Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle door and a method of operating the handle assembly is disclosed. The door handle assembly may include a pivot bracket mounted in the vehicle door, a handle arm pivotally mounted to the pivot bracket, a handle alignable flush with a door handle cutout, and a motor assembly operatively engaging the handle arm to selectively cause pivoting of the handle arm relative to the pivot bracket. The door handle assembly may also include a handle depression limit switch, a handle flush button, or a handle extension limit switch in communication with a control module that controls the motor.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is disclosed with a pillarless door opening for occupant ingress and egress. The first door is pivotally connected to the vehicle at a first end with a second end that extends to a central region of the door opening in the closed position. A second door has a first end translatably connected to the vehicle and a second end translatably connected to the vehicle adjacent to the central region of the opening at a closed position. The first door and the second door cooperate to close the opening. The second door can be translated relative to the vehicle to an intermediate position for providing clearance from the first door. One of the second door ends is detachable from the vehicle for pivoting the second door to an open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjusting device for raising a hinged lid from a lowered, closed position into a raised, open position, especially for a motor vehicle, with a cylinder closed at one end, a piston, which divides the interior space of the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, and which is installed with freedom to move axially back and forth in the cylinder, a piston rod, attached to the piston, the rod extending axially through the first working chamber and projecting through a seal to the outside, one or more flow connections connecting the first working chamber to the second working chamber, and a first adjusting element and a second adjusting element, wherein the first and second adjusting elements are designed to telescope into and out of each other and have guide devices, which make it possible to open the hinged lid into a partially opened position or into a completely opened position.

Abstract: A self-engaging rod retaining clip assembly for retaining a rod and a method of retaining the rod to a vehicle closure support component is disclosed. The self-engaging rod retaining clip assembly holds a rod retaining clip in a desired position on a vehicle closure support component until the rod is installed. Installing the rod includes pressing the rod against a rod pivoting flange, which causes clip retention flanges to flex outward around a clip support arm until the rod is sufficiently retained inside a rod channel in the support component. The clip retention flanges then snap towards each other to retain the clip, and hence the rod, in the support component.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile door structure supported on an automobile body and adapted to be engaged with and disengaged from said automobile body through a door latch, which comprises an outer segment 2, and an inner segment 6, 8 disposed on the side of an automobile cabin relative to the outer segment 2 and provided with the door latch. The inner segment includes enhancement means 50 for enhancing an acoustic conversion efficiency of a vibration having a specific low frequency among vibrations of the door latch generated during door closing. The automobile door structure of the present invention can enhance a low-frequency sound capable of giving the impression of dignity on an occupant.

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 moving wiring system transmitting electrical power from a vehicle body of a vehicle to a sliding door includes a wire transmitting the electrical power, a wire housing attached to the sliding door with at least one portion of the wire located therein, and a wire guide assembly attached to the vehicle body and guiding the wire. The wire housing defines a space in which at least one portion of the wire is movably located. The wire guide assembly includes a first guiding portion attached to the vehicle body and guiding the wire, a second guiding portion rotatably and perpendicularly coupled to the first guiding portion, and a third guiding portion attached to an end of the second guiding portion and guiding the wire to the wire housing. The third guiding portion includes an elastic member supporting the wire.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a sensor for detecting a vehicle occupant's presence, and another sensor for detecting an owner's response with respect to automatically opening a vehicle closure panel. An actuator opens the closure panel when the occupant's presence and response are detected. A signal from an emitter outside the vehicle signals occupant presence. A photoelectric and/or optical device, audio receiver, and/or touch-sensitive sensor detects the response. The optical device projects a light beam, and breaking the beam with a gesture signals the response. An automatic closure panel opening apparatus has an RF receiver adapted to receive an RF signal to detect occupant presence, a sensor for detecting the occupant response, and an actuator for opening the closure panel when both the presence and occupant response are detected.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a passive water management system for vehicle doors. One or more water management troughs are formed into the inner door panel of the vehicle door at least partially encircling one or more holes or opening through the inner door panel. Strips of adhesive material are provided proximate to and extending along each side of the water management trough. A water deflector sheet of water shedding material is secured to the inner door panel by the adhesive strips, such that the strips, water management trough and deflector sheet form a conduit for routing water to drain holes draining into the door cavity thereby preventing water incursion through the inner door panel openings from reaching the vehicle interior. A method of managing water seeping into a vehicle door is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural door module for a motor vehicle door, comprising of a carrier plate with a plurality of door hardware components mounted to the dryside and wetside surfaces of the carrier plate. The carrier plate includes a number of preformed components that allow door subsystems to be pre-mounted to the door module and tested prior to mounting the structural door module in the motor vehicle door body. An energy absorbing area is molded into the carrier plate. Additionally, a protruding arm rest support is designed to collapse during a side-impact collision.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for protection against an impact with at least one energy absorption body, which is arranged behind an interior car body component means for transferring a force (F) in effect during an impact from an exterior car body component through an opening of the interior car body component to the energy absorption body.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to make an apparatus compact and simplify a structure. The invention provides a motion control apparatus which is provided with a pressing member pressing a fluid, and a fluid control mechanism (130) controlling a movement of the fluid pressed by the pressing member.

