Patent US4290235A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4290235A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Intrusion resisting strap for automobile doors
Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Budd Co
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Filing: 1979-10-24
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Granted: 1981-09-22
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Expires: 1999-10-24
Abstract
Abstract A band comprising continuous glass fibers provides intrusion resistance for a plastic door mounted between two vertical posts in an automobile. The continuous fibers of the band are disposed horizontally and may be separate from the door or form an integral part thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert A. Jahnle
- 👤 Richard B. Freeman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:04
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60J; B60J5/00; B60J5/04; B60J5/042; B60J5/0422; B60J5/0423; B60J5/0426; B60J5/0431
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An automobile door having a hinge and a latch mechanism and including inner and outer panels for attachment between two vertical posts in an automobile body comprising: (a) a hinge and latch mechanism connected to said door; (b) a plastic outer panel comprising resin material and chopped glass fibers; and (c) a band comprising continuous glass fibers integral with said outer panel in alignment with said hinge and latch mechanism and disposed to extend unidirectionally horizontally between said hinge and latch mechanism and said two vertical posts when said door is attached.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
An automobile door having a hinge and a latch mechanism and including inner and outer panels for attachment between two vertical posts in an automobile body comprising: (a) a hinge and latch mechanism connected to said door; (b) a plastic outer panel comprising resin material and chopped glass fibers; and (c) a band comprising continuous glass fibers integral with said outer panel in alignment with said hinge and latch mechanism and disposed to extend unidirectionally horizontally between said hinge and latch mechanism and said two vertical posts when said door is attached.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
An automobile door as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hinge comprises a deformable element having an expandible portion to permit said deformable element to expand when subjected to forces on opposite ends thereof resulting from an intrusion force being applied to said door.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An automobile door as set forth in claim 2 wherein said deformable element is connected between said hinge and one of said vertical posts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
An automobile door as set forth in claim 3 wherein said expandible portion of said element comprises overlapping sections disposed to unfold when subjected to intrusion forces applied to said door.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An automobile door as set forth in claim 4 wherein said band is approximately 8 inches wide with a thickness of about 0.0125 inches.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
An automobile door as set forth in claim 5 wherein said band is connected to two hinges of said door which are secured to one of said vertical posts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
An automobile door as set forth in claim 6 wherein said band includes projections for connecting to said hinges and to an inner panel of said door.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
An automobile door as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of said two vertical posts deforms upon an intrusion impact exceeding a predetermined force against said door to cause said continuous glass fibers of said band to bend inwardly into said automobile.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-09-21 | 1985-03-23 | 1985-09-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-09-21 | 1989-03-23 | 1989-09-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-09-21 | 1993-03-23 | 1993-09-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |