Patent Abstract:
An improved locking handle and power module assembly provides continued ability to open and close a truck cap or tonneau cover from within or without, and presents an enclosed mechanism to prevent obstruction or jamming. A release handle is provided to permit unlatching of a latch mechanism operated by the locking handle without regard to whether the locking handle is locked or not.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to locking mechanisms for truck bed closures, or more specifically to manual and/or electrically actuated locking mechanisms for truck bed caps or tonneau covers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Trucks, e.g. conventional pickup trucks, typically have a cargo bed bounded by a bottom wall and one or more sidewalls and an open portion or bed opening through which cargo is received. It is common to protect such cargo against weather, theft, etc., to selectively close such bed opening with an openable closure, such as a cap or tonneau cover which is supported on the bed walls and overlies the bed opening. Such truck caps and tonneau covers are known to have a locking mechanism that, unlike conventional passenger vehicle doors, are typically simple mechanical devices securing the cover or lift gate by using a pivoting handle actuating a rod or cable to release a latch. The pivoting handle typically has an internal lock tumbler that allows the handle to pivot when placed in the appropriate orientation. 
         [0003]    An improvement to this arrangement was presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,650, having common inventorship with the instant disclosure, wherein an electric actuator was arranged at the latch, whereby the latch anchor points were displaced from the latch in order to release the latch without the need to pivot the handle. The pivoting handle would remain locked, necessitating continued access to the remote actuator, or access to the key in order to open the cover multiple times. 
         [0004]    A further improvement to this arrangement was presented in U.S. Pat. No. 7,363,786, commonly owned, wherein a locking assembly for a truck bed closure was provided, including an internal frame mounting a slider with a dog-receiving aperture, wherein the slider is shiftable between locked and unlocked positions by rotation of a dog within the aperture, or by the action of an electric actuator upon the slider. Upon release of the slider, a shaft-mounted disk could be rotated, drawing upon latch release cables. The components of this arrangement were somewhat bulky, however, and could be exposed to interference or jamming by debris in the truck bed. 
         [0005]    The invention relates to an improved locking handle and power module assembly that provides continued ability to open and close a truck cap or tonneau cover from within or without, and presents an enclosed mechanism to prevent obstruction or jamming. 
         [0006]    Other objects and purposes of the invention, and variations thereof, will be apparent upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pick up truck with a tonneau cover provided with a locking handle assembly according to the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a locking handle and power module assembly according to the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the locking handle portion of the assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 1A . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the locking handle portion of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a handle element of the locking handle of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of the handle element of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a reverse perspective view of the handle element of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the handle element taken through line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the handle element taken through line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the handle element taken through line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a key cylinder assembly of the locking handle of  FIGS. 2-9 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the key cylinder assembly of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a back view of the key cylinder assembly of  FIGS. 10-11 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a bushing of the locking handle assembly of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a plan view of the bushing of Figure 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the bushing taken through line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is a bottom view of the bushing of  FIGS. 13-15 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a dust cover cap of the locking handle assembly of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the dust cover cap of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  is a plan view of a slide bolt of the locking handle assembly of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  is a bottom view of a cover of the locking handle assembly of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  is an end view of the cover of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the power module of the assembly of  FIG. 1A  according to the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  is a front view of the power module of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 24  is a bottom view of the power module of  FIGS. 22 and 23 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a solenoid housing and frame of the power module of  FIGS. 22-24 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a slider of the power module of  FIGS. 22-25 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 27  is a reverse perspective view of the slider of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 28  is a side view of a solenoid for the power module according to  FIGS. 22-27 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 29  is a cross sectional view of the locking handle and power module assembly in the locked position. 
           [0037]      FIG. 30  is a cross sectional view of the locking handle and power module assembly in the unlocked position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 31  is a cross sectional view of the locking handle and power module assembly with the key cylinder rotated in the locking position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 32  is a cross sectional view of the locking handle and power module assembly with the key cylinder in the unlocking position. 
           [0040]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a key cylinder return spring of  FIGS. 29-32 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a handle return spring of  FIGS. 29-32 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 35  is a front view of a slide bolt detent spring of  FIGS. 29-32 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 36  is a front view of a U-clip of  FIGS. 29-32 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 37  is a front view of an anti-rotation washer of  FIGS. 29-32 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a bushing for a locking handle assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 39  is a reverse perspective view of the bushing of  FIG. 38 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 40  is an inside perspective view of a locking handle and power module assembly mounted to the inside of a tonneau cover and disposed adjacent a bed portion of a pickup truck. 
           [0048]      FIG. 41  is a perspective view thereof showing a manual release handle assembly. 
           [0049]      FIG. 42  is a top view thereof. 
           [0050]      FIG. 43  is a rear view thereof showing a cover mounted in position. 
           [0051]      FIG. 44  is a right side view thereof with the cover in a rearwardly displaced position. 
           [0052]      FIG. 45  shows the cover in a forwardly displaced position. 
           [0053]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view showing actuator cables connected to the locking handle and power module assembly. 
           [0054]      FIG. 47  is a rear perspective view thereof. 
           [0055]      FIG. 48  is a front view of the release handle. 
           [0056]      FIG. 49  is a rear perspective view of the release handle. 
           [0057]      FIG. 50  is a front perspective view of the release handle. 
           [0058]      FIG. 51  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the release handle mounted to the locking handle assembly. 
           [0059]      FIG. 52  is a further perspective view of the release handle mounted to the locking handle assembly. 
       
    
    
       [0060]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement, and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0061]      FIG. 1  depicts a bed portion  5  of a pickup truck  6 . The bed portion  5  comprises upstanding side walls  10  which typically extend around three sides of the interior storage area of the bed portion  5  which also includes an openable tailgate  11 . The side walls  10  and gate  11  define a bed opening or open portion  12  which provides downward access into the storage area of the bed portion  5 . The bed portion  5  is covered by a tonneau cover  7  which is supported on the side walls  10  and is lockable to the structure of the bed portion B. On an end closure panel or wall  15  of the tonneau cover  7 , a locking handle and power module assembly  100  is provided according to the invention for locking the tonneau cover  7  in the closed position shown. The tonneau cover  7  includes a horizontally enlarged top wall  13  and side walls  14  as well as an end wall  15  which mounts the locking handle and power module assembly  100  thereon. 
         [0062]    The locking handle and power module assembly  100  according to the invention, as shown in  FIG. 1A , includes a locking handle assembly  110  for manual opening or latching/unlatching and a power module  120  for electrically locking and unlocking the assembly  100 , wherein the assembly  100  is operable in any combination of manual or electrical locking or unlocking. As such, the locking handle and power module assembly  100  can be tied directly to a vehicle door lock system so as to be unlocked and locked electrically in unison therewith or may also be manually operated independent of the vehicle door lock system so as to permit manual opening of the tonneau cover  7  even if the vehicle door lock system is in the locked condition. Thus, the assembly  100  can be operated with or without electrical power. Even if power is maintained, manual operation of the locking handle and power module assembly  100  is still permitted so as to be operable manually or electrically, which electrical operation can be performed by any electrical switching system such as the aforementioned vehicle door lock system. 
         [0063]    The locking handle assembly  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  without the power module  120 , includes an externally-accessible handle  130 , cover  135 , bushing  140  passing through the end closure panel  15 , key cylinder assembly  145  which is lockable, slide bolt  150 , anti-rotation washer  155 , sealing gasket  157 , bushing nut  160  and dust cover cap  165 . The locking handle assembly  110  is non-rotationally secured to the end wall  15  by the washer  155  and nut  160 . The bushing  140  passes through an aperture  16  ( FIG. 2 ) in the closure panel  15 , and includes an outwardly arranged flange  605  at its proximal end  600  ( FIG. 13 ) that traps the sealing gasket  157  against the outer face  17  of the tonneau cover  7 . The bushing  140  is secured in the closure panel  15  by bushing nut  160 , with anti-rotation washer  155  interposed between nut  160  and an inner face  18  of the cover  7 . The dust cover cap  165  covers a lower portion of the bushing  140  that receives the power module  120  when installed. A detailed description of the individual elements follows, and  FIG. 3  is described in more detail below under “Assembly”. In this manner, the locking handle and power module assembly  100  is mountable to the tonneau cover wall  15  wherein the handle  130  is rotatable about the rotation axis B of  FIG. 2  to allow manual unlatching of the locking handle assembly  110 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , the handle  130  includes a gripping or interface portion  170 , which is exposed outside of the tonneau cover  7  so as to be manually rotatable, and a shaft portion  175  extending distally from the gripping portion  170 , which is rotatably supported in the bushing  140  and defines the rotation axis B about which the handle  130  rotates. The gripping portion  170  has a flat external face  180  preferably having a tear-drop shape or other suitable shape. Differently-sized first and second apertures or bores  185 ,  190  ( FIG. 4 ) are open in the external face  180  of the gripping portion  170 . The relatively large first aperture  185  is centered in the wider end  235  of the external face  180 , and is aligned and centered with the shaft portion  175  of the handle  130  with axis B extending therethrough. The aperture  185  is configured for receiving the key cylinder assembly  145 , as will be further discussed below, and is covered by the cover  135  to seal the cylinder assembly  145  after locking. 
         [0065]    The smaller second aperture  190  is provided to rotatably support the cover  135  over the cylinder assembly  145 , is cylindrical and centered on the narrow end  230  of the external face  180  to one side of the first aperture  185 , and passes through the gripping portion  170  of the handle  130 . A pair of concave pockets  195 ,  200  are formed diametrically opposite from one another adjacent to the cylindrical aperture  190  and in line with a longitudinal axis A of the gripping portion  170 . The pockets  195 ,  200  serve as a detent for defining the rotation of the cover  135 , which is mounted to the handle  130  through the aperture  190  ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0066]    To facilitate gripping and handle rotation, the gripping portion  170  of the handle is contoured around its perimeter and has a reduced portion  205  in the distal direction, thereby forming a rounded overhang  210  proximate the external handle face  180 . Opposite the external face  180 , an inner handle face  212  of the gripping portion  170  is formed with cavities  215 ,  220  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
         [0067]    The first cavity  215  is formed about and beneath the cylindrical aperture  190  passing through the face  180  of the gripping portion  170 , for receiving a spring  885  and fastener  890  for securing the cover  135  ( FIG. 3 ) to the handle  130 . 
         [0068]    The second cavity  220  surrounds the shaft portion  175  and extends approximately one quarter of the way around the circumference of the shaft portion  175  and terminates at right and left ends  240 ,  245  which interact with the bushing  140  to restrict rotation of the handle  130  as will be described further herein. 
         [0069]    Additional cavities  225 ,  227 ,  228  are formed during molding adjacent the narrow end  230  of the gripping portion  170  and follow the contour of the wide end  235  of the gripping portion  170  around the shaft portion  175 , respectively. These cavities  225 ,  227 ,  228  are provided for weight and material savings. 
         [0070]    To rotatably support the handle  130 , the shaft portion  175  of the handle  130  is generally cylindrical, and defines the central axis of rotation B about which the handle  130  is rotatable when seated in the bushing  140 . As the shaft portion  175  extends lengthwise distally away from the gripping portion  170 , the internal and external contours of the shaft portion  175  vary. First, adjacent to the gripping portion  170 , the shaft portion  175  includes a proximal portion  250  having a wide first diameter  255  ( FIG. 7 ). An annular sealing groove  260  having a second, reduced diameter is formed in the proximal portion  250 , separated minimally from the inner face  212  of the gripping portion  170 . The annular groove  260  receives an O-ring  265  ( FIG. 3 ) which is disposed in tight-fitting sealing contact with the bushing  140  to prevent environmental moisture and precipitation from leaking into the handle assembly  110 . A handle return spring pocket  267  ( FIG. 6 ) is formed in a distal shoulder  268  of the proximal portion  250 , for receiving a leg  272  of a handle return spring  273  ( FIGS. 3 and 34 ) which permits handle rotation but biases the handle  130  back to the initial position. 
         [0071]    Axially adjacent to the proximal portion  250 , a central shaft portion  270  has a reduced diameter  275  ( FIG. 7 ). The reduced diameter  275  of the central shaft portion  270  is spaced radially inwardly of the bushing  140  as seen in  FIG. 3  to define a clearance space  276  which accommodates the handle return spring  273  therein. 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , a tip portion  280  of the shaft portion  175  is formed as a truncated cylinder having oppositely situated flat sides  285 ,  290  arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A of the gripping portion  170 . Convex sides  295 ,  300  define a further reduced diameter  305 , forming an axially-facing shoulder  310  at the distal end of the central shaft portion  270  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). A pair of aligned arcuate grooves  315 ,  320  are formed parallel to each other in the convex sides  295 ,  300 , and are axially spaced from each other in the distal or axial direction. The grooves  315 ,  320  are configured for receiving a snap ring  317  ( FIG. 3 ) which is installed after the handle  130  is inserted in the bushing  140  and thereby, secures the handle  130  to the bushing  140  by preventing axial removal therefrom. 
