Handle Or Assist Grip Patents (Class 296/1.02)
  • Patent number: 11950671
    Abstract: A luggage handle is described. Embodiments of the luggage handle can include, but are not limited to, a handle assembly and at least one case assembly. The handle assembly can be configured to move from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The luggage handle can typically be implemented with rolling luggage. The luggage handle can implement a ball lock mechanism that can include magnetic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventor: Alan Samuelson
  • Patent number: 11667225
    Abstract: Apparatus for covering at least a portion of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a flexible top; a first extension member extending from the flexible top, the first extension member adapted for attaching the flexible top to the vehicle; a second extension member extending from the flexible top, the second extension member adapted for attaching the flexible top to the vehicle; and a handle having a first handle end and a second handle end, the first handle end coupled to the flexible top, and the second handle end adapted to be coupled to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: MasterTop, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Chenery Harvey
  • Patent number: 11633064
    Abstract: The invention claims a scraping tool for facilitating the effective cleaning of hot or cold grill grates utilizing a 304 stainless-steel, double-sided, elliptical-slotted blade head which is removable and replaceable. One side of the blade head having six elliptical-shaped slots cleaning the right side, top and underside right bottom of the grill grate rods and when the blade head is rotated 180 degrees to the opposite side, the six elliptical-shaped slots, cleans the left side, top and underside left bottom of the grill grate rods, effectively cleaning all six rods without having to remove the grill grate to clean the underside. The long handle/shaft has a shape and texture to safely and comfortably fit the hand while cleaning hot or cold grill grate rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventor: Frank Salvatore Marullo
  • Patent number: 11622608
    Abstract: A luggage handle is described. Embodiments of the luggage handle can include, but are not limited to, a handle assembly and at least one case assembly. The handle assembly can be configured to move from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The luggage handle can typically be implemented with rolling luggage. The luggage handle can implement a ball lock mechanism that can include magnetic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Alan Samuelson
  • Patent number: 11560741
    Abstract: A device for unlocking a door lock associated with a door handle mounted in order to slide in an aperture in the door between an inoperative position wherein the handle is flush with the door and an operative position wherein the handle projects from the door includes a cylinder supported by a holder directly or indirectly attached to the door. The cylinder is connected to an element for unlocking the lock via a part for moving the lock unlocking element, and the cylinder is mounted in the part in order to extend towards the handle at an angle to a direction normal to the door. In one form, the angle is sufficient to allow the cylinder to be introduced into the housing when the handle is in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: U-Shin Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Anthony Guerin, Bruno Vilotta, Thomas Lanno, Emilien Desegher
  • Patent number: 11529901
    Abstract: A grab bar assembly includes a support beam adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and defining a longitudinal axis, a grab bar having an inner beam disposed within the support beam and movable relative to the support beam in first and second directions along the longitudinal axis. The assembly further includes a locking plate attached to the inner beam and a locking mechanism coupled to the support beam and having a latch movable between a lock position engaging the locking plate to fix the grab bar in a location relative to the support beam and a release position disengaging the locking plate to permit adjustment of the grab bar and the inner beam along the longitudinal axis in one of the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: KA Group AG
    Inventors: Timothy Clayton Smith, Jesse L. Henrikson, Reyna Lynn Wygant
  • Patent number: 11001183
    Abstract: An adapter for a grab handle in the interior of a motor vehicle, having an attachment portion for attaching the adapter to a vehicle body frame and having a retaining portion, which in the mounted state of the adapter, extends starting from the attachment portion in the direction of the vehicle interior and has a region to which a grab handle can be attached, is characterized in that the retaining portion between the attachment portion and the region to which a grab handle can be attached has a plastic formation or a plurality of plastic formations, so that with the forming of a first predetermined buckling line, a bending strength of the retaining portion in a first direction, in which the adapter is typically stressed in an accident situation, is reduced relative to a bending strength in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Steffen Steinigk, Martin Habrom
  • Patent number: 10836439
