Handle Or Assist Grip Patents (Class 296/1.02)
  • Patent number: 8641117
    Abstract: There is provided an assist grip for a vehicle capable of gripping a grip main body easily when in use and applying force thereon and facilitating movement of getting off. The assist grip 1 for the vehicle includes the grip main body 2 for supporting getting out movement from the seat 51 of the occupant, which is provided in the lower part of the door opening 10 beside the seat 51, where the grip main body 2 is provided in a manner capable of raising and lowering in an outward direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, since the grip main body 2 falls outward of the vehicle at the time of use of the assist grip 1, a portion to which a hand of the occupant is applied becomes large, and a flexibility of posture change increases, and getting out of the occupant becomes easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Access Corp.
    Inventors: Jun Abe, Hideki Oino
  • Patent number: 8641083
    Abstract: A grab rail is attached via a bracket to an upper portion of a side panel inside a vehicle, and a curtain-shaped airbag is arranged in a folded state on a side portion of the side panel inside the vehicle. The bracket includes a vehicle body attachment seat section that is attached to an attachment surface formed on the side panel; an arm section that is bent from the vehicle body attachment seat section and extends downward and inward in the vehicle width direction; and a grab rail attachment seat section that is bent from a lower end of the arm section, extends upward and inward in the vehicle width direction, and has the grab rail attached thereto. A space section formed by the side panel and the arm section opens downwardly and serves as a storage portion for receipt of the folded curtain-shaped airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Nakamura, Kazunori Ito
  • Patent number: 8636313
    Abstract: A movable grab handle assembly attached to the interior surface of the vehicle such as the vehicle pillar or on or adjacent to the vehicle headliner is disclosed. The movable grab handle assembly includes a slot formed on a surface of the interior. The slot includes a base having an adjuster plate. A grab handle is slidably mounted in the slot. The grab handle includes a user-operated release, such as a push button, that is operatively engaged with an adjuster plate release mechanism in the form of a pin. By operation of the push button the pin is movable between an adjuster plate engaging position and an adjuster plate disengaging position. Through use of the push button the grab handle is released to move any position in a direction toward the top of the pillar and a direction toward the bottom of the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Huelke, Paul Tuomisto, Justin Lee Healy, Adam W. Hellar
  • Publication number: 20130341947
    Abstract: A movable grab handle assembly attached to the interior surface of the vehicle such as the vehicle pillar or on or adjacent to the vehicle headliner is disclosed. The movable grab handle assembly includes a slot formed on a surface of the interior. The slot includes a base having an adjuster plate. A grab handle is slidably mounted in the slot. The grab handle includes a user-operated release, such as a push button, that is operatively engaged with an adjuster plate release mechanism in the form of a pin. By operation of the push button the pin is movable between an adjuster plate engaging position and an adjuster plate disengaging position. Through use of the push button the grab handle is released to move any position in a direction toward the top of the pillar and a direction toward the bottom of the pillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Huelke, Paul Tuomisto, Justin Lee Healy, Adam W. Hellar
  • Patent number: 8613475
    Abstract: A device for assisting access to motor vehicles having a grip handle moveable between at least one stored position and a deployed position for assisting a user to climb up onto the tailgate and bed of a pickup truck is disclosed. A handle arm having the grip handle at one end thereof is pivotally mounted at the other end thereof onto a mounting bracket which itself is installed at the rear and on one side of a pickup truck bed. The handle arm is pivotally moveable between a deployed position extending rearwardly over the tailgate of the pickup truck and at least one stored position within the bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: DoMore Truck Company, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Statz
  • Patent number: 8544937
    Abstract: A telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly incorporated into a collapsible door trim pull handle for a vehicle is disclosed. The telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly includes a grab handle support and a grab handle support base. A portion of one of the grab handle support or the grab handle support base is fitted within the other of the grab handle support base or the grab handle support. A door grab handle is attached to the grab handle support. The grab handle support base is either attached to the door panel or is integrally formed with the door panel. A break-away structure is provided between the grab handle support and the grab handle support base. Upon impact, the break-away structure is broken and the grab handle support and the grab handle support base telescope with respect to each other thereby minimizing loads upon a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gerard Orlowsky, Paul Schryer
