GB2611814A

GB2611814A - Handle assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2611814A
Application number: GB2114842.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Oakley Matthew; Kellitt Paul; Warburton David
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-18
Filing date: 2021-10-18
Publication date: 2023-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2041-10-18
Also published as: GB2611814B; GB202114842D0

Abstract

The handle assembly 1, particularly for use as a grab handle or door handle of a vehicle, comprises a deployable handle 3 opposing ends of which are pivotally connected to a first and a second support member respectively. The first (and optionally the second) support member comprises a pivot link 27A,27B, pivotally mounted (e.g. to a housing 20A,20B) to deploy the handle. Either or both pivot links may be spring biased towards a retracted position, may comprise a stop 35A,35B for limiting movement of the pivot link and/or a projection 39A,39B for engaging the stop. The or each housing may comprise one or more aperture(s) 45A,45B within which the stop travels. The handle may be resiliently deformable and optionally biases the support members away from one another. Also claimed is a vehicle comprising the handle assembly, e.g. on an internal roof structure, a door or a pillar of the body structure.

Description

HANDLE ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a handle assembly. The handle assembly is suitable for use in a vehicle, such as an automobile. Aspects of the invention relate to a handle assembly and to a vehicle comprising at least one handle assembly.

BACKGROUND

It is known to mount a handle in an interior of a vehicle, for example to function as a grab handle. The handle may be mounted to an interior roof structure of the vehicle. It is known to provide a handle assembly comprising a pivoting handle, but this typically has relatively large dimensions in the longitudinal and vertical directions. An alternative handle assembly comprises a sliding strap which has a lower profile but typically offers reduced hand clearance and may not be appropriate for higher loads. A further alternative utilises a pivoting links connected to a rigid handle. This arrangement may not provide adequate hand clearance.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a handle assembly; and a vehicle comprising a handle assembly as claimed in the appended claims According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a handle assembly comprising: a deployable handle having a first end and a second end; and a first support member and a second support member, the first end of the handle being pivotally connected to the first support member, and the second end of the handle being pivotally connected to the second support member; wherein the first support member comprises a pivotally mounted first pivot link, the first pivot link being pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position to deploy the handle. At least in certain embodiments, the handle assembly can provide improved hand clearance with reduced dimensions compared to prior art arrangements. The handle assembly may be provided in a vehicle. The handle may be a grab handle which, in use, is held or gripped by a user. The handle may be mounted in an elevated position in a cabin of the vehicle.

The handle may be selectively configured in a deployed state and an undeployed state. The handle may be stowed while in the undeployed state. For example, the handle may have a low profile in the undeployed state. The handle may be ready for use in the deployed state. For example, the handle may be configured to be gripped or held by a user in the deployed state.

The handle is deformable to accommodate the pivoting movement of the first pivot link. At least in certain embodiments, the handle is flexible. For example, the handle may be resiliently deformable. In a variant, the handle may comprise one or more hinges to accommodate the pivoting movement of the first pivot link. The handle has a central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis is a major axis of the handle which extends along a length of the handle.

The handle may pivot relative to the first support member about a first handle pivot axis. The handle may pivot relative to the second support member about a second handle pivot axis. At least in certain embodiments, the first handle pivot axis and the second handle pivot axis are at least substantially parallel to each other. The first handle pivot axis and the second handle pivot axis may be substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the handle.

The first pivot link may pivot about a first pivot axis. The first pivot link may be pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position. The handle may be disposed in the undeployed position when the first pivot link is in the retracted position. The handle may be disposed in the deployed position or a partially deployed position when the first pivot link is in the extended position.

The handle assembly may comprise a first pivot link control mechanism for controlling movement of the first pivot link. The first pivot link control mechanism may damp movement of the first pivot link. Alternatively, or in addition, the first pivot link control mechanism may bias the first pivot link towards either the retracted position or the extended position. The handle assembly may comprise a first pivot link spring for biasing the first pivot link towards the retracted position. The first pivot link spring may comprise a coil spring for engaging the first pivot link.

