Abstract: A gear shift lever lock system and an apparatus and method for operating the gear shift lever lock are provided. The gear shift lever lock includes a lock solenoid having a lock pin movable between a first position inhibiting movement of a gear shift lever from a park position and a second position permitting movement of the gear shift lever from the park position. The apparatus is configured to receive a first signal from a brake sensor indicating that a brake pedal is depressed and a second signal from a park position sensor indicating that a gear shift lever is being moved from a resting position to a shifting position. The apparatus is configured to operate the lock solenoid to move the lock pin from the first position to the second position in response to receiving the second signal while it is indicated that the brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: A gear shift lever lock system and an apparatus and method for operating the gear shift lever lock are provided. The gear shift lever lock includes a lock solenoid having a lock pin movable between a first position inhibiting movement of a gear shift lever from a park position and a second position permitting movement of the gear shift lever from the park position. The apparatus is configured to receive a first signal from a brake sensor indicating that a brake pedal is depressed and a second signal from a park position sensor indicating that a gear shift lever is being moved from a resting position to a shifting position. The apparatus is configured to operate the lock solenoid to move the lock pin from the first position to the second position in response to receiving the second signal while it is indicated that the brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a transmission shift mechanism comprises the steps of: detecting a predefined event; moving a locking device into an engaged position with a shift mechanism upon the occurrence of the predefined event to retain the shift mechanism in at least one of a park, reverse, neutral, and drive position; and maintaining an ignition system in a substantially off position during the detecting of the event and the moving of the locking device into the engaged position. A vehicle assembly is also provided comprising the transmission shift mechanism and the locking device coupled to the shift mechanism. The vehicle assembly also includes the ignition system, which is movable between off, accessory, run, and start positions, and a controller with the controller energizing the locking device in response to the predefined event to move the locking device into the locked position while the ignition system remains substantially in the off position.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly utilizing a single switch to produce a first signal indicating that a transmission of a vehicle is in a park position and a second signal to authorize removal of a key from an ignition of the vehicle is disclosed. The switch includes a casing supporting a plunger having a first park indication contact and a first key removal contact. The casing includes a second park indication contact and a second key removal contact. The first park indication contact engages the second park indication contact when the plunger is in a rest position and is disengaged from the second park indication contact when the plunger is in a depressed position. The first key removal contact is disengaged from the second key removal contact when the plunger is in the rest position and engages the second key removal contact when the plunger is in the depressed position.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a transmission shift mechanism comprises the steps of: detecting a predefined event; moving a locking device into an engaged position with a shift mechanism upon the occurrence of the predefined event to retain the shift mechanism in at least one of a park, reverse, neutral, and drive position; and maintaining an ignition system in a substantially off position during the detecting of the event and the moving of the locking device into the engaged position. A vehicle assembly is also provided comprising the transmission shift mechanism and the locking device coupled to the shift mechanism. The vehicle assembly also includes the ignition system, which is movable between off, accessory, run, and start positions, and a controller with the controller energizing the locking device in response to the predefined event to move the locking device into the locked position while the ignition system remains substantially in the off position.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a transmission shift mechanism comprises the steps of: detecting a predefined event; moving a locking device into an engaged position with a shift mechanism upon the occurrence of the predefined event to retain the shift mechanism in at least one of a park, reverse, neutral, and drive position; and maintaining an ignition system in a substantially off position during the detecting of the event and the moving of the locking device into the engaged position. A vehicle assembly is also provided comprising the transmission shift mechanism and the locking device coupled to the shift mechanism. The vehicle assembly also includes the ignition system, which is movable between off, accessory, run, and start positions, and a controller with the controller energizing the locking device in response to the predefined event to move the locking device into the locked position while the ignition system remains substantially in the off position.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly utilizing a single switch to produce a first signal indicating that a transmission of a vehicle is in a park position and a second signal to authorize removal of a key from an ignition of the vehicle is disclosed. The switch includes a casing supporting a plunger having a first park indication contact and a first key removal contact. The casing includes a second park indication contact and a second key removal contact. The first park indication contact engages the second park indication contact when the plunger is in a rest position and is disengaged from the second park indication contact when the plunger is in a depressed position. The first key removal contact is disengaged from the second key removal contact when the plunger is in the rest position and engages the second key removal contact when the plunger is in the depressed position.

Abstract: A first steering column member and a second steering column member are engaged for pivoting movement, and include confronting surfaces that limit the relative movement of the members. A bumper is disposed between the confronting surfaces to absorb impact during the adjusting movement. The bumper is fixedly connected to one of the first and second steering column members in a snap-fit connection.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a transmission shift mechanism comprises the steps of: detecting a predefined event; moving a locking device into an engaged position with a shift mechanism upon the occurrence of the predefined event to retain the shift mechanism in at least one of a park, reverse, neutral, and drive position; and maintaining an ignition system in a substantially off position during the detecting of the event and the moving of the locking device into the engaged position. A vehicle assembly is also provided comprising the transmission shift mechanism and the locking device coupled to the shift mechanism. The vehicle assembly also includes the ignition system, which is movable between off, accessory, run, and start positions, and a controller with the controller energizing the locking device in response to the predefined event to move the locking device into the locked position while the ignition system remains substantially in the off position.

Abstract: The invention provides a brake-transmission interlock system for a vehicle. The brake-transmission interlock system prevents the driver from shifting out of a park transmission position with a selector lever unless at least one brake of the vehicle is engaged. The brake-transmission interlock system includes a locking member operable to move to a locked position wherein movement of the selector lever is prevented. The locking member can move to the locked position from an unlocked position wherein the selector lever is moveable to shift out of the park transmission position. The brake-transmission interlock system also includes an indicating device operable to communicate a signal corresponding to the park transmission position to the driver. The locking member is in the locked position prior to the signal being communicated.

Abstract: An integrated gear shift selector switch assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a park position switch and a brake transmission shift interlock switch combined in a unitized housing as an integrated structure. The park position switch has a movable component that moves within the housing between a park and non-park position corresponding to a movement of a gear shift selector lever from a park to at least one non-park position. The brake transmission shift interlock switch also has a movable component supported by the switch housing for movement in to and out of selective locking engagement with the movable component of the park position switch to selectively unlock and lock the gear shift selector lever in the park position.

Abstract: A device and method for a vehicle steering column subassembly having current electronic features (equipment) and integrating such electronic features and additional wireless communication circuits within a common node to reduce over crowding of the electronics within the body of the vehicle, and further integrating an antenna utilized for such wireless communication devices to enhance signal strength. The common node is modularly disposed around the steering column and preferably on top of the steering column proximate a steering handwheel to protrude from the instrument panel and above the vehicle sheet metal to reduce shielding.

Abstract: An integrated gear shift selector switch assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a park position switch and a brake transmission shift interlock switch combined in a unitized housing as an integrated structure. The park position switch has a movable component that moves within the housing between a park and non-park position corresponding to a movement of a gear shift selector lever from a park to at least one non-park position. The brake transmission shift interlock switch also has a movable component supported by the switch housing for movement in to and out of selective locking engagement with the movable component of the park position switch to selectively unlock and lock the gear shift selector lever in the park position.

Abstract: A park lock mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle has a key cylinder rotatable about an axis between off and on positions. A shift lever is movable between a park position and a non-park position and an inhibitor free from any mechanical cable attachment has a locked and unlocked position operably communicating with the key cylinder. When the key cylinder is in the off position, the inhibitor is operably maintained in the locked position to prevent movement of the shift lever from the park position. When the key cylinder is rotated to the on position, the inhibitor is moveable to the unlocked position in response to movement of the shift lever from the park position to the non-park position.

Abstract: A device and method for a vehicle steering column subassembly having current electronic features (equipment) and integrating such electronic features and additional wireless communication circuits within a common node to reduce over crowding of the electronics within the body of the vehicle, and further integrating an antenna utilized for such wireless communication devices to enhance signal strength. The common node is modularly disposed around the steering column and preferably on top of the steering column proximate a steering handwheel to protrude from the instrument panel and above the vehicle sheet metal to reduce shielding.

Abstract: An apparatus retains and aligns an electrical ignition switch of a motor vehicle with respect to a steering column housing. A switch housing supports the electrical switch and has at least one first aperture formed therein. The steering column housing slidably receives the switch housing therein, and the steering column housing has at least one second aperture formed therein. At least one locking member is engagable within the first aperture and is moveable between a first position retracted within the aperture and a second position extended outwardly with respect to the first aperture. The locking member engages within the second aperture when the switch housing is slidably engaged and fully seated within the steering column housing and holds the switch housing with respect to the steering column housing when engaged within the second aperture. A biasing member urges the locking member toward the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus retains and aligns an electrical ignition switch of a motor vehicle with respect to a steering column housing. A switch housing supports the electrical switch and has at least one first aperture formed therein. The steering column housing slidably receives the switch housing therein, and the steering column housing has at least one second aperture formed therein. At least one locking member is engagable within the first aperture and is moveable between a first position retracted within the aperture and a second position extended outwardly with respect to the first aperture. The locking member engages within the second aperture when the switch housing is slidably engaged and fully seated within the steering column housing and holds the switch housing with respect to the steering column housing when engaged within the second aperture. A biasing member urges the locking member toward the second position.

Abstract: An electrical switch selectively controls an ignition circuit and accessory circuits of a motor vehicle. The electrical switch includes a rotatable member with radially extending side walls having cam surfaces formed thereon for operably actuating electrically conductive leaf spring members to individually open and close electrical circuits in response to positioning the rotatable member in predefined angular positions. The electrical switch can include both high current and low current leaf spring members in a single switch assembly capable of being assembled from one side.

Abstract: A motor vehicle ignition lock includes a housing, a lock barrel rotatable on the housing having a key slot, and a side bar on the lock barrel. The ignition lock further includes a solenoid on the housing and a slide on housing connected to a plunger of the solenoid. The slide has a notch which captures the side bar in an extended position of the side bar and an extended position of the slide. The ignition lock is unlocked in a mechanical unlocking mode by a key inserted in the key slot in the lock barrel to withdraw the side bar from the notch in the slide. The ignition lock is unlocked in an electronic unlocking mode by the solenoid when the plunger of the solenoid shifts the slide from its extended position to a retracted position to remove the notch from the side bar.

Abstract: An inhibitor in an automobile steering column coincidental lock of the type having a stationary armored sleeve and a key controlled barrel in the sleeve rotatable in an unlocking direction from a LOCK position to and through an OFF position and in a locking direction from the OFF position to the LOCK position. The inhibitor includes a stepped annular shoulder on the barrel facing an annular end face on the sleeve, a blocking pin on the sleeve biased against the annular end face, and a release pin on the barrel adjacent the step in the annular shoulder. The blocking pin intercepts the step in the annular shoulder in the OFF position of the barrel to prevent attainment of the LOCK position. A finger button on the barrel is depressed by the driver to move the release pin to an extended position pushing the blocking pin into the sleeve out of the way of the step to permit rotation of the barrel to its LOCK position.