Trunk release handle

• US 6,209,933 B1
• Filed: 04/19/1999
• Issued: 04/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Clisham, James F., Bennett, Robert F., Ang, Leoncio C.
• Primary Examiner(s): ESTREMSKY, GARY WAYNE
• Application Number:
  US09/295,114
• Time in Patent Office: 715 Days
• Field of Search: 292/336.3, 292/347, 292/DIG. 38, 292/DIG. 43, 292/DIG. 63, 292/DIG. 65, 292/DIG. 71, 362/84, 362/496, 362/501, 362/100, 40/452, 40/616, 296/76
• US Class Current: 292/336.3
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/30 for compartments other than passenger or driving compartments, e.g. luggage or engine compartments
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/68 using ultraviolet light
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/10 Illuminating devices on or for locks or keys; Transparent or translucent lock parts; Indicator lights
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/106 fluorescent
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/43 Rear deck lid latches
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/65 Emergency or safety
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/57 Operators with knobs or handles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/82 Knobs

Abstract

An release handle mechanism for a motor vehicle trunk lid is provided. The release handle mechanism includes a handle, that when activated can release the latch that couples the trunk lid to the vehicle body. The mechanism includes a housing having a plurality of sides. One side includes an inclined surface onto which the handle is pivotally connected such that the pivoting of the handle causes the handle to move outward and downward. The mechanism also includes a light source disposed within one side of the housing. The light source is disposed less than 4 inches away from the handle and is capable of directing light towards said handle as well as the trunk. The handle itself is comprised of a generally cylindrical horizontal portion and a pivot portion that is connected to the inclined surface. In the first embodiment the handle is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer resin, containing a phosphorescent, while in the second embodiment, the housing is made of material with the phosphorescent additive. A method for providing an illuminated handle in a vehicle trunk is also provided in the present invention.

Claims

1. In a motor vehicle having a trunk and a trunk lid, said trunk lid being hingedly attached to said motor vehicle, said trunk lid capable of being latched to said vehicle to create a closed position of said trunk lid by means of a latch, said latch capable of being released to create an open position of the trunk lid, a release handle mechanism for said trunk lid comprising:

a housing;

a handle disposed within said housing capable of releasing the latch, said handle comprised of phosphorescent material; and

a light source connected to said housing and disposed within the trunk, said light source capable of being selectively activated when the trunk lid is open and capable of directing light towards said handle and said trunk while activated, said light source selectively illuminates said phosphorescent material of said handle such that said phosphorescent material will exhibit phosphorescence after the light source is de-activated;

wherein said housing includes a back wall and an inclined surface extending therefrom upon which said handle is pivotally mounted.

2. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 1, further comprising said light source disposed within 16 inches of said handle.

3. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 1, further comprising said light source disposed within 4 inches of said handle.

4. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 2 or 3, wherein said light source is comprised of an ultraviolet light.

5. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein said handle is comprised of a material selected from the group of polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate/ABS alloys/blends, acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene terpolymers, polypropylene/acrylic alloy, polycarbonate, acrylic polymers, and polypropylene.

6. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein said housing is attached to the inner surface of said trunk lid.

7. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein said handle includes an insert having a base surface and at least one projection and a phosphorescent material disposed in contact with said base surface.

8. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 7, wherein said projection is disposed above said phosphorescent material.

9. In a motor vehicle having a trunk and a trunk lid, said trunk lid being hingedly attached to said motor vehicle, said trunk lid capable of being latched to said vehicle to create a closed position of said trunk lid by means of a latch, said latch capable of being released to create an open position of the trunk lid, a release handle mechanism for said trunk lid comprising:

a housing comprised of phosphorescent material; and

a handle disposed within said housing capable of releasing the latch, said housing is disposed substantially behind said handle and said phosphorescent material of said housing covers an area larger than said handle to provide an appealing visual impression.

10. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a light source attached to said housing.

11. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 9, further comprising an ultraviolet light attached to said housing.

12. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 9, further comprising a light source disposed within 16 inches of said housing.

13. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 9, further comprising a light source disposed within 4 inches of said housing.

14. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 9, wherein said housing includes a back wall and an inclined surface extending therefrom upon which said handle is pivotally mounted.

15. The release handle mechanism as set forth in claim 14, wherein said handle includes a generally cylindrical horizontal portion and a generally cylindrical vertical portion pivotally connected to said inclined surface of said housing.