Abstract: A handle 16 for exterior use in a vehicle to authorize a mechanism (18) to unlatch an access door has a structural part (34); a cover (36); and a pair of sensors or switches (28, 29) between the structural part (34) and the cover (36). A first sensor or switch (28) to interact with one or more fingers of a user's (26) hand (2) and a second sensor or switch (29) spaced from said first sensor (28) to be activated by a user's (26) different finger or the user's (26) thumb. The combination of the two switches or sensors (28, 29) signal the mechanism (18) to unlatch the access door and wherein the activation of only the second sensor or switch (29) in the absence of touching the first sensor or switch (28) authorizes a mechanism (18) to lock the access door. Preferably, the first and second sensors or switches (28, 29) are electrically coupled such that activation of both authorizes an unlatching of the access door while the activation of only the second sensor or switch (29) authorizes a lock only feature.

Abstract: A blocking mechanism or device (40) for preventing objects from sliding off from a cushion (24) of a seat when a vehicle experiences decelerations above a given level comprising: a blocking member (50, 60) configured to be movable from a storage position below a top surface (26) of the cushion to a blocking position above the top surface of the cushion to block any object on the cushion from moving therefrom.

Abstract: A handle assembly (10) is shown. The assembly includes a rotatable, spring handle (12, 120) with a plunger (14, 114) having a first engagement feature or surface (16, 116) for receipt of a spring force; a trigger device (20, 150) in operative connection with the handle; and a blocking member (24, 160) movable with the handle and rotatably mounted on the handle, the blocking member including a latch at a distal end thereof (26, 166). The blocking member is in operative connection with the trigger device and a portion of the latch is retained by a remote retention surface (22) when the assembly is in a locked configuration. Upon sufficient mechanical movement of the trigger device and the blocking member, the latch is no longer restricted by the retention surface.

Abstract: A lock mechanism (20) for a door comprising: a door handle (110) manually movable from a rest position to an activated position; a first bias spring (170) biasing the door handle to automatically return to the rest position; a lock button (210) movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, wherein when the lock button is in the locked position an associated door lock is locked, thereby preventing the door from being opened and when the lock button is in an unlocked position the door lock is capable of being opened by the door handle when it is moved to the activated position, whereby a quick release of the door handle from its activated position initiates movement of the lock button from the unlocked position to the locked position; the lock mechanism further includes a lever assembly comprising: a programmed lever (300, 302) for blocking the lock button from moving to its locked position in response to the quick release of the door handle, wherein when the lock button is in the locked position an a

Abstract: A bezel-button assembly comprising at least one button connected to a bezel. The button is moveable between a first position and at least a second position. An elastic layer connects the bezel to the button and is adapted to provide at least a partial mechanical bias of the button toward the first position. A method for forming a bezel-button assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir, bottle, pump or storage chamber (50, 70, 80) capable of being refilled by a refill bottle (100), the refill bottle including an outlet passage (106) closed by a fluid seal (104), the fluid reservoir, bottle or storage chamber comprising: an inlet passage (44, 52, 60, 74, 84); a housing (202, 204, 206) for receiving and supporting the refill bottle (100) in an orientation to encourage fluid in the refill bottle to flow into the inlet passage of the fluid reservoir bottle or storage chamber and second means for piercing the fluid seal (104) as the refill bottle is placed upon the first means.

Abstract: A control panel assembly having a plurality of buttons located in a bezel and supported by a switch mat. A bezel and/or button is formed using a vacuum forming technique and has a transparent inner surface layer and a middle translucent color layer and an opaque outer surface layer. A portion of the opaque outer surface layer is removed to define a desired indicia on an outer surface of the bezel or button. In addition, the bezel or button can be backlit to allow visibility in low light conditions. A method of making a control panel component, such as a bezel or button, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control panel assembly having a plurality of buttons located in a bezel and supported by a switch mat. A bezel and/or button is formed using a vacuum forming technique and has a transparent inner surface layer and a middle translucent color layer and an opaque outer surface layer. A portion of the opaque outer surface layer is removed to define a desired indicia on an outer surface of the bezel or button. In addition, the bezel or button can be backlit to allow visibility in low light conditions. A method of making a control panel component, such as a bezel or button, is also disclosed.