PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10286761-B1
Application Number: US-201715613969-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Passenger vehicle door and window

Abstract:
A passenger vehicle includes a body, a powertrain, a first door, and a second door. The body defines a passenger compartment having an opening. The powertrain propels the passenger vehicle on a public roadway. The first door is movably coupled to the vehicle body to at least partially close the opening. The first door includes a door structure, which defines a cavity, and a first window that is movable between a lowered position in the cavity and a raised position in which a forward edge thereof is substantially coextensive with a forward end of the cavity. The second door is movably coupled to the vehicle body to at least partially close the opening. The second door includes a second window having a second forward edge. The rearward edge of the first window at least one of engages the second forward edge or compresses a seal with the second forward edge.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A passenger vehicle comprising:
 a vehicle body defining a passenger compartment having an opening for a passenger to enter into and exit out of the passenger compartment; 
 a powertrain for propelling the passenger vehicle on a public roadway; 
 a first door movably coupled to the vehicle body to at least partially close the opening, the first door having a first door structure and a first window, wherein the first door structure defines a first cavity, and the first window is movable between a first lowered position in the first cavity and a first raised position in which a first forward edge of the first window is substantially coextensive with a forward end of the first cavity in a fore-aft direction at a beltline of the passenger vehicle; and 
 a second door movably coupled to the vehicle body to at least partially close the opening and having a second window having a second forward edge, wherein when the first window is in the first raised position, a rearward edge of the first window at least one of engages the second forward edge or compresses a seal with the second forward edge. 
 
     
     
       2. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein in the first raised position, a first rearward edge of the first window is substantially coextensive with a first rearward end of the first cavity in the fore-aft direction at the beltline. 
     
     
       3. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 2 , wherein the second door includes a second door structure defining a second cavity, the second window is movable between a second lowered position in the second cavity and a second raised position in which the second forward edge of the second window is substantially coextensive with a second forward end of the second cavity in the fore-aft direction at the beltline. 
     
     
       4. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 3 , wherein the first door and the second door cooperatively close the opening. 
     
     
       5. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein the first door and the second door are each one of pivotably coupled or slidably coupled to the vehicle body. 
     
     
       6. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 5 , wherein the first door is pivotably coupled to a forward body structure of the vehicle body, and the second door is pivotably coupled to a rearward body structure of the vehicle body. 
     
     
       7. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 5 , wherein the first door and the second door are slidably coupled to the vehicle body. 
     
     
       8. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein the first door structure includes in the first cavity a first primary internal door structure and an intrusion beam, wherein the first window follows a path of travel between the first lowered position and the first raised position, the path of travel being outboard of the primary internal door structure and inboard of the intrusion beam. 
     
     
       9. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 8 , wherein the first primary internal door structure includes a lower intermediate portion extending in a fore-aft direction and an upper intermediate portion extending in the fore-aft direction and spaced above the lower intermediate portion, and when the first window is raised from the first lowered position to the first raised position, a central location of a lower edge of the first window passes the intrusion beam, then the lower intermediate portion, and then at least part of the upper intermediate portion. 
     
     
       10. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 9 , wherein the second door includes a second door structure that defines a second cavity, and the second window is movable between a second lowered position in the second cavity; and
 wherein the second door structure includes a second primary internal door structure and a second intrusion beam located in the in the second cavity outboard of the second primary internal door structure, and the second window passes between the second primary internal door structure and the second intrusion beam when raised from a second lowered position to a second raised position. 
 
     
     
       11. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein in the first raised position, the first forward edge of the first window engages a forward pillar structure the vehicle body substantially immediately above the first door structure, and the forward pillar structure supports a windshield of the passenger vehicle. 
     
     
       12. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 11 , wherein when in the forward pillar structure includes a seal member that extends along the forward pillar structure and is compressed between the forward pillar structure and the first forward edge of the first window substantially immediately above the first door structure, and the first forward edge of the first window engages the forward pillar structure by engaging the seal member. 
     
     
       13. The passenger vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein the first forward edge of the first window is within approximately one inch of the forward end of the first cavity in the fore-aft direction to be substantially coextensive therewith. 
     
     
       14. A door for a passenger vehicle for use on a public roadway, the door comprising:
 a door structure defining a cavity, the door structure including an outboard panel, a primary internal door structure located within the cavity, and an intrusion beam located within the cavity; and 
 a window movable between a retracted position within the cavity and a raised position protruding from the cavity; 
 wherein when in the retracted position, the window is outboard of the primary internal door structure and inboard of the intrusion beam; and 
 wherein the primary internal door structure is configured to overlap a forward body structure and a floor structure of the passenger vehicle. 
 
     
     
       15. A door for a passenger vehicle for use on a public roadway, the door comprising:
 a door structure defining a cavity, the door structure including an outboard panel, a primary internal door structure located within the cavity, and an intrusion beam located within the cavity; and 
 a window movable between a retracted position within the cavity and a raised position protruding from the cavity; 
 wherein when in the retracted position, the window is outboard of the primary internal door structure and inboard of the intrusion beam; and 
 wherein when in the raised position, a forward edge of the window is substantially coextensive with a forward cavity end of the cavity. 
 
     
     
       16. The door according to  claim 15 , wherein when in the raised position, the forward edge of the window is substantially coextensive with a forward end of the outboard panel at an upper end of the door structure. 
     
     
       17. The door according to  claim 16 , wherein when in the raised position, the forward edge of the window is within approximately one inch of the forward end of the outboard panel in a fore-aft direction to be substantially coextensive therewith. 
     
     
       18. The door according to  claim 14 , wherein the outboard panel protrudes outboard approximately one inch or less moving four inches downward from an upper edge of the outboard panel. 
     
     
       19. A vehicle comprising:
 a vehicle body defining a passenger compartment and having an opening for passengers to enter into and exit from the passenger compartment, wherein the vehicle body includes a body structure that supports a windshield; 
 a powertrain for propelling the vehicle on a public roadway; and 
 a vehicle door and another vehicle door movable between open positions allowing passengers to enter into and exit from the passenger compartment and closed positions cooperatively closing the opening to restrict passengers from entering into and exiting from the passenger compartment, wherein the vehicle door includes a retractable window that indirectly engages the body structure and another window of the other vehicle door in a beltline of the vehicle; 
 wherein the vehicle door includes a cavity, and the retractable window is retractable between a lowered position in the cavity and a raised position indirectly engaging the body structure and the other window, and wherein when in the raised position, a forward edge of the window is substantially coextensive with a forward cavity end of the cavity. 
 
     
     
       20. The vehicle according to  claim 19 , wherein the body structure includes a seal that is compressed by the retractable window in the beltline, and the retractable window indirectly engages the body structure by engaging the seal, and wherein the retractable window engages the other window by compressing another seal therebetween. 
     
