Door assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a door assembly. A door assembly includes a door, and the door includes a first latch member configured to couple with a second latch member mounted to a side post having a cavity. The door assembly includes a push plate coupled to the side post and covering at least a portion of the cavity in the side post. When the door is closed against the side post, the push plate is mounted adjacent to an edge of the door, and the push plate is configured to release the first latch member of the door from the second latch member mounted to the side post in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity of the side post. The door is configured to be opened by pulling a force on an edge adjacent the push plate after a first latch member of the door has been released from a second latch member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the technical field of doors, including vehicle doors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a door assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known for doors to generally have a handle that is mounted to, embedded in, or otherwise secured to the door such that the handle on the door is operable to unlock the door, which then swings open when the door is opened. On vehicles (e.g., cars, vans, airplanes, or boats), typical doors and their handles are designed and configured to unlock the door with the same single pulling motion of a human hand, such as by pulling the handle toward the direction in which the door opens, and then pulling the door open by continuing to pull the handle in the direction in which the door opens. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0004] Figure 1 is a partial side view of a vehicle according to some example embodiments, showing portions of a door assembly.

[0005] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a push plate according to some example embodiments, the push plate having portions corresponding to a door and a side post (e.g., a strut of a vehicle).

[0006] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a push plate according to some example embodiments, the perspective view showing a human hand pushing the push plate into a cavity of a side post.

[0007] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a push plate according to some example embodiments, the perspective view showing a human hand pulling a door away from a side post.

[0008] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a push plate, its corresponding door, and its corresponding side post according to some example embodiments.

[0009] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an enlarged cross-sectional view of a push plate, its corresponding side post, and a lighting feature of the push plate according to some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] According to various example embodiments described herein, a door assembly includes a door including a first latching component (e.g., an anchor or a set of detents) configured to couple with a second latching component (e.g., a set of detents or an anchor complementary to the first latching component) mounted to a jamb having a cavity. The door assembly also includes a push plate (e.g., a hinged flap or other inwardly movable plate) mounted to the jamb and covering at least a portion of the cavity in the jamb. The push plate is mounted adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, and the push plate is configured to release the first latching component of the door from coupling with the second latching component mounted to the jamb in response to the push plate being depressed (e.g., pushed to swing into or otherwise into) the cavity in the jamb. The door is configured to be opened by a force (e.g., a force applied by a human hand) pulling adjacent the edge of the push plate after the first latching component of the door has been released from coupling with the second latching component in response to the push plate being depressed into the cavity in the jamb.

[0011] According to further example embodiments described herein, a vehicle (e.g., a car, a pickup truck, an airplane, a boat, or any suitable combination thereof) includes one or more instances of the above-described door assembly. That is, the vehicle can include a door including a first latching component (e.g., an anchor or a set of detents) configured to couple with a second latching component (e.g., a set of detents or an anchor) mounted to a jamb having a cavity. The vehicle can include a push plate (e.g., a hinged flap) mounted to the jamb, covering at least a portion of the cavity in the jamb, and adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb. The push plate can be configured to release the first latching component of the door from coupling with the second latching component mounted to the jamb in response to the push plate being depressed (e.g., pushed to swing into) the cavity in the jamb. Thus, the door can be configured to be opened by a force (e.g., a force applied by a human hand) pulling adjacent the edge of the push plate after the first latching component of the door has been released from coupling with the second latching component in response to the push plate being depressed into the cavity of the jamb.

[0012] Examples merely represent a few of the many possible variations. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, structures (e.g., structural components) are optional and can be combined or subdivided, and operations (e.g., in processes, algorithms, or other functions) can vary in sequence or be combined or subdivided. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various example embodiments. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present subject matter can be practiced without

[0013] Figure 1is a partial side view (e.g., a partial left side view, a partial driver's side view, or both) of a vehicle 100 (e.g., a car, pickup truck, airplane, or watercraft) according to some exemplary embodiments, the partial side view showing portions of a door assembly incorporated into the vehicle 100. The vehicle is shown as including a door 130 (e.g., a front door) and another door 140 (e.g., a rear door), and a top 101 of the vehicle 100. The door 130 has corresponding windows 111 (e.g., the side windows of the front door), and the door 140 has corresponding windows 112 (e.g., the side windows of the rear door). The door 130 has jambs in the example form of pillars 110 of the vehicle 100. The jambs (e.g., pillars 110) may form all or part of a frame of the door 130 (e.g., a door frame where the door 130 is configured to swing open or closed). Although Figure 1 The jambs of door 130 are depicted as B-pillars of a front door of vehicle 100 (eg, a car or truck), but the discussion may similarly apply to jambs of door 140 , which may be C-pillars of a rear door of vehicle 100 .

