Door Or Door Handle Patents (Class 362/501)
  • Patent number: 7537364
    Abstract: A door handle portion illumination system for illuminating a door handle portion including a door handle, and a concave portion that is formed on a vehicle body in a position which lies at the rear of the door handle, the door handle portion illumination system including a light transmitting element that is incorporated in the door handle and which includes a luminous surface including, in turn, an area which is exposed on a front side of the door handle and an area which faces an edge portion of the concave portion, and a light source which emits a light that is introduced into the light transmitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Misawa, Mitsuhiro Nawashiro
  • Patent number: 7513664
    Abstract: An outside mirror apparatus for a vehicle includes a mirror housing including an opening, a housing recess, and a cutout communicating with the housing recess; a mirror unit; and a lighting device including a lamp housing and a lamp lens, a light irradiating unit, and a light source. The housing recess and the cutout are provided in the mirror housing; the light irradiating unit is provided in the lighting device; the lighting device is housed in the housing recess; and the light irradiating unit is arranged in the cutout. An outer surface of the light irradiating unit is provided along an outer surface of the mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuuichi Chou
  • Patent number: 7455437
    Abstract: An automobile door handle with indicator lights, has a recess for firmly receiving a circuit board having a plurality of light emitting members spaced apart lengthwise on the surface, an opening through the bottom of the recess for allowing conducting wires to pass therethrough, and an adjacent outer peripheral groove. A transparent cover is dimensioned and shaped to fit snugly over the outer peripheral groove and has more than one spaced projection protruded from one surface adapted to be abutted against the circuit board for fastening. Adhesive is applied to the conducting wires in the opening, a joining portion of the outer peripheral groove and the cover so as to provide the assembled door handle with indictor lights withwaterproof and electricity leakage prevention characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Li-Hua Shi
  • Patent number: 7448781
    Abstract: An external mirror includes an indicator light and a case with a protruding portion whose outer face is arranged more outside than an outer face of the indicator light. Even when the external mirror hits or bumps against an obstacle, the protruding portion is the first and likely only portion which hits or bumps against the obstacle thereby preventing the indicator light from being damaged. Therefore, the indicator light will have to be replaced less frequently, thereby reducing a burden on the user. Typically, the protruding portion is provided below the indicator light. Accordingly, the indicator light can be strongly protected with respect to the contact from a lower side of the external mirror, where there are generally a relatively large number/percentage of obstacles. Preferably, the indicator light has a convex surface lens which protrudes toward outside of the external mirror. Preferably, the protruding portion has a ridge line between an upper face and a lower face of the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mamoru Kagawa
  • Patent number: 7431485
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for a vehicle includes an elongated base plate having an inner surface and an outer surface. The base plate includes at least one opening. The lighting assembly further includes at least one light source adapted to be mounted to the base plate at the opening. The base plate is configured to be mounted and to conform aerodynamically to an exterior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: SportRack LLC
    Inventors: Ronald G. Saward, William R. Henderson, John H. Harberts
  • Patent number: 7416320
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that makes it possible to make following cars aware when a door is open and simultaneously illuminate a feet area, including, a lens that is attached at a door position that faces the feet area when a vehicle door is open, and a light guide member that is attached at a door position that faces following cars. One or more LEDs for the feet area are provided on the inner side of the lens, and one or more LEDs for the rear direction are provided that irradiate light on the light guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Toyota Gosei Co.,Ltd
    Inventors: Koji Sakiyama, Hiroshi Iwata, Shigeru Yabuya, Takahiko Sato
  • Publication number: 20080170406
    Abstract: A structure of car door guard mainly comprises a one-piece pad for maximum cushioning; the characteristic lies in: an illuminant strip is snugly fitted in a furrow cut along the length of the pad. The illuminant strip would allow the structure glowing while being connected to power source. The structure can be mounted on doors of any cars for maximum cushioning and/or embellishment as it would glow to make the car doors glistening at night so as to provide alert and irradiate the car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Yi-Tzu Lan
  • Patent number: 7400232
    Abstract: A vehicle grab handle is provided to assist entry into the vehicle, such as an RV, semi tractors, emergency vehicles, utility vehicles, construction equipment and agriculture equipment and other vehicles. The handle includes a pair of spaced apart end bases and a grab bar extending between the bases. A keypad is provided in one of the bases to provide keyless entry into the vehicle or other controls of the vehicle. An LED is provided in the opposite end base so as to illuminate the grab bar. Multiple LEDs having different colors may be provided, with electrical circuitry connected to the door lock and to a vehicle alarm so that solid or blinking lights and different colored lights provide a visual display corresponding to the locked or unlocked status of the door, the activated or deactivated status of the alarm, or status of other vehicle accessories including diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: TriMark Corporation
