Vehicle handle extension with end effector

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle handle extension with an end effector. An assembly includes a vehicle structure; a handle, the handle being selectively removable from the vehicle structure; and an end effector at one end of the handle. The handle is selectively movable along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position. The end effector has a contact surface that is non-parallel to the axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an extendable handle that is selectively detachable from a removable vehicle panel to facilitate removal of items from a cargo area. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles include a cargo area for transporting various types of items. Accessing these items for removal from the cargo area can be challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia: a vehicle structure; a handle that is selectively removable from the vehicle structure, wherein the handle is selectively movable along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position; and an end effector located at one end of the handle, the end effector having a contact surface that is non-parallel to the axis.

[0004] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing assembly, the end effector includes a gripping element.

[0005] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the end effector is movable relative to the handle between a stowed position and a deployed position.

[0006] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, a first locking feature retains the end effector in the stowed position and a second locking feature retains the end effector in the deployed position.

[0007] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the handle is comprised of a plurality of telescoping members.

[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the handle is comprised of a plurality of nested tubes.

[0009] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the handle includes a release member for moving the handle to the extended position.

[0010] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the vehicle structure includes a tailgate.

[0011] An assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a tailgate; a handle that is selectively removable from the tailgate, wherein the handle is selectively movable along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position; and an end effector located at an end of the handle, the end effector being selectively movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

[0012] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the end effector includes a hook or gripping element having a contact surface that is non-parallel to the axis.

[0013] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, a first locking feature retains the end effector in the stowed position and a second locking feature retains the end effector in the deployed position.

[0014] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the handle is comprised of a plurality of telescoping members, and wherein one telescoping member of the plurality of telescoping members has a smaller cross-section than another telescoping member of the plurality of telescoping members.

[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the handle is comprised of a plurality of nested tubes, and wherein when moved to the retracted position, a distal tube of the plurality of nested tubes slides inwardly within an adjacent tube of the plurality of nested tubes.

[0016] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the handle includes a release member for moving the handle to the extended position.

[0017] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the tailgate is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to a plurality of truck bed sidewalls, and wherein the handle is movable from a stowed position within the tailgate to an upright position when the tailgate is in the open position.

[0018] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the end effector includes a hook or grabbing element located at a distal end of the handle, the hook or grabbing element being configured to interact with items located within the cargo area defined by the plurality of truck bed side walls.

[0019] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, selectively removing a handle from one of a plurality of side walls surrounding a cargo area; selectively moving the handle along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position; and selectively deploying an end effector at an end of the handle to interact with an item located within the cargo area, wherein the end effector has a contact surface that is non-parallel to the axis.

[0020] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the method includes locking the end effector in a stowed position before returning the handle to the retracted position.

[0021] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes locking the end effector in a deployed position.

[0022] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the end effector is locked in the stowed position using a first locking feature and is locked in the deployed position using a second locking feature different from the first locking feature.

[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle with a cargo area is shown.

[0026] Figure 2A is a schematic side view of a tailgate with an extendable handle in a first position.

[0027] Figure 2B Similar to Figure 2A , but showing the extendable handle in a second position.

[0028] Figure 2C A portion of the extendable handle is shown removed from the vehicle.

[0029] Figure 3A A side view of an example of a selectively removable handle is shown in an extended position.

[0030] Figure 3B Shown Figure 3A Another side view of the selectively removable handle.

[0031] Figure 4A is a perspective view of one example of an end effector with a selectively removable handle.

[0032] Figure 4B is a perspective view of another example of an end effector with a selectively removable handle.

[0033] Figure 4C is a perspective view of another example of an end effector with a selectively removable handle.

[0034] Figure 5 is used for Figures 3A to 3B Side view of the release button configuration of the handle.

[0035] Figure 6A A side view of another example of a selectively removable handle is shown in an extended position.

[0036] Figure 6B Shown Figure 6A Another side view of the selectively removable handle.

[0037] Figure 7 A side view of another example of a selectively removable handle is shown in an extended position.

[0038] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the end effector in the deployed position.

[0039] Figure 8B Shown in the stowed position Figure 8A end effector.

[0040] Figure 8C Has a locking member Figure 8A A perspective view of the end effector.

[0041] Figure 9A yes Figure 8C A perspective view of the locking member.

[0042] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A End view of the locking member.

[0043] Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the first locking feature.

[0044] Figure 11A is an enlarged perspective view of the second locking feature.

[0045] Figure 11B is a perspective view of the end effector in a stowed position and interacting with a second locking feature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present disclosure details a system and method in which an extendable handle is selectively detachable from a removable vehicle panel to facilitate removal of items from a cargo area. The handle includes an end effector that is selectively deployed to interact with the item.

