Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.

Abstract: An example motor vehicle includes, among other things, a door having an exterior surface, and a handle moveably coupled to the door. The handle is moveable within a plane of movement oblique to the exterior surface. A door handle and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a controller and a powered latch that is configured to selectively retain a door structure in a closed position when the powered latch is latched. The powered latch permits the door to be opened when the powered latch is unlatched. An electronic door release pad is disposed on an outer side of the door structure. The door release pad includes a pad surface that faces outwardly away from the door structure. A generally flat outer side of the door structure extends around the perimeter of the pad surface. The pad surface preferably comprises a sensor. The controller is configured to generate a signal to unlatch the powered latch if the door release pad generates a signal indicating that a user has touched the pad surface and/or that an object has been detected adjacent the pad.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure having an interior space and a ramp disposed within the interior space. The vehicle door further includes a latch and a handle that is pivotably connected to the door structure. The handle includes a pair of inwardly and forwardly extending hooks. The vehicle door also includes a cable or other linkage connected to the latch. The cable has a fitting that is pushed along the ramp by the hooks upon pivoting of the handle to thereby shift the cable and unlatch the latch.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a door-operating mechanism for selectively releasing a vehicle door from a closed position. A door handle is in communication with the door operating mechanism. The door handle is operable between a flush position, wherein an outer face of the door handle is flush with a portion of an exterior surface of the vehicle door such that only the outer face of the door handle is accessible, and an extended position, wherein the outer face of the door handle is moved away from the exterior surface of the vehicle door such that a rear surface of the door handle is accessible. A heating mechanism is in thermal communication with the outer face of the door handle and the exterior surface of the vehicle door. A remote transmitter is in communication with the heating mechanism, wherein the remote transmitter selectively activates the heating mechanism.

Abstract: A handle for doors of motor vehicles includes an outer portion that can be grasped by a user, and an inwardly-extending plunger or hook that operably interconnects the handle to the door latch via a bell crank (that is part of the handle base or chassis depending on the type of handle architecture used). The plunger is made of a ductile material such as metal, and includes a crumple zone that causes the plunger to deform axially and/or bend sidewardly in the event an axial and/or a bending impact load.

Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a controller and a powered latch that is configured to selectively retain a door structure in a closed position when the powered latch is latched. The powered latch permits the door to be opened when the powered latch is unlatched. An electronic door release pad is disposed on an outer side of the door structure. The door release pad includes a pad surface that faces outwardly away from the door structure. A generally flat outer side of the door structure extends around the perimeter of the pad surface. The pad surface preferably comprises a sensor. The controller is configured to generate a signal to unlatch the powered latch if the door release pad generates a signal indicating that a user has touched the pad surface and/or that an object has been detected adjacent the pad.

Abstract: A powered door latch may be actuated by a capacitive sensor or by movement of a mechanical release device. A controller may be utilized to prevent unlatching of the powered latch unless the vehicle is in Park and/or certain operating conditions are present.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an electrically-powered latch and a user input feature that can be actuated by a user to cause the electrically-powered latch to unlatch. An electrical energy storage device is operably connected to the electrically-powered latch, and a piezoelectric device is mounted to the door. The piezoelectric device can be manually actuated by a user to charge the electrical energy storage device, and electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device can be utilized to actuate the electrically-powered latch to thereby unlatch the latch. The user input feature may comprise a switch or sensor located adjacent a door handle/latch release on an inside and/or an outside of the vehicle door. The electrical energy storage device may comprise an emergency battery, capacitor, or other electrical device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a door having an exterior surface, and a handle moveably coupled to the door. The handle is moveable within a plane of movement oblique to the exterior surface. A door handle and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A powered door latch system for vehicles includes a controller configured to receive data concerning vehicle operating conditions. The door latch system also includes at least one electrically powered door latch having a powered actuator that can be actuated by the controller to unlatch the electrically powered latch. An emergency release is mechanically connected to the electrically powered latch to mechanically release the latch. The system also includes a user communication device such as a display screen that is operably connected to the controller. The user communication device provides a user with information concerning the location and/or operation of the emergency release if a predefined operating condition such as a loss of electrical power has occurred.

Abstract: A handle for a door of a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, at least one button configured to lock or unlock the door, a camera, and a printed circuit board including a processor electrically coupled to the at least one button and the camera. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure having an interior space and a ramp disposed within the interior space. The vehicle door further includes a latch and a handle that is pivotably connected to the door structure. The handle includes a pair of inwardly and forwardly extending hooks. The vehicle door also includes a cable or other linkage connected to the latch. The cable has a fitting that is pushed along the ramp by the hooks upon pivoting of the handle to thereby shift the cable and unlatch the latch.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock status system is provided. That system includes a door lock actuator, a door lock status indicator for indicating lock status of the multiple motor vehicle doors, and a controller. The controller is connected to the door lock actuator and the door lock status indicator. Further, the controller is configured to provide a door open signal, an all doors closed and locked signal and a failure to lock signal. A related method of indicating door lock status of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure having an interior space and a ramp disposed within the interior space. The vehicle door further includes a latch and a handle that is pivotably connected to the door structure. The handle includes a pair of inwardly and forwardly extending hooks. The vehicle door also includes a cable or other linkage connected to the latch. The cable has a fitting that is pushed along the ramp by the hooks upon pivoting of the handle to thereby shift the cable and unlatch the latch.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle includes a vehicle door-mounted exterior illuminable signal, a door-open indicator associated with the vehicle door, and a controller configured to actuate the exterior illuminable signal to emit light in a selected one of multiple operating modes. The operating modes may include an increased visibility operating mode differing from other operating modes in an intensity and/or pattern and/or color of light emitted by the door-mounted exterior illuminable signal. The vehicle door may be a rear-hinged door and the illuminable signal may be associated with a handle of the door. The controller may actuate the exterior illuminable signal in a different operating mode on receiving both of a signal from the door-open indicator and a signal from a vehicle navigational system.

Abstract: An electronic door latch includes a sensor mounted inside of an outer surface of the door. The sensor may be a proximity sensor, a touch sensor or other suitable sensor configured to determine if a user's hand is present. The door latch release system further includes a powered latch that selectively retains the door latch in a closed position. The system may include a handle formed by a flange or other structure extending across a portion of a recess or pocket in the door. The system may include a receiver that utilizes a signal from a security transmitter (e.g. keyless entry fob).