With Means To Accommodate Window Accessory; E.g., Automobile-type Door Patents (Class 49/502)
  • Patent number: 7059659
    Abstract: A barrier panel adapted for operative attachment to a vehicle door panel. The barrier panel includes a main body portion and at least one tab adapted for operative attachment to the vehicle door panel. The tab extends from the main body portion and is removable from the main body portion. Furthermore, the barrier panel may be employed in a vehicle door assembly for facilitating reassembly of the same. A method of manufacturing the vehicle door assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Smith, Steven Matoshko
  • Patent number: 7059658
    Abstract: A multishell interior trim part for a side door of a passenger car consists of a function carrier interior shell (1) of a polypropylene, epoxy resin or polyurethane reinforced by natural fibers, and an outer shell (10) which partially or completely covers the interior shell (1) as seen by the passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Findlay Industries Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Ziegler, Dirk Dykerhoff, Stefan Riesinger
  • Patent number: 7048324
    Abstract: A door suitable for a motor vehicle is inserted in a recess of a body and includes a door body braced on upright columns of the body. The door body has an internal member and an external member and possesses frame elements bordering on the columns between which an impact protection device extends. In order to optimize this door, the external element connected to the internal element interacts with the impact protection device on an interior between the frame elements of the door body by way of a support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reiner Armbruster, Andre Scholz, Jens Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7044533
    Abstract: This wrapped bolster seal comprises at least two door panels, where one is a wet side door panel and another is a dry side door panel disposed opposite the wet side door panel; at least one rib extending from the side of the wet side door panel disposed proximate the dry side door panel; and at least one edge layer wrapped about a top edge of the wet side door panel and extending at least partially along the side of the wet side door panel disposed proximate the dry side door panel. When the wet side door panel and dry side door panel are joined, the rib creates a seal disposed between the wet side door panel and the dry side door panel adapted to reduce moisture from contacting the edge wrapped layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Dry, Salvatore DeAngelo, Dave Dooley
  • Patent number: 7040688
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes an inner panel having strengthening corrugations to function as an impact beam, thereby negating the need for a separate impact beam. The inner panel is preferably characterized by a generally concave shape to increase vehicle interior space compared to prior art doors. A forming technique employing fluid pressure is preferably employed to form the inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Tommy E. White, Adrian B. Chernoff
  • Patent number: 7003881
    Abstract: In the process, doors are used in which a framework and an outer covering panel are constituted by two separated members, provided with reciprocal fixing means arranged in positions such as not to be visible from the outside of the finished motor vehicle. The painting of a body lacking the doors and the painting of the outer covering panels is executed. The fittings are installed on the framework of each door lacking the outer covering panel. Once the fittings are installed, each door framework lacking the outer covering panel is installed in the respective opening of the body. Finally, the respective outer covering panel is applied and fixed to the framework of each installed door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Lames S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido Galliani, Roberto Giaccone, Carlo E. Serrati, Alessandro Ciampolini
  • Patent number: 6986528
    Abstract: An occupant restraining device (S1) is provided with: a shielding member (41) to be let off from the peripheral edge (DW/VW) of a vehicle window (WF) arranged in a door of a vehicle, so as to shield the window; and a let-off means (81, 86, 87) for letting off the housed shielding member (41) so as to shield the window (WF). The shielding member (41) and the let-off means (81, 86, 87) are arranged in the door (FD). A garnish (21) is arranged on the peripheral edge of the door (FD) for covering the housed shielding member (41) so that the shielding member (41) is let off. An airbag device (ABM) can be arranged in the vehicle without any problem even if the occupant restraining device (S1) is mounted together with the airbag device (ABM) on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Inoue, Chiharu Totani, Toshinori Tanase, Takuji Nagata, Shuji Inui, Shinji Oguchi
  • Patent number: 6983978
