FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]
TITLE: “A GRAB HANDLE ASSEMBLY OF A VEHICLE AND METHOD OF DEPLOYING A GRAB HANDE THEREOF”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS PASSENGER VEHICLES LIMITED; an Indian company having a registered address at Floor 3, 4, Plot-18, Nanavati Mahalaya, Mudhana Shetty Marg, BSE, Fort, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra, 400001
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a grab handle assembly. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose deployment of the grab handle assembly about a door frame of the vehicle, to be operable between a stowable position and a extendable position, and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicles in general are designed and manufactured to be operable in various conditions and also to be driven across different terrains. For such operation, the vehicles may be defined with defined ground clearance, where such ground clearance of the vehicle may be dependent on several parameters. Some of such parameters may be including design of body frame of the vehicle, terrain on which vehicle is meant to travel, wheelbase of the vehicle, load bearing capacity, and among others.
[0003] Such ground clearance may comparatively be high for vehicles including sports utility vehicles, vans, commercial vehicles, and among others. Conventionally, to cater deboarding about the ground clearance, such vehicle includes a grab handle which is provided at entrance or proximal to a door frame of the vehicle and configured to be clasped by a commuter or passenger. Such grab handles are generally fixed at a portion of a passenger cabin of the vehicle. In some vehicles, the grab handle are structured to be pivotable which allows such grab handles to be clasped by the commuter during boarding into the vehicle. However, boarding into the vehicle may become cumbersome for passengers such as physically abled, patients, aged commuters, and among other commuters, as the grab handle may be at an elevated height beyond reach of such commuters.
[0004] With the advent of technology, efforts have been made to modify the grab handles in order to meet requirements of the commuters. Some of such conventional modifications include splitting of the grab handle, where potion of the grab handle is pivoted for grabbing and boarding into the vehicle. Some other conventional modifications include manufacturing the grab handle from flexible material, where the grab handle may be deformed to extend from the door frame. However, such configuration of the conventional grab handles tend to increase time and costs associated with assembling about the door frame in view of number of components and subsequently arrangement of such components within the door frame. Also, due to intricate

components, such conventional grab handles may not be assembled in an assembly line of the
vehicle.
[0005] The above stated aspects of the Background are not to be considered as a limitation of
the present disclosure.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] One or more shortcomings of conventional methods or systems or assemblies are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the method and the assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure. [0007] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a grab handle assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a grab handle, operably disposed about a door frame of the vehicle, the grab handle configured to be operable between a stowable condition and an extendable position relative to the door frame, where the grab handle being exposable on operating to the extendable position. The assembly also includes an actuator positioned about a portion of the door frame and being operatively connectable to the grab handle, the actuator being operable between an ON condition and an OFF condition, based on state of a door corresponding to the door frame. The assembly also includes one or more sensors, coupled to at least one of the door frame and the door, the one or more sensors configured to sense state of the door. The system also includes a control unit, c0mmunicately coupled to the one or more sensors and the actuator. The control unit is configured to determine state of the door based on a signal received from the one or more sensors, and actuate, the actuator to deploy the grab handle relatively about the door frame and operate the grab handle from the stowable position to the extendable position. [0008] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive a signal from at least one switch associated with the vehicle to actuate the actuator for deployment of the grab handle. [0009] In an embodiment, the grab handle assembly also includes a locking unit which is selectively coupled to the actuator and communicatively coupled to the control unit. The locking unit is configured to selectively lock the grab handle in each of the stowable position and the extendable position.
[0010] In an embodiment, the locking unit also includes a displacement device which is communicatively coupled to the control unit. The locking unit further includes a locking element which is connectable at an end of the displacement device. The locking element is configured to

selectively engage and lock at least a portion of the grab handle, on operating the displacement
device by the control unit.
[0011] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the grab handle is defined with a plurality of lock
members, configured to engage and lock with the locking element of the locking unit.
[0012] In an embodiment, the grab handle assembly also includes at least one switch which is
communicatively coupled to the control unit. The at least one switch is configured to selectively
actuate the actuator for displacing the grab handle.
[0013] In an embodiment, the actuator includes a drive unit which is operatively coupled to the
control unit. The actuator further includes a tension member which is coupled at an end of the
drive unit and connectable to at least a portion of the grab handle. The tension member is adapted
to selectively displace the grab handle relative to the door frame, based on operation of the drive
unit.
[0014] In an other non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of deploying a
grab handle of a grab handle assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes
determining, by a control unit, state of a door based on a signal received from one or more sensors
coupled to at least one of a door frame and the door of the vehicle. The control unit is configured
to actuate an actuator to deploy a grab handle associated with the door and the door frame. The
grab handle is operable relatively about the door frame between a stowable position and an
extended position.
[0015] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving, by the control unit, a signal
from at least one switch associated with the vehicle to actuate the actuator for deployment of the
grab handle.
[0016] In an embodiment, the method further includes operating, by the control unit, a locking
unit to selectively lock the grab handle in each of the stowable position and the extended position.
The locking unit is configured to selectively coupled to the actuator and communicatively
coupled to the control unit.
[0017] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0018] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further

aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant
digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first
introduced.
[0020] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of
an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or
more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a door frame including a grab handle assembly, in
accordance with one embodiment.
[0022] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate the grab handle assembly of the vehicle with a door being in
open condition, and that a grab handle being in a stowable position and an extendable position,
respectively, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the grab handle assembly of Fig. 1 in
accordance with one embodiment.
[0024] FIGs. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate schematic diagrams of a locking unit foe selectively
locking the grab handle of the grab handle assembly in accordance with one embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a method for deploying the grab handle of the grab
handle assembly in accordance with one embodiment.
[0026] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein
represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present
disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, and the like
represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable
medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is
explicitly shown.
[0027] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative
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embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0029] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the method or the assembly or the system, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the assembly and the method of the present disclosure may be employed in any kind of vehicle ranging from passenger vehicles to commercial vehicles. However, the vehicle is illustrated in the drawings of the disclosure is for the purpose of simplicity and should not be considered as a limitation. [0030] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, method and assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly or a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system. [0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a grab handle assembly and method for deploying such grab handle of a vehicle. The assembly includes a grab handle, operably disposed about a door frame of the vehicle, the grab handle configured to be operable between a stowable condition and an extendable position relative to the door frame, where the grab handle being exposable on operating to the extendable position. The assembly also includes an actuator positioned about a portion of the door frame and being operatively connectable to the grab handle, the actuator being operable between an ON condition and an OFF condition, based on state of a

door corresponding to the door frame. The assembly also includes one or more sensors, coupled to at least one of the door frame and the door, the one or more sensors configured to sense state of the door. The assembly also includes a control unit, c0mmunicately coupled to the one or more sensors and the actuator. The control unit is configured to determine state of the door based on a signal received from the one or more sensors, and actuate, the actuator to deploy the grab handle relatively about the door frame and operate the grab handle from the stowable position to the extendable position. Such configuration of the grab handle assembly assists in providing support to a user for boarding the vehicle, when the door of the vehicle is open.
[0032] Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures illustrating an assembly and a method for deploying a grab handle of a grab handle assembly of a vehicle. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure and figures 1-5 illustrated herein. [0033] Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a block diagram of a grab handle assembly (100) of a vehicle (200). The grab handle assembly (100) is located in a passenger cabin of the vehicle (200), where the grab handle assembly (100) is positioned relative to a door (102) and a door frame (101) of the vehicle (200). The grab handle assembly (100) is configured to be clasped, gripped and/or held as a support by a passenger intending to onboard or deboard the vehicle (200). For such operation, the grab handle assembly (100) include a grab handle (1) which is positioned relative to door (102) for enabling the user or passenger to approach and grab for assistance. Such grab handle (1) is structured to bear load in a substantially vertical direction. Here, the term substantially may be referred to as an inclination at which the grab handle (1) may be relative to a transverse plane of the vehicle (200) during operation. Deviation in application of load along an axis of about 1 to 20 deg from the vertical axis of the vehicle (200) may have minimal or no effect on load bearing capacity of the grab handle (1) of the grab handle assembly (100).
[0034] The grab handle (1) may be a unitary structure which is capable of bearing load and being affixed to the interior panels or body-in-white of the vehicle (200). The grab handle (1) may be structured to resist deformation, while the grab handle (1) may be adapted to be displaceable relative to the door frame (101), an in-turn the door (102) of the vehicle (200). In an embodiment, the grab handle (1) maybe displaceable by way of linear or translatory motion and pivotal motion, relative to the door frame (101). In the illustrative embodiment, the grab

handle (1) is adapted to me linearly displaceable and pivotable related to the door frame (101) of the vehicle (200). For such configuration, the grab handle (1) is configured to be operable between a stowable condition and an extendable position relative to the door frame (101). In the stowable condition, the grab handle (1) may configure to be positioned within the interior cabin of the vehicle (200) and maybe relatively pivotable about an axis of fixture of the grab handle (1). In such stowable condition, the grab handle (1) may be considered to be only pivotable relative to the door frame (101) and the door (102) of the vehicle (200), as best seen in Figure 2a. Meanwhile, in the extendable state, the grab handle (1) maybe configured to extend related to the door frame (101), where the grab handle (1) may extend and expose from the interior cabin of the vehicle (200) towards an opening being defined on operating the door (102) from a closed condition do an open condition, as best seen in Figure 2b. In such extendable state of the grab handle (1), a plane of support available for the passenger or user for onboarding and deboarding of the vehicle (200) may be rendered to be proximal to the ground. With such reduction in plane due to the extendable position of the grab handle (1), efforts required for the passenger or user to onboard and deboard the vehicle (200) maybe substantially reduced.
[0035] The grab handle assembly (100) also includes an actuator (2) pos which is positioned about a portion of the door frame (101), not seen in Figures 2a and 2b. In an embodiment, the actuator (2) may be positioned in the interior cabin of the vehicle (200) or between an interior trim and the body in white of the vehicle (200), to suitably conceal exposure of the actuator (2) to the surroundings. The actuator (2) may be clamped, fastened, welded, brazed, riveted, bonded, and any other means to connect with either the interior cabin or the body-in-white of the vehicle (200). The actuator (2) may be operatively connectable to the grab handle (1), as can be seen in figure 3. In an embodiment, operation of the actuator (2) may be regulated based on parameters including state of the door (102), activation by the user or passenger, profile of the user or passenger being capable of boarding or deboarding, and among others. In the illustrative embodiment, the actuator (2) is operable between an ON condition and an OFF condition, based on state of a door (102) corresponding to the door frame (101). The actuator (2) may be operated to OFF condition when the grab handle (1) may be required to be displaced relative to the door frame (101), while the actuator (2) may be operated the ON condition when the grab handle (1) may be required to be held in one of the stowable position and the extendable state.

[0036] The grab handle assembly (100) further includes one or more sensors (3). The one or more sensors (3) maybe coupled to at least one of the grab handle (1), the door frame (101) and the door (102). The one or more sensors (3) configured to sense state of the door (102). In an embodiment, the one or more sensors (3) may be including a proximity sensor, a hall effect sensor, a magnetometer, a normally closed relay, and among sensors (3) capable of determining state of the door (102) to be at least one of the open condition or the closed condition as can be seen in figures 2A and 2B. The one or more sensors (3) may be configured to assistant actuation of the actuator (2). In the illustrative embodiment, the one or more sensors (3) are exemplified and represented as a single unit, however cluster of sensor modules may be provided at various locations to sense state of the door (102) relative to the door frame (101). Further, for sake of simplicity, it is exemplified that the one or more sensors (3) are positioned on B pillar of the vehicle (200), however the one or more sensors (3) may be positioned on the hood or on the scuff plate or floor portion or on the door (102) or a combination thereof. The one or more sensors (3) maybe configured to determine state of the door (102) based on operation and relative movement of the door (102) from the door frame (101).
[0037] Referring back to figure 1, the grab handle assembly (100) also includes a control unit (4) which is communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors (3) and the actuator (2). The control unit (4) maybe a dedicated control module associated with the grab handle assembly (100), or maybe a control module associated with a body control module, or maybe a control module associated with a centralised control module of the vehicle (200). The control unit (4) is configured to determine state of the door (102) based on a signal received from the one or more sensors (3). The signal transmitted by the one or more sensors (3) maybe in electrical, electronic, optical, magnetic, and any other form which may be received, interpreted and analysed the control unit (4). Based on the signal from the one or more sensors (3), the control unit (4) maybe configure to accurately determine that the door (102) open state or in the close state for suitably deploying the grab handle (1) of the grab handle assembly (100). Based on the state of the door (102) being determined by the control unit (4), the actuator (2) is configured to be activated (interchangeably referred to as actuated) by the control unit (4) to deploy the grab handle (1) relatively about the door frame (101) and operate the grab handle (1) from the stowable position to the extendable position.
[0038] Turn now to figure 3, which illustrates the actuator (2) couple to the grab handle (1) of the grab handle assembly (100). The actuator (2) includes a drive unit (2a) which is operatively

coupled to the control unit (4). The drive unit (2a) may be at least one of a motor, gear assembly and any other transmission element capable of displacing the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101). the drive unit (2a) of the actuator (2) may be operable by the control unit (4) for deployment of the grab handle (1). The actuator (2) includes a tension member (2b) coupled to the drive unit (2a). The tension member (2b) at least one of string, cable, rope, chain, belt and among others. In the illustrative embodiment, the tension member (2b) is coupled to an end of the drive unit (2a) such that, the tension member (2b) is adapted to selectively displace the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101), based on operation of the drive unit (2a) by the control unit (4). For such operation of the actuator (2), the control unit (4) may be configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors (3) pertaining to state of the door (102). Additionally, the grab handle assembly (100) may also include at least one switch (7) which is communicatively coupled to the control unit (4). The at least one switch (7) is configured to selectively actuate the actuator (2) for displacing the grab handle (1). The at least one switch (7) may be adapted to provide an overriding configuration for at least one of the user, the passenger, and the driver to selectively deploy the grab handle (1) relative to the door (102) and the door frame (101). Alternatively, the at least one switch (7) may be part of the one or more sensors (3) which may receive and/or sense a user input for deployment of the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101) and in-turn the door (102) of the vehicle (200).
[0039] In an embodiment, the at least one switch (7) may be push button, toggle switch, normally closed relay, and among others capable of sensing, either automatically or manually, state of the door (102) relative to the door frame (101). As the at least one switch (7) is communicatively coupled to the control unit (4), deployment of the grab handle (1) may be determined by the control unit (4) based on the signals from the one or more sensors (3) and/or the at least one switch (7). For purpose of selective operation, the control unit (4) override deployment of the grab handle (1) upon operating the door (102) from the close state to the open state, on being sensed by the one or more sensors (3) and non-activation of the at least one switch (7). Further, for quick operation, the control unit (4) may negate signal from the at least one switch (7) for deploying the grab handle (1), upon determining the door (102) to be operated from the closed state to the open state, based on the signal received from the one or more sensors (3). Also, for secure operation, the control unit (4) may affirm operation of the door (102) to be in the open state, based on the signal from the one or more sensors (3) and activation of the at

least one switch (7). In view of such configurations, the control unit (4) may be configured to selectively operate deploy grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101).
[0040] The grab handle assembly (100) also includes a locking unit (5) configured to selectively lock the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101). Here, the term “selectively” may refer to operation of the locking unit (5) to allow deployment the grab handle (1) to a defined length which may vary based on several parameters. In an embodiment, some of the parameters that determine length and/or extend of deployment of the grab handle (1) may be including ground clearance of the vehicle (200), position of a footrest proximal to the door (102), profile of the passenger or user, activating time period for deployment of the grab handle (1), and among others. The locking unit (5) is selectively coupled to the actuator (2) and communicatively coupled to the control unit (4). Such selective coupling of the locking unit (5) with the actuator (2) may enable simultaneous locking or unlocking of the grab handle (1) upon determining state of the door (102) by the sensors (3) and/or operation of the at least one switching element. In the illustrative embodiment, the locking unit (5) is configured to selectively lock the grab handle (1) in each of the stowable position and the extendable position, while the locking unit (5) is configured to allow movement or displacement of deployment of the grab handle (1) between the stowable condition and the extendable position.
As can be seen in figures 4A, 4B and 4C, the locking unit (5) includes a displacement device (5a) which is communicatively coupled to the control unit (4). The locking unit (5) also includes a locking element (5b) connectable at an end of the displacement device (5a). In an embodiment, the displacement device (5a) maybe at least one of linear motor, rack and pinion assembly, and among others which can selectively displace or be in motion relative to structure of the door (102) and the door frame (101). Further, the displacement device (5a) may be operated by the control unit (4) between an operating state and an idle state, where in the operating state displacement device (5a) is configured to disengage from the grab handle (1) and in the ideal state, the displacement device (5a) is configured to engage and lock the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101) and in-turn the door (102). Meanwhile the locking element (5b) may be a wedge or a projection or protuberance that may be connectable at the end of the displacement device (5a). In an embodiment, profile of the locking element (5b) may be complimentary to profile of the grab handle (1) to which blocking element may engage and lock. The locking element (5b) may be coupled to the displacement device (5a) by way of fastening, riveting, welding, brazing, bonding and the like. To engage and lock with the locking element (5b), at
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least a portion of the grab handle (1) is defined with a plurality of lock members (6) having a profile including wedges, dimples, apertures, serrations, flanges, and among others that can complementarily receive and lock with the locking element (5b). Such configuration of the locking unit (5) and the grab handle (1) is configured to allow the locking element (5b) to selectively engage and lock at least a portion of the grab handle (1), on operating the displacement device (5a) by the control unit (4).
[0041] As seen in Figure 4A, the locking element (5b) of the locking unit (5) is configured to engage a portion of the grab handle (1) proximal a grasping or grabbing area thereto. Such configuration allows the grab handle (1) to be positioned in the stowable state (i.e., interchangeably referred to as stowable position) relative to the door frame (101). Further, for allowing selective movement of the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101), the locking element (5b) may be retracted by the displacement device (5a) upon receiving operative signal from the control unit (4), as can be seen in Figure 4B. The grab handle (1) may then displace due to action of gravity or based on biasing by components such as spring (not shown in Figures). Upon displacement for a predefined distance of the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101), the control unit (4) may again operating the displacement device (5a) to displace the locking element (5b) for engaging and locking the grab handle (1). In an embodiment, the predefined distance may range from 2mm to about 20mm, depending on nature of the grab handle (1) for use in the vehicle (200). On locking of the grab handle (1) by the locking unit (5), the grab handle (1) may be visible when viewed along a side profile of the vehicle (200) with the door (102) being in the open condition, as seen in Figure 4c with Figure 2B.
[0042] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit (4) provided in the vehicle (200) may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The control unit (4) may comprise a processing unit and one or more memory units associated with the vehicle (200). The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or
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other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.
[0043] In one embodiment, the control unit (4) may include one or more memory units, which may be disposed in communication with one or more memory units (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) associated with the vehicle (200) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to the one or more memory units including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The one or more memory units may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc. Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., are non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[0044] Referring now to Figure 5, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart of a method of deploying a grab handle (1) of a grab handle assembly (100) of a vehicle (200). In an embodiment, the method may be implemented in any vehicle (200) including, but not limited to, passenger vehicle (200), commercial vehicle (200), mobility vehicles, and the like.
[0045] The method may describe in the general context of processor executable instructions in the control unit (4). Generally, the executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
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[0046] The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.
[0047] At block 602, the control unit (4) is configured to determine state of the door (102) based on the signal received from the one or more sensors (3) coupled to at least one of the door frame (101) and the door (102) of the vehicle (200). In the illustrative embodiment, the one or more sensors (3) are configured to determine state of the door (102) based on operation and relative movement of the door (102) from the door frame (101). i.e., the one or more sensors (3) are configured to generate the signal to the control unit (4) upon sensing the door (102) to be relatively moved from the door frame (101) to be operated from the closed condition to the open condition. With such configuration, the control unit (4) may be capable of determining state of the door (102) to be in the open condition for operation of the actuator (2) to deploy the grab handle (1) of the vehicle (200).
[0048] At block 604, the control unit (4) is configured to actuate the actuator (2) couple to the grab handle (1) of the grab handle assembly (100). The control unit (4), upon determining that the door (102) is operated to the open condition based on the signal from the one or more sensors (3), is configured to actuate the actuator (2). For such operation, the control unit (4) may operate the drive unit (2a) associated with the actuator (2). The drive unit (2a), upon actuation by the control unit (4), may be configured to displace the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101). For such deployment of the grab handle (1), the actuator (2) includes the tension member (2b) coupled to the drive unit (2a). The tension member (2b) is coupled to an end of the drive unit (2a) such that, the tension member (2b) is adapted to selectively displace the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101), based on operation of the drive unit (2a) by the control unit (4). The tension member (2b) is configured to release and allow movement (i.e., lowering relative to the door frame (101)) of the grab handle (1) to be operated in the extendable state (i.e., interchangeably referred to as extendable position), while on operating the door (102) to the closed condition, the control unit (4) is configured to actuate the drive unit (2a) (i.e., generally in an opposite direction) to retract the tension member (2b) and raise the grab handle (1) to the

stowable state. Such an operation of the actuator (2) by the control unit (4) may be sequential based on the signals from the one or more sensors (3).
[0049] In an embodiment, actuation of the actuator (2) by the control unit (4) may also be regulated by operation of the at least one switch (7). The at least one switch (7) is communicatively coupled to the control unit (4). The at least one switch (7) is configured to selectively actuate the actuator (2) for displacing the grab handle (1). The at least one switch (7) may be adapted to provide an overriding configuration for at least one of the user, the passenger, and the driver to selectively deploy the grab handle (1) relative to the door (102) and the door frame (101). Alternatively, the at least one switch (7) may be part of the one or more sensors (3) which may receive and/or sense a user input for deployment of the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101) and in-turn the door (102) of the vehicle (200).
[0050] Additionally, to lock and hold the grab handle (1), either in stowable state or in the extendable state, the control unit (4) is configured to operate the locking unit (5). The locking element (5b) of the locking unit (5) is configured to engage a portion of the grab handle (1) to position the grab handle (1) proximal to periphery of the door frame (101), when in the stowable state. Further, the control unit (4) is configured to operate the locking unit (5) for releasing the grab handle (1) to enable relative movement from the door frame (101), where such operation may allow retraction of the locking element (5b) by the displacement device (5a) upon receiving operative signal from the control unit (4). The grab handle (1) may be displaced to predefined distance relative to the door frame (101) before being engaged and locked by the locking element (5b) due to operation of the displacement device (5a).
[0051] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a method and a grab handle assembly (100) of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0052] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having

at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We Claim:
1. A grab handle assembly (100) of a vehicle (200), the assembly comprising:
a grab handle (1), operably disposed about a door frame (101) of the vehicle (200), the grab handle (1) configured to be operable between a stowable condition and an extendable position relative to the door frame (101), wherein the grab handle (1) being exposable on operating to the extendable position;
an actuator (2) positioned about a portion of the door frame (101) and being operatively connectable to the grab handle (1), the actuator (2) being operable between an ON condition and an OFF condition, based on state of a door (102) corresponding to the door frame (101);
one or more sensors (3), coupled to at least one of the door frame (101) and the door (102), the one or more sensors (3) configured to sense state of the door (102);
a control unit (4), communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors (3) and the actuator (2), the control unit (4) configured to:
determine, state of the door (102) based on a signal received from the one or more
sensors (3); and
actuate, the actuator (2) to deploy the grab handle (1) relatively about the door
frame (101) and operate the grab handle (1) from the stowable position to the extendable
position.
2. The grab handle assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the control unit (4) is configured to receive a signal from at least one switch (7) associated with the vehicle (200) to actuate the actuator (2) for deployment of the grab handle (1).
3. The grab handle assembly (100) of claim 1, comprises a locking unit (5) selectively coupled to the actuator (2) and communicatively coupled to the control unit (4), wherein the locking unit (5) is configured to selectively lock the grab handle (1) in each of the stowable position and the extendable position.
4. The grab handle assembly (100) of claim 3, the locking unit (5) comprises:
a displacement device (5a), communicatively coupled to the control unit (4); and a locking element (5b) connectable at an end of the displacement device (5a), wherein the locking element (5b) is configured to selectively engage and lock at least a portion of the grab handle (1), on operating the displacement device (5a) by the control unit (4).
5. The grab handle assembly (100) of claim 1 or 4, wherein at least a portion of the grab handle
(1) is defined with a plurality of lock members (6), configured to engage and lock with the locking
element (5b) of the locking unit (5).
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6. The grab handle assembly (100) of claim 1, comprises at least one switch (7) communicatively coupled to the control unit (4), wherein the at least one switch (7) is configured to selectively actuate the actuator (2) for displacing the grab handle (1).
7. The grab handle assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the actuator (2) comprises:
a drive unit (2a), operatively coupled to the control unit (4); and
a tension member (2b) coupled at an end of the drive unit (2a) and connectable to at least a portion of the grab handle (1),
wherein the tension member (2b) is adapted to selectively displace the grab handle (1) relative to the door frame (101), based on operation of the drive unit (2a).
8. A method of deploying a grab handle (1) of a grab handle assembly (100) of a vehicle (200),
the method comprising:
determining, by a control unit (4), state of a door (102) based on a signal received from one or more sensors (3) coupled to at least one of a door frame (101) and the door (102) of the vehicle (200); and
actuating, by the control unit (4), an actuator (2) to deploy a grab handle (1)
associated with the door (102) and the door frame (101), wherein the grab handle (1) is
operable relatively about the door frame (101) between a stowable position and an
extendable position.
9. The method of claim 8, comprises receiving, by the control unit (4), a signal from at least one
switch (7) associated with the vehicle (200) to actuate the actuator (2) for deployment of the grab
handle (1).
10. The method of claim 9, comprises operating, by the control unit (4), a locking unit (5) to
selectively lock the grab handle (1) in each of the stowable position and the extendable position,
wherein the locking unit (5) is configured to selectively coupled to the actuator (2) and
communicatively coupled to the control unit (4).