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, pillar 110 includes a push plate 120 (e.g., a hinged flap mounted to pillar 110) that completely or partially covers a cavity in pillar 110. For example, the cavity in pillar 110 may be partially (e.g., mostly) covered by push plate 120, while door 130 covers the remaining portion of the cavity in pillar 110. The cavity in pillar 110 allows push plate 120 to be pressed inwardly into the cavity (e.g., so that a switch can be actuated by push plate 120 to unlock door 130). Door 130, push plate 120, and pillar 110 (except for the cavity covered by push plate 120) may be flush with one another (e.g., when door 130 is latched closed against a jamb) and may collectively appear as a smooth surface to a person observing vehicle 100. Push plate 120 may include a light 121 embedded therein (e.g., flush with the outer surface of push plate 120). According to various example embodiments, the light 121 may have any of a variety of shapes (eg, a thin bar, a circle, or a logo of the manufacturer of the vehicle 100 ), and the light 121 may be visible or invisible when not illuminated.

[0015] Figure 2 1 is a perspective view of a push plate 120 according to some exemplary embodiments, showing portions of its corresponding door 130 and its corresponding jamb (e.g., pillar 110 of vehicle 100). As described above, the door 130, push plate 120, and pillar 110 (except for the cavity fully or partially covered by the push plate 120) can be flush with one another (e.g., when the door 130 is latched closed against the pillar 110). Figure 2A door assembly as described herein is shown in an initial state, with the door 130 latched closed, and the push plate 120 also in a closed position (e.g., flush with the adjacent edge of the door 130).

[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the push plate 120 according to some example embodiments, showing a human hand pushing the push plate 120 into a jamb cavity, an example form of a stanchion 110 of the vehicle 100 (e.g., causing the door to be unlocked). In operating the door assembly to open the door 130, the human hand pushes the push plate 120. In some example embodiments, pushing the push plate 120 causes the push plate 120 to rotate about the hinge, which causes the push plate 120 to at least partially enter (e.g., extend) into a cavity within a jamb (e.g., the stanchion 110) of the door assembly.

[0017] As Figure 3 shown, the door assembly as described herein is in an intermediate operating state, with the door 130 still closed (e.g., the free swinging edge of the door 130 in contact with the jamb), but no longer latched to the jamb (e.g., unlocked), because the push plate 120 has been depressed (e.g., by the human hand) into the cavity of the jamb (e.g., the cavity of the stanchion 110), thereby releasing the latch (e.g., releasing the first latch Figure 2 the human hand in the intermediate operating state has overcome the inertial resistance of the push plate 120, as well as any spring resistance (e.g., from the hinge spring) tending to return the push plate 120 to the closed position (e.g., as shown in Figure 2 In some example embodiments, pushing the push plate 120 beyond a preconfigured extent activates a switch that causes the door 130 to be unlocked, and in such example embodiments, Figure 3 the human hand in the intermediate operating state has additionally overcome any switch resistance in activating the switch. However, in this intermediate operating state, Figure 3 the human hand has not yet begun to pull on the edge of the door 130, and thus has not yet begun to overcome any inertial resistance of the door 130 or any spring resistance tending to keep the door 130 closed.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the push plate 120 according to some example embodiments, showing a human hand pulling the door 130 away from the jamb, an example form of a stanchion 110 of the vehicle 100 (e.g., as shown in Figure 2 following the unlocking of the door). As shown, the door assembly as described herein is in a further operating state, with the unlatched door 130 now swung open by the pulling force exerted by the human hand (e.g., grasping and pulling on the edge of the door 130, with the edge adjacent to the push plate 120 in its closed position, as shown in Figure 1 Figure 3 ​The human hand in the present example has now overcome the inertial resistance of the door 130, as well as any spring resistance that tends to return the door 130 to its closed position (e.g., as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 However, in this additional operating state, Figure 3 the human hand no longer overcomes any inertial resistance of the push plate 120 or any spring resistance that tends to return the push plate 120 to its closed position (e.g., as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 .

