The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 19, 2020
Filed:
Aug. 22, 2017
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Erlanger, KY (US);
Tarakorn Soonthornwinate, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Yoshiki Ishikawa, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Frank A. Richards, Michigan Center, MI (US);
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Plano, TX (US);
Abstract
A self-centering handle assembly is provided for a vehicle door. The handle assembly includes a pivoting handle base coupled to the vehicle door at a pivot axis, and includes a front face having a first and second opposing ends. The first and seconds ends are configured for a selective pivotal movement in opposite directions about the pivot axis. First and second drive arms are provided extending a distance from a rear portion of the handle base and configured for coordinated movement with the respective first and second ends of the handle base. A bell crank is provided, coupled to the handle assembly, and configured to rotate about a second pivot axis. Rotation of the bell crank is driven by movement of the first and second drive arms. A biasing member is in contact with the bell crank and urges the bell crank to a return to a self-centering, rest position.