Vehicle door structure

A vehicle door structure includes a vehicle structure formed with an opening, an interior panel and an exterior door. The interior panel is supported to the vehicle structure for pivotal movement by a first hinge arrangement about a first pivot axis. The exterior door is supported to the vehicle structure for pivotal movement by a second hinge arrangement about a second pivot axis that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis. The exterior door is also supported to the interior panel such that the interior panel and the exterior door move together as the exterior door is moved between an open position and a closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle door structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to vehicle door structure that includes an exterior door and an interior panel supported to a vehicle for pivotal movement about separate pivot axes where the interior panel moves with the exterior door and also supports the exterior door.

2. Background Information

Many personal and commercial vehicles, such as cargo vans, include upright cargo doors that pivot about vertical axes in order to access cargo space. Such cargo doors are typically located at a rear of such vehicles pivoting between a closed position covering a cargo space opening and an open position exposing the cargo space opening. Preferably, the opening and the upright cargo doors are as large as possible in order to maximize the access to the cargo space and allow movement of large objects in and out of the opening and the cargo space.

In recent years, such personal and commercial vehicles have been designed to include contoured side panels where one section of each side panel is vertically offset from another section of the side panel. Such designs enhance the appearance of the vehicle and in some designs can improve aerodynamics. The offset sections of these side panels present challenges for vehicle designers. The offset sections of the side panels create a narrowed area that is most prominent when viewing the vehicle from the front or rear. More specifically, the upper region of the vehicle body can be narrower than the lower region of the vehicle body.

In order to adequately support the large cargo doors, the effective hinge length of the hinge arrangement of the cargo doors must be relatively large. The effective hinge length of the hinge arrangement is defined as the distance between the uppermost end of an upper hinge and the lowermost end of a lower hinge of the hinge arrangement. Typically, the effective hinge length of the hinge arrangement of the cargo door is greater than half the height of the cargo door, and preferably approximately two-thirds of the height of the cargo door.

A problem is created by the inclusion of such offset sections of the side panels in the vehicle design. It is desirable to have a large opening requiring large doors to access the opening. However, in order for the doors to pivot about vertical axes, the size of the opening must be narrowed in order to accommodate a hinge arrangement with a typical effective hinge length. With a narrowed upper region of the vehicle body, the vertically oriented pivot axes (and hence door hinges) must be moved inward from the narrowest part of the vehicle.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved vehicle structure that provides support for vehicle cargo doors without reducing the size of the cargo opening. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure where the size of an opening concealed by exterior doors is maximized.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure with an exterior door that is adequately supported and also has a hinge arrangement with minimized effective hinge length.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure that includes an exterior door with an interior panel that is hinged to the vehicle separately from the exterior door where the interior panel provides support for the exterior door.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle door structure includes a vehicle structure formed with an opening, an interior panel and an exterior door. The interior panel is supported to the vehicle structure for pivotal movement by a first hinge arrangement about a first pivot axis. The exterior door is supported to the vehicle structure for pivotal movement by a second hinge arrangement about a second pivot axis that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis. The exterior door is supported to the interior panel such that the interior panel and the exterior door move together as the exterior door is moved between an open position and a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially toFIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle10is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle10includes a vehicle structure12and a unique door structure14that are both described in greater detail below.

As best shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the vehicle structure12is formed with an opening16at a rearward portion of the vehicle10exposing a cargo area18. The door structure14includes an interior panel20and an exterior door22. The interior panel20is pivotally supported to the vehicle structure12for pivotal movement by a first hinge arrangement24about a first pivot axis A1shown inFIGS. 2 and 4. The exterior door22is pivotally supported to the vehicle structure12for pivotal movement by a second hinge arrangement26about a second pivot axis A2that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis A1.

The exterior door22is also supported to the interior panel20such that the interior panel20and the exterior door22move together as the exterior door22is moved between an open position exposing the opening16, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, and a closed position at least partially concealing the opening16, as shown inFIGS. 1,2and12and described in greater detail below.

A more detailed description of portions of the vehicle structure12related to the present invention is now provided with specific reference toFIGS. 2,3and4. The vehicle structure12basically includes, among other things, a pair of side panel portions30, rear pillar structures32(shown in phantom inFIG. 4), a rear panel34(FIG. 3-5), a bumper assembly36, a roof panel38and the cargo area18. Each of the side panel portions30has contoured surfaces that are best shown inFIG. 2. Specifically, each side panel portion30has an upper section30a, a lower section30band a curved section30cextending therebetween. As best shown inFIG. 3, the opening16is located at the rear end of the vehicle structure12between the side panel portions30.

