreational vehicle. A door window glass of the vehicle door includes a fixed glass (2) and a movable glass (1). The fixed glass (2) is fixedly installed in a portion of the door window surrounded by a lower door body (6), an outer frame (5) and a movable glass guide rail (9). The movable glass guild rail (9) has an arc rail. The movable glass (1) is installed on the lower door body (6) at the center of the arc of the movable glass guide rail (9) via a shaft sleeve and a shaft (4). A lock member (3) with a lock pin is installed on the upper part of the portion where the movable glass (1) engages with the movable glass guide rail (9). A stop block for adjusting the opening degree of the movable glass and stopping the lock pin of the lock member (3) is provided on the movable glass guide rail (9).

Abstract: A seal module for sealing between a first door and a second door of opposing-hinged doors is moveable between an sealing position for sealing between the first door and the second door, and a withdrawn position longitudinally spaced from one of the first door and the second door to allow for independent pivotable movement of either the first door or the second door. A linkage system including a first swing arm and a second swing arm rotatably interconnects the seal module to the second door, and moves the seal module between the sealing position and the withdrawn position along an arcuate path that is disposed along a plane substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the opposing-hinged doors.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for removably coupling at least one transparent armor assembly being in a vehicle window sill, the at least one transparent armor assembly including a frame that supports at least one transparent armor pane, the latch mechanism includes a latch mechanism assembly, the latch mechanism assembly being selectively operable by a vehicle occupant for effecting release of the at least one transparent armor assembly, such release permitting shifting of the at least one transparent armor assembly from the vehicle window frame to define an egress portal and the latch mechanism having an engaging member for selectively engaging the vehicle window frame, latch mechanism assembly being shiftable relative to the transparent armor assembly frame for accommodating a plurality of varying transparent armor assembly to vehicle window frame relationships. A method for removably coupling at least one transparent armor assembly to a vehicle window sill is further included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an opening leaf upper module intended to be mounted at the periphery of a glass panel of a vehicle, and to an opening leaf upper module of this type particularly comprising a rigid frame and a flexible weather strip. The method of manufacturing an opening leaf upper module (1) according to the invention, comprising a molded frame (3) based on at least one thermoplastic polymer and a molded weather strip (4) secured to the frame and based on at least one elastomer, comprises a step whereby a moving-platen mold or alternatively transfer molding is used to perform multiple-shot injection molding of materials that are intended to form the frame and the strip which are injected in succession, the elastomer being a thermoplastic elastomer compatible with this thermoplastic polymer, so as to obtain the module formed as a single piece.

Abstract: A system controlling an access opening in a body of a vehicle includes a door arranged to selectively open and close a first portion of the opening. A latch is mounted on the door for latching the door to the body and releasing the door to selectively open and close the first portion of the opening. A device is mounted on the door and is configured to be retracted by an actuator before the door is opened and to be protracted by the actuator when the door is closed. A detent is mounted on the device to latch the device to the door when the device is protracted and to release the device before the device is retracted. A motor is mounted on the first door and is configured to operate at least two of the latch, the detent, and the actuator.

Abstract: A nozzle portion having jet nozzles for jetting a cleaning liquid, a nozzle cover covering the nozzle portion from a front side, a piston connected to the nozzle portion, and moved integrally with the nozzle portion and the nozzle cover in a movement direction, and a cylinder movably supporting the piston are provided. A bracket which includes arms located in abutment with or in proximity with a rear surface of the nozzle cover and regulates an inclination of the nozzle cover with respect to the movement direction is provided.

Abstract: System for manufacturing frameless windows which comprise a transparent pane, the lower edge of which is fixed in the slot of one or more holders by at least one layer of adhesive, which system comprises a work-table suitable for supporting the pane with the lower edge turned upwards and one or more mobile supports suitable for moving downwards the holders toward the pane, so that the holders can be inserted astride the lower edge, turned upwards, of the pane. In addition, a process is disclosed which can be carried out with the system.

Abstract: A garnish for a vehicle, which has a long form made of a resin material, and is attached to a member of the body of the vehicle. A recessed portion having a substantially U-shaped section is integrally formed at an edge of a main body of the garnish in the longitudinal direction thereof, and continuously formed along the length of the main body. Typically, the edge of the main body in the longitudinal direction is attached to the body of the vehicle substantially horizontally; and the recessed portion is formed at the upper edge of the main body of the garnish when the main body is attached to the body of the vehicle. Preferably, the recessed portion has a bottom wall, which has a thin part having a smaller thickness in comparison with the other parts of the recessed portion.

Abstract: A method and system for disengaging a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. An automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod striking member. The drive rod striking member can be positioned adjacent the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod is disengaged from the door handle and/or the latching system through inertia, the drive rod striking member impacting the drive rod, or any other disengagement mechanisms. The drive rod striking member prevents the drive rod from re-engaging with the latching system. The disengagement of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker, either through deformation of the door, or through actuations by the door handle.

