RETRACTABLE VEHICLE GRAB HANDLE WITH DEPLOYING INTEGRATED GARMENT HANGER
A deployable hanger for a vehicle comprises a handle operable between deploying and non-deploying positions, two extension members disposed at least partially within the handle and tab members that are free of engagement with the extension members when the handle is in the deploying position, wherein the extension members are oppositely biased toward an extended position, and wherein the tab members selectively engage the extension members when the handle is in the non-deploying position.
Latest Ford Patents:
The present invention generally relates to grab handles for vehicles, and more specifically, a multi-functional grab-handle for a vehicle with a deployable garment hanger.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONVarious automobiles include, within passenger seating, a grab-handle for occupants to use during operation and while entering or exiting the vehicle. These grab-handles can be retractable or fixed proximate the headliner of a vehicle. Because of the elevated position of the headliner, various hooks can be disposed near the grab-handle where coats and other clothing can be hung during use of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the present invention, a deployable hanger for a vehicle comprises an operable handle, first and second extension members are disposed at least partially within the operable handle and a deploying mechanism selectively deploys the first and second extension members to an extended position when the handle is in a deploying position. The first and second extension members are free of deploying when the operable handle is distal from the deploying position.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a deployable hanger for a vehicle comprises a handle operable between deploying and non-deploying positions and two extension members disposed at least partially within the handle. Also included are tab members that are free of engagement with the extension members when the handle is in the deploying position. The extension members are oppositely biased from one another and toward an extended position. The tab members selectively engage the extension members when the handle is in the non-deploying position.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a convertible handle for a vehicle comprises a handle operable between deploying and non-deploying positions. First and second extension members are at least partially disposed within the handle. The first and second extension members are biased outward from the handle and in opposite directions toward an extended position. A retention mechanism selectively engages the first and second extension members when the handle is in the non-deploying position and is free of engagement with the first and second extension members when the handle is in the deploying position. The first and second extension members are positioned in the extended position when the handle is in the deploying position.
These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
In the drawings:
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
As shown in
As illustrated in the embodiment of
It is contemplated, in various embodiments, that the deployable hanger 10 can be installed within an area of the passenger cabin 12 adjacent to passenger seating 40 between the “B” pillar and “C” pillar, the “C” pillar and “D” pillar, or both. Various alternate embodiments can have a deployable hanger 10 mounted in areas proximate one or more of the “A,” “B” or “C” pillars adjacent to a passenger seat 40. It is also contemplated that the deployable hanger 10 can be installed within the ceiling 48 of the vehicle cabin 12, in various embodiments, as well as other similar locations within the vehicle cabin 12.
Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 5-8, the handle 16 is rotationally operable about a pivot point 60 that is coupled with the headliner recess 44. A cam 62 is disposed proximate the pivot point 60, wherein the cam 62 is in communication with the deploying mechanism 22 and the handle 16, such that the movement of the handle 16 activates the deploying mechanism 22 when the handle 16 is disposed in the deploying first rotational position 64. The first rotational position 64 of the handle 16 defines the deploying position in which the extension members are deployed to the extended position 24. The deploying mechanism 22 remains unactivated by the cam 62 when the handle 16 is in a second rotational position 66, wherein the second rotational position 66 is distal from the first rotational position 64. In this manner, according to various embodiments, the deployment of the first and second extension members 18, 20 is accomplished by rotating the handle 16 to the predetermined first rotational position 64 about the pivot point 60. Additionally, when the handle 16 is moved to other positions about the pivot point 60 away from the predetermined first rotational position 64, the deploying mechanism 22 is not activated and the first and second extension members 18, 20 either remain deployed, or, if disposed within the handle 16 in a loaded position 68, remain in the loaded position 68, until such time as the handle 16 is moved to the deploying first rotational position 64. The operation of the deployable hanger 10 will be described in detail more fully below.
Referring now to the embodiment of
In the various embodiments, the biasing member 80 can be in compression when the first and second extension members 18, 20 are in the loaded position 68 within the handle 16 such that the extension of the biasing member 80 forces one or both of the first and second extension members 18, 20 toward the extended position 24. In other embodiments, the biasing member 80 can be in tension when the first and second extension members 18, 20 are in the loaded position 68 within the handle 16, such that when the tension is released from the biasing member 80, the release of tension moves the first and second extension members 18, 20 outward and toward the extended position 24. It is contemplated that the first and second extension members 18, 20 can be biased by a single biasing member 80 that simultaneously biases, in opposite directions, the first and second extension members 18, 20 toward the extended position 24. In other various embodiments, each of the first and second extension members 18, 20 can include a dedicated biasing member 80, such as first and second biasing members, that individually operate to bias the first and second extension members 18, 20, such as first and second biasing members, respectively, to the extended position 24.