  • Patent number: 8469428
    Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly includes an interior trim panel and a pull cup. The pull cup includes a main body, an attachment portion and a break-away portion connecting the main body to the attachment portion. The attachment portion is fastened to the interior trim panel. The break-away portion is configured and arranged to separate the main body from the attachment portion in response to a prescribed level of force applied to at least one of the interior trim panel and the pull cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Tobey, Hirofumi Itoh, Gunnar Mason
  • Patent number: 8465065
    Abstract: A self-presenting handle assembly, comprising a handle portion in operative communication with an axle rotatably mounted in a housing of a rigid support, and an active material in operative communication with the axle or the handle portion, 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 provide rotation of the axle in a first direction and move the handle in the first direction from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8443553
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a panel that defines an opening. A handle includes a grab bar that is moveable from a retracted position through the opening into an extended position. A cover is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The cover is disposed within the opening and flush with the exterior surface of the panel when in a closed position. When the handle moves from the retracted position into the extended position, the cover moves out of the closed position to allow the handle to pass through the opening. When the handle moves from the extended position into the retracted position, the cover moves into the closed position to close the opening. A closeout is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The closeout moves into an exposed position as the handle moves into the extended position to conceal the remainder of the opening not occupied by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Polewarczyk, Hesham A. Ezzat, Steven C. Lang
  • Publication number: 20130087395
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a driver seat; a passenger seat positioned such that the passenger seat and the driver seat are arranged side by side in a rightward and leftward direction; a console box provided between the driver seat and the passenger seat; a shift lever operated by a driver to perform a shifting operation; and a grab member provided in the vicinity of the passenger seat and secured to the vehicle body frame; wherein the shift lever is provided between the driver seat and the passenger seat and is positioned closer to the driver seat than a center of the console box in the rightward and leftward direction; and the grab member is provided between the driver seat and the passenger seat and is positioned closer to the passenger seat than the center of the console box in the rightward and leftward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kaku, Chad Enger, Brian Butler, Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Jun Takagi
  • Patent number: 8408621
    Abstract: A grip body (1) of an assist grip includes hinge bodies (21, 31) provided in hinge cavities (11, 12) on bases provided at opposite left and right ends, and the hinge bodies (21, 31) are pivotally connected to the hinge cavities (11, 12) at opposite sides via pivot shafts. A mounting clip (5) having spring resiliency is inserted into a rectangular opening (27, 37) provided substantially at the center of the hinge body (21, 31), and a cover (4) is assembled by inserting a clip support portion (42) into the inside of resilient legs at both sides of the mounting clip (5) so as to cover the front of the hinge body (21, 31). Between the cover (4) and the hinge body (21, 31), a guide groove (21c, 31c) and a guide rib (44) are provided so as to be fitted together and slidingly contact along a push-in direction of a part where the hinge member and the cover slidingly contact when the cover (4) is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Howa Plastics Co., Ltd., Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kajio, Daisuke Kogiso
  • Patent number: 8371632
    Abstract: A garnish including an integrally molded grip is attached to a center pillar of a vehicle body with a bracket. The bracket attaches to a part of the pillar adjacent to the grip using a threaded bolt provided on an outboard side of the garnish. An opening is formed in the garnish for attaching the garnish to the pillar. A lid closes the opening. Integrally forming the grip with the garnish eliminates the need for positioning the two parts relative to each other and reduces the number of component parts. Providing the bracket for attachment adjacent to the base end of the grip improves the mounting strength of the grip. As the lid closing the opening is concealed by the grip when viewed inside the passenger compartment, the opening can be made so large as to improve the efficiency of the assembly work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shogo Akaba
  • Publication number: 20130026776
