Vehicle body panel access feature

US7625037B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Robert J. Gollehur · Macomb Township, US
• Stephen H. Miller · Naples, US
• Marcel R. Cannon · Romeo, US
• John T. Freiwald · Clarkston, US
• Steven P. Balgaard · Fenton, US
• Charles E. Jensen · Shelby Charter Township, US
• Anthony J. Brower · Oxford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 20, 2005
• Grant date: Dec 1, 2009
• Expiry date: Dec 1, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D25/24
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention concerns a vehicle body panel. The vehicle body panel, such as a floor pan, may have a generally planar portion adapted to be located adjacent to and conceal a vehicle component, such as a fuel pump module. An access portion is located within and extends out of plane of the generally planar portion, and includes a periphery, wherein the access portion is integral with the generally planar portion. Also, a cutting guide feature extends around it adjacent to the periphery.