    Abstract: A fixation leg for a vehicle interior panel includes an impact energy absorption region having one or more partial or complete perforations. Each one of the perforations may be formed by laser ablating material from the fixation leg at the impact energy absorption region. The impact energy absorption region is weakened due to the partial or complete perforations such that upon impact with the vehicle interior panel, the fixation leg can break and absorb some of the impact energy. In one embodiment, the fixation leg attaches a substrate of a vehicle instrument panel to a structural crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jerome Roux, Roberto Ortiz, Peter Vitale
  • Patent number: 10829023
    Abstract: A vehicle interior panel assembly includes a trim panel, a grab handle supported by the trim panel and rotatable relative to the trim panel between a retracted position and a grabbable position, a spring biasing the grab handle to the retracted position, and a pyrotechnic actuator fixing the grab handle in the grabbable position and dischargeable to release the grab handle from the grabbable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mangesh Kadam, Srinivas Reddy Malapati, Yuqin Zhao
  • Patent number: 10604086
    Abstract: A decoration member includes a base member having a design surface, and a film material that covers the design surface, wherein the base member has an edge portion that sharpens toward a tip portion when seen in a normal direction of the design surface, and a paste wall section on which the film material is able to be pasted while protruding away from the design surface is formed on a surface of the edge portion opposite to the design surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignees: Honda Lock Mfg. Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kozuma, Naoki Okada, Minoru Shibutani, Jun Kamioka, Hidenobu Yasuda, Yuta Orikasa
  • Patent number: 10300954
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include a first A-pillar, spanning between a roof rail and shotgun, and a frame assembly. The first A-pillar may carry a windshield. The frame assembly may include a second A-pillar, spanning between the roof rail and a hinge pillar, and a C-pillar. The frame assembly may define a side ingress/egress opening of a cabin having a rearward-facing front seat. The opening may span between the second A-pillar and C-pillar without a B-pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saeed David Barbat, Jamel E. Belwafa
  • Patent number: 9908569
    Abstract: An apparatus for aiding a user in raising and lowering of a tailgate includes a handle and a connector for connecting the handle to the tailgate to allow for movement of the handle rearwardly relative to the tailgate as the tailgate is initially lowered by the user and forwardly to a position above the tailgate as the lowering of the tailgate is continued. A tailgate lift assembly includes a housing extending along a predetermined length, a spring anchored at one end at a first end of the housing, a connector having a first end affixed to the opposite end of said spring and extending through said housing, and a first fixed guide around which the connector extends. A bumper for covering a corner of a tailgate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: BACKSAVER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph Norfleet, Jason Norfleet
  • Patent number: 9889782
    Abstract: An assist handle assembly includes a bracket, and a handle. The bracket includes a tubular portion concentric with and extending along a vertical axis. The handle includes a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The vertical portion is partially disposed within and supported by the tubular portion, and is concentric with and extends along the vertical axis. The horizontal portion extends from an upper end of the vertical portion in a direction that is transverse to the vertical axis. The handle is rotatable about the vertical axis between a stowed position and an intermediate position, and is slideable axially along the vertical axis within the tubular portion of the bracket, between the intermediate position and a deployed position. A latching mechanism secures the handle relative to the bracket when in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: James G. Gobart
  • Patent number: 9649965
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a novel, simple, inexpensive, user friendly and portable, truck bed assist handle quickly attachable without tools to a truck tailgate striker and tailgate hinge is presented. The assist handle provides for easy access into a truck bed. The handle includes an elongated body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion being a tailgate hinge connector configured for removably engaging with the tailgate hinge. The second end portion being a hand grip. Positioned thereinbetween the first end portion and the second end portion, the body has one of at least one first tailgate striker connector integrated therewithin the body and a structure attached thereon the body. The structure has at least one second tailgate striker connector integrated thereon. Both at least one tailgate striker connectors being configured for removably engaging with the tailgate striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: George Wayne Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 9533611
    Abstract: An assistance device for entering and leaving a vehicle includes a handle member for supporting at least part of the weight of the user grasping a handle of the handle member, a striker pin insertion post for extending into the opening of a striker pin in the door frame, for supporting at least part of the weight of a user grasping the handle, and a pair of outrigger side portions extending transversely outwardly of the insertion post, on respective opposite sides of the handle member and insertion post, each having a transverse width greater than a transverse width of the insertion post for impeding entry of the insertion post into the opening of the striker pin when the handle member is outside the plane of the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: E. MISHAN & SONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Deng, Debbie Feuerstein, Fred Hollinger