     
       21. A vehicle comprising:
 a vehicle body defining a passenger compartment and having an opening for passengers to enter into and exit from the passenger compartment, wherein the vehicle body includes a body structure that supports a windshield; 
 a powertrain for propelling the vehicle on a public roadway; and 
 a vehicle door and another vehicle door movable between open positions allowing passengers to enter into and exit from the passenger compartment and closed positions cooperatively closing the opening to restrict passengers from entering into and exiting from the passenger compartment, wherein the vehicle door includes a retractable window that indirectly engages the body structure and another window of the other vehicle door in a beltline of the vehicle; 
 wherein the vehicle door includes a primary structure in a cavity thereof, wherein when the door is in the closed position, the primary door structure overlaps a forward body structure and a floor structure of the vehicle body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/346,109, filed Jun. 6, 2016, the entire disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference. This application additionally incorporates the disclosure U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/350,871, filed Jun. 16, 2016, by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to passenger vehicles for roadways and, in particular, to door structures therefor. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Passenger vehicles for roadways, such as cars, trucks, or other automobiles, typically include doors with windows that are retractable into cavities of the doors. However, traditional internal door structures, such as those for transferring loading to a vehicle body of the vehicle during standardized loading events (e.g., standard dynamic and quasi-static loading during test procedures under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 214), require that the windows be retracted into positions that are spaced apart from an end of the door. For example, a traditional load transferring door structure extends inboard across an inboard-outboard thickness of the door, so as to be in close proximity to the vehicle body (e.g., an A-, B-, or C-pillar) for transferring the standard loading thereto. As a result, this load transferring structure occupies the volume of the door cavity at its forward and/or rearward ends, which prevents the window from being retracted into the end volumes. With the window being spaced apart from the forward and/or rearward ends of the door when retracted, the edge of the window must similarly be spaced apart a noticeable distance (e.g., several inches) from the end of the door when the window is raised. For example, a forward edge of the window may be spaced rearward of a forward end of a front door, or a rearward edge of the window may be spaced forward of a rearward end of a rear door. Accordingly, traditional doors for passenger vehicles include fixed or non-retractable structures to fill a gap formed between the visible door structure (e.g., above the beltline or outer door panel), forward or rearward window edge, and vehicle body (e.g., A- or C-pillar). Such fixed structures may include various combinations of fixed window panels, opaque panels, mirror attachments, window frames, etc., which may interrupt or block a passenger&#39;s view outside the vehicle and may limit an openable region of the door. Placement of these fixed structures also results in a discontinuous or interrupted cut line (i.e., visible division between vehicle components) between the vehicle body (e.g., including the A- or C-pillar, front or rear quarter panel), and the window and visible door panel. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an implementation, a passenger vehicle includes a vehicle body, a powertrain, a first door, and a second door. The vehicle body defines a passenger compartment having an opening for a passenger to enter into and exit out of the passenger compartment. The powertrain is configured to propel the passenger vehicle on a public roadway. The first door is movably coupled to the vehicle body to at least partially close the opening. The first door includes a first door structure and a first window. The first door structure defines a first cavity. The first window is movable between a first lowered position in the first cavity and a first raised position in which a first forward edge of the first window is substantially coextensive with a forward end of the first cavity in a fore-aft direction at a beltline of the passenger vehicle. The second door is movably coupled to the vehicle body to at least partially close the opening. The second door includes a second window having a second forward edge. The rearward edge of the first window at least one of engages the second forward edge or compresses a seal with the second forward edge. 
     In an implementation, a door for a passenger vehicle for use on a public roadway includes a door structure and a window. The door structure defines a cavity, and includes an outboard panel, a primary internal door structure located within the cavity, and an intrusion beam located within the cavity. The window is movable between a retracted position within the cavity and a raised position protruding from the cavity. In the retracted position, the window is outboard of the primary internal door structure and inboard of the intrusion beam. 
     In an implementation, a vehicle includes a vehicle body, a powertrain, and a vehicle door. The vehicle body defines a passenger compartment and includes an opening for passengers to enter into and exit from the passenger compartment. The vehicle body includes a body structure that supports a windshield. The powertrain is configured to propel the vehicle on a public roadway. The vehicle door is movable between an open position allowing passengers to enter into and exit from the passenger compartment and a closed position restricting passengers from entering into and exiting from the passenger compartment. The vehicle door includes a retractable window that engages the body structure and another window of another vehicle door in a beltline of the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is top schematic view of a passenger vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the passenger vehicle in a first configuration with closed doors. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the passenger vehicle in a second configuration with open doors. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the passenger vehicle depicting various hidden components and structures in phantom. 
         FIG. 5  is an upper perspective exploded view of a first door of the vehicle. 
         FIG. 6  is an upper perspective exploded view of a second door of the vehicle. 
         FIG. 7  is another side view of the passenger vehicle omitting outboard panels of the doors, which depicts windows of the door in lowered positions in phantom. 
         FIG. 8  is side view of the passenger vehicle without doors. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a first door without an outboard panel and a window depicted in a lowered position in phantom. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the first door without the outboard panel and the window depicted in the lowered position. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the passenger vehicle taken along line  11 - 11  from  FIG. 2  depicting the window in a raised position without phantom and in a lowered position in phantom. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the passenger vehicle taken along line  12 - 12  from  FIG. 2  depicting the window in the lowered position. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the passenger vehicle taken along line  13 - 13  from  FIG. 2  depicting the window in the lowered position. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the passenger vehicle taken along line  14 - 14  from  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the passenger vehicle taken along line  15 - 15  from  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the passenger vehicle taken along line  16 - 16  from  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed in further detail below with reference to the figures, an exemplary passenger vehicle includes a vehicle body and one or more doors having an internal load transfer structure configured to absorb and/or distribute loading of the doors to the vehicle body, along with a retractable window. The window is retractable into a cavity of the door and includes forward and/or rearward edges that may be substantially coextensive with a forward and/or rearward ends of the visible door structure. Also within the cavity, the door includes a door structure configured to absorb and/or distribute loading from standardized loading events, such as a standard dynamic loading event (e.g., from a mobile deformable barrier (MDB) during dynamic testing under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 214D) and from a quasi-static loading event (e.g., during quasi-stating testing under FMVSS 214S). The vehicle body, doors, and their various subsystems, subassemblies, components, and related methods may, however, provide various other advantages. 
