Handle Or Assist Grip Patents (Class 296/1.02)
  • Publication number: 20110025083
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a vehicle grab handle includes spaced apart first and second roof attachment portions for mounting to a roof side rail and spaced apart first and second support portions depending downwardly toward a vehicle cabin. The first support portion depends from the first attachment portion and the second support portion depends from the second attachment portion. An interconnecting portion extends between the spaced apart first and said second support portions for mounting the vehicle grab handle. At least one reinforcing flange extends along at least one longitudinal edge defined by the roof attachment portions and the support portions. The at least one reinforcing flange extends from one or both of the first and second attachment portions a limited distance to a location spaced apart from the interconnecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Sameer Gupta
  • Patent number: 7866736
    Abstract: The invention relates to a utility vehicle (1) with a hinged cover element (12) which covers a fuel tank (15) and at least part (24) of an ascent region when the cover element is in a covering position. The cover element (12) can be pivoted from the covering position to an open position. A safeguarding element (11) is non-rotatably coupled to the cover element (12), so that the cover element (12) and the safeguarding element (11) have the same pivot axis and are both moved to the open position simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Honzek
  • Patent number: 7850197
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a pillar, a trim panel, a handle and an airbag. The trim panel is configured to overlay a portion of the pillar and conceal the airbag. The trim panel includes a first trim portion and a second trim portion that is separable from the first trim portion along a predetermined separation line. The handle is rigidly attached to the pillar by at least one fastener that extends through the second trim portion of the trim panel. The airbag is disposed between the trim panel and the pillar such that in response to deployment of the airbag at least a portion of the first trim portion separates from the second trim portion along the predetermined separation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucal, Jeremy Thurston, Thomas Yang, Lauren Parkins
  • Patent number: 7832789
    Abstract: A vehicle including an integrated vehicle door hinge and interior handle is disclosed. The integrated vehicle door hinge and interior handle may comprise a door hinge and an interior door release handle, with the door hinge having a hinge support flange pivotally coupled with a vehicle body, and an exposed hinge arm extending from the hinge support flange. The interior door release handle may include a pull handle configured for gripping by a vehicle occupant, and a handle pass through arm extending from the pull handle and connected to the exposed hinge arm, with the handle pass through arm mounted to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly G. Craigo, Wade W. Bryant, Therese A. Tant
  • Publication number: 20100276956
    Abstract: A vehicle door construction having a 360° grab handle includes a fastener cover which conceals a fastener hole in an A-surface of the vehicle door and which provides a buckling path for the 360° grab handle. An L-shaped cover and a fastener hole configuration is provided in the lateral A-surface to reduce stiffness in the region and to absorb side impact loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Brewster Hall, Srinivas Sanikommu, John Pinkerton
  • Publication number: 20100244477
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assist grip assembly including a handle portion and at least one support structure, the at least one support structure including a securing surface attached to a mounting area of a vehicle body, and a transfer member comprising a flex portion and a contact portion having a contact surface, wherein the transfer member is formed with or attached to the handle portion and when a load is applied to the handle portion in a first direction, the contact surface of the transfer member contacts a contact area of the vehicle body and transfers at least a portion of the load from the mounting area to the contact area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohit Anand Jagasia, Kevin Lyle Gilleo, Sean Wright
  • Patent number: 7793999
    Abstract: An interior trim component includes a handle having a cradle portion and an insert portion, the insert portion is nested within a cavity of the cradle portion, the first ends of the cradle and insert portions define a tucking portion and the second ends define a latching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy F. O'Brien, Larry Vigneau, Daniel V. Beckley, James E. Thorburn
  • Patent number: 7775573
    Abstract: A trim assembly is disclosed. The trim assembly includes a vehicular trim panel and a portion mounted to the vehicular trim panel that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative the vehicular trim panel. The portion is defined to include a shape-changing polymer. The assembly also includes an energy transfer device that provides energy to the shape-changing polymer to cause movement of the portion between the stowed position and the deployed position. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence P. Lipke, Timothy F. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7762600
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method that includes a bracket that attaches the bottom end of a vehicle interior door handle to a door panel in a rigid manner, the bracket including a first wall and second and third walls that extend, generally perpendicular to the door panel, from the first wall toward the door panel, and first and second flanges extending from the second and third walls respectively that are attached to the door panel. The second and third walls flank control components within the armrest such that the bracket is compact and provides a rigid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Shiono, Tami Redinger
  • Patent number: 7744141
    Abstract: A retractable grip assist handle assembly provides an extendable support for a passenger during ingress to or egress from the vehicle. The retractable grip assist handle assembly includes a handle, and a body portion having a first end connected to the handle and the handle and body portion are extendable relative to the vehicle. A mechanical energy storage device is connected between a second end of the body portion and the vehicle. The mechanical energy storage device provides a return force that returns the handle to a retracted position from an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Saionji, Saori Nakano, Masaya Koyama, Toyoshi Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 7712775
    Abstract: A structure of arranging interior components of a vehicle is provided. The structure includes a panel member extending along a side of a roof of the vehicle, and a bracket having a fixing base attached to the panel member, a first attaching base to which a first interior component is attached, and a bent piece connecting the fixing base and the first attaching base. The bent piece includes a sideward extending portion which inwardly extends in a width direction of the vehicle from the fixing base, and a downward extending portion which downwardly extends from the sideward extending portion and to which the first attaching base is connected. A second interior component is arranged between a space surrounded by the panel member and the bent piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Sato, Hiroyuki Isayama
  • Patent number: 7677648
    Abstract: A door is provided. The door is pivotably connectable to a cab structure of a work vehicle and includes a handle secured to the door disposed for facilitating door closure against the cab structure from interior of the cab structure. Upon application of a door closure force to the handle, torsion forces applied to the door by the door closure force and a door opening device pivotably connected to the cab structure and to the door in close proximity to the handle, or pivotably connected to the cab structure and to the handle, as calculated at the device pivotable connection opposite the cab structure, are substantially eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Dixon Bell, Kyle Brenner, Michael David Case
  • Patent number: 7651143
    Abstract: A headliner for preventing an assist grip located proximate a curtain side airbag (CSA) from detaching from a motor vehicle frame during deployment of the CSA is provided. The headliner can include a substrate layer with an assist grip aperture dimensioned such that an assist grip attachment end can extend through the substrate layer and attach to sheet metal located adjacent to a back side of the headliner. Proximate to the assist grip aperture is a weakened region within the substrate layer that affords for headliner to bend and/or tear around the assist grip during deployment of the CSA. In addition, a fabric layer attached to and extending across the substrate layer is provided wherein the fabric layer covers the weakened region within the substrate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl D. Spamer
  • Publication number: 20090322052
    Abstract: An auxiliary step and hand hold system for accessing a vehicle. The system includes at least one auxiliary step, at least one hand hold shaped to assist a climb into the trailer, and at least one pocket shaped to removably receive the at least one hand hold. The auxiliary step may be a rotating-retractable step that rotates between a use position and a stowed position. The hand hold is shaped to assist a climb into the cargo bay and may be inserted into the pockets in a use position and a stowed position. One or more stationary steps can also be used in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The hand holds, pockets and auxiliary steps may be used alone or in combination to assist with access to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: P.C. Ruehl Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip C. Ruehl
  • Publication number: 20090322110
    Abstract: A pocket mounts just below a trailer's rear door to securely anchor a post. This mounting provides a solid three or four-point-contact when climbing into a trailer. A second pocket mounted to the inside of the trailer door provides easy and convenient storage. The handle-post may simply be lifted from one pocket, and dropped into the other, thus clearing passage for the door swing, while storing the handle post right at the point-of-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: P.C. RUEHL ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: PHILLIP C. RUEHL
  • Patent number: 7631915
    Abstract: A self-actuating device includes a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface and an active material. The member is configured to have at least a first form and a second form, wherein one of the first form and the second form is configured to stow the member and the other of the first form and the second form is configured to present the member. The active material is in operable communication with the member. The active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal and the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from one of the forms to another of the forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Louise E. Stauffer, Roy J. Mathieu, Joseph F. Szczerba, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090295180
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle grab handle (10) having a handle (12) and at least one bearing support (14) for attaching the vehicle grab handle (10) to a vehicle body, a bearing section (18) of the handle (12) being pivotally mounted to the bearing support (14), two shaft stubs (22, 24) being provided on the bearing support (14) which define a pivot axis (S) for the handle (12) and which can be shifted along the pivot axis (S) from an initial position to a connection position, and the shaft stubs (22, 24) coupling the handle (12) and the bearing support (14) to one another in the connection position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Jan Boehner, Hubert Loewe
