Apparatus and method to disable vehicle door-actuated functions
OwnerAustin Ray Fenbyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for use with a vehicle door having a latch includes a striker member configured to engage the latch, and a bumper positioned relative to the striker member such that if the door is moved to the closed position, the bumper absorbs the impact with the striker to avoid damage and excess sound. The apparatus enables the vehicle door to remain open without the vehicle's interior light or ignition key reminder chime being activated.
Claims14
An apparatus for use with a vehicle door that is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position, the vehicle door having a latch that is releasably engageable with a striker mounted to a vehicle body when the vehicle door is in the closed position, the apparatus comprising:
- a striker member characterized by a size and shape such that the member is engageable with the latch when the vehicle door is in an open position;
- a bumper mounted with respect to the striker member such that, if the vehicle door is sufficiently moved toward the closed position, the bumper contacts the striker;
- and
- a stabilizing member connected to the striker member such that, during engagement of the striker member with the latch, interaction between the door and the stabilizing member causes movement of the stabilizing member relative to the striker member.
A method for use with a vehicle having a body defining a passenger compartment and a door opening, a door selectively movable with respect to the body between an open and closed position, a latch mounted to the door, a striker mounted to the body and positioned to engage the latch when the door is in the closed position, the method comprising:
- moving the door to the open position;
- engaging an apparatus with the latch when the door is in the open position;
- wherein the apparatus includes a striker member being sized and shaped to engage the latch, and a bumper operatively connected to the striker member;
- wherein said engaging an apparatus with the latch includes engaging the striker member with the latch such that the bumper is positioned to contact the striker if the door is sufficiently moved toward the closed position;
- and
- wherein the apparatus includes a stabilizing member connected to the striker member such that, during engagement of the striker member with the latch, interaction between the door and the stabilizing member causes movement of the stabilizing member relative to the striker member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.