Upwardly folding vehicle door assembly
AssigneePeregrine Incorporated
InventorMichael Junginger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An upwardly folding door for a vehicle is disclosed having a lower door section that pivots inwardly and upwardly toward an upper door section. A pair of struts are attached between the vehicle body and the upper section and a link is attached between each strut and the lower door section. In addition, a shield feature is provided between the upper and lower door sections to cover any gaps that may exist when the door is in an open condition. The door sections have frames that are preferably made from a suitable lightweight material to appreciably reduce the overall weight of the door while still providing desired structural rigidity.
Claims19
A door for a vehicle to selectively close an opening that permits access into the vehicle, comprising:
- an upper door section for pivotally mounting to the vehicle for rotation about a first substantially horizontal pivot axis;
- a lower door section pivotally connected to said upper door section for rotation about a second substantially horizontal pivot axis;
- a first link having a first end for pivotal connection to the vehicle and a second end pivotally connected to said door, wherein said first link is a strut having an outer housing and a rod that is movable linearly relative to said outer housing;
- and
- a second link having a first end pivotally connected to said first link and a second end pivotally connected to said door.
A door for a vehicle to selectively close an opening that permits access into the vehicle, comprising:
- an upper door frame for pivotally mounting to a vehicle for rotation about a first generally horizontal pivot axis and having a top member, a bottom member, and a pair of side members connecting said top and bottom members;
- a lower door frame pivotally connected to said upper door frame for rotation about a second generally horizontal pivot axis and having a top member, a bottom member, and a pair of side members connecting said top and bottom members;
- at least one central hinge located between said upper and lower frames for providing pivotal relative movement;
- a first link having a first end for pivotal connection to the vehicle and a second end pivotally connected to said door, said first link having a housing and a member that is movable linearly relative to said housing;
- and
- a second link having a first end pivotally connected to said first link and a second end pivotally connected to said door.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.