US 6,209,933 B1 · Trunk release handle

Abstract

An release handle mechanism for a motor vehicle trunk lid is provided. The release handle mechanism includes a handle, that when activated can release the latch that couples the trunk lid to the vehicle body. The mechanism includes a housing having a plurality of sides. One side includes an inclined surface onto which the handle is pivotally connected such that the pivoting of the handle causes the handle to move outward and downward. The mechanism also includes a light source disposed within one side of the housing. The light source is disposed less than 4 inches away from the handle and is capable of directing light towards said handle as well as the trunk. The handle itself is comprised of a generally cylindrical horizontal portion and a pivot portion that is connected to the inclined surface. In the first embodiment the handle is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer resin, containing a phosphorescent, while in the second embodiment, the housing is made of material with the phosphorescent additive. A method for providing an illuminated handle in a vehicle trunk is also provided in the present invention.

Claims15

Dependent claims

In a motor vehicle having a trunk and a trunk lid, said trunk lid being hingedly attached to said motor vehicle, said trunk lid capable of being latched to said vehicle to create a closed position of said trunk lid by means of a latch, said latch capable of being released to create an open position of the trunk lid, a release handle mechanism for said trunk lid comprising:

a housing;
a handle disposed within said housing capable of releasing the latch, said handle comprised of phosphorescent material;
and
a light source connected to said housing and disposed within the trunk, said light source capable of being selectively activated when the trunk lid is open and capable of directing light towards said handle and said trunk while activated, said light source selectively illuminates said phosphorescent material of said handle such that said phosphorescent material will exhibit phosphorescence after the light source is de-activated;
wherein said housing includes a back wall and an inclined surface extending therefrom upon which said handle is pivotally mounted.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Trunk release handle

Life of this patent

Trunk release handle

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15