[0019] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the push plate 120, its corresponding door 130, and its corresponding jamb 520 (e.g., stanchion 110) in accordance with some example embodiments. As shown, the jamb 520 completely or partially includes or otherwise defines a cavity 521, and the push plate 120 can completely or partially cover the cavity 521. The push plate 120 is configured to enter (e.g., swing into) the cavity 521 (e.g., in response to being pressed into the cavity 521). A spring hinge and damper 550 mounts or otherwise secures the push plate 120 to the jamb 520, allows the push plate 120 to enter the cavity 521, provides a spring resistance that tends to restore or otherwise bias the push plate 120 toward its closed position, provides a damping that slows movement of the push plate 120 toward its closed position (e.g., to avoid catching or pinching a human hand after the push plate 120 is pressed into the cavity 521), or any suitable combination of these functions.

[0020] Within the cavity 521 is a switch 540 (e.g., an electrical switch, an optical switch, a mechanical switch, a hydraulic switch, or any suitable combination thereof) that is mounted, coupled, or otherwise secured to the jamb 520 (e.g., stanchion 110). The switch 540 is operable (e.g., activatable or actuatable) to unlock the door 130. For example, the door 130 can include a first latching component 512 that is configured to couple (e.g., latch) with a second latching component 522 within the jamb 520 (e.g., stanchion 110), and the switch 540 can be operable (e.g., by being pressed by the push plate 120) to release the first latching component 512 from the coupling (e.g., latching) with the second latching component 522.

[0021] In some example embodiments, the first latching component 512 is or includes a set of claws, and the second latching component 522 is or includes an anchor, where the set of claws is movable and configured to releasably grasp or otherwise secure the anchor to latch the door 130, and release the anchor to unlatch the door 130. In alternative example embodiments, the first latching component 512 is or includes an anchor, and the second latching component 522 is or includes a set of claws, where the set of claws is movable and configured to releasably grasp or otherwise secure the anchor to latch the door 130, and release the anchor to unlatch the door 130.

[0022] In some example embodiments, the door 130 has a handle 530 that is mounted or otherwise secured to an edge of the door 130 (e.g., along an edge and an inner surface of the door 130), and that is proximate to the push plate 120 when the door 130 and the push plate 120 are in their respective closed positions. The handle 530 of the door 130 can be shaped to provide a degree of safety and comfort to a human hand when the human hand grasps and pulls the edge of the door 130. Further, in certain example embodiments, the handle 530 extends along the edge of the door 130 and terminates at its distal end (e.g., furthest from the hinge of the door 130) in a bumper made of a cushioned, deformable, or otherwise padded material configured to reduce interaction between a person (e.g., a user of the vehicle 100) and the distal portion of the door 130. Thus, the bumper can beneficially protect a person (e.g., a user of the vehicle 100) from being poked by the distal portion of the door 130. For example, the door 130 can terminate in a sharp corner proximate to the push plate 120 when in its closed position, and the distal end of the handle 530 can be or include a soft foam bumper that is aligned with the sharp corner of the door 130.

[0023] In certain example embodiments, the push plate 120 includes a sensing unit 532 that detects whether an operating condition (e.g., the push plate 120 is depressed into the cavity 521) is present. In response to detection of the operating condition, the sensing unit 532 communicates with a lock controller (e.g., on the push plate 120 or elsewhere within the vehicle 100) and causes the lock controller to lock or unlock the door 130.

[0024] Figure 6is a block diagram illustrating an enlarged cross-sectional view of a push plate 120, its corresponding side post 520 (e.g., a stanchion 110), and a lighting feature of the push plate (e.g., a lighting feature including a light 121) in accordance with some example embodiments. As shown, the side post 520 (e.g., a stanchion 110) includes (e.g., contains or has) a light source 610, such as an LED light source. A light pipe 620 (e.g., a light conductor, such as an optical fiber material) optically couples the light source 610 into the push plate 120 and further couples to the light 121 (e.g., an aperture or other light emitter), which can be embedded in the push plate 120. The light pipe 620 can terminate at an outer surface flush with an outer surface of the push plate 120. The outer surface of the light pipe 620 can include a terminal portion (e.g., the light 121) that is transparent, translucent, or opaque such that the terminal portion is configured to emit light. In operation, the light source 610 generates light, and the light pipe 620 conveys the generated light to the light 121, which emits the light received via (e.g., from) the light pipe 620 (e.g., outward into an environment of the vehicle 100).

