Daimlerchrysler Corporation

James F Clisham

Leoncio C Ang

Robert F Bennett

An release handle mechanism for a motor vehicle trunk lid is provided. The release handle mechanism includes a handle, that when activated can release the latch that couples the trunk lid to the vehicle body. The mechanism includes a housing having a plurality of sides. One side includes an inclined surface onto which the handle is pivotally connected such that the pivoting of the handle causes the handle to move outward and downward. The mechanism also includes a light source disposed within one side of the housing. The light source is disposed less than 4 inches away from the handle and is capable of directing light towards said handle as well as the trunk. The handle itself is comprised of a generally cylindrical horizontal portion and a pivot portion that is connected to the inclined surface. In the first embodiment the handle is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer resin, containing a phosphorescent, while in the second embodiment, the housing is made of material with the phosphorescent additive. A method for providing an illuminated handle in a vehicle trunk is also provided in the present invention.

Trunk release handle

A device and method for monitoring a vehicle storage compartment for the presence of a confined individual includes at least one sensor adapted for sensing the presence of a living being confined in a vehicle storage compartment and generating a sensor signal in response thereto and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor and generating an actuation signal in response to the sensor signal. The actuation signal may be used to automatically open the vehicle storage compartment and/or to cause an audible warning device coupled to the controller to produce a predetermined warning in response to the actuation signal. The actuation signal may also be used to produce a visual signal which draws attention to the vehicle.

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Farmington Hills, MI, United States of America

James F Clisham