[0047] Figure 1A vehicle 10 is shown that includes a passenger cabin 12 and a cargo bed area 14 behind the passenger cabin 12. In this example, the vehicle 10 is a pickup truck. In another example, the vehicle 10 may be another type of vehicle, such as a sedan, a van, a sport utility vehicle, etc. In this example, the cargo bed area 14 is defined by a rear wall 16, a removable wall / panel (e.g., a tailgate 18), and a pair of opposing side walls 20 extending between the rear wall 16 and the tailgate 18. The cargo bed area 14 also includes a bottom surface 22 that can support various items 24. In this example, the tailgate 18 can be opened relative to the truck bed side walls 20 in an open position ( Figure 1 ) and a closed position.

[0048] When the tailgate 18 is in the Figure 2A In the open position shown, the handle 26 is selectively extended from the distal end 28 of the tailgate, as indicated by arrow 30. The handle 26 can then be pivoted to an upright position, as shown. Figure 2B The handle 26 is then moved as indicated by arrow 32 in the figure and locked in place. The handle 26 can then be used as a grabbing member to facilitate, for example, climbing onto the cargo area 14. In one example, the present disclosure provides that at least a portion 34 of the handle 26 is selectively removable from a vehicle structure (such as the tailgate 18), for example, Figure 2C In one example, a release member, such as a button, is used to remove the handle portion 34; however, other release mechanisms may be used. The portion of the handle 26 may also be removed from other vehicle structures, such as sidewalls, door panels, etc.

[0049] In one example, the removable portion of the handle 26 includes an extendable handle 34 that is movable along the axis A in an extended position ( Figure 3A ) and retracted position ( Figure 2C ) is selectively movable between the end effector 36 and the handle 34. The end effector 36 is located at one end of the handle 34. The end effector 36 can be in a stowed position ( Figure 3A ) and expanded position ( Figure 3B ). Figure 3B As shown, the end effector 36 has a contact surface 38 that is non-parallel to the axis A.

[0050] In one example, the end effector 36 includes a pivoting arm that forms a grab or hook element that can be used to interact with an item 24 in the cargo area 14. For example, when the handle 24 is in the extended position and the end effector 36 is in the deployed position, the grab or hook element can be used to reach items in the cargo area 14, such as boxes, sporting equipment, bags, crates, tools, etc., without having to climb into the cargo area itself. In one example, the end effector 36 includes a body 40 having a portion 42 coupled to the handle 34 at a connection interface that allows selective movement between the deployed position and the stowed position. The body 40 has a second portion 44 that extends outwardly to a distal end 46. The body includes a handle 24 configured to engage the item 24 ( Figure 1 ) interacts with at least one contact surface 38. In one example, the body 40 comprises an L-shape; however, other shapes may also be used.

[0051] In one example, the second portion 44 of the end effector 36 is a straight linear element having a smooth contact surface 38, such as Figure 4A The length of the second portion 44 can be varied as desired to accommodate any design constraints or packaging issues.

[0052] In another example, the second portion 44 of the end effector 36 is a straight linear member having a contact surface 38 having a plurality of ribs or protrusions 48, such as Figure 4B Likewise, the length of the second portion 44 can be varied as desired.

[0053] In another example, the second portion 44 of the end effector 36 is a straight linear element extending to the distal end 46 and includes a lip, hook, or extension 50 that is non-parallel to the second portion 44. In this example, the contact surface 38 may be as shown. Figure 4A smooth as shown, or may include Figure 4B Shown are ribs or protrusions 48. Likewise, the length of the second portion 44 can be varied as desired.

[0054] In one example, the handle 34 is composed of a plurality of telescopic members 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d. Figures 3A to 3B In one example, the top member 52a and the bottom member 52d have holes 54 associated with release buttons 56 (see Figure 5 ), the release button is selectively actuated to move the handle 34 to the extended position. In this example, the inner members 52b, 52c have slots 58 to slide over the release button 56 without activating the button. In one example, the release button 56 and the end effector 36 are located on the smallest tube (e.g., bottom member 52d).

[0055] In one example, the telescoping members 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d are narrower at the bottom of the handle 34 than at the top. Figures 3A to 3B As shown, and is held in the extended position via friction. In one example, the bottom member 52d has a smaller cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of ​​the top member 52a. The cross-section can be polygonal, such as square, or curved, such as circular, elliptical, etc., wherein the channel 60 ( Figure 8A ) through one side of the bottom member 52d so that the end effector 36 can only be deployed in one direction and will not rotate in the user's hand. In this example, the bottom member 52d is as shown in FIG. Figure 3A The handle 34 extends in a direction indicated by arrow 62 as shown in FIG.

[0056] exist Figures 6A to 6B In another example shown, the top member 52a of the handle 34 is positioned relative to the bottom member 52d as shown. Figure 6A 6. The top member 52a in this example has the smallest cross section. Also in this example, each member has a locking button 66 to lock the handle 34 in the extended position at the desired length. The end effector 36 can be in the deployed position ( Figure 3A ) and extended position ( Figure 3B ) and is located in the top member 52a having the smallest cross-section.

[0057] exist Figure 7 In another example shown, the handle 34 is composed of a plurality of nested tubes 70 that are movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Figure 7 As shown, the interface between the two components tightens, creating a locked position through friction. Tubes 70 can have a square cross-section or comprise round tubes with anti-rotation features. Tubes 70 are nested and angled so that they remain extended through friction. When moved to the retracted position, the upper tube will slide within the lower tube. In this example, one of tubes 70 will include an end effector configured similarly to the end effector described above.

[0058] In one example, a method of operation includes selectively removing a handle 34 from one of a plurality of side walls surrounding the cargo area 14 and then selectively moving the handle 34 between an extended position and a retracted position along an axis A. The method also includes selectively deploying an end effector 36 at an end of the handle 34 to interact with an item 24 located within the cargo area 14 .

[0059] As discussed above, the portion of the handle 34 associated with the end effector 36 includes the channel 60 in the handle portion 74 so that the end effector 36 can only be deployed in one direction, e.g. Figure 8A As shown. Therefore, there is a wall 72 in the handle portion 74 opposite the channel 60 to prevent the end effector 36 from moving in the opposite direction. The end effector 36 is folded into the channel 60 ( Figure 8B ) so that the receiving member can fit within the adjacent member.

[0060] like Figure 8C As shown, in one example, end effector 36 includes a connecting portion 76 that is pivotally connected to handle portion 74 via a pin 78 secured to handle portion 74. Other types of rotational connections may also be used.

[0061] In one example, the method includes locking the end effector 36 in the stowed position before returning the handle 34 to the retracted position.

[0062] In one example, the method includes locking the end effector 36 in the deployed position.

[0063] In one example, the end effector 36 is locked in the deployed position using a first locking feature and locked in the stowed position using a second locking feature that is different from the first locking feature.

[0064] In one example, the end effector lock 80 cooperates with the connecting portion 76 of the end effector 36 to provide a first locking feature and a second locking feature. The end effector lock 80 is received within the channel 60 of the handle portion 74, as shown in FIG. Figure 8C shown.

[0065] Figures 9A to 9B The end effector lock 80 is shown in greater detail. In one example, a first locking feature 82 of the end effector lock 80 locks the end effector 36 in the deployed position, and a second locking feature 84 of the end effector lock 80 locks the end effector 36 in the stowed position. In one example, the end effector lock 80 has a central body portion 86 with one first leg portion 88 extending away from each end of the central body portion 86, and one second leg portion 90 extending away from each first leg portion 88. The second leg portions 90 are non-parallel to the first leg portions 88 and the central body portion 86. In one example, the first leg portion 88 is perpendicular relative to the central body portion 86, and the second leg portion 90 is non-perpendicular relative to the first leg portion 88. The central body portion 86 also serves as an end stop for a range of motion of the end effector 36.

[0066] In one example, the first leg portion 88 includes a first locking feature 82. In one example, the first locking feature 82 includes an inclined protrusion 92 extending outwardly from an inner surface 94 of each first leg portion 88. Figure 8C ), the inclined protrusion 92 holds the body of the end effector 36 in the locked deployed position, as shown Figure 10 As shown. In this example, each of the first leg portions 88 includes at least one slot 96 that forms a resilient mechanism to allow the tip of the end effector 36 to compress the protrusion 92 inwardly as the user grasps the end effector 36 to move to the deployed position, and then subsequently rebound to maintain the end effector in the deployed position once the user releases the end effector 36. The resilient mechanism also facilitates returning the end effector 36 to the stowed position during reverse movement.

[0067] In one example, the second leg portion includes a second locking feature 84. In one example, the second locking feature 84 includes an inclined protrusion 98 extending outwardly from an inner surface 100 of each second leg portion 90. When in the closed position ( Figures 11A to 11B ), the inclined protrusion 98 holds the body of the end effector 36 in the locked stowed position, as shown Figure 11B As shown. This includes a friction fit that supplements the physical barrier. In this example, each of the second leg portions 90 includes at least one slot 102 that forms a resilient mechanism to allow the tip of the end effector 36 to compress the protrusion 98 inwardly as the user grasps the end effector 36 to move to the stowed position, and then subsequently rebound to maintain the end effector in the stowed position once the user releases the end effector 36. The resilient mechanism also facilitates returning the end effector 36 to the deployed position during reverse movement.

[0068] The present disclosure provides a selectively removable handle / tool ​​that offers the advantage of allowing customers to access the cargo area without having to climb into it. The handle is removable from the existing vehicle structure and has an end effector (e.g., a rotating arm) to assist in collecting items. The handle also does not take up any space and is secured during vehicle operation so that it does not move around in the cargo area or make noise when not in use.