The handle assembly may comprise a first stop for limiting pivoting movement of the first pivot link. The first stop may comprise a first stop pin. The first stop pin may extend at least substantially parallel to a pivot axis of the first pivot link. The first stop may be mounted in a fixed position. Alternatively, the first stop may be moveably mounted, for example to facilitate assembly. The position of the first stop may be fixed in use.

The first pivot link may comprise a first projection for engaging the first stop.

The handle assembly may comprise a first stop locating member for locating the first stop in a first stop position to limit the pivoting movement of the first pivot link. The first stop locating member may comprise a first spring member.

The handle assembly may comprise a first fastener for orienting the first stop locating member such that the first stop is disposed in the first stop position. The first fastener may be configured to fasten the mounting assembly to a body structure.

The first stop locating member may comprise a mounting section for engaging the first fastener; and a stop carrier for engaging the first stop. The mounting and stop carriers of the first stop locating member may be inclined at an oblique angle relative to each other. A first pivot may be formed at the junction of the mounting and stop carriers. The fastening of the first fastener may cause the first stop locating member to pivot about the first pivot. The pivoting movement of the first stop locating member may displace the first stop to the first stop position.

The handle assembly may comprise a first housing. The first pivot link may be pivotally mounted to the first housing. The first stop may be located in the first housing. The first housing may comprise at least one first aperture in which the first stop travels.

The second support member may comprise a pivotally mounted second pivot link. The second pivot link may pivot about a second pivot axis. The second pivot link may be pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position. The handle may be disposed in the undeployed position when the second pivot link is in the retracted position. The handle may be disposed in the deployed position or a partially deployed position when the second pivot link is in the extended position.

The first and second pivot links may operate together to displace the handle between the deployed and undeployed positions.

The handle assembly may comprise a second pivot link control mechanism for controlling movement of the second pivot link. The second pivot link control mechanism may damp movement of the second pivot link. Alternatively, or in addition, the second pivot link control mechanism may bias the second pivot link towards either the retracted position or the extended position. A second pivot link spring may be provided for biasing the second pivot link towards the retracted position. The second pivot link spring may comprise a coil spring for engaging the second pivot link.

The handle assembly may comprise a second stop for limiting the pivoting movement of the second pivot link. The second stop may comprise a second stop pin. The second stop pin may extend at least substantially parallel to a pivot axis of the second pivot link. The second stop may be mounted in a fixed position. Alternatively, the second stop may be moveably mounted, for example to facilitate assembly. The position of the second stop may be fixed in use. The second pivot link may comprise a second projection for engaging the second stop.

The handle assembly may comprise a second stop locating member for locating the second stop in a second stop position to limit the pivoting movement of the second pivot link. The second stop locating member may comprise a second spring member.

The handle assembly may comprise a second fastener for engaging the second stop locating member to displace the second stop to the second stop position. The second fastener may be configured to fasten the mounting assembly to a body structure of a vehicle.

The second stop locating member may comprise a mounting section for engaging the second fastener; and a stop carrier for engaging the second stop. The mounting and stop carriers of the second stop locating member being inclined at an oblique angle relative to each other. A second pivot is formed at the junction of the mounting and stop carriers. The second fastener is secured [tightened/actuated] to cause the second stop locating member to pivot about the second pivot. The pivoting movement of the second stop locating member displaces the second stop to the second stop position.

The handle assembly may comprise a second housing. The second pivot link may be pivotally mounted to the second housing.

The second housing may comprise at least one second aperture in which the second stop travels.

At least in certain embodiments, the handle assembly may comprise a first housing and a second housing. The first and second housings may be connected to each other or formed integrally, for example as a combined housing assembly.

The handle may be resiliently deformable. The handle may be biased towards an undeployed configuration.

The handle may bias the first pivot link towards the retracted position. The handle may bias the second pivot link towards the retracted position. At least in certain embodiments, the handle may bias the first and second support members away from each other to their respective retracted positions.