         [0073]    In this embodiment, the distal end  325  of the shaft  175  faces axially and is formed with a pocket  330  within the tip portion  280  which has a square profile that opens axially from the end face of the tip portion  280 . An aperture or bore  335  passes sidewardly through each of the flat faces  285 ,  290  of the tip portion  280 , in sideward alignment with each other, into the square pocket  330 . 
         [0074]    Referring again to the central shaft portion  270 , a transverse notch  340  is provided in an outer face thereof, wherein a bottom notch face  341  is parallel to flat face  285  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Within the concavity formed by the notch  340 , a pair of apertures  345 ,  350  are formed for receiving the legs of a U-clip  347  ( FIG. 36 ) for securing the key cylinder assembly  145  within the handle  130  as will be described herein. The apertures  345 ,  350  pass through an interior cylindrical cavity  355  in a distal portion of the central shaft portion  270 , wherein each aperture  345 ,  350  is positioned at the outer edges thereof ( FIG. 7 ), and exits through the opposite side of the central shaft portion  270  ( FIG. 5 ). The interior cavity  355  receives the cylinder assembly  145  therein. 
         [0075]    To accommodate the slide bolt  150  ( FIGS. 3 and 29 ) which selectively locks out rotation of the handle  130  relative to the bushing  140 , a transverse passage  360  or bore is formed in the distal portion of the central shaft portion  270  as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 7 and 9 . The passage  360  has opposite open ends which open sidewardly. The transverse passage  360  is generally circular in cross section, and includes a radial keyhole portion  365  extending distally and radially from the passage  360  toward the tip  280  of the shaft  175 , for receiving a slide bolt detent spring  366  ( FIGS. 3 ,  31  and  35 ) which resists movement of the slide bolt  150  by frictional contact therewith. 
         [0076]    More particularly as to the key cylinder assembly  145 , the central aperture  185  of the shaft portion  175  is configured to receive the key cylinder assembly  145  axially therein through the top of the handle  130 . Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the central aperture  185  has at its proximal end a cup portion  367  having a primary diameter  370  that defines the mouth or open end of aperture  185 . Distal of the cup portion  367  lies a tumbler portion  375  having a reduced diameter  380 . The tumbler portion  375  includes a pair of opposing tumbler cavities  385 ,  390  on diametrically opposite sides of the tumbler portion  375 . The tumbler cavities  385 ,  390  define an increased diameter equal to diameter  370  so that cavities  385 ,  390  open axially into cup portion  367 . A pair of rotation stops  395 ,  400  extend axially or proximally from the tumbler portion  375  and project radially inwardly into the cup portion  365  to limit rotation of key cylinder  145  by blocking rotation stops  462 ,  463  of the key cylinder  145  ( FIGS. 10-12 ) which project radially outwardly and are disposed circumferentially between the stops  395 ,  400 . At the distal end of the tumbler cavity  385 , a central pillar  405  is provided. On either side of the central pillar  405 , a key cylinder return spring channel  410 ,  415  extends to a respective key cylinder return spring pocket  420 ,  425 . 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , the key cylinder assembly  145  is generally cylindrical, and includes a circular external face  450  having a rectangular slot  455  for receiving a key K ( FIGS. 31 and 32 ) configured to match the arrangement of the key cylinder  145 , as is well known in the art. The slot  455  extends internally within the key cylinder assembly  145 . The slot  455  includes a number of inwardly projecting rails (not shown) that are configured to engage and align a key having matching grooves, for positioning the key laterally and transversely within the cylinder, relative to tumblers  470  carried by a tumbler portion  460  of the key cylinder assembly  145 , as is well known in the art. An O-ring channel  458  is arranged distally of the external face  450  for receiving O-ring  459  ( FIG. 3 ) to seal the cylinder assembly  145 . A pair of aforementioned rotation stops  462 ,  463  extend radially outwardly from the tumbler portion  460 , distally of the O-ring groove  458 . The tumbler portion  460  of the key cylinder assembly  145  includes a plurality of transverse slots  465  passing through the tumbler portion  460  generally centered on the longitudinal slot  455  receiving the key. Each of the transverse slots  465  receives one of the tumblers  470 . 
         [0078]    Axially adjacent to the tumbler portion  460 , a distal cylindrical end portion  475  extends. The cylindrical end portion  475  has a smaller diameter than the tumbler portion  460 . A partial cylindrical flange or rib  480  extends distally from the tumbler portion  460 , over the distal cylindrical portion  475 , forming a gap  490  underneath a rib overhang along the peripheral rib edge  491 . The flange  480  includes a proximal first notch  495  and distal second notch  500  on opposing sides of the rib edge  491  for receiving end legs  486 ,  487  of a key cylinder return spring  485  ( FIG. 33 ). The distal cylindrical portion  475  further includes an annular groove  505  for engagement with the U-clip  347  ( FIG. 29 ). At the distal end  510  of the key cylinder assembly  145 , a slide bolt engagement tab or drive pin  515  is formed. The slide bolt engagement tab  515  is generally aligned with the key slot  455  ( FIG. 12 ) formed within the key cylinder assembly  145 , and extends distally from the distal end  510  of the key cylinder assembly  145 . The tab  515  is offset radially from the center of the end portion  475  so as to move along an arcuate path when the cylinder assembly  145  is rotated manually by a key. 
         [0079]    To rotatably support the key cylinder assembly  145 , the bushing  140  ( FIGS. 13-16 ) is a generally hollow cylinder, having a proximal outer end  600  and a distal inner end  650 . The outwardly arranged flange  605  is positioned at the proximal end  600 , as shown in  FIGS. 13-16  and projects radially outwardly. A rotation stop  610  extends proximally or axially from the face  615  of the flange  605  for seating in the handle cavity  220  above which thereby defines the stop limits for the handle rotation. The rotation stop  610  is adjacent to a central passage  620  extending the length of the bushing  140 . The central passage  620  includes two regions. The first outer region  625  has a larger first interior diameter  630 . The second inner region  635  has a second interior diameter  640  smaller than the first diameter  630 . The interior wall of the passage  620  forms a shoulder  645  defining the transition from the larger diameter  630  of the outer region  625  to the smaller diameter  640  of the inner region  635 . A handle return spring pocket  647  is formed in the shoulder  645 , for receiving a leg  274  of the handle return spring  273  ( FIG. 34 ). The other leg  272  seats within the pocket  267  of the handle portion  130  as described above to normally maintain the handle portion  130  in an initial position while permitting rotation of the handle portion  130 . The distal end  650  of the passage further narrows slightly to define a distal mouth  655  of the passage  620  which allows the slide bolt engagement tab  515  to project axially therethrough as seen in  FIG. 29 . 