    Abstract: There is provided an assist grip for a vehicle capable of gripping a grip main body easily when in use and applying force thereon and facilitating movement of getting off. The assist grip 1 for the vehicle includes the grip main body 2 for supporting getting out movement from the seat 51 of the occupant, which is provided in the lower part of the door opening 10 beside the seat 51, where the grip main body 2 is provided in a manner capable of raising and lowering in an outward direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, since the grip main body 2 falls outward of the vehicle at the time of use of the assist grip 1, a portion to which a hand of the occupant is applied becomes large, and a flexibility of posture change increases, and getting out of the occupant becomes easy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventors: Jun Abe, Hideki Oino
  • Patent number: 8359712
    Abstract: In a vehicle door outer handle device, an inwardly recessed housing recess is provided in a base member fixed to a vehicle door; an outer handle having an operation portion is pivotably supported on the base member while being able to pivot to an operated position in accordance with pulling of the operation portion and being spring-biased toward a non-operated position side, at least part of the operation portion being disposed in the housing recess; and a cylinder lock is mounted on the base member so that a key hole is covered at least in a state in which the outer handle is in the non-operated position. In the outer handle device, a cover member is detachably mounted on the base member so as to cover the key hole, the cover member being formed as a separate body from the outer handle so as to form part of the housing recess while forming a design surface of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock, Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tadashi Saitou, Teruo Yamazaki, Takashi Ogawa, Noriyuki Toshitsuna, Katsuya Ashizawa
  • Publication number: 20130020821
    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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventors: Jun Abe, Kazuya Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8354921
    Abstract: A self-illuminating handle assembly for a release mechanism of an emergency egress system for a vehicle. The handle assembly includes a sensor for sensing a predetermined condition and providing a sensor signal in response thereto, and a sensor-activated switch assembly for causing the handle assembly to self-illuminate in response to the sensor signal. The sensor could be a so-called tilt sensor for sensing when the vehicle orientation is tilted beyond a threshold tilt orientation, or an acceleration sensor (accelerometer) for sensing when the vehicle has undergone an acceleration or deceleration beyond a threshold, indicative of a crash or the vehicle having been exposed to an explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Helms, Michael L. Hafften
  • Publication number: 20120326461
    Abstract: A telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly incorporated into a collapsible door trim pull handle for a vehicle is disclosed. The telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly includes a grab handle support and a grab handle support base. A portion of one of the grab handle support or the grab handle support base is fitted within the other of the grab handle support base or the grab handle support. A door grab handle is attached to the grab handle support. The grab handle support base is either attached to the door panel or is integrally formed with the door panel. A break-away structure is provided between the grab handle support and the grab handle support base. Some or all of the grab handle support assembly may be encased in an outer polymerized material. Upon impact the break-away structure is broken and the grab handle support and the grab handle support base telescope with respect to each other thereby minimizing loads upon a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gerard Orlowsky, Paul Schryer
  • Publication number: 20120319421
    Abstract: A grab handle assembly with integrated articulating hook is disclosed comprising base elements and a handle pivotal on the base elements between closed and an open positions. A pivot pin is fixed to the handle and pivotally supported on a base element. A hook is pivotally supported on the pivot pin and is movable between a stored and a deployed position. In one form a resilient finger on the hook coacts with surfaces on the pivot pin to provide resistance to movement of the hook between the stored and deployed positions. The pin is configured to provide varied resistance at different hook positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Justin L. Ruzich, Walter Belchine, III, Joel R. Lee
  • Patent number: 8317246
    Abstract: In an assist grip mounting structure, a pair of mounting parts 15 of an assist grip 10 are attached individually to a pair of mounted parts 5 on the roof side inner panel 2 side, and a coat hook part 20 projects from the one mounting part 15 side, a reinforcing plate 30 for reinforcing the coat hook part 20 overlaps a back surface 20U of the coat hook part 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Takeuchi, Akihito Miura
  • Patent number: 8307516
    Abstract: An assist handle assembly for a vehicle includes a body and at least a first hinge assembly rotatably coupled to the body. A primary spring interconnects the body and the first hinge assembly and biases the body from an open position into a stowed position. A secondary spring interconnects the body and the first hinge assembly, and biases against the primary spring when the body is between the open position and an intermediate position to resist rotation of the body into the stowed position, and biases with the primary spring when the body is between the intermediate position and the stowed position to assist rotation of the body into the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Brian K. Bartnick
