U.S. patent application number 09/772167 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-09 for motor vehicle grab handle.
Invention is credited to Grey, Jason John.
Application Number | 20010011836 09/772167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9884807 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010011836 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grey, Jason John |
August 9, 2001 |
Motor vehicle grab handle
Abstract
A motor vehicle (1) with a grab handle (6), for a passenger
compartment (12). The grab handle (6) is secured to a support, such
as a roof panel (14), via a pair of pivot points (16) so that the
grab handle (6) may be rotated (3) to extend away from the
surrounding surface (10) to an extended position (31) or retracted
toward the surrounding surface (10) to a retracted position (11). A
proximity sensor (24) senses the presence of a hand when
sufficiently near the grab handle (6), and an actuator, responsive
to the proximity sensor, is arranged to extend (3) automatically
the grab handle (6) when the proximity sensor (24) senses the
presence of a hand near the grab handle (6). The actuator may also
automatically retract the grab handle (6) when the proximity sensor
(24) does not sense the presence of a hand near the grab handle (6)
for a predetermined period of time.
Inventors: |
Grey, Jason John;
(Gloucester, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS & BUJOLD, P.L.L.C.
500 NORTH COMMERCIAL STREET
FOURTH FLOOR
MANCHESTER
NH
03101
US
|
Family ID: |
9884807 |
Appl. No.: |
09/772167 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/214 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 16/4554 20150115;
B60N 3/023 20130101; Y10T 16/44 20150115; B60N 2/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/214 |
International
Class: |
B60J 007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 3, 2000 |
GB |
0002363.0 |
Claims
Wherefore, We/I claim:
1. A motor vehicle comprising: a vehicle compartment; a grab
handle; a surface extending about the grab handle with the surface
being located within the compartment; a handle support carried by
the surface, the grab handle being movably attached to the handle
support so that the grab handle may be one of moved away from the
surface to an extended position, to facilitate grabbing of the grab
handle by a passenger of the vehicle, and moved toward the surface
to a stowed retracted position; a proximity sensor for sensing a
presence of a hand when located sufficiently near the grab handle;
and an actuator coupled to the grab handle and to the proximity
sensor for moving the grab handle in response to sensing by the
proximity sensor; wherein the actuator automatically extends the
grab handle when the proximity sensor senses the presence of a hand
sufficiently near the grab handle.
2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is
controlled to automatically retract the grab handle when the
proximity sensor does not sense, for a predetermined period of
time, the presence of a hand sufficiently near the grab handle.
3. The motor vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is
electrically powered to drive the grab handle toward the retracted
position once the proximity sensor no longer senses, for a
predetermined period of time, the presence of a hand near the grab
handle.
4. The motor vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the actuator
biases the grab handle toward the extended position, a retention
mechanism is provided for retaining the grab handle in the
retracted position, and the retention mechanism is released once
the proximity sensor senses a hand sufficiently near the grab
handle.
5. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is
electrically powered to drive the grab handle toward the extended
position when the proximity sensor senses the presence of a hand
sufficiently near the grab handle.
6. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the actuator
both automatically extends the grab handle, when the proximity
sensor senses the presence of a hand sufficiently near the grab
handle, and automatically retracts the grab handle, when the
proximity sensor does not sense the presence of a hand sufficiently
near the grab handle for a predetermined period of time, and the
extension motion of the grab handle occurs faster than the
retraction motion of the grab handle.
7. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the grab handle
is moved into the retracted position by a passenger pressing the
grab handle toward the surface.
8. The motor vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the actuator
biases the grab handle toward the retracted position, a retention
mechanism is provided for retaining the grab handle in the extended
retracted position, and the retention mechanism is released when
the proximity sensor no longer senses a hand sufficiently near the
grab handle for a predetermined period of time.
9. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the actuator
comprises a damper to control movement of the grab handle toward
the extended position of the grab handle.
10. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the grab handle
is stored flush with the surface when the grab handle is in the
retracted position.
11. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the proximity
sensor is supported by the grab handle.
12. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the proximity
sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.
13. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the proximity
sensor is a capacitance sensor.
14. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the actuator
moves the grab handle to the retracted position only once the
sensor no longer senses a hand near the grab handle for a
predetermined period of time.
15. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the
predetermined period of time is between one to ten seconds.
16. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein a duration of
the predetermined period of time is increased if a door associated
with the grab handle is opened during the predetermined period of
time.
17. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the actuator
automatically extends the grab handle to the extended position
whenever a door associated with the grab handle is opened.
18. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the proximity
sensor is arranged to sense the presence of the hand of the
passenger when the hand is located is located at a distance of
about 4 inches or less from the proximity sensor.
19. A motor vehicle having a vehicle compartment, and the vehicle
compartment comprising: a surface being located within the
compartment; a handle support means carried by surface; a grab
handle means being coupled to the surface by the handle support
means for movement away from the surface to an extended position,
to facilitate grabbing of the grab handle means by a passenger of
the vehicle, and for movement toward the surface to facilitate
storage of the grab handle means in a stowed retracted position; a
proximity sensor means for sensing when a hand of a passenger is
located sufficiently near the grab handle means; an actuator means
electrically coupled to the proximity sensor means for moving the
grab handle means when the proximity sensor means senses the hand
of the passenger sufficiently near the grab handle means; and a
computer means, coupled to the proximity sensor means and the
actuator means, for controlling operation of the actuator means;
wherein the actuator means automatically extends the grab handle,
to the extended position, when the proximity sensor senses the
presence of the hand sufficiently near the grab handle means.
20. A motor vehicle having a vehicle compartment, and the vehicle
compartment comprising: a surface being located within the
compartment; a handle support carried by surface; a grab handle
being coupled to the surface by the handle support for movement
away from the surface to an extended position, to facilitate
grabbing of the grab handle by a passenger of the vehicle, and for
movement toward the surface to facilitate storage of the grab
handle in a stowed retracted position; a proximity sensor for
sensing when a hand of a passenger is located sufficiently near the
grab handle; an actuator electrically coupled to the proximity
sensor for moving the grab handle when the proximity sensor senses
the hand of the passenger sufficiently near the grab handle; and a
computer, coupled to the proximity sensor and the actuator, for
controlling operation of the actuator in response to sensing of the
hand by the proximity sensor; wherein the actuator automatically
extends the grab handle, to the extended position, when the
proximity sensor senses the presence of the hand at a distance of
about 4 inches or less from the proximity sensor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a grab handle for a
passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Grab handles are common in motor vehicles. For example, in a
motor car, there may be three grab handles inside the passenger
compartment projecting in use generally downwards from the
headlining above three passenger doors. Unfortunately, the grab
handles can restrict the head space inside the passenger
compartment. Therefore, it is known to provide a grab handle which
is hinged to the passenger compartment ceiling, and spring loaded
so as to retract against the headlining when not in use. A
passenger may then pull the grab handle downward and hold on to
this as required during travel within the motor vehicle or when
entering into or exiting from the motor vehicle. However, it can
often be difficult to grab hold of such a grab handle when a
passenger enters the vehicle.
[0003] One problem with such retracting hinged grab handles is that
there is an inevitable compromise between how flush the grab handle
is with the headlining, and how easy it is for a passenger to grab
hold of the grab handle. Although a passenger may have plenty of
time to grab hold of the grab handle, when entering into or leaving
from the passenger compartment, it may be more difficult to pull
down the grab handle quickly while the vehicle is moving, as may be
required if the vehicle suddenly corners.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Wherefore it is an object of the present invention to,
overcome the above noted drawbacks associated with the prior art
grab handles.
[0005] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
more convenient grab handle for a motor vehicle.