Referring again to the embodiment of
In various embodiments, components of the biasing member 80 and the guide members 100 for the first and second extension members 18, 20 can be one and the same. It is contemplated that the biasing members 80, such as first and second biasing springs, for the first and second extension members 18, 20, respectively, can be coupled to the guide member 100 that cooperates with the guide channel 104 of the other of the first and second extension members 18, 20. It is also contemplated that the various guide members 100 and biasing members 80 of the first and second extension members 18, 20, while disposed within the handle 16, can be separate members with distinct structural components.
As further illustrated in the embodiment of
As illustrated in the embodiment of
As shown in the embodiment of
In various alternate embodiments, it is contemplated that the user can pull the handle 16 in a predetermined linear direction, wherein the linear movement of the handle 16 causes the tab members 120 to disengage from the first and second extension members 18, 20 for deployment to the extended position 24. It is also contemplated that a button, switch, or other member disposed on or proximate the handle 16 can be used to deploy the first and second extension members 18, 20 by disengaging the tab members 120 from the loading notch 122. It is further contemplated that in various embodiments, multiple interfaces, as described above, can be implemented within the deployable hanger 10 as alternate methods of deploying the first and second extension members 18, 20. In such an embodiment, a button or switch could be used to deploy the first and second extension members 18, 20 while the user is grasping the handle 16, thereby preventing the handle 16 from moving into the deploying first rotational position 64. In this manner, the button or switch can be used to override the positioning of the handle 16 in the non-deploying second rotational position 66 that prevents deployment of the first and second extension members 18, 20.
As illustrated in the embodiment of
As shown in
It is contemplated that various cam members 62 can be used in order to operate the deploying mechanism 22 and the tab members 120 of the deploying mechanisms 22. The various cam members 62 can be disposed within the handle 16, within the headliner 42, within the headliner recess 44 defined within the headliner 42, and other various positions. It is further contemplated that a single cam member 62 can be positioned so as to be in communication with each tab member 120. Alternatively, in various embodiments, each tab member 120 can be in communication with separate dedicated cams 62.
As illustrated in the embodiment of
In various embodiments, the deploying mechanism 22 described above can be used to deploy other features of the handle 16 that can include, but are not limited to, hooks, lids for storage compartments, lights, and other various features.
In various embodiments, it is contemplated that the tab member 120 can be biased outward and away from the first and second extension members 18, 20. In such an embodiment, the cam 62 is configured to release the tab member 120, such that it can be biased outward and away from the corresponding extension members 18, 20, and, therefore, out of the loading notch 122. Accordingly, the first and second extension members 18, 20 can be moved toward the extended position 24. When the handle 16 is moved away from the deploying first rotational position 64, a radial member proximate the cam 62 overcomes the biasing force exerted upon the tab member 120 and forces the tab member 120 toward the respective extension members 18, 20 and into either the loading notch 122 or the retention feature 140. It is contemplated that other cam configurations can be used wherein the handle 16 is moved around the tab members 120 such that the movement of the handle 16 releases the first and second extension members 18, 20 from the tab members 120 to allow the first and second extension members 18, 20 to move toward the extended position 24.
It is contemplated that the deployable hanger 10, in addition to having a cam 62 for activating the tab member 120 to deploy the first and second extension members 18,20, can also include an intermediate detent, protrusion or other movement-interrupting feature adapted to retain the deployable hanger between the stowed position 46 and the first rotational position 64.
In such an embodiment, the deployable hanger 10 is configured to engage the intermediate movement-interrupting feature only when the first and second extension members 18, 20 are deployed to their respective extended positions 24. When the first and second extension members 18, 20 are in the loaded position 68, the handle 16 is biased toward the stowed position 46 without substantial interruption from the intermediate movement-interrupting feature. In the various embodiments, the intermediate movement-interrupting feature can be defined by a selective engagement between various aspects of the deployable hanger 10 and the vehicle 14, including, but not limited to, selective engagement between the handle 16 and the headliner 42, the tab members 120 and a feature disposed proximate the cam 62, and other similar engagements.
It is contemplated that, in various embodiments, the handle 16 of the deployable hanger 10 can be made of a variety of materials that can include, but are not limited to, plastic, composite, metal, combinations thereof, and other similarly rigid materials. It is also contemplated that the first and second extension members 18, 20 can be made of a variety of materials that can include, but are not limited to, plastic, metal, composite, and other rigid materials and, in various embodiments, can be made of flexible materials, wherein the extension members are allowed to sag or droop a predetermined distance. In such an embodiment, when the extension members are in the extended position 24, the sagging or drooping of the extension members substantially mimics the general contour of a coat hanger upon which a jacket, shirt, or other garment can be hung. In embodiments where the extension members 18, 20 can be substantially flexible, the extension members 18, 20 can be made of materials that include, but are not limited to, rubber, soft plastic, foam, segmented rigid members that form a flexible assembly, and other various flexible members.