  • Patent number: 8297674
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel is provided with a rigid trim portion, a first flexible trim portion and a second flexible trim portion. The rigid trim portion includes a first opening and a second opening. The first flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the first opening. The first flexible trim portion at least partially covers the first opening. The second flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the second opening. The second flexible trim portion at least partially covers the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Yimin She
  • Patent number: 8297394
    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: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, Eric A. Davis, Russell R. Kleiser
  • Patent number: 8292344
    Abstract: A mounting structure of a grip with integrated handle to a door panel includes the grip, a door trim to which the grip is mounted, a bracket, an overlapping portion and a handle fastening portion. The grip includes a grip portion and a handle portion that are integrally formed. The bracket is arranged so as to extend from an end of the grip portion to the handle portion. The overlapping portion includes a part of the grip, a part of the door trim and a part of the bracket held together so as to overlap with one another. The handle fastening portion is provided for fastening the handle portion to the door panel and with which the bracket is to be fixed to the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Yamaguchi, Yoshiaki Maesoba
  • Patent number: 8251423
    Abstract: A truck bed handle assembly is formed from a handle formed from an elongated handle body having an upper end and lower end. The truck bed handle assembly further includes a handle receiver assembly that is configured for mounting to a sidewall of a truck bed. The handle receiver assembly has a handle receiving portion that engages the lower end of the elongate handle body to hold the handle body in a generally upright orientation. The handle may be a collapsible or non-collapsible handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Lingle
  • Patent number: 8240625
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a functional component mounting structure includes: a functional component having: a base body; a functional portion formed on a front surface of the base body; and a latching portion extending from a back surface of the base body; a component receiver having: a base portion having an opening into which the latching portion is inserted from a front surface side to a back surface side thereof; and a latch receiving portion on which the latching portion is latched; and a cover member pivotally fitted to the component receiver to open and close the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Kouichi Kato
  • Patent number: 8210588
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Boehner, Hubert Loewe
  • Patent number: 8196692
    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: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, Eric A. Davis, Russell R. Kleiser
  • Publication number: 20120133168
    Abstract: A slidable apparatus that may form an interior vehicle door grab handle. The slidable apparatus includes a handle and handle support, wherein the handle support is fixed to an interior portion of a vehicle door, whereby the handle can be positioned initially in a rearward position so that adequate torque assist is provided to a passenger opening a vehicle door from the inside, and as the door opens, is movable to a more forward position so that the passenger can maintain hold on the grab handle throughout the opening process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Ardigo
  • Patent number: 8186709
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel is provided with a rigid trim portion and a flexible trim portion. The rigid trim portion includes an assist grip opening. The flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the assist grip opening with the flexible trim portion at least partially covering the assist grip opening of the rigid trim portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Yimin She
  • Patent number: 8152220
    Abstract: A rear door that includes an upper section, a lower section that connects to the upper section, a trim provided to an inner face of the rear door, and a pull handle portion provided in an interior-side design surface of the trim, the pull handle portion including a handle opening formed in the interior-side design surface at a position spaced from a lower end of the trim in an upward direction, and a recessed portion that runs obliquely downwards, in a state where the rear door is closed, from the handle opening toward a rear of a vehicle body, wherein a section of the trim sandwiched between the handle opening and the lower end of the trim has an outer face that is sunken relative to the interior-side design surface of a general portion of the trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Fukui, Nobuhide Hashimoto, Teruji Kuroyanagi, Sadaharu Kagami, Hiroaki Fukunaga
  • Publication number: 20120080898
