Door assembly

Abstract

To provide a door handle flush with a center pillar of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A door 130 includes a first latch component configured to couple with a second latch component mounted to a jamb having a cavity. A push panel 120 coupled to the jamb covers at least a portion of the cavity inside the jamb. The push panel 120 is mounted adjacent to an edge of the door 130 when the door 130 is closed against the jamb, and is configured to release the first latch component of the door from the second latch component mounted to the jamb in response to the push panel 120 being press-fitted into the cavity inside the jamb. The door 130 is configured to be opened by a force pulling on the edge adjacent to the push panel 120 after the first latch component of the door 130 has been released from the second latch component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field of doors, including vehicle doors. Specifically, the present disclosure addresses door assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] Doors generally have a handle attached, recessed, or otherwise mounted to the door itself such that the handle on the door is operable to unlatch the door and swing secured to the door as the door opens. In a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, pickup truck, airplane, or boat), a typical door and its handle are designed and configured to utilize the same single pulling motion of a human hand to unlatch the door, such as by pulling the handle in the direction the door opens, and then open the door by continuing to pull the handle in the same direction the door opens. [Brief explanation of the 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] FIG. 1 is a partial side view of a vehicle showing a portion of a door assembly, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0005] [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a push panel having a portion of a corresponding door and a corresponding jamb (e.g., a vehicle pillar) according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0006] [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a push panel showing a human hand pushing the push panel into a jam cavity, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0007] [Figure 4]1 is a perspective view of a push panel showing a human hand pulling the door open away from the jamb according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a push panel, its corresponding door, and its corresponding jamb, according to some example embodiments.

[0009] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an expanded cross-sectional view of a push panel, its corresponding jamb, and the lighting features of the push panel, according to some exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to various exemplary embodiments described herein, a door assembly includes a door including a first latch component (e.g., an anchor or set of jaws) configured to couple to a second latch component (e.g., a set of jaws or anchor complementary to the first latch component) attached to a jamb having a cavity therein. The door assembly also includes a push panel (e.g., a hinged flap or other inwardly movable panel) attached to the jamb, the push panel covering at least a portion of the cavity in the jamb. The push panel is attached adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, and the push panel is configured to release the first latch component of the door from coupling with the second latch component attached to the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into the cavity in the jamb (e.g., being pushed and swinging into or otherwise entering the cavity). The door is configured to be opened by a pulling force (e.g., applied by a human hand) on an edge adjacent to the push panel after a first latch component of the door is released from engagement with a second latch component in response to the push panel being pressed into a cavity in the jamb.

[0011] According to further exemplary embodiments described herein, a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, a pickup truck, an airplane, a boat, or any suitable combination thereof) includes one or more instances of the door assembly described above. That is, the vehicle may include a door including a first latch component (e.g., an anchor or a set of jaws) configured to couple to a second latch component (e.g., a set of jaws or an anchor) attached to a jamb having a cavity. The vehicle may include a push panel (e.g., a hinged flap) attached 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 panel may be configured to release the first latch component of the door from coupling with the second latch component attached to the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit (e.g., pushed and swinging) into the cavity in the jamb. Thus, the door may be configured to be opened by a pulling force (e.g., applied by a human hand) on an edge adjacent to the push panel after a first latch component of the door is released from engagement with a second latch component in response to the push panel being pressed into a cavity in the jamb.

[0012] Examples are merely illustrative of possible variations. Unless otherwise specified, structure (e.g., structural components) are optional and may be combined or sub-divided, and operations (e.g., in procedures, algorithms, or other functions) may be reordered or combined or sub-divided. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without these specific details.