[0025] In this specification, multiple instances can implement a component, operation, or structure described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more separate operations can be performed concurrently, and operations do not require being performed in the order illustrated. Structures presented as single components and functionalities in example configurations can be implemented as combined structures or components with combined functionalities. Similarly, structures and functionalities presented as single components can be implemented as separate components and functionalities. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0026] Furthermore, the use of the term “if’ in this specification is used interchangeably with other related terms such as “when,” “while when,” “upon,” “might be upon,” or “in response to,” depending on the context. Finally, the conjunctive term “or” as used herein, unless specifically stated otherwise, refers to the nonexclusive “or” rather than the exclusive “or.”

[0027] The following recitations describe various examples of the methods, machine-readable media, and systems (e.g., machines, devices, or other apparatuses) discussed herein. Any one or more features of one example, whether standing alone or in combination, should be considered to be within the disclosure of this application.

[0028] A first example provides an apparatus comprising:

[0029] a door including a first latching component configured to couple with a second latching component mounted to a side post having a cavity; and

[0030] a push plate coupled (e.g., mounted) to the jamb, covering at least a portion of the cavity in the jamb, and adjacent to an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push plate configured to release the first latching component of the door from coupling with the second latching component mounted to the jamb in response to the push plate being depressed into the cavity in the jamb;

[0031] wherein the door is configured to be opened by pulling a force on the edge adjacent to the push plate after the first latching component of the door has been released from coupling with the second latching component in response to the push plate being depressed into the cavity in the jamb.

[0032] A second example provides the apparatus according to the first example, wherein:

[0033] the door is configured to be unlocked from the jamb by a reach motion of the hand that depresses the push plate into the cavity after overcoming an actuation resistance of the push plate but not overcoming an inertial resistance of the door.

[0034] A third example provides the apparatus according to the first example or the second example, wherein:

[0035] the door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a retraction motion of the hand that pulls the edge of the door after overcoming the inertial resistance of the door but not overcoming the actuation resistance of the push plate.

[0036] A fourth example provides the apparatus according to any one of the first through third examples, wherein:

[0037] the door includes a handle along an inner surface of the edge of the door, the handle being adjacent to the push plate coupled to the jamb when the door is closed against the jamb, the handle being accessible when the push plate is moved into the cavity, the handle being inaccessible (e.g., covered) when the push plate covers the cavity.

[0038] A fifth example provides the apparatus according to any one of the first through fourth examples, wherein:

[0039] the push plate (e.g., a corner thereof) is aligned with a corner of the door when the door is closed against the jamb; and

[0040] the door includes a bumper mounted to a corner of the door, the bumper being adjacent to the push plate (e.g., adjacent to a corner thereof) when the door is closed against the jamb, the push plate being mounted to the jamb.

[0041] A sixth example provides the apparatus according to any one of the first through fifth examples, wherein:

[0042] the jamb includes a light source; and

[0043] When the door is closed against the jamb, a push plate adjacent an edge of the door includes a light guide configured to receive light from a light source and emit the received light from the push plate.

[0044] A seventh example provides the apparatus of any one of the first through sixth examples, wherein:

[0045] The jamb includes a switch (e.g., electrical, optical, mechanical, hydraulic, or any suitable combination thereof) operable to release the first latching component (e.g., a set of pawls) of the door from coupling with the second latching component (e.g., an anchor) mounted to the jamb; and

[0046] The push plate is configured to actuate the switch included in the jamb in response to the push plate being depressed into the cavity of the jamb.

[0047] An eighth example provides the apparatus of any one of the first through seventh examples, wherein:

[0048] The jamb includes a spring coupled (e.g., connected) to the push plate and configured to move the push plate out of the cavity in the jamb after the push plate is depressed into the cavity; and

[0049] The jamb includes a damper configured to slow the push plate as the push plate is moved out of the cavity.