    Abstract: A grip body (1) of an assist grip includes hinge bodies (21, 31) provided in hinge cavities (11, 12) on bases provided at opposite left and right ends, and the hinge bodies (21, 31) are pivotally connected to the hinge cavities (11, 12) at opposite sides via pivot shafts. A mounting clip (5) having spring resiliency is inserted into a rectangular opening (27, 37) provided substantially at the center of the hinge body (21, 31), and a cover (4) is assembled by inserting a clip support portion (42) into the inside of resilient legs at both sides of the mounting clip (5) so as to cover the front of the hinge body (21, 31). Between the cover (4) and the hinge body (21, 31), a guide groove (21c, 31c) and a guide rib (44) are provided so as to be fitted together and slidingly contact along a push-in direction of a part where the hinge member and the cover slidingly contact when the cover (4) is pushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: HOWA PLASTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Kajio, Daisuke Kogiso
  • Patent number: 8146208
    Abstract: An assist grip includes a mounting clip formed of metal having spring resiliency and bent into a generally U shape. The mounting clip includes a pair of resilient legs. Each of the resilient legs includes a bulging portion that bulges outwardly and is provided with a retention portion to be retained by a mounting location of a vehicle body structure. Each of the resilient legs further includes at the leading end a stepped region for engagement against an inner peripheral region of a rectangular opening of a hinge body. The stepped region includes an extended region and a retaining pawl that extends outwardly relative to the extended region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Howa Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kajio, Shouji Kawakami, Kazuhiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8128152
    Abstract: A handle for a door trim is provided, which includes a grip handle having a lower end on which a fastening portion is formed to be mounted on an armrest of the door trim and an upper end which is formed in the shape of a grip to project from the upper end. The design of the handle for the door trim is greatly changed to improve the sense of beauty, and the stiffness of the handle is increased by adding a reinforcement material to the grip handle and the door trim to heighten the durability, so that the productivity and stability of the handle can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Han Shin Cho
  • Patent number: 8113561
    Abstract: Mounting structure of a door grip in a door for the vehicle includes a inner panel composing a door body. The mounting structure of a door grip further includes a door trim arranged so as to oppose to the inner side of the inner panel. The door grip is fixed to the inner panel via the door trim and having a pair of connecting parts to be connected to the door trim. Further included are fixing members for fixing the door trim to the inner panel. The fixing members are arranged in both sides of the connecting parts regarding an axis line passing through both the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The fixing members are respectively provided in both sides of the first connecting part while the fixing members are respectively provided in both sides of the second connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuki Yamada, Masami Uratsu, Makoto Horiba, Junichi Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20110309648
    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: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: I.T.W. DE FRANCE
    Inventors: Christophe Le Tinnier, Emmanuel Ledent, Laurent Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20110291435
    Abstract: A gap hider is provided for closing an opening between the ends of an assist grip and a trim panel, the gap hider fitting into a recess in the ends of the assist grip such that no adhesive or fasteners are needed. The gap hider provides that the trim panel can be deployed from beneath a portion of the assist grip without effecting the side air bag deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: International automotive Components Group North America Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew MATUSKO, Dan HAWKINS
  • Publication number: 20110285160
    Abstract: An assist handle includes a hinge and a bar having a global axis. The bar is rotatable about the global axis between a first position and a second position. A spring biases the bar toward the second position. A sleeve is defined by either the bar or hinge, and is generally aligned with the global axis. A pin is operatively attached to the other of the bar or hinge and is partially disposed within the sleeve. The pin is configured to allow rotation between the hinge and the bar. The pin includes a wide portion and an undercut portion smaller than the wide portion. The undercut portion creates at least one clearance region between the pin and the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian K. Bartnick
  • Patent number: 8052188
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Alan L. Browne, Robin Stevenson, Senthil N. Karuppaswamy
  • Patent number: 8033590
    Abstract: An object is to provide an assist grip for an operator to easily ride on/off an operation section. An assist grip 31 for supporting a weight of an operator riding on/off an operation section 4 is disposed in front of a steering wheel 11 so as to overlap steering wheel 11 when viewed in front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junko Shibaoka, Kunihiko Matsumoto, Toshikazu Matsubayashi, Naoki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110221170