  • Patent number: 7621573
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle door and a method of operating the handle assembly is disclosed. The door handle assembly may include a pivot bracket mounted in the vehicle door, a handle arm pivotally mounted to the pivot bracket, a handle alignable flush with a door handle cutout, and a motor assembly operatively engaging the handle arm to selectively cause pivoting of the handle arm relative to the pivot bracket. The door handle assembly may also include a handle depression limit switch, a handle flush button, or a handle extension limit switch in communication with a control module that controls the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Thomas, Jack E. Brown, Timothy V. McGrath, Christopher J. Twarog
  • Patent number: 7611162
    Abstract: A front pillar trim structure for a curtain airbag in a vehicle is disclosed. In preferred configurations, the front pillar trim structure comprises a handle mounted on a front pillar trim so that a passenger can conveniently use the handle when entering or exiting a vehicle, and wherein the front pillar trim is adapted to be moved effectively by the expansion force of the curtain airbag without being destroyed when a vehicular collision occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Chae Kim
  • Patent number: 7607708
    Abstract: An adapter device for a grab handle has a deformation element with at least two end regions. The end regions of the deformation element are connected to each other by at least one web and each have at least one fastening element for the grab handle. The deformation element is configured in such a manner that, in a first loading situation (normal use situation), it is supported by the retaining element and, in a second loading situation (crash situation), it is deformed in the region of the at least one web. The grab handle can thus be mounted in an extremely stable manner with regard to loading in a pulling direction, i.e. in the normal use situation, without the energy-absorbing deformation properties of the adapter device being adversely affected in the crash situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Olaf Benkler, Markus Osswald, Matthias Zierle
  • Patent number: 7604277
    Abstract: A working vehicle comprises a dashboard, a boss and an assist grip. The boss is provided on the dashboard so as to have a surface in which a hole is opened. The assist grip is provided with a flange, and provided with a base portion extended from the flange. The assist grip is mounted on the dashboard so that the base portion is inserted into the hole of the boss and the flange is placed on the surface of the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Matsumoto, Junko Shibaoka, Toshikazu Matsubayashi, Naoki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20090243319
    Abstract: A self-actuating device includes a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface and an actuator. The member is configured to have at least a first form and a second form, wherein one of the first form and the second form is configured to stow the member and the other of the first form and the second form is configured to present the member. The actuator is in operable communication with the member. The actuator is actuated upon receipt of an activation signal and is effective to transition the member from one of the forms to another of the forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7594684
    Abstract: An assist grip includes: a grip member to be gripped by a passenger, the grip member configured to be capable of being pulled out from a retraction position to a grip position; a base member which is fixed to the vehicle and which includes a rotation shaft; a rotation arm pivotally supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft from the retraction position to a pull-out position; retraction biasing element configured to always bias the rotation arm in a retraction direction; and a holding member configured to hold the rotation arm in the pull-out position against a biasing force of the retraction biasing element when the rotation arm is caused to rotate to the pull-out position. In the assist grip, the grip member is rotatably jointed to the rotation arm, and the grip member is provided with a release dog formed therein, the release dog configured to release the rotation arm from being held by the holding member as the grip member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hidaka, Tatsuhiko Nakamura, Kenichi Kamio
  • Patent number: 7585009
    Abstract: A bracket for placement between the A-pillar and pillar garnish in an automobile, wherein the bracket includes a base and first and second mounting flanges for use in attaching the bracket to the A-pillar structure. The bracket also includes first and second handle flanges for use in attaching an occupant grab handle to the bracket. The bracket also includes a garnish mounting flange located between the base and handle flange. The garnish is secured to the bracket allowing the garnish to deflect slightly inwards and outwards, but not to such an extent that damage to the garnish occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Justin Longwell, Scott Mudlin, Grant Foreman
  • Publication number: 20090218838
    Abstract: A interior trim component includes a handle having a cradle portion including a cavity. The handle also includes an insert portion nested within the cavity of the cradle portion. Each of the insert portion and cradle portion includes a first end and a second end. The first ends of the cradle and insert portions define a tucking portion. The second ends of the cradle and insert portions define a latching portion. A method for assembling the interior trim component is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy F. O'Brien, Larry Vigneau, Daniel V. Beckley
