Door Frame Or Shell Patents (Class 296/146.5)
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Patent number: 6860537Abstract: The liftgate for a motor vehicle includes a frame member, an inner panel, and an outer panel. The frame member is a U-shaped member formed by a cross member and a pair of spaced apart legs extending from the cross member. The inner panel is connected to the legs and extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The outer panel is connected to the inner panel and is positioned opposite the legs and an inner side of the inner panel. The outer panel also extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The frame member defines a window opening with the inner panel and the outer panel. The frame member forms the entire upper portion of the liftgate.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Dinesh C. Seksaria, John W. Cobes
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Patent number: 6840565Abstract: A door frame for a vehicle comprises a frame structure portion including a hollow portion having a hollow cross section extending in longitudinal direction and a flange portion extending from the outer profile of the hollow portion and an outer surface portion engaged with the flange portion to be integrally formed with the frame structure portion, wherein the frame structure portion and the outer surface portion are formed by separate different plate members, and the outer surface portion is bended and engaged with the frame structure portion to be integrated together. The plate member of the outer surface portion is thicker than the plate member of the frame structure portion. A material of the plate of the outer surface portion is different from a material of the frame structure portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Satoshi Masunaga, Hiroaki Yamasaki
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Publication number: 20040251712Abstract: Provided is a door trim structure for automobiles, which is made of a thermoplastic resin and of which the inner door panel and the door trim are integrally blow-molded. The inner door panel may have the function of fitting functional members thereto, and may act also as a shock absorber. The inner door panel acting also as a shock absorber may have a plurality of recesses formed on its surface. The door trim structure is lightweight and simple, and is resistant to side-on collision, and its productivity is high. The number of the parts to constitute the door trim structure can be greatly reduced, and the labor and energy necessary for building the structure into a door system can be reduced. The door trim structure is recyclable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: IDEMITSU PETROCHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Tomoyuki Obara
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Publication number: 20040251711Abstract: A laser welded blank for use in applications calling for an engineered or tailor welded blank, such as in vehicle door panel assemblies. Two sheet metal pieces of different thicknesses are in edge-to-edge abutment such that an interface is formed therebetween, however, the mating edges are not parallel. Instead, a first segment of the interface is flush on a first side of the laser welded blank, while a second segment is flush on a second side of the blank. This arrangement permits an adjacent component, such as a rubber seal, located on one side of the laser welded blank to extend across or contact the interface at the first segment, while another component located on the other side of the blank may extend across or contact the interface at the second segment. Because both components are in flush contact with the interface, there is a reduction of air gaps, leaks, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Shiloh Industries, Inc.Inventor: James W. Walther
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Patent number: 6814393Abstract: The sealing strip of the present invention includes a retention section having an upper hub, a first retention leg, a second retention leg rearward of the first retention leg, an upper recess rearward of the upper hub, and first and second lower recesses. The first lower recess is positioned between the first and second retention legs and the second lower recess is positioned rearward of the second retention leg. The sealing strip also includes a sealing section formed with the retention section. The invention is also related to a vehicle panel assembly including a first panel having a channel, a second panel, and a sealing strip coupled to the first panel. The sealing strip includes a retention section having an upper hub, a first retention leg, a second retention leg, an upper recess, and first and second lower recesses. The sealing strip again includes a sealing section which is integrally formed with the retention section.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideyuki Nagata
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Patent number: 6808224Abstract: Provided is a door trim structure for automobiles, which is made of a thermoplastic resin and of which the inner door panel and the door trim are integrally blow-molded. The inner door panel may have the function of fitting functional members thereto, and may act also as a shock absorber. The inner door panel acting also as a shock absorber may have a plurality of recesses formed on its surface. The door trim structure is lightweight and simple, and is resistant to side-on collision, and its productivity is high. The number of the parts to constitute the door trim structure can be greatly reduced, and the labor and energy necessary for building the structure into a door system can be reduced. The door trim structure is recyclable.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoyuki Obara