The first pivot link may pivot about a first pivot axis and the second pivot link may pivot about a second pivot axis. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis may extend substantially parallel to each other. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis may extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the handle. At least in certain embodiments, the first pivot link and the second pivot link may be substantially parallel to the first handle pivot axis and the second handle pivot axis.

The handle may comprise a resiliently deformable member for biasing the first and second support members away from each other.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a handle assembly as described herein.

The handle assembly may be mounted to an internal roof structure of the vehicle. Alternatively, the handle assembly may be mounted to a door of the vehicle; or a pillar of a vehicle body structure.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a vehicle incorporating a handle assembly having a deployable handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the handle assembly shown in Figure 1 with the handle in an undeployed configuration; Figure 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the handle assembly shown in Figure 1 with the handle in an intermediate configuration; Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the handle assembly shown in Figure 1 with the handle in a deployed configuration; and Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the first pivot link for deploying the handle of the handle assembly according an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A handle assembly 1 comprising a deployable handle 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.

The handle assembly 1 is suitable for use in a vehicle 5, such as an automobile. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 5 comprises a body structure 7 having a roof structure 9 supported by a plurality of pillars 11. The vehicle 5 comprises a cabin 13 for occupants. A plurality of doors 15 are provided for ingress and egress to the cabin 13. The handle assembly 3 in the present embodiment is for internal use, for example inside the cabin 13. More particularly, the handle 3 in the present embodiment is a grab handle for mounting in an elevated position inside the cabin 13, for example to one of the pillars 11 or to the roof structure 9.

The roof structure 9 comprises an internal roof structure 17. The internal roof structure 17 in the present embodiment is mounted to the roof structure 9. In a variant, the internal roof structure 17 may be formed integrally with the roof structure 9. The internal roof structure 17 may, for example, be formed by an interior of the roof structure 9. A headliner 19 is mounted to the internal roof structure 17. An A-surface of the headliner 19 is illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4. The handle assembly 1 in the present embodiment is mounted to the internal roof structure 17. A recess or depression may optionally be formed in the internal roof structure 17 for receiving at least a portion of the handle 3.

The handle 3 is selectively configurable in an undeployed state and a deployed state. The handle 3 is shown in the undeployed state in Figure 2; an intermediate position in Figure 3; and the deployed state in Figure 4. The undeployed state may correspond to a stowed configuration when the handle 3 is not in use. In the present embodiment, the handle 3 is at least partially disposed in the recess 19 in the undeployed state. The handle 3 is disposed outside the recess 19 in the deployed state. The handle 3 is spaced apart from the internal roof structure 17 in the deployed state to provide hand clearance to enable a user to grip the handle 3.

The handle assembly 1 comprises a housing unit 20 mounted to the internal roof structure 17.

The housing unit 20 comprises a first housing 20A, a second housing 20B and an intermediate housing section 20C. The first and second housings 20A, 20B could be formed separately and the intermediate housing section 200 omitted. A facing panel 21 is mounted to the housing 20. The facing panel 21 in the present embodiment has a concave profile to provide improved hand clearance for the handle 3. The housing 20 is fastened to the internal roof structure 17 using first and second mechanical fasteners 23A, 23B. The first and second mechanical fasteners 23A, 23B in the present embodiment comprise threaded fasteners, such as bolts, inserted through respective first and second mounting apertures 25A, 25B formed in the housing 20. Other types of fastener may be used to mount the housing 20.

The handle assembly 1 comprises first and second support members for supporting the handle 3. At least one of the first and second support members is operative to deploy the handle 3. In the present embodiment, the first and second support members are both configured to deploy the handle 3. The first support member comprises a first pivot link 27A; and the second support member comprises a second pivot link 27B. The first and second pivot links 27A, 27B are connected to respective ends of the handle 3. The first and second pivot links 27A, 27B have substantially the same configuration as each other and are arranged to pivot about parallel pivot axis. However, the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B are mounted in opposition to each other. In use, the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B pivot in opposite directions to each other. As the handle 3 is displaced from the undeployed state to the deployed state, the distal ends of the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B pivot towards each other. Conversely, as the handle 3 is displaced from the deployed state to the undeployed state, the distal ends of the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B pivot away from each other. In a variant, one of the first and second support members could have a fixed (i.e., non-pivoting) configuration. The configuration of the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B will now be described with respect to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5.

