Ford Motor Company Limited

Thomas E McNally

Thomas C Holka

Harold T Moreau

A vehicle having a quick-release hinge mechanism for a closure or door for an ingress/egress opening at the body rear end to facilitate the interchange of different rear end structures without tools or special equipment to obtain optional rear end appearances and functions. When a rear door installed on the vehicle is lifted about the axis of the hinge mechanism, it rises with the assistance or one or more gas spring cylinders that when fully extended restrict the angle of door opening. In the up position, the cylinders may be disconnected from fittings located on the door. With these disconnected, the door can be lifted an additional 10 to 15 degrees allowing a cam action lock hinge mechanism to be actuated to release components of the hinge device. This permits removal of the door from the body and rapid substitution of another rear end structure or door.

Convertible vehicle body

A passive seat belt system comprising a two-point belt that in passenger restraining position extends diagonally over the upper torso of the seat occupant from a floor attachment to a retractor mechanism anchored in the vehicle roof. A carriage or trolley movable along a track that in part parallels the vehicle body roof rail and in part the windshield pillar has a belt engageable 'D' ring that engages the belt intermediate the ends of the latter. This carriage is movable along the track by a nonelectrical energizer that is energized by door opening movement. Upon movement of the carriage from the retractor end of the track along the roof rail and then downwardly along the windshield pillar, the carriage automatically draws the belt forwardly from its passenger restraining position to provide unobstructed ingress or egress to the compartment through the door opening.

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Mt. Clemens, MI, United States of America

Thomas E McNally