Hem flange

US7115322B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• William James Curtiss · Allen Park, US
• Carl Rodney Roush · Grosse Ile Township, US
• Dave Henry Meyer · Saline, US
• Katherine P. Minnich · Lathrup Village, US
• Robert G. Starbowski · Brighton, US
• Robert William Woodall · Westland, US
• Scott G. Miller · Canton, US
• Timothy Jay Moore · Pompano Beach, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 9, 2002
• Grant date: Oct 3, 2006
• Expiry date: Mar 2, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/12264
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An open hem flange for a vehicle door includes an inner reinforcing panel and an outer panel having a first outer portion and a second inner portion folded about the inner panel at a base. The inner reinforcing panel includes dimpled sections against the second outer portion which provides a gap between the inner panel and the second inner portion of the outer. A gap also exists between the inner reinforcing panel and the outer portion of the outer panel to allow the hem flange to be properly cleaned and electrocoated.