         [0080]    As to the exterior shape of the bushing  140 , the exterior face  660  of the bushing  140  can be described as generally cylindrical. As shown in the bottom view of  FIG. 16 , the rounded “corners”  665  of the exterior  660  of the proximal portion of bushing  140  lie on and define a circle of a given radius. These rounded corners  665  are threaded (not shown) for receiving and threadedly engaging the bushing nut  160  seen in  FIG. 3 . Between each of the rounded corners  665 , the external face  660  of the bushing  140  forms diametrically opposed flat faces  670 . 
         [0081]    The external face  675  of the end portion of the bushing  140  likewise includes rounded “corners”  680  and flat faces  685  therebetween. In at least one of the flat faces  685 , a guidance key or groove  690  is provided. In the pair of opposing flat faces  685  adjacent to the guidance key  690 , a passage  695  is provided, passing transversely or sidewardly through the distal portion of the bushing  140 . Axially inwardly of this transverse passage  695 , a concave trough  700  extends axially from a respective one of the passages  695 , which trough  700  is formed on the outer face  685  of the end portion of the bushing  140  and extends to the distal end  650  of the bushing  140 . Further, a circumferential groove  705  is provided at an outer end  710  of the distal portion of the bushing  140 , for optionally receiving a snap ring  707  ( FIG. 29 ) which optionally holds the power module  120  on the handle assembly  110  when mounted thereon. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIGS. 38 and 39 , a preferred, alternative embodiment of a bushing  1400  is provided. The bushing  1400  has an outer end  1410  and a distal inner end  1420 . The proximal end  1410  is formed with a teardrop-shaped flange  1430 . The shape of the flange  1430  substantially correlates to the shape of the gripping portion  170  of the handle  130 , so that when the handle assembly  110  is assembled, the gripping portion  170  of the handle  130  substantially overlies the entirety of the flange  1430 . A rotation stop  1440  extends axially from the proximal face  1450  of the bushing  1400  adjacent to the central passage  1460  to limit rotation of the handle  130  when received in handle cavity  220 . Referring to  FIG. 39 , a blind bore or cavity  1470 , generally cylindrical in nature, is formed in an underside  1480  of a free end  1490  of the flange  1430 . The cavity  1470  is configured for receiving an anti-rotation pin  1500 . The pin  1500  is illustrated as comprising an enlarged head  1510  for fitting into the cavity  1470  and a cylindrical shank portion  1520  having a smaller diameter than the head  1510  which seats in the cover  7  and prevents relative rotation of the bushing  1400 . It is also conceived that the pin  1500  would have a uniform diameter along its full length, extending from the cavity  1470 . The remainder of the bushing  1400  is structurally identical to the bushing  140  described above. In use, the end closure panel  15  receiving the locking handle assembly  110  would include a primary aperture like aperture  16  for receiving the locking handle assembly  110 , and a smaller secondary aperture  1525  ( FIG. 45 ) for closely receiving the pin  1500  in a locking fashion. By this arrangement, the bushing  1400  is prevented from rotating within the primary aperture  16  of the closure panel  7  by the action of the anti-rotation or locking pin  1500 . The bushing  1400  is further secured to the closure panel  7  by a bushing nut  160  with or without an anti-rotation washer  155  as described elsewhere herein. 
         [0083]    To enclose the above components, the dust cover cap  165 , shown in FIGS.  2  and  17 - 18 , is formed as a generally octagonal cylindrical sleeve having rounded “corners”  720  and flat sides  725 , substantially corresponding to the cross section of the distal portion of the bushing  140 . At a distal end  730  of the dust cover cap  165 , a shoulder  735  is provided, forming a round opening  740  slightly larger than the opening  665  in the distal end  650  of the bushing  140 . At the proximal end  745  of the dust cover cap  165 , inwardly directed prongs or snap locking tabs  750  are provided. The prongs  750  are configured to engage the circumferential groove  705  adjacent the end  710  of the outer end portion  675  of the bushing  140  ( FIG. 15 ), to removably attach the dust cover cap  165  onto the end portion of the bushing  140  as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0084]    The above components serve to drive the slide bolt  150  for locking and unlocking. The slide bolt  150 , as shown in  FIG. 19  (and also in the cross sections of FIGS.  3  and  29 - 32 ), is cylindrical, having a primary diameter  805 , defining a first portion  810  and a third portion  815 . The first and third portions  810 ,  815  are connected by a second, reduced portion  820 . The reduced portion  820  forms the basis for an annular cavity  825  between the first and third portions  810 ,  815  of the slide bolt  150 . The slide bolt  150  fits into transverse passage  360 . The diameter  805  of the first and third portions  810 ,  815  is defined so as to provide smooth movement within the transverse passage  360  of the handle shaft  175 . A fourth portion  830  of the slide bolt  150 , opposite from the first portion  810 , is formed with a predefined diameter  835  for engaging the passage  695  in the bushing  140  or similar passage  1495  in bushing  1400  to selectively prevent rotation of handle  130  when engaged with the bushing  140  or  1400 . The external faces  838 ,  840  of the first and fourth portions  810 ,  830  of the slide bolt  150  are formed with a specified radius to provide clearance within the bushing  140  or  1400  while housed completely within the transverse passage  360  of the shaft  175 . Operation of the slide bolt  150  will be described further herein. 
