Patent · US Active

Vehicle grab handle assembly

US8424954B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by

18References

18Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

Ian Brewster Hall · Ann Arbor, US
John Pinkerton · Canton, US
Sarah Certeza · Grosse Pointe Farms, US

Key dates

Filing date	Apr 1, 2011
Grant date	Apr 23, 2013
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Apr 1, 2031

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB60N2/78
WIPO fieldTransport
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle having a handle assembly with a lateral wall adapted to be mounted to a vehicle interior door trim is provided. The lateral wall has a top surface and a distal end offset from the top surface. A weakened portion is formed into the lateral wall for reducing the lateral stiffness of the handle assembly. The weakened portion is disposed adjacent the top surface and extends to the door trim to form a generally continuous top appearance surface. Upon a lateral force, the handle deforms along the weakened portion and the lateral wall rotates about the distal end, thereby promoting buckling in order to absorb energy and minimize the risk of passenger injury.

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