    Inventors: Anita L. Reichling, Dave Magner, Daniel J. De Boer
  • Publication number: 20080123359
    Abstract: An illuminated display system for a vehicle provides a display area for a display on a vehicle and an illumination housing which provides illumination, using light emitting diodes (LEDs), of the display in the display area. The LEDs are disposed in an illumination container disposed within the illumination housing and are connected to an actuator for a light in the vehicle. A circuit connecting the LEDs has a resistor disposed thereon, the resistance of the resistor being determined by the colour of the illumination provided by the LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Frederik-Andre Larochelle
  • Patent number: 7333021
    Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus for a vehicle door includes: a door handle secured to an outer surface of the vehicle door, the door handle being manipulated by a user for opening and closing the vehicle door; an operation detecting portion for checking whether the door handle is manipulated to open or close the vehicle door, the operation detecting portion being provided in the door handle; a controller establishing locking and unlocking conditions of the vehicle door on the basis of user's intensions; and a light emitting device provided in the door handle, the light emitting device being driven by the controller to emit light beams to and away from the outer surface of the vehicle door depending on the respective conditions of the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Ieda, Takeshi Ito
  • Patent number: 7299892
    Abstract: A door trim speaker grille with an electroluminescent lamp for use with an audio speaker of a vehicle. The electroluminescent lamp is positioned for emitting visible light through sound passages in the speaker grille. In certain embodiments of the invention, the electroluminescent lamp may be integrally molded with the speaker grille. One method of forming the door trim speaker grille is by an injection molding process that places the electroluminescent lamp as an insert in the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bogdan Radu, Alan G Dry, David Dooley
  • Patent number: 7300190
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor unit of a door handle device is universally adaptable to door handles of various different designs. The vehicle door handle device, having an electrostatic capacitance detection circuit incorporated in a grip portion thereof, includes a sensor unit having a detection circuit insert molded in a plastic member, a hollow cavity formed in the grip portion to receive the sensor unit, and a retaining member made of plastic material for retaining the sensor unit in the cavity. By suitably changing the shape of the retaining member, the sensor unit can be adapted to door handles of different designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Masakatsu Nitawaki, Hitoshi Kawano
  • Patent number: 7278767
    Abstract: A door mirror comprising a mirror portion and a side blinker which is one example of lamp bodies allows easily performed maintenance for the side blinker. A second opening is formed on the back side of a mirror housing with fixing pieces formed on the second opening. A lamp unit integrates a lens portion with the back face of a base body having an inner base and an outer base which covers the front face of the inner base. The lamp unit is inserted into the second opening through the back face side of the mirror housing, and fixing pieces of the lamp unit and the mirror housing-fixing pieces are tightened by screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Takahashi, Yosuke Fukasawa, Motosuke Ishizawa, Takao Umezawa
  • Patent number: 7270452
    Abstract: A light emitting handle includes a handle body, a light emitting device mounted on the handle body to emit light outward, and a light guide device mounted on the handle body to guide and reflect the light of the light emitting device outward from the handle body. The light emitting handle is mounted on the door of a car or on two sides of the tail portion of a motorcycle. Thus, the light emitting handle emits light outward constantly so that the light emitting handle has a lightening effect when the car or motorcycle is turned around so as to provide a warning effect to other person, thereby preventing the car or motorcycle from incurring a traffic accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Yu Lin Enterprise Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ming-Cheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20070206388
    Abstract: A door handle portion illumination system for illuminating a door handle portion including a door handle, and a concave portion that is formed on a vehicle body in a position which lies at the rear of the door handle, the door handle portion illumination system including a light transmitting element that is incorporated in the door handle and which includes a luminous surface including, in turn, an area which is exposed on a front side of the door handle and an area which faces an edge portion of the concave portion, and a light source which emits a light that is introduced into the light transmitting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Misawa, Mitsuhiro Nawashiro
  • Patent number: 7255466