         [0085]    To selectively enclose the exterior key slot of the cylinder assembly  145 , the cover  135 , as shown in  FIGS. 20-21 , has a tear-drop shape to match the gripping portion  170  of the handle  130  and is rotatably mounted on the handle  130  so to swing open and closed to provide access to the key cylinder. The cover  135  has an outer face  850  and an inner face  855 . The inner face includes a cylindrical depression  860  (see also  FIG. 3 ) which covers the cylinder assembly  145 . A cylindrical post  865  extends normally from the inner face  855  and fits in handle aperture  190  in rotatable engagement therewith. The post  865  includes an internal aperture  870 . A pair of convex ridges  875 ,  880  extend from the inner face  855  on opposing sides of the post  865  so as to seat within the handle recesses  195  and  200 , and in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the cover  135 . The ridges  875 ,  880  and recesses  195 ,  200  have cooperating arcuate surfaces which effect a camming action during swinging of the cover  135  and thereby lift the cover  135  upwardly to permit continued swinging movement of the cover  135  that exposes the lock cylinder  145 . A coil spring  885  resiliently resists this lifting movement while a screw fastener  890  prevents removal of the cover  135  from handle  130 . In this manner, the handle  130  can be manually locked and unlocked by the key K. 
         [0086]    While the handle  130  allows for manual locking and unlocking, the power module  120  illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 22-28 , and is a preferred addition to the locking handle assembly  110  for providing remote electrical locking and unlocking capability to the locking handle assembly  110 . The power lock assembly  120  includes a solenoid housing and frame  1000 , a cover  1010 , a lock solenoid  1020  ( FIG. 28 ), a slider plate  1030 , and a manual lock/unlock knob  1040 . The frame  1000  mounts to the distal end  650  of the bushing  140  to align for engagement with the locking handle assembly  110 , as will be further described below. 
         [0087]    The solenoid housing and frame  1000  includes a housing portion  1050  and a frame portion  1055 . The frame portion  1055  extends laterally of the housing portion  1050  and is connected to the housing portion  1050  by a bridge portion  1060 . A slider mounting plate  1065  ( FIG. 25 ) extends over the bridge portion  1060 , from the housing portion  1050 , and further extends over the frame portion  1055 . The mounting plate  1065  includes two slider mounting posts  1070 ,  1075 . In the region of the bridge portion  1060 , the slider mounting plate  1065  includes a groove  1080  aligned with a notch  1085  in the housing portion  1050 . 
         [0088]    The housing portion  1050  defines an interior cavity  1090  for receiving the solenoid  1020  ( FIG. 28 ), and includes a power connection recess  1095  formed distally from the frame portion  1055  and the notch  1085  to accommodate a power connection to the solenoid  1020 . 
         [0089]    The frame portion  1055  is substantially flat, and includes a central, generally octagonal opening  1100 . The periphery of the opening  1100  includes flat sections  1105  and curved sections  1110 , substantially corresponding to the exterior configuration of the distal end  650  of the bushing  140 . One of the flat portions  1105  includes a guidance key  1115  for engaging the groove  690  formed in the distal end  650  of the bushing  140 . Each of the posts  1070 ,  1075  includes a respective collar portion  1130 ,  1135 . 
         [0090]    The slider plate  1030  ( FIGS. 26 and 27 ) is generally rectangular in configuration. A pair of oval slots  1150 ,  1155  are arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the slider plate  1030 , along an upper edge thereof, to define stop limits for sliding movement of the slider plate  1030 . A cutout portion  1160  is arranged opposite the oval slots  1150 ,  1155 . The cutout portion is bounded by a locking projection  1165  and an unlocking projection  1170 , each directed in the longitudinal direction of the sliding plate  1030  and along a lower edge  1175  thereof. At a proximal end  1180  of the slider plate  1030 , relative to the housing  1050 , a raised flange portion  1185  is provided. The raised flange  1185  includes an aperture  1190  and further defines a recess  1195  on an undersurface thereof adapted to be driven by the solenoid  1020 . 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 28 , the solenoid  1020  includes a main drive body  1200 , electrical connection  1210 , and reciprocating actuation arm  1220 . The actuation arm  1220  includes a longitudinal portion  1225  for reciprocal movement into and out of the body  1200  and a vertical drive portion  1230 . As shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , the actuator  1220  extends distally from the housing  1050  toward the opening  1100  for engagement with the slider plate  1030 . The vertical portion  1230  turns away from the face of the slide frame  1000  and passes through the aperture  1190  in the slide plate  1030  so that the plate  1030  and arm  1220  reciprocate together. The vertical portion  1230  is capped by the unlock knob  1040 . 
         [0092]    The slider plate  1030  is slidably received on the face of the slide frame  1000 , with the slide plate posts  1070 ,  1075  each passing through the respective slot  1150 ,  1155 . The slide plate  1030  is retained on the slide frame by push nuts  1240 ,  1245  ( FIGS. 22 and 23 ). A washer  1250  is interposed between each push nut  1240 ,  1245  and the face  1255  of the slide plate  1030 . 
         [0093]    Under the powered action of the solenoid  1020  which is powered by 12 volt pulses or power from the vehicle electrical system, the actuation arm  1220  selectively moves the slider plate  1030  either toward or away from the housing portion  1050 . In the disclosed embodiment, movement of the slider plate  1030  proximally to or toward the housing portion  1050  will extend the unlocking projection  1170  into the opening  1100 . As will be described below, this movement will effect an unlocking of the handle assembly  110  ( FIG. 30 ). Conversely, distal away movement of the slider plate  1030  will extend the locking projection  1165  into the opening  1100  ( FIG. 29 ). This movement will effect a locking of the handle assembly  110 . 
       Assembly 
       [0094]    A detailed cross-section of the locking handle assembly  110  is shown in  FIG. 3 . To assemble the locking handle assembly  110 , the first step is to insert the slide bolt detent spring  366  into the keyhole portion  365  of the transverse opening  360  of the shaft  175 . The slide bolt  150  is then inserted into the transverse passage  360  and centered so it does not extend beyond the exterior circumference of the shaft  175  of the handle  130 , as in the “unlocked” orientation of  FIG. 30 . 
         [0095]    O-ring  459  is placed in O-ring channel  458  on key cylinder assembly  145 . The key cylinder return spring  485  (see also  FIG. 33 ) is assembled onto the assembled key cylinder assembly  145  so that each leg  486 ,  487  of the key cylinder spring  485  engages the appropriate notch  495 ,  500  ( FIG. 10 ) on the tumbler extension  480 , placing the spring  485  under tension. The legs  486 ,  487  are aligned with the key cylinder return spring slots  410 ,  415  ( FIG. 8 ) within the tumbler portion  385  of the shaft  250  of the handle  130 . The key cylinder assembly  145  is then inserted into the central aperture of the handle  130  so that the slide bolt engaging tab  515  enters the gap  825  between the first and third portions  810 ,  815  of the slide bolt  150 , and so that the circumferential groove  505  aligns with the apertures  345 ,  350  within the notch  340  of the shaft  175 . The legs of the U-clip  347  are inserted through the apertures  345 ,  350 , engaging the groove  505  to retain the key cylinder assembly  145  within the handle  130 . 