  • Patent number: 9522621
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a structure, and a handle assembly attached to the structure. The handle assembly is moveable relative to the structure between a stowed position, an intermediate position, and a deployed position. The handle assembly includes a handle portion, and a mounting system attached to the structure and rotatably supporting the handle portion relative to the structure. The mounting system supports the handle portion for rotation about both a first axis and a second axis. The handle portion rotates about the first axis to move between the stowed position and the intermediate position to position the handle portion outside an interior space of the structure. The handle portion rotates about the second axis to move between the intermediate position and the deployed position, whereby a user may grasp the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Mark G. Rogers
  • Patent number: 9517711
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a structure, and a handle assembly attached to the structure. The handle assembly is moveable relative to the structure between a stowed position, an intermediate position, and a deployed position. The handle assembly includes a connecting member that is attached to the structure. The connecting member is rotatable about a first axis relative to the structure. A handle portion is attached to the connecting member, and is rotatable about a second axis relative to the connecting member. The handle portion and the connecting member rotate in unison relative to the structure about the first axis, between the stowed position and the intermediate position, to position the handle portion outside an interior space of the structure. The handle portion rotates relative to the connecting member about the second axis, between the intermediate position and the deployed position, whereby a user may grasp the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Anil A. Masih, Michael J. Green
  • Patent number: 9443366
    Abstract: One or more location and status monitoring tags, locks, or luggage may be used in conjunction with a monitoring or controlling device or system to indicate the whereabouts and condition of a personal effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: TREEFROG DEVELOPMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Gary Rayner
  • Patent number: 9403466
    Abstract: An assistance device for entering and leaving a vehicle includes a handle member for supporting at least part of the weight of the user grasping a handle of the handle member, a striker pin insertion post for extending into the opening of a striker pin in the door frame, for supporting at least part of the weight of a user grasping the handle, and a pair of outrigger side portions extending transversely outwardly of the insertion post, on respective opposite sides of the handle member and insertion post, each having a transverse width greater than a transverse width of the insertion post for impeding entry of the insertion post into the opening of the striker pin when the handle member is outside the plane of the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: E. Mishan & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Deng, Debbie Feuerstein, Fred Hollinger
  • Patent number: 9296323
    Abstract: A vehicle egress aid comprising an elongated body having a pair of grasping members at a distal end thereof, a striker latch engaging member at an opposite end thereof adapted to releasable engage a vehicle door striker latch member, and a lever member located in proximity to the striker latch engaging member and adapted to actuate the striker latch engaging member to engage with and be removed from the vehicle door striker latch member. The vehicle egress aid is further comprised of at least one spacer member located in proximity to the striker latch engaging member and on an opposite side from the lever member, and is adapted to press against a vehicle pillar and provide a more secure connection between the vehicle egress aid and the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan Voisin
  • Patent number: 9187021
    Abstract: In a pivot support portion of a hinge assembly of an assist grip, an outer support and an inner support are provided at a distance from each other. Between the inner support and the outer support, a double torsion spring stored in a spring case is inserted, and the grip body is biased toward a non-use position side by the double torsion spring. An opening is formed in a middle portion of the spring case. Legs at both sides of the double torsion spring are retained at the inside of the spring case. A middle leg of the double torsion spring projects from the opening of the spring case to be retained by a part of the grip body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: HOWA PLASTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Kajio
  • Publication number: 20150145268
    Abstract: A vehicle egress aid consists in an elongated body having a pair of grasping members at a distal end thereof, a striker latch engaging member at an opposite end thereof adapted to releasable engage a vehicle door striker latch member, and a lever member located in proximity to the striker latch engaging member and adapted to actuate the striker latch engaging member to engage with and be removed from the vehicle door striker latch member. The vehicle egress aid is further comprised of at least one spacer member located in proximity to the striker latch engaging member and on an opposite side from the lever member, and is adapted to press against a vehicle pillar and provide a more secure connection between the vehicle egress aid and the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jonathan Voisin