[0050] A ninth example provides a door assembly, comprising:

[0051] a door including a first latching component configured to couple with a second latching component mounted to a jamb having a cavity; and

[0052] a push plate coupled (e.g., mounted) to the jamb, covering at least a portion of the cavity in the jamb, and adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push plate configured to release the first latching component of the door from coupling with the second latching component mounted to the jamb in response to the push plate being depressed into the cavity in the jamb;

[0053] wherein the door is configured to be opened by a pulling force on the edge adjacent the push plate after the first latching component of the door has been released from coupling with the second latching component in response to the push plate being depressed into the cavity in the jamb.

[0054] A tenth example provides the door assembly of the ninth example, wherein:

[0055] the door is configured to be unlocked from the jamb by a reach motion of a hand that depresses the push plate into the cavity after overcoming an actuation resistance of the push plate but before overcoming an inertial resistance of the door.

[0056] The eleventh example provides the door assembly of the ninth example or the tenth example, wherein:

[0057] The door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a retraction action of the hand that pulls the edge of the door after overcoming an inertial resistance of the door but before overcoming an actuation resistance of the push plate.

[0058] The twelfth example provides the door assembly of any one of the ninth example through the eleventh example, wherein:

[0059] The jamb includes a light source; and

[0060] The push plate, adjacent the edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, includes a light conduit configured to receive light from the light source and emit the received light from the push plate.

[0061] The thirteenth example provides the door assembly of any one of the ninth example through the twelfth example, wherein:

[0062] The jamb includes a switch operable to release the first latching component of the door from coupling with the second latching component mounted to the jamb; and

[0063] The push plate is configured to actuate the switch included in the jamb in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity of the jamb.

[0064] The fourteenth example provides the door assembly of any one of the ninth example through the thirteenth example, wherein:

[0065] The jamb includes a spring coupled (e.g., connected) to the push plate and configured to move the push plate out of the cavity in the jamb after the push plate is pressed into the cavity; and

[0066] The jamb includes a damper configured to dampen the push plate when the push plate is moved out of the cavity.

[0067] The fifteenth example provides a vehicle (e.g., a car, a pickup truck, an airplane, a boat, or any suitable combination thereof) comprising:

[0068] a door including a first latching component configured to couple with a second latching component mounted to a jamb having a cavity; and

[0069] a push plate coupled (e.g., mounted) to the jamb, covering at least a portion of the cavity in the jamb, and adjacent the edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push plate configured to release the first latching component of the door from coupling with the second latching component mounted to the jamb in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity in the jamb;

[0070] wherein the door is configured to be opened by a force pulled on an edge of the push plate after the first latching component of the door has been released from coupling with the second latching component in response to the push plate being depressed into the cavity in the jamb.

[0071] A sixteenth example provides the vehicle of the fifteenth example, wherein:

[0072] The door is configured to be unlocked from the jamb by an extension motion of the hand that depresses the push plate into the cavity after overcoming an actuation resistance of the push plate but before overcoming an inertial resistance of the door.

[0073] A seventeenth example provides the vehicle of the fifteenth example or the sixteenth example, wherein:

[0074] The door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a retraction motion of the hand that pulls the edge of the door after overcoming the inertial resistance of the door but before overcoming the actuation resistance of the push plate.

[0075] An eighteenth example provides the vehicle of any one of the fifteenth example through the seventeenth example, wherein:

[0076] The jamb includes a light source; and

[0077] The push plate adjacent the edge of the door includes a light pipe configured to receive light from the light source and emit the received light from the push plate when the door is closed against the jamb.

[0078] A nineteenth example provides the vehicle of any one of the fifteenth example through the eighteenth example, wherein:

[0079] The jamb includes a switch operable to release the first latching component of the door from coupling with the second latching component mounted to the jamb; and

[0080] The push plate is configured to actuate the switch included in the jamb in response to the push plate being depressed into the cavity of the jamb.