As indicated inFIG. 4, the rear pillar structures32are basically conventional D-pillar structures that support the side panel portions30, the roof panel38, the rear panel34, the first hinge arrangement24and the second hinge arrangement26. The rear pillar structures32also support tail lamp assemblies44, as shown inFIGS. 1,2,4and10. The tail lamp assemblies44are conventional vehicle components. Consequently, description of the tail lamp assemblies44is omitted for the sake of brevity.

The rear panel34is preferably a flat shaped panel that partially surrounds and defines the opening16. The rear panel34is fixed to the rear pillar structures32in a conventional manner, for example, by welding. Although not shown, one of the exterior door22and the rear panel34is provided with a conventional door seal and the other of the exterior door22and the rear panel34is provide with a smooth sealing surface. Since such sealing arrangements are conventional, further description is omitted for the sake of brevity.

As best shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the uppermost end of the upper sections30aof the side panel portions30are offset inwardly in a horizontal direction from respective ones of the lower sections38by an offset W1. Consequently, proximate at least the rear of the vehicle10, the upper region of the vehicle structure12is narrower than the lower region of the vehicle structure12.

The roof panel38extends between respective uppermost ends of the upper sections30aof the side panel portions30, as best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The roof panel38includes a slightly curved center section50and two contoured sections52on opposite sides of the center section50. The contoured sections52preferably are joined seamlessly with uppermost ends of the side panel portions30.

It should be understood from the drawings and description herein that the specific shapes and contours of the side panel portions30and the roof panel38are not limited to the example shown in the figures. The depicted embodiment shows the side panel portions30and roof panel38with curved contours than can be more pronounced (more curvaceous) or can include more clearly defined boundaries with sharp corners, square corners or intersections. More specifically, the door structure14of the present invention can be employed with any of a variety of vehicle structure shapes and contours and is not limited to use with the specific shapes and contours of the side panel portions30and roof panel38depicted in the drawings.

As best shown inFIG. 4, the first pivot axis A1of the first hinge arrangement24is disposed laterally inward of the upper sections30aof the side panel portions30and the second pivot axis A2of the second hinge arrangement26is disposed laterally outward of the upper sections30aof the side panel portions30. As indicated inFIGS. 2,11and12, the second hinge arrangement26and the second pivot axis A2are disposed close to the adjacent one of the side panel portions30.

A detailed description of the door structure14is now provided with specific reference toFIGS. 5-14. The door structure14includes the interior panel20(FIGS. 5-9and11-12), the exterior door22(FIGS. 5-6and8-12), an intermediate panel60(FIGS. 5-6,8-9and11-12), an additional interior panel62(FIGS. 5,11-12and14), an additional exterior door64(FIGS. 5,11-12and14) and an additional intermediate panel66(FIGS. 5,11-12and14).

The interior panel20can be made from any of a variety of materials or combination of materials such as metal, metal alloys, a polymer material, plastic material, composite materials, wood, wood veneer products and/or combinations thereof. Regardless of the materials used to construct the interior panel20, the interior panel20is configured and dimensioned to support its own weight, the weight of potential cargo (not shown) that can be loaded within the interior panel20and a significant portion of the downward gravitational force acting on the exterior door22when the exterior door22is in the open position.

The interior panel20basically includes a back section70(FIGS. 10-12), a front section72(FIGS. 5-9and11-12), a first side section74(FIGS. 5-6,8-9and11-12), a second side section76(FIGS. 5-8and10-12), an upper end section78(FIGS. 5-6), a bottom section80(FIGS. 6 and 8) and the first hinge arrangement24(FIGS. 2,4,7and11-12). As best shown inFIGS. 5-9, the front section72includes a plurality of bin openings82that expose a plurality of corresponding compartments84that are configured to store cargo, such as equipment or hardware (not shown). The compartments84are separated from one another by horizontal surfaces or shelves formed or installed within the interior panel20that extend between the back section70, the front section72, the first side section74and the second side section76. The compartments84(interior bins) are accessed via the bin openings82.

