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Selectively deployable control device

  • US 10,214,236 B2
  • Filed: 04/01/2015
  • Issued: 02/26/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/11/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A vehicle, comprising:

  • a docking port comprising a cup holder; and

    a selectively demountable switch having a body and a rotary knob on the body,an interface between the switch and the docking port that allows commands entered by operation of the rotary knob to be communicated to the vehicle, the interface comprising a plug or a socket arranged to couple with a corresponding socket or plug in the docking port,wherein the docking port is arranged to restrain the switch body when the switch is docked with the docking port by inserting the switch body in the cup holder,wherein the switch provides an input interface to a tow-assist system of the vehicle, andwherein operation of the rotary knob provides the tow-assist system with desired direction indications of a trailer connected to the vehicle during reversing of the vehicle so that the tow-assist system can control steering of the vehicle,wherein the demountable switch and docking port are arranged so that engagement of the plug and socket is effected by a docking operation comprising a two-part movement, a first insertion step and a second and subsequent engagement step, wherein, during the insertion step, the switch is moved into a docking position in the port and, during the engagement step, an element of the switch or port comprising the plug or socket is actuated to move relative to the switch body, thereby to lock the switch in the port and also to mutually engage the plug and socket.

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