Combination shade handle and security light

[0002] The present invention relates in general to automotive shade roller assemblies, and more particularly to closures for shade rollers in combination with a security light.

[0003] Shade rollers are well known in the art, and a wide variety of designs have been successful over the years. Typically used in SUV's (Sport Utility Vehicles), a shade roller allows the cargo area to be obscured from view and restrains cargo in the cargo area from projectile motion in accidents or sudden stops. These shades are typically drawn from a roller cassette anchored adjacent the cargo area, either directly behind the rear seat (rear pull) between the trim panels of the rear cargo area, or along one trim panel of the cargo area (side pull). In either instance, the shade typically includes one or more ergonomic grips or handles to facilitate gripping by a human hand to deploy the shade, which is convenient to the person deploying the shade from the rear of the vehicle. To provide a comfortable gripping surface, the handle should preferably have a curved portion generally perpendicular to the shade panel portion to allow human fingers to engage the handle and provide a horizontal force, distributed along the pads of the fingers, rather than a thin or sharp edge which would concentrate the force and “dig” into the fingers.

[0004] There are also various known methods of storing flashlights in automobiles, as well as in other locations. Stowing a flashlight inside a vehicle, for example, can make a light source available in situations that must otherwise be navigated in the dark. This is particularly important in automotive vehicles that travel between lighted populated areas through areas which may not be lighted. Automotive engineers, however, are always searching for new ways to conserve space. Further, concerns of safety and convenience continue to drive the search for new ways to store and position supplemental light sources in automobiles.

[0005] It is thus desirable to provide a method of securely storing a removable light source at a location near the rear of a vehicle where it can be quickly and easily retrieved. The present invention is directed to solving one or more of the shortfalls or problems associated with related inventions.

[0006] In one aspect, a handle for an automobile shade roller assembly is provided. The handle includes a substantially D-shaped handle body having a holder for securing a removable light. The holder is positioned within a cavity defined by the handle body, and includes a plurality of holder members snap-fittingly engageable with the light.

[0007] In another aspect, a handle for a vehicle shade roller assembly is provided. The handle includes a substantially D-shaped handle body having an integrated security light holder for receiving and storing a security light in a removable fashion.

[0008] In still another aspect, a vehicle security roller shade is provided. The roller shade includes an extensible and retractable flexible shade body secured at one end to a roller assembly, and having an opposite end secured to a handle. The handle defines an interior storage cavity, and includes a holder for removably retaining a light member in the handle body.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top view of a shade handle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the shade handle of FIG. 1, illustrating an included flashlight in a stowed position.

[0011] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown top and bottom views, respectively, of a shade handle 10 according to a preferred constructed embodiment of the present invention. Shade handle 10 comprises a D-shaped handle body 11 with an arcuate-shaped grip portion 21 connected to a holder portion 23. Grip portion 21 preferably has a partially flattened bottom side 17, and a top/upper side 19 which is also preferably partially flattened. Holder portion 23 is preferably substantially straight with a narrowed region 25. Holder portion 23 has a top side 27, which is preferably rounded, and defines a cavity 26 in a bottom side 29, within which a security light holder is positioned (described below). Grip portion 21 and holder portion 23 each share a continuous inner edge 33, which defines a central channel 14. Channel 14 is located in the interior of handle body 11 and has a perimeter represented by inside edge 33 of handle body 11. Preferably, this perimeter 33 is substantially parallel to an outside edge 35 of handle body 11. Handle 10 may be manipulated by inserting one's hand through channel 14, and gripping grip portion 21.

[0012] Handle body 11 is preferably formed from a top piece 20 and a bottom piece 30, and has a front side 18 and a rear side 16. In a preferred embodiment, grip portion 21 is constructed in part by top piece 20 and in part by bottom piece 30, while holder portion 23 is also constructed in part by top piece 20 and in part by bottom piece 30. Top piece 20 preferably includes top side 27 of holder portion 23, and a top side 22 of grip portion 21. Bottom piece 30 preferably includes bottom side 17 of grip portion 21. Bottom piece 30 may be textured or coated with a suitable rubber, or other high-friction material, to facilitate manual manipulation. It should be appreciated that the use of separate pieces merely represents one embodiment, and a handle of unitary construction might be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Top piece 20 and bottom piece 30 preferably each define in part a set of two mounting apertures 32 positioned along the rear side 16 of handle body 11, one of which is illustrated in FIG. 2. In the preferred embodiment, handle body 11 is pivotably attached to an automobile shade (not shown) at its rear side 16 via mounting apertures 32 by a known method, for example, inserting mounting members (not shown) into mounting apertures 32. Handle 10 may then be pivoted about the attached mounting members, which are secured to the shade. A person can thus grasp grip portion 21 and pull the attached shade to cover an automobile storage compartment or, alternatively, control the retracting motion of the attached shade while uncovering the automobile storage compartment.

[0013] Referring now in particular to FIG. 2, cavity 26 is preferably located within top piece 20. A security light member 15, illustrated as a conventional flashlight, is held by the security light holder within cavity 26, which is preferably a trough with a slightly larger diameter than the associated security light 15. The interior of cavity 26 conforms roughly in shape to the exterior surface of the light 15. In this embodiment, the cross section of cavity 26 is generally U-shaped, however, this feature is dictated in part by the shape of the included light member, which might vary considerably, necessitating a different shaped cavity. The security light holder preferably comprises a plurality of holder members 28 positioned within cavity 26, protruding into its interior. Each holder member 28 is preferably positioned in cavity 26 opposite another holder member 28 and separated by a distance that is slightly smaller than the diameter of security light 15. Because top piece 20 is preferably constructed of a relatively flexible plastic, security light 15 can be snap-fit into cavity 26 in a manner known in the art. The preferred embodiment employs four holder members 28, however, it should be appreciated that a different number of holder members, or even a different method altogether of securing security light 15 might be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the conventional flashlight illustrated need not be used; a light with a different shape might be utilized, along with a corresponding cavity shape. For example, it is contemplated that the light can be rectangular in cross section with its narrow dimension extending into the holder so as to reduce the span between the handle edge and the finger opening.

[0014] Returning to FIG. 1, holder portion 23 has a roughly oval aperture 12, through which a portion of security light 15 is exposed. When detachment of security light 15 is desired, manual pressure may be applied to security light 15 via aperture 12 to push security light 15 free of cavity 26, overcoming the force of holder members 28. Because top piece 20 is constructed of a relatively flexible plastic material, as are holder members 28, the downward force on security light 15 causes holder members 28 to flex outward, freeing security light 15. In manufacturing handle 10, it should be appreciated that the level of force necessary to disengage security light 15 from cavity 26 should be carefully calculated. Because cavity 26 faces a down direction in the preferred embodiment, the weight of security light 15 is continuously bearing down against holder members 28, imparting a tendency for security light 15 to dislodge. Furthermore, inertial forces resulting from bumps and movements of handle 10 create a risk that security light 15 will fall from cavity 26 at an undesirable time if it is held too loosely. Conversely, if security light 15 is held too securely, it may not be quickly and easily available in an emergency, or provide too much resistance for young or elderly people or others with low hand strength. Thus, the relative flexibility of the plastic material from which top piece 10 is constructed, and the relative distance between oppositely positioned holder members 28 should be carefully selected to ensure sufficient holder strength, while still allowing quick and easy removal of security light 15 when desired.

[0015] An alternative embodiment might position the security light on the top of handle 10, which would securely hold the light in place and require less clamping force from the holders. However, such an arrangement would tend to expose the light to view, making it aesthetically undesirable. Thus, in this alternate embodiment, it is preferred to have a cover over the cavity 26, which can pivot or slide to expose the light for removal.

[0016] It should be understood that the present description is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications could be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, security light 15 might be affixed to handle 10 with Velcro™ or a similar material, or even with magnetic means. In addition, a different method of disengaging security light 15 might be used, such as a button with a return spring. Other aspects and features of the present invention will be evident upon examination of the attached drawing figures and appended claims.