[0013] FIG. 1 is 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., an automobile, pickup truck, airplane, or boat) showing a portion of a door assembly incorporated into the vehicle 100, according to some exemplary embodiments. The vehicle is shown as including a door 130 (e.g., a front door) and another door 140 (e.g., a rear door), as well as a roof 101 of the vehicle 100. The door 130 has a corresponding window 111 (e.g., a side window of a front door), and the door 140 has a corresponding window 112 (e.g., a side window of a rear door). The door 130 has a jamb in the exemplary form of a pillar 110 of the vehicle 100. The jamb (e.g., pillar 110) may form all or part of the frame of the door 130 (e.g., a door frame along which the door 130 is configured to swing open and closed). Although FIG. 1 shows the jamb of door 130 as the B-pillar of the front door of vehicle 100 (e.g., a car or truck), the present discussion may equally apply to the jamb of door 140, which may be the C-pillar of the rear door of vehicle 100.

[0014] 1 , pillar 110 includes a push panel 120 (e.g., a hinged flap attached 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 panel 120, while door 130 covers the remaining portion of the cavity in pillar 110. The cavity in pillar 110 allows push panel 120 to be press-fit into the cavity (e.g., a switch is operable by push panel 120 to unlatch door 130). Door 130, push panel 120, and pillar 110 (except for the cavity covered by push panel 120) may be flush with one another (e.g., when door 130 is latched closed against a jamb) and may all appear as smooth surfaces to a human observing vehicle 100. Push panel 120 may include a light 121 embedded therein (e.g., flush with the exterior surface of push panel 120). According to various exemplary embodiments, light 121 may have any one of a variety of shapes (e.g., a thin bar, a circle, or a logo of the manufacturer of vehicle 100), and light 121 may be visible or invisible when not lit.

[0015] 2 is a perspective view of a push panel 120, showing a corresponding door 130 and a portion of a corresponding jamb (e.g., a pillar 110 of a vehicle 100), according to some exemplary embodiments. As mentioned above, the door 130, push panel 120, and pillar 110 (except for a cavity that is fully or partially covered by the push panel 120) may be flush with one another (e.g., when the door 130 is latched closed against the pillar 110). FIG. 2 shows a door assembly described herein in an initial state, with the door 130 latched closed and the push panel 120 also in a closed position (e.g., flush with an adjacent edge of the door 130).

[0016] 3 is a perspective view of a push panel 120, according to some exemplary embodiments, showing a human hand pushing the push panel 120 into a cavity in a jamb (e.g., to unlatch a door) in an exemplary configuration as a pillar 110 of a vehicle 100. A human hand pushes on the push panel 120 when operating the door assembly to open the door 130. In some exemplary embodiments, pushing on the push panel 120 causes the push panel 120 to rotate about a hinge, causing the push panel 120 to at least partially enter (e.g., extend) into a cavity in the jamb (e.g., pillar 110) of the door assembly.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3 , the door assembly described herein is in an intermediate operating state, with the door 130 still closed (e.g., with the door 130 having a swingable edge contacting the jamb), but no longer latched (e.g., unlatched) to the jamb because the push panel 120 has been pressed (e.g., by a human hand) into a cavity in the jamb (e.g., a cavity in the pillar 110), thus releasing the latch (e.g., releasing a first latch component of the door 130 from coupling with a second latch component of the pillar 110). The human hand in FIG. 2 overcomes the inertial resistance of the push panel 120 as well as any spring resistance (e.g., from a hinge spring) tending to return the push panel 120 to the closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ). In some exemplary embodiments, pushing the push panel 120 beyond a preconfigured range activates a switch that unlatches the door 130, and in such exemplary embodiments, the human hand in FIG. 3 also overcomes a switch resistance in activating the switch. However, in this intermediate operating state, the human hand in FIG. 3 has not yet begun to pull on the edge of the door 130 and therefore has not yet begun to overcome the inertial resistance of the door 130 or the spring resistance tending to keep the door 130 closed.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the push panel 120 in its exemplary form as a pillar 110 of a vehicle 100 (e.g., after unlatching the door as shown in FIG. 2 ), showing a human hand opening the door 130 to pull it away from a jamb, according to some exemplary embodiments. As shown, the door assembly described herein is in a further operational state, where the unlatched door 130 swings open due to a pulling force applied by the human hand (e.g., by grasping and pulling an edge of the door 130 with the edge adjacent the push panel 120 in its closed position, as shown in FIG. 1 ). The human hand in FIG. 3 now overcomes the inertial resistance of the door 130 and any spring resistance tending to return the door 130 to its closed position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). However, in this further operational state, the human hand in FIG. 3 no longer overcomes the inertial resistance of the push panel 120 or the spring resistance tending to return the push panel 120 to its closed position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 ).