     As used herein directional terms, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “fore,” “aft,” etc. are oriented with respect to a normal direction of travel of the vehicle. Directional terms “inboard” and “outboard” refer to generally horizontal directions moving, respectively, from outside to inside, or inside to outside, a passenger compartment of the passenger vehicle. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a vehicle  100  (e.g., passenger vehicle) is configured for use on a public roadway, such as a highway, interstate freeway, or local roads managed by a federal, state, or local government. As shown schematically, the vehicle  100  generally includes a powertrain  110  and a vehicle body  120  (e.g., body structure) coupled to the powertrain  110 . The powertrain  110  is configured to convert energy from a stored energy source (e.g., battery, gasoline, diesel fuel, hydrogen, etc.) into motive force for propelling the vehicle  100  along the public roadway. For example, the powertrain  110  may include one or more electric motors and/or one or more combustion engines that rotate wheels for propelling the vehicle  100  along the roadway. 
     As shown in the left side views of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the vehicle body  120  generally includes a forward body structure  222 , a rearward body structure  224 , a floor structure  226 , and a roof structure  228 . The vehicle body  120  is also depicted in  FIG. 8  without doors. The forward body structure  222 , the rearward body structure  224 , the floor structure  226 , and the roof structure  228  are fixedly coupled to each other to cooperatively form the vehicle body  120  as a generally rigid structure but which may resiliently flex (e.g., under normal driving conditions). According to some exemplary embodiments, the vehicle body  120  may omit the roof structure  228 , or the roof structure  228  may be movable. 
     The vehicle body  120  defines a passenger compartment  330  therein, while the forward body structure  222 , the rearward body structure  224 , and the floor structure  226  cooperatively define an opening  332  (e.g., entrance) that allows entry of a passenger into (e.g., ingress) and exit of a passenger out of (e.g., egress) the passenger compartment  330 . The opening  332  may, but need not, be continuous between the forward body structure  222 , the rearward body structure  224 , the floor structure  226 , and the roof structure  228  (if present). That is, the opening  332  is not physically divided (e.g., partitioned, interrupted, etc.) into multiple separate openings. Alternatively, the vehicle body may include an upright structure extending upward from the floor structure  226  toward or to the roof structure  228  at an intermediate fore-aft location of the opening  332  (e.g., such as a B-pillar structure). 
     The forward body structure  222 , the rearward body structure  224 , the floor structure  226 , and the roof structure  228  may be individual components that are fixedly coupled to each other, or may be cooperatively formed by one or more components that are coupled to each other (e.g., a lower portion of the forward body structure  222  and a forward portion of the floor structure  226  may be formed by one or more common components). The vehicle body  120  may be similarly configured on its right side (not shown). 
     The forward body structure  222  generally includes a forward base structure  222   a  and a forward pillar structure  222   b  (e.g., A-pillar or first pillar structure or portion). The forward pillar structure  222   b  is coupled to and extends upward from the forward base structure  222   a , and is coupled to and supports a forward end of the roof structure  228 . A front window (e.g., a windshield  223  or windscreen; shown schematically in  FIG. 2 ) may also be coupled to and supported by the forward pillar structure  222   b  and an opposite forward pillar structure (i.e., on a right side of the vehicle). The forward base structure  222   a  and the forward pillar structure  222   b  may be formed by one or more common components, or separate components coupled to each other. The forward body structure  222  transitions from, or demarcates between, the forward base structure  222   a  and the forward pillar structure  222   b  in a beltline  201  (e.g., beltline region) of the vehicle  100 . The beltline  201  of the vehicle  100  is a location or region at an intermediate height of the vehicle  100  surrounding the transition or demarcation between opaque lower side structures of the vehicle structure (e.g., body and door panels) and transparent side windows (e.g., window panel or pane). While the beltline  201  is depicted as being straight and horizontal, the beltline  201  may follow other profiles (e.g., curved, non-horizontal, etc.). 
     The rearward body structure  224  includes a rearward base structure  224   a  and may also include one or more rearward pillar structures  224   b  (e.g., C-pillar, D-pillar, or second pillar structure or portion). The rearward pillar structure  224   b  is coupled to and extends upward from the rearward base structure  224   a , and is coupled to and supports a rearward portion or end of the roof structure  228 . A rear window (e.g., rear wide window or rear windshield; not shown) may also be coupled to and supported by the rearward pillar structure  224   b . The rearward base structure  224   a  and the rearward pillar structure  224   b  may be formed by one or more common components, or separate components coupled to each other. The rearward body structure  224  is considered to transition from, or demarcate between, the rearward base structure  224   a  and the rearward pillar structure  224   b  in the beltline  201  of the vehicle  100 . For vehicles  100  having a roof structure  228  that is movable (e.g., a convertible), the rearward pillar structure  224   b  may be movable or omitted. 
     The vehicle  100 , on its left side, further includes a door  240  (e.g., first or front door) and another door  260  (e.g., second or rear door). The door  240  and the second door  260  are cooperatively configured to close the opening  332  (i.e., to prevent ingress and egress of passengers), while also being configured to absorb and transfer outboard loading (e.g., standardized loading) to the forward body structure  222 , the rearward body structure  224 , the floor structure  226 , and/or the roof structure  228 . The vehicle  100  may similarly include an additional door  240  and an additional second door  260  on its right side (not shown). According to other embodiments, the second door  260  may be omitted, such that the door  240 , without another door, closes the opening  332 . 
     The door  240  generally includes a door structure  242  and a window  244  (e.g., first window). The door  240  is movable between a closed position (e.g., a first closed position) as shown in  FIG. 2  and an open position (e.g., a first open position) as shown in  FIG. 3 . The second door  260  similarly includes a door structure  262  (e.g., second or rear door structure) and a window  264  (e.g., second or rear window). The second door  260  is also movable between a closed position (e.g., a second closed position) as shown in  FIG. 2  and an open position (e.g., a second open position) as shown in  FIG. 3 . When the door  240  and the second door  260  are simultaneously in their respective closed positions, the opening  332  is closed to prevent or restrict ingress into and egress out of the passenger compartment  330  by a passenger. The door  240  and the second door  260  may be slidably coupled to the vehicle body  120  as shown in  FIG. 3 , or may be hingedly coupled (e.g., pivotably coupled, as illustrated schematically in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 ), for example, to the forward body structure  222  and the rearward body structure  224 , respectively, about substantially vertical axes. In embodiments having an intermediate structure (e.g., B-pillar) that divides the opening  332 , the door  240  and/or the second door  260  may be hingedly coupled to the intermediate structure (e.g., B-pillar; not shown). In embodiments without the second door  260 , the door  240  may be hingedly coupled to forward body structure  222  or the rearward body structure  224 . 
     As depicted schematically in  FIG. 4 , the door structure  242  of the door  240  includes a primary door structure  446  (e.g., a first or primary internal door structure; shown in dash-dash lines), which is coupled to and substantially hidden from view by an outer door structure  248  (e.g., first outer or secondary door structure). The door structure  262  of the second door  260  includes another primary door structure  466  (e.g., a second primary or internal door structure; shown in dash-dash lines), which is coupled to and substantially hidden from view by another outer door structure  268  (e.g., second outer or secondary door structure). The primary door structures  446 ,  466  of the doors  240 ,  260  are configured to cooperatively transfer a substantial majority of loading to the doors  240 ,  260  from the standard dynamic loading event (e.g., from an MDB during FMVSS dynamic testing) to the vehicle body  120  to limit intrusion into the passenger compartment  330 . In  FIG. 4 , inboard edges of the forward base structure  222   a , floor structure  226 , and rearward base structure  224   a  are depicted in phantom as long-dash short-dash lines, which illustrate overlapping relationships for load transfer between the primary door structures  446 ,  466  to portions of the vehicle body  120 . 