    Abstract: An automotive door assembly comprises a door frame, an interior trim panel removably secured to the door frame by a plurality of connecting members, and one or more door accessories disposed between the door frame and the interior trim panel and connected to the door frame and interior trim panel by the connecting members. The connecting members include first engagement portions that fixedly attach the door accessories to the door frame, and second engagement portions that releasably attach the door frame and door accessories to the trim panel. The door accessories are initially supported on the interior trim panel for assembly onto the door frame when the trim panel is installed on the door frame. Thereafter, the door accessories remain fixed to the door frame when the trim panel is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bogdan Radu, Alan G. Dry
  • Patent number: 6979047
    Abstract: A door module assembly for a motor vehicle door has a plate-like carrier holding a plurality of door hardware components in a pre-configured orientation, including one or more window regulator rails. The carrier seals the motor vehicle door and includes a flap that provides at least partial access to the window regulator rails. A first trim panel is pre-fixed to the carrier. A second trim panel articulates with respect to the first trim panel between an initial position generally parallel to the first trim panel and an installed position generally in-line with the first trim panel. With the carrier storing substantially all of the hardware required for the door and the trim panels covering substantially the entire surface area of the door, handling and assembly operations are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Jih Cheng Lin, Dennis John Buening, Radoslav Bokun, Manfred Fritsch, David J. Krysiak, Daniel E. Wenglinski, Juliusz Kirejczyk, Luc R. Regnier, David Legault, Douglas G. Broadhead
  • Patent number: 6976728
    Abstract: A side impact protection device has a side impact carrier and a fastening device for the side impact carrier on a motor vehicle door part. The fastening device has at least one console and a holding bolt which reaches through the console and an end section of the side impact carrier in respective fastening openings. To simply fasten the side impact carrier, at least one load-alleviating opening is constructed at a distance, viewed in the longitudinal range of the side impact carrier, behind the fastening opening in the side impact carrier or in the console, and a material projection, as a deformation resistance, is situated between the fastening opening and the load-alleviating opening. After deformation of the deformation resistance, the holding bolt enters into the load-alleviating opening. The longitudinal axis of the holding bolt extends approximately parallel to the principal axis of inertia relevant to the load case of the side impact carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Aktiengesellschaft, Euromotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mathias Froeschle, Peter Garnweidner
  • Patent number: 6976335
    Abstract: Vehicle window pane (16) has an arcuately curved vertical section having a single or same radius of curvature (R1) and a curved lateral section having a single radius of curvature (R2) or a compound radius of curvature. The single radius of curvature (R1) in the curved vertical section and the single radius of curvature (R2) and the compound radius of curvature in the curved lateral section are chosen to differ from each other. The vehicle window pane (16) constitutes a bidirectionally curved pane, which is neither a spherically curved pane (because the radii of curvature in the vertical and lateral sections are not equal to each other) nor a cylindrically curved pane (because both of the radii of curvature in the vertical and lateral sections are not infinite). With this arrangement, the vehicle window pane can significantly improve an aesthetic appeal of a motor vehicle employing the window pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 6968650
    Abstract: A sliding door for vehicles including a space frame formed from a U-shaped extruded aluminum tube and a crossbeam to which inner and outer aluminum door panels are attached. An elongated hardware carrier beam defines a channel configured to receive vehicle door hardware mounted on the exposed inside surface of the door. The overall weight of the door is about 20 pounds and the door is up to about 35 mm thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Seksaria, John W. Cobes
  • Patent number: 6966601
    Abstract: A weather strip for a vehicle door for being fitted to an upper edge flange of a door inner panel forming a window opening edge of the vehicle door having a lifting/lowering window pane. The weather strip includes: a main body portion having an insertion groove to be fitted to the upper edge flange; a seal lip portion projecting from the main body portion to be in resilient contact with the lifting/lowering window pane; and a resilient retainer to be resiliently engaged with a door trim. The main body portion includes a fixing portion to be engaged with the upper edge flange. The resilient retainer is projected outward from the main body portion in a substantially horizontal direction and perpendicular to an attaching portion provided at an upper portion of the door trim, when the insertion groove is fitted to the upper edge flange substantially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Matsumoto, Katsuaki Nagai, Akihiro Tamaoki, Yuji Hisada