The first side section74includes a cutout86shown best inFIGS. 5-6and8-9. The cutout86has an upper end portion87(FIGS. 6 and 8). The cutout86is dimensioned such that the intermediate panel60can pivot in and out of the cutout86, as described below.

Adjacent to the first side section74, the compartments84and the back section70are shaped to define a contoured recess90best shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. More specifically, at the first side section74, each of the compartments84narrows in order to provide a space (the recess90) for the intermediate panel60with the exterior door22in the closed position. As indicated inFIG. 12, with the exterior door22in the closed position, the intermediate panel60is disposed within the contoured recess90. Further, as indicated inFIGS. 6 and 8, cutout86is open to the contoured recess90such that the intermediate panel60can pivot in and out of the contoured recess90via the cutout86.

As best shown inFIG. 7, the first hinge arrangement24is located at the second side section76of the interior panel20. More specifically, the first hinge arrangement24pivotally attaches the second side section76of the interior panel20to the rear pillar structure32of the vehicle structure12. The first hinge arrangement24can be configured in any of a variety of ways. For example, the first hinge arrangement24can be a single piano-type hinge or can be several smaller hinges that support the interior panel20to the vehicle structure12. However, in the depicted embodiment, the first hinge arrangement24includes an upper hinge94and a lower hinge96. The first pivot axis A1is defined by the upper hinge94and the lower hinge96.

The upper hinge94and the lower hinge96are conventional hinges that allow the interior panel20to pivot relative to the rear of the vehicle10. The upper hinge94and the lower hinge96are secured in position by conventional fastening means. For example, the upper hinge94and the lower hinge96can be attached to the rear pillar structure32of the vehicle structure12by conventional mechanical fasteners or alternatively can be welded in position. The upper hinge94and the lower hinge96can be attached to the second side section76of the interior panel20by conventional mechanical fasteners or alternatively can be welded in position.

As best shown inFIG. 2, the first hinge arrangement24has a first effective hinge span that is defined as a distance S1between a lowest point of the first hinge arrangement24and a highest point of the first hinge arrangement24. More specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the first effective hinge span or the distance S1is measured between the lowest point of the lower hinge96and the highest point of the upper hinge94, as shown inFIG. 2.

A description of the exterior door22is now provided with specific reference toFIGS. 5-6and8-10. The exterior door22is basically a rigid member made of metal, but can alternatively be made of plastic materials, polymer materials and/or composite materials or combinations thereof. The exterior door22includes an outer surface102(FIG. 10-12), an inner surface104(FIGS. 5,6and8), a lower end106(FIGS. 6,9and10), an upper end108(FIGS. 5,6,8and10), a first side section110(FIGS. 5-6and8-9) and a second side section112(FIG. 10). The exterior door22has an overall height H1, as shown inFIG. 2.

The outer surface102is contoured with a very slight curvature at the first side section110that sharpens to a more noticeable curvature at the second side section112, as indicated from above inFIG. 11-12. Further, the curvature of the outer surface102preferably follows and parallels a curved contour of the bumper assembly36, as is also indicated inFIGS. 1-6. The outer surface102is also formed with a license plate recess area that includes a latch release lever114best shown inFIGS. 2 and 10.

As best shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the inner surface104of the exterior door22includes a lower beam portion116(FIG. 9), an upper beam portion118(FIG. 8), a first hinge support block120(FIG. 9), a second hinge support block122(FIG. 8) and a latch mechanism124located adjacent to the first side section110of the exterior door (seeFIGS. 5 and 6).

The lower beam portion116is formed with or attached to the exterior door22adjacent to the lower end106and is provided to add rigidity to the exterior door22and also provide support for the intermediate panel60. The upper beam portion118is attached to or formed with the exterior door22adjacent to the upper end108of the exterior door22and also provides rigidity to the exterior door22. The latch mechanism124is operated by the latch release lever114in a conventional manner.

As best shown inFIG. 10, the lower end106of the exterior door22is provided with a cutout130at the second side section112of the exterior door22. The cutout130conforms approximately to the shape of the end portion of the bumper assembly36, as best shown inFIG. 2. The upper end108is formed with a contour that conforms to the upper section30aof the side panel portion30and the roof panel38, as best shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The first side section110is generally straight in order to mate with the additional exterior door64.