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims
1. A deployable hanger for a vehicle comprising:
- an operable handle;
- first and second extension members disposed at least partially within the operable handle; and
- a deploying mechanism that selectively deploys the first and second extension members to an extended position when the handle is in a deploying position, and wherein the first and second extension members are free of deploying when the operable handle is distal from the deploying position.
2. The deployable hanger of claim 1, wherein the handle is rotationally operable about a pivot point, and wherein a cam is disposed proximate the pivot point, wherein the cam is in communication with the deploying mechanism and the handle and activates the deploying mechanism when the handle is disposed in a first rotational position.
3. The deployable hanger of claim 2, wherein the deploying mechanism is free of activation by the cam when the handle is in a second rotational position, the second rotational position being distal from the first rotational position.
4. The deployable hanger of claim 1, wherein the deploying mechanism includes at least one biasing member attached to first ends of each of the first and second extension members, respectively, and wherein the at least one biasing member biases the first and second extension members away from an interior of the operable handle toward the extended position.
5. The deployable hanger of claim 4, wherein the at least one biasing member includes a first biasing member attached to the first end of the first extension member and a second biasing member attached to the first end of the second extension member.
6. The deployable hanger of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second biasing members are springs disposed within the operable handle.
7. The deployable hanger of claim 4, wherein the deploying mechanism includes a tab member that selectively engages a loading notch of at least one of the first and second extension members, and wherein the engagement of the tab member with the loading notch positions at least one of the first and second extension members in a loaded position within the operable handle when the operable handle is in the second rotational position.
8. The deployable hanger of claim 7, wherein when the operable handle is moved to the first rotational position the tab member is selectively disengaged from the loading notch and the at least one biasing member positions the first and second extension members in the extended position.
9. A deployable hanger for a vehicle comprising:
- a handle operable between deploying and non-deploying positions;
- two extension members disposed at least partially within the handle; and
- tab members that are free of engagement with the extension members when the handle is in the deploying position, wherein the extension members are oppositely biased toward an extended position, and wherein the tab members selectively engage the extension members when the handle is in the non-deploying position.
10. The deployable hanger of claim 9, wherein the handle is rotationally operable about a pivot point, and wherein a cam is in communication with the tab members and the handle, and wherein the cam disengages the tab members from the extension members when the handle is in the deploying position.
11. The deployable hanger of claim 10, wherein the deploying position is defined by a predetermined rotational position of the handle about the pivot point.
12. The deployable hanger of claim 9, further comprising:
- at least one biasing member coupled with the first and second extension members.
13. The deployable hanger of claim 12, wherein the at least one biasing member includes a first biasing spring attached to a first end of the first extension member and a second biasing spring attached to a first end of the second extension member.
14. The deployable hanger of claim 10, wherein the tab members are slidably operable within the handle, wherein the movement of the handle between the deploying and non-deploying positions slidably operates the tab members relative to the extension members.
15. The deployable hanger of claim 14, wherein the deploying position is defined by a predetermined rotational position of the handle about the pivot point, and wherein the non-deploying position is defined by the handle being distal from the deploying position.
16. The deployable hanger of claim 9, wherein the tab member selectively engages a loading notch of at least one of the extension members, and wherein the engagement of the tab member with the loading notch positions at least one of the extension members in a loaded position within the operable handle when the operable handle is distal from the deploying position.
17. The deployable hanger of claim 16, wherein when the handle is moved to the deploying position, the tab member is selectively disengaged from the loading notch and the extension members are positioned in the extended position.
18. A convertible handle for a vehicle comprising:
- a handle operable between deploying and non-deploying positions;
- first and second extension members at least partially disposed within the handle, wherein the first and second extension members are biased outward from the handle and in opposite directions toward an extended position; and
- a retention mechanism that selectively engages the first and second extension members when the handle is in the non-deploying position and is free of engagement with the first and second extension members when the handle is in the deploying position, and wherein the first and second extension members are positioned in the extended position when the handle is in the deploying position.
19. The deployable hanger of claim 18, wherein the handle is rotationally operable about a pivot point, and wherein the deploying position is defined by a predetermined rotational position of the handle about the pivot point, and wherein the non-deploying position is defined by the handle being distal from the deploying position.
20. The deployable hanger of claim 19, wherein the handle includes a cam positioned proximate the pivot point and is in communication with the retention mechanism and the handle, wherein the cam operates the retention mechanism when the handle is in the deploying position to disengage the retention mechanism from the first and second extension members.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 28, 2014
Publication Date: Jul 30, 2015
Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Dearborn, MI)
Inventors: Brian Douglas Ross (Marine City, MI), Jennifer Ann Prescott (Northville, MI)
Application Number: 14/166,213