Granted Patent B1

US 7,036,872 · App. 10/961,691 · Granted May 2, 2006

Abstract

Claims (24)

1. A midgate panel assembly for a vehicle comprising:

an inner panel;

an outer panel cooperating with the inner panel to partially define a cavity having an open end;

a window at least partially located within the cavity and configured to selectively protrude from the cavity through the open end; and

a tubular reinforcement member further defining the cavity and being generally U-shaped,

wherein the reinforcement member includes an outer surface that partially defines the cavity and an inner surface that defines a channel; and wherein the midgate panel assembly further comprises a latch at least partially located within the channel.

2. The midgate panel assembly of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member includes a first segment that forms the lower extent of at least part of the cavity opposite the open end; and second and third segments that form the lateral edges of at least part of the cavity.

3. The midgate panel assembly of claim 2 , wherein the reinforcement member is one-piece.

4. The midgate panel assembly of claim 3 , wherein the reinforcement member is formed by tube hydroforming.

5. A vehicle comprising:

a body defining a passenger compartment and a cargo area; and

a midgate panel assembly comprising an inner panel, an outer panel, and a generally U-shaped reinforcement member having a closed cross section; the inner panel, the outer panel, and the reinforcement member cooperating to define a cavity;

wherein the midgate panel assembly is selectively movable between a closed position to separate the passenger compartment and the cargo area and an open position to connect the passenger compartment and the cargo area,

wherein the reinforcement member includes a surface that defines the lower extent of at least a portion of the cavity; and wherein the surface is fluid directingly inclined when the midgate panel assembly is in the closed position.

6. The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein midgate panel assembly defines an aperture through which the cavity and the inclined surface are in fluid communication with the cargo area when the midgate panel assembly is in the closed position.

7. The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the reinforcement member includes a generally horizontal segment and two generally vertical segments extending from opposite ends of the horizontal segment; wherein the reinforcement member has an inner surface that defines a channel; and wherein the midgate panel assembly further includes at least one latch located in the channel at one of the two generally vertical segments.

8. A vehicle comprising:

a body defining a passenger compartment and a cargo area;

a midgate panel assembly being selectively movable between a closed position to separate the passenger compartment and the cargo area and an open position to connect the passenger compartment and the cargo area, the midgate panel assembly having an outer panel, an inner panel, and a tubular reinforcement member cooperating with the inner panel and the outer panel to at least partially define a cavity;

the reinforcement member having an inner surface defining a channel and being characterized by a first segment and second and third segments extending perpendicularly from opposite ends of the first segment;

the first segment defining a surface that forms the lower extent of at least part of the cavity when the midgate panel assembly is in the closed position;

the midgate panel assembly defining an aperture;

the surface being sufficiently inclined to direct fluid to the aperture; and

a latch located at least partially in the channel at the second or third segment.

Assignments (12)