The first pivot link 27A comprises a first anchor pin 29A and a first handle pivot pin 31A. An enlarged view of the first pivot link 27A is shown in Figure 5. The first anchor pin 29A and the first handle pivot pin 31A are disposed at first and second ends of the first pivot link 27A. The first anchor pin 29A is located in a first aperture (not shown) formed in the housing 20. The first anchor pin 29A forms a first pivot axis about which the first pivot link 27A pivots. In use, the first pivot link 27A pivots about the first pivot axis to displace the handle 3 between the deployed state and the undeployed state. The first pivot link 27A is pivotal between a retracted position and an extended position to deploy the handle 3. A first pivot link control mechanism 33A is provided to control the pivoting movement of the first pivot link 27A. The first pivot link control mechanism 33A comprises a biasing means for biasing the first pivot link 27A towards the retracted position. The biasing means may be in the form of a pivot link spring. The first pivot link control mechanism 33A in the present comprises a coil spring disposed on the first anchor pin 29A. Alternatively, or in addition, the first pivot link control mechanism 33A may damp movement of the first pivot link 27A. The first pivot link control mechanism 33A may operate to limit or restrict acceleration of the first pivot link 27A when the handle 3 is released.

Other types of pivot link control mechanism may be employed. The first handle pivot pin 31A defines a first handle pivot axis. In use, the handle 3 pivots relative to the first pivot link 27A about the first handle pivot axis.

A first stop 35A is provided for limiting pivoting movement of the first pivot link 27A. The first pivot link 27A comprises a first stop engaging member 39A for engaging the first stop 35A. The first stop engaging member 39A is a projection which is formed integrally with the first pivot link 27A in the present embodiment. In use, the first stop engaging member 39A engages the first stop 35A to limit pivoting movement of the first pivot link 27A. The first stop 35A comprises a first pin having a central longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the first pivot axis. The first stop 35A is carried by a first stop locating member 41A. The first stop locating member 41A comprises a first stop carrier 43A which carries the first stop 35A. The first stop carrier 43A is configured to locate the first stop 35A in a first stop position to limit the pivoting movement of the first pivot link 27A. The first stop carrier 43A in the present embodiment comprises a biasing means for biasing the first stop 35A towards the first stop position. The first biasing means may, for example, comprise or consist of a first spring member. The first stop 35A is mounted in opposing first stop locating apertures 45A formed on opposing sides of the housing 20. The first stop locating apertures 45A are elongated to facilitate assembly of the handle assembly 1. In particular, the first stop 35A is moveable within the first stop locating apertures 45A to travel past the first stop engaging member 39A to the first stop position.

The first stop locating member 41A comprises a first mounting section 47A for mounting to the housing 20. The first mounting section 47A comprises a first aperture 49A for receiving the first fastener 23A. The first fastener 23A is inserted through the first aperture 49A and secured to fasten the first stop locating member 41A. The first stop locating member 41A is configured to locate the first stop 35A in the first stop position when the first fastener 23A is secured. The first mounting section 47A is inclined at an oblique angle relative to the first stop carrier 43A. During assembly, the tightening of the first fastener 23A causes a pivoting motion which displaces the first stop 23A past the first stop engaging member 39A.

The second pivot link 27B comprises a second anchor pin 29B and a second handle pivot pin 31B. The second anchor pin 29B and the second handle pivot pin 31B are disposed at first and second ends of the second pivot link 27B. The second anchor pin 29B is located in a second aperture (not shown) formed in the housing 20. The second anchor pin 29B forms a second pivot axis about which the second pivot link 27B pivots. In use, the second pivot link 27B pivots about the second pivot axis to displace the handle 3 between the deployed state and the undeployed state. The second pivot link 27B is pivotal between a retracted position and an extended position to deploy the handle 3. A second pivot link control mechanism 33B is provided to control the pivoting movement of the second pivot link 27B. The second pivot link control mechanism 33B comprises B biasing means for biasing the second pivot link 27B towards the retracted position. The biasing means may be in the form of B pivot link spring.