  • Patent number: 7559120
    Abstract: In a vehicle outer handle system including a circuit board which includes an electric part and which is contained in an operating handle, the operating handle is die-formed of a synthetic resin in such a manner that a protecting means covering the circuit board is mold-coupled to the operating handle. Thus, a special water-proofing counter measure is not required, leading to a reduction in number of operating steps and a reduction in number of parts. Further, the generation of an abnormal sound during operation of the operating handle is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Hiroto Fujiwara, Yuho Otsuta, Kyoutarou Yoshii
  • Patent number: 7559592
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle interior member affixing member capable of improving the efficiency of attachment and removal operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Daikyo Nishikawa Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamagiwa, Shouichirou Hidaka, Hideaki Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7549689
    Abstract: A pull cup in a vehicle door is fitted to a door trim panel substrate and is connected to the inner door panel of the vehicle door by way of a bracket. The bracket is oriented to resist vertical loads and tension loads such that the bracket is allowed to deflect in compression loading in the event of a side impact. In one embodiment the bracket has horizontal slots through which shoulder fasteners are fitted to attach the bracket to the inner door panel. This configuration allows deflection in compression loading. In another embodiment of the bracket a pair of arms is provided between the pull cup and the inner door panel. This configuration allows buckling of the arms on compression loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Pinkerton, Joseph Edward Abramczyk
  • Patent number: 7549693
    Abstract: An object is to provide an assist grip for an operator to easily ride on/off an operation section. An assist grip for supporting a weight of an operator riding on/off an operation section is disposed in front of a steering wheel so as to overlap steering wheel when viewed in front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junko Shibaoka, Kunihiko Matsumoto, Toshikazu Matsubayashi, Naoki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20090134660
    Abstract: A side impact door trim buckle initiator design is provided in a vehicle armrest and grab handle region. The disclosed support structure design induces buckling in the door handle supports while continuing to provide acceptable durability and strength. Two modifications to the door armrest and grab handle structures are made. First, an angled section is added to the material flow strap of the armrest supporting structure to promote buckling. This approach overcomes the difficulty of known material flow straps which tend to be horizontal, thus introducing a strong compressive load path. By adding an angle to the flow straps the vertical motion is forced upon a lateral impact. Second, vertical components of the door handle support structure are removed while a buckle initiator in the door handle support is added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Pinkerton, Ian Brewster Hall, Ammad Bhatti
  • Patent number: 7530146
    Abstract: A latitudinal division type assist grip having a sufficient load bearing capacity is provided. The assist grip includes an outer cylinder member, a first divisional body, a second divisional body, and an elastic reinforcement member. A first fitting end portion of the first divisional body and a second fitting end portion of the second divisional body are fitted to each other inside the outer cylinder member. The elastic reinforcement member is interposed between an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member and the first fitting end portion, and presses the first fitting end portion toward the second fitting end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Inui, Minoru Toda, Takuji Nagata, Akiyoshi Nagano
  • Patent number: 7530619
    Abstract: A pivotable grab handle device is movable between a stowed position, which is positioned against the main tailgate structure, and a deployed position that projects upwardly above the top surface of a lowered main tailgate structure. The grab handle device is mounted on a retainer bracket that is affixed to the top surface of the lowered main tailgate structure. The grab handle incorporates a spring-loaded latch mechanism that is cooperable with the pivot bracket when in the stowed position and cooperable with a striker plate mounted below the top surface of the main tailgate structure to fix the grab handle in the deployed position. A release lever projecting outwardly of the grab handle permits a retraction of the latch member to release the grab handle from either the pivot bracket or the striker plate to allow pivotal movement of the grab handle into the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC., Multimatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Bruford, Laurence J. Holt, Charles Bambenek, Jeff Firzlaff, Robert A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20090108607
    Abstract: A self-actuating device includes a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface and an active material. The member is configured to have at least a first form and a second form, wherein one of the first form and the second form is configured to stow the member and the other of the first form and the second form is configured to present the member. The active material is in operable communication with the member. The active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal and the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from one of the forms to another of the forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Louise E. Stauffer, Roy J. Mathieu, Joseph F. Szczerba, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090096254