[0006] Accordingly, the invention provides a motor vehicle
comprising: a grab handle; a surface within a compartment of the
vehicle, the surface extending about the grab handle; a handle
support, the grab handle being movably attached to the support so
that the grab handle may be extended away from the surface to an
extended position or retracted toward the surface to a retracted
position; a proximity sensor for sensing the presence of a hand
near the grab handle; and an actuator for moving the grab handle,
the actuator being responsive to the proximity sensor; wherein the
actuator automatically extends the grab handle when the proximity
sensor senses the presence of a hand near the grab handle.
[0007] The grab handle is, therefore, automatically made available
when it is needed. In addition, there is no need for a button or
some other form of manual release to extend the grab handle. This
is convenient for users of a grab handle, particularly at night
when is may be difficult to see, touch or activate such a manual
release mechanism.
[0008] Preferably, the actuator also automatically retracts the
grab handle when the proximity sensor does not sense the presence
of a hand near the grab handle.
[0009] The surface may be within a passenger compartment of the
vehicle, or other vehicle compartment, such as the car's trunk. If
the grab handle is above a seated passenger, then the grab handle
may be above a door or a window, extending generally downward from
a headlining. Other examples of grab handles are handles in the
backs of seats, or extending from a pillar that extend to the roof
of the vehicle.
[0010] The proximity sensor may be incorporated in a surface
adjacent the grab handle, but preferably the proximity sensor is
located within the grab handle.
[0011] The support may be a structural member of the motor vehicle,
for example a roof panel or a side pillar extending to the roof.
The support may, however, be a solid but non-structural component,
such as a seat back for example.
[0012] The actuator may be electrically powered in both directions
of movement. According to one embodiment of the invention, however,
the actuator is electrically powered in just one direction, and
then returned in the opposite direction under the action of a
mechanically or pneumatically powered actuator which stores energy
from the electrically powered motion, and which applies a biasing
force to the grab handle.
[0013] In one embodiment, the actuator is electrically powered, for
example by a small electrical motor or a solenoid, to drive the
grab handle toward the retracted position when the proximity sensor
no longer senses the presence of a hand near the grab handle. It is
not necessary for the actuator to be electrically powered in the
opposite direction. For example, the actuator may bias the grab
handle toward the extended position with the grab handle being
retained in the retracted position by a retention mechanism which
is released when the proximity sensor senses a hand is near the
grab handle.
[0014] According to another embodiment, the actuator is
electrically powered to drive the grab handle toward its extended
position when the proximity sensor senses the presence of a hand
near the grab handle. Once this has occurred, the actuator then
biases the grab handle toward the retracted position while the grab
handle is retained in the extended position by a retention
mechanism and the retention mechanism releases the grab handle when
the proximity sensor no longer senses a hand near the grab handle
for a predetermined period of time.
[0015] The bias may be a spring bias provided by a spring mechanism
that is loaded by the electrically powered movement toward either
the retracted position or the extended position. A spring can
therefore be used to store energy from an electrical motor used to
extend the grab handle when use of the grab handle is desired.
[0016] The retention mechanism may be a catch, which is
automatically released in response to the presence or the absence
of a hand detected by the proximity sensor.
[0017] In either case, the actuator may comprise a damper to
control movement of the grab handle toward the extended position or
the retracted position under the action of the biasing force.
[0018] The actuator need not, however, be automatically moved in
both directions. For example, if the grab handle is automatically
moved to the extended position, then the grab handle may be
manually retracted by pressing the grab handle toward the surface.
This may allow some cost savings in the construction of the
actuator.
[0019] If the actuator both automatically extends the grab handle,
when the proximity sensor senses the presence of a hand near the
grab handle, and automatically retracts the grab handle, when the
proximity sensor does not sense the presence of a hand near the
grab handle, preferably the extension of the grab handle is quicker
than the retraction of the grab handle. This has the advantage that
the grab handle is quickly made available when it is needed by a
passenger, and reduces the possibility that some object may
inadvertently be trapped behind the grab handle when this is being
retracted, by giving additional time for the object to be
removed.
