Patent ID: 6331030
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: B60J,E05B,E05C

Abstract:
In combination with an upright vehicle door having a predetermined shape including a front side edge comprising a substantially straight lower portion and a rearwardly sloped upper portion to be subject to fluttering forces during vehicle operation, a door frame defining an opening of said predetermined shape sized to receive said door with a close fit, and a hinge between said straight lower portion of said door and the adjacent portion of said frame supporting the door for swinging between open and closed positions, the improvement comprising:a catch assembly disposed between said door and said door frame above said straight lower portion and having:a catch spring member including a yieldable detent; anda catch member having a ramp and a detent recess at the end of the ramp;one of said members being mounted in a preselected position on said door to follow a predetermined path during closing of the door and the other being mounted on said door frame and positioned along said path to engage said one member as the door swings into the closed position, and being operable when engaged to hold said door against outward movement in response to said fluttering forces; andsaid members having opposed surfaces on said detent and ramp at said detent recess providing a reverse ramp for camming said detent out of said recess in response to an opening force on said door that is greater than the fluttering forces that are to be exerted during vehicle operation.