[0069] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection afforded to the present disclosure should be determined solely by studying the appended claims.

[0070] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided having: a vehicle structure; a handle that is selectively removable from the vehicle structure, wherein the handle is selectively movable along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position; and an end effector located at one end of the handle, the end effector having a contact surface that is non-parallel to the axis.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the end effector comprises a gripping element.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the end effector is movable relative to the handle between a stowed position and a deployed position.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the present invention also features a first locking feature that retains the end effector in the stowed position and a second locking feature that retains the end effector in the deployed position.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the handle is composed of a plurality of telescopic members.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the handle is composed of a plurality of nested tubes.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the handle comprises a release member for moving the handle to the extended position.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the vehicle structure includes a tailgate.

[0078] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided having: a tailgate; a handle that is selectively removable from the tailgate, wherein the handle is selectively movable along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position; and an end effector located at one end of the handle, the end effector being selectively movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the end effector comprises a hook or gripping element having a contact surface which is non-parallel to the axis.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the present invention also features a first locking feature that retains the end effector in the stowed position and a second locking feature that retains the end effector in the deployed position.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the handle is composed of a plurality of telescopic members, and one telescopic member of the plurality of telescopic members has a smaller cross-section than another telescopic member of the plurality of telescopic members.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the handle is comprised of a plurality of nested tubes, and wherein when moved to the retracted position, a distal tube of the plurality of nested tubes slides inwardly within an adjacent tube of the plurality of nested tubes.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the handle comprises a release member for moving the handle to the extended position.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the tailgate is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to a plurality of truck bed sidewalls, and wherein the handle is movable from a stowed position within the tailgate to an upright position when the tailgate is in the open position.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the end effector includes a hook or grabbing element at a distal end of the handle, the hook or grabbing element being configured to interact with items located within a cargo area defined by the plurality of truck bed sidewalls.

[0086] According to the present invention, a method includes: selectively removing a handle from one of a plurality of side walls surrounding a cargo area; selectively moving the handle along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position; and selectively deploying an end effector at an end of the handle to interact with an item located within the cargo area, wherein the end effector has a contact surface that is non-parallel to the axis.

[0087] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes locking the end effector in the stowed position before returning the handle to the retracted position.

[0088] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes locking the end effector in the deployed position.

[0089] In one aspect of the present invention, the end effector is locked in the stowed position using a first locking feature and is locked in the deployed position using a second locking feature different from the first locking feature.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: Vehicle structure; a handle selectively removable from the vehicle structure, wherein the handle is selectively movable along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position; as well as An end effector is located at one end of the handle, the end effector having a contact surface that is non-parallel to the axis.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the end effector comprises a gripping element.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the end effector is movable relative to the handle between a stowed position and a deployed position, and the assembly includes a first locking feature that retains the end effector in the stowed position and a second locking feature that retains the end effector in the deployed position.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the handle is comprised of a plurality of telescoping members.

5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the handle is comprised of a plurality of nested tubes.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a release member for moving the handle to the extended position.

7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the vehicle structure includes a tailgate.

8. An assembly comprising: tailgate; a handle selectively removable from the tailgate, wherein the handle is selectively movable along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position; as well as An end effector is located at one end of the handle, the end effector being selectively movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the end effector includes a hook or grabbing element having a contact surface that is non-parallel to the axis, and optionally, the assembly includes a first locking feature that holds the end effector in the stowed position and a second locking feature that holds the end effector in the deployed position.

10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the handle is comprised of a plurality of telescoping members, and wherein one telescoping member of the plurality of telescoping members has a smaller cross-section than another telescoping member of the plurality of telescoping members.

11. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the handle is comprised of a plurality of nested tubes, and wherein when moved to the retracted position, a distal tube of the plurality of nested tubes slides inwardly within an adjacent tube of the plurality of nested tubes.

12. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the handle includes a release member for moving the handle to the extended position.

13. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the tailgate is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to a plurality of truck bed side walls, and wherein the handle is movable from a stowed position within the tailgate to an upright position when the tailgate is in the open position, and optionally wherein the end effector includes a hook or grabbing element at a distal end of the handle, the hook or grabbing element being configured to interact with items located within a cargo area defined by the plurality of truck bed side walls.

14. A method comprising: selectively removing a handle from one of a plurality of side walls surrounding the cargo area; selectively moving the handle along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position; as well as An end effector located at an end of the handle is selectively deployed to interact with items located within the cargo area, wherein the end effector has a contact surface that is non-parallel to the axis.

15. The method of claim 14 , comprising locking the end effector in a stowed position before returning the handle to the retracted position, or comprising locking the end effector in a deployed position, and wherein the end effector is locked in the stowed position using a first locking feature and in the deployed position using a second locking feature different from the first locking feature.

Images