[0020] One advantage to biasing the grab handle into the retracted
position is that the retraction motion can be essentially passive.
Therefore, if a hand or other object is located behind the grab
handle, when it is being retracted, the force that can be applied
is limited. This essentially eliminates the possibility of on a
hand, object or other item being trapped by the automatic
retraction motion of the grab handle.
[0021] The grab handle can be made flush with the surface when the
grab handle is in the retracted position. This prevents the grab
handle from being manually pulled out to an extended position. The
flush arrangement may also provide some safety benefit because of
the possible risk associated with any object projecting into a
passenger compartment against which a passenger may come into
contact during a collision.
[0022] The grab handle can be designed to retract as soon as a hand
is no longer sensed proximate to the grab handle, but it is
preferable to avoid premature retraction of the grab handle during
a time interval, following removal of the hand from grab handle,
during which a person may again wish to grab hold of the grab
handle again. Therefore, the grab handle is preferably moved to the
retracted position only once the sensor no longer senses a hand
near the grab handle for a predetermined time delay. The time delay
may be between about one to ten seconds, or so.
[0023] The time delay may be lengthened for situations where a
passenger is likely to grab hold of the grab handle, for example
when a door located near the grab handle is opened during the time
delay.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] The invention will now be described by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of an interior of
a motor vehicle passenger compartment showing two passenger side
windows each of which has a grab handle, according to the
invention, positioned above a window;
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic view through a section of the
motor vehicle of FIG. 1 taken along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic view of the grab handle according
to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 3B is a block schematic showing how the grab handle of
FIG. 3A is controlled;
[0029] FIG. 3C is a flow chart showing how the grab handle of FIG.
3A operates;
[0030] FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic view of a grab handle according to
a second embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 4B is a block schematic showing how the grab handle of
FIG. 4A is controlled;
[0032] FIG. 4C is a flow chart showing how the grab handle of FIG.
4A operates;
[0033] FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic view of a grab handle according to
a third embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 5B is a block schematic showing how the grab handle of
FIG. 5A is controlled; and
[0035] FIG. 5C is a flow chart showing how the grab handle of FIG.
5A operates.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] FIGS. 1 and 2 show views of a portion of an interior of a
motor vehicle 1, such as a motor car, having two passenger side
windows 2, 3 supported by passenger doors 4, 5 of the vehicle 1. A
grab handle 6, 7 is located above each one of the two window 2, 3.
Each grab handle 6, 7 is located within a respective recess 8, 9
formed in a headlining 10 of the passenger compartment 12 of the
vehicle 1. A steel box channel 14 (FIG. 2), which runs the entire
length of the headlining 10 above the passenger doors 4, 5,
provides a secure support for each one of the grab handles 6,
7.
[0037] Each grab handle 6, 7 has a wide elongate U-shaped
configuration to facilitate grasping by a passenger, and the free
ends of each of the arms 13, 15 of the grab handle 6, 7 are
pivotally attached to the box channel 14 by a respective bracket
16, 17, as shown more clearly in FIG. 3A. According to this
arrangement, each grab handle 6, 7 can, therefore, rotate from a
retracted position 11 (FIG. 2), located within the respective
recess 8 or 9, to extend from the headlining 10 downward and inward
to an extended position 31 in the passenger compartment 12, as
shown in phantom in FIG. 2.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the arms 13, 15 of each
U-shaped grab handle 6, 7 are pivotally connected, by an axle or
shaft 18, 19, to a corresponding U-shaped bracket 16, 17. One of
the axles or shafts 18 has a coil spring mechanism 20 which spring
biases the grab handle 6 downward into the extended position 31.