Abstract: A tailgate control mechanism used to exert a force on a pivot. The tailgate may include a pivoting main body and a pivot fixed to a truck bed, where the main body may move about the pivot. The tailgate may also include a piston element including a first end connected to the pivot and a second end connected to the main body. The second end may be positioned above the first end when the main body is in a closed position. The piston element may also be configured to provide a counter force as the main body is lowered. The piston element may also be retrofitted.

Abstract: A security screen door (1) for vehicles comprises a frame (2) forming an opening, at least one sliding section (10, 12) within the frame and a quick action lever (21) on an inside of the door for locking and unlocking the door via a first lock (20). The sliding section comprises a second lock (14) for securing the sliding section in a closed position, the second lock being unlocked from an outside using a key to allow the sliding section to be moved from a closed position to an open position to allow access from the outside to the quick action lever.

Abstract: An economical method of manufacturing a plastic glazing panel having an encapsulation for aesthetic purposes and to enhance the sealing of the glazing panel to the vehicle is presented. This economical method includes the steps of forming forming a plastic panel having an A-side and B-side; printing an opaque border from an ink with the border being in contact with the B-side of the panel and substantially encircling the perimeter of the panel; curing the ink of the opaque border; applying a weatherable layer on the printed border and the plastic panel; curing the weatherable layer; depositing an abrasion resistant layer on the weatherable layer; placing the plastic panel into a mold having a soft gasket; injecting an elastomeric material to form an encapsulation that substantially encircles the perimeter of the plastic panel and encompasses the A-side; B-side and edge of the plastic panel; and removing the plastic panel from the mold.

Abstract: A hinge device for a flap of a motor vehicle includes a piston/cylinder unit arranged between a fixed structural part and a first flap which is pivotable about an axis of rotation. A second flap is likewise pivotable about the axis of rotation and can be connected releasably to the first flap. The piston/cylinder unit is arranged between a first leg, firmly connectable to the fixed structural part, and a second leg carrying the first flap, of a hinge 6. A third leg carries the second flap, wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg 9 are pivotably arranged on a common hinge axis of rotation.

Abstract: A scratch resistant coated article is provided which is also resistant to attacks by at least some fluoride-based etchant(s) for at least a period of time. In certain example embodiments, an anti-etch layer(s) is provided on the glass substrate in order to protect the glass substrate from attacks by fluoride-based etchant(s). In certain example embodiments, the anti-etch layer(s) is substantially transparent to visible light. In certain embodiments, a DLC layer(s) may be provided over the anti-etch layer. An underlayer may be provided under the anti-etch layer(s) in certain example embodiments.

Abstract: A protective deflector for application to a vehicle panel to prevent water or dust from entering an interior compartment of the vehicle includes a flexible sheet of plastic film having a peripheral edge shaped to generally conform to a shape of a surface to be protected and a conductive layer overlying and permanently bonded to the flexible sheet, the conductive layer applied in a preselected pattern configured to facilitate electrical connection with one or more vehicle components.