     As compared to the primary door structures  446 ,  466 , the outer door structures  248 ,  268  and/or other structures and components of the doors  240 ,  260  are configured for absorbing, distributing, and/or transferring only an insubstantial portion of the standard dynamic loading to the vehicle body  120 . However, the outer door structures  248 ,  268  and other door structures and components may be configured to absorb, distribute, and/or transfer substantial portions of other standard loading (e.g., such as the standard quasi-static loading applied during the quasi-static testing under FMVSS 214S), as will be discussed below. Furthermore, while the windows  244 ,  264  or other upper structures of the door  240  or second door  260  may engage the roof structure  228 , according to some but not all embodiments, but such upper structures are capable of absorbing, distributing, and/or transferring an insubstantial portion of the standard loading to the vehicle body  120 , such that substantial majorities of the standard dynamic and quasi-static loading of the doors  240 ,  260  is transferred to the vehicle body  120  independent of the roof structure  228 . According to other exemplary embodiments, upper structures of one or both of the doors  240 ,  260  may be configured to transfer substantial portions of the standard loading to the vehicle body  120  (e.g., if the door  240  and/or the door  260  include movable B-pillar structures that extend from the floor structure  226  to the roof structure  228 ), or if the vehicle body  120  includes a fixed B-pillar structure extending from the floor structure  226  to the roof structure  228 . 
     Focusing first on the door  240 , the door structure  242  generally includes the outer door structure  248  and the primary door structure  446  (depicted in phantom as dash-dash lines in  FIG. 4 ). The outer door structure  248  defines a cavity  1242   a  (e.g., door cavity) in which the primary door structure  446  is positioned and substantially hidden from view (see  FIG. 12 ). Additionally, the window  244  retracts into the cavity  1242   a  entirely or substantially to be contained within the cavity  1242   a  when lowered. 
     As shown in the exploded perspective view in  FIG. 5 , the outer door structure  248  includes an outer door frame  552  (e.g., peripheral or outer door frame or door structure), an inboard door panel  553  coupled to and positioned inboard of the outer door frame  552 , and an outboard door panel  554  coupled to and positioned outboard of the outer door frame  552 . As will be discussed in further detail below, when the door  240  is in the closed position, the primary door structure  446  overlaps and is in close proximity with the forward base structure  222   a  and the floor structure  226  of the vehicle body  120 , so as to quickly transfer force thereto in an inboard direction upon application of standard dynamic loading to the door  240 . For example, the primary door structure  446  may be positioned at an inboard location (e.g., adjacent the inboard door panel  553 ) in the cavity  1242   a  (see e.g.,  FIGS. 11-13 and 15-16 ). 
     The primary door structure  446  may additionally be configured to couple to and interface the floor structure  226 , so as to substantially resist an inboard moment caused by standard dynamic loading to the door  240 . As a result, the primary door structure  446  may not need to extend above the beltline  201  of the vehicle  100  at an intermediate fore-aft location of the vehicle  100 , and no other structural member of the vehicle body  120  (e.g., a conventional B-pillar) or either door  240 ,  260  (e.g., a movable B-pillar) would extend upward from the primary door structure  446 , which would otherwise be capable of transferring any substantial portion of the standard dynamic loading to the roof structure  228 . By omitting such vertical structures, a substantially unobstructed view may be provided through the windows  244 ,  264  out the left side of the vehicle  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the primary door structure  446  includes a primary structural member  550  (e.g., primary member) and a beam member  551 , among other elements, which are coupled to each other. The primary structural member  550  and the beam member  551  form the primary door structure  446  with a forward portion  446   a  (e.g., first or forward end portion or region), a rearward portion  446   b  (e.g., first or rearward upright portion or region), an intermediate portion  446   c  (e.g., middle, diagonal, or lower intermediate portion or region), and an upper portion  446   d  (e.g., upper, top, or upper intermediate portion or region). The forward portion  446   a  is positioned proximate a forward end of the door  240 , and may form a joint between the intermediate portion  446   c  and the upper portion  446   d . The rearward portion  446   b  is positioned proximate a rearward end of the door  240 , and may extend upward and downward relative to the intermediate portion  446   c . The intermediate portion  446   c  may extend rearward and downward from the forward portion  446   a  to the rearward portion  446   b . The upper portion  446   d  is positioned proximate an upper end of the door  240 , and extends rearward from the forward portion  446   a  to the rearward portion  446   b . While the primary door structure  446  is substantially hidden from view by the outer door structure  248 , various limited portions of the primary door structure  446  may still protrude out of the cavity  1242   a  (e.g., in cutouts of the outer door frame  552  or inboard door panel  553 ), and/or may be concealed by other trim components, so as to be engageable with or otherwise transfer force to portions of the vehicle body  120  (e.g., the floor structure  226 ). 
     The primary structural member  550  (e.g., first primary structural or internal member) is a unitary, continuous member. For example, the primary structural member  550  may be a hot-stamped boron steel component. The primary structural member  550  includes a forward segment  550   a  (e.g., first forward end or segment), a rearward segment  550   b  (e.g., first rearward end or segment), an intermediate segment  550   c  (e.g., first intermediate segment), and an upper segment  550   d  (e.g., first upper segment). The forward segment  550   a  forms a joint that connects the intermediate segment  550   c  and the upper segment  550   d , and may form an outboard convex or C-shaped recess, which receives the beam member  551  therein. 
     The intermediate segment  550   c  extends downward and rearward from the forward segment  550   a  to the rearward segment  550   b . From the left side view, the intermediate segment  550   c  may extend downward and rearward at a constant angle, but may follow other contours. From a top view, the intermediate segment  550   c  may extend rearward at a constant angle, but may follow other contours (e.g., being curved in an inboard-outboard direction, such as to follow contours of the inboard door panel  553  and/or the outboard door panel  554 ). The intermediate segment  550   c  has a cross-sectional shape that is concave or C-shaped to provide rigidity to the intermediate segment  550   c . The cross-sectional shape may be generally constant along a majority of the intermediate segment  550   c . The intermediate segment  550   c  may extend at different angles and/or have an irregular or different cross-sectional shape. 
     The upper segment  550   d  extends rearward from the forward segment  550   a  to terminate at a rearward end thereof. The upper segment  550   d  may, for example, extend along the beltline  201 . From the left side view, the upper segment  550   d  may extend at a constant angle (e.g., generally horizontal), or other suitable angle or contour. From a top view, the upper segment  550   d  may extend at a constant angle (e.g., straight rearward), but may follow other contours (e.g., being curved in an inboard-outboard direction, such as to follow contours of the inboard door panel  553  and/or the outboard door panel  554 ). The upper segment has a cross-sectional shape that is concave or C-shaped to provide rigidity to the upper segment  550   d . The cross-sectional shape may be generally constant along a majority of the upper segment  550   d . The upper segment  550   d  may alternatively have a different position, extend at different or varied angles, and/or have a different or irregular cross-sectional shape. 
     The rearward segment  550   b  extends upward and downward from the intermediate segment  550   c  to terminate at upper and lower ends, respectively, thereof. From the left side view, the rear segment extends straight above and below the intermediate segment  550   c  at generally constant angles (e.g., generally vertical), but may follow other contours (e.g., extending forward or rearward in a straight or curved manner). From a front view, the rearward segment  550   b  extends above and below the intermediate segment straight (e.g., generally vertical), but may follow other contours (e.g., extending inboard or outboard in a straight or curved manner, such as to follow contours of the inboard door panel  553  and/or the outboard door panel  554 . The rear segment has a cross-sectional shape that is concave or C-shaped to provide rigidity to the rearward segment  550   b . The cross-sectional shape is generally constant along a majority of the rearward segment  550   b  above the intermediate segment  550   c . Below the intermediate segment  550   c , the rear segment extends downward and inboard, and includes a convex or C-shaped cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the rearward segment  550   b  may extend at different angles, with different contours, and/or have different cross-sectional shapes above and below the intermediate segment  550   c.    
     The upper segment  550   d  and the rearward segment  550   b  may have a continuous joint therebetween (i.e., not terminate at rearward and upper ends, respectively, thereof), or may be coupled to each other with an intermediate bracket member (not shown). 
     While the primary structural member  550  has been described as a unitary member, it is contemplated that the primary structural member  550  instead be configured as a multi-piece structure, for example, with the upper segment  550   d  or other segments (or portions thereof), being formed with another member. 