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Publication number: 20040195860Abstract: The invention relates to a door-frame for a vehicle door, whose lateral parts are configured as die-cast parts. This enables a large number of functional parts of the door to be integrated into the lateral parts and the overall number of door-frame parts to be reduced in comparison with door-frames in prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Harald Koellner, Bernhard Eckhardt, Enrico Schliwa, Bernhard Sielhorst
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Patent number: 6793269Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle door assembly including two entrances. Both entrances are surrounded by a frame assembly for mounting on the vehicle. One of the entrances is at about the height of the vehicle floor, while the other is lower than the vehicle floor and opens into a stairwell that leads up and into the vehicle. The floor-level door may be suitable for use with an appliance for assisting passengers to enter the vehicle, such as a lift or a ramp. The door assembly includes doors for closing the entrances. The door assembly may be mass-produced as a modular component and mounted on a conventional vehicle that has been specially modified to accept the door assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: The Braun CorporationInventors: Michael R. Pugh, Ned McCormick, Christopher Lease
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Publication number: 20040178659Abstract: A vehicle door which can be used as a tailgate or a side door of a vehicle and a manufacturing method of this vehicle door is provided. A tailgate (1) which is a vehicle door is formed of an outer panel (2) on an outer side of a vehicle, an inner panel (3) on an inner side of the vehicle, and a module plate (4) to which door parts such as a wiper motor (18) are attached, and a lining (6). The inner panel (3) is in a frame shape with only a marginal portion (10) of the whole periphery left and with an opening (11) formed therein, which results in reduction in the weight of the tailgate (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Kikuchi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Komatsu, Yutaka Miyamoto, Takao Minagawa, Hisao Hoshino
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Publication number: 20040169395Abstract: A composite inner door panel structure for a vehicle door, that is structurally sound, cost efficient, and easy to manufacture. The inner door panel structure generally includes a first panel, a second panel, and a conductive member adhesively disposed between the first panel and the second panel. Said first panel including an end portion, said second panel is configured in accordance with the configuration of the end portion of the first panel. The conductive member is preferably a steel wire or a one-piece construction made from rigid wire mesh of different types of metals including brass, bronze, stainless steel, copper and aluminum. The conductive member maintains spacing between the first panel and the second panel, and further provides a conductive material between the first and second panels for weldability in successive operations to complete the vehicle door.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Dhansukh M. Chevli, Tim Ferguson
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Patent number: 6779829Abstract: An automotive door assembly (10) includes an inner door (30) having an inner panel (40). The inner panel (40) has a first seat (44) and a second seat (46) integrally formed therein. The first seat (44) has a first side member (50) fixedly attached thereto for separating an exterior of the door assembly (10) from a door cavity thereof. The first side member (50) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). Likewise, the second seat (46) a second side member (90) has fixedly attached thereto for separating the exterior of the door assembly (10) from the door cavity thereof. The second side member (90) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). The inner panel (40), the first side member (50), and the second side member (90) have an outer door (18) attached thereto for enclosing the door cavity.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Laurent Bernard Chappuis, Michael William Danyo
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Patent number: 6776449Abstract: A vehicle door which can be used as a tailgate or a side door of a vehicle and a manufacturing method of this vehicle door is provided. A tailgate (1) which is a vehicle door is formed of an outer panel (2) on an outer side of a vehicle, an inner panel (3) on an inner side of the vehicle, and a module plate (4) to which door parts such as a wiper motor (18) are attached, and a lining (6). The inner panel (3) is in a frame shape with only a marginal portion (10) of the whole periphery left and with an opening (11) formed therein, which results in reduction in the weight of the tailgate (1).Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Kikuchi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Komatsu, Yutaka Miyamoto, Takao Minagawa, Hisao Hoshino
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Publication number: 20040130179Abstract: A door frame for a vehicle comprises a frame structure portion including a hollow portion having a hollow cross section extending in longitudinal direction and a flange portion extending from the outer profile of the hollow portion and an outer surface portion engaged with the flange portion to be integrally formed with the frame structure portion, wherein the frame structure portion and the outer surface portion are formed by separate different plate members, and the outer surface portion is bended and engaged with the frame structure portion to be integrated together. The plate member of the outer surface portion is thicker than the plate member of the frame structure portion. A material of the plate of the outer surface portion is different from a material of the frame structure portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: Satoshi Masunaga, Hiroaki Yamasaki