As best shown inFIGS. 1 and 10, the second side section112includes a cutout132dimensioned to conform to the shape of the tail lamp assemblies44. Below the cutout132, the second side section112includes a lower hinge support portion140. Above the cutout132, the second side section112includes an upper hinge support section142.

Referring now toFIGS. 2,7and10, a description of the second hinge arrangement26is now provided. The second hinge arrangement26is located at the second side section112of the exterior door22. More specifically, the second hinge arrangement26pivotally attaches the second side section112of the exterior door22to the rear pillar structure32of the vehicle stricture12. The second hinge arrangement26can be configured in any of a variety of ways. For example, the second hinge arrangement26can be a single piano-type hinge or can be several smaller hinges that support the exterior door22to the vehicle structure12. However, in the depicted embodiment, the second hinge arrangement26includes a lower hinge144and an upper hinge146. The second pivot axis A2is defined by the lower hinge144and the upper hinge146.

The lower hinge144and the upper hinge146are conventional hinges that allow the exterior door22to pivot relative to the rear of the vehicle10. The lower hinge144and the upper hinge146are secured in position by conventional fastening means. For example, the lower hinge144and the upper hinge146can be attached to the rear pillar structure32of the vehicle structure12by conventional mechanical fasteners (not shown) or alternatively can be welded in position. Specifically, the lower hinge144is attached to the lower hinge support portion140of the second side section112of the exterior door22by conventional mechanical fasteners (not shown) or alternatively can be welded in position. The upper hinge146can be attached to the upper hinge support section142of the second side section112of the exterior door22by mechanical fasteners (not shown) or alternatively can be welded in position.

As indicated inFIG. 2, the second hinge arrangement26has a second effective hinge span that is defined as a distance S2between a lowest point of the second hinge arrangement and a highest point of the second hinge arrangement. More specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the second effective hinge span or the distance S2is measured between the lowest point of the lower hinge144and the highest point of the upper hinge146.

As is further indicated inFIG. 2, the first hinge arrangement24has a first effective hinge span (the distance S1) that is greater than half the height H1of the exterior door22. Preferably, the first effective hinge span (the distance S1) is approximately two-thirds of the height H1of the exterior door22. The second hinge arrangement26has a second effective hinge span (the distance S2) that is less than the first effective hinge span (the distance S1) of the first hinge arrangement24. Further, the first effective hinge span (the distance S1) of the first hinge arrangement24is preferably approximately double the second effective hinge span (the distance S2) of the second hinge arrangement26. As well, the second hinge arrangement26has an effective hinge span (the distance S2) that is less than half an overall height H1of the exterior door22. Further, the effective hinge span (the distance S2) of the second hinge arrangement26is approximately one-third of the overall height H1of the exterior door22.

As best shown inFIGS. 11 and 13, the first pivot axis A1of the first hinge arrangement24is located in a first vertical plane P1that is parallel to a vertical plane P0at least partially containing the opening16in the vehicle structure12. Further, the second pivot axis A2of the second hinge arrangement26is located in a second vertical plane P2that is parallel to and offset from the first vertical plane P1.

A description of the intermediate panel60is now provided with specific reference toFIGS. 5-6and8-12. The intermediate panel60is a linking member coupling the exterior door22to the interior panel20slaving movement of the interior panel20to movement of the exterior door22. The linking member60is supported to the interior panel20for pivotal movement by a third hinge arrangement150(seeFIG. 2) about a third pivot axis A3(see FIGS.2and11-13) that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis A1and the second pivot axis A2. The intermediate panel60(the linking member) is also connected to the exterior door22for pivotal movement by a fourth hinge arrangement152(seeFIG. 2) about a fourth pivot axis A4(see FIGS.2and11-13) that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis A1, the second pivot axis A2and the third pivot axis A3.

As is indicated inFIG. 2, the effective hinge span of each of the third hinge arrangement150and the fourth hinge arrangement152is preferably approximately equal to the distance S1. In other words, the effective hinge span of the third hinge arrangement150and the fourth hinge arrangement152is approximately the same as the first effective hinge span (the distance S1). However, it should be understood from the drawings and description herein that the effective hinge span of the third hinge arrangement150and the fourth hinge arrangement152can vary according to overall design of the door structure14and is not limited to the disclosed and depicted dimensions.