The second axle or shaft 19 is connected to a retention mechanism,
here an activatable catch 21, that retains the grab handle 6 in the
retracted position 11 but which can be activated to release the
axle or shaft 19, and hence the grab handle 6 out of and away from
the recess 8 so that the grab handle 6 extends into the passenger
compartment 12 under the action of the spring 20. A central portion
22 of the grab handle 6 has an ultrasonic sensor 24 that
periodically directs ultrasonic waves 26 into the passenger
compartment 12. Any ultrasonic wave(s) that is reflected 28 back
from the passenger compartment waves 28 have a sufficient
intensity, then this is a good indication that a passenger of the
vehicle has his or her hand (not shown) located sufficiently
proximate to the grab handle 6.
[0039] FIGS. 3B and 3C show how the grab handle 6 is arranged to
extend automatically when the ultrasonic sensor 24 senses the
presence of a hand sufficiently near or adjacent the grab handle 6.
The grab handle 6 operates under the control of a microprocessor 32
which receives a signal 30, from the ultrasonic sensor 24,
indicating the strength of any reflected ultrasonic waves 28. The
microprocessor 32 also receives a signal 38 from the catch 21
indicating whether or not the catch 21 is engaged or disengaged
with the grab handle 6. The microprocessor 32 includes control
software that first tests, at step 40 (FIG. 3C), whether or not the
catch 21 is engaged. If the catch 21 is not engaged, then this
indicates that the grab handle 6 is extended and thus the computer
software loops back, at 41, and again tests, at step 40, whether or
not the catch is engaged. If a passenger has pressed or forced the
grab handle 6 back up into the recess 8, then the catch 21 will
become engaged with the grab handle 6 and, once the microprocessor
32 detects that this is the case, at 42, the computer software
waits a period of time, at step 43, e.g. two seconds, before again
determining, at step 44 from the signal 30 received from the
ultrasonic sensor 24, whether or not a hand is sensed sufficiently
near or proximate to the grab handle 6. If a hand is not sensed
sufficiently near or proximate to the grab handle 6, then the
computer program again loops back, at 45, to test whether or not a
hand is sensed sufficiently near or proximate to the grab handle 6
via the ultrasonic sensor 24.
[0040] In the event that a hand is again sensed sufficiently near
or proximate to the grab handle 6 at 46, then the microprocessor 32
sends, at step 48, a control signal 36 to the catch 21 to release
the catch. The grab handle 6 then extends, under the action of the
coil spring 20, downward from the headlining 10 into the interior
compartment for use. The computer software then loops back, at 49,
to step 40 to again test whether or not the catch 21 is engaged.
When a passenger no longer needs to use the grab handle 6, then he
or she can press or force the grab handle 6 back up into the recess
8 where it will again be automatically secured in the retracted
position by the catch 21.
[0041] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a second embodiment of a grab handle
106, where components similar to the components of the first
embodiment shown incremented by 100. According to this embodiment,
the grab handle 106 has a capacitance sensor 124 which uses an
electric field 50 to sense or detect the presence of an object,
such as a hand of a passenger, sufficiently near or adjacent the
grab handle 106. The sensor 124 provides an output signal 130 to a
microprocessor 132 which is indicative of an object microprocessor
132 also controls 134 operation of the sensor 124. The grab handle
106 is connected to two U-shaped brackets 116, 117 via two
corresponding axles or shafts 118, 119. One of the axles or shafts
118 is biased by a coil spring 120 to return the grab handle 106
upward back into a retracted position located within the recess
108. The second axle or shaft 119 has a catch mechanism 121 that
retains the axle or shaft 119, and hence the grab handle 106, in an
extended downward position. The grab handle 106 is moved, via an
electric motor 51 connected to one of the axles or shafts 119, from
a retracted position in which the grab handle 106 is retracted
within the recess 108 into an extended position where the grab
handle 106 extends downward and inward into the passenger
compartment 12. In the event that the microprocessor 132 determines
that a hand of a passenger is sufficiently near or proximate to the
grab handle 106, then the microprocessor 132 sends a control signal
52 to the motor 51 to rotate the grab handle 106 to the extended
position 31.
[0042] The operation of the grab handle 106, under the control of
the microprocessor 132, is shown in FIG. 4C. The microprocessor 132
first tests, at step 53 from a signal 138 received from the catch
121, whether or not the catch 121 is engaged. If the catch 121 is
not engaged, then this indicates that the grab handle 106 is
retracted within the recess 108 and thus the computer software,
running within the microprocessor 132, next loops at 54 to test, at
step 55, whether or not a hand is sensed sufficiently near or
proximate to the grab handle 106. Otherwise, if the catch 121 is
engaged, the microprocessor 132 tests, at step 56 from the signal
130 received from the capacitance sensor 124, whether or not a hand
has been out of proximity to the sensor 124 for more than two
seconds. If the hand has not been out of proximity to the sensor
124 for more than two seconds, then the computer software loops
back, at 57, to again test, at step 56, whether or not a hand has
been out of proximity to the sensor 124 for more than two seconds.
Otherwise, if the hand has been out of proximity to the grab handle
106 for more than two seconds, then the microprocessor 132
proceeds, at 58, and sends a control signal 136 to the catch 121,
at step 59, to release the catch 121 in order to retract the grab
handle 106.
[0043] The computer software then proceeds to test, at step 55,
whether or not a hand has been sensed sufficiently near or
proximate to the capacitance sensor 124. If no hand has been
sensed, then the computer software loops back, at 60, to again
repeat this test at step 55. Otherwise, if a hand has been sensed
sufficiently near or proximate to the capacitance sensor 124, then
the microprocessor 132 sends a control signal 52, at step 62, to
the electric motor 51 to drive the motor 51 and hence the grab
handle 106 out of the recess 108 into the extended position where a
passenger may grab the grab handle 106. The computer software then
loops back, at 63, to test again, at step 56, whether or not a hand
has been out of proximity to the sensor 124 for more than two
seconds.
[0044] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a third embodiment of the invention in
which components similar to those in the previous embodiments are
indicated by reference numerals incremented by 200. The grab handle
206, according to this embodiment, has six infrared sensors 222
arranged and spaced along a length of the grab handle 206. Each one
of the infrared sensors 222 contains both an infrared transmitter
and an infrared receiver, with the receiver arranged to detect
scattered or reflected infrared light when a hand is located
sufficiently near or proximate to the grab handle 206. Each sensor
222 sends an output signal 230 to a microprocessor 232 which is
indicative of whether or not a hand is sufficiently near or
proximate to the grab handle 206. The grab handle 206 has two
opposed arms 213, 215 which are each connected to a respective
U-shaped bracket 216, 217 via two corresponding axles or shafts
218, 219. According to this embodiment, a first one of the axles or
shafts 218 is free to rotate, while the second axle or shaft 219 is
driven by an electric motor 251 that also provides an output signal
64 to the microprocessor 232 that indicates whether or not the
motor 251 has driven the axle or shaft 219 either to retract the
grab handle 206 into the recess 208, or to driven the axle or shaft
219 to extend the grab handle 206 downward to project into the
passenger compartment 12.
[0045] The microprocessor 232 also receives a signal 66, from a
door sensor grab handle 206, is either opened or closed.