[0019] 5 is a block diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a push panel 120, its corresponding door 130, and its corresponding jamb 520 (e.g., pillar 110), according to some example embodiments. As shown, jamb 520 may fully or partially contain or otherwise define a cavity 521, and push panel 120 may fully or partially cover cavity 521. Push panel 120 is configured to enter (e.g., swing) into cavity 521 (e.g., in response to being press-fit into cavity 521). The spring-loaded hinge and damper 550 attaches or otherwise secures the push panel 120 to the jamb 520, allows the push panel 120 to enter the cavity 521, provides spring resistance that tends to restore or otherwise bias the push panel 120 toward its closed position, provides damping to slow the movement of the push panel 120 toward its closed position (e.g., to avoid catching or pinching a human hand after the push panel 120 is pressed into the cavity 521), or provides any suitable combination of these functions.

[0020] Within 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) attached to, coupled to, or otherwise secured to jamb 520 (e.g., pillar 110). Switch 540 is operable (e.g., actuable or actuatable) to unlatch door 130. For example, door 130 may include a first latch component 512 configured to couple (e.g., latch) with a second latch component 522 in jamb 520 (e.g., pillar 110), and switch 540 may be operable (e.g., by being pressed by push panel 120) to release first latch component 512 from coupling (e.g., latching) with second latch component 522.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the first latch component 512 is or includes a set of jaws, and the second latch component 522 is or includes an anchor, where the set of jaws 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 exemplary embodiments, the first latch component 512 is or includes an anchor, and the second latch component 522 is or includes a set of jaws, where the set of jaws 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 exemplary embodiments, the door 130 has a handle 530 attached or otherwise attached to an edge of the door 130 (e.g., along the edge and on the inside surface of the door 130) and adjacent to the push panel 120 when the door 130 and push panel 120 are in their respective closed positions. The handle 530 of the door 130 may be shaped to provide a degree of safety and comfort for a human hand when the human hand grasps the edge of the door 130 and pulls. Furthermore, in certain exemplary embodiments, the handle 530 extends along the edge of the door 130 and terminates at its distal end (e.g., the end furthest from the hinges of the door 130) in a bumper made of a shock absorber, deformable material, or other padding material configured to reduce interaction between a human (e.g., a user of the vehicle 100) and the distal portion of the door 130. Thus, the bumper can beneficially prevent a human (e.g., a user of the vehicle 100) from being struck by the distal portion of the door 130. For example, the door 130 may terminate in a sharp corner adjacent the push panel 120 in its closed position, and the distal end of the handle 530 may be or may include a soft foam bumper that aligns with the sharp corner of the door 130.

[0023] In certain exemplary embodiments, push panel 120 includes a sensing unit 532 that detects the presence or absence of an actuation condition (e.g., push panel 120 is press-fit into cavity 521). In response to detecting this actuation condition, sensing unit 532 communicates with a lock controller (e.g., mounted on push panel 120 or elsewhere in vehicle 100) to cause the lock controller to lock or unlock door 130.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an expanded cross-sectional view of a push panel 120, its corresponding jamb 520 (e.g., pillar 110), and the push panel's lighting features (e.g., lighting features including light 121), according to some illustrative embodiments. As shown, jamb 520 (e.g., pillar 110) includes (e.g., contains or otherwise has) a light source 610, such as an LED light source. A light pipe 620 (e.g., a light guide such as fiber optic material) optically couples light source 610 to push panel 120 and further to light 121 (e.g., an aperture or other light emitter) that may be embedded in push panel 120. Light pipe 620 may terminate at an outer surface that is flush with the outer surface of push panel 120. The outer surface of light pipe 620 may include an end portion (e.g., light 121) that is transparent, translucent, or opaque, such that the end portion is configured to emit light. In operation, light source 610 generates light, light pipe 620 transmits the generated light to light 121, and light 121 emits light received through (e.g., from) light pipe 620 (e.g., into the environment of vehicle 100).