Abstract: A vehicle emergency egress system includes a transparent armor assembly disposable in a vehicle window frame, the transparent armor assembly including at least one transparent armor pane, and interiorly accessible release means, the release means being selectively operable by a vehicle occupant for effecting release of at least the one of the transparent armor panes, such release permitting shifting a respective one of the at least one transparent armor panes from the transparent armor assembly to define an egress portal. A method of forming a vehicle emergency egress system is further included.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes one or more swinging doors which may be immobilized in a number of positions, so as to allow the doors to be used to assist passengers upon entering and leaving the vehicle. The motion of the door may be damped, or stopped entirely, either at the discretion of a vehicle occupant, or automatically, in the event that the door is driven by external forces to swing at a high rate.

Abstract: A cab for a vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, a tractor, or small construction vehicle, is constructed of twin-sheet thermo-plastic panels that can be easily assembled, preferably with snap-together interlocking features. One of the panels can be a door panel having a door hinged to a door frame to control passage through a doorway. Both the door and the door frame have spaced apart hinge knuckles that interleave along a hinge axis to allow the door to pivot about a hinge pin. The door and door frame can be molded in a single twin-sheet panel. The two walls of the panel are fused together along the outer periphery of the panel door portion and the inner periphery of the panel door frame portion. The door is separated from the door frame by cutting the each of the walls along a door perimeter between the door and door frame portions of the molded panel.

Abstract: A vehicular window assembly includes a vehicular window, an inner film unit and an outer film unit. The vehicular window panel has interior and exterior opposed surfaces. The inner film unit includes an inner adhesive layer and an inner film layer adhered to the interior surface of the vehicular window panel by the inner adhesive layer. The outer film unit includes an outer adhesive layer and an outer film layer adhered to the exterior surface of the vehicular window panel by the outer adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. An automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod guiding member. The drive rod guiding member can be positioned adjacent to the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod can be disengaged from the door handle or the latching system. The drive rod guiding member guides the drive rod away from the door handle or the latching system. By guiding the drive rod away the door handle or the latching system, the drive rod guiding member can prevent the drive rod from re-engaging with the door handle or the latching system. This maintains the door in the closed position instead of the open position.

Abstract: A vehicle emergency egress system includes a transparent armor assembly disposable in a vehicle window frame, the transparent armor assembly including at least one transparent armor pane, and interiorly accessible release means, the release means being selectively operable by a vehicle occupant for effecting release of at least the one of the transparent armor panes, such release permitting shifting a respective one of the at least one transparent armor panes from the transparent armor assembly to define an egress portal. A method of forming a vehicle emergency egress system is further included.

Abstract: A module covers an opening in a motor vehicle door and supports a door inner trim. The module comprises a base body including a base and at least one bracket movable with respect to the base. The bracket includes a supporting surface contacting an edge of the opening. The bracket includes at least one fixation point for fastening to the door inner trim.

Abstract: A vehicle emergency egress system includes a transparent armor assembly disposable in a vehicle window frame, the transparent armor assembly including at least one transparent armor pane, and interiorly accessible release means, the release means being selectively operable by a vehicle occupant for effecting release of at least the one of the transparent armor panes, such release permitting shifting a respective one of the at least one transparent armor panes from the transparent armor assembly to define an egress portal. A method of forming a vehicle emergency egress system is further included.

Abstract: A car door is constituted by a main body which includes an outer panel and an inner panel combined together, a door lower half, and a rising part extending upward from the door lower half and facing with a side edge of a roof via an upper part thereof; and a bracket-shaped sash assembly constituted by a front vertical sash whose bottom edge is joined to a front upper end of the door lower half, and a roof-facing sash extending from an upper part of the front longitudinal sash and joined to an upper end of the rising part.

Abstract: A door module assembly for a motor vehicle door has a plate-like carrier holding a plurality of door hardware components in a pre-configured orientation, including one or more window regulator rails. The carrier seals the motor vehicle door and includes a flap that provides at least partial access to the window regulator rails. A first trim panel is pre-fixed to the carrier. A second trim panel articulates with respect to the first trim panel between an initial position generally parallel to the first trim panel and an installed position generally in-line with the first trim panel. With the carrier storing substantially all of the hardware required for the door and the trim panels covering substantially the entire surface area of the door, handling and assembly operations are minimized.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door. The closure latch includes an emergency lock actuator to permit a person to lock the door in the event that the power lock actuator is unusable. The latch also includes an ‘impatient passenger’ feature, which permits the doors to be unlocked using the remote keyless-entry feature on the key fob even in a situation where an ‘impatient passenger’ had prematurely lifted the door handle of the vehicle. In some prior art latches, such an action by an ‘impatient passenger’ would prevent the drive motor on the latch from unlocking the latch, thereby necessitating the owner to press the unlock button on the key fob a second time. There is some overlap in the components that used for the ‘impatient passenger’ feature and the components used for the emergency lock actuator, thereby reducing cost and complexity of the latch.

