Integrated door module

US6857688B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Lear Corporation · US

Inventors

• Gerald O. Morrison · Beverly Hills, US
• Terrence D. Gibney, Jr. · New Hudson, US
• Michael Berta · Rochester Hills, US
• Holger Reusswig · Dietzenbach, DE
• Brian Skarb · Warren, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 31, 2001
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2005
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60J5/0416
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

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.