Patent ID: 7744141
Filing Date: 2010-06-29
Classification: B60N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A retractable grip assist handle system for a vehicle that moves between an extended position and a retracted position, said grip assist handle comprising: a door coupled to the vehicle; a door member projecting from said door; a handle having a body portion having a first end connected to said handle wherein said handle and said body portion are extendable relative to the vehicle, said body portion further having a surface; a leg member mounted to the vehicle or the handle; a stop projecting from said surface of said body portion or from the vehicle for holding said body portion in an extended position; a mechanical energy storage device connected between a second end of said body portion and the vehicle, wherein said mechanical energy storage device returns said handle from an extended position to a retracted position; wherein as the vehicle door is closed, contact between the door member and said handle rotates said handle to disengage said stop from said leg member, and the grip assist handle returns to the retracted position.