    Abstract: A vehicular control device includes a trim member having a plurality of graphics for identifying a plurality of manual activation regions and a printed circuit board having a plurality of proximity sensors. Each of the plurality of proximity sensors generates a respective electromagnetic field within a respective manual activation region and is responsive to an object disposed in the respective manual activation region. The printed circuit board is semi-translucent and includes a plurality of illumination elements for illuminating light away from the printed circuit board. A back cover member is adaptable to the trim member for encasing the printed circuit board therebetween. A sealing member is disposed between the trim member and the back cover member. The illuminating light from the plurality of illumination elements is reflected toward the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Schmidt, David A. Hein, Roberto Tomassi
  • Patent number: 7244054
    Abstract: A direction indication light installed on a handle of a car door comprises a body; a front edge thereof installed with a receiving groove; the receiving groove received with a plurality of circuit boards, a light guide plate, and a cover; each circuit board being installed with light emitting body; upper sides of the circuit boards being installed with a light guide plate for receiving the circuit boards; the power wires of the circuit boards serve to light up the light emitting body of at least one of the circuit boards. By the indication light, the periphery of the car is lighted up so that cars at the periphery of the car can keep attention to the state of the car to prevent from collision due to weak view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Po Hung Chou
  • Patent number: 7237933
    Abstract: An automotive interior component including an electroluminescent lamp capable of emitting visible light. The electroluminescent lamp of the component may integrally molded with a polymer body to define a unitary assembly. The interior component may be, for example, a bolster mounted to a door trim panel for concealing an opening in the door panel. The electroluminescent lamp is mounted to the door bolster and emits that visible light, when powered, for illuminating a portion of the door trim panel. A covering may be provided over the electroluminescent lamp through which the visible light is transmitted. The assembly of the interior component and the electroluminescent lamp may be formed by an injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bogdan Radu, David Dooley
  • Patent number: 7226191
    Abstract: A lighted handgrip assembly has a hand grip housing with the lighting system mounted therein, in order to indicate the location thereof. The handgrip housing includes an inner metal tube and outer plastic tube, which are supported in end caps, one end cap secured to each end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Carlos Martinez
  • Patent number: 7204543
    Abstract: A side visor is effectively utilized to perform sufficient ventilation in a car. A cover is attached on a vehicle side visor 21 provided along a window frame 14 of a vehicle door. The cover 31 comprises: a cover attachment portion 32 which can be attached on an outer surface of the side visor and has a lower edge along a lower edge of the side visor; a tabular sealing portion 33 whose outer rim is integrally connected with the lower edge of the cover attachment portion and whose inner rim faces a rolled-up window glass 13; and an elastic material 34 which is attached on the inner rim of the sealing portion and formed to come into contact with an outer surface of the rolled-up window glass. The sealing portion 33 may comprise a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate which is superimposed and attached on the first sealing plate so as to be capable of moving in a car widthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: E'Sam Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuharu Mishimagi
  • Patent number: 7168829
    Abstract: A vehicle rear gate includes a gate panel, a garnish disposed on the gate panel, and a gate handle provided to the garnish. The gate handle can be turnable backward of a vehicle to open the gate panel. There is a stop lamp provided to the garnish, and a stop lamp attaching portion that reinforces the garnish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Nagase
  • Patent number: 7150550
    Abstract: An automotive interior trim assembly having a map pocket with an electroluminescent lamp. The trim assembly comprises a trim panel and a housing that forms at least a portion of the map pocket. The housing is coupled to the trim panel to define a cavity having an opening for accessing the cavity. An electroluminescent lamp is integrally molded to the housing to illuminate the cavity. An injection molding process may be used to form the housing with the electroluminescent lamp as an insert in the mold cavity. The housing is then coupled to the trim panel to form a map pocket in the trim assembly. The housing may be configured as a map pocket closeout or a map pocket insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Radu Bogdan, Alan G Dry
  • Patent number: 7121699
    Abstract: A control illumination apparatus having at least one control and a movable cover positionable over the at least one control. At least one light source is connected to the cover and illuminates an exterior surface of the at least one control with the cover in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Feldman, Robert Mark Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7055997
    Abstract: A light-emitting device indicating a location of an outside door handle comprising a lamp, detecting part, and control part, wherein the lamp is disposed inside a pushbutton. The detecting part detects whether the engine is activated or deactivated and whether the door is opened or closed. The control part turns the lamp on when the detecting part senses that the engine has stopped running and the door has opened. The light-emitting device provides illumination to the pushbutton at the outside door handle in order for the driver, after having exited the vehicle, to easily locate the pushbutton for locking the door in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seung-Hyun Baek
  • Patent number: 7029138
    Abstract: An emergency trunk release handle for an automobile displays the graphics explaining the use and function of the handle by cutting out the material from the handle. Forming the emergency release handle from a phosphorescent plastic material that can be formed by a molding process, such as injection molding, the cut-out graphics show as darkened areas, when viewed in the dark confines of an automobile trunk, to provide a high degree of visibility for the graphics. The graphics are also visible when seen against the dark carpet in the interior of an opened trunk cavity. The formation of the graphics is accomplished by coring the mold in the configuration of the desired graphics and by forming the plastic material in the mold around the cores. The resultant handle structure is thus formed in a cost effective manner that reduces the process failure potential during the manufacturing of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patricia C. Tibbenham, David Dean, Wieslaw S. Zaydel
  • Patent number: 6981789
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transport light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignees: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 6974238
    Abstract: An interior trim component for a vehicle includes a main body having an exterior surface for facing the interior of the vehicle. The body defines an internal cavity formed therein and an opening in the exterior surface. The cavity and the opening are in communication with each other. A source of light is mounted in the cavity such that the source of light is hidden from direct normal viewing within the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, Henry Hsu, Lisa Tucci, Michael J. Berta
  • Patent number: 6919800
    Abstract: A window cornice is designed to fasten to the external top edge of a window frame of an automotive vehicle for providing protection against the rain or sun. The window cornice is provided with at least one light-emitting device which is incorporated into the signal light system of the automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Hui-Pi Wu
  • Patent number: 6874921
    Abstract: A lighting arrangement for the ignition lock of a motor vehicle has a light ring comprising a translucent material and fitted on to the housing of an engine immobilizer of the vehicle. Light-guide extensions in leg form lead to the light ring from light emitting diodes on the circuit board of the immobilizer. Preferably arranged at the side of the light ring which is towards the ignition lock are notches for producing a light-dark pattern, wherein the notch depth and position can vary for the purposes of producing a uniform emission of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alwin Verlage, Lars Baumgarten
  • Patent number: 6866406
    Abstract: A downwardly directed light (38) is mounted within a horizontally extending rubbing strip (24) on a vehicle door (18) below the level of a window in the door and a light is mounted within said rubbing strip. This arrangement illuminates a lower part of the side of the vehicle and the adjacent ground. Its installation does not require any extensive modification to the body panels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Alan R. Starkey, Andrew J. Assinder, Richard G. Teal
  • Patent number: 6854870
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle includes a base, which is adapted to mount to a vehicle, and a handle portion, which is movably mounted to the base. The handle portion is adapted to connect to a vehicle latching mechanism. The handle assembly includes at least one switch mounted to the handle portion and an electrical circuit, which is adapted to connect to a locking control system for the vehicle latching mechanism. The switch is adapted to open and close the electrical circuit to generate electrical signals to the locking control system to unlock the vehicle latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Huizenga
  • Patent number: 6848818
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle comprises a base portion adapted to mount to a vehicle and the base portion has a recessed portion that defines a finger cup area. The handle portion is movably mounted to the base portion and the handle portion is adapted for connecting a vehicle latching mechanism. A light assembly is incorporated into either the handle portion or the base portion for lighting the cup area when the light assembly is actuated. The light assembly conduits light from a light source and projects light in a light pattern whereby at least a portion of the cup area is illuminated with the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Huizenga
  • Publication number: 20040257824
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transport light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicants: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd., Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 6832793
    Abstract: A safety system for opening a deck lid of a trunk compartment of vehicle includes a user operable device 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 user operable device is positioned in the recess and below the plane defined by the perimeter surface such that the user operable device is actuable within the recess. The user operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid of the trunk compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops
  • Publication number: 20040233677
    Abstract: A door handle module of a car optionally illuminates for locating and/or safety purposes. The illuminating portion of the door handle module can be arranged on either the handle portion or the base portion. When the driver unlocks the door, particularly when practiced via a remote car controller, the illuminating portion of the door handle module emits light so that the driver can find the handle portion easily to open the door. On the other hand, when the driver or passenger is ready to get off the car, the illumination portion also emits light to warn the oncoming vehicles or pedestrians to prevent from hitting on the opening door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Wen-Wei Su, Kuei-Hung Chen, Shun-Hsiang Hsiao, Hsien-Jen Wu
  • Publication number: 20040223336
    Abstract: A door opening/closing device for vehicle including a controlling means for controlling a vehicle door locking or unlocking operation by confirming a user's intent for locking or unlocking operation of the vehicle door includes a handle frame provided at the vehicle door, a handle member provided outside of the vehicle door and supported by the handle frame for operating opening or closing of the vehicle door, a handle cap provided outside the vehicle door and supported with the handle frame, a light decorative member provided at the handle cap, a luminous member accommodated in the handle frame and activated by the controlling means in response to the locking or unlocking condition of the vehicle door, and a light guiding means connecting the light decorative member and the luminous member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Murakami, Kiyokazu Ieda, Takeshi Ito, Masahiro Ueda, Eiji Mushiake, Hisashi Inaba
  • Patent number: 6814476
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transports light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignees: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 6793385
    Abstract: The assist handle includes an elongated handle body having opposed ends and an attachment portion extending from each of the opposed ends. Each of the attachment portions is adapted to be attached to the surface of the vehicle interior. The handle body carries a light unit, which is operable to provide illumination to the vehicle interior. Preferably, the handle body is adapted to be hingedly attached to the vehicle interior surface and the light unit is incorporated as a part of the handle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Tiesler, Shu-Hsiung Chou, Richard Alan Mazza
  • Patent number: 6783167
    Abstract: A safety sensing and/or release system for opening a closed compartment of a vehicle comprises a sensing element for sensing the presence of an occupant within the closed compartment of the vehicle, a control responsive to the sensing element, and a release system. The control is operable to provide an output signal in response to a detection of an occupant by the sensing element. The control may be selectably locked to limit providing an unintentional output signal. The release system is operable to open the closed compartment in response to the output signal of the control. The control may be selectably locked in response to an input signal indicative of at least one of the vehicle ignition being on and the vehicle moving, in order to prevent the compartment from unexpectedly opening while the vehicle is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops, Niall R. Lynam, Kevin C. McCarthy, Eric J. Hoekstra, Kenneth Schofield, Eugenie V. Uhlmann, Gimtong Teowee, Brent J. Bos, David W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6763778
    Abstract: A motor vehicle designed to carry a foldable warning triangle that can be removed from the vehicle. The vehicle has an opening defined by a boundary edge and covered by a hatch such as a trunk or hood. The hatch is arranged so that it can be moved between a closed position and an open position. The fold-up warning triangle is secured in an edge portion of the hatch that bears against the boundary edge of the opening when the hatch is in the closed position. A warning surface of the warning triangle is visible to other traffic when the hatch is opened. In a preferred embodiment, the fold-up warning triangle is releasably placed in a recess in the edge portion of the hatch. The recess has a wall interrupted by at least one hole through which the warning surface is visible to other traffic when the hatch is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagnar AB
    Inventors: Åke Bergquist, Göran Larsson, Anders Gunnarson, Simon Lamarre, Karin Reikerås, Kjell Reikerås, Einar Lennartsson, Birgitta Thorsson
  • Patent number: 6758584
    Abstract: A slide lock assembly is provided. The slide lock assembly is primarily for a grab handle assembly having a mounting assembly comprising a cap with a tab and a base with an aperture for receiving the tab. However, the slide lock assembly of the present invention may be used with any mounting or similar assembly comprising a base and cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fleming Sales Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Bach, Peter Valentino
  • Publication number: 20040085755
    Abstract: A doorknob having a graspable knob portion that includes a graspable knob portion having a power source, an illumination source, and a controller for controlling the flow of power between the illumination source provided therein; the power source being selected from various power source types including nickel cadmium batteries, regular batteries, solar panels for charging rechargeable batteries, etc.; the control circuitry including on/off switches, dimmer on/off switches, light sensing circuitry with relays, etc.; the light source including piezo crystals with charging circuits, LEDs, lasers, fiber optics, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Karen Denise Dupont
