SELECTABLE-MODE DOOR ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHOD

• US 20090212590A1
• Filed: 02/22/2008
• Published: 08/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor Company)
• Inventors: Taracko, Matt
• Granted Patent: US 8,646,208 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/146.120
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 5/047 characterised by the opening or closing movement
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 5/06 slidable; foldable

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to selectable-mode vehicle door assemblies. Some embodiments include door assemblies that are capable of operating in a sliding mode, and in a swinging mode according to user selection. Some embodiments can include one or more doorframes that can be selectably engaged in a swing mode or a slide mode. Other embodiments generally relate to methods associated with selectable-mode door assemblies.

Claims

1. A selectable-mode door assembly, comprising:

a door member;

a doorframe member selectably affixed to the door member in a swinging relation and in a sliding relation;

at least one selectable hinge member adapted to movably affix the door to the doorframe in a swinging relation;

at least one selectable rail member adapted to movably affix the doorframe to a vehicle in a sliding relation; and

a means for selecting between the swinging relation and the sliding relation.

2. The door assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle affixed to the exterior of the door, whereby the door may be caused to open and close.

3. The door assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one motor adapted to move the door relative to the doorframe in response to an actuating signal.

4. A selectable-mode door assembly, comprising:

an outer doorframe member;

an inner doorframe member selectably affixed to the outer doorframe member in a sliding relation;

a door member selectably affixed to the inner doorframe member in a swinging relation;

at least one selectable hinge member adapted to movably affix the door member to the inner doorframe member in a swinging relation;

at least one selectable rail member adapted to movably affix the inner doorframe member to the outer doorframe member in a sliding relation; and

a means for selecting between the swinging relation and the sliding relation.

5. The door assembly of claim 4, further comprising at least one handle affixed to the exterior of the door, whereby the door may be caused to open and close.

6. The door assembly of claim 4, further comprising at least one motor adapted to move the door in a swinging relation relative to the inner doorframe in response to an actuating signal.

7. The door assembly of claim 4, further comprising at least one motor adapted to move the inner doorframe in a sliding relation relative to the outer doorframe in response to an actuating signal.