  • Patent number: 9022445
    Abstract: A telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate, in a pickup truck. The device has only one moving part which allows the telescoping grab handle to be easily raised vertically and locked into the extended position or easily lowered to the retracted or stowed position while standing on the ground outside the cargo box. The telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box also overcomes many disadvantages of tailgate mounted grab handles which interfere with cargo handling and are rendered inoperable if the tailgate is damaged. The telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box may be added as an aftermarket accessory, but the internal components of the device could also be incorporated directly into the side wall of the cargo box by the auto manufacturer during initial manufacture of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: James Louis Duderstadt
  • Publication number: 20150102620
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a damper a damper including: a housing; a rotor; and a sealing member. The housing includes outer and inner cylinder portions to define a filling space portion therebetween for filling with a viscose fluid. The rotor includes a head portion and a cylinder portion extended downwardly therefrom so as to be inserted into the filling space portion. The sealing member seals the filling space portion. The rotor further includes axially-extending first and second groove portions provided on outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the cylinder portion near the bottom portion thereof. At least one of the first groove portions includes a communicating portion which communicates the inside and the outside of the rotor, and the second groove portion is apart from the communicating portion in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroaki ICHIOKA, Jun SAITO
  • Patent number: 8985660
    Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the bed of a pickup truck having a rear bumper and a tailgate includes a step assembly having a lower linkage assembly with first and second ends and being pivotally mounted at the first end to the rear truck bumper; an upper linkage assembly having third and fourth ends and being pivotally mounted at the third end to and proximal the distal edge of the truck tailgate and being pivotally mounted at the fourth end to the second end of the lower linkage assembly; and a step connected to the lower linkage assembly; and includes a handrail assembly including a handrail, a storage locking bracket assembly securing the handrail to the step assembly in an up, closed position, and an erected support assembly for securing the handrail in an upright, user assist position when the step assembly is in a lowered, open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Robert M. Weber
  • Patent number: 8931818
    Abstract: Total four notched portions, two for each of both edges, are formed in a lateral leg to which a tensile load is applied when an assist grip is normally used. In an extending direction of the lateral leg, a position of the notched portion and a position of the notched portion are different from each other. Therefore, if excessive impact force is applied to the assist grip and a compression load is applied to the lateral leg, the notched portion is bent and the lateral leg buckles while being twisted. In this case, as compared to a case where the legs buckle by being bent so that the legs are overlapped with each other, the impact force is effectively absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Inoue
  • Patent number: 8925960
    Abstract: A vehicle ceiling structure includes a ceiling interior material that covers a curtain shield air bag with a terminal side, an assist grip is attached to a body panel through an attachment hole provided in the ceiling interior material and an attachment portion is provided on the assist grip. The attachment portion is in contact with or faces an outer circumference of the attachment hole in a surface of the ceiling interior material in a vehicle cabin side. The vehicle ceiling structure on a surface thereof in a vehicle cabin outer side, has an annular groove facing the outer circumference of the attachment portion such that the annular groove surrounds the attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiku Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunori Uchida
  • Patent number: 8925988
    Abstract: A connecting device of a door trim and a pull handle for a vehicle includes a sliding back prevention boss which protrudes from the door trim of the vehicle and a supporting boss which protrudes from the pull handle mounted on the door trim and inserted into the sliding back prevention boss. As such, a phenomenon in which sharp edges are generated due to a broadside collision of a vehicle may be prevented and collision energy due to the collision may be decreased, thereby making it possible to improve salability and safety for a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jong Ho Lee, Jae Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 8919853
    Abstract: A deployable step and handle system for a tailgate. The handle is used to secure the deployable step in the stowed position that eliminates the need for a separate release system. The handle is placed adjacent a top edge of the tailgate to prevent debris from being trapped under the handle when the handle is closed. The ladder has a step surface disposed opposite and at an angle relative to a top surface of a spoiler that provides a step surface. The ladder rails are guided by rail guides as the ladder is moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. A unitary support bracket is used to connect both the handle and a ladder rail to the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Bhupendra A. Patel, David Manuel Rogers, Thomas M. Herline, Marcus Edward Merideth, Michael Bryan VanBelle, Charles Gregory Bambenek