[0025] Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. While individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed simultaneously, and the operations need not be performed in the order shown. Structures and their functions presented as separate components and functions in example configurations may be implemented as combined structures or components having combined functions. Similarly, structures and functions presented as single components may be implemented as separate components and functions. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the subject matter of this specification.

[0026] Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "a" or "an" are used herein, as is common in patent literature, to include one or more instances. Finally, as used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the conjunction "or" refers to a non-exclusive "or."

[0027] The following enumerated descriptions describe various examples of the methods, machine-readable media, and systems (e.g., machines, devices, or other apparatuses) described herein. Any one or more features of the examples, taken alone or in combination, should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] The first embodiment is a door including a first latch component configured to couple to a second latch component attached to a jamb having a cavity; a push panel coupled (e.g., attached) to the jamb, covering at least a portion of a cavity in the jamb, adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push panel configured to release a first latch component of the door from engagement with a second latch component attached to the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into the cavity in the jamb; Equipped with Provided is an apparatus, wherein the door is configured to be opened by a pulling force on an edge adjacent to the push panel after a first latch component of the door is released from engagement with a second latch component in response to the push panel being pressed into a cavity in the jamb.

[0029] A second embodiment is the device according to the first embodiment, The device provides a door configured to be unlatched from the jamb by a manual extension action that overcomes the actuation resistance of the push panel and then presses the push panel into the cavity without overcoming the inertial resistance of the door.

[0030] A third embodiment is the device according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, The door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a manual pulling action, the pulling action overcoming the inertial resistance of the door and then pulling the edge of the door without overcoming the actuation resistance of the push panel, to provide a device.

[0031] A fourth embodiment is the device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, The door includes a handle along an inner surface of an edge of the door, the handle abutting a push panel coupled to the jamb when the door is closed against the jamb, the handle being accessible when the push panel is moved into the cavity, and the handle being inaccessible (e.g., covered) when the push panel covers the cavity, providing an apparatus.

[0032] A fifth embodiment is the device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, When the door is closed against the jamb, the push panel (e.g., its corner) is aligned with the corner of the door, The door includes a bumper attached to a corner of the door, the bumper providing a device that abuts (e.g., abuts the corner of) a push panel attached to the jamb when the door is closed against the jamb.

[0033] A sixth embodiment is the device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, The jamb includes a light source; The apparatus provides a push panel adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push panel including a light pipe configured to receive light from a light source and direct the received light from the push panel.

[0034] A seventh embodiment is the device according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the jamb includes a switch (e.g., electrical, optical, mechanical, hydraulic, or any suitable combination thereof) operable to release a first latch component (e.g., a set of jaws) of the door from engagement with a second latch component (e.g., an anchor) attached to the jamb; The push panel provides a device configured to actuate a switch included in the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into a cavity in the jamb.

[0035] An eighth embodiment is the device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the jamb includes a spring coupled (e.g., connected) to the push panel and configured to move the push panel out of the cavity in the jamb after the push panel is press-fit into the cavity; The jam provides an apparatus that includes a damper configured to decelerate the push panel during its exit from the cavity.

[0036] The ninth embodiment is a door including a first latch component configured to couple to a second latch component attached to a jamb having a cavity; a push panel coupled (e.g., attached) to the jamb, covering at least a portion of a cavity in the jamb, adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push panel configured to release a first latch component of the door from engagement with a second latch component attached to the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into the cavity in the jamb; Equipped with Provided is a door assembly, wherein the door is configured to be opened by a pulling force on an edge adjacent to the push panel after a first latch component of the door is released from engagement with a second latch component in response to the push panel being press-fit into a cavity in the jamb.