     The beam member  551  (e.g., first beam member) is a unitary, continuous member. For example, the beam member  551  may be a hydroformed steel, tubular component. The beam member  551  includes a forward beam segment  551   a  (e.g., a first forward beam end), a rearward beam segment  551   b  (e.g., a first rearward beam segment), and an intermediate beam segment  551   c  (e.g., a first intermediate beam segment). The intermediate beam segment  551   c  extends substantially parallel with (i.e., following the contour of) the intermediate segment  550   c  and may be coupled thereto (e.g., with conventional fasteners, adhesives, and/or welding) to form the intermediate portion  446   c  of the primary door structure  446 . The intermediate beam segment  551   c  may also be received within an outboard facing recess of the intermediate segment  550   c  of the primary structural member  550 , which is formed by the concave cross-sectional shape thereof. The intermediate segment  551   c  has a cross cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular or box tubular), which may be constant along a majority thereof. Alternatively, the intermediate beam segment  551   c  may have a different contour (e.g., different than the primary structural member  550 ) and/or have a different or irregular cross-sectional shape. 
     The forward beam segment  551   a  extends upward from the intermediate beam segment  551   c  to terminate at an upper end thereof. The forward beam segment  551   a  may extend at a generally constant angle (e.g., substantially vertical), and have a cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular or box tubular) that provides rigidity to the forward beam segment  551   a  and that may be constant along a majority thereof. Alternatively, the forward beam segment  551   a  may extend at varying or different angles (e.g., non-vertical, bent, or varying) and/or have an irregular or different cross-sectional shape. 
     The forward beam segment  551   a  is coupled to the forward segment  550   a  of the primary structural member  550  (e.g., with fasteners, adhesives, and/or welding) to cooperatively form the forward portion  446   a  of the primary door structure  446 . The forward beam segment  551   a  may also be received within the outboard facing recess of the forward segment  550   a  of the primary structural member  550 , which is formed by the concave cross-sectional shape thereof. 
     The rearward beam segment  551   b  extends downward from the intermediate beam segment  551   c  to terminate at a lower end thereof, and may additionally extend inboard relative to the intermediate beam segment  551   c , so as to follow the contour of the rearward segment  550   b . The rearward beam segment  551   b  is coupled the rearward segment  550   b  of the primary structural member  550  below the intermediate segment  550   c  (e.g., with fasteners, adhesives, and/or welding) to cooperatively form at least part of the rearward portion  446   b  of the primary door structure  446 . The rearward beam segment  551   b  may also be received within the outboard facing recess of the rearward segment  550   b  of the primary structural member  550 , which is formed by the concave cross-sectional shape thereof. 
     The door  240  additionally includes an intrusion beam  455  (shown in dash-dot-dot-dash lines in  FIG. 4 ). The intrusion beam  455  is configured to absorb and/or transfer loading to the vehicle body  120  from the standard quasi-static loading, so as to prevent or limit intrusion into the passenger compartment  330 . The intrusion beam  455 , for example, is coupled to the outer door frame  552 , extending downward and rearward from a forward end to a rearward end of the door  240 . The intrusion beam  455  is positioned, for example, below the intermediate segment  550   c  of the primary structural member. The intrusion beam  455  is also positioned at an outboard location within the cavity  1242   a , for example proximate or in contact with the outboard door panel  554 , so as to quickly absorb and/or transfer loading upon occurrence of the standard quasi-static loading (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 11-13 and 15-16 ). When the standard quasi-static load is applied to the intrusion beam  455 , the loading may be transferred from the intrusion beam  455  to the vehicle body  120 , for example, through other structures of the door  240  (e.g., the primary door structure  446  and/or the outer door structure  248 ) that are coupled to and/or in close proximity to the vehicle body  120  (e.g., the forward body structure  222  and/or floor structure  226 ). 
     The primary door structure  446  may additionally include various other components or members, such as a reinforcement member  557 , a striker  537 , a foot member  558 , a bolt  556 , and/or a shear panel  559 . The reinforcement member  557  is interposed between the rearward beam segment  551   b  of the beam member  551  and the rearward segment  550   b  of the primary structural member  550 , for example, to distribute loading between the primary structural member  550  and the beam member  551 . The striker  537  may be part of a latch mechanism, which is received by a latch (not shown) coupled to the floor structure  226  to restrain the door  240  and/or transfer loading from the door  240  to the floor structure  226 . The bolt  556  may, for example, couple the striker  537  to the primary structural member  550  and/or the beam member  551 . The foot member  558  may, for example, engage the floor structure  226  to resist an inboard moment caused by the standard loading. The shear panel  559  is coupled to the primary door structure  446  (e.g., to the primary structural member  550 ), for example, to provide torsional rigidity to the primary door structure  446  to prevent twisting thereof during normal operation (e.g., opening and closing) of the door  240 . 
     Turning to the second door  260 , the door structure  262  of the second door  260  is configured similar to the door structure  242  of the door  240  but having the forward-rearward relationship of its various components generally reversed. The door structure  262  of the second door  260  generally includes the outer door structure  268  and the primary door structure  466 . As shown in the exploded perspective view in  FIG. 6 , the outer door structure  268  includes an outer door frame  672  (e.g., peripheral door frame), an inboard panel  673  coupled to and positioned inboard of the outer door frame  672 , and an outboard door panel  674  coupled to and positioned outboard of the outer door frame  672 , which cooperatively define a cavity in which the primary door structure is positioned and substantially concealed from view in the manner described above for the primary door structure  446  of the door  240 . The window  264  may be retractable into the door cavity in a manner similar to the window  244 . 
     As shown schematically in  FIG. 4 , the orientation of the primary door structure  466  of the second door  260  is generally reversed in a fore-aft direction, as compared to the primary door structure  446  of the door  240 . The primary door structure  466  generally includes a rearward portion  466   a  (e.g., second or rearward end portion or region), a forward portion  466   b  (e.g., second or forward upright portion or region), an intermediate portion  466   c  (e.g., second middle or diagonal portion or region) extending forward and downward from the rearward portion  466   a  to the forward portion  466   b , and an upper portion  466   d  (e.g., second upper or top portion region) extending forward from the rearward portion  466   a . As with the primary door structure  446  of the door  240 , the primary door structure  466  of the second door, according to some embodiments, may not extend above the beltline  201  of the vehicle  100  at an intermediate fore-aft location of the vehicle  100 , and no other structural member (e.g., a movable B-pillar) would extend upward from the primary door structure  466 , which would be capable of transferring any substantial portion of the standard loading to the roof structure  228 . Omission of such vertical structural members may provide a substantially unobstructed view out the side of the vehicle through the windows  244 ,  264 . 
     Similar to the door  240 , when the second door  260  is in the closed position, the primary door structure  466  overlaps and is in close proximity with the rearward base structure  224   a  and the floor structure  226  of the vehicle body  120 , so as to quickly transfer force thereto in an inboard direction upon application of standard dynamic loading to the second door  260 . For example, the primary door structure  466  may be positioned at an inboard location (e.g., adjacent the inboard panel  673 ) in the door cavity (see e.g.,  FIGS. 11-13 and 15-16 ). The primary door structure  466  of the second door  260  may additionally configured to couple to and interface the floor structure  226 , so as to substantially resist an inboard moment caused by standard dynamic loading to the door  240 . 
     As shown structurally in  FIG. 6 , the components of the primary door structure  466  of the second door  260  are similar to those of the primary door structure  446  of the door  240  but are generally reversed in a fore-aft direction. Similar to the primary door structure  446  of the door  240 , the primary door structure  466  of the second door  260  is formed by or comprises a primary structural member  670  and a beam member  671 . The primary structural member  670  includes a rearward segment  670   a , a forward segment  670   b , an intermediate segment  670   c , and an upper segment  670   d . For further details, refer to discussion of the primary structural member  550  above. The beam member  671  includes a rearward beam segment  671   a , a forward beam segment  671   b , and an intermediate segment  671   c . For further details, refer to discussion of the beam member  551  above. 
