Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Tops – Standing
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-31
2001-10-30
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Tops
Standing
C296S056000, C292S038000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06309008
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to handle mechanisms, and in particular to a pull handle mechanism for vehicle caps and the like.
Vehicle caps are well known in the art, and serve to selectively enclose an otherwise open portion of a vehicle, such as the open bed of a pickup truck. Such vehicle caps are typically equipped with at least one hinged access door which is shiftable between open and closed positions, and includes at least one closure latch operably connected with an actuator cable to selectively retain the access door in the closed position. Normally, the access door is positioned at the rear of the vehicle cap, and is pivotally mounted thereto along the upper edge of the access door, such that the access door swings upwardly to the open position to access the interior of the vehicle bed.
Heretofore, the handle mechanisms used to manipulate the closure latches on the vehicle cap have normally been of the pivoting type, such as that illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,795, wherein rotation of the handle member tenses and releases the actuator cable. Push button handle mechanisms have also been used for vehicle access doors. While such handle mechanisms are generally effective, they can be somewhat cumbersome to operate, and have a relatively complex construction that is subject to wear and malfunction, particularly in inclement weather conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present is a pull handle mechanism for vehicle caps and the like of the type having a hinged access door with at least one cable actuated closure latch. The handle mechanism includes a base member having an exterior portion thereof closely received in an associated mounting hole, and an interior portion configured with an axially extending slide cavity. A retainer engages the exterior portion of the base member adjacent an interior area thereof, and securely mounts the pull handle mechanism in the mounting hole of the access door. A handle member having a scoop-shaped exterior portion with a finger recess includes a rearwardly extending shaft slidingly received in the slide cavity to permit longitudinal reciprocation therebetween. A biasing member is positioned between the base member and the handle member, and urges the same together. A cable mount member connects the cable actuator with the handle member, such that pulling the handle member outwardly away from the access door tenses the actuator cable and releases the closure latch to permit the access door to be pivoted to the open position.
The principle objects of the present invention are to provide a pull handle mechanism for vehicle caps and the like which has a very natural and comfortable pull motion actuation, as well as an uncomplicated construction that is both very durable and economical to manufacture and install. Preferably, the pull handle mechanism includes a base member that quickly and easily mounts in a single through hole in the access door to provide sole support for the mechanism. A scoop-shaped handle with a finger recess can be easily grasped and pulled outwardly using a quite natural and comfortable motion. A biasing member automatically returns the handle to the locked position when the handle is released. The handle mechanism is efficient in use, capable of a long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
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Bauer Products, Inc.
Carpenter Scott
Pape Joseph D.
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
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