Abstract: A door module for forming a vehicle door, the door module including a frame and, arranged on the frame, a mechanism for closing and opening a vehicle door formed by the door module. The closing and opening mechanism exhibits an operating device that is so arranged as to be capable of displacement between two positions for the adjustment of the closed and open condition respectively. The operating device is provided with the first of two interacting snap-in connection parts, both of which snap-in connection parts together form a snap-in connection for the automatic, connection of the operating device and a handle provided with the second snap-in connection part that is intended respectively for closing and opening a vehicle door formed by the door module.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards improved mounting structures and methods for formation of window regulator systems for vehicles. In one exemplary embodiment, a mounting structure for a window regulator system is provided. The mounting structure includes a main body defining cavity for rotatably receiving a portion of a pulley; and an engagement feature depending away from the main body, the engagement feature engaging the portion of the pulley and preventing movement of the pulley away from the main body, the engagement feature being substantially free of fasteners for preventing movement of the portion of the pulley away from the main body.

Abstract: A seal structure includes a frame arranged on an outer periphery of a window portion of a vehicle; a division bar which is connected to the frame by tightening and divides the window portion; a seal member which provides a seal between a vehicle outer side and a vehicle inner side, between the frame and the division bar; and a transmitting portion which transmits a tightening force applied to the frame and the division bar to the seal member.

Abstract: An auxiliary latch release assembly, and method of operation, for use with a vehicle having a body defining a cargo area, a door, and a door latch mounted in the door and including an auxiliary latch release is disclosed. The assembly may comprise a handle that is accessible in the cargo area, a release cable having a first end engaging the handle and a second end extending in the body adjacent to the door having the door latch, and an e-latch override assembly mounted in the body that engages the second end of the release cable and includes a latch release member. The latch release member can be actuated by the e-latch override assembly to engage the auxiliary latch release to release the door latch.

Abstract: An handle assembly for a vehicle door and method of actuating a release mechanism, such as a door latch, are disclosed. The handle assembly may have a pull handle including a sliding leg, a pivot leg and a hand gripping portion extending between the sliding leg and the pivot leg, with the sliding leg adapted to guide the pull handle between a closed position and an open position, and with the pivot leg adapted to be secured for pivoting about a handle pivot axis about which the pull handle is pivotable. The handle assembly may also include a torque cable having a first end centered and rotatable about the handle pivot axis, and a second end adapted to operatively engage the release mechanism, with the first end rotationally fixed to the pivot leg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle having a driver door, a passenger door, and two rear doors. Each of the doors has an internal opening device for opening the corresponding door from the interior of the motor vehicle using an assigned electrical drive, and an external opening device for opening the corresponding door from outside the motor vehicle using an assigned electrical drive. The electrical drives are each provided to lock and unlock the opening device assigned thereto.

Abstract: A closure system for a vehicle includes a closure member movable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The closure member includes a flexible panel and a plurality of support members supporting the flexible panel. A first support member is attached to and is movable with the closure member between the open position and the closed position. The first support member includes a recess receiving the flexible panel and the plurality of support members therein when the closure member is in the open position.

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: An automobile door has a glass run corresponding to a glass door. The glass run includes a body portion, which has a bottom wall portion, and a vehicle interior side wall portion and a vehicle exterior side wall portion respectively extending from opposite ends of the bottom wall portion, and also includes a pair of seal lips which performs sealing between the door glass and the glass run. Furthermore, in a cross-sectionally substantially-U-shaped outer peripheral portion of the body portion, sponge rubber layers are provided in a predetermined range in a longitudinal direction of a cross-section of the vehicle interior side surface wall portion and a predetermined zone including a continuously connecting portion between the bottom wall portion and the inner outer side surface wall portion, respectively. An auxiliary lip is provided at a continuously connecting portion between the bottom wall portion and the vehicle interior side wall portion.

Abstract: A process for actuating a vehicle door of a motor vehicle includes the steps of automatically closing the vehicle door of the motor vehicle by a drive at a specified closing speed upon initiation of a closing command and performing a check to verify that the vehicle door is properly closed at an end of a closing process with the specified closing speed. If it is determined that the vehicle door is properly closed, the specified closing speed remains unchanged for at least one subsequent closing process. If it is determined that the vehicle door is not properly closed, the specified closing speed is increased for at least one subsequent closing process.

Abstract: A three-piece roof assembly is provided for racing cars in which the two side members are fixedly supported on the frame of the vehicle and the center member is positionable at a selectable canted angle relative to the side members. The center member is formed with laterally extended flanges that overlap the side members to maintain structural integrity between the center member and the respective side members. The canting of the center member creates a gap that varies in width from front to rear. The process for canting a race car roof is significantly simplified and involves fixing the side members to the frame of the vehicle, then positioning the center member at the desired angular orientation, and fixing the center member relative to the side members. The variable width gap between the center member and the side members can be filled with weld material and painted.