The intermediate panel60can be made of metal, metal alloys, polymer materials, plastic materials, composite materials, wood, wood veneer products and/or combinations thereof. The intermediate panel60is preferably a rigid member configured to resist twisting and deformation. More specifically, the intermediate panel60is dimensioned and designed to support a portion of downward gravitational force acting on the exterior door22when the exterior door22is in the open position. Further, the intermediate panel60is dimensioned and designed to transfer that portion of the downward gravitational force acting on the exterior door22to the interior panel20. Thus, the intermediate panel60is dimensioned to withstand the twisting force corresponding to the transfer of weight from the exterior door22to the interior panel20.

As best shown inFIGS. 8,9,11and12, the interior panel60has an L-shape or V-shape and includes a first vertically extending section160, a second vertically extending section162, an edge164defined between the first and second vertically extending sections160and162, the third hinge arrangement150and the fourth hinge arrangement152. The first vertically extending section160has an upper end166and a lower end168. The second vertically extending section162also has an upper end170and a lower end172.

As best shown inFIGS. 2,8and9, the third hinge arrangement150includes a lower hinge176(FIGS. 2 and 9) and an upper hinge178(FIGS. 2 and 8) that define the third pivot axis A3(FIG. 2). The lower hinge176and the upper hinge178are conventional hinges that allow the intermediate panel60to pivot relative to the interior panel20when the exterior door22is moved between the open position and the closed position. The lower hinge176and the upper hinge178are secured in position by conventional fastening means (not shown). For example, as indicated in phantom inFIG. 9, the lower hinge176is fixed to the lower end168of the first vertically extending section160of the intermediate panel60by mechanical fasteners or alternatively can be welded in position. Further, the lower hinge176is also fixed to the back section70of the interior panel20proximate a lower portion of the contoured recess90by conventional mechanical fasteners (not shown) or alternatively can be welded in position.

As indicated inFIG. 8, the upper hinge178is attached to upper end166of the first vertically extending section160of the intermediate panel60by conventional mechanical fasteners (not shown) or alternatively can be welded in position. The upper hinge178is further attached to the upper end portion87of the recess86of the first side section74of the interior panel20by mechanical fasteners or alternatively can be welded in position. Consequently, position of the third pivot axis A3is fixed relative to the first vertically extending section160of the intermediate panel60and the first side section74of the interior panel20.

As shown inFIGS. 2,8and9, the fourth hinge arrangement152includes a lower hinge180(FIGS. 2 and 9) and an upper hinge182(FIGS. 2 and 8) that define the fourth pivot axis A4(FIG. 2). The lower hinge180and the upper hinge182are conventional hinges that allow the intermediate panel60to pivot relative to the exterior door22as the exterior door22is moved between the open position and the closed position. The lower hinge180and the upper hinge182are secured in position by conventional fastening means. For example, as indicated inFIG. 9, the lower hinge180is fixed to the first hinge support block120on the inner surface104of the exterior door22by conventional mechanical fasteners (not shown) or alternatively can be welded in position. Further, the lower hinge180is also fixed to lower end172of the second vertically extending section162of the intermediate panel60by conventional mechanical fasteners (not shown) or alternatively can be welded in position.

As shown inFIG. 8, the upper hinge182is attached to upper end170of the second vertically extending section162of the intermediate panel60by conventional mechanical fasteners (not shown) or alternatively can be welded in position. The upper hinge182is further attached to the second hinge support block122of the inner surface104of the exterior door22by mechanical fasteners or alternatively can be welded in position. Consequently, position of the fourth pivot axis A4is fixed relative to the second vertically extending section162of the intermediate panel60and the inner surface104of the exterior door22.

As is best shown inFIG. 13, the first pivot axis A1and the second pivot axis A2are spaced apart from one another by a first distance D1. The third pivot axis A3and the fourth pivot axis A4are spaced apart from one another by a second distance D2that is shorter than the first distance D1. The first pivot axis A1and the third pivot axis A1are spaced apart from one another by a third distance D3and the second pivot axis A2and the fourth pivot axis A4are spaced apart from one another by a fourth distance D4that is longer than the third distance D3.