         [0096]    The cover  135  may then be assembled to the handle  130 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the post  865  is received in the aperture  190  in the narrow end  230  of the gripping portion  170  of the handle  130 . With the post  865  received in the aperture  190 , the ridges  875 ,  880  can be received in the pockets  195 ,  200  on the face  180  of the gripping portion  170 . A compression spring  885  is placed over the post  865  within the cavity  220  and is secured on the post  865  by a threaded fastener  890 . The internal aperture  870  can be pre-threaded, or threads formed by self-tapping by the fastener  890 . The cover  135  is biased by the spring  885  toward the face  180  of the gripping portion  170 , with the ridges  875 ,  880  in the pockets  195 ,  200 . In the position shown in  FIG. 3 , the cylindrical cavity  860  is positioned over the aperture  185  holding the key cylinder assembly  145 . 
         [0097]    To install the handle  130 , the O-ring  265  is placed within the annular groove  260  of the handle  130 . The handle return spring  273  is also slid over the shaft  175  so that a first leg  272  is inserted into the hole  267  ( FIG. 6 ) in the shoulder  268  of the shaft  175 . The shaft  175  can then be inserted into the bushing  140 , taking care to align the second leg  274  of the handle return spring  273  with the hole  647  in the shoulder  645  within the bushing  140  ( FIG. 14 ) so that the handle  130  is normally based to its initial position. Snap ring  317  is clipped over the tip  280  of the shaft portion, into the first of the grooves  315  ( FIG. 4 ) to hold the shaft  175  within the bushing  140 . 
         [0098]    The locking handle assembly  110  can now be inserted through opening  16  in closure panel  15 . First, gasket  157  is placed on an underside of the outwardly extending flange  605  of bushing  140 . The shaft of the bushing  140  is then inserted through the opening in the closure panel  15 . An anti-rotation washer  155  slides over the bushing  140 , with flats  161  and wedges  156  engaging opposing bushing flat faces  685 . A smooth washer  159  is placed over the anti-rotation washer  155 , and bushing nut  160  is threaded onto the rounded corners  665  of the bushing  140  until the wedges  156  bite into the closure panel  15  and wedge between the aperture  16  in the closure panel  15  and the flat faces  685  of bushing  140 . Teeth  158  engage the inner face  18  of the closure panel  15 . 
         [0099]    In a non-powered application, the dust cover  165  can then be applied to the distal portion of the bushing  140  so that the tip  380  of the handle  130  extends through the opening  740  of the dust cover  165 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In one configuration, a rotation disk (not shown) can be connected to a latching mechanism of the closure panel and is mounted on the tip  380  and secured by a second retaining clip (not shown) that is received in the distal slot  320 . This disk would rotate with the handle  130 . Other release mechanisms are available, which can be adapted to engage the square cavity  330  in the tip  280 . 
         [0100]    In a powered application, the locking handle assembly  110  is secured to the closure panel  15  as described above, but the dust cover  165  need not be employed. The distal end  650  of the bushing  140  is exposed. The power module  120  is slid over the distal end  650  of bushing  140  with the guidance key  1115  engaging the groove  690  to ensure proper orientation, as the power module  120  can be constructed for right or left side installation and therefore is adaptable to different configurations of closure. The troughs  700  on each side of the distal end  650  of the bushing  140  are provided so that the locking projection  1165  and the unlocking projection  1170  can pass over the distal portion of the bushing  140  to align with the passage  695 . The frame  1055 , when fully engaged onto the distal end  650  of the bushing  140 , abuts the proximal end  710  of the distal portion, exposing the groove  705 . The snap ring  707  can then be received within the groove  705 , securing the power module  120  onto the locking handle assembly  110 . The locking and unlocking projections  1165 ,  1170  are thus aligned with the passage  695  for engaging the slide bolt  150 , as shown in  FIGS. 29-32 . The slide bolt  150  remains engageable by the key cylinder assembly  145 . 
       Operation 
       [0101]    In  FIG. 29 , the locking handle assembly  110  is shown in the locked position, with no key inserted in the key cylinder  145 , and with the key cylinder  145  in the centered position, biased into this position by the key cylinder return spring  485 . In this position, the slide bolt engagement tab  515  is centered, allowing the slide bolt  150  to slide freely from the locked position ( FIG. 29 ) to the unlocked position ( FIG. 30 ). The locking projection  1165  of the power module  120  extends through the passage  695  to maintain or push the slide bolt  150  to the left. In this locked position, the end portion  830  of the slide bolt  150  extends through the passage  695 , preventing relative rotation of the shaft  175  within the bushing  140 . 
         [0102]    Referring to  FIG. 30 , the unlocking projection  1170  has been actuated to extend into the passage  695  so that the end portion  830  of the slide bolt  150  is fully received or retracted within the shaft  175  of the handle  130 . The locking portion  1165  is simultaneously withdrawn from the passage  695 , thereby allowing complete freedom of rotation of the shaft  175  within the bushing  140  by the handle  130 . 
         [0103]    In order to operate the locking handle assembly  110  using a key, it is necessary to expose the key cylinder assembly  145 . The cover  135  need only be pushed to the side and rotated about the post  865 . A ramping action between the ridges  875 ,  880  and the pockets  195 ,  200  will compress the spring  885  and lift the cover  135  above the face  180  of the gripping portion  170  of the handle  130 , to provide clearance and prevent scratching of the face  180 . When the cover has rotated 180° about the post  865 , the ridges  875 ,  880  will drop into the opposite respective pocket  195 ,  200 , and remain in the uncovered position until manually returned to the covered position of  FIG. 3 . In  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the cover  135  has been rotated to expose the key cylinder  145  and is not shown. 
         [0104]      FIG. 31  shows a key K engaged in the key cylinder  145  and rotating the key cylinder  145 . This rotation of the key cylinder  145  causes the slide bolt engagement tab  515  to engage the first portion  810  of the slide bolt  150  to center the slide bolt  150  within the shaft  175 . The first portion  810  of the slide bolt  150  presses the locking projection  1165  out of the shaft  175  to allow free rotation of the handle  110 . 
         [0105]    In  FIG. 32 , the key K is shown inserted into the key cylinder  145 , but rotated in the opposite direction. Rotation of the key cylinder assembly  145  by the key K causes the slide bolt engagement tab  515  to be pressed against the third portion  815  of the slide bolt  150  to extend the end portion  830  through the passage  695 , thus preventing rotation of the handle  130 . The extension of the end portion  830  presses against the unlocking projection  1170  to displace it so that the end portion  830  can occupy the passage  695 . Displacement of the unlocking projection  1170  simultaneously draws the opposed locking projection  1165  into the passage  695  to further secure the shaft  175  against rotation relative to the bushing  140 . 
         [0106]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the above-described locking handle and power module assembly  100  is mounted to the end wall  15  of the tonneau cover  7  according to the above-described mounting procedures. The handle assembly  100  preferably also includes a manually operable release handle  1200  which projects out of a main cover  1201 , which cover  1201  is provided as seen in  FIG. 40  so as to almost fully enclose the locking handle and power module assembly  100 . This release handle assembly  1200  is drivingly connected to a latching mechanism  1202 , which latching mechanism  1202  comprises two actuator cables  1203  and  1204  (FIGS.  40  and  46 - 47 ) wherein the release handle assembly  1200  may be automatically operated by its interconnection to the locking handle assembly  110  which may be manually operated from the exterior of the tonneau cover  7  by rotation of the handle portion  130 . The release handle assembly  1200  also is accessible from the interior of the tonneau cover  7  and may be manually rotated from the interior of the tonneau cover  7  so as to actuate the cables  1203  and  1204  independently of the exterior handle  130  and even if the handle  130  is locked. This allows for emergency release of the inventive handle assembly  130  even under a locked condition. 
         [0107]    The assembly  100  is preferably formed with the above-described bushing  1400  which includes the anti-rotation pin  1500  which projects from the bushing and engages a secondary aperture  1525  ( FIG. 45 ) that is formed on the exterior of the tonneau cover end wall  15  to prevent unwanted rotation of the bushing  1400  within the end wall  15 . 
         [0108]    In this preferred embodiment, the bushing  1400  includes side grooves  1496 , which grooves  1496  include the apertures  1495  on the opposite sides of the bushing  1400  that align with each opposite end of the transverse passage  360  in the handle shaft  175  described above so as to permit the power module  120  to operate the slide bolt  150  as also described above. Hence, bushing  1400  also has the opening  1497  ( FIGS. 38 and 39 ) wherein the shaft portion  175  projects out of the bushing opening  1497  for mounting of the release handle assembly  1200  thereon. Hence, operation of the release handle assembly  1200  causes rotation of the handle shaft  175 . 
         [0109]    Referring to  FIGS. 51 and 52 , the shaft portion  175  of the handle  130  has a modified construction in that the tip portion  280  is formed with a flat end face  1210  and a mounting hub  1211  projecting therefrom. The mounting hub  1211  has opposite arcuate side edges  1212  and a pair of straight edges  1213  on the top and bottom thereof. In the interior of the hub  1211 , a short hub extension  1214  is provided which also has two arcuate edges and a pair of straight edges on the top and bottom thereof. The center of the hub extension  1214  includes a fastener bore  1215  for mounting the release handle assembly  1200  thereon as will be described further hereinafter. As such, the release handle assembly  1200  is typically disposed within the interior storage compartment of the truck bed portion  5 , and is accessible from this space to independently operate the latching mechanism  1202  even if the handle assembly  110  is in a locked condition, and without require operation of either the handle  130  or the power module  120 . The primary function served by the release handle assembly  1200  is that it would allow release of the latching mechanism  1202  and opening of the tonneau cover  7 , for example, if a person was trapped in the storage compartment. 
         [0110]    First as to the cover  1201 , this cover  1201  encloses the entire locking handle and power module assembly  100 , and also includes cable guides  1210  and  1211  at the opposite cover ends which allow for the passage of cables  1203  and  1204  sidewardly therethrough. The cable guides  1210  and  1211  allow the cables to exit the cover  1201  at a variety of angles depending upon the destination of the routing of the cables  1203  and  1204  on the tonneau cover  7 . For example, cables  1203  and  1204  are shown in  FIG. 40  extending along first paths in a first configuration wherein cable  1203  angles downwardly to a tubular cable channel  1214  formed in the cover end wall  15  while cable  1204  angles upwardly past a flange  1215 . The guide channels  1210  and  1211  are sized to also permit the cables to angle in alternate configurations. 
         [0111]    For example, the flange  1215  may include a guide bore  1216  through the cable  1204  would angle farther upwardly in the second configuration designated as  1204 - 1 . In another example, cable  1203  could instead angle upwardly in the second configuration designated as  1203 - 1 . Referring to  FIGS. 43 and 44 , the guide channels  1210  and  1211  preferably are horizontally elongate and formed in the respective cover end walls  1217  and  1218  which allows the cables  1203  and  1204  to not only vary in their vertical angular orientation shown in  FIG. 40  but also may vary in their horizontal angular orientation since the guide channels  1217  and  1218  are horizontally elongate. Further, these guide channels  1217  and  1218  are open on the front side or end disposed proximate the cover end wall  15  ( FIG. 44 ) to allow the cover  1201  to be fitted into position when the cables  1203  and  1204  are already connected to the release handle assembly  1200  as seen in  FIG. 47 . 
         [0112]    To secure the cover  1201  in position, the power module  120  is provided with cover mounts  1220 ,  1221  and  1222  ( FIGS. 47 and 46 ) which are formed as open-ended bores and threadedly engage with fasteners  1223 ,  1224  and  1225  respectively ( FIGS. 43 and 44 ). Each of the fasteners  1223 ,  1224  and  1225  passes through a fastener slot  1226  ( FIG. 45 ) formed in the cover  1201  which slots  1226  are elongate to permit the cover  1201  to be adjusted from a first outward position seen in  FIG. 44 , and a second inward position seen in  FIG. 45 . This allows the cover  1201  to be snugged up tightly against the inside surface of the cover end wall  15  during installation. 
