Hidden Key Cylinder

Abstract

A handle assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a handle body that is attached to the vehicle door. A key cylinder is mounted to the handle body and is operable to manually lock and unlock the vehicle door. A cover is provided that is movable between a covered position that hides the key cylinder from view and an open position that exposes the key cylinder. The cover can slide or pivot between the open and closed positions. The cover protects the key cylinder from the elements and improves the overall appearance of the vehicle door.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an isolated view of a portion of a vehicle door featuring a handle assembly with a key cylinder cover in an open position;

FIG. 1B shows an isolated view of a portion of the vehicle door shown in FIG. 1A, with the key cylinder cover in a closed position; and

FIG. 2 shows an isolated view of a portion of a vehicle door featuring a second embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for a vehicle door, the handle assembly including: a handle body, attachable to the vehicle door;a key cylinder, mounted to the handle body; anda cover, movable between a covered position that hides the key cylinder from view and an open position that exposes the key cylinder.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover protects the key cylinder from environmental damage when in the closed position.

3. The handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the cover moves between the open and the closed position, by sliding along a common longitudinal axis as the handle body.

4. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein the cover includes a spring detent to retain the cover in either of the open and the closed positions.

5. The handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the cover moves between the open and the closed position, by pivoting around an axis perpendicular to the handle body.

6. The handle assembly of claim 5, wherein the cover moves between the open and the closed position by pivoting away from the vehicle door.