US 2002/0007599 A1 · Vehicle closure member fabrication process facilitated by vehicle door glass regulator

Abstract

A vehicle door and a method for its fabrication. The vehicle door includes a lower door structure that is configured to be pivotally coupled to a vehicle body and which includes a hollow cavity. The vehicle door also includes an upper door structure having a frame that defines a window aperture. A window member and a window regulator mechanism are coupled to the upper door structure such that the window member is movably mounted within the window aperture. The window regulator mechanism is of type that is easily packaged into the vehicle door. Suitable alternatives include mechanisms that include powered lead screws, rack-and-pinion drives and/or cable-and-drum type mechanisms. The assembled upper door structure or cassette is thereafter coupled to the lower door structure to form the vehicle door.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A method for fabricating a vehicle closure member, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a discrete lower door structure that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the vehicle body and movable between a first position and a second position that substantially clears a door aperture;
providing a discrete upper door structure having a pair of spaced apart frame rails that define a window aperture;
installing a window member between the frame rails;
installing a window regulator to the window and the upper door structure, the window regulator being operable for moving the window between a closed position substantially closing the window aperture and an open position at least partially clearing the window aperture;
and
coupling the lower and upper door structures to one another after the step of installing the window regulator.

3 more elements

In a vehicle having a vehicle body that defines a door aperture, a closure member for substantially closing the door aperture, the closure member comprising:

a lower door structure that is pivotally coupled to the vehicle body and movable between a first position and a second position substantially clearing the door aperture;
an upper door structure having a pair of spaced apart frame rails that define a window aperture;
a window member disposed between the frame rails, the window member being movable relative to the frame rails between a closed position substantially closing the window aperture and an open position at least partially clearing the window aperture;
a window regulator coupled to the window member and the upper door structure, the window regulator being operable for translating the window member in the window aperture between the closed and open positions.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vehicle closure member fabrication process facilitated by vehicle door glass regulator

Life of this patent

Vehicle closure member fabrication process facilitated by vehicle door glass regulator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23