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Patent number: 6758512Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved window frame stud used for affixing a removable window frame to a vehicle door panel. The improved window frame stud being constructed of a one-piece, unitary, high-strength, low corrosive material and including a tapered grip-portion for use with a standard size metric and/or SAE size wrench or pliers in the absence of damaging the window frame stud. The present invention has particular application for use with off-road and/or sport utility vehicles having the option to conveniently remove the window frame(s) from the door panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Inventor: Alan Dobbs
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Patent number: 6733900Abstract: A raised portion 32 is provided on an upper face of an end portion of a plate 31 which forms one side of a frame member 30. An end portion of a plate 41 of another frame member 40 is abutted with the plate 31 of the frame member 30. The frame members 30 and 40 are aluminum alloy extruded frame members and the directions of extrusion of the two frame members are orthogonal. A welding padding is carried on an upper face of the plate 41 of the frame member 40. Under this condition, a rotary tool is inserted from above and a friction stir welding is carried out. Accordingly, the padding serves the same function on the plate 41 as the raised portion 32 on the plate 31, so that a good welding can be carried out.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Satou, Masakuni Ezumi, Kazusige Fukuyori
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Patent number: 6729676Abstract: A door panel for a motor vehicle comprises a front portion and a rear portion connected to the front portion. The front portion comprises carbon fiber sheet molding compound, and the rear portion comprises sheet molding compound containing glass fibers.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Tim O'Hara, Mike Shinedling, Douglas L Denton, Steve Rowden, Daniel J Pearlman
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Patent number: 6719355Abstract: A motor vehicle door having a door inside part (19), a door outside part (20) and a supporting panel (3) which is connected in a tight-fitting manner to the door inside part (19).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KGInventors: Adolf Ornig, Gernot Bindar, Martin Graupp, Wolfgang Dietz, Gabriela Paier
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Patent number: 6698819Abstract: An impact countermeasure device (30) used for receiving an impact force (56) has a generally hollow body with an outer wall (52) defining an interior portion (54) and an exterior portion. The wall (52) has at least one blow hole (60) therethrough. The wall (52) has at least one tack off area (70) formed therein. The tack off area (70) and the blow hole (60) control the crush rate of the body in response to the impact force (56).Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Eric Stefan Mozer, Alan Dry
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Publication number: 20040036315Abstract: A window 30 is a two-color molding comprising a transparent section 32 and a frame section 31 integrated with the transparent section 32, the frame section 31 and the transparent section 32 are formed with a first material and a second material respectively, and the first material is a thermoplastic resin with the linear thermal expansion coefficient in the MD direction lower by 1×10−5 to 3×10−5 (mm/(mm.K)) than that of the second material, and also with the MD/TD ratio for the linear thermal expansion coefficient in the range from 0.6 to 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicants: IDEMITSU PETROCHEMICAL CO., LTD., ASAHI GLASS COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Nobuhiro Watanabe, Tomomi Hasegawa, Akio Ishiguchi
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Publication number: 20040021341Abstract: A method for production of a door for a motor vehicle is provided for at least one door inner piece (1) and at least one door outer sheet (2), which are produced separately from each other and are then combined into one. The method includes making the door inner piece entirely or partially of cast aluminum. The door outer sheet is made of aluminum. The edge (13) of the door outer sheet (2) is folded towards the door inner piece (1). The folded edge (13) of the door outer sheet (2) is brought into contact with a mating surface (12) of the outer edge (11) of the door inner piece (1). The door inner piece (1) and the door outer sheet (2) are connected to each other by a laser-welded seam (7) produced by a laser beam directed in the gap between the mating surface (12) and the edge (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Erich Zimmer
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Publication number: 20040012226Abstract: A door assembly includes a carrier panel attachable to a vehicle door outer structure such that the carrier panel substantially covers an opening of the door outer structure. The carrier panel is configured to function as a water shield between the door outer structure and a vehicle occupant compartment. The carrier panel also includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion defines a lower appearance surface. The assembly further includes a hardware component mounted to and supported by the carrier panel, and an upper trim panel arrangement that is attachable to the carrier panel after the carrier panel has been attached to the door outer structure. The upper trim panel arrangement is configured to substantially cover the upper portion of the carrier panel and defines an upper appearance surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Gerald O. Morrison, Terrence D Gibney, Michael J Berta, Holger Reusswig, Brian P Skarb
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Patent number: 6672650Abstract: A vehicle plastic panel includes a plastic panel body and a speaker grille integrally injection molded with a plastic panel body. The speaker grille has a plurality of sound passages formed therethrough from a front surface to a rear surface, and has a cross-hatched upstanding rib pattern extending from the rear surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Patent Holding CompanyInventor: Larry J. Winget
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Patent number: 6672642Abstract: A lightweight tailgate assembly for pickup trucks and other motor vehicles includes several metal panels that are made from a single metal sheet and a plastic reinforcing module between inner and outer metal panels. The side panels of the tailgate are formed as part of the plastic reinforcing module. A preferred assembly may also include a hinge device for connection with a truck body and a latch mechanism for locking the assembly between opposed rear corner posts in a truck body. The hinge device may be integrally molded into the plastic reinforcing module. A particularly preferred tailgate assembly made with AA 6022 aluminum alloy sheet and a reinforcing module containing polymer and glass fibers may weigh less than half as much as a conventional steel truck tailgate. Metal cover plates can be used to obscure visibility of the plastic side panels from the exterior.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Dinesh Seksaria, John W. Cobes, Romeo Pascasio, Ed Timko
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Patent number: 6669267Abstract: An exterior accessory assembly or module for a vehicle door assembly comprises an exterior rearview mirror and/or door cap assembly, which may further include a cover member, a door handle, window frame, window seal and/or an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The vehicle door assembly includes a door frame, which includes a cap and/or mirror mounting region, a lock and/or latch mechanism, a mirror connector, electronic controls, regulators, trim pieces, and/or the like, and is mountable to a vehicle at the vehicle assembly plant as a single unit. The exterior rearview mirror and/or the cap assembly may mount to the modular door and provide an exterior rearview mirror, a window frame and/or door handle. The latch and/or mirror connectors provide for connection to the handle and/or mirror assembly, respectively, of the accessory module as the accessory module is affixed to the door frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Niall R. Lynam, Peter J. Whitehead, David E. Nestell, Loren B. Renkema
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Publication number: 20030227193Abstract: An automotive door assembly (10) includes an inner door (30) having an inner panel (40). The inner panel (40) has a first seat (44) and a second seat (46) integrally formed therein. The first seat (44) has a first side member (50) fixedly attached thereto for separating an exterior of the door assembly (10) from a door cavity thereof. The first side member (50) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). Likewise, the second seat (46) a second side member (90) has fixedly attached thereto for separating the exterior of the door assembly (10) from the door cavity thereof. The second side member (90) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). The inner panel (40), the first side member (50), and the second side member (90) have an outer door (18) attached thereto for enclosing the door cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Laurent Bernard Chappuis, Michael William Danyo
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Patent number: 6659536Abstract: A door protector module includes a unitarily constructed inner belt weatherstrip, a shield and a lower door seal which are attachable as a one piece assembly to a vehicle door inner trim panel or the inner door panel. The inner belt weatherstrip, the shield and the lower door shield are formed with complimentary adjoining shapes for affixing the inner belt weatherstrip, the shield and the lower door shield into a unitary structure by snaps, fasteners, adhesive, etc.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: JS Chamberlain & Associates, Inc.Inventors: William S. Chamberlain, David Otto
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Patent number: 6659538Abstract: A hatchback for an automobile has an essentially peripheral supporting frame (1) designed as a hollow metal section, with a windshield area and a wall area, with a connecting section (2) arranged transversely in the supporting frame (1) at the transition of the windshield area and wall area, with a windshield (3) mounted on the supporting frame (1) in the windshield area and with an outside door panel (4) mounted on the supporting frame (1) in the wall area, whereby hinge brackets (5) that are movable with the supporting frame (1) are mounted on the upper edge of the supporting frame (1) in the windshield area and are pivotably connectable by at least one hinge element (8) each to stationary hinge blocks (7) mounted on a stationary body part (6) when the automobile hatchback is installed.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Wagon Automotive GmbHInventor: Frank Scheid
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Patent number: 6644717Abstract: A raised hatch door system for use with the pivoting side doors of an extended height van. The hatch door system engages with standard sized van doors and in the closed position provides a structural header that aligns substantially with the factory installed header.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Main Mobility Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lorentz
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Patent number: 6637803Abstract: The invention relates to a drive mechanism for a motor vehicle sliding door, said door being integral with at least one driven arm having a sliding zone in which a pin integral with a drive element is able to slide so that said door may tack and slide between a closed position, in the vehicle bodywork plane, and an open position, in a plane approximately parallel to said bodywork plane.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Wagon Automotice SNCInventor: Stephane Moreau
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Patent number: 6626482Abstract: A vehicle door assembly that includes an outer panel and an inner panel which define a space in which hardware items are located. A trim panel including an inner door handle assembly is positioned on an inside of the inner panel. Connecting rods are positioned within the space and have a first end that is connected to a latch. The second end of the rod is connected to the inner door handle assembly. The rod is retained within a clip proximate to the second end of the rod. The clip allows for longitudinal movement of the rod while retaining the rod in the other two dimensions. This arrangement facilitates attachment of the inner door handle assembly and rod when the inner panel is installed.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey Barr, Gordon L. Cook
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Patent number: 6619724Abstract: Motor-vehicle door (1) comprising an outer wall (2) and an inner wall (3), a cladding part (4) mounted on the inner wall (3), and an insulation element (5) disposed between the inner wall (3) and the cladding part (4), the insulation element (5) being formed as a foam layer and being clamped in at its edge between the cladding part (4) and the inner wall (3) in a clamping region (K), wherein the insulation element (5) is secured in an adhesive-free manner between the cladding part (4) and the inner wall (3) in the clamping region (K), forming a positively locking profiling.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Carcoustics Tech Center GmbHInventors: Heinz Blömeling, Christian Gnädig, Martin Jenny
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Patent number: 6612639Abstract: A side door structure for a vehicle is composed of a main body and a rear side reinforcement member provided in the main body. The main body is formed by an inner panel and an outer panel connected to the inner panel. The rear side reinforcement member connects the inner panel and the outer panel in the main body, and the rear side reinforcement member forms a rigid part with a closed hollow cross section at a rear part of the main body by cooperation with the inner panel and the outer panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Mamoru Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6609748Abstract: 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 single 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Musa Azzouz, Michael David Pevovar
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Patent number: 6585311Abstract: A window protector assembly that protects both the inside and outside of standard panes of glazing from vandalism or other damage. The assembly comprises a pane of glazing, a sheet of protective material on the inside and outside of the glazing, and a frame. The frame pivots on the outer side of the glazing for quick loading and unloading of the glazing and the protective sheet on the outside of the glazing, and the frame also pivots closed to seal the glazing and protective sheets securely within the window protector assembly. The frame also comprises a recess wherein the protective sheet on the inside of the glazing is positioned.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Transit Care, Inc.Inventors: Jerry L. Farrar, Dale E. Carson
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Publication number: 20030107236Abstract: A motor vehicle door comprises a door inside part (19), a door outside part (20) and a supporting panel (3) which is connected in a tight-fitting manner to the door inside part (19).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Adolf Ornig, Gernot Bindar, Martin Graupp, Wolfgang Dietz, Gabriela Paier
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Publication number: 20030107235Abstract: A vehicle door which can be used as a tailgate or a side door of a vehicle and a manufacturing method of this vehicle door. A tailgate (1) which is a vehicle door is formed of an outer panel (2) on an outer side of a vehicle, an inner panel (3) on an inner side of the vehicle, and a module plate (4) to which door parts such as a wiper motor (18) are attached, and a lining (6). The inner panel (3) is in a frame shape with only a marginal portion (10) of the whole periphery left and with an opening (11) formed therein, which results in reduction in the weight of the tailgate (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Hiroyuki Komatsu, Yutaka Miyamoto, Takao Minagawa, Hisao Hoshino
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Patent number: 6565142Abstract: A vehicle door inner trim panel assembly (12) includes an inner trim panel (15) having a first electrical connector (18) and the assembly also includes an electrical control panel (36) having a second electrical connector (38) that is electrically connected to the first electrical connector upon mounting of the electrical control panel on a mount (16) of the inner trim panel. Electrical switches, (40, 42, 44 and 46) of the electrical control panel (36) control operation of associated vehicle electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Terrence D. Gibney, Jr., Michael J. Berta, Gerald O. Morrison
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Patent number: 6561567Abstract: A closure member assembly for a vehicle has a vehicle body that defines an aperture. The closure member assembly is positionable between a first position wherein the closure member assembly substantially covers the aperture and a second position wherein the closure member assembly substantially clears the aperture. The closure member assembly includes a first structure, a second structure and a drive mechanism. The first structure is movably coupled to the vehicle body. The second structure is pivotably coupled to the first structure about a generally horizontal pivot axis. The drive mechanism interconnects the first and second structures and is operable to pivot the second structure about the generally horizontal pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Inventors: Joseph E. Mrozowski, John P. Pacella
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Patent number: 6550846Abstract: An automotive door assembly (10) includes an inner door (30) having an inner panel (40). The inner panel (40) has a first seat (44) and a second seat (46) integrally formed therein. The first seat (44) has a first side member (50) fixedly attached thereto for separating an exterior of the door assembly (10) from a door cavity thereof. The first side member (50) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). Likewise, the second seat (46) a second side member (90) has fixedly attached thereto for separating the exterior of the door assembly (10) from the door cavity thereof. The second side member (90) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). The inner panel (40), the first side member (50), and the second side member (90) have an outer door (18) attached thereto for enclosing the door cavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Laurent Bernard Chappuis, Michael William Danyo
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Publication number: 20030071481Abstract: A trunk lid or back door of a vehicle includes an inner panel and an outer panel, and a gap is formed between the inner panel and the outer panels. A reinforcement member is provided outside the inner panel at a position corresponding to an attachment unit of a latch. An extending portion of the reinforcement member extends to the outer panel and is provided with an attachment portion which is fixed on the outer panel. The latch is provided inside the inner panel and a latch disengaging lever is attached to the latch at the outer side thereof in a rotatable manner. In addition, the extending portion of the reinforcement member is positioned directly above the latch disengaging member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Kazuhiko Igarashi, Hiroyuki Imakama
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Publication number: 20030067187Abstract: An open hem flange for a vehicle door includes an inner reinforcing panel and an outer panel having a first outer portion and a second inner portion folded about the inner panel at a base. The inner reinforcing panel includes dimpled sections against the second outer portion which provides a gap between the inner panel and the second inner portion of the outer. A gap also exists between the inner reinforcing panel and the outer portion of the outer panel to allow the hem flange to be properly cleaned and electrocoated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William James Curtiss, Carl Rodney Roush, Dave Henry Meyer, Katherine P. Minnich, Robert G. Starbowski, Robert William Woodall, Scott G. Miller, Timothy J. Moore
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Patent number: 6536832Abstract: A motor vehicle door includes structural parts for providing the rigidness of the vehicle door and includes a structural element and a lining element. The door further includes function components for providing vehicle door functions like a window panel with a regulator. At least one of the structural parts serves as a support of the function components. In order to reduce the number of individual components, at least one of the structural parts forms a completely shaped composite or sandwich part having a plastic based matrix and further having several of the function components included to serve a rigidness providing bodies. The bodies are molded into the plastic based matrix by the plastic based matrix.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Arvin Meritor GmbHInventors: Rainer Grimm, Klaus-Dieter Strauss, Daniel Drewniok, Harald Kollner, Georg Wurm, Arnd G. Herwig, Patrick Hof, Simon Blair Dobson, Gregory Keyes, Kenneth W. Schang
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Patent number: 6536835Abstract: A door module panel is initially mounted with a door harness and is provided with a panel hole at a position where a descending window glass does not interfere. The door harness is wired from a first surface facing a passenger compartment of the door module panel to a second surface facing a door frame through the panel hole. The door module panel has a side face, from a middle portion of which a protruding member is extended and bent towards the door frame. The protruding member includes a harness hole, through which is passed the door harness extending from the second surface of the door module panel. The door harness is then fitted into the harness hole with a grommet. The door frame is provided with a side panel notched with a groove. When the door module panel is incorporated into the door frame, the protruding member fits into the notched groove on the same plane. The door harness thus can be installed very easily.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Akio Murakami, Seiji Fukumoto
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Patent number: 6523882Abstract: An outer panel having a first panel portion is opposite to and joined to an inner panel having a second panel portion, whereby a door body having window openings is formed. An opening portion is formed in the first panel portion, positioned below the window opening, or the second panel portion, positioned below the window opening. A module panel, equipped with door-installed components including electrical equipment, is attached to the opening portion to construct the rear gate door for a vehicle. When the module panel is attached to the opening portion, the first connecting portion, attached to the module panel, is electrically connected to the second connecting portion, located the vicinity of the opening portion. Thus, the rear gate door for the vehicle enabling an assembling work and a door disassembling work easy is obtainable.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited.Inventors: Kenichi Ishikawa, Fumio Noguchi
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Patent number: 6513860Abstract: A three-piece tailor welded blank vehicle door structure includes a periphery defined by a bottom portion, a pair of opposing side portions, a top portion, and an inclined portion. A first thickness gage sheet material portion is disposed generally along the door hinge side of the door structure. A second thicker gage sheet material portion is disposed generally along the door latch side of the door structure. A thinner gage sheet material portion is disposed between the first and second thickness gage sheet material portions, whereby the overall weight of the vehicle door is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Amar Ourchane, Ching-Hung Chuang, Ronald Machin, Scott Crane, Xiao Wu
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Patent number: 6510657Abstract: A vehicle door module adapted to support mechanisms such as a window raiser (12) and to be applied in a sealed manner on the surround of two inner openings (7,9) of a box structure of the door includes two distinct panels (3,4) interconnected by a rigid structure (5,6). Each panel is adapted to support components (13,19) of the mechanisms and to be applied in a sealed manner on a respective one of the openings (7,8) of the box structure (9), which has a contour complementary to the contour of the each panel. The window raiser (12) may be of the “double lift” type having two guide rails (13,14) each mounted on a respective panel (3,4). This division into two parts (3,4) reduces the amount of plastics material required and reduces the manufacturing cost of the module (1) while a rigid structure (11) between the two openings (7,8) of the door increases the rigidity of the latter.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1998Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-FranceInventors: Carlo Bertolini, Laurent Arquevaux
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Patent number: 6508035Abstract: A sliding door for vehicles including a space frame comprising a U-shaped extruded aluminum tube and a crossbeam to which inner and outer aluminum door panels are attached. Hardware for operation of the door is mounted on the exposed inside surface of the door. The overall weight of the door is about 20 pounds and the door is about 35 mm thick.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Dinesh C. Seksaria, John W. Cobes
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Publication number: 20020180236Abstract: Motor-vehicle door (1) comprising an outer wall (2) and an inner wall (3), a cladding part (4) mounted on the inner wall (3), and an insulation element (5) disposed between the inner wall (3) and the cladding part (4), the insulation element (5) being formed as a foam layer and being clamped in at its edge between the cladding part (4) and the inner wall (3) in a clamping region (K), wherein the insulation element (5) is secured in an adhesive-free manner between the cladding part (4) and the inner wall (3) in the clamping region (K), forming a positively locking profiling.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Heinz Blomeling, Christian Gnadig, Jenny Martin
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Publication number: 20020167195Abstract: The invention relates to a door module (1) for motor vehicles and the manufacture of such a module. The invention is characterized in that the door module (1) is intended for fixation to a door (2) of a motor vehicle and has a synthetic material carrier (1a) as a carrier element, and various function elements and/or reinforcements (11) fixed by synthetic material injection-moulding or connected to the synthetic material carrier (1a) by means of injection-moulded synthetic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Thomas Nagel, Martin Bunnemann
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Patent number: 6478364Abstract: A motor vehicle door with a lower door element is provided into which an outer window channel reinforcement is integrated. This window channel reinforcement comprises a profiled section and is supported on the interior side on the outside door panel. Additional stiffenings of the profiling are formed by transversely extending indentations in the profilings.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Harald Gerber