  • Publication number: 20140312600
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel includes a main portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. The main portion includes a grip assist handle. The first side portion extends along a first side of the main portion. The second side portion extends along a second side of the main portion. The first side portion includes a hinged attachment section configured to attach to a first region of a vehicle body structure. The second side portion includes an attachment section configured to releasably attach to a second region of the A-pillar structure. The first side portion, the second side portion, the main portion and the grip assist handle are integrally formed as a single, one-piece, unitary, monolithic structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Sarah VERNER
  • Patent number: 8851536
    Abstract: A handle for a door leaf of a motor vehicle, including a stationary portion mounted on the outer panel of the door leaf, and a gripping lever pivotably mounted relative to the stationary portion and configured to be operated by a user. The gripping lever includes: a pivotably movable outer shell having a front surface visible to a user and a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a recess provided in the outer shell, which forms an opening in the visible front surface of the outer shell, and a decorative insert attached inside the recess and having a front wall that is substantially flush with the front surface of the outer shell, a rear wall attached to the rear surface of the outer shell, and at least one rib connecting the front and rear walls of the decorative insert, the front and rear walls and the rib being made of one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: VALEO S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fiorenzo Savant, Alberto Gramaglia
  • Publication number: 20140292044
    Abstract: A vehicle having a single seat for a plurality of occupants sitting side by side in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The seat has a front end recessed rearwardly at a center seat portion so as to form a substantially U-shaped recess as viewed in a plan view. The recess is composed of a bottom portion and a pair of left and right side portions extending obliquely in a forward direction from the left and right ends of the bottom portion. At a left corner portion of a right seat portion where the right side portion of the recess intersects the front end of the right seat portion, there is provided a seat grip for gripping by the occupant sitting on the right seat portion. The occupant can easily grip the seat grip with his/her hand in the vicinity of his/her body, thereby obtaining good support for the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime UCHIYAMA, Hiroyuki NISHIMORI, Takeshi KAMIYAMA
  • Patent number: 8840136
    Abstract: A front pillar trim mounting structure has a front pillar (10), a front pillar trim (30), an airbag (60), and an assist grip (70). The front pillar is provided in the front portion of a vehicle. The front pillar trim (30) covers the front pillar (10) from the inner side of the vehicle. The airbag (60) is located between the front pillar (10) and the front pillar trim (30). The assist grip (70) is attached to the front pillar (10), and is installed on a vehicle inner surface of the front pillar trim (30). The front pillar trim (30) has a first front pillar trim (40), a second front pillar trim (50), and an engagement mechanism (54). The assist grip (70) is installed on the first front pillar trim (40). The second front pillar trim (50) is provided with an opening where the first front pillar trim (40) is installed. The engagement mechanism (54) detachably connects the second front pillar trim (50) to first front pillar trim (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Howa Textile Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikatsu Masatsugu, Hiroyuki Seto, Takahiro Narikiyo
  • Publication number: 20140264221
    Abstract: A handrail apparatus and method for use with vehicles are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure includes a first coupling plate to be coupled to a monument of a vehicle, a second coupling plate to be coupled to the monument of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a handrail coupled to the first coupling plate and a support coupled to the second coupling plate and the handrail. The handrail is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: The Boeing Company
  • Patent number: 8794660
    Abstract: An assist handle for assisting an operator with climbing on to, or off of, a ground maintenance vehicle such as a mower, and a ground maintenance vehicle incorporating the same. The assist handle includes, in one embodiment, a grip portion movable between a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, a platform such as a seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Todd A. Porter
  • Publication number: 20140203587