  • Publication number: 20040076014
    Abstract: A slide lock assembly is provided. The slide lock assembly is primarily for a grab handle assembly having a mounting assembly comprising a cap with a tab and a base with an aperture for receiving the tab. However, the slide lock assembly of the present invention may be used with any mounting or similar assembly comprising a base and cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Kent Bach, Peter Valentino
  • Patent number: 6692056
    Abstract: A user operable release system for a trunk compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk compartment of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the deck lid by a user within the trunk compartment. The release system includes a user actuable input device for actuating a release mechanism of the deck lid in order to open the compartment, a housing, and at least one illumination source, which is operable to provide illumination for the user actuable input device. The housing includes at least one wall defining a recess and a perimeter surface at an outer edge of the recess. The user actuable input device is positioned within the recess such that the user actuable input device is within the recess inwardly of the perimeter surface. The illumination source is positioned at the housing and/or at the user actuable input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20040004833
    Abstract: A light device a base received in a housing and having a conductor disposed on the upper portion and having a seat supported above the base with one or more spring blades and movable downwardly beyond the conductor. A casing includes a circuit board, a light member attached to the circuit board, a panel, and one or more batteries coupled to the circuit board for energizing the light member. The panel includes two conductors coupled to the circuit board and forceable to engage with the conductor of the base when the casing is forced or depressed toward the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: A-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 6659630
    Abstract: A switch (10) for controlling operation of vehicle lamps (e.g., 16) comprises a base (30) and a manually engageable assembly (50) rotatable about an axis (32) relative to the base for controlling operation of the lamps. The assembly (50) comprises a magnetic member (56) that rotates with the assembly about the axis (32). The base (30) comprises at least one magnetic sensor (e.g., 40-44) and control circuitry connecting the sensor with the vehicle lamps (e.g., 16). The magnetic member (56) is rotatable about the axis (32) into a plurality of different rotational positions relative to the sensor (e.g., 40-44) to provide an output signal at the control circuitry (70) that is indicative of the relative rotational position of the assembly (50). The magnetic member (56) is spaced apart from the base (30) to provide contactless operation of the switch (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Becker
  • Patent number: 6648493
    Abstract: An external actuating mechanism for vehicle doors in doors, hoods, lids or the like, wherein the mechanism includes a handle for opening the door, a locking unit for activating and deactivating the lock, and at least one electrical light source for temporarily illuminating a field of operation of the mechanism. An electrically operated sensor is mounted in the interior of the handle and is connected to the current supply of the vehicle. When an authorized person who is in the possession of a data carrier approaches, the sensor releases a data communication with the data carrier and deactivates the lock after a successful data comparison. A bore in the handle serves as housing for receiving the light source. The light source is connected to the electrical supply lines of the sensor arranged in the interior of the handle. The electronic system of the sensor serves for switching on the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Klein
  • Patent number: 6619824
    Abstract: A warning strip for automobiles in the present invention mainly includes a body, a tape, a circuit board and a transparent cover. Only to remove a tear-off sheet from the tape, and then the warning strip can be attached to an appropriate place of an automobile with cords of the circuit board connected to power source of the automobile to make a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED) of the circuit board emit light capable of being changed with one or more colors and passing through a transparent cover to perform warning function so that other drivers can immediately pay attention to the existence of the automobile and keep safe distance with the automobile so as to avoid car collisions that often happen in low light conditions, thus greatly increasing the safety of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Fu-Cheng Hou
  • Patent number: 6572250
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transports light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignees: Britax Wingard Limited, Britax Rainsford Pty Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Publication number: 20030095416
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle comprises a base portion adapted to mount to a vehicle and the base portion has a recessed portion that defines a finger cup area. The handle portion is movably mounted to the base portion and the handle portion is adapted for connecting a vehicle latching mechanism. A light assembly is incorporated into either the handle portion or the base portion for lighting the cup area when the light assembly is actuated. The light assembly conduits light from a light source and projects light in a light pattern whereby at least a portion of the cup area is illuminated with the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: David J. Huizenga