     The second door  260  additionally includes an intrusion beam  475 , which is configured and functions similar to the intrusion beam  455  of the door  240 . For example, the intrusion beam  475  is positioned below the intermediate segment  670   c  of the primary structural member  670  and is proximate the outboard door panel  674 , so as to absorb and/or transfer the standard quasi-static loading alone and/or in conjunction with the intrusion beam  455  of the door  240 . The second door  260  may also include other components similar to those of the door  240 , such as a reinforcement member  677 , striker  637 , foot member  678 , shear panel  679 , and/or bolt  676 . 
     When the door  240  and the second door  260  are simultaneously in the closed positions, the door  240  and the second door  260  cooperatively close the opening  332  (see  FIG. 2 ). Individually and cooperatively, the door  240  and the second door  260  are also configured to distribute the standard dynamic load via the primary door structures  446 ,  466  to the vehicle body  120  (i.e., the forward base structure  222   a , the rearward base structure  224   a , and the floor structure  226 ) and the standard quasi-static load via the intrusion beams  455 ,  475 . 
     When each of the door  240  and the second door  260  are in their respective closed positions, the primary door structures  446 ,  466  thereof overlap and are in close proximity to various parts of the vehicle body  120  of the vehicle  100  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4 and 11-16 ). These overlapping relationships and close proximity allow the primary door structures  446 ,  466  to quickly transfer standard dynamic loading to the vehicle body  120 . For example, when the door  240  is in its closed position, the forward portion  446   a  of the primary door structure  446  overlaps an upper region  422   c  of the forward base structure  222   a  of the vehicle body  120  in a fore-aft direction, and is in close proximity in an inboard-outboard direction thereto. This overlapping relationship is within an intermediate vertical region of the vehicle  100  (e.g., a middle 50% of the opening, such as proximate the beltline  201 ). The rearward portion  446   b  of the primary door structure  446  similarly overlaps in a vertical direction the floor structure  226  in an intermediate fore-aft region of the vehicle (e.g., a middle 50% of the opening  332 ). The primary structural member  550  is positioned in closed proximity to the forward base structure  222   a  and/or the floor structure  226 , but may include intermediate components positioned therebetween, such as the inboard door panel  553 , which still allows quick loading to the vehicle body  120  upon occurrence of the standard dynamic loading event. The second door  260 , when in its closed position, is configured to overlap the vehicle body  120  in a similar manner as the door  240  for transferring loading thereto. 
     Referring back to the door  240 , the window  244  is configured to be moved between a lowered or retracted position and a raised or extended position. The various figures are provided to illustrate the spatial relationship of the window  244  relative to the various structures and components of the door  240  and the vehicle body  120 .  FIG. 4  depicts the vehicle with the window  244  in the raised position (solid lines) and in the lowered position (dash-dash lines), while various hidden structures of the door  240  and vehicle (i.e., those inboard of the outboard panel  564 ) are depicted in phantom.  FIG. 7  depicts the door  240  in the vehicle  100  with the inboard and outboard door panels  553 ,  554  omitted and the window  244  in the raised position (solid lines) and in the lowered position (dash-dash lines), while also illustrating various internal structures in solid lines to show their overlapping relationships.  FIGS. 9 and 10  depict the door  240  in isolation of the vehicle body  120 .  FIGS. 11-13  are cross-sectional views looking rearward, and  FIGS. 14-16  are cross-sectional views looking downward. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , when in the lowered position, the window  244  is contained entirely within the cavity  1242   a  and, thereby, may be entirely hidden from view by the outer door structure  248 . Alternatively, the window  244  may be substantially or partially contained within the cavity  1242   a  when in the lowered position, so as to be substantially or partially hidden from view. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , when in the lowered position, the window  244  is positioned outboard of the primary door structure  446 . That is, various portions of the window  244  may be spaced horizontally outboard from various portions of the primary door structure  446 . For example, as shown in the side view of  FIG. 7 , as well as the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 13 , in an intermediate fore-aft region of the door  240 , portions of the window  244  are positioned horizontally outboard of the primary door structure  466 . More particularly, intermediate fore-aft portions of the window  244  are positioned horizontally outboard from separate, vertically spaced portions of the primary door structure  446  (e.g., the intermediate portion  446   c  and the upper portion  446   d ). Furthermore, depending on the movement path of the window  244  between the lowered and raised positions, a rearward edge  944   a  of the window  244  may be positioned horizontally outboard from the rearward portion  446   b  of the primary door structure  446  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), or may be positioned horizontally outboard of the intermediate portion  446   c  and/or the upper portion  446   d  of the primary door structure  446 . 
     Additionally, when in the lowered position, the window  244  is positioned inboard of the intrusion beam  455 . For example, the intermediate fore-aft portions or locations of the window  244  are positioned horizontally inboard of the intrusion beam  455  (see  FIG. 7 ) at a different elevation (e.g., lower) than the upper and/or intermediate portions  446   d ,  446   c  of the primary door structure  446 . 
     When moved between its lowered and raised positions, the window  244  is moved by a window operator  1090  (shown in  FIG. 10 ; not shown in  FIG. 9  for simplicity) along a path of travel  990 , which is indicated by a dash-dot-dot-dash line. The path of travel  990  is outboard of the primary door structure  446  and inboard of the intrusion beam  455 . For example, as viewed from a front of the vehicle (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 11-13 ), the path of travel  990  of the window  244  may generally follow the curvature (e.g., barrel) of the window  244 , and pass between the primary door structure  446  and the intrusion beam  455 . This movement results in various portions of the window  244  passing by or between various structural portions of the vehicle body  120  and the door  240 . For example, as the window  244  is moved upward, a lower edge  944   d  (e.g., lower portion) of the window  244  moves through vertical positions that are horizontally inboard of the of the intrusion beam  455  and later horizontally outboard of the primary door structure  446  (e.g., the forward portion  446   a ). For example, a central location of the lower edge  944   d  of the window  244  moves past the intrusion beam  455 , then the intermediate portion  4466   c  of the primary door structure  446 , and then at least part of the upper portion  446   d  of the primary door structure  446 . 
     A forward portion of the lower edge  944   d  of the window  244  may also be positioned horizontally outboard of the forward base structure  222   a , so as to overlap the forward base structure  222   a  when moving and/or when in the raised and/or lowered positions. Also as the window  244  is moved upward, the lower edge  944   d  of the window  244  may be positioned horizontally inboard of the intrusion beam  455 , then outboard the intermediate portion  446   c  of the primary door structure  446 , and then outboard of the upper portion  446   d  of the primary door structure  446 . When fully raised, the lower edge  944   d  of the window  244  is maintained within the cavity  1242   a  and may be positioned above the upper portion  446   d  of the primary door structure  446 , or may be positioned horizontally outboard thereof (e.g., to overlap in a vertical direction). 
     The path of travel  990  may include a for-aft component. For example, as viewed from a side of the vehicle (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 9 and 10 ), the path of travel  990  initially follows an essentially straight path, then curves rearward as the window  244  approaches the raised position. This curved motion, for example, allows a rearward edge  944   a  (e.g., glass edge) of the window  244  to engage/disengage a forward edge of the window  264  (e.g., glass edge) or other member of the second door  260  (e.g., to form a seal therebetween) in a lateral direction and/or over a short distance of travel, so as to limit frictional wear caused by relative movement of the window  244  against another structure (e.g., sliding). An alternative path of travel  990 ′ may, in the side view, extend at an essentially straight, non-vertical angle having a fore-aft component that moves the rearward edge  944   a  of the window  244  into or out of engagement with the window  264  of intermediate member. According to other exemplary embodiments, the path of travel is substantially vertical as viewed from a side of the vehicle  100 . 
