Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Chrysler Corporation

Christopher M Slon

Daniel B Sauger

William M Snell

Mark J Kirschmann

Michael W Gorecki

Jason S Foster

Michael Beavon

Akram Ali

Gary Pitt

A door assembly includes an inner panel, an outer panel fixedly attached to the inner panel, and a load transfer element disposed within an interstitial space formed between the inner and outer panels. The load transfer element includes a main body defining a longitudinal axis extending from the inner panel to the outer panel and first and second reaction surfaces disposed on the main body. The first reaction surface is formed proximate the inner panel while the second reaction surface is formed generally opposite the first reaction surface and proximate the outer panel. The second reaction surface is operable to receive a load from the outer panel and to transmit the load through the main body to the first reaction surface and the door inner panel. The load transfer element is further configured to activate an air bag sensor when the load exceeds a predetermined magnitude.

Impact load transfer element

A low friction shifter unit for automatic transmissions comprising a minimized number of readily assembled parts that features a roller bearing and spacer unit that is operatively positioned between a fixed gate plate and the tapered hub of a rotatable shifter member to support the rotatable shifter member for limited rotation in response to the manual operation of an associated transmission shift lever. The gate plate and shift cam are operatively held together by a single threaded fastener advanced along the rotational axis of the rotatable shifter member to a positive stop position established by the roller bearing unit so that manufacturing tolerance stack up is minimized enhancing quantity production of such shifter units. The rotatable shifter member may be smoothly turned by manual operation of the transmission shift lever to the various gate detents or stop positions provided by the gate plate to move a push pull cable and associated actuator lever to condition the transmission for selected drive operation or for neutral or park.

Transmission shifter unit with roller bearing for shift cam

A boot and attaching frame assembly for closing an opening in a wall of a steering column shroud through which a gear shift lever extends. The assembly includes a flexible boot having a central portion provided with a passage adapted to receive the gear shift lever. A marginal position of the boot is folded inwardly upon itself to provide a terminal flange and to form a laterally inwardly opening groove. The terminal flange is adapted to engage an outer annular surface portion of the wall of the shroud around the opening therein. The assembly also includes an annular frame for securing the boot to the shroud. The frame has an annular base adapted to fit within the opening in the wall of the shroud. The frame has inner retainer tabs extending laterally outwardly from the base to engage an inner surface portion of the wall of the shroud around the opening therein. The frame has an outer retainer flange extending laterally outwardly from the base into the groove in the boot. The frame has an integral mounting strip secured to the shroud.

Gear shift lever boot cover

A transmission control for an engine of an automotive vehicle wherein the vehicle has a steering column assembly having a steering wheel unit pivoted to a rear end portion of a steering column for limited arcuate movement provided with a key-operated cylinder forming part of an ignition system for the engine. A gate is mounted on the steering column and has a plurality of spaced detents corresponding to the usual gearshift positions. A gearshift lever is movable relative to the gate and has a part selectively engageable in the detents. A gearshift blocker is supported on the steering column for pivotal movement to and from an operative position blocking movement of the gearshift lever away from the PARK position. A link is supported on the steering column for sliding movement in opposite directions and has a lost-motion pivotal connection to the blocker to pivot the blocker to its operative position when the link in slid in one direction and away from its operative position when the link in slid in the opposite direction. The link is moved in one direction by an arm pivoted on the steering wheel unit operated by an actuator on the key-operated cylinder. A head on the arm engages a head on the link. These heads are curved on an axis coinciding with the axis of pivotal movement of the steering wheel unit so that the blocker may be operated by operation of the key-operated cylinder in any angular position of the steering wheel unit.

Growing community of inventors

Birmingham, MI, United States of America

Christopher M Slon