  • Patent number: 6946194
    Abstract: A method and system for determining weather strip fit for the closure panels of a vehicle includes a flexible carrier with a transferable disclosing agent disposed on the flexible carrier. The flexible carriers may be applied to a closure panel of vehicle when the panel is in an open position, with the panel then being closed so as to allow the disclosing agent to either be transferred to the fixed side of the opening, or to be merely dislodged from the flexible carrier. In either case, the pattern of interference fit between the weather strip and the closure panel is then disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Chris Conway Gearhart, Sankaran Subramaniam, Vijitha Senaka Kiridena
  • Patent number: 6938944
    Abstract: A molded water shield integrated between an exterior panel assembly and a trim panel of a vehicle includes a semi-rigid barrier sheet and a seal integrally molded into the semi-rigid barrier sheet. The seal includes reliefs formed therein and is detachable from the semi-rigid barrier sheet to define an opening through the semi-rigid barrier sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignees: Foamade Industries, Inc., Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chi H. Koa, Quoc H. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6931791
    Abstract: A system to be fitted into a vehicle door which includes a window lifter for lifting and lowering a window pane of the vehicle door and includes a drive unit and a mechanism for transferring drive force from the drive unit to the window pane, and a closing mechanism for closing and opening the vehicle door wherein the window lifter and the closing mechanism are provided for fixing on a supporting plate of the vehicle door. At least one part of the closing mechanism forms with a structural group of the window lifter a preassembled structural unit which is provided for fixing on the supporting plate of the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventor: Eberhard Pleiss
  • Patent number: 6928735
    Abstract: A plurality of interior door components such as a window lift mechanism, a lock assembly, and a horizontal energy absorbing member are coupled to a door substructure. A finished exterior door panel having a class-A surface is adhesively bonded to the substructure, disposing the door interior components between the finished exterior door panel and a portion of the door substructure. The assembled door is coupled to a previously painted vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Malik, Hamid G. Kia, Lei Zhang, Li Yu, Dexin Wang, Xie Cheng, Shengxiang Zuo, Yongcheng Li
  • Patent number: 6923481
    Abstract: A handle for a vehicle door is mounted on a frame by a pivot assembly for swinging movement from a door latching position to a door unlatching position. The frame is secured in an interior space of the door in a position such that when the handle is in the latching position, the handle registers with an opening in a door panel, and when the handle is in the unlatching position, the handle extends into the interior space. The pivot assembly has a hinge which provides a floating axis for the swinging movement of the handle, enabling the handle to be shifted laterally outwardly into contact with a flange on the panel when in the latching position, thereby positioning the outer surface of the handle flush with the outer surface of the door panel. A spring urges the handle laterally outwardly into contact with the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L Bruderick, Richard P Thomas, Daniel J Pearlman
  • Patent number: 6920720
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door includes a box door body formed from a door outer skin and a door inner skin, a large surface cut out section in the door inner skin capable of being covered by a wet/dry space partition with a sealing element. The motor vehicle door also includes a frame structure, containing a window frame, and is connected through a fastening part to the door body. An outer seal near the vehicle body is also formed on the vehicle door. The wet/dry space partition covers, at least in part, a fastening region near the vehicle body and a door inside window sill. The sealing element on the wet/dry space partition runs through an area overlap of the partition and another sealing element is mounted between the frame structure and the door body that extends at least from the outer contour of wet/dry space partition sealing element to the outer seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Cobrug
    Inventors: Uwe Sommer, Thomas Flecke, Markus Schultz
  • Patent number: 6918167
    Abstract: A method of aligning and duplicating alignment includes welding a washer over a larger opening in a hinge once in an aligned position relative to a vehicle door. The door is mounted into an alignment fixture and the hinges are installed over threaded studs extending from the door. The washer is placed onto the threaded stud and tightened against the hinge, covering the larger opening in the hinge. The larger opening in the hinge allows movement of the hinge relative to the door for alignment. The washer defines an opening with a smaller opening sized to provide relatively little clearance for the threaded stud, and thereby maintain alignment between the door and hinge. The washer is permanently attached by a welding operation to allow duplication of door hinge alignment during reassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Arc Kinetics LLC