Abstract: To provide a terminal mounting structure, the electrical continuation and the joining strength of which are sufficiently high although the structure is simple, further the reliability of which is high even when it is used over a long period of time and to provide a terminal mounting method therefor. A terminal (3) is connected and continued to a conductor (2) such as a heating wire provided on a substrate (1). Terminal (3) includes: a fixing portion (31); elastic portions (32) extending from fixing portion (31); and a substrate contact portion (33) provided in elastic portion (32) so that substrate contact portion (33) can be protruded with respect to substrate (1), and electrically connected to conductor (2). Each fixing portion (31) is made to adhere to substrate (1) by a joining means such as a double-sided adhesive tape (4).

Abstract: A window-defined mud guard assembly includes mud guards fitted to a side of a vehicle body for selectively opening or closing a lower side portion of a vehicle cabin and window units mounted above the mud guards. Each of the window units is made up of a window body disposed above the corresponding mud guard and a connecting element for connecting the window body with an associated to-be-connected element provided in the mud guard.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicular frame, a utility bed, and a passenger restraint assembly. The utility bed is coupled with the vehicular frame and includes a bed floor, a side wall, and a rear scat. The passenger restraint assembly includes a securing member, a belt and a retractor. The securing member is coupled with the utility bed adjacent to the rear seat. The belt includes a first end; a second end, and a securing portion. The securing portion is configured for selective engagement with the securing member. The retractor is coupled with the side wall. The retractor includes a carrier that is coupled with the first end of the belt and is configured to facilitate selective dispensation of the belt.

Abstract: A technique for realizing effective transmission between a door handle and a vehicle door is provided. The present invention teaches an electromagnetic coupling device electromagnetically connecting a door handle side circuit 110 of a door handle 100 with a door main body side circuit 210 of a door main body. This electromagnetic coupling device comprises a door handle side coupling unit 119, a door main body side coupling unit 161, a door handle side coupling unit 119, a handle side support unit 139 that supports the door handle 100, and a connector body 169 that supports the door main body side coupling unit 161 in a vehicle door main body 200. The door handle side coupling unit 119 is electromagnetically coupled with the door main body side coupling unit 161 without making contact therewith.

Abstract: A sliding door structure of a vehicle is provided for sliding a door body with respect to an opening portion of a vehicle body in forward and rearward directions of the vehicle body for opening and closing. The sliding door structure includes a rail disposed on the door body and aligned with the forward and rearward directions of the vehicle body. An arm protrudes from an edge portion on a door opening direction side of the opening portion of the vehicle body, and is configured to engage with the rail to hold the door body movably in the forward and rearward directions. The door body is able to slide in the door opening direction after engagement between the vehicle body side engagement portion and the arm side engagement portion when the arm pushes the door body outwardly in the width direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle body including a portal having a first end and a second end. A first door and a second door are pivotably coupled to the first end and the second end, respectively, of the portal. The first door includes an end panel opposite the first end of the portal, and a pivot is fixed to the end panel. A cancel lever is rotatably coupled to the pivot, and the cancel lever is arranged to be contacted by the second door at any location within a zone of contact determined by the relative positions of the first and second doors such that a force applied to the cancel lever by the second door includes a component perpendicular to a radius of the cancel lever at the point of contact.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for deforming a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. The present invention can include an automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod deformation member. The drive rod deformation member can be positioned adjacent to the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod deformation member impacts and deforms the drive rod. The deformation of the drive rod can correspond to a compression of the door and the door can be opened by actuating the door handle. However, the deformation of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker through compression of the door.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for guiding a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. The present invention includes an automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod guiding member. The drive rod guiding member can be positioned adjacent to the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod can be disengaged from the door handle or the latching system. The drive rod guiding member guides the drive rod away from the door handle or the latching system. By guiding the drive rod away the door handle or the latching system, the drive rod guiding member can prevent the drive rod from re-engaging with the door handle or the latching system. This maintains the door in the closed position instead of the open position.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for disengaging a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. The present invention includes an automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod striking member. The drive rod striking member can be positioned adjacent the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod is disengaged from the door handle and/or the latching system through inertia, the drive rod striking member impacting the drive rod, or any other means. The drive rod striking member prevents the drive rod from re-engaging with the latching system. The disengagement of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker, either through deformation of the door, or through actuations by the door handle.