The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 31, 2002
Filed:
May. 26, 2000
Conrad M. Pastwa, Orion Township, MI (US);
Joseph E. Khoury, Farmington, MI (US);
Steven R. Hoskins, Walled Lake, MI (US);
Methode Electronics, Inc., Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A modular steering column device includes a lock housing, a primary switch module, a secondary switch module, an electronics module, a clockspring, and an ignition switch. The lock housing is removeably attachable to a steering column of a vehicle. The primary switch module is removeably attachable to the lock housing. The secondary switch module is removeably attachable to the primary switch housing and to the lock housing. The electronics module is removeably attachable to the lock housing. The clockspring is removeably attachable to the primary switch module. The ignition switch is removebaly attachable to the lock housing. The modularity of the serviceable steering column module design provides for the easy replacement of defective, worn-out, or broken modules, or to replace functioning modules with an upgraded, premium module. Furthermore, standard components can be swapped-out between different brands of vehicles. While non-standard modules can be specially designed for specially branded vehicles where the non-standard modules are compatible and attachable with the standard modules.