     To accommodate this fore-aft movement of the window  244 , the outer door structure  248  may include a forward slot  552   b  (e.g., cutout) in the outer door frame  552  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5 and 11 ). The forward slot  552   b  extends through an upper end of a forward wall  552   a  (e.g., forward frame or forward cavity end, segment, or portion) of the outer door frame  552  and/or the cavity  1242   a  and is positioned along the path of travel  990  (see  FIG. 10 ). More particularly, the path of travel  990  of a forward edge  944   b  (e.g., glass edge) of the window  244  may extend through the forward wall  552   a  and the forward slot  552   b  of the outer door frame  552  to accommodate the fore-aft movement proximate the raised position of the window  244 . The forward slot  552   b , thereby, allows the forward edge  944   b  of the window  244  to pass through the forward wall  552   a , as the window  244  is moved between the raised and lowered positions. A seal  552   f  (e.g., gasket) may be positioned in or at the forward slot  552   b , which seals the forward slot  552   b . The seal  552   f  may, for example, include opposed members or portions made from a resilient material (e.g., elastomer) that engage each other and/or opposed sides of the window  244 , depending on the position of the window  244  within the path of travel  990 . While the outboard door panel  554  is shown as being generally coextensive with the outer door frame  552 , it should be understood that the outboard door panel  554  may extend beyond the outer door frame  552  in forward, rearward, downward, and/or upper directions. If extending forward and/or rearward of the outer door frame  552 , the forward slot  552   b  at a forward end and/or an additional rearward slot (not shown) may allow the window  244  to extend substantially the entire length of the outboard door panel  554 , as will be discussed below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the window operator  1090  may, for example, include a motor  1092  (e.g., actuator or regulator) and a guide  1094  (e.g., track). The guide  1094  generally defines the path of travel (e.g.,  990 ,  990 ′), while the bottom edge of the window  244  is movably coupled to the guide  1094  such that all portions of the window  244  move in the same manner within the path of travel. The motor  1092  functions to move the window  244  along the guide  1094  in response to various control inputs. Such control inputs may include, for example, user selection to raise or lower the window  244 , or automated controls, such as to move the window  244  into/out of engagement with the window  264  or seal  229   b  interposed and/or compressed therebetween when the door  240  and/or the second door  260  are to be closed or opened. The guide  1094  and/or the motor  1092  of the window operator  1090  may, for example, be coupled to the primary door structure  446  or another structural component of the door  240 . Since the guide  1094  defines the path of travel (e.g.,  990 ,  990 ′), the guide  1094  is positioned outboard of the primary door structure  446  and inboard of the intrusion beam  455 . According to other embodiments, the window operator  1090  may be configured to move the window  244  in other manners, for example, by rotating or moving transversely relative to the guide, for example, to come into and out of engagement with the window  264  of the second door  260 , or be configured in another suitable manner. 
     When in the raised position, the window  244  may be positioned more outboard relative to the outboard door panel  554  as compared to traditional door structures, because the path of travel  990  is positioned outboard of the primary door structure  446 . With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 11-13 , the window  244  passes through an upper slot  552   c  (e.g., cutout) in an upper wall  552   d  of the door structure  242  (e.g., though the outer door structure  248  and/or between other components, such as the inboard door panel  553  and/or the outboard door panel  554 ) when moved between the lowered and raised positions. The upper slot  552   c  is continuous with the forward slot  552   b . The upper slot  552   c  is positioned, such that an outer surface of the window  244  is in close inboard-outboard proximity to an outer surface of the outboard door panel  554 . For example, at various for-aft locations of the door  240 , the outboard door panel  554  may protrude outboard from a lowermost visible portion of the window  244  (i.e., along the beltline  201 ) a relatively small horizontal distance (e.g., less than two inches, or more preferably less than one inch or one half inch) within a small vertical distance (e.g., less than six inches or less than three inches) from the visible portion of the window  244 . This is in contrast to traditional doors, whose windows travel inboard relative to its internal load transfer structure, with the traditional outboard door panel protruding outboard in a pronounced manner (e.g., including a crease) below the window to provide volume for containing the load transfer structure outboard of the window. This traditional configuration gives the appearance that the window is offset in an inboard direction relative to the outer profile of the door. 
     With the outboard position of the window  244  and the outboard door panel  554  protruding outboard from the window  244  a relatively small horizontal distance, a door latch mechanism (not shown) is coupled to the primary door structure  446  (e.g., to the upper and/or rearward portions  446   d ,  446   b , thereof) at a position inboard of the window  244  or the path of travel  990  of the window  244 . The door latch mechanism may, for example, include one or more components (e.g., latches) that are moveable from a retracted position inboard of the window  244  rearward to receive or otherwise engage corresponding components of the latch mechanism coupled to the second door  260  or B-pillar structure (e.g., retractably so as to be positioned inboard of the window  264  of the second door  260 ). With the latch mechanism being positioned inboard of the window  244 , the door  240  may include an input device positioned outboard of the window  244  (e.g., an electronic sensor) configured to receive a user input from an outboard position relative to both the latch mechanism and the window path of travel  990 , which operates to release the latch mechanism for opening the door  240  and/or the second door  260 . 
     When the in the raised position, the window  244  protrudes through the upper slot  552   c , such that the forward edge  944   b  and/or an upper edge  944   c  of the window  244  engages the forward pillar structure  222   b , or a seal member  229   a  thereof. A rearward edge  944   a  of the window  244  may also engage a forward edge of the window  264  of the second door  260 , or a seal member  229   b  (e.g., seal or seal component) therebetween. Alternatively, the door  240  may include a window frame, which the forward, upper, and/or rearward edges of the window  244  engage in the raised position. The seal member  229   a  may be coupled to the vehicle body  120  (e.g., coupled to and extending along the forward pillar structure  222   b  and/or the rearward pillar structure  224   b ) and be considered a component of the vehicle body  120 . The forward edge  944   b  (e.g., glass edge) of the window  244  engages the seal member  229   a . Accordingly, the windows  244 ,  264  may be considered to engage the vehicle body  120  or engage a portion or structure of the vehicle body  120  (e.g., the forward pillar structure  222   b  and/or the rearward pillar structure  224   b ) when and/or by engaging a seal member coupled thereto. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9  (see also  FIGS. 2, 4, and 7 ), when in the raised position, the forward edge  944   b  of the window  244  is substantially coextensive with a forward end of the door structure  242  in the fore-aft direction at the beltline  201  (e.g., within approximately one inch, or more preferably within less than ½ inch, such as within ¼ inch or less). The forward end of the door structure  242  may, for example, be formed by a forward wall  552   a  of the outer door frame  552  (e.g., a forward end of the cavity  1242   a ) and/or a forward edge  554   b  (e.g., forward panel edge) of the outboard door panel  554  (i.e., that which forms a cutline along with the forward base structure  222   a ), such that the forward edge  944   b  of the window  244  is substantially coextensive in the fore-aft direction with the forward wall  552   a  of the outer door frame  552 , the forward edge  554   b  of the outboard door panel  554 , or both. As a result, at the forward end of the door  240  at the beltline  201  (i.e., where the window  244  protrudes from the door structure  242 ), the forward edge  944   b  of the window  244  may engage the vehicle body  120 , such as the forward base structure  222   a  and/or the forward pillar structure  222   b  of the forward body structure  222 , or a seal member (not shown) thereof. Stated differently, the forward edge  944   b  of the window  244  engages the vehicle body  120  (e.g., the forward pillar structure  222   b  or seal member  229   a ) substantially immediately above the door structure  242  (e.g., within approximately one inch, or less) or otherwise in close proximity to an upper end of the door structure  242 . 