In the depicted embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes A1, A2, A3and A4do not define a parallelogram, but rather have a quadrilateral relationship where the distances D1, D2, D3and D4are not equal to one another (D1≠D2≠D3≠D4). This quadrilateral relationship accomplishes several engineering tasks. First, the interior panel20is able to support at least forty percent (or more) of the downward gravitational force acting on the exterior door22proximate the first side section110of the exterior door22with the exterior door22in the open position. Consequently, the second effective hinge span (the distance S2) of the second pivot axis A2can be shorter than the first effective hinge span (distance S1) of the first pivot axis A1. More specifically, the second hinge arrangement26can be configured with the lower hinge144and the upper hinge146being closer to one another with the upper hinge94and the lower hinge96of the first hinge arrangement24being further apart from one another.

Further, with the exterior door22in the open position, as shown inFIGS. 4,6and11, the interior panel20pivots a greater angular distance about the first axis A1than the exterior door22pivots about the second axis A2. In other words, the exterior door22pivots approximately 96 degrees about the second axis A2moving between the closed position and the open position, as represented inFIG. 13. Meanwhile, the interior panel20pivots more than 105 degrees about the first axis A1moving between the closed position to the open position, as represented inFIG. 13. Thus, the interior panel20is positioned such that there is easy access to the bin openings82and the compartments84.

It should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the respective distances D1, D2, D3and D4between the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes A1, A2, A3and A4can be adjusted and changed such that the distances D1, D2, D3and D4define a parallelogram or other four sided relationship. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the specific geometry of the depicted embodiment.

As indicated in FIGS.2and11-15, the additional interior panel62, the additional exterior door64and the additional intermediate panel66share the same basic geometric relationships to one another as with the interior panel20, the exterior door22and the intermediate panel24. Specifically, the additional interior panel62is pivotally supported to the vehicle structure12for pivotal movement by a first additional hinge arrangement24′. The additional exterior door64is pivotally supported to the vehicle structure12for pivotal movement by a second additional hinge arrangement26′. The additional exterior door64is supported to the additional interior panel62such that the additional interior panel62and the additional exterior door64move together as the exterior door64is moved between an open position and a closed position. Further, as shown inFIG. 2, the additional exterior door64has a contoured edge64athat mates with the exterior door22when the exterior door22and the additional exterior door64are in the closed positions, respectively.

The first additional hinge arrangement24′ includes a pair of hinges that define a first additional pivot axis A1′in a manner consistent with the first additional hinge arrangement24. The second additional hinge arrangement26′ includes a pair of hinges that define a second additional pivot axis A2′in a manner consistent with the second additional hinge arrangement26′. The additional interior panel62is pivotally connected to the additional interior panel62by a third additional hinge arrangement150′ in a manner similar to the third hinge arrangement150. The additional interior panel62is also pivotally connected to the additional exterior door64by a fourth additional hinge arrangement152′ in a manner similar to the fourth hinge arrangement152.

The additional exterior door64includes a conventional striker bar184dimensioned to engage the latch mechanism124on the inner surface104of the exterior door22. The additional exterior door64also includes a conventional latching mechanism (not shown) that engages the vehicle structure12at the top and bottom of the opening16operated by a lever mechanism186, as shown inFIG. 14.

The additional interior panel62, the additional exterior door64and the additional intermediate panel66, and respective ones of the interior panel20, the exterior door22and the intermediate panel24differ from one another primarily relating to basic dimensions. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 2, the additional exterior door64has a smaller horizontal width than the exterior door22. However, it should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the exterior door22and the additional exterior door64can have the same horizontal width and are not limited to the depicted embodiment. Similarly, the additional interior panel62has a smaller horizontal width than the interior panel20. The basic geometric relationships between the first, second, third and fourth pivot axis A1′, A2′, A3′and A4′are the similar or the same as the geometric relationships between the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes A1, A2, A3and A4, except that the relative distances between the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes A1′, A2′, A3′and A4′differ from the relative distances between the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes A1, A2, A3and A4.

Since the basic relationships (except for relative distances and overall dimensions) between the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes A1′, A2′, A3′and A4′and the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes A1, A2, A3and A4are generally the same, further description of the additional interior panel62, the additional exterior door64and the additional intermediate panel66is omitted for the sake of brevity.

The remaining elements and components of the vehicle structure12are conventional components that are well known in the art. Since these elements and components of the vehicle structure12are well known in the art, these elements and structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the components can be any type of structure that can be used to carry out the present invention.

General Interpretation of Terms

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware that is constructed to carry out the desired function.