The second pivot link control mechanism 33B in the present comprises B coil spring disposed on the second anchor pin 29B. Alternatively, or in addition, the second pivot link control mechanism 33B may damp movement of the second pivot link 27B. The second pivot link control mechanism 33B may operate to limit or restrict acceleration of the second pivot link 27B when the handle 3 is released. Other types of pivot link control mechanism may be employed. The second handle pivot pin 31B defines a second handle pivot axis. In use, the handle 3 pivots relative to the second pivot link 27B about the second handle pivot axis.

A second stop 35B is provided for limiting pivoting movement of the second pivot link 27B.

The second pivot link 27B comprises a second stop engaging member 39B for engaging the second stop 353. The second stop engaging member 39B is a projection which is formed integrally with the second pivot link 278 in the present embodiment. In use, the second stop engaging member 39B engages the second stop 35B to limit pivoting movement of the second pivot link 27B. The second stop 35B comprises a second pin having a central longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the first pivot axis. The second stop 353 is carried by a second stop locating member 41B. The second stop locating member 41B comprises a second stop carrier 43B which carries the second stop 35B. The second stop carrier 43B is configured to locate the second stop 35B in a second stop position to limit the pivoting movement of the second pivot link 27B. The second stop carrier 43B in the present embodiment comprises a biasing means for biasing the second stop 35B to the second stop position. The second biasing means may, for example, comprise or consist of a second spring member. The second stop 35B is mounted in opposing second stop locating apertures 45B formed on opposing sides of the housing 20. The second stop locating apertures 45B are elongated to facilitate assembly of the handle assembly 1. In particular, the second stop 35B is moveable within the second stop locating apertures 45B to travel past the second stop engaging member 39B to the second stop position.

The handle 3 comprises an elongated section for gripping. The handle 3 has a central longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicularly to the first and second pivot axes. The handle 3 is deformable to transition between the deployed state and the undeformed state. In the present embodiment the handle 3 is resiliently deformable and returns to a rest condition when no load is applied. In the rest condition, the handle 3 may have a substantially linear profile or may have a curved (arc) shape. The handle 3 may be at least partially stowed in the rest condition. The application of a load typically causes the handle 3 to bow, for example to form a simple curve (arc) or to increase the curvature of the handle 3. The resulting deformation provides clearance to allow the user to grip the handle 3. A spring element 51 (shown in Figure 5) is disposed in the handle 3 to provide the desired resilience. The spring element 51 may, for example, comprise a leaf spring. The spring element 51 comprises a metal strip in the present embodiment. The spring element 51 may be made of different materials, such as a polymer or a composite. An outer cover 53 is provided around the spring element 51. The outer cover 53 may comprise a polymer or a fabric. Other materials may be used to form the outer cover 53. The handle 3 may optionally comprise padding to provide improved comfort.

The handle 3 has first and second ends 55A, 55B. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a first connector 57A is provided at the first end 55A; and a second connector 573 is provided at the second end 55B. The first and second connectors 57A, 57B are connected to the first and second pivot links 27A, 278 respectively. The first and second connectors 57A, 578 form first and second lugs (feet) for connection to the first and second pivot links 27A, 278. The first and second connectors 57A, 57B are pivotally connected to the first and second handle pivot pins 31A, 31B respectively. This mounting arrangement enables the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B to pivot between their respective retracted and extended positions.