    Inventor: Russell Vernon Hughes
  • Patent number: 6918224
    Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle component, particularly an elongated impact beam, having an open section structure, in a manner to provide predetermined strategically strengthened portions, comprising the steps of cold forming unhardened steel into a workpiece having mounting surfaces, selectively fixturing the mounting surfaces, static induction heating the workpiece with lengthwise surface eddy currents on selected portions, followed by quenching of the fixtured heated workpiece to form strengthened portions, and unfixturing the resulting component. Also disclosed is apparatus to accomplish this, and the resulting novel vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Benteler Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. J. Tjoelker, John D. Bowman, Alessandro Libriani, Joseph C. Kollaritsch
  • Patent number: 6918208
    Abstract: A window-regulating assembly selectively moves a window of a vehicle door between an open position and a closed position. The window-regulating assembly includes a rail that is fixedly secured to the vehicle door. The rail extends through a radius of curvature. A lift plate is slidably engaged with the rail. The lift plate is also secured to the window. The lift plate moves the window between the open and closed positions. A lead screw is secured to the rail. The lift plate travels along the lead screw to move the window between the open and closed positions. A drive motor is secured to lift plate. The drive motor receives electrical energy and converts the electrical energy into a selectively bidirectional rotational force to drive the lift plate over the lead screw. A pivot mount extends between the drive motor and the lift plate allowing the drive motor to move through the radius of curvature as the lift plate slides along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.
    Inventors: G. Clarke Oberheide, Denis R. Cloutier, Noel Chingcuanco, Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6915571
    Abstract: An automobile assembly system 1 for assembling plural types of automobiles including a type equipped with a slide door and/or a tailgate, comprising: a front door sub-line 7 for assembling front door assemblies; a rear door sub-line 8 for assembling rear door assemblies or slide door assemblies; a tailgate sub-line 9 for assembling tailgate assemblies; and a main line for assembling the front door assembly, the rear door assembly or the slide door assembly and the tailgate assembly with a vehicle body F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouichi Hosono, Kenichi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 6898901
    Abstract: A sound-absorbing shield device for use in a vehicle door comprises a sheet of sound-absorbing material and a thin sheet of polymer film. A first face of the polymer film is attached to the sound absorbing material and a plurality of apertures extending through the polymer film from the first face thereof to a second face thereof opposite the first face. Each aperture is bounded by a hollow protrusion extending from the second film face, whereby the apertures and protrusions cooperate to form a barrier against moisture or other environmental contamination while admitting acoustic energy therethrough into the sound absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The XLO Group of Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Petroski, Robert A. Isaksen, Wallace R. Jones
  • Patent number: 6892496
    Abstract: A method of attaching a component to a vehicle door includes first providing a carrier. The component, such as a lock-latch assembly or a window regulator assembly, is then attached to the carrier. The carrier is then attached to the vehicle door. Subsequent to attaching the carrier to the vehicle door, the component is attached to and supported by the vehicle door. The component can then be unattached from the carrier. The carrier may then be removed from the vehicle door subsequent to unattaching the component from the carrier, thereby providing access to the component, such as for repair or removal of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Youngs, James Gregory, Richard D. George, Bogdan Radu
  • Patent number: 6886881
    Abstract: A door assembly with upper and lower door portions. The upper door portion has a window section with one or more clear panels mounted in a frame member. In use, the entire upper door portion including the frame member and window section can be removed as a unit and conveniently stored in a pocket or cavity in the lower door portion. The window section in one embodiment has a vertically retractable panel and in another, two clear panels are provided that can be slid horizontally to open the window area. Another embodiment has a folding or pivoting upper door portion which can be collapsed on itself and conveniently stored in the cavity or pocket of the lower door portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack V Henderson, Gregory A Brower
  • Patent number: 6874279
    Abstract: A window lifter includes a rope or a Bowden cable and is used in motor vehicles. The window lifter also includes guide rails that are integrated into the base surface of a carrier plate of a motor vehicle door. The window lifter also includes carriers that can be displaced along the guide rails and receive a window pane as well as reversing devices that are arranged at the ends of the guide rails. The rope engages with the carriers and a drive device and is guided via the reversing devices. The guide rails protrude from the base surface of the carrier plate, have a slot that extends in the longitudinal direction and are covered on the open base side of the carrier plate in a dampproof manner. The carriers can be at least partially situated on the external and internal side of the guide rails and pass through the respective slot to engage with the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Horst Weber, Gerhard Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6862846
    Abstract: A carrier plate assembly (26) is secured to an inner pannel (22) of a vehicle door. The carrier plate assembly includes a main section (46) having a forward edge and a rearward edge (50). A first flap section (54) is connected to the main section along the forward edge by a hinge and is detachably connected to the inner panel for movement about the hinge to provide access to the space within the door without removing the entire carrier plate assembly. A second flap section (56) is connected to the rearward edge (50) by a second hinge to provide access to the hardware components in the space within the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Atoma International Corp.
    Inventor: Juliusz Kirejczyk
  • Patent number: 6860067
    Abstract: A method and system for determining weather strip fit for the closure panels of a vehicle includes a flexible carrier with a transferable disclosing agent disposed on the flexible carrier. The flexible carriers may be applied to a closure panel of vehicle when the panel is in an open position, with the panel then being closed so as to allow the disclosing agent to either be transferred to the fixed side of the opening, or to be merely dislodged from the flexible carrier. In either case, the pattern of interference fit between the weather strip and the closure panel is then disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Conway Gearhart, Sankaran Subramaniam, Vijitha Senaka Kiridena
  • Patent number: 6857688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald O. Morrison, Terrence D. Gibney, Jr., Michael J. Berta, Holger Reusswig, Brian P. Skarb
  • Patent number: 6843085
    Abstract: A locking and latching system of modular construction in which some of the components of the system are pre-assembled prior to their installation into the structural framework of a vehicle door. The modular construction of the lock and latch system can include the outside and inside door handles, the outside and inside locks, the door latch itself, as well as linkages between these components. The modular components can further facilitate the assembly process by being of a design which simplifies the process of installing them into the structural framework of a vehicle door without requiring the use of specialized tools, thereby reducing the labor costs associated with assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Dimig
  • Patent number: 6844497
    Abstract: A vehicle door wire harness arrangement extending between a vehicle main body and a vehicle door along a door hinge is provided. The vehicle door wire harness arrangement includes a hinge connecting a vehicle main body and a vehicle door. The vehicle door wire harness arrangement further includes a protector conforming to the shape of the hinge for carrying at least one wire along the hinge. The at least one wire extends between the vehicle main body and the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Matthew Frantz, John Hill
  • Publication number: 20040244298
    Abstract: A sash door for automobiles (20R, 20L, 50R, 50L) includes a door inner panel (21), a sash body (23, 53) joined to an upper portion of the door inner panel, and a door outer panel (22). The sash body consists of a plurality of plate-shaped frame components (31, 32, 33, 34, 61, 62, 63, 64). The dimensions and thicknesses of the frame components are freely set to improve yields. The frame components are joined to one another. In order to eliminate portions of excessive thickness and reduce the weight of the sash body, the thickness of at least one of the frame components is made different from the thickness of the other frame components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Takashi Ogawa, Mikio Suzuki, Takeshi Yamamoto, Takashi Yamanaka, Hideaki Sugimoto, Kazunari Iida
  • Patent number: 6823628
    Abstract: A modular door assembly having a door frame and a carrier secured to the door frame. A door entry system is secured to the carrier to operate the vehicle door. A window carrier assembly includes a window regulator and motor secured to the carrier. A window pane is attached to the window regulator and is adjustable relative to the carrier in the vehicle door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald O. Morrison, Lewis B. Duff, Iris Drew, James F. Ventimiglia, Eric Hoisington
  • Patent number: 6820370
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle window lift comprises a mounting structure, a drive system, a cable system having two cable segments running substantially parallel to each other, reversing rollers for the cable system and two window-pane actuators each affixed to a respective one of the cable segments, the actuators are displaceably guided along a respective guide of the mounting structure, wherein the actuators are rigidly connected to each other by a rigid coupling such that the actuators are non-movably fixed to the rigid coupling in a lift operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Kuster & Co., GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Marscholl
  • Patent number: 6817804
    Abstract: An assembly including a first, second and third component and a first and second fixing member, the first, second and third component having respective first, second and third holes, the first hole being a threaded hole, in which the first fixing member cooperates with the second hole and a first threaded portion of the first fixing member engaging the first hole to secure the first component to the second component, the first and second fixing member cooperating with the third hole with the first fixing member engaging the second fixing member to secure the third component to the first component, in which the first component is situated between the second and third component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-France
    Inventors: Yann Le Gallo, Pascal De Vries, Klaus Bruno Wilhelm Blume, Charles Berry Hopson, Herve Laurandel, Simon Blair Dobson, Damien Cabanne, Mark Graham Lawrie
  • Publication number: 20040216386
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes a unitary, one-piece panel. The panel has both an inner panel portion and an outer panel portion, and is bent or folded such that the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion at least partially define a cavity therebetween. Door hardware can be operatively connected to the panel before the panel is bent or folded, thus providing a door assembler with unhindered access to the hardware mounting surfaces. A method of manufacturing a vehicle door employing the panel is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Tommy E. White
  • Publication number: 20040216387
    Abstract: A vehicle door body outer panel includes a lower frame arranged in a lower portion of the door body, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, an outside plate forming a surface of the vehicle body outside the lower frame, and an inside plate folded back at a lower end portion of the outside plate, extending to the inside of the lower frame. When the lower frame and the outer panel are joined to each other, a closed cross section is formed in the lower portion of the door body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Furuse
  • Patent number: 6810625
    Abstract: An auxiliary window assembly is adapted to be installed adjacent an aperture formed in a lower portion of a vehicle door. The vehicle door can be of the type that includes a window opening formed in an upper portion thereof. The auxiliary window assembly preferably includes a windowpane member and a shield member, each of which is operable to be controlled by a window regulator mechanism or the like to move from an upper closed position visible in the aperture to a lower open position. The auxiliary window assembly also includes lighting mounted in the door adjacent the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Gerrell T. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040211122
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door has a removable door outer skin, a module carrier, a door inner skin and a door inner trim. The door inner skin is connected on one side to the removable door outer skin and on the other side to the module carrier. A door inner trim is fixed on a side of the module carrier facing a vehicle interior and at least one guide rail of a cable window lifter is prefitted on the other side of the module carrier. In one of an upper and lower region of the guide rail, a pivotal bearing is provided with a pivotal axis running substantially horizontal and parallel to the door plane for the purpose of prefitting the guide rail on the module carrier. Proximate to the other of the upper and lower regions of the guide rail, a stop face is provided that is associated with a side of the door inner skin which faces the door outer skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Jan Freymuth, Manfred Frei
  • Patent number: 6808224
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Obara
  • Patent number: 6808225
    Abstract: A double door structure which has front and rear doors opening outward to form an uninterrupted opening to front and rear seats has an impact load carrying assembly for forming a side body reinforcing structure for protecting passengers against a side collision. The impact load carrying assembly includes an impact bar extending to and overlapping a side sill of a vehicle body, an upper bracket fixedly mounted to the impact bar and located to overlap a roof side rail of the vehicle body and a lower bracket fixedly mounted to the impact bar. The upper bracket mounts a latch and a belt anchor of a seatbelt system thereon and the lower bracket mounts catch pins forming part of a door catch mechanism operative to prevent movement of the door upon an occurrence of a side collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihiro Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6805397