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel is provided with a rigid trim portion and a first flexible trim portion. The rigid trim portion includes a first assist grip opening. The first flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the first assist grip opening with the first flexible trim portion at least partially covering the first assist grip opening of the rigid trim portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Thurston, Lauren Parkins
  • Patent number: 8011690
    Abstract: A trim panel overlaying a pillar includes a first trim portion and a second trim portion separable from one another. A handle attaches to the pillar at first and second points by fasteners extending through the second trim portion, the first and second points being vertically spaced apart from one another. An airbag disposed between the trim panel and the pillar deploys such that the first trim portion completely separates from the pillar and the second trim portion along a predetermined separation line. The airbag extends along the pillar alongside at least one of the first and second points and alongside an area between the first point and the second point. The first trim portion and the handle are configured such that the first trim portion is restrained to a limited distance of movement away from the pillar by the handle in response to deployment of the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucal, Jeremy Thurston, Thomas Yang, Lauren Parkins
  • Publication number: 20110175386
    Abstract: Task: To eliminate problems in precisely positioning a garnish and a grip, and prevent an increase in the number of parts. Solution: The grip 4 is integrally molded with the garnish 3 which is attached to a center pillar 2 of a vehicle body, and a bracket 3a for attaching the garnish to a part of the pillar adjacent to the grip by using a threaded bolt is provided on an outboard side of the garnish. An opening 3b is formed in the garnish for the attachment of the garnish to the pillar. A lid 10 closes the opening. As the grip is integrally formed with the garnish, there is no need for positioning the two parts relative to each other, and the number of component parts can be reduced. As the bracket for attachment is provided adjacent to the base end of the grip, the mounting strength of the grip can be improved. As the lid closing the opening is concealed by the grip when viewed inside the passenger compartment, the opening can be made so large as to improve the efficiency of the assembly work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shogo Akaba
  • Patent number: 7937893
    Abstract: The invention is a sliding door assembly operable move a vehicle door between an open and a closed position. The assembly includes a motor, reversibly operable to move the door towards one of the open and the closed position. A handle is mounted to the door and a handle sensor is provided, operable to detect the grasping of the handle. When the handle is grasped, a controller activates the motor to move the door when the handle sensor is triggered. Moving the door using the handle by at least a predetermined distance causes the controller to deactivate the motor, allowing manual movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventor: Mirko Pribisic
  • Patent number: 7934760
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohit Anand Jagasia, Kevin Lyle Gilleo, Sean Wright
  • Patent number: 7922189
    Abstract: A vehicle grip assist handle is provided with a grip assist body and a first gap hider. The grip assist body includes a gripping portion and a first attachment portion. The first gap hider is attached to the first attachment portion of the grip assist body. The first gap hider is configured to at least partially cover a first assist grip opening in a vehicle interior trim panel when the first attachment portion of the grip assist body is positioned in the first assist grip opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. Dillon, Wes Roy, Ron Morrow, Lauren Parkins
  • Patent number: 7914035
    Abstract: An interior trim assembly including vehicle roof structure that supports a headliner-mounted component and a headliner, a separating means proximate a mounting location perimeter of the headliner-mounted component for maintaining a mounting integrity of the headliner-mounted component upon deployment of an inflatable restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey W. Davey, Matt C. Withun, Normand R. Marceau, Larry F. Kocher
  • Patent number: 7905530
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy Johnson
  • Patent number: 7900986
    Abstract: A concealment assembly includes a component, a member configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to conceal the component and the second form is configured to expose the component, thereby making the component accessible for use, appearance, or function, 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Ukpai I. Ukpai, John C. Ulicny, Gary L. Jones
  • Publication number: 20110049923
    Abstract: In an assist grip mounting structure, a pair of mounting parts 15 of an assist grip 10 are attached individually to a pair of mounted parts 5 on the roof side inner panel 2 side, and a coat hook part 20 projects from the one mounting part 15 side, a reinforcing plate 30 for reinforcing the coat hook part 20 overlaps a back surface 20U of the coat hook part 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Eiji TAKEUCHI, Akihito MIURA
  • Patent number: 7896417
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sameer Gupta