The operation of the handle assembly 1 will now be described. The handle 3 is extended when in the rest condition (i.e., when no load is applied). The spring force applied by the handle 3 is greater than the forces applied by the first and second pivot link control mechanisms 40A, 40B and the first and second pivot links 27A, 273 are biased towards their respective retracted positions. The handle 3 is biased towards the undeployed configuration in which it is at least partially stowed, as shown in Figure 2. A user applies a load to the handle 3, typically by pulling on an exposed central portion of the handle 3. This displaces the handle 3 away from the housing 20 as the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B pivot towards each other. The pivoting movement of the first and second pivot links 27A, 273 increases the clearance between the handle 3 and the housing 20, as shown in the intermediate position shown in Figure 3. This facilitates gripping of the handle 3 and the user is able more readily to insert their hand into the region between the handle 3 and the housing 20. The pivoting motion of the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B also displaces the first and second ends of 55A, 553 of the handle 3 towards each other. This movement increases the curvature of the handle 3. The pivoting motion of the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B is delimited by the first and second stops 35A, 353. The first and second stop engaging members 39A, 393 engage the first and second stops 35A, 35B respectively, thereby inhibiting further pivoting motion. The first and second pivot links 27A, 278 are displaced to their fully extended configurations and the handle 3 is in the deployed configuration, as shown in Figure 4. In this deployed configuration, a hand clearance of approximately 50mm is achieved in the present embodiment, but this may increased or decreased. As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, a radius of curvature of a longitudinal centre line CL of the handle 3 decreases as the first and second links 27A, 273 pivot from their retracted positions to their extended positions. When the user releases the handle 3, the spring element 51 biases the unloaded handle 3 towards the rest condition having a reduced curvature. The first and second pivot link control mechanisms 40A, 403 control the motion of the first and second pivot links 27A, 27B as they return to their respective retracted positions.

The handle assembly 1 is described herein with reference to application as a grab handle for mounting in an elevated position in the cabin 13, for example to the internal roof structure 9. It will be understood that the handle assembly 1 is not limited to this application. For example, the handle assembly 1 could be provided on the door 15 of the vehicle 5 as an internal door pull handle. The handle assembly 1 could be located to provide lateral support to an occupant, for example mounted to a transmission tunnel or a centre console in the cabin 13.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A handle assembly comprising: a deployable handle having a first end and a second end; a first support member; and a second support member, the first end of the handle being pivotally connected to the first support member, and the second end of the handle being pivotally connected to the second support member, wherein the first support member comprises a pivotally mounted first pivot link, the first pivot link being pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position to deploy the handle.
2. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprising a first pivot link spring for biasing the first pivot link towards the retracted position.
3. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 comprising a first stop for limiting pivoting movement of the first pivot link.
4. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first pivot link comprises a first projection for engaging the first stop.
5. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 comprising a first stop locating member for locating the first stop in a first stop position to limit the pivoting movement of the first pivot link.
6. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 5 comprising a first fastener for orienting the first stop locating member such that the first stop is disposed in the first stop position.
7. A handle assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a first housing, the first pivot link being pivotally mounted to the first housing.
8. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 7 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 3, wherein the first housing comprises at least one first aperture in which the first stop travels.
9. A handle assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support member comprises a pivotally mounted second pivot link, the second pivot link being pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position to deploy the handle.
10. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 9 comprising a second pivot link spring for biasing the second pivot link towards the retracted position.
11. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 comprising a second stop for limiting the pivoting movement of the second pivot link.
12. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second pivot link comprises a second projection for engaging the second stop.
13. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, comprising a second stop locating member for locating the second stop in a second stop position to limit the pivoting movement of the second pivot link.
14. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 13 comprising a second fastener for engaging the second stop locating member to displace the second stop to the second stop position.
15. A handle assembly as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14 comprising a second housing, the second pivot link being pivotally mounted to the second housing.
16. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 15 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 11, wherein the second housing comprises at least one second aperture in which the second stop travels.
17. A handle assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle is resiliently deformable.
18. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the handle biases the first and second support members away from each other.
19. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the handle comprises a resiliently deformable member for biasing the first and second support members away from each other.
20. A vehicle comprising a handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.
21. A vehicle as claimed in claim 20, wherein the handle assembly is mounted to an internal roof structure of the vehicle.
22. A vehicle as claimed in claim 20, wherein the handle assembly is mounted to a door of the vehicle; or a pillar of a vehicle body structure.