Interpretation ID: nht92-9.31

DATE: February 3, 1992

FROM: Arthur J. Kuminski -- Design Engineer, Eberhard Manufacturing Company

TO: Paul Jackson Rice -- NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 3/30/92 from Paul J. Rice to Arthur J. Kuminski (A39; Std. 206)

TEXT:

Eberhard Manufacturing manufactures industrial and vehicular hardware. We are presently in the final stages of prototyping a custom lock system for Grumman Olson to be used on their "Route Star Walk-in Vans". Enclosed are a picture and some specifications on the Route Star to help explain how the door is used.

The reason for my letter is to request further interpretation from your organization on the testing standards for sliding doors on cargo vans. The following standards are the ones I have questions about:

Standard No. 206 S4.3 Sliding Doors - The track and slide combination system or other supporting means for each sliding door shall not separate when a total transverse load of 4,000 pounds is applied, with the door in the closed position.

S5.3 Sliding Doors - Compliance with S4.3 shall be demonstrated by applying an outward transverse load of 2,000 pounds to the load bearing members of the door (4,000 pounds total). The demonstration may be performed either in the vehicle or with the door retention components in a bench test fixture.

1. I will need specifications on how to perform this test on a test fixture using the striker assembly and the door latch only.

2. What load must the system withstand in the primary locked position to pass the test?

3. Is their a load requirement that the system must withstand in the secondary locked position to pass the test?

If you have any questions, please call me. Thank you for your help.