[0037] A tenth embodiment is the door assembly according to the ninth embodiment, The door is configured to be unlatched from the jamb by a manual extension action, which overcomes the actuation resistance of the push panel and then presses the push panel into the cavity without overcoming the inertial resistance of the door, providing a door assembly.

[0038] An eleventh embodiment is the door assembly according to the ninth embodiment or the tenth embodiment, The door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a manual pulling action, the pulling action overcoming the inertial resistance of the door and then pulling the edge of the door without overcoming the actuation resistance of the push panel, to provide a door assembly.

[0039] A twelfth embodiment is the door assembly according to any one of the ninth to eleventh embodiments, The jamb includes a light source; A door assembly is provided in which a push panel adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb includes a light pipe configured to receive light from a light source and direct the received light from the push panel.

[0040] A thirteenth embodiment is the door assembly according to any one of the ninth to twelfth embodiments, the jamb includes a switch operable to release a first latch component of the door from engagement with a second latch component attached to the jamb; The push panel provides the door assembly configured to actuate a switch included in the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into a cavity in the jamb.

[0041] A fourteenth embodiment is the door assembly according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth embodiments, the jamb includes a spring coupled (e.g., connected) to the push panel and configured to move the push panel out of the cavity in the jamb after the push panel is press-fit into the cavity; The jamb provides a door assembly that includes a damper configured to decelerate the push panel during exit of the cavity.

[0042] A fifteenth embodiment is a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, a pickup truck, an airplane, a boat, or any suitable combination thereof), comprising: a door including a first latch component configured to couple to a second latch component attached to a jamb having a cavity; a push panel coupled (e.g., attached) to the jamb, covering at least a portion of a cavity in the jamb, adjacent an edge of the door when the door is closed against the jamb, the push panel configured to release a first latch component of the door from engagement with a second latch component attached to the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into the cavity in the jamb; Equipped with Provided is a vehicle, wherein the door is configured to be opened by a pulling force on an edge adjacent to the push panel after a first latch component of the door is released from engagement with a second latch component in response to the push panel being press-fit into a cavity in the jamb.

[0043] A sixteenth embodiment is the vehicle according to the fifteenth embodiment, The vehicle is provided with a door configured to be unlatched from the jamb by a manual extension action, which overcomes the actuation resistance of the push panel and then presses the push panel into the cavity without overcoming the inertial resistance of the door.

[0044] A seventeenth embodiment is the vehicle according to the fifteenth embodiment or the sixteenth embodiment, The door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a manual pulling action, the pulling action overcoming the inertial resistance of the door and then pulling on the edge of the door without overcoming the actuation resistance of the push panel, to provide a vehicle.

[0045] An eighteenth embodiment is a vehicle according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth embodiments, The jamb includes a light source; A vehicle is provided in which a push panel adjacent an edge of a door when the door is closed against a jamb includes a light pipe configured to receive light from a light source and emit the received light from the push panel.

[0046] A 19th embodiment is a vehicle according to any one of the 15th to 18th embodiments, the jamb includes a switch operable to release a first latch component of the door from engagement with a second latch component attached to the jamb; The push panel provides the vehicle configured to actuate a switch included in the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into a cavity in the jamb.

[0047] A twentieth embodiment is a vehicle according to any one of the fifteenth to nineteenth embodiments, the jamb includes a spring coupled (e.g., connected) to the push panel and configured to move the push panel out of the cavity in the jamb after the push panel is press-fit into the cavity; The jam provides a vehicle that includes a damper configured to decelerate the push panel during its exit from the cavity.

Claims

1. a door including a first latch component configured to couple to a second latch component attached to a jamb having a cavity; a push panel 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 panel configured to release the first latch component of the door from engagement with the second latch component attached to the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into the cavity in the jamb; Equipped with the door is configured to be opened by a pulling force on the edge adjacent to the push panel after the first latch component of the door is released from engagement with the second latch component in response to the push panel being pressed into the cavity in the jamb.

