Apparatus and method to disable vehicle door-actuated functions

1. 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.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bumper is comprised of an elastomer or foam.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stabilizing member includes first and second holes;

wherein the striker member includes first and second parallel segments;

wherein the first segment extends through the first hole; and

wherein the second segment extends through the second hole.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the stabilizing member is slidable relative to the striker member along the first and second parallel segments.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising a base member operatively connected to the first and second parallel segments; and

at least one spring positioned between the stabilizing member and the base member and biasing the stabilizing member away from the base member.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the striker member includes a third segment interconnecting the first and second parallel segments; and

wherein the at least one spring biases the stabilizing member toward the third segment.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said stabilizing member is forked.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the stabilizing member includes a first arm and a second arm spaced apart from the first arm;

wherