Patent attributes
A door handle assembly for opening a door of a vehicle includes a handle portion and a lever or actuating member for actuating or releasing a latch mechanism of a vehicle door. The door handle assembly includes fewer components than known door handles and is reversible or suitable for use at either side of the vehicle. The door handle assembly may include a counterweight and lever mechanism at the base of the door handle assembly, such that the components do not extend substantially into the door cavity. The counterweight may be positioned rearwardly and outwardly of a pivot axis of the lever mechanism when the handle is at an initial or non-opening position, thereby providing enhanced retention of the door handle assembly during vehicle collisions.
