Patent · US Expired

Door handle equipped with an automatic retractable flap

US7108301B2 · kind B2 · utility

59Cited by
13References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 11, 2002
Grant dateSep 19, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 21, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T292/57
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A door handle for the side door, rear door or trunk of a motor vehicle, the door handle being fitted with a flap (1) that retracts automatically when the handle is used. The flap is fitted with a sensor (5) that detects the presence of a handle opposite the flap. When the flap is not in use, it is closed in such a way as to be flush with the external surface (2) of the door and it is held in position by a spring recall system. A computer-controlled actuation device is designed to retract the flap at the appropriate moment in order to provide access to the door opening control (8). The flap systems can be connected to an electric or mechanical opening control.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.