Abstract: An electrical switch having a plurality of switch positions includes a plurality of first electrical contacts, and a second electrical contact configured to electrically connect at least two of the first contacts. A carrier member is configured to carry the second contact, and a knob is used to facilitate selection of the switch positions. The knob is configured to cooperate with the carrier member so that moving the knob from one switch position to another results in a related movement of the carrier member and the second contact. A first biasing member, which is electrically isolated from all of the electrical contacts, is configured to bias at least a portion of the second contact toward the first contacts to facilitate an electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: A starter assembly for a vehicle includes a housing adapted to be coupled to a vehicle ignition system. A carrier has a key opening and is movably mounted within the housing. A latch is movably mounted to the carrier and is movable between a first latch position and a second latch position. An electronic key is provided to be received in the key opening of the carrier. The key has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The first end includes a first end wall. The first end wall has an opening defining an axially extending cavity therein.

Abstract: A vehicle control switch assembly for use with a printed circuit board that includes a switch having an elastomeric pad portion and a first insert interface attached to the pad. The assembly also includes first and second electrical contacts, each contact being selectively operable to actuate a vehicle function. The switch assembly also includes a pivotable beam member bridging a span between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. Movement of the switch in a first direction causes the first insert interface to depress the beam member thereby engaging the first electrical contact with the printed circuit board to actuate the first electrical contact. Further movement of the switch in the first direction causes the first insert interface to slide along the beam member in a second direction to further depress the first beam member thereby actuating the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

Abstract: A control illumination apparatus having at least one control and a movable cover positionable over the at least one control. At least one light source is connected to the cover and illuminates an exterior surface of the at least one control with the cover in an open position.

Abstract: A vehicle control switch assembly for use with a printed circuit board is disclosed. The switch assembly includes an elastomeric pad and a support member. The elastomeric pad has a contact pad for selective engagement with an electrical contact of the printed circuit board. The support member is molded together with the elastomeric pad. A vehicle control switch assembly including a printed circuit board having an electrical contact, an elastomeric pad having a contact pad for selective engagement with the electrical contact of the printed circuit board, and a support member is also disclosed. The support member is positioned between the elastomeric pad and the printed circuit board to provide support for the elastomeric pad.

Abstract: A motor switch cell is provided comprising a switch cell actuator slidably engaged to a switch cell base. The switch cell actuator is slidable between a neutral actuator position and a first active actuator position. A first contactor element generates electrical communication between a first neutral contact element and a first active contact element when in the active first contactor position. A first contactor ramp profile is formed on the upper first contactor edge A first contactor pivot is positioned between a first contactor neutral center point and a first active contact. A first roller cam follower assembly rotates the first contactor element to the active first contactor position as the first roller cam follower assembly moves from the first contactor neutral center point towards the first contactor active outer edge in response to the switch cell actuator moving to the first active actuator position.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for a vehicle includes a circuit board including at least one circuit having a first contact and a second contact. A knob is rotatably mounted relative to the circuit board. The knob has at least one cam extending therefrom. At least one switch corresponds respectively to the at least one circuit and has a switch contact. The switch contact is linearly movable to an engaged position in which the switch contact contacts the first contact and the second contact of the respective at least one circuit, such that the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected. The knob is rotatably movable such that the at least one cam moves the at least one switch contact into the engaged position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is pivotally attached to the housing at a pivot axis. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position, wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. The control panel further including one of a detent mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel in one of the first and second positions, a spring mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel towards one of the first and second positions, and a damper mechanism to dampen the motion of the panel during movement of the panel between the first and second positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: A rocker switch for operating a direct current motor includes a base, an actuator, a contactor, and a plurality of contact points. The contact points are made of formed wires extending into the base and having outer walls that form the contact points. The plurality of contact points includes a first contact and a second contact that are connected by the contactor when the contactor is moved to an actuated position by moving the actuator to an actuated position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: A rocker switch for operating a direct current motor includes a base, an actuator, a contactor, and a plurality of contact points. The contact points are made of formed wires extending into the base and having outer walls that form the contact points. The plurality of contact points includes a first contact and a second contact that are connected by the contactor when the contactor is moved to an actuated position by moving the actuator to an actuated position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is pivotally attached to the housing at a pivot axis. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position, wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. The control panel further including one of a detent mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel in one of the first and second positions, a spring mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel towards one of the first and second positions, and a damper mechanism to dampen the motion of the panel during movement of the panel between the first and second positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.