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US 6,723,934 B2Granted
Method and apparatus for assisting left-handed manipulation of a vehicle ignition switch
OwnerMarybeth Enrightinventor
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OwnerMarybeth Enrightinventor
Estimating the term…
A system is provided for aiding left-handed individuals or individuals whose right hands are immobilized to be able to start a vehicle by turning an ignition key in which the key slot is movable or placeable to the left of the steering wheel at the driver's option to permit starting of the vehicle utilizing an individual's left hand only. In one embodiment a duplicate key slot is positioned to the left of the steering wheel on the dash of the car or, in a further embodiment, for key slots mounted to the steering column, the column is provided with a duplicate key slot to the left-hand side of the column. In another embodiment, a rotatable sleeve or collar is made part of the steering column, which when rotated rotates the key slot from an initial right-hand position to a left-hand position, thus to enable the starting of the vehicle only utilizing one's left hand.
A method for assisting left-handed manipulation of a vehicle ignition switch by an individual for a vehicle having a steering wheel, comprising the steps of:
A vehicle ignition system for a vehicle having a steering wheel, comprising, an ignition switch mounted to the left of said wheel, said vehicle having a dashboard, said ignition switch mounted at said dashboard to the left of said steering wheel.
A vehicle ignition system for a vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering column and further including a rotatable collar on said steering column, said ignition switch being mounted on said collar such that said key slot may be made to face right or left depending on the rotational position of said collar.
A method of assisting left-handed manipulation of a vehicle ignition switch by an individual for a vehicle having a steering station, comprising the step of providing an ignition switch on the dashboard of the vehicle to the left of the steering station at a position easily accessible by a left-handed individual seated at the steering station.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.