Abstract: A vehicle door includes an outer panel and an inner frame defining a cavity, wherein a portion of the outer panel defines a generally downward outer surface. A trim member is attached to the outer surface, wherein the trim member and the outer surface define a cylinder receptacle in communication with the cavity. A keyed cylinder is disposed within the cylinder receptacle, wherein a longitudinal axis of the keyed cylinder is substantially normal to the outer surface, and the keyed cylinder slopes downward toward an outward surface of the trim member. The vehicle door also includes an internal locking mechanism and a key aperture of the keyed cylinder, wherein the internal locking mechanism includes a drain channel that slopes toward the key aperture and the cylinder receptacle, and wherein the drain channel is positioned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the keyed cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an outer panel and an inner frame defining a cavity, wherein a portion of the outer panel defines a generally downward outer surface. A trim member is attached to the outer surface, wherein the trim member and the outer surface define a cylinder receptacle in communication with the cavity. A keyed cylinder is disposed within the cylinder receptacle, wherein a longitudinal axis of the keyed cylinder is substantially normal to the outer surface, and the keyed cylinder slopes downward toward an outward surface of the trim member. The vehicle door also includes an internal locking mechanism and a key aperture of the keyed cylinder, wherein the internal locking mechanism includes a drain channel that slopes toward the key aperture and the cylinder receptacle, and wherein the drain channel is positioned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the keyed cylinder.

Abstract: A door chucking system includes a slidable door movable within a door opening and having a distal edge, the door being operable between opened and closed positions. A vertical column is proximate the distal edge of the door when the door is in the closed position. A chucking wedge is disposed on one of the vertical column and the distal edge, the chucking wedge including a retaining slot and a retaining flange. A receiver is disposed on the other of the vertical column and the distal edge, the receiver including a rigid tab, wherein the receiver receives a portion of the chucking wedge therein when the door is in the closed position, and wherein application of a force that is at least partially transverse to the planar extent of the door causes the rigid tab and the retaining slot to engage thereby preventing the door from leaving the closed position.

Abstract: A multi-functional switch assembly for a vehicle interior is provided. In at least one embodiment, the switch assembly includes a switch base having a guide with a longitudinal axis and a transverse beam member; and a switch body mounted to the guide of the switch base for limited translation along the longitudinal axis between a rest position and a transient position, wherein at the rest position, the switch body is pivotal about the transverse beam member between a first and a second transverse positions, wherein the rest and the transient positions are translatable to a first set of operative functions, wherein the first and the second transverse positions are translatable to a second set of operative functions.

Abstract: A door chucking system includes a slidable door movable within a door opening and having a distal edge, the door being operable between opened and closed positions. A vertical column is proximate the distal edge of the door when the door is in the closed position. A chucking wedge is disposed on one of the vertical column and the distal edge, the chucking wedge including a retaining slot and a retaining flange. A receiver is disposed on the other of the vertical column and the distal edge, the receiver including a rigid tab, wherein the receiver receives a portion of the chucking wedge therein when the door is in the closed position, and wherein application of a force that is at least partially transverse to the planar extent of the door causes the rigid tab and the retaining slot to engage thereby preventing the door from leaving the closed position.

Abstract: A multi-functional switch assembly for a vehicle interior is provided. In at least one embodiment, the switch assembly includes a switch base having a guide with a longitudinal axis and a transverse beam member; and a switch body mounted to the guide of the switch base for limited translation along the longitudinal axis between a rest position and a transient position, wherein at the rest position, the switch body is pivotal about the transverse beam member between a first and a second transverse positions, wherein the rest and the transient positions are translatable to a first set of operative functions, wherein the first and the second transverse positions are translatable to a second set of operative functions.