Patent · US Expired

Convertible vehicle body

US4305614A · kind A · utility

19Cited by
7References
3Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 7, 1980
Grant dateDec 15, 1981
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 7, 2000

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S403/04
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle having a quick-release hinge mechanism for a closure or door for an ingress/egress opening at the body rear end to facilitate the interchange of different rear end structures without tools or special equipment to obtain optional rear end appearances and functions. When a rear door installed on the vehicle is lifted about the axis of the hinge mechanism, it rises with the assistance or one or more gas spring cylinders that when fully extended restrict the angle of door opening. In the up position, the cylinders may be disconnected from fittings located on the door. With these disconnected, the door can be lifted an additional 10 to 15 degrees allowing a cam action lock hinge mechanism to be actuated to release components of the hinge device. This permits removal of the door from the body and rapid substitution of another rear end structure or door.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.