Door module with outside door handle

Details Door module with outside door handle Door module with outside door handle

1998-03-02

2001-02-20

Redman, Jerry (Department: 3634)

Movable or removable closures

Panel with closure feature

Modified to accommodate lock or latch

Reexamination Certificate

active

06189267

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a door module for installation into a vehicle door and more particularly provides a door module which carries the outside door handle for installation onto the outer panel of the vehicle door.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that a conventional motor vehicle door is comprised of an inner panel and an outer panel defining a cavity therebetween.
It is also well known to construct a door hardware module comprised of a plastic or metal frame upon which various subassemblies such as the window regulator, door latch, inside door handle and radio speaker are preconnected and tested so that they are carried to the vehicle as an already assembled unit for installation into the vehicle door.
The present invention provides a vehicle door construction in which the door hardware module also includes the outside door handle so that the outside door handle may be preconnected to the door latch via connecting rods so that the outside door handle assembly can be tested before installation into the vehicle door. Furthermore, upon installation of the module in the door, the handle is presented for attachment to the door outer panel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a vehicle door includes inner and outer panels defining a cavity therebetween. The outer panel has an opening therein for receiving a door latch operating handle. An outside door handle assembly includes a housing and an operating handle movably mounted on the housing. A door module frame for mounting within the door cavity has a door handle support arm extending into proximity with the opening of the door outer panel. A snap retainer is provided acting between the housing of the outside handle assembly and the support arm of the module frame to loosely mount the outside handle assembly on the module frame so that mounting of the module frame within the door cavity carries the operating handle of the door handle assembly into general alignment with the opening of the door outer panel. An escutcheon is provided for installation onto the outside of the outer panel to surround the opening in the outer panel. A plurality of fasteners are installed through the door handle housing, through apertures provided in the outer panel, and into the escutcheon so that the escutcheon and door handle assembly are attached together with the door outer panel captured therebetween.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4653143 (1987-03-01), Ketelhut et al.
patent: 5251403 (1993-10-01), Compeau et al.
patent: 5263750 (1993-11-01), Smith et al.
patent: 5340174 (1994-08-01), Bender et al.
patent: 5377450 (1995-01-01), Varajon
patent: 5535553 (1996-07-01), Staser et al.
patent: 5904002 (1999-05-01), Emerling et al.

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