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 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: A control panel assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to said the housing. A control mechanism is mounted on the panel. The panel is movable between a first position in which the panel generally covers the recess, and a second position in which the recess is exposed. The panel is releasably locked in the first position by a latch mechanism.

Abstract: A selector switch using a digital encoder for controlling multiple functions of a vehicle accessory. A rotary switch having a body portion and a shaft is provided. The shaft has a rotary axis and terminates at a distal end that is received by a knob. A carrier is provided on the shaft in conjunction with the knob and has at least one spring and ball for engaging a detent formed in a face plate of the selector switch assembly. The face plate has a plurality of circumferentially arranged detents that are engaged by the ball to provide intermediate position stops for the knob. The face plate and knob cooperate to provide end stops for limiting arcuate movement of the knob. Redundant detents and end stops may be provided for durability and improved operation. The selector switch may be used to control headlights and parking lights for a vehicle and may provide either instantaneous control or delayed turn-off of headlights, depending upon the digital output of the encoder at a preselected detent location.

Abstract: A switch assembly is adapted for insertion into an aperture formed in an instrument panel. The aperture has opposing edges. The switch assembly includes a body insertable into the aperture and having opposing sides. A base is connected to the body and includes integrally molded first and second retention arms extending therefrom. Each arm has a first end connected to the base and a second end configured to abut against a respective one of the opposing edges to retain the body in the aperture. Each arm has an upstanding rib between the first and second ends facing the respective opposing side of the body. Each rib extends sufficiently from the respective arm to abut the respective opposing side of the body when the second end of the arm abuts the respective opposing edge, thereby increasing the force required to remove the body from the aperture by forming a fulcrum between the first and second ends of the arms.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel mounted on an outer end of a steering shaft. The steering shaft extends at least partially into a clock spring housing having a rotor rotatably disposed at least partially in the clock spring housing. A lower portion of the rotor includes at least one cancel cam extending radially from its outer surface. A wire ribbon is coiled about an upper portion of the rotor within the clock spring housing. Rotation of the rotor by the steering wheel causes the cancel cam to contact a cancel member of a turn signal switch, thereby returning the turn signal switch from an activated position to a deactivated position.

Abstract: A support structure for resisting deformation of an electronic component includes a terminal affixed to the electronic component and a carrier member affixed to the terminal which has a pressing member defining a pressing surface. A base has a stop member defining a stop surface which is adapted to engage the pressing surface and to resist a longitudinal force imposed on the terminal, thereby resisting deformation by that force of the electronic component.