Douglas J Osmak

US Patent:

56035489, Feb 18, 1997

Filed:

Oct 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/543775

Inventors:

Umesh N. Gandhi - Grand Blanc MI
Douglas J. Osmak - Clarkston MI
Mark E. Farmer - Waterford MI
Patricia L. Harmon - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60J 504
B60R 2102

US Classification:

2961467

Abstract:

An automotive vehicle door is provided having a first generally rigid outer structure; a second generally rigid inner structure spaced from the outer structure, the second inner structure having a guide opening; an interior trim panel connected to the second generally rigid inner structure; and a target having a first section generally adjacent the outer structure. A second section substantially smaller than the first section extends from the first section and has a cross-sectional area small enough for passage through the guide opening. Therefore, an impact on the outer door panel causes the target section to protrude inwardly through the inner structure opening, causing the trim panel to protrude inwardly.

US Patent:

55886922, Dec 31, 1996

Filed:

Oct 11, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/541165

Inventors:

Umesh N. Gandhi - Grand Blanc MI
Douglas J. Osmak - Clarkston MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 2104

US Classification:

2961467

Abstract:

An automotive vehicle door is provided including a first generally rigid outer structure having first and second ends; a second generally rigid inner structure with a major portion spaced from the first outer structure, the second inner structure having first and second ends generally positionally aligned with the first and second ends of the first outer structure, the second inner structure having an opening; a trim panel positioned generally adjacent the second inner structure; a target position in alignment with the opening of the second inner structure adjacent a first end of the second inner structure, the target also having a portion adjacent the first outer structure; and a beam having a first end generally fixed with respect to the second inner structure first end and a second end fixed with respect to the second inner structure second end, the beam crossing over the target and wherein an impact on the door first outer structure causes the target to move inwardly through the opening, contacting the beam between the beam first and second ends to force the beam second end to dislodge the trim panel from the second inner panel end and move the trim panel inwardly.

US Patent:

55777945, Nov 26, 1996

Filed:

Dec 12, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/353761

Inventors:

Umesh N. Gandhi - Grand Blanc MI
Mark E. Farmer - Waterford MI
Patricia L. Harmon - Rochester Hills MI
Douglas J. Osmak - Clarkston MI
Linda M. Kajma - Troy MI
Thomas J. Hansz - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60J 504

US Classification:

2961466

Abstract:

An automotive vehicle door structure is provided which, in a preferred embodiment, includes a first generally rigid outer structure, a second generally rigid inner structure spaced from the outer structure and having an opening generally aligned with the pelvic region of a vehicle occupant seated inside the vehicle, a bracket spanning the opening of the inner structure, and a compliant target held by the bracket spaced generally adjacent the inner structure opening and located between the inner and outer structures. Thus, an impact on the door causes the target to protrude inwardly through the inner structure opening.