         [0113]    The power module  120  also is formed with cable guide  1228  to ensure that the cable  1204  extends to the end of the power module  120  without interference, and as the cable  1204  exits the cable guide  1228 , the cable  1204  can bend at a desired angle depending upon the routing of the cable  1204 , as previously described relative to  FIG. 40 . The cable guide  1228  preferably is defined by a downwardly projecting flange  1229  formed by the housing of the power module  120 . The flange  1229  is positioned closely proximate the respective guide channel  1210  formed in cover  1201 . 
         [0114]    The cover  1201  also includes a handle slot  1230  which is vertically elongate and allows the release handle assembly  1200  to be operated therethrough. The release handle assembly primarily comprises a release handle  1232  ( FIGS. 41 and 48 ), but also includes a washer  1233  and a fastener  1234  which connect the release handle  1232  to the handle  130 . The end of the handle  1232  has an overmolded cover  1235  ( FIG. 43 ) which is formed of a phosphorescent ABS material or other similar photoluminescent material. As such, the cover  1235  is readily visible in the dark, such as in an emergency when a person is trapped in the truck bed. This person can readily see the handle cover  1235  when it glows in the dark, and can see the visible indicia on the cover  1235  (see Figure re) which provides operational instructions, preferably by a picture which shows the cover being opened and has arrows indicating how to escape. The release handle  1232  is driven in one rotational direction by the handle  130  when the handle is used to operate the latching mechanism  1202 , but also is independently movable in the opposite rotational direction so that the release handle  1232  can independently release the latching mechanism  1202  without regard to operation of the handle  130  and without regard to whether the handle assembly  110  is locked or not. 
         [0115]    Generally as shown in  FIGS. 48-50 , the release handle  1232  comprises a drive disk  1236  which is circular about most of the circumference, and which has a pair of cable mounting flanges  1237  and  1238 . The mounting flanges  1237  and  1238  extend tangentially from the drive disk  1236  and then bend at right angles to define cable eyelets  1239  and  1240  for engaging cables  1203  and  1204 . As seen in  FIG. 47 , the cables  1203  and  1204  extend through their respective eyelets  1239  and  1240  and have enlarged cable heads  1243  and  1244  which prevent the cables  1203  and  1204  from pulling out of the eyelets  1239  and  1240 . Hence, counterclockwise rotation of the handle  1232  ( FIG. 47 ) during rotation of the handle  130  pulls the cables  1203  and  1204  to release the latch mechanism  1202 . 
         [0116]    To mount the release handle  1232  to the end  280  of the handle shaft  175  as seen in  FIGS. 51 and 52 , the shaft portion  175  of the handle  130  has the modified construction in that the tip portion  280  is formed with a flat end face  1210  and a mounting hub  1211  projecting therefrom. The handle drive disk  1236  includes a central disk aperture  1242  ( FIGS. 48 and 51 ) which rotatably mounts on the hub  1211 . The disk aperture  1242  has non-circular shape although it includes two diametrically opposite, arcuate rotation edges  1243  which define two segments of a circle. The rotation edges  1243  fit closely adjacent the opposite arcuate side edges  1212  of the mounting hub  1211  so that the side edges  1212  and rotation edges  1243  have a common center axis and the release handle  1232  rotates about such axis. 
         [0117]    The disk aperture  1242  also includes two radial projections  1245  which project radially inwardly and are each defined by two stop faces  1246  and  1247  which essentially face in opposite clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The clockwise-facing stop faces  1246  are normally disposed in contact with straight hub edges  1213  on the top and bottom of the hub  1211  as seen in  FIG. 51 . The cables  1203  and  1204  normally pull the release handle  1232  clockwise until the aperture stop faces  1246  abut against the hub edges  1213 . As a result, counterclockwise rotation of the handle shaft  175  causes the drive disk  1236  to pull the cables  1203  and  1204  and release the latch mechanism  1200 . The cables  1203  and  1204  are normally resiliently biased against such movement by springs or other biasing elements that maintain the cables in tension such that release of handle  130  allows the cables to return to their initial position ( FIG. 47 ) with the stop faces  1246  remaining in contact with the hub edges  1213 . As such, the release handle  1232  serves to connect the cables  1203  and  1204  to the handle  130  so that the handle  130  controls actuation of such cables during clockwise rotation thereof ( FIG. 47 ). 
         [0118]    However, the release handle  1232  is unrestrained in the counterclockwise direction and is relatively movable counterclockwise without effecting any rotation of handle  130 . In particular, the counterclockwise-facing stop faces  1247  of the disk aperture essentially define a clearance space  1250  along half of the straight hub edges  1213  which thereby allows the release handle  1232  to rotate counterclockwise while the hub  1211  and its associated handle  130  remains stationary. In particular, the release handle  1232  is captured on the hub  1211  by the aforementioned washer  1233  and fastener  1234  but the washer  1233  still permits counterclockwise rotation of the release handle  1232  until the point when counterclockwise stop faces  1247  come into contact with the hub edges  1213 . While rotation is thus limited, this rotation of the release handle  1232  is sufficient to pull cables  1203  and  1204  to release the latching mechanism  1200 , simply by manual rotation of the release handle  1232 . Since the cables  1203  and  1204  are in tension and subject to a resilient restoring force, this restoring force will return the release handle  1232  to the initial position of  FIGS. 51 and 52  in the absence of any movement of the handle  130 . Hence, the handle  130  may be stationary and may even be locked such that rotation of handle  130  is prevented, yet the release handle  1232  still may be manually rotated counterclockwise to release the latching mechanism  1200  such as in an emergency. 
         [0119]    The washer  1233  includes center bore  1252  ( FIG. 49 ) which has a non-circular shape corresponding to the shape of hub extension  1214 , which namely is provided with two arcuate edges and a pair of straight edges on the top and bottom thereof. This prevents any rotation of washer  1233  relative to hub  1211  during rotation of the release handle  1232 , which prevents the washer  1233  from tending to unthread the fastener  1234 . The center of the hub extension  1214  includes the fastener bore  1215  which threadedly engages the fastener  1234  for mounting the release handle  1232  on the hub  1211 . Hence, the release handle  1232  serves as a drive disk to drivingly interconnect the handle  130  to the cables  1203  and  1204  yet also is unrestrained in a second condition to permit release of such cables independently of the handle  130  and without regard to whether the handle  130  is locked. 
         [0120]    While the release handle assembly  1200  could be replaced with direction connection between handle shaft  175  and cables  1203  and  1204  that does not provide any release function, the release handle assembly  1200  is preferred. Further, the release handle assembly  1200  may be used with or without the power module  120 . 
         [0121]    Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8