Integrated light and grab rail assembly

• US 6,523,888 B1
• Filed: 01/04/2002
• Issued: 02/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Honda Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Honda Motor Company)
• Inventors: Yan, Haithi, Hirose, Toshikazu
• Primary Examiner(s): Dayoan, D. Glenn
• Assistant Examiner(s): ENGLE, PATRICIA LYNN
• Application Number:
  US10/037,819
• Time in Patent Office: 417 Days
• Field of Search: 296/214, 296/215, 164/44, 362/488, 362/490, 362/493, 362/100
• US Class Current: 296/215
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/026 characterised by the fixing means B60N3/023 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/82 Switches specially adapted for vehicle interior lighting, e.g. switching by tilting the lens

Abstract

An integrated grab rail and map light assembly including a handle portion that is secured to a vehicle roof by first and second mounting members disposed adjacent first and second ends of the handle portion, respectively. A light receptacle extends from a second end of the handle portion and has a light assembly disposed therein. The light assembly is covered by a lens that also covers the second mounting member. The lens is pushed to actuate the light assembly.

Claims

1. In combination, a vehicle roof and an integrated grab rail and light assembly, said integrated grab rail and light assembly being adapted for securement to a vehicle roof, comprising:

a handle portion having a first end and a second end;

a first mounting member disposed at a first end of said handle portion;

a second mounting member disposed at a second end of said handle portion;

a light receptacle extending from said handle portion second end and receiving a light assembly; and

,

a cushioning material disposed between a lower surface of said light receptacle and the roof.

2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said first and second mounting members are mechanically secured to the vehicle roof.

3. The combination according to claim 2, wherein said first mounting member is disposed near an end of said integrated grab rail and light assembly and said second mounting member is disposed near a middle of said integrated grab rail and light assembly.

4. The combination according to claim 1, further comprising a lens, said lens overlying said light assembly and said second mounting assembly.

5. The combination according to claim 4, wherein said lens is pushed to actuate said light assembly.

6. The combination according to claim 5, wherein a spacing wall extends downwardly from said light receptacle and into said cushioning material.

7. The combination according to claim 6, wherein said first mounting member includes a downwardly extending finger that extends into an opening in the roof and serves to position the first mounting member relative to the roof and stiffen the support of the integrated grab rail and light assembly.

8. The combination according to claim 7, wherein said second mounting member includes a downwardly extending finger that extends into an opening in the roof and serves to position the second mounting member relative to the roof and stiffen the support of the integrated grab rail and light assembly.

9. An integrated grab rail and light assembly that is adapted for securement to a vehicle roof, comprising:

a handle portion having a first end and a second end;

a first mounting member disposed at a first end of said handle portion;

a second mounting member disposed at a second end of said handle portion;

a light receptacle extending from said handle portion second end and receiving a light assembly; and

,

a cushioning material disposed adjacent a lower surface of said light receptacle and being adapted to absorb impact energy imparted to said light receptacle.

10. The integrated grab rail and light assembly according to claim 9, wherein said first mounting member is disposed near an end of said integrated grab rail and light assembly and said second mounting member is disposed near a middle of said integrated grab rail and light assembly.

11. The integrated grab rail and light assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a lens, said lens overlying said light assembly and said second mounting assembly.

12. The integrated grab rail and light assembly according to claim 11, wherein said lens is pushed to actuate said light assembly.

13. The integrated grab rail and light assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a spacing wall, said spacing wall extending from said light receptacle and into said cushioning material.

14. The integrated grab rail and light assembly according to claim 13, wherein said first mounting member includes a downwardly extending finger that serves to position the first mounting member and stiffen the support of the integrated grab rail and light assembly.

15. The integrated grab rail and light assembly according to claim 14, wherein said second mounting member includes a downwardly extending finger that serves to position the second mounting member and stiffen the support of the integrated grab rail and light assembly.