Abstract: A safety handle for opening a deck lid of a vehicle from inside the trunk compartment includes a handle and a housing having an outer wall and a perimeter surface. The housing defines a recess therein, which is positioned below or behind a plane defined by the perimeter surface of the housing. The handle is positioned in the recess and includes a handle portion and a shaft portion which defines a pivot axis of the handle. The shaft portion is pivotably mounted to the housing whereby said handle portion is positioned within the recess and below the plane defined by the perimeter surface such that the handle is pivotable within the recess. The handle is connectable to the release mechanism of the deck lid and pivotable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid of the trunk.

Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, a release assist device, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control for activating the assist device or the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.

Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, a release assist device, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control for activating the assist device or the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.

Abstract: A door handle for a door of a vehicle includes a handle portion and a housing or base portion. Preferably, the handle portion is assembled to the base portion by a snap fit of a pair of snap clasps onto a corresponding pair of axles or cross members attached to the housing. The snap clasps engage the cross members via a tapered opening to guide the cross members into the snap clasps, thereby easing the assembly process of the handle assembly. The snap clasps are snapped onto the cross members marked by an audible click to pivotally secure the handle portion to the housing, such that pivotal movement of the handle relative to the housing may be operable to open the door of the vehicle. Preferably, a biasing member is included to bias the handle portion toward its closed position relative to the housing, while the handle and the housing comprise polymeric materials.

Abstract: A door handle for a door of a vehicle includes a handle portion and a housing or base portion. Preferably, the handle portion is assembled to the base portion by a snap fit of a pair of snap clasps onto a corresponding pair of axles or cross members attached to the housing. The snap clasps engage the cross members via a tapered opening to guide the cross members into the snap clasps, thereby easing the assembly process of the handle assembly. The snap clasps are snapped onto the cross members marked by an audible click to pivotally secure the handle portion to the housing, such that pivotal movement of the handle relative to the housing may be operable to open the door of the vehicle. Preferably, a biasing member is included to bias the handle portion toward its closed position relative to the housing, while the handle and the housing comprise polymeric materials.

Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety handle for opening a deck lid of a vehicle from inside the trunk compartment includes a handle and a housing having an outer wall and a perimeter surface. The housing defines a recess therein, which is positioned below or behind a plane defined by the perimeter surface of the housing. The handle is positioned in the recess and includes a handle portion and a shaft portion which defines a pivot axis of the handle. The shaft portion is pivotably mounted to the housing whereby said handle portion is positioned within the recess and below the plane defined by the perimeter surface such that the handle is pivotable within the recess. The handle is connectable to the release mechanism of the deck lid and pivotable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid of the trunk.

Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety release handle assembly for a trunk of a vehicle is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety release assembly comprises a housing and a handle positioned within a recess of the housing. The handle is connectable to a release mechanism of the trunk lid and is movable to actuate the release mechanism to open the trunk lid from within the trunk space. The handle provides a mechanical advantage such that the release mechanism may be actuated upon exertion of less than or equal to approximately 20 Newtons at the handle. The safety release assembly may further include an illumination source, whereby the handle may be illuminated to assist viewing of the handle when the trunk lid is closed.

Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control circuit for activating the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.

Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system having a reflective element and a housing for the reflective element includes a turn signal having a lens incorporated in the housing. A portion of the lens faces rearward of the vehicle and the lens further wraps around the outward side of the housing and functions as a side marker for the vehicle.

Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A panel/window assembly for vehicles adapted to be raised and lowered by a window regulator mechanism. The assembly includes at least one regulator mechanism attachment member molded directly on one peripheral edge of a preferably transparent sheet from a resinous material, preferably reaction injection molded polyurethane. The attachment member may include either a generally C-shaped channel having an elongated slot opening to one side or an elongated opening extending entirely through the attachment member. The opening or channel in each attachment member is adapted to receive a roller or slide mechanism coupled to the regulator mechanism. Preferably, the slide is coupled to the regulator arm by a cap received over the end of the arm and includes a pivot joint allowing movement about multiple axes. The panel/window assembly allows installation on existing or new regulator assemblies and requires less time and fewer tools to install than conventional window assemblies.

Abstract: A panel assembly for vehicles forming encapsulated window assembly having improved weather sealing and appearance and reduced wind noise. The assembly includes an elongated, rigid, channel support, a panel-like sheet, and a molded gasket of resinous material such as polyvinylcholoride or reaction injection molded polyurethane extending around the peripheral sheet edge and the outer surface of the channel support to join the sheet and support member into a panel unit. Preferably, the gasket includes at least one recessed pocket receiving a fastener clip to tightly hold the assembly in a vehicle body. The assembly may also include one or more locator members for positioning the assembly with respect to other parts of the vehicle.

Abstract: A panel/window assembly for vehicles adapted to be raised and lowered by a window regulator mechanism. The assembly includes at least one regulator mechanism attachment member molded directly on one peripheral edge of a preferably transparent sheet from a resinous material, preferably reaction injection molded polyurethane. The attachment member may include either a generally C-shaped channel having an elongated slot opening to one side for receiving a roller from the regulator mechanism, or an elongated opening extending entirely through the attachment member to receive the roller from either side of the assembly. Alternately, a pair of the attachment members may be positioned along the sheet edge and molded integrally with gasket portions on other portions of the sheet edge to provide guides for raising and lowering the window.