[0081] A twentieth example provides the vehicle of any one of the fifteenth example through the nineteenth example, wherein:

[0082] The jamb includes a spring coupled (e.g., connected) to the push plate and configured to move the push plate out of the cavity in the jamb after the push plate is depressed into the cavity; and

[0083] The jamb includes a damper configured to dampen the push plate as the push plate is moved out of the cavity.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a door including a first latch component configured to couple with a second latch component mounted to a jamb having a cavity; as well as a push plate coupled to the jamb, covering at least a portion of the cavity in the jamb and adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push plate being configured to: release the first latch component of the door from coupling with the second latch component mounted to the jamb in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity in the jamb; The door is configured to be opened by pulling force on the edge adjacent the push plate after the first latch component of the door has been released from its connection with the second latch component in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity in the jamb.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The door is configured to be unlocked from the jamb by a reaching motion of the hand that presses the push plate into the cavity after overcoming an actuation resistance of the push plate but without overcoming an inertial resistance of the door.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a retracting action of the hand, which pulls the edge of the door after overcoming the inertial resistance of the door but without overcoming the actuation resistance of the push plate.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The door includes a handle along an inner surface of the edge of the door, the handle being adjacent to the push plate coupled to the jamb when the door is closed against the jamb.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the push plate aligns with a corner of the door when the door is closed against the jamb; and The door includes a bumper mounted to the corner of the door, the bumper being adjacent the push plate coupled to the jamb when the door is closed against the jamb.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The side post includes a light source; and The push plate includes a light pipe configured to receive light from the light source and emit the received light from the push plate.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the jamb including a switch operable to release the first latch component of the door from coupling with the second latch component mounted to the jamb; and The push plate is configured to actuate the switch included in the jamb in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity of the jamb.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the jamb including a spring configured to move the push plate out of the cavity in the jamb after the push plate is pressed into the cavity; and The jamb includes a damper configured to slow the push plate as it moves out of the cavity.

9. A door assembly comprising: a door including a first latch component configured to couple with a second latch component mounted to a jamb having a cavity; as well as a push plate coupled to the jamb, covering at least a portion of the cavity in the jamb and adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push plate being configured to: release the first latch component of the door from coupling with the second latch component mounted to the jamb in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity in the jamb; The door is configured to be opened by pulling force on the edge adjacent the push plate after the first latch component of the door has been released from its connection with the second latch component in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity in the jamb.

10. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein: The door is configured to be unlocked from the jamb by a reaching motion of the hand that presses the push plate into the cavity after overcoming an actuation resistance of the push plate but without overcoming an inertial resistance of the door.

11. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein: The door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a retracting action of the hand, which pulls the edge of the door after overcoming the inertial resistance of the door but without overcoming the actuation resistance of the push plate.

12. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein: The side post includes a light source; and The push plate includes a light pipe configured to receive light from the light source and emit the received light from the push plate.

13. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein: the jamb including a switch operable to release the first latch component of the door from coupling with the second latch component mounted to the jamb; and The push plate is configured to actuate the switch included in the jamb in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity of the jamb.

14. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein: the jamb including a spring configured to move the push plate out of the cavity in the jamb after the push plate is pressed into the cavity; and The jamb includes a damper configured to slow the push plate as it moves out of the cavity.

15. A means of transport comprising: a door including a first latch component configured to couple with a second latch component mounted to a jamb having a cavity; as well as a push plate coupled to the jamb, covering at least a portion of the cavity in the jamb and adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push plate being configured to: release the first latch component of the door from coupling with the second latch component mounted to the jamb in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity in the jamb; The door is configured to be opened by pulling force on the edge adjacent the push plate after the first latch component of the door has been released from its connection with the second latch component in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity in the jamb.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein: The door is configured to be unlocked from the jamb by a reaching motion of the hand that presses the push plate into the cavity after overcoming an actuation resistance of the push plate but without overcoming an inertial resistance of the door.

17. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein: The door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a retracting action of the hand, which pulls the edge of the door after overcoming the inertial resistance of the door but without overcoming the actuation resistance of the push plate.

18. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein: The side post includes a light source; and The push plate includes a light pipe configured to receive light from the light source and emit the received light from the push plate.

19. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein: the jamb including a switch operable to release the first latch component of the door from coupling with the second latch component mounted to the jamb; and The push plate is configured to actuate the switch included in the jamb in response to the push plate being pressed into the cavity of the jamb.

20. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein: The jamb includes a spring configured to move the push plate out of the cavity in the jamb after the push plate is pressed into the cavity; and The jamb includes a damper configured to slow the push plate as it moves out of the cavity.

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