Modular vehicle door lock and latch system and method
US6530251B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 18, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/57
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An improved modular vehicle door lock and latch system is disclosed which includes a door latch mechanism, an inside door latch and door lock handle, and a unique outside door handle and door lock interface member, all of which are assembled into a pre-connected configuration together with all necessary control cables, thereby significantly reducing the labor required to assemble the lock and latch system into a door of a motor vehicle and correspondingly resulting in a significant cost reduction. A first module includes the inside door handle, the outside and inside locks, the door latch, and an outside door lock and door handle interface member, as well as linkages between these components. A second component is an outside door handle assembly which will be operatively connected to the outside door lock and door handle interface member. The outside door handle of the preferred embodiment has a lock plate which installs the outside door handle in position by merely placing it into position in an opening in the vehicle door and moving the handle from its non-actuated position to its actuated position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.