    Abstract: Disclosed is a headliner for preventing an assist grip located proximate a curtain side airbag (CSA) from detaching from a motor vehicle frame during deployment of the CSA. The headliner can include a substrate layer with an assist grip aperture dimensioned such that an assist grip attachment end can extend through the substrate layer and attach to sheet metal located adjacent to a back side of the headliner. Proximate to the assist grip aperture is a weakened region within the substrate layer that affords for headliner to bend and/or tear around the assist grip during deployment of the CSA. In addition, a fabric layer attached to and extending across the substrate layer is provided wherein the fabric layer covers the weakened region within the substrate layer. In some instances, the weakened region is a plurality of slits within the substrate layer, each of the slits extending in a generally outward direction from the assist grip aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl D. Spamer
  • Patent number: 7506714
    Abstract: A two or more person RUV (recreational utility vehicle) is provided with a multi-place multi-planar saddle seat assembly, multi-place multi-planar foot board assemblies, and grip handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, Eric A. Davis, Russell R. Kleiser
  • Patent number: 7478854
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved trim part, such as an automotive handle, with a soft feel, for use in a trim assembly, and to a continuous two-shot molding operation that may be continuously performed utilizing a single mold assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, an automotive handle includes a substrate formed by injecting a first material into a first shot mold cavity in a first shot of a molding operation. A handle cover is molded to at least a portion of the substrate by injecting into a mold chamber a second foamed material in a second shot of the molding operation to provide the handle with a soft feel. The second foamed material includes a foamed material that produces a soft, outer skin and a light, cellular inner core such that when a force is applied to the cover, the skin will deform and compress the inner core, providing a soft-touch feel to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A Cowelchuk, Todd L DePue, David Dooley, Michael J Hier, Randy S Reed
  • Patent number: 7455437
    Abstract: An automobile door handle with indicator lights, has a recess for firmly receiving a circuit board having a plurality of light emitting members spaced apart lengthwise on the surface, an opening through the bottom of the recess for allowing conducting wires to pass therethrough, and an adjacent outer peripheral groove. A transparent cover is dimensioned and shaped to fit snugly over the outer peripheral groove and has more than one spaced projection protruded from one surface adapted to be abutted against the circuit board for fastening. Adhesive is applied to the conducting wires in the opening, a joining portion of the outer peripheral groove and the cover so as to provide the assembled door handle with indictor lights withwaterproof and electricity leakage prevention characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Li-Hua Shi
  • Publication number: 20080272610
    Abstract: An object is to provide an assist grip for an operator to easily ride on/off an operation section. An assist grip for supporting a weight of an operator riding on/off an operation section is disposed in front of a steering wheel so as to overlap steering wheel when viewed in front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junko Shibaoka, Kunihiko Matsumoto, Toshikazu Matsubayashi, Naoki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20080246293
    Abstract: In a vehicle outer handle system including a circuit board which includes an electric part and which is contained in an operating handle, the operating handle is die-formed of a synthetic resin in such a manner that a protecting means covering the circuit board is mold-coupled to the operating handle. Thus, a special water-proofing counter measure is not required, leading to a reduction in number of operating steps and a reduction in number of parts. Further, the generation of an abnormal sound during operation of the operating handle is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Hiroto Fujiwara, Yuho Otsuta, Kyoutarou Yoshii
  • Publication number: 20080217942
    Abstract: An handle assembly for a vehicle door and method of actuating a release mechanism, such as a door latch, are disclosed. The handle assembly may have a pull handle including a sliding leg, a pivot leg and a hand gripping portion extending between the sliding leg and the pivot leg, with the sliding leg adapted to guide the pull handle between a closed position and an open position, and with the pivot leg adapted to be secured for pivoting about a handle pivot axis about which the pull handle is pivotable. The handle assembly may also include a torque cable having a first end centered and rotatable about the handle pivot axis, and a second end adapted to operatively engage the release mechanism, with the first end rotationally fixed to the pivot leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Steven C. Lang
  • Publication number: 20080217941
    Abstract: A self-presenting device includes, a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to store the member and the second form is configured to present the member, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Alan L. Browne, Robin Stevenson, Senthil N. Karuppaswamy
  • Patent number: 7422258
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door handle includes a grip area and an electronics module arranged inside the grip area. A plastic injection moulded carrier core extends inside the motor vehicle door handle. The electronics module is arranged in a recess of the carrier core. A covering layer, which is made of plastic and which forms an outer wall of the motor vehicle door handle, is injected around the carrier core and the electronics module. Preferably, the carrier core is an injection moulded part having a foam structure, produced according to a MuCell method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & C. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Helmut Schumacher, Helmut Klein
