Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to a quarter glass of a vehicle and more particularly, to a handle mechanism designed to facilitate the opening and closing of quarter glass panels in an efficient and user-friendly manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Conventional vehicles typically include a combination of fixed and movable glass panels, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. In the vehicles, a quarter glass is provided on a rear side surface of the vehicle body. The quarter glass, also known as a vent or valence window, is the last window on the side of a vehicle. The quarter glass windows are either stationary or retractable, depending on the window next to which they are mounted. In vehicles, the quarter windows are often hinged so as to be opened for ventilation.

[003] Quarter glass panels, situated at the rear portion of the vehicle, have historically posed a challenge in terms of accessibility. Existing methods for opening quarter glass panels include manual sliding mechanisms, electric switches, or integrated controls on the main door panel. However, these approaches often lack simplicity, may be prone to mechanical failures, and can compromise the overall design aesthetics of the vehicle.

[004] Efforts are seen in the prior art to provide means for opening and closing the quarter glass of the vehicles. Reference may be made to KR100802737 (B1) that discloses a swivel handle for opening and closing a quarter glass with an arrangement to decrease noise. The swivel handle is mounted on the vehicle body with the help of a bracket. However, this prior art solution fails to disclose mechanism to restrict the swivel motion of the handle, thus failing to provide intuitive and seamless design. Further, the swivel handle does not provide any means to prevent water entry inside the cabin.
[005] KR20060067711 (A) discloses a device for opening and shutting a quarter glass for vehicles. The device is mounted on the glass and involves motorized operation. The device consists of a rotation shaft, an opening and closing rod, a ball joint assembly, and a fixed clip. The rod for opening and closing the quarter glass is rotatably connected to a rotation shaft and a fastening groove is cut in the other side. However, the device does not provide any means for stoppage of the rod. The other drawback of this prior art is ingress of water into the vehicle cabin.

[006] KR100448341 (B1) discloses a manual handle mounted on D-pillar of the vehicle and configured to operate a quarter glass. The lock assembly includes a clamp, a lever, a connection link, and a base bracket. However, the proposed solution fails to disclose mechanism to restrict the swivel motion of the handle, thus failing to provide intuitive and seamless design that prevents ingress of water into the vehicle cabin.

[007] Further, the existing quarter glass handles/locks have following deficiencies or drawbacks:
• Many customers provided feedback that existing handles available in the market are having breakage issue due to seal variation.
• In existing handles there is no linear movement to accommodate the seal variation. They are having only rotary movement.
• With existing handles there are high chances of misuse and thus the handles are getting broken.
• The handles come with cantilever effect and this is also one of the reasons for brakeage of the handles. Particularly, in the existing handles manual pulling interface is away from pivot axis which causes tilting of the handle while operating thereby creating the cantilever effect.

[008] While various solutions exist for enabling ventilation and access to rear quarter glass, there remains a need for an improved handle mechanism. Therefore, there is a need to provide a handle mechanism for a quarter glass of a vehicle that optimizes user experience and ensures reliable functionality and overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[009] An object of the present invention is to design a handle that is robust and prevents breakage of a quarter/catch/vent glass handle thereby facilitating smooth operation thereof.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to design a quarter glass handle with linear movement to accommodate seal variation and rotary movement to lock / unlock the quarter glass.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to eliminate the cantilever effect and to prevent breaking of the handle in case of misuse.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to enable even an unskilled person to operate very user-friendly handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention provides a handle mechanism for a quarter glass of a vehicle. The handle mechanism comprises a pair of gaskets, a mounting bracket and a lever handle sub assembly. The pair of gaskets are mounted on a mounting bracket such that one gasket is assembled on either side of the quarter glass to prevent water entry inside a cabin. Specifically, one gasket with the mounting plate is assembled on an inside / dry side on the quarter glass while other gasket and the mounting bracket are assembled on an outside / wet side of the quarter glass.

[0014] The lever handle sub assembly comprises a lever handle, a lock pin/rivet, a mounting plate, a wave washer, a pair of small compression springs, a pair of steel balls, a large compression spring and a knurling pin. The mounting plate along with the wave washer are fastened to the mounting bracket using a countersunk screw. The countersunk screws are configured to apply fastening pressure on the pair of gaskets via the mounting plate, and the mounting bracket to create a leak-proof seal for the quarter glass placed between the pair of gaskets. The wave washer is mounted in a profile provided on the mounting plate. The lock pin/rivet is mounted / riveted on the mounting plate and positioned on the wave washer. The lock pin/rivet includes holes provided on either side thereof. In accordance with the present invention, one surface of the lock pin/rivet has larger diameter than the other surface. The one surface of the lock pin/rivet extends up to 90 degree and the remaining 90 degree is covered by the other surface. The lever handle encloses the lock pin/rivet and mechanically coupled with the lock rivet pin/rivet. The lever handle is capable of undergoing rotary movement as well as vertical / linear movement. The pair of small compression springs and the pair of steel balls are inserted into the holes and fitted inside the lock pin/rivet to avoid unintentional operation of the lever handle during vibration / acceleration. The large compression spring is inserted into a cavity provided in the lever handle. The knurling pin is interested into a provision provided on the surface of the lever handle and controls a linear movement of the lever handle. The knurling pin is used to assemble the lock pin/rivet inside the lever handle and engages with two edges of the lock rivet pin/rivet.

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, for locking the quarter glass the lever handle is held by fingers and rotated to an anti-clock wise direction till an end stopper in the lock pin/rivet stops the movement of the lever handle. For unlocking the quarter glass, the lever handle is held by figures and rotated to a clock wise direction till the end stopper in the pin/rivet stops the movement of the lever handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0018] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a handle mechanism for a quarter glass of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a sectional view along A-A of figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an end stopper of the handle mechanism, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the handle mechanism for the quarter glass of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 shows the handle mechanism positioned on the quarter glass of the vehicle and illustrates a lock position and an unlock position of the handle mechanism, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a linear stroke of the handle mechanism, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figures 7a-7b show steps involved in locking and unlocking of the quarter glass, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention is a handle mechanism for a quarter glass of a vehicle. The handle mechanism facilitates smooth operation, eliminates the cantilever effect and prevents breaking of the handle in case of misuse. The quarter/catch/vent glass handle is provided with a linear movement to accommodate seal variation and rotary movement to lock / unlock the quarter glass. The handle mechanism enables even an unskilled person to operate very user-friendly handle.

[0020] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of handle mechanism.

[0021] Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.

[0022] The mechanism and methods described herein are explained using examples with specific details for better understanding. However, the disclosed embodiments can be worked on by a person skilled in the art without the use of these specific details.
[0023] Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivatives of such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless the particular context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:
“a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one.”
“the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”
References in the present invention to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0024] If the specification states a component or feature "may", can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0025] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a, an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail. For clarity of the description, known constructions and functions will be omitted. While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, as described in the claim.

[0028] Referring now to figures 1-6, a handle mechanism (60) for a quarter glass (100) of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention is shown. The quarter glass (100) is used for the ventilation in a vehicle cabin. The handle mechanism (60) is used for locking / unlocking the quarter glass (100). The handle mechanism (60) is assembled on the vehicle quarter glass (100) from an inside and operated mechanically / manually.

[0029] As shown in figures 1-4, the handle mechanism (60) comprises a pair of gaskets (10), a mounting bracket (20) and a lever handle sub assembly. The pair of gaskets (10), the mounting bracket (20) and the lever handle sub assembly are assembled on the quarter glass (100) using countersunk screws (12). The countersunk screws (12) are configured to apply fastening pressure on the pair of gaskets (10) via a mounting plate (38), and the mounting bracket (20) to create a leak-proof seal for the quarter glass (100) placed between the pair of gaskets (10). Particularly, in between two gaskets (10) the quarter glass (100) is assembled so the countersunk screw (12) is used for leak proof as well as mounting of the handle mechanism (60) on the quarter glass (100). The pair of gaskets (10) are mounted on the mounting bracket (20). Specifically, one gasket (10) is assembled on either side of the quarter glass (100) to prevent water entry/ingress inside the cabin. In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, one gasket (10) with the mounting plate (38) is assembled on an inside / dry side on the quarter glass (100) while other gasket (10) and the mounting bracket (20) are assembled on an outside / wet side of the quarter glass (100).
[0030] The lever handle sub assembly comprises a lever handle (22), a lock pin/rivet (34), a mounting plate (38), a wave washer (40), a pair of small compression springs (42), a pair of steel balls (44), a large compression spring (46), and a knurling pin (48).

[0031] The mounting plate (38) along with the wave washer (40) are fastened to the mounting bracket (20) using the countersunk screw (12). The lock pin/rivet (34) is mounted / riveted on the mounting plate (38). Particularly, the wave washer (40) is mounted in a profile (36) provided on the mounting plate (38) and the lock pin/rivet (34) is positioned on the wave washer (40). The lock pin/rivet (34) includes holes (24) provided on either side thereof. The pair of small compression springs (42) and the pair of steel balls (44) are inserted into the holes (24) and fitted inside the lock pin/rivet (34) to avoid unintentional operation of the lever handle (22) during vibration / acceleration. Specifically, the steel balls (44) are spring loaded and used to restrict the lever handle (22) from untended use during vibration. The movement of the lever handle (22) is restricted by an end stopper (52) in the lock pin/rivet (34).

[0032] In an implementation according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, one surface (26) of the lock pin/rivet (34) has larger diameter than the other surface (28). Further, the one surface (26) extends up to 90 degree and the remaining 90 degree is covered by the other surface (28). The one surface (26) and the other surface (28) are configured to form two edges (30, 32).

[0033] The lever handle (22) encloses the lock pin/rivet (34) and mechanically coupled with the lock rivet pin/rivet (34). The lever handle (22) is capable of undergoing rotary movement as well as vertical / linear movement. The large compression spring (46) is inserted into a cavity provided in the lever handle (22) and fitted inside the lever handle (22) with the help of a threaded pin (50). The threaded pin (50) is used to protect the large compression spring (46) from falling off from the lever handle (22). The knurling pin (48) is interested into a provision provided on the surface of the lever handle (22) and used to assemble the lock pin/rivet (34) inside therein. Further, the knurling pin (48) is configured to engage with the two edges (30, 32) of the lock rivet pin/rivet (34). The knurling pin (48) is also used for controlling the linear movement of the lever handle (22).

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a lock position and an unlock position of the handle mechanism (100) in accordance with the present invention. As shown in figure 7a, for locking the quarter glass (100), the lever handle (22) is held by fingers and rotated to an anti-clockwise direction till the end stopper (52) in the lock pin/rivet (34) stops the movement of the lever handle (22). Specifically, the lever handle (22) is pulled for maximum movement of up to 10mm form an unlock position and then rotated in the anti-clockwise direction till the end stopper (52) in the lock pin/rivet (34) stops the movement of the lever handle (22). Thereafter, the lever handle (22) is left to go down till the lever handle (22) gets engaged with a sheet metal part on a seal. For unlocking the quarter glass (100) as shown in figure 7b, the lever handle (22) is held by figures and rotated to a clockwise direction till the end stopper (52) in the lock pin/rivet (34) stops the movement of the lever handle (22). Specifically, the lever handle (22) is pulled for maximum movement of up to 10mm from a lock position and then rotated in the clockwise direction till the end stopper (52) in the lock pin/rivet (34) stops the movement of the lever handle (22). Thereafter, the lever handle (22) is left to go down till the end stopper (52). Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the lever handle (22) undergoes rotary movement as well as vertical / linear movement.

[0035] In accordance with the present invention, manual interface for rotation and linear pulling of the lever handle (22) is on the pivot axis of the handle mechanism (60) thus cantilever effect is eliminated.

[0036] Advantage of the present invention according to plurality of embodiments are:
• The handle mechanism (60) design is more robust and no breakage is observed.
• The design of the handle mechanism (60) comes with a linear movement to accommodate seal variation and rotary movement to lock / unlock the quarter glass (100).
• The handle mechanism (60) is very user-friendly to operate even for unskilled person and withstands in misuse case.
• The handle mechanism (60) eliminates the cantilever effect.
• The handle mechanism (60) facilitates smooth operation of the handle of the quarter glass (100).

[0037] In some embodiments, one or more operations have been described as being performed by or otherwise related to certain components, modules, devices or entities, the operations may be performed by or otherwise related to any component, module, device or entity.

[0038] Further, the operations need not be performed in the disclosed order, although in some examples, an order may be preferred. Also, not all functions need to be performed to achieve the desired advantages of the disclosed handle mechanism, and therefore not all functions are required.

[0039] While select examples of the disclosed handle mechanism have been described, alterations and permutations of these examples will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the disclosed system and method in its broader aspects. , Claims:We claim:

1. A handle mechanism (60) for a quarter glass (100) of a vehicle, the handle mechanism (60) comprising:
a pair of gaskets (10) mounted on a mounting bracket (20), wherein one gasket (10) is assembled on either side of the quarter glass (100) to prevent water entry inside a cabin; and
a lever handle sub assembly having,
a wave washer (40) mounted in a profile (36) provided on a mounting plate (38),
a lock pin/rivet (34) mounted / riveted on the mounting plate (38) and positioned on the wave washer (40), the lock pin/rivet (34) having holes (24) provided on either side thereof,
a lever handle (22) enclosing the lock pin/rivet (34) and mechanically coupled with the lock rivet pin/rivet (34), wherein the lever handle (22) is capable of undergoing rotary movement as well as vertical / linear movement,
a pair of small compression springs (30) and a pair of steel balls (32) inserted into the holes (24) and fitted inside the lock pin/rivet (34) to avoid unintentional operation of the lever handle (22) during vibration / acceleration,
a large compression spring (26) inserted into a cavity provided in the lever handle (22), and
a knurling pin (28) interested into a provision provided on the surface of the lever handle (22) and controls a linear movement of the lever handle (22).

2. The handle mechanism (60) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting plate (38) along with the wave washer (40) are fastened to the mounting bracket (20) using a countersunk screw (12).

3. The handle mechanism (60) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one surface (26) of the lock pin/rivet (34) has larger diameter than the other surface (28).

4. The handle mechanism (60) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one surface (26) of the lock pin/rivet (34) extends up to 90 degree and the remaining 90 degree is covered by the other surface (28).

5. The handle mechanism (60) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one gasket (10) with the mounting plate (38) is assembled on an inside / dry side on the quarter glass (100) while other gasket (10) and the mounting bracket (20) are positioned on an outside / wet side of the quarter glass (100).

6. The handle mechanism (60) as claimed in claim 1, wherein for locking the quarter glass (100) the lever handle (22) is held by fingers and rotated to an anti-clockwise direction till an end stopper (52) in the lock pin/rivet (34) stops the movement of the lever handle (22).

7. The handle mechanism (60) as claimed in claim 1, wherein for unlocking the quarter glass (100) the lever handle (22) is held by figures and rotated to a clockwise direction till the end stopper (52) in the pin/rivet (34) stops the movement of the lever handle (22).

8. The handle mechanism (60) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the countersunk screws (12) are configured to apply fastening pressure on the pair of gaskets (10) via the mounting plate (38), and the mounting bracket (20) to create a leak-proof seal for the quarter glass (100) placed between the pair of gaskets (10).

9. The handle mechanism (60) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knurling pin (48) is used to assemble the lock pin/rivet (34) inside the lever handle (22) and engages with two edges (30, 32) of the lock rivet pin/rivet (34).