    Abstract: A deployable step and handle system for a tailgate. The handle is used to secure the deployable step in the stowed position that eliminates the need for a separate release system. The handle is placed adjacent a top edge of the tailgate to prevent debris from being trapped under the handle when the handle is closed. The ladder has a step surface disposed opposite and at an angle relative to a top surface of a spoiler that provides a step surface. The ladder rails are guided by rail guides as the ladder is moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. A unitary support bracket is used to connect both the handle and a ladder rail to the tailgate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Bhupendra A. Patel, David Manuel Rogers, Thomas M. Herline, Marcus Edward Merideth, Michael Bryan VanBelle, Charles Gregory Bambenek
  • Patent number: 8776348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of an exterior door handle (100) for a motor vehicle, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) injection molding (10) of at least one first mold part (150) and one second mold part (151) using a plastic mass; (b) building (20) the exterior door handle (100) from the at least two mold parts (150, 151); c) painting (30) a surface of the exterior door handle (100); (d) disassembling (40) the exterior door handle (100) into the at least two mold parts (150, 151); (e) installing (50) an electronic unit in at least one of the two mold parts (150, 151); (f) assembling (60) the at least two mold parts (150, 151) and the electronic unit to form the exterior door handle (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Gertig
  • Patent number: 8764087
    Abstract: A device for retaining a functional part, for example, a roof handle, in a vehicle is provided that includes a retaining element to which the functional part can be indirectly or directly fixed. The retaining element has at least one retaining element-side hinge region around which a retaining element portion can be folded and/or pivoted relative to a further retaining element portion when a pressure force acts substantially toward the retaining element. The at least one hinge region, as viewed in cross-section, can be formed by a retaining element profile section projecting from the retaining element plane, which section, when a pressure force acts on the retaining element folds open or closed about a folding axis and/or a pivot axis formed on the profile section side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bodo Specht, Hermann Tietge, Rico Voigt, Gerhard Reder
  • Publication number: 20140167433
    Abstract: An exterior door handle system (2) in a motor vehicle has a bearing bracket (11) on an interior side (10) of an exterior door panel (1) and a door handle (12) on an exterior side (9) of the exterior door panel (1). The door handle (12) is mounted from the exterior and penetrates the exterior door panel (1) for mounting in the bearing bracket (11). A unit (19) formed from a lock barrel (20) and a housing (21) for the lock barrel (20) is mounted in the bearing bracket (11) from the interior and is covered on the exterior side (9) of the exterior door panel (1) by a protective cap (24). A locking clip (30) is mounted in the bearing bracket (11) arranged on the interior side (10) and locks both the unit (19) and the protective cap (24) counter to their respective mounting direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Gerber
  • Publication number: 20140145461
    Abstract: The present invention is a personal, portable hanging device that allows a user to temporarily and securely engage transportation hand-holds (e.g. a grab bar on a subway, boat, train, etc.) in a sanitary manner. The elongate device includes two loops at each end that are connected by two rigid intermediate sections that extend from the end of each loop and the two intermediate sections are joined by a central section. The central section includes a material with a high coefficient of friction that helps prevent the device from sliding along the hand-hold when in use. The loops are sized and shaped to receive a user's hands so that the user can hold onto the device and indirectly be secured to the transportation hand-hold. The device also includes fasteners to temporarily secure the device to a handhold or fold the device in a sanitary manner for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Jonathan Broder
  • Publication number: 20140117692
    Abstract: Total four notched portions, two for each of both edges, are formed in a lateral leg to which a tensile load is applied when an assist grip is normally used. In an extending direction of the lateral leg, a position of the notched portion and a position of the notched portion are different from each other. Therefore, if excessive impact force is applied to the assist grip and a compression load is applied to the lateral leg, the notched portion is bent and the lateral leg buckles while being twisted. In this case, as compared to a case where the legs buckle by being bent so that the legs are overlapped with each other, the impact force is effectively absorbed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventor: Masashi INOUE
  • Patent number: 8708386
    Abstract: An assist grip for a vehicle to which a force can be easily applied from above when a passenger gets in and out of the vehicle, facilitating the movement of the passenger at that time. The assist grip includes a grip main body 4 vertically provided along a door opening of a vehicle 2. The grip main body 4 includes the grip head portion 6. The passenger can vertically apply a force to the grip head portion 6 when getting in and out of the vehicle, and thus he/she is allowed to easily get in and out of the vehicle. Moreover, a supporting member 5 is provided in the grip head portion 6 and an attachment position of the grip head is adjustable in relation to the grip main body 4, enabling the attachment position to be adjusted according to a passenger's physical size, further improving its convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Access Corp.