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes various features that enable a thin door profile not achievable with the prior art. The vehicle door includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and a reinforcement member between the inner panel and the outer panel. Door hardware, including at least a window regulator, is connected to the reinforcement member such that the door hardware is outboard of a window, thereby enabling the inner panel to be positioned in close proximity to the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Tommy E. White
  • Patent number: 6793259
    Abstract: An electric wire excess length absorbing device has a casing, a reel pivotably provided in the casing for winding an electric wire, and an energizing member to energize the reel in a direction to wind the electric wire, which casing has an opening portion to lead out the electric wire. The casing may be formed long between a portion having the reel and the opening portion. A sliding door-use power feeding apparatus has an electric wire excess length absorbing device installed in a sliding door or on a vehicle body. A moving-side electric wire is arranged on one of the sliding door and the vehicle body, and a fixed-side electric wire 3b is arranged on the other of the sliding door and the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Sano, Yasuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6792719
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes a window regulator motor and an inner panel. The window regulator motor further includes a connector housing which houses electrical connector terminals. The connector housing is sealed against the inner panel of the vehicle door via a diaphragm seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-France
    Inventors: Mark Graham Lawrie, Yann Le Gallo, Pascal de Vries, Klaus B. Wilhelm Blume, Charles Berry Hopson, Herve Laurandel, Simon Blair Dobson, Damien Cabanne
  • Patent number: 6793181
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for an aircraft. The armrest assembly includes an insert. The insert includes a flange for coupling to an aircraft interior panel. The insert also includes a protruding portion. The protruding portion includes a cavity. The cavity has a length greater than 12 inches and has a width greater than 2 inches. The armrest assembly also includes an armrest. The armrest is attached to the cavity. The armrest includes an upper surface for supporting the arm of an aircraft pilot or passenger. The armrest's upper surface has a length that is greater than 12 inches and has a width that is greater than 2 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy P. Hallock
  • Patent number: 6793268
    Abstract: The invention provides a door assembly for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a body portion including at least one aperture formed therein. The door assembly includes a door moveable between a closed position substantially covering the aperture and an open position substantially clearing the aperture. At least one hinge assembly is provided including a substantially elongated lever with first and second pivots. The first pivot is operably attached to the door and the second pivot is operably attached to the vehicle. The lever and the first and second pivots provide an arcuate path movement of the door lengthwise of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J Faubert, Hasan H Ramouni, Donald Varner, Terence W Haskin
  • Patent number: 6786531
    Abstract: A vehicle closure body structure is provided with an outer panel, an inner panel opposed to the outer panel, with the outer panel and the inner panel forming a hollow structure of a closure body adapted to be mounted to an opening portion of a vehicle body through a hinge secured to the inner panel, a reinforce joined to the inner panel, inside the closure body, in at least a hinge fixing area thereof at which the hinge is fixed, and a tunneled portion formed in the reinforce to form a passage between the tunneled portion and the inner panel so as to permit wiring harness to be arranged therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumitake Miyahara, Akira Nakazato
  • Patent number: 6782663
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a door for an automobile vehicle, and doors obtained using the process. In the process, the door is made in two parts assembled independently of each other. The two parts include a lower part without guide elements for a moving window, and an upper part containing a window. The lower and upper parts are then fixed to each other at an assembly area of the door, extending approximately horizontally and corresponding to the top of the lower part and the bottom of the upper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Wagon Automotive
    Inventor: M. Rene Chauvin
  • Patent number: 6779829
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Laurent Bernard Chappuis, Michael William Danyo