Intuitive control system for power assisted vehicle doors
First Claim
1. A vehicle door mounted in a door frame for movement between open and closed positions, comprising:
- a latch assembly moveable between latched and unlatched positions;
a lock assembly moveable between locked and unlocked positions;
a power unit mounted in the door with opposite ends connected to the door and the door frame;
a joystick on an interior side of the door;
the joystick being pivotal about first and second perpendicular axes;
whereby pivotal movement of the joystick about the first axis actuates the latch and lock assemblies; and
whereby pivotal movement of the joystick about the second axis actuates the power unit to open and closed the door.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A heavy vehicle door or ramp is opened and closed using an intuitive control system. The door includes a latch assembly, a lock assembly, and a power unit to assist in opening and closing the door. The door includes an interior joy stick handle and an exterior lever handle. From outside the vehicle, the door is opened and closed by pivoting the lever handle downwardly and upwardly, respectively. From the interior of the vehicle, the joy stick handle is pulled inwardly to close the door and push outwardly to open the door. Pivoting the joystick handle forwardly engages the blast locks, while pivoting the joystick handle rearwardly unlatches the latch assembly and disengages the blast locks. The power assist unit is actuated by pivotal movement of the outside door handle and lateral pivotal movement of the interior joystick handle. Perimeter bump strips offer safety functions to prevent injuries when remote function is active.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A vehicle door mounted in a door frame for movement between open and closed positions, comprising:
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a latch assembly moveable between latched and unlatched positions; a lock assembly moveable between locked and unlocked positions; a power unit mounted in the door with opposite ends connected to the door and the door frame; a joystick on an interior side of the door; the joystick being pivotal about first and second perpendicular axes; whereby pivotal movement of the joystick about the first axis actuates the latch and lock assemblies; and whereby pivotal movement of the joystick about the second axis actuates the power unit to open and closed the door. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. The vehicle door of claim further comprising a shaft connected to the lock assembly and having an outer end extending outside the door, and a second joystick from a second similarly equipped vehicle door being mountable on the outer end of the shaft and pivotal to unlock the door for opening without actuation of the power unit.
Specification