     With the forward edge  944   b  of the window  244  being substantially coextensive with the forward end of the door structure  242 , fixed or non-retractable structures of traditional doors may be omitted, so as to provide a larger openable area above the door structure  242  (i.e., above the beltline  201 ) and to also provide a less restricted view out a side of the vehicle  100  as compared to vehicles having traditional door structures. 
     The forward edge  944   b  of the window  244  being substantially coextensive with the door structure  242  also allows the vehicle  100  to have a continuous cutline between the vehicle body  120  (e.g., the forward base structure  222   a  and/or the forward pillar structure  222   b ) and the door structure  242  and the window  244  of the door  240  as viewed from a side of the vehicle. Moving vertically, the cutline transitions immediately (e.g., within approximately one inch or less moving vertically) from the door structure  242 , particularly the outboard door panel  554  and any seal or trim component (not shown) of the upper slot  552   c , to the window  244 . For example, no static or otherwise non-retractable portion of the door  240 , other than a seal member, trim component, or other component having an insubstantial height (e.g., less than one inch) is arranged above the beltline between where the outboard door panel  554  and the window  244  cooperatively form the cutline with the forward body structure  222 . The forward edges  554   b ,  944   b  of the outboard door panel  554  and the window  244  may thereby form a substantially continuous forward edge of the door  240  at the beltline (e.g., in upper and lower regions adjacent and above and below the upper edge  554   c  of the outboard door panel  554 ), and may also follow a substantially continuous profile therebetween (e.g., following a substantially constant curvature (as shown) or straight angle on either side of the beltline, for example, with a common fore-aft position and approximately the same vertical angle), or other profile as may be desirable. Furthermore, in combination with the window  244  emerging from door structure  242  at an outboard location and the outboard door panel  554  protruding outboard a relatively small horizontal distance, as described above, the substantial coextensivity of the forward edges  554   b ,  944   b  of the outboard door panel  554  and window  244  may provide the appearance of a continuous, uninterrupted cutline from multiple vantages points besides a direct side view (e.g., forward and/or rearward of a direct side view). 
     When in the raised position, the rearward edge  944   a  of the window  244  may also be substantially coextensive in the fore-aft direction with the rear end of the door structure  242  at the beltline (e.g., within approximately one inch, or more preferably within less than ½ inch, such as within ¼ inch or less). The rearward end of the door structure  242  may, for example, be formed by the outer door frame  552  and/or a rearward end of the outboard door panel  554  (i.e., that which may form a cut line with the second door  260 ), such that the rearward edge  944   a  of the window  244  is substantially coextensive in the fore-aft direction with a rearward wall  552   e  (e.g., rearward end) of the outer door frame  552 , a rearward edge  554   a  (e.g., rearward panel edge) of the outboard door panel  554 , or both. For embodiments of the vehicle  100  that have an opening  332  that is continuous, or that otherwise do not include an intermediate pillar structure (e.g., a B-pillar) extending above the beltline, this provides that the rearward edge  944   a  of the window  244  may directly engage the forward edge of the window  264  of the second door  260 , or a seal member  229   b  interposed and/or compressed therebetween. With the forward edge  944   b  and the rearward edge  944   a  of the window  244  being substantially coextensive in the fore-aft direction with the forward and reward edges, respectively, of the door structure  242  (e.g., forward and rearward edges  554   b ,  554   a  of the outboard door panel  554 , or forward and rearward walls  552   a ,  552   e  of the outer door frame  552 ), the window  244  extends substantially the entire length (e.g., within approximately one inch) of the upper end of the door structure  242  (e.g., the upper end of the outer door frame  552  and/or the upper edge  554   c  of the outboard door panel  554 ). 
     The second or second door  260 , including the door structure  262  and the window  264 , may be configured in a similar manner to the door  240  (e.g., front door), albeit with the orientation of its various structures, components, and movement being reversed in a fore-aft direction. As a result, the window  264  may be configured to move relative to the door structure  262  in a similar manner as the window  244 , such as in a path of travel outboard of the primary door structure  466  and inboard of the intrusion beam  475  to engage the rearward body structure  224 . The window  244  may also extend from the door structure  262  at an outboard position, while the outboard door panel  674  may protrude outboard relative to the window  264  a relatively small horizontal distance, as described above for the door  240 . Additionally, a rear edge of the window  264  may be substantially coextensive in the fore-aft direction with a rear end of the door structure  262  (e.g., rear edge of the outboard door panel  674 ), so as to provide a larger openable area, larger unobstructed view, and/or continuous cut line with the rearward body structure  224  in the manners described above for the door  240 . A forward edge of the window  264  may be substantially coextensive in the fore-aft direction with a forward end of the door structure  262  (e.g., the forward end of the outer door frame  672  and/or the forward edge of the outboard door panel  674 ), such that a forward edge of the window  264  may engage the rearward edge  944   a  of the window  244  of the door  240  or a seal member  229   b  interposed therebetween. With both the forward and rearward edges of the window  264  being coextensive with the door structure  262  (e.g., the outboard door panel  674 ), the window  264  and the door structure  262  (e.g., the outboard door panel  674 ) may have substantially the same length (e.g., within approximately one inch) as the upper end of the door structure  262  (e.g., the upper edge of the outboard door panel  674 ). For further understanding of the second door  260  and its interface with the rearward body structure  224 , refer to discussion of comparable components of the door  240  and the forward body structure  222 . 
     In embodiments in which the door  240  and the second door  260  are configured with windows  244 ,  264  that are substantially coextensive with upper ends of the door structures  242 ,  262  (e.g., the upper edges of the outboard door panels  554 ,  674 ), the windows  244 ,  264  span substantially the entire length of the opening  332  at the beltline. This advantageously provides occupants a substantially unobstructed view through the opening  332  above the beltline, which may be further facilitated by use of a transparent or translucent material for the seal member  229   b  between the windows  244 ,  264 . 
     Additionally, the door  240  and the second door  260  are configured to open independent of each other, such when in their respective closed positions, either the door  240  or the second door  260  may be moved to its open position, while the other door remains in its closed position. When either the door  240  or the second door  260  is to be opened, the windows  244 ,  264  may be moved out of engagement with or away from each other in a fore-aft direction. For example, when the door  240  is initiated to be opened (e.g., in response to a user input), the window  244  may be moved a short distance along the path of travel  990 , which includes moving the window  244  forward out of engagement with the window  264  of the second door  260  or any seal member interposed therebetween, thereby allowing the door  240  to be opened (e.g., either by a sliding or rotating motion) without the windows  244 ,  264  interfering with each other. When the door  240  is initiated to open, the window  264  may instead or additionally be configured to move a short distance along its path of travel to move the windows  244 ,  264  out of engagement with each other.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170605
Publication Date: 20190514
Grant Date: 20190514
Priority Date: 20160606
Inventors: RAFF, JOHN
MONROE, DONALD R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60J5/045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0419", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0455", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0415", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/17", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0413", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0463", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0463", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0413", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0429", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0429", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/045", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/17", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/045", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/17", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 66439503