CA2511073A1 - Illuminated assist assembly - Google Patents

Illuminated assist assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2511073A1
CA2511073A1 CA002511073A CA2511073A CA2511073A1 CA 2511073 A1 CA2511073 A1 CA 2511073A1 CA 002511073 A CA002511073 A CA 002511073A CA 2511073 A CA2511073 A CA 2511073A CA 2511073 A1 CA2511073 A1 CA 2511073A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
assist handle
light
handle assembly
interior
cluster
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002511073A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Scott D. Shields
Clarence P. Lipke
Victor C. Evjen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Intier Automotive Inc
Original Assignee
Intier Automotive Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Intier Automotive Inc filed Critical Intier Automotive Inc
Priority to CA002511073A priority Critical patent/CA2511073A1/en
Publication of CA2511073A1 publication Critical patent/CA2511073A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60NSEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N3/00Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
    • B60N3/02Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of hand grips or straps
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60QARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/20Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for lighting specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments; mounted on specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments
    • B60Q3/267Door handles; Hand grips
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60QARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/60Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects
    • B60Q3/62Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects using light guides
    • B60Q3/64Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects using light guides for a single lighting device

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)

Abstract

An interior assist handle assembly comprising an assist handle, a light cluster secured to the assist handle and a switch to selectively activate the light cluster, wherein the light cluster includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating the interior of a vehicle.

Description

Attorney Docket: 209546-93818 PATENT
ILLUMINATED ASSIST HANDLE ASSEMBLY
Technical Field [0001] The present invention generally relates to assist handles in a vehicle and in particular, to an assist handle assembly with light emitting diodes for illuminating an interior of the vehicle.
Background of the Invention [0002] The automotive industry is increasingly focusing on improvements within the interior of the vehicle. Innovations in technology and design have increased passenger comfort and satisfaction. While innovations in technology may increase overall passenger satisfaction, many innovations require additional space within the vehicle. As a result, the interior space of the vehicle is becoming more valuable and more crowded with accessories.
[0003] One particular area within the vehicle that has seen an increase in accessories is the headliner. For example, one recent innovation is the in-vehicle entertainment system that is attached to the headliner. In some instances, the in-vehicle entertainment system may require a disproportionately greater amount of interior space than other accessories. Unfortunately, the headliner may not be able to accommodate all the accessories. In the case of the in-vehicle entertainment system, the dome light may be moved, or removed, to make room for the in-vehicle entertainment system.
Summary of the Invention [0004] The inventors of the present invention have recognized these and other problems associated with the increasingly limited space within the interior of a vehicle.
To this end, the inventors have invented an interior assist handle assembly comprising an assist handle, a light cluster secured to the assist handle and a switch to selectively activate the light cluster, wherein the light cluster includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating the interior of a vehicle.

Attorney Docket: 209546-93818 PATENT
Brief Description of the Drawings [0005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the interior of a vehicle including an illuminated assist handle assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0006] Figure 2 is a exploded view of an illuminated assist handle assembly isolated from its environment with a reflector cover removed from the assist handle assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0007] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an inner surface of the illuminated assist handle assembly when illuminated by LEDs according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0008] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exterior surface of the illuminated assist handle assembly when illuminated by LEDs according to an embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description [0009] Refernng to the Figures, an interior assist handle assembly is generally shown at 10. The assist handle assembly 10 is mountable to a trim panel 12 on the interior of a vehicle 14.
[00010] The assist handle assembly 10 comprises of a generally arched configuration including a first end 18 and a second end 20. The first and second ends 18, 20 are laterally spaced from each other and joined together by the generally arched intermediate portion 22. The intermediate portion 22 of the assist handle assembly 10 further includes an inwardly-facing surface 24 and an outwardly-facing surface 26. When the assist handle assembly 10 is mounted to the trim panel 12, the inner surface 24 generally faces away from the interior of the vehicle 14 and the outer surface 26 generally faces toward the interior of the vehicle 14. As illustrated, the first and second ends 18, 20 and the intermediate portion 22 may be a one-piece member having a shallow, generally C-shaped or bow-shaped curvature.
[00011] The assist handle assembly 10 may be made from any number of materials. It can be appreciated that the assist handle assembly 10 may be formed from polymers, such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or the like.
The polymers may be any type of polymer, including, for instance, thermoplastic or Attorney Docket: 209546-93818 PATENT
thermoset polymers. Furthermore, the assist handle assembly 10 may be a composite and therefore, include reinforcements, such as, for example, strands of glass fiber.
[00012] The first and second ends 18, 20 are secured to the trim panel 12 by conventional means, for example, by adhesives, such as tape or glue, or by screws. Once the assist handle assembly 10 is secured to the trim panel 12, a gap 25 is formed between the assist handle assembly 10 and the trim panel 12. The gap 25 may be sufficient to allow comfortable insertion of an adult human hand (not shown) for gripping the intermediate portion 22. It can be appreciated that the length, the width and the curvature of the intermediate portion 22 may be any dimension so long as the adult human hand can comfortably and securely grab the intermediate portion 22 of the assist handle assembly 10.
[00013] Refernng to Figure 2, the first end 18 includes a light cluster, shown generally at 28. The light cluster 28 may be secured to the assist handle assembly 10 by any conventional means, including a friction fit, a snap fit, adhesives, or the like.
Alternatively, the light cluster 28 may be in-molded into the assist handle assembly 10 during manufacturing of the assist handle assembly 10. In a further alternative, the light cluster 28 may be integrally formed with the assist handle assembly 10 to form a unitary construction. The light cluster 28 may be made from any number of materials.
For example, the light cluster 28 may be made from a reflective material, such as stainless steel or chrome. If the light cluster 28 is integrally formed with the assist handle assembly 10, the light cluster 28 may be formed from polymers, such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or the like. The polymers may be any type of polymer, including, for instance, thermoplastic or thermoset polymers.
[00014] The light cluster 28 includes one or more light emitting diodes (LED), shown at 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the light cluster 28 contains six LEDs 30, four LEDs 30 forming a flower-like configuration and two individual LEDs 30.
However, it can be appreciated that the light cluster 28 may contain any number of LEDs 30 in any configuration. The LEDs 30 are connected to an electrical circuit (not shown) housed within the light cluster 28. The plurality of LEDs 30 illuminate the area surrounding the assist handle assembly 10 when an electrical current passes through the electrical circuit.

Attorney Docket: 209546-93818 PATENT
[00015] The assist handle assembly 10 further includes a light guide or reflector 32.
The reflector 32 may be attached to the light cluster 28, as illustrated, or may be attached to the intermediate portion 22 of the assist handle assembly 10. The reflector 32 is secured to the assist handle assembly 10 by any conventional means, including a friction fit, a snap fit, adhesives, or the like. The reflector 32 is substantially transparent to allow the light from the LEDs 30 to filter into the interior of the vehicle 14.
Additionally, the reflector spreads the light from the LEDs 30 in many directions. Thus, when the LEDs 30 of the light cluster 28 are energized, the light cluster 28 provides sufficient light to the interior of the vehicle 14.
[00016] Referring to Figure 3, the interior surface 26 of the assist handle assembly 10 includes a light strip, shown generally at 34, along a portion of the length of the inner surface 26. The light strip 34 includes one or more LEDs 30 that are connected to the same electrical circuit as the LEDs 30 in the light cluster 28. Alternatively, the light strip 34 may be connected to a different electrical circuit so that the LEDs 30 of the light strip 34 can be energized independently of the LEDs 30 of the light cluster 28.
[00017] A second reflector 36, similar to reflector 32, is secured to the assist handle assembly 10. The second reflector 36 attaches to the assist handle assembly 10 such that the second reflector 36 is substantially flush with the inner surface 24 of the intermediate portion 22 of the assist handle assembly 10. The second reflector 36 spreads the light from the LEDs 30 of the light strip 34. Thus, when the LEDs 30 of the light strip 34 are energized, the light strip 34 provides a soft ambient light around the assist handle assembly 10.
[00018] Refernng to Figure 4, a switch 38 is coupled to the light cluster 28, the light strip 34 and the electrical circuit. The switch 38 can be engaged to individually activate the light cluster 28 and/or the light strip 34. Alternatively, the switch 38 can be engaged to activate both the light cluster 28 and the light strip 34 simultaneously, as shown in Figure 4. As illustrated, switch 38 may also serves as a cover for screws (not shown) used to secure the assist handle assembly 10 to the trim panel 12.
[00019] It can be appreciated that the amount of illumination provided by assist handle assembly 10 is sufficient enough that both conventional overhead dome lamps and map lights can be replaced by the illuminated assist handle assembly 10 of the invention. As a result, the assist handle assembly 10 reduces the number of accessories located in the i Attorney Docket: 209546-93818 PATENT
interior of the vehicle 14. Thus, the assist handle assembly 10 may reduce the weight and cost of the vehicle 14, without compromising on passenger comfort and satisfaction.
Additionally, the electrical circuit of the assist handle assembly 10 can be programmed to send an electrical current to the L.EDs 30 of the light cluster 28 and/or the light strip 34 when a door (not shown) of the vehicle is opened. As a result, the assist handle assembly may also provide a courtesy light to those entering the vehicle 14.
[00020] While the invention describes the assist handle assembly 10 being secured to the headliner, it can be appreciated that the assist handle assembly 10 may be secured to any number of vehicle trim parts.
[00021] The embodiments disclosed herein have been discussed for the purpose of familiarizing the reader with novel aspects of the invention. Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, many changes, modifications and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. An interior assist handle assembly comprising:
an assist handle;
a light cluster secured to the assist handle; and a switch to selectively activate the light cluster, wherein the light cluster includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating the interior of a vehicle.
2. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 1, wherein the interior assist handle assembly further includes a light strip and wherein the light strip includes a plurality of light emitting diodes.
3. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 2, wherein the interior assist handle assembly further includes an inner and outer surface, and wherein the light strip is attached to the inner surface of the assist handle.
4. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 1, wherein the interior assist handle assembly further includes a first reflector and wherein the first reflector covers the light cluster and guides the illumination from the light emitting diodes.
5. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 2, wherein the light cluster provides a directed light and the light strip provides an ambient light when selectively turned on.
6. An interior assist handle assembly comprising:
an assist handle;
a light strip secured to the assist handle; and a switch to selectively activate the light cluster, wherein the light strip includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating the assist handle.
7. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 6, wherein the interior assist handle assembly further includes a light cluster and wherein the light cluster includes a plurality of light emitting diodes.
8. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 6, wherein the interior assist handle assembly further includes an inner and outer surface, and wherein the light strip is attached to the inner surface of the assist handle.
9. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 6, wherein the interior assist handle assembly further includes a first reflector and wherein the first reflector covers the light strip and guides the illumination from the light emitting diodes.
10. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 7, wherein the light cluster provides a directed light and the light strip provides an ambient light when selectively turned on.
11. An interior assist handle assembly comprising:
an assist handle;
a light cluster secured to the assist handle;
a light strip secured to the assist handle; and a switch to selectively activate one of the light cluster and the light strip, wherein the light cluster and the light strip each includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating the interior of a vehicle.
12. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 11, wherein the interior assist handle assembly further includes an inner and outer surface, and wherein the light strip is attached to the inner surface of the assist handle.
13. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 11, wherein the interior assist handle assembly further includes a first reflector and wherein the first reflector covers the light cluster and guides the illumination from the light emitting diodes.
14. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 11, wherein the interior assist handle assembly further includes a second reflector and wherein the second reflector covers the light strip and guides the illumination from the light emitting diodes.
15. The interior assist handle assembly as in claim 11, wherein the light cluster provides a directed light and the light strip provides an ambient light when selectively turned on.
CA002511073A 2005-06-29 2005-06-29 Illuminated assist assembly Abandoned CA2511073A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002511073A CA2511073A1 (en) 2005-06-29 2005-06-29 Illuminated assist assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002511073A CA2511073A1 (en) 2005-06-29 2005-06-29 Illuminated assist assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2511073A1 true CA2511073A1 (en) 2006-12-29

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002511073A Abandoned CA2511073A1 (en) 2005-06-29 2005-06-29 Illuminated assist assembly

Country Status (1)

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CA (1) CA2511073A1 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2917687A1 (en) * 2007-06-19 2008-12-26 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Assist grip handle for motor vehicle, has control unit integrated into handle and manually and selectively control lighting and extinction of light source, where unit includes buttons forming switches for lighting and extinction of source
NL1035876C2 (en) * 2008-08-27 2009-08-12 Ijmert Benjamin Safety hammer for use in vehicle, has handle positioned in ceiling of vehicle, so that hammer is accessible for passengers, where handle has flashing LED lamp
GB2460141A (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-25 Honda Access Kk An in-vehicle illuminating device
FR2939734A1 (en) * 2008-12-11 2010-06-18 Valeo Securite Habitacle Lighting device for functional unit e.g. interior handle, of motor vehicle, has first luminous display unit locating functional unit of motor vehicle, and second and third display units displaying information indicating position of vehicle
EP2505431A1 (en) * 2011-04-01 2012-10-03 International Automotive Components Group GmbH Handle component of a motor vehicle
CN104302514A (en) * 2012-03-23 2015-01-21 大众汽车有限公司 Arrangement for providing interior illumination for vehicle, and method for production of same
WO2018215720A1 (en) * 2017-05-26 2018-11-29 Renault Sas Grab handle assembly for motor vehicle
FR3068655A1 (en) * 2017-07-10 2019-01-11 Renault S.A.S CARRYING HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
CN110303965A (en) * 2019-07-31 2019-10-08 苏州安通林汽车内饰有限公司 A kind of car roof multifunctional armrest assembly
US20210061469A1 (en) * 2019-08-29 2021-03-04 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Lighted Assist Handle and Coat Hook

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2917687A1 (en) * 2007-06-19 2008-12-26 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Assist grip handle for motor vehicle, has control unit integrated into handle and manually and selectively control lighting and extinction of light source, where unit includes buttons forming switches for lighting and extinction of source
GB2460141A (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-25 Honda Access Kk An in-vehicle illuminating device
US7946742B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2011-05-24 Honda Access Corporation In-vehicle illuminating device
GB2460141B (en) * 2008-05-23 2012-04-11 Honda Access Kk In-vehicle illuminating device
NL1035876C2 (en) * 2008-08-27 2009-08-12 Ijmert Benjamin Safety hammer for use in vehicle, has handle positioned in ceiling of vehicle, so that hammer is accessible for passengers, where handle has flashing LED lamp
FR2939734A1 (en) * 2008-12-11 2010-06-18 Valeo Securite Habitacle Lighting device for functional unit e.g. interior handle, of motor vehicle, has first luminous display unit locating functional unit of motor vehicle, and second and third display units displaying information indicating position of vehicle
EP2505431A1 (en) * 2011-04-01 2012-10-03 International Automotive Components Group GmbH Handle component of a motor vehicle
CN104302514A (en) * 2012-03-23 2015-01-21 大众汽车有限公司 Arrangement for providing interior illumination for vehicle, and method for production of same
WO2018215720A1 (en) * 2017-05-26 2018-11-29 Renault Sas Grab handle assembly for motor vehicle
FR3068655A1 (en) * 2017-07-10 2019-01-11 Renault S.A.S CARRYING HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
CN110303965A (en) * 2019-07-31 2019-10-08 苏州安通林汽车内饰有限公司 A kind of car roof multifunctional armrest assembly
US20210061469A1 (en) * 2019-08-29 2021-03-04 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Lighted Assist Handle and Coat Hook
US11084585B2 (en) * 2019-08-29 2021-08-10 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Lighted assist handle and coat hook

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