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the door is configured to be unlatched from the jamb by a manual extension motion, the extension motion overcoming actuation resistance of the push panel and then pressing the push panel into the cavity without overcoming inertial resistance of the door.

3. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the door is configured to be opened away from the jam by a manual pulling action, the pulling action pulling the edge of the door after overcoming the inertial resistance of the door and without overcoming the actuation resistance of the push panel.

4. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the door includes a handle along an inside surface of an edge of the door, the handle abutting the push panel coupled to the jamb when the door is closed against the jamb.

5. the push panel is aligned with a corner of the door when the door is closed against the jamb; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the door includes a bumper attached to the corner of the door, the bumper abutting the push panel attached to the jamb when the door is closed against the jamb.

6. the jamb includes a light source; The device of claim 1 , wherein the push panel includes a light pipe configured to receive light from the light source and emit the received light from the push panel.

7. the jamb includes a switch operable to release the first latch component of the door from engagement with the second latch component attached to the jamb; The device of claim 1 , wherein the push panel is configured to actuate the switch included in the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into a cavity in the jamb.

8. the jamb includes a spring configured to move the push panel out of the cavity in the jamb after the push panel is press-fit into the cavity; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the jamb includes a damper configured to decelerate the push panel during its exit from the cavity.

9. a door including a first latch component configured to couple to a second latch component attached to a jamb having a cavity; a push panel 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 panel configured to release the first latch component of the door from engagement with the second latch component attached to the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into the cavity in the jamb; Equipped with the door is configured to be opened by a pulling force on the edge adjacent to the push panel after the first latch component of the door is released from engagement with the second latch component in response to the push panel being pressed into the cavity in the jamb.

10. 10. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein the door is configured to be unlatched from the jamb by a manual extension action, the extension action overcoming actuation resistance of the push panel and then pressing the push panel into the cavity without overcoming inertial resistance of the door.

11. 10. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein the door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a manual pulling action, the pulling action pulling the edge of the door after overcoming the inertial resistance of the door and without overcoming the actuation resistance of the push panel.

12. the jamb includes a light source; 10. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein the push panel includes a light pipe configured to receive light from the light source and emit the received light from the push panel.

13. the jamb includes a switch operable to release the first latch component of the door from engagement with the second latch component attached to the jamb; 10. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein the push panel is configured to actuate the switch included in the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into a cavity in the jamb.

14. the jamb includes a spring configured to move the push panel out of the cavity in the jamb after the push panel is press-fit into the cavity; 10. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein the jamb includes a damper configured to decelerate the push panel during its exit from the cavity.

15. a door including a first latch component configured to couple to a second latch component attached to a jamb having a cavity; a push panel 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 panel configured to release the first latch component of the door from engagement with the second latch component attached to the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into the cavity in the jamb; Equipped with the door is configured to be opened by a pulling force on the edge adjacent to the push panel after the first latch component of the door is released from engagement with the second latch component in response to the push panel being pressed into the cavity in the jamb.

16. 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the door is configured to be unlatched from the jamb by a manual extension motion, the extension motion overcoming actuation resistance of the push panel and then pressing the push panel into the cavity without overcoming inertial resistance of the door.

17. 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the door is configured to be opened away from the jamb by a manual pulling motion, the pulling motion pulling the edge of the door after overcoming the inertial resistance of the door and without overcoming the actuation resistance of the push panel.

18. the jamb includes a light source; 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the push panel includes a light pipe configured to receive light from the light source and emit the received light from the push panel.

19. the jamb includes a switch operable to release the first latch component of the door from engagement with the second latch component attached to the jamb; 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the push panel is configured to actuate the switch included in the jamb in response to the push panel being press-fit into a cavity in the jamb.

20. the jamb includes a spring configured to move the push panel out of the cavity in the jamb after the push panel is press-fit into the cavity; 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the jamb includes a damper configured to decelerate the push panel during its exit from the cavity.

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