    Inventors: Jun Abe, Kazuya Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20140097633
    Abstract: A tailgate inner-handle is vertically rotatably mounted and includes: cylinders having sliding holes formed in outer circumferential surfaces along a longitudinal direction; pistons inserted in the cylinders and having fitting holes; a handle mounted at one end of the piston; a carrying bar entering the cylinders through the sliding holes to be inserted in the fitting holes; a motor connected so as to slide the carrying bar; and a control module configured to apply power to the motor according to whether the tailgate is opened or closed. The inner-handle according to the present invention protrudes from the tailgate or returns to an original position according to an opening/closing state of the tailgate, so that a user may more easily and conveniently hold the inner-handle regardless of a height of the user without needing to adjust an opening angle of the tailgate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ho-Sang LEE
  • Patent number: 8684435
    Abstract: A tailgate inner-handle is vertically rotatably mounted and includes: cylinders having sliding holes formed in outer circumferential surfaces along a longitudinal direction; pistons inserted in the cylinders and having fitting holes; a handle mounted at one end of the piston; a carrying bar entering the cylinders through the sliding holes to be inserted in the fitting holes; a motor connected so as to slide the carrying bar; and a control module configured to apply power to the motor according to whether the tailgate is opened or closed. The inner-handle according to the present invention protrudes from the tailgate or returns to an original position according to an opening/closing state of the tailgate, so that a user may more easily and conveniently hold the inner-handle regardless of a height of the user without needing to adjust an opening angle of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ho-Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 8678457
    Abstract: A telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box, adjacent the tailgate, in a pickup truck. The device has only one moving part which allows the telescoping grab handle to be easily raised vertically and locked into the extended position or easily lowered to the retracted or stowed position while standing on the ground outside the cargo box. The telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box also overcomes many disadvantages of tailgate mounted grab handles which interfere with cargo handling and are rendered inoperable if the tailgate is damaged. The telescoping grab handle mounted on the side wall of the cargo box may be added as an aftermarket accessory, but the internal components of the device could also be incorporated directly into the side wall of the cargo box by the auto manufacturer during initial manufacture of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: James Louis Duderstadt
  • Publication number: 20140077516
    Abstract: A grab handle assembly for a vehicle has an asymmetrical handle that spans between a first end and a second end. The first end is operably coupled with an A-pillar of a frame of the vehicle. The second end is operably coupled with the A-pillar below the first end. The asymmetrical handle has a slanted portion and a curved portion, configured to provide a smooth downward transition between the A-pillar and the handle and to slidably deflect a forward moving object. The slanted portion extends down from the first end at a first angle. The curved portion protrudes outward and upward from the second end at a second angle to join the slanted portion. The first angle is less than the second angle and the first angle is less than thirty-five degrees, such that the first angle provides a smooth transition to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Bauer, Erica Lee, Pardeep Kumar Jindal, Mangesh Kadam, Edward Joseph Abramoski
  • Patent number: 8672381
    Abstract: A grab handle assembly for a vehicle has an asymmetrical handle that spans between a first end and a second end. The first end is operably coupled with an A-pillar of a frame of the vehicle. The second end is operably coupled with the A-pillar below the first end. The asymmetrical handle has a slanted portion and a curved portion, configured to provide a smooth downward transition between the A-pillar and the handle and to slidably deflect a forward moving object. The slanted portion extends down from the first end at a first angle. The curved portion protrudes outward and upward from the second end at a second angle to join the slanted portion. The first angle is less than the second angle and the first angle is less than thirty-five degrees, such that the first angle provides a smooth transition to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Bauer, Erica Lee, Pardeep Kumar Jindal, Mangesh Kadam, Edward Joseph Abramoski
  • Patent number: 8672380
    Abstract: A handhold assembly for a machine chassis includes a handhold and a mounting structure. The handhold includes a gripping member, an elongate member extending from the gripping member, and a locking member provided at a distal portion of the elongate member. Further, an adapter provided at a distal end of the elongate member. The mounting structure is configured to be attached with the machine chassis and includes a first opening and a second opening. The first and the second openings configured to removably receive the elongate member and the adapter, respectively. Further, a slot provided on the first opening, the slot configured to engage with the locking member of the handhold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary R. Carter, Scott M. Hauser
  • Patent number: 8661622
    Abstract: An assist grip includes hinges, spring cases, and coil springs. The hinges are provided with a rotary axis that a shaft-shaped protrusion and a pin make. The shaft-shaped protrusion is formed integrally with the hinges. The pin is formed independently of the hinges. The spring cases are held in a depression with which the hinges are provided, respectively. The coil springs urge the hinges by way of the spring cases in a direction for accommodating the hinges into hinge-holding depressions with which the assist grip is provided. The setup enables the resulting assist grip to offer better assemblage workability for assembly workers or robots, to show a better appearance, and to exhibit higher strength in service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Takai, Chiharu Totani, Kazuhiro Kawamura, Shoji Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8641116
    Abstract: The article comprises a part comprising two lugs for snap-fastening said part on a support and two abutment means for bearing against that support. The part also comprises a body, provided with an aperture, to which are attached the lugs as well as a fixing foot adapted to be disposed through the aperture. The article has a locked configuration in which the fixing foot blocks said lugs in said snap-fastening position and an unlocked configuration in which said foot is adapted to be inserted and extracted from said part and in that said article further comprises quarter turn fixing means to make the article pass between said locked configuration and unlocked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: I.T.W. de France
    Inventors: Christophe Le Tinnier, Emmanuel Ledent, Laurent Sanchez