Patent ID: 7014249
Filing Date: 2006-03-21
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A vehicle door structure comprising: a generally rigid outer member; a generally rigid inner member spaced apart from said outer member and having structure forming an opening therein; an impact beam generally spanning the door structure lengthwise and rigidly affixed thereto; a compliant target laterally aligned with said opening in said inner member; a paddle member integrally formed with said impact beam and laterally aligned with said target; and wherein a lateral impact on the door structure causes said impact beam and said paddle member to move together toward said target, pushing said target inboard of the impact; and a substantially vertical window glass drop rail disposed between said target and said paddle member; wherein said glass drop rail is formed with a weakened area such that, upon the impact, said glass drop rail fractures at said weakened area to allow said impact beam and said paddle member to push said target inboard of the impact.