Abstract: A retractable grip assist handle assembly provides an extendable support for a passenger during ingress to or egress from the vehicle. The retractable grip assist handle assembly includes a handle, and a body portion having a first end connected to the handle and the handle and body portion are extendable relative to the vehicle. A mechanical energy storage device is connected between a second end of the body portion and the vehicle. The mechanical energy storage device provides a return force that returns the handle to a retracted position from an extended position.

Abstract: In order to provide a guide roller which can be readily mounted on a support member and readily adjusted in position without reducing strength of a support shaft, according to the invention, when inserting a screw part of the shaft through a long hole of the support member and fixing the shaft by a nut on a back side, the screw part is inserted while contacting notched planes with contact parts, and an insertion position of the screw part is made adjustable in the long hole. It is possible, without necessity to form an engaging part for calking in the columnar shaped support shaft, to prevent reduction in strength of the guide roller, to position the guide roller with respect to a rail only by screwing the guide roller to the support member after previously fixing the support member to the slide door, and to make the operation efficient.

Abstract: A user-operated system for interactive vehicle door opening and closing. The system detects vehicle position (gravity) and external force (such as wind) and provides an assistive force in effortlessly opening or closing the door. In some embodiments, the system provides a fail safe mode of operation in case of power failure and/or limit stops to minimize or prevent damage to external objects in the event the door is inadvertently brought into contact with the external object.

Abstract: A rear side sash component 10 of a sash is composed of an inner panel 13 and an outer panel 14. The inner panel 13 is press-formed to have a raised part 21 bulging toward the vehicle interior. The amount of projection of the raised part 21 is increased with approach to its lower end. The outer panel 14 is press-formed to have a flat part 15 the lateral dimension of which is increased with approach to its lower end. The inner and outer panels 13 and 14 are joined together to provide a rear side sash component 10 increasing its cross-sectional size with approach to its lower end.

Abstract: A belt molding includes an elongated molding body mounted along a clearance portion between a frame member and a panel member of a vehicle, a first acting portion provided at the molding body and configured to push the frame member, and a second acting portion provided at the molding body and configured to engage with the panel member. The second acting portion is elastically formed in order to establish an engaged state where the second acting portion is engaged with the panel member and a disengaged state where the second acting portion is disengaged from the panel member. The second acting portion includes a pressing portion which is configured to be pushed towards the frame member along the panel member by an external device inserted between the panel member and the molding body to change the engaged state to the disengaged state.

Abstract: A vehicle door has an easy exit feature that holds the vehicle door in a desired latched position by applying a latching torque with a controllable damper. An evaluation and control unit detects the desired latched positions by evaluating an instantaneous door movement sensed by a sensor system, and accordingly actuates the damper. The evaluation and control unit releases the latched position after a corresponding activation has been detected. The easy exit feature is embodied as a variable latching function, and applies a maximum holding force to the vehicle door by way of the damper and locks the vehicle door in the desired latched position.

Abstract: A multi-panel door comprises a plurality of side-by-side door panels and a water-resistant shield. Each one of the door panels is pivotably attached at an edge thereof to an adjacent one of the door panels thereby defining an edge interface between the adjacent ones of the door panels. Each one of the door panels has a cargo space facing major surface and an exterior facing major surface generally opposite and spaced apart from the cargo space facing major surface. The water-resistant shield extends over at least a portion of the cargo space facing major surface of all of the door panels. The water-resistant shield covers each edge interface defined by the door panels and wraps at least partially around a bottom longitudinal edge of a lower-most one of the door panels.

Abstract: A door grip for a vehicle. The door grip comprises a base member having a central opening. A bracket is positioned proximate an interior portion of the base member. A cover having a shape generally corresponding to the base member at least partially encloses the interior portion of the base member. A mounting portion of the bracket is attachable to a vehicle door interior panel such that a handle portion of the door grip is cantilevered away from a vehicle door interior panel.

Abstract: A retention cable arrangement for retaining a cargo closure assembly in association with a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a cargo lid door having at least one hinge for pivotally connecting the cargo door to the vehicle. A retention cable is connected to the at least one hinge and to the cargo door distal to the at least one hinge.

Abstract: The door-opening/closing apparatus includes a door, a driving unit that drives the door to close the door, a door movement detection unit that detects a movement of the door, an electrostatic switch that is mounted on the door for detecting a human's touching the door, and a judgment unit that judges whether the door is attempted to be closed. When the door movement detection unit detects a movement of the door, and when the electrostatic switch senses a human's touching the door, the judgment unit judges that the door is attempted to be closed, and then the driving unit drives to close the door.

Abstract: Twin sheet vacuum thermoformed vehicular top and doors, adapted for mounting on a roll cage of a recreational vehicle, in which the thermoformed article includes complementary sections thermally bonded to one another along a continuous peripheral edge seam. Each of the complementary sections has an exterior surface that is grained and an interior surface that is ungrained. The vehicular top and doors can be provided as components of a kit for accessorizing a recreational vehicle, and such kit can further include foldable windshield and rear bumper components, as well as mounting hardware for the various components of the kit.

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 arm includes an arm side engagement portion configured to engage with a vehicle body side engagement portion disposed proximate to the edge portion of the door opening direction side of the opening portion of the vehicle body.

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 power-actuated closure system is disclosed. The system includes a power-actuated closure panel having a leading edge. One or more non-contact optical sensing system(s) is/are affixed to the power-actuated closure panel. The sensing system is adapted to detect the presence of an obstruction in proximity to and in advance of the leading edge of the closure panel. The system also includes a control system that selectively controls the motion of the closure panel in response to signals received from the sensing system.

Abstract: An opening/closing body for opening/closing an opening provided in a vehicle body, a pair of guide members, and a reel drum attached onto a board of a drive unit provided between both of the guide members, are provided. Respective one ends of a pair of wires are connected to the opening/closing body, and the wires are wound around the pair of guide members. Then, respective other ends of the pair of wires are connected to the reel drum so as to be reeled in directions reverse to each other. On the board of the drive unit, an extended portion extended toward one of the guide members is provided, and one of the guide members is attached onto the extended portion.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly for a vehicle comprising a closure panel capable of movement between an open position and a closed position, and a garment hook assembly mounted to the closure panel. When the closure panel is closed, the garment hook is presented to an interior space of the vehicle.

Abstract: An inner or secondary door and temperature control system for use on a vehicle or trailer having a storage compartment and a first or primary door associated with a first entry or entryway into the storage compartment. The secondary door provides a moveable barrier or door that is situated in operative relationship to the first entry or entryway associated with the first door in order to prevent thermal loss from the storage compartment area during deliveries or at times when the first door is open.

Abstract: A door system for a motor vehicle is provided. The door system includes a door for closing the interior space of a motor vehicle, a sensor for determining an opening angle of the door, a man-machine interface for inputting a desired maximum opening angle of the door, a brake device for arresting the door, and a door control for arresting the door through the use of the brake device if the opening angle of the door reaches the set maximum opening angle of the door or if an opening speed of the door falls below a limit value. A method for operating a door system is also provided.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle is provided with a vehicle body, a first door, and a second door. The vehicle body has front and rear ends with a door opening formed through a lateral side of the vehicle body. The door opening allows passenger ingress and egress to and from an interior of the vehicle. The first door is pivotally connected to the vehicle body at an upper region of the door opening for partially enclosing an upper portion of the door opening. The second door is pivotally connected to the vehicle body at a lower region of the door opening for enclosing a lower portion of the door opening. The first and second doors cooperate to collectively enclose the door opening.

Abstract: The invention discloses a vehicle with a front door and a rear door without a B column between the two doors, with the front door latch being designed as a power latch with a door-closing assistance and the rear door latch containing a power latch holder with an adjustable locking bolt, in order to achieve a stable door connection with low closing forces.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a door of a transit vehicle with an angularly disposed floor portion incorporates a rotatably disposed driving member in combination with a driven member attached to the sealing arrangement to enable vertical movement thereof for providing a weather seal when the door is closed and accommodating the angularly disposed floor portion when the door is open and the door is disposed within the transit vehicle and above the floor portion. An inner and outer cover may be provided at the bottom edge of the door for esthetic purposes.