  • Patent number: 7415751
    Abstract: A tying structure for an assist grip is intended for tying a base member supporting the assist grip swingably thereon to a car body panel with a clip and an engaging member. The clip is provided with first engaging parts for engagement with the base member and second engaging parts for engagement with the car body panel. The first engaging parts are provided in a part thereof penetrating the base member in the outside-inside insertion direction and protruding toward a front side the base member with a through hole penetrating the part in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. The engaging member is provided with an engaging part inserted into the through hole and enabled to prevent the base member from slipping off the clip and a cover covering the front side of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignees: Howa Textile Industry Co., Ltd., Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kato, Takahide Ichimaru
  • Patent number: 7407209
    Abstract: An interior handle assembly includes a vehicle structural member, a handle and a mounting fastener. The handle has a grip portion and a first base mounting portion. The mounting fastener extends between the first base mounting portion and the vehicle structural member fixedly attaching the handle to the vehicle structural member. One of the handle and the vehicle structural member has a selective sliding movement arrangement to provide relative movement of the handle during an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl Stolarczyk, Rabih Kobrossy
  • Patent number: 7384091
    Abstract: A vehicle door comprises a door panel member having an outer panel, the outer panel having a concave portion which receives a user's hand, a handle member which is provided outside the outer panel and extends to cross the concave portion, a base member which is fixed on an internal surface of the outer panel and supports end portions of the handle member on both sides of the concave portion, the base member being formed to have a shape of detouring around the concave portion and reaching from one end to the other end of the concave portion, within a range of a depth of the concave portion in a thickness direction of the door panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kensuke Fukuda, Toshiyuki Adachi, Katsuhisa Ishihara, Atsuhiko Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20080111389
    Abstract: An adapter device for a grab handle has a deformation element with at least two end regions. The end regions of the deformation element are connected to each other by at least one web and each have at least one fastening element for the grab handle. The deformation element is configured in such a manner that, in a first loading situation (normal use situation), it is supported by the retaining element and, in a second loading situation (crash situation), it is deformed in the region of the at least one web. The grab handle can thus be mounted in an extremely stable manner with regard to loading in a pulling direction, i.e. in the normal use situation, without the energy-absorbing deformation properties of the adapter device being adversely affected in the crash situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AG
    Inventors: Olaf Benkler, Markus Osswald, Matthias Zierle
  • Publication number: 20080079287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure of an assist handle mounting bracket for absorbing the impact of a vehicle which is provided between a head lining and a roof side rail panel and to which an assist handle is coupled by a fixing member. A structure of an assist handle mounting bracket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can alleviate the impact during the collision of the head of a passenger and the assist handle so as to minimize injury to the passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Yong Chae Kim
  • Publication number: 20080067824
    Abstract: A latitudinal division type assist grip having a sufficient load bearing capacity is provided. The assist grip includes an outer cylinder member, a first divisional body, a second divisional body, and an elastic reinforcement member. A first fitting end portion of the first divisional body and a second fitting end portion of the second divisional body are fitted to each other inside the outer cylinder member. The elastic reinforcement member is interposed between an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member and the first fitting end portion, and presses the first fitting end portion toward the second fitting end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuji Inui, Minoru Toda, Takuji Nagata, Akiyoshi Nagano
  • Publication number: 20080018128
    Abstract: Problem: To provide a vehicle interior member affixing member capable of improving the efficiency of attachment and removal operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicants: Mazda Motor Corporation, Daikyo Nishikawa Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamagiwa, Shouichirou Hidaka, Hideaki Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7308736
    Abstract: An attaching Apparatus of an interior part of an automobile includes a base portion, a clip and a cap. The base portion includes an opening portion and a projected portion, the clip includes a front end portion, a parallel portion, a base end portion, a draw stop claw, a hold claw and an engaging hole and is set such that when the parallel portions are maximally closed, an interval between front ends of the draw stop claws<an inner diameter of a vehicle body panel attaching hole<an interval between front ends of the hold claws. Therefore, when the draw stop claws are drawn out from an attaching hole, the hold claws do not pass the attaching hole, and the clip is prevented from being dropped to a back face side of a vehicle body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nakazato