IP Library Granted Patent US 8,231,169
Granted Patent B2
US 8,231,169 · App. 12/377,665 · Granted Jul 31, 2012

Rocker panel for a motor vehicle

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,231,169
App. No.
12/377,665
Granted
Jul 31, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A rocker panel is provided for a motor vehicle, having a first oblong rocker panel part, on which a second oblong rocker panel part, having longitudinal axis (A) parallel thereto, is fastened so it is movable in relation thereto.

Claims (30)

1. A rocker panel for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a first oblong rocker panel part; and

a second oblong rocker panel part having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first oblong rocker panel part and on which the first oblong rocker panel part is fastened so as to move in relation thereto, the second oblong rocker panel part being configured to be moved between a first position, in which an inner surface of the second oblong rocker panel part faces toward the first oblong rocker panel part in a first direction that is toward the motor vehicle, and a second position, in which the inner surface of the second oblong rocker panel part faces away from the motor vehicle in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

2. The rocker panel according to claim 1 , wherein the first oblong rocker panel part faces toward a vehicle interior and the second oblong rocker panel part is situated on a vehicle exterior.

3. The rocker panel according to claim 1 , wherein the second oblong rocker panel part is linked on the first oblong rocker panel part.

4. The rocker panel according to claim 1 , wherein the second oblong rocker panel part comprises a plastic.

5. The rocker panel according to claim 1 , wherein the second oblong rocker panel part is fastened on the first oblong rocker panel part so it is dismountable.

6. The rocker panel part according to claim 1 , further comprising an assigned actuating mechanism for moving the second oblong rocker panel part in relation to the first oblong rocker panel part.

7. The rocker panel according to claim 6 , wherein the assigned actuating mechanism is an electrical, electromagnetic mechanism.

8. The rocker panel according to claim 1 , wherein the first oblong rocker panel part comprises illumination.

9. The rocker panel according to claim 8 , wherein the illumination is not externally visible when the second oblong rocker panel part is in the first position, and the illumination is externally visible when the second oblong rocker panel part is in the second position.

10. The rocker panel according to claim 6 , wherein the assigned actuating mechanism is an electric motor.

11. The rocker panel according to claim 6 , wherein the assigned actuating mechanism is an electromagnetic mechanism.

12. The rocker panel according to claim 6 , wherein the assigned actuating mechanism is a hydraulic actuating mechanism.

13. The rocker panel of claim 1 , wherein:

the motor vehicle has a door having a lock; and

the second oblong rocker panel part is moved between the first position and the second position by an actuating mechanism that is activated via the lock.

14. The rocker panel of claim 1 , wherein:

the motor vehicle has an engine having an ignition; and

the second oblong rocker panel part is moved between the first position and the second position by an actuating mechanism that is activated via the ignition.

15. The rocker panel of claim 1 , wherein the first direction and the second direction are approximately one hundred eighty degrees apart from one another.

16. A rocker panel for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a first oblong rocker panel part; and

a second oblong rocker panel part having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first oblong rocker panel part and on which the first oblong rocker panel part is fastened so as to move in relation thereto, the second oblong rocker panel part being configured to be moved between a first position, in which an inner surface of the second oblong rocker panel part faces toward the first oblong rocker panel part, and a second position, in which the inner surface of the second oblong rocker panel part faces away from the motor vehicle, wherein the second oblong rocker panel part folds approximately one hundred eighty degrees when moved between the first position and the second position.

17. A rocker panel for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a first oblong rocker panel part; and

a second oblong rocker panel part having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first oblong rocker panel part and on which the first oblong rocker panel part is fastened so as to move in relation thereto, the second oblong rocker panel part being configured to be moved between a first position, in which an inner surface of the second oblong rocker panel part faces toward the first oblong rocker panel part, and a second position, in which the inner surface of the second oblong rocker panel part faces away from the motor vehicle, wherein the second oblong rocker panel part is substantially parallel to the first oblong rocker panel part when the second oblong rocker panel part is in the first position and when the second oblong rocker panel part is in the second position.

18. The rocker panel of claim 1 , wherein the second oblong rocker panel part is configured to be moved by an actuating mechanism:

from the first position to the second position for a first operating mode of the motor vehicle for an individual to enter or exit the motor vehicle; and

from the second position to the first position for a second operating mode of the motor vehicle for an individual to drive the motor vehicle.

Assignments (8)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 7, 2014
From: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 034185/0789 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 5, 2012
From: LEOPOLD, FRANK
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 028318/0001 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Feb 10, 2011
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 025781/0245 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 8, 2010
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Reel/Frame 025324/0515 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 5, 2010
From: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 025315/0091 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 4, 2010
From: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 025246/0056 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 28, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST
Reel/Frame 023162/0048 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 27, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Reel/Frame 023201/0118 →