[0046] FIG. 5C shows how the grab handle 206, according to this
embodiment, operates under the control of computer software running
in the microprocessor 232. The microprocessor 232 first tests, at
step 70, from the signal 64 received from the electric motor 251,
whether or not the grab handle 206 is in the extended position. If
the grab handle is extended, then the computer software jumps, at
71, to check, at step 72, if a hand has not been sensed
sufficiently near or proximate to any one of the sensors 222 for
more than ten (10) seconds. Otherwise, if the computer program
determines, at 73, that the grab handle 206 is not extended, the
computer software next tests, at step 74, from the signal 66
received from the door sensor 65 whether or not the door 4 is
opened or closed. If the computer program determines, at 75, that
the door 4 is opened 75, then it is necessary to extend the grab
handle 206 so that a passenger may use the grab handle 206 to help
gain access into or exit from the vehicle 1. Accordingly, the
microprocessor 232 sends a control signal 252, at step 76, to
activate the motor 251 and extend the grab handle 206 into its
extended position. Otherwise, if the door 4 is not opened, the
software jumps, at 77, to step 72 to test whether or not a hand has
not been sensed sufficiently near or proximate to the grab handle
206 for more than ten (10) seconds. If a hand has been sensed
sufficiently near or proximate to the grab handle 206 within this
period of time, then the computer software loops back, at 78, to
again repeat this test at step 72. Otherwise, if a hand has been
away from proximity to the grab handle 206 for more than ten (10)
seconds, then the computer software, running on the microprocessor
232, determines, at 79, that the grab handle 206 is no longer
needed, and thus sends a control signal 252 to the motor 251, at
step 80, to activate the motor 251 and retract the grab handle
206.
[0047] Once the grab handle 206 is retracted into its retracted
position within the recess 208, the computer software tests, at
step 81, if the door 4 has been opened or if a hand has been sensed
sufficiently near or proximate to any one of the infrared sensors
222. If this test is negative, then the software loops back, at 82,
to again repeat this test, at step 81, until the test is
affirmative, at 83, indicating that the grab handle 206 may be
needed by a passenger of the vehicle 1. The microprocessor 232 then
sends a control signal 252 to the motor 251, at step 84, to
activate the motor 251 to extend the grab handle 206 to its
extended position. Next, the computer software loops back, at 85,
to the step 72 as discussed above.
[0048] The different embodiments of the present invention described
above provide various levels of functionality and convenience for a
grab handle. The first embodiment, shown in FIG. 3A, is relatively
inexpensive to manufacture, as it contains no electric motor but
only an activatable catch 21. The grab handle 6 is automatically
extended using energy stored in the coil spring 20 when a passenger
presses or forces the grab handle 6 back into the recess 8.
[0049] The second embodiment of the present invention, shown in
FIG. 4A, uses an electric motor 51 to power the grab handle 106
when this is extended. Retraction of the grab handle 106 is powered
by the spring bias force provided by the coil spring 120. The
motion of the grab handle 106 is, therefore, fully automatic in
both directions of movement.
[0050] The third embodiment of the grab handle, shown in FIG. 5A,
is also fully automatic in both directions of motion and provides
an additional degree of convenience by automatically extending the
grab handle when a passenger may be entering into or leaving from
the passenger compartment 12 of the vehicle 1.
[0051] According to the above description and appended drawings,
all three embodiments of the present invention fully retract into
the headlining 10 to provide maximum headroom clearance when use of
the grab handle 6, 106 or 206 is not needed or required.
[0052] Preferably the ultrasonic waves 28, the electric field 50 or
the infrared light is directed downwardly into the vehicle
compartment in a direction substantially parallel to a plane
defined by the window and the door. When the ultrasonic waves 28,
the electric field 50 or the infrared light are so directed, this
minimizes the possibility that the proximity sensor will falsely
detect a hand and generate a signal which causes deployment of the
grab handle 6, into its extended position, when the grab handle 6
is not, in fact, required. In addition, preferably the proximity
sensor will continuously monitor the environment by continuously
pulsing or transmitting ultrasonic waves, electric fields or
infrared light into the vehicle compartment or will designed to
pulse or transmit ultrasonic waves, electric fields or infrared
light at a frequency of greater than 2 hertz. According to a
preferred form of the invention, the proximity sensor will be able
to detect a hand of a passenger when the hand is located at a
distance of from about 2 to 4 inches or so from the ultrasonic
sensor/grab handle.
[0053] Since certain changes may be made in the above described
grab handle and handle actuation mechanism, without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is
intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as
examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be
construed as limiting the invention.
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