Abstract: Motor-vehicle bonnet having a torsional strength greater than or equal to 5 N/mm and a flexural strength greater than 55 N/mm, comprising: an external shell (1; 1′; 1″) made of laminated composite sheet comprising two external facings made of steel sheet and a core of uniform thickness made of polymer material; internal reinforcing means (2; 3, 3′; 8) fastened to the said shell, the weight of which is less than 40% of the total weight of the bonnet. Bonnet which is at once lightweight, strong and inexpensive.

Abstract: A truck latch system has a handle presented from the decklid within the trunk in substantially vertical fashion and is operative to move a trunk latch to an unlatched position when grasped and pulled in a generally downward direction to prevent the decklid from latching to a rear trunk wall and to unlatch the decklid from the trunk wall when latched thereto.

Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, a release assist device, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control for activating the assist device or the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering a retractable top for a motor vehicle, comprises a decklid and a tonneau cover. The decklid is attached to the vehicle, and is at least partially defining an opening through which the top may retract. The tonneau cover is slidably secured to the decklid to open and close the opening.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge assembly for swingably attaching a closure panel over a trunk space of an automotive vehicle. The hinge assembly includes a hinge strap which has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is adjustably attached to two brackets that are attached to the trunk lid and the second end is rotatably attached to the vehicle body using a ball and socket joint. The brackets include rounded surfaces that are rotated and translated relative to attachment surfaces of the hinge strap, and the brackets operate in conjunction with the ball and socket joint to allow the trunk lid to be precisely fit over the trunk space opening.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions, the trunk is raised by rearward movement of the trunk linkage in connection with a guide member. The guide member also provides a forward movement of the trunk linkage for closing the trunk lid.

Abstract: A trunk assembly (10) is provided, including a cargo compartment (22) and a deck lid (12), moveable between an open position (14), a closed position (16), and a stowed position (18), such that the stowed position 18 allows the cargo compartment 22 to be used as a pick up box.

Abstract: An actuating arrangement for opening and closing a hinged motor vehicle panel has a fluid drive, a control unit, and a sensor unit. The hinged motor vehicle panel is movable between a starting position and an end position, and the control unit evaluates start signals from the sensor unit and stopping the movement of the motor vehicle panel in an intermediate position. The start signals from the sensor unit correspond to current angles of opening of the hinged motor vehicle panel, and predetermined angles of opening of the hinged motor vehicle panel define certain criteria. It is possible to set at least the angle of opening of the intermediate position via the control unit.

Abstract: A trunk lid for a convertible vehicle with a folding roof can be opened on the one hand for stowing the folded roof in the trunk and on the other hand to obtain access to the trunk for stowing luggage. The trunk lid is articulated to a part of the bodyshell of the vehicle on one lateral side of the trunk enabling the trunk lid to be opened by rotation from left to right or vice versa.

Abstract: An actuating arrangement and method for opening and closing a hinged motor vehicle panel utilizes a controllable fluid drive and an uncontrolled fluid drive. The hinged motor vehicle panel is driven during opening from a starting position to a predetermined opening angle by the controlled fluid drive and, after reaching the predetermined angle of opening, is driven into its final position exclusively by the uncontrolled fluid drive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spoiler which constitutes a traveling safety device for a motor vehicle. The spoiler is adapted for controllably diverting airflow which passes over aerodynamic surfaces of a motor vehicle, upon high speed traveling of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A flat cast structural member, particularly a cast metal part or a cast plastic part wherein the surface of the structural member is covered by a thin metal sheet or a plastic layer. An adhesive or coupling layer is provided between the thin metal sheet or plastic layer, whereby under the influence of heat, the adhesive or coupling layer absorbs any surface unevenness or irregularities on the structural member.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle is equipped with a tailgate (2), which is provided in the rear region of the vehicle and is supported at the vehicle body so that it can be swiveled, on the one hand, by a movement (arrow A) about a first front swiveling axis (4) into a first open position, which opens up the trunk (6) to the rear and, on the other, by a movement (arrow B) about a second rear swiveling axis (7; 7′) into a second open position, opening up in the upward direction the compartment (8) for a folding top (3). Pursuant to the invention, the rear support of the tailgate (2) is formed by at least one closing device (12, 12′) with a supporting body (11), which is hinged over a hinge unit (10) at the tailgate (2) and can be introduced with its free end region into an accommodating body (14), which is attached to the body of the vehicle, and can be fixed in this connection position by a locking element (15).

Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular a convertible, is provided with a body that has at least one closure cover, which can be moved into an open and a closed position by an extendable driving device, and has the following features: in a front or rear end region, the closure cover can be connected to the body by at least one connecting device. The connecting device has a receiving element and an engagement element, provided for engagement in the receiving element. The connecting device limits the travel of the closure cover in at least one direction during the closing movement of the closure cover. At the opposite end to the connecting device, the closure cover or a component connected to the closure cover is rotatably mounted at least one pivot. The at least one pivot is connected pivotably to the body by at least one associated lever element.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an opening/closing rear component structure of a vehicle, comprising a luggage space being divided into a upper luggage space and a lower luggage space, a openable/closable door being provided to the upper luggage space and the lower luggage space respectively, and the door for the upper luggage space and the door for the lower luggage space being adapted to selectively adopt either a mode of opening/closing the door for the upper luggage space and the door for the lower luggage space integrally so that the upper luggage space and the lower luggage space may be opened/closed at the same time, or a mode of, opening/closing the door independently so that the upper luggage space and/or the lower luggage space may be opened/closed, whereby it becomes possible to selectively adopt an independent luggage space separated from the compartment (such a luggage space as a sedan-type vehicle has) or a large luggage space in which large luggage can be loaded and unloaded easily

Abstract: A vibration preventing structure of tailgate in an automobile wherein a plurality of hitching jaws formed at a first guide bumper are restricted by a rotary member of a second bumper guide at an automobile body when the tailgate is closed, while the jaws are detached when the tailgate is opened, thereby reducing the noise generated by vibration of the tailgate when the automobile is running, the structure comprising a first guide bumper protrusively coupled at a longitudinal end of the tailgate and sequentially formed with a plurality of hitching jaws; height adjustment device for adjusting a protruded height of the first guide bumper; a second guide bumper mounted at a body in order to allow the first guide bumper to be adhered when the tailgate is closed; a rotary member rotably mounted at the second guide bumper via a rotary axle and formed with a hook to be hitched by the hitching jaw of the first guide bumper; and operating device mounted at the second guide bumper for allowing the hook to be hitched by

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing a deck lid of a vehicle body. An elongated rack is mounted in a housing for longitudinal movement. A rotatable pinion meshes with the rack to move the rack longitudinally in one direction or the other depending on the direction of rotation of the pinion. A reversible motor rotates the pinion in opposite directions. The deck lid is attached to a pair of arms pivoted to the vehicle body. A link has one end pivoted to the rack and the opposite end pivoted to one of the arms. The deck lid is moved to open position in response to longitudinal movement of the rack in one direction or to closed position in response to longitudinal movement of the rack in the other direction.

Abstract: A mechanism for lifting and lowering a wide rear liftgate comprising a single power actuator located near only a first side of the liftgate and a torque tube having first and second arms and a central resilient stem. The torque tube is attached to the liftgate with the stem journaled to the liftgate, the first arm adjacent the first side of the liftgate and the second arm attached to a second side of the liftgate. The first arm is attached to the power actuator through a ball stud which extends through a slot in the liftgate. When lifting or lowering the liftgate, the power actuator applies a lifting or lowering force to the first arm twisting the stem and applying the lifting or lowering force to the second side of the liftgate through the second arm. The ball stud then engages the slot applying the lifting or lowering force to the first side of the liftgate.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by the trunk linkage. A tonneau is provided to cover the retractable hard top storage area in both the top up and stowed position. Rear quarter windows are shifted from a top up position in which they function as windows to a stowed position in which the windows are rotated to a stowed position. The retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, tonneau, and roll bar may be assembled as a single unitary module including the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau.

Abstract: An operating arrangement for movable parts on vehicles, especially rear covers, roof coverings or the like, is provided with a connection of the movable part 1 on the vehicle 2 by at least one hinge 3, a hydraulic piston/cylinder device 9 and, in all cases, at least one gas spring, wherein at least one hinge 3 has a lever 7 which ends in the interior of the vehicle and is connected to the hydraulic piston/cylinder device 9 also arranged in the interior of the vehicle for initiating a torque. To combine an optimal protection of the hydraulic piston/cylinder device with a simple construction, an as extensive as possible avoidance of transverse moments on the hinge and operating elements and good problem-free operation of the part 1 to be moved, the lever 7 is connected with the outer lever 6 of the hinge 3 outside of the vehicle body 2, lead through a sealed-off passageway 11 into the interior of the vehicle body 2 and is shaped in a bent manner.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a motor vehicle having an articulating closure member which is retractable into a cavity below the level of the floor of the vehicle. The lid assembly includes a lid member and a conveyance assembly having a support structure and a drive assembly. The lid member is supported over the cavity by the support structure and the drive assembly moves the lid member between a first position wherein the lid member substantially covers the cavity, and a second position wherein the lid member at least partially clears the cavity.

Abstract: A device for opening and closing a pivotable tailgate which covers a folding-top compartment into which a pivotable roof structure for a cabriolet, hardtop vehicle can be deposited, is provided with an auxiliary frame on the tailgate in order to carry out the pivoting movement. At least one hydraulic cylinder is arranged on the auxiliary frame. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted by a slot and is provided with a sheathed cable which enables a locking wedge, which is arranged on the auxiliary frame, to be locked in a receiving part fixed on the body in a closed position of the tailgate. In this arrangement, the locking wedge can be released in a first movement phase of the hydraulic cylinder, which movement phase is provided for opening the tailgate.

Abstract: A hinge (10) for upwardly moving and rotating a closure panel (20) of a base (14) is provided to improve access and utilization of the area covered by the closure panel (20). The hinge (10) includes two brackets, a closure panel bracket (18) mountable to the closure panel (20) and a base member bracket (12) mountable to the base (14). A cooperative tripartite set of links are disposed between the brackets and are operatively connected to a biasing member (100). The biasing member (100) urges the links to upwardly translate and rotate the closure panel bracket (18) from the base member bracket (12). The set of links include a biasing link (76), an intermediate link (74), and an anchoring link (72). The link set is adapted for cooperative movement so as to facilitate an upward rotational and translational progression of the closure panel (20) in relation to the base (14).

Abstract: An actuation arrangement for hinged components on vehicles such as rear covers, trunk lids, covers for convertible tops or convertible top components themselves, having at least one fluid drive engaging the hinged component directly or indirectly, the fluid drive of the arrangement driving a rotary shaft (W) to realize a constant moment at a small mounting space as wells as a suitable configuration for principally any rotation angle. The rotary shaft, which lies in the swiveling axis (A) of the hinged component (V), is non-rotatably connected to the hinged component (V), possibly via an interconnected lever (H).

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a load carrying platform at a rear portion of the vehicle. A cabin frame is mounted around a driver's seat and an engine is placed under the load carrying platform behind the driver's seat. A bonnet extends in front of the driver's seat, the bonnet being opening away from and closed toward the driver's seat. A storage case having an open, upper portion is provided to be closed by the bonnet. The storage case bonnet prevents the entry of rainwater into the storage case in spite of the large dimensions of the storage case, and permits inserting and withdrawing articles easily from the storage case from the driver's seat.

Abstract: A tonneau cover connected by a power driven linkage to the decklid of a vehicle is disclosed. The tonneau cover is movable from an extended position covering a storage well for a convertible top or retractable hardtop of a vehicle to a tonneau stowed position wherein the tonneau cover is suspended below the decklid of the vehicle. The linkage system includes right and left side linkages each of which include a four bar link made up of the tonneau cover, a cylinder mounting bracket, a front control link and a rear control link. The linkage is driven by a hydraulic cylinder through an arc of approximately 180°. The hydraulic cylinder is movably mounted on a cylinder rod that is mounted to the decklid.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by movement along a track to which the trunk linkage is connected. The retractable hard top linkage includes a pivot bracket that is movable within the top guide track to limit the clearance necessary for folding the hard top into a stowed position.

Abstract: A tailgate of a motor vehicle which can be selectively pivoted as the trunk lid around a front pivot axis by a front four-bar mechanism which has two levers or can be pivoted as the lid of a roof receiver for the folding roof around a rear pivot axis by a rear four-bar mechanism which has two levers, has a lever that is part of both the front four-bar mechanism and the rear four-bar mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering a retractable top for a motor vehicle, comprises a decklid and a tonneau cover. The decklid is attached to the vehicle, and is at least partially defining an opening through which the top may retract. The tonneau cover is slidably secured to the decklid to open and close the opening.

Abstract: A support (10) for the bonnet (6) of a motor vehicle (5) in which a plastic hinge member (11) is snap fitted into an elongate aperture (21, 22) in a structural member (20) of the motor vehicle (5). The invention therefore provides a simple and quick to fit support for the bonnet of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A tailgate structure for automotive vehicle and manufacturing method thereof adapted to join an inner panel of a tailgate via a plurality of panels each having a different thickness by way of laser welding, thereby ruling out waste of materials, preventing concentration of stress through uniformity of joined areas and promoting a reinforcement of structural strength at respective members, the tailgate having an inner panel centrally forming an opening, an outer panel coupled to the inner panel to centrally form an opening and a door glass installed on the openings of the inner panel and the outer panel, wherein the inner panel comprises lateral members having a relatively heavy thickness and corresponding to left and right portions of the opening; and upper and lower members vertically connecting the lateral members and each having a relatively thinner in thickness thereof than those of the lateral members.

Abstract: A gate glass opening and closing unit in tailgate adapted to open up or close down only a gate glass mounted at the tailgate of a van-type vehicle, the unit comprising: a glass hinge connecting a gate glass to the tailgate; a glass locking device for maintaining a locked state of the gate glass; and a glass spring for pushing up the gate glass when the locked state of the gate glass is released.

Abstract: An arrangement for hydraulically operating a rear cover, covering top or the like (1) on a vehicle, with at least one double-acting hydraulic working cylinder (3), which, on the one hand, is connected to the vehicle and, on the other hand, to the covering top wherein its working chambers (8, 9) are in connection with each one side of a switched pressure source (12) via one check valve (10, 11) each, wherein both of the check valves have an mutually releasing device and each of the working chambers parallel with respect to the check valves is kept via a pre-stress valve (15, 16), which steers into the tank, at a specified pressure level.

Abstract: An release handle mechanism for a motor vehicle trunk lid is provided. The release handle mechanism includes a handle, that when activated can release the latch that couples the trunk lid to the vehicle body. The mechanism includes a housing having a plurality of sides. One side includes an inclined surface onto which the handle is pivotally connected such that the pivoting of the handle causes the handle to move outward and downward. The mechanism also includes a light source disposed within one side of the housing. The light source is disposed less than 4 inches away from the handle and is capable of directing light towards said handle as well as the trunk. The handle itself is comprised of a generally cylindrical horizontal portion and a pivot portion that is connected to the inclined surface. In the first embodiment the handle is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer resin, containing a phosphorescent, while in the second embodiment, the housing is made of material with the phosphorescent additive.

Abstract: An opening and closing device for a trunk lid of a vehicle includes a link mechanism mounted between the trunk lid and a vehicle body such that both the front side and the rear side of the trunk lid can be opened. A first connecting portion of the link mechanism is connected with the trunk lid and has a rear side connecting portion pivotably connected to the trunk lid and a front side connecting portion pivotally and detachably connected to the trunk lid. A second connecting portion of the link mechanism is connected with the vehicle body and has a rear side connecting portion pivotably connected to the vehicle body and a front side connecting portion pivotably and movably connected to the vehicle body. A hinge mechanism is mounted between the rear side of the trunk lid and the vehicle body such that the rear side of the trunk lid can be pivotally and detachably connected to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A convertible is provided with a roof construction which has at least one roof part and a rear window part. The construction can be at least partially deposited in a trunk space in an opening position in the rear area of the vehicle under a rear opening hood. To provide an opening which exposes the trunk space toward the rear, the rear opening hood is laterally linked, in each case by a guiding linkage, along a first forward swivelling axis to a lateral auxiliary frame. Two lateral auxiliary frames are supported on the vehicle body side in the lower rear area of the vehicle behind the first swivelling axis, in each case, by an additional control arm which, by way of a point of rotation, is connected with the pertaining auxiliary frame. At least one of the two auxiliary frames can be connected by way of a releasable locking element with the motor vehicle body. In the rear area, the rear opening hood is connected by a second rearward swivelling axis with the vehicle body for depositing the roof construction.

Abstract: In a bonnet for an automobile in which an inner frame 22 as a reinforcement is placed to integrally underlie an outer panel 21, assuming that the thickness of the bonnet 20 is expressed as a distance from an upper surface of the outer panel 21 to a lower surface of the inner frame 22, the thickness of the bonnet is reduced at a front portion rather than at a rear portion of the bonnet, whereby a reduction in rigidity is attained at the front portion. From an empirical observation, a smaller obstacle tends to come into collision with the front portion of the bonnet, while a larger obstacle with the rear portion of the bonnet, and therefore, the thickness of the bonnet is made thinner at the front portion than at the rear portion of the bonnet. Consequently, a damage to an obstacle, in particular, to a smaller obstacle, produced when it comes into collision with the bonnet is limited to a minimum level.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate comprises an upper section (18) and a lower section (24) which are joined by hinges (26). The hinges (26) include securing parts which lock behind latch pins (58) on the vehicle body, but are released from them when the lower section (24) is raised to an open position. This enables the two sections (18, 24) to be raised together.

Abstract: A convertible is provided with a top structure that has at least one top part and a rear window part. The structure is stowable in an open position in the rear area of the vehicle beneath a rear lid and at least partially in a trunk. In the top structure, the rear lid is articulated laterally in each case by a multilink articulation device with a first forward pivoting device by at least one articulation point with an articulation lever. Two auxiliary frames are mounted on the body in the rear area of the vehicle behind the first pivot device at a pivot point. At least one of the two auxiliary frames is connectable with the vehicle body by a releasable locking member and a latching device. The rear lid is connected with a vehicle body in the rear area for a top stowage function by a second rear pivoting device and a releasable latching device. The rear lid, articulation lever, and auxiliary frame together form a four-link mechanism with their articulation and pivot points.

Abstract: A trunk for a convertible vehicle with a folding roof comprises a trunk lid which can open on the one hand for stowing the folded roof and on the other hand for stowing luggage. A rear shelf extends under the rear part of the roof in the closed position on the vehicle and folds to allow the folded roof to pass.The rear shelf is articulated to the front edge of the trunk lid and is mobile between a position in which it extends between the front edge of the trunk lid and a wall that closes the front of the trunk and a folded position in which it extends under the trunk lid.

Abstract: An automotive liftgate assembly for limiting movement of a liftgate along a predetermined direction by utilization of a liftgate limiter. This liftgate limiter is secured to the entryway and has a retractable cable which is coupled to the pivoting liftgate. The extractable cable length is adjustable so as to vary the liftgate's open position.

Abstract: A trunk lid for a convertible vehicle with a folding roof can be opened on the one hand for stowing the folded roof in the trunk and on the other hand to obtain access to the trunk from the rear for stowing luggage. The front and rear edges of the trunk lid are connected to the bodyshell of the vehicle by latches which either lock or articulate the trunk lid so that it can open either from the front toward the rear or from the rear toward the front.

Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control circuit for activating the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.

Abstract: A linkage drive assembly for assisting in opening a deck lid or hood of a vehicle is disclosed. The linkage drive assembly includes a pair of links. The links are pivotally connected together at one end so that they may fold and unfold. The upper link is connected at its opposite end to the deck lid or hood. The lower link is pivotally connected at its opposite end to a box. The box is mounted to a side of the vehicle. A torque rod having a stationary end and a crank end is provided. The stationary end is anchored to the box and the crank end is connected to the lower link. The torque rod twists in torsion and stores energy when the links fold and the deck lid or hood is closed. The torque rod untwists and releases energy causing the links to unfold and support the deck lid when the deck lid or hood is opened.

Abstract: A trunk lid for convertible vehicles with a foldable hard top can be opened from the rear towards the front for access to the trunk or from the front towards the rear for placing and stowing the folded hard top in the trunk. The trunk lid comprises two members fastened together when the trunk lid is opened from the rear towards the front, one of these two members being dissociable from the other member so that it can be pivoted from the front towards the rear.

Abstract: A device for opening and closing a trunk lid comprises: a trunk lid opening/closing switch operated between an opening mode and a closing mode; a cylinder having one end rotatably fixed to a body panel; a piston dividing a space within the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber; a piston rod having one end rotatably fixed to the trunk lid; and a pneumatic section for selectively supplying compressed air into one of the first and second chambers and discharging air in the other one of the first and second chambers, out of the cylinder, according to an operation of the trunk lid opening/closing switch.

Abstract: A tool holder for holding a tool on a hinge plate of a deck lid of a motor vehicle. The tool holder has a body in the form of a collar made of two separate parts secured together by screws. The body parts cooperate in defining a recess shaped to retain the tool when the body parts are secured together but to release the tool when the body parts are separated. A generally L-shaped bracket projects from the body and, with the body, defines a channel for receiving a flange on the hinge plate. A hanger has a cylinder secured to the bracket. A slide bar mounted in the cylinder moves from a retracted position to an extended position across the channel. In its extended position, the slide bar extends through a hole in the hinge flange to suspend the tool holder. The body of the tool holder also has a magnet for contacting the hinge plate to magnetically hold the tool holder on the hinge plate.

Abstract: A hood or trunk lid is a blow-molded article and includes an outer skin and a stiffener integral with the outer skin. The stiffener has a tub-like molded portion which extends in a widthwise direction of a vehicle body and protrudes toward the outer skin. A ridge of the tub-like molded portion is spaced apart from the outer skin, so that the hood or trunk lid is folded from a start point provided by the tub-like molded portion by a shock force from a collision.

Abstract: A light vehicle includes a lid that is pivotable about a hinge, provided at the rear end of the lid, for opening and closing a rear trunk. Locking members are provided at the front end of the lid, which are releasably engageable with roof-supporting struts. Thus, the lid can be moved to a fully open position without being interfered by the presence of the struts, which allows the rear trunk to be operated and used with increased ease. The seat, including a seating section and a back rest section integrally formed together, has an inclined lower surface that is superposed on an inclined upper surface of a rear cowl. Thus, rearward force applied to the seat when the vehicle starts moving or accelerating is divided to allow the seat to be firmly pressed downward.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle includes a door subassembly hinged to the vehicle having a window opening and a window subassembly hinged to the vehicle adapted to cover the window opening; the door subassembly and window subassembly having a common hinge axis and the door assembly operable between a closed position, a window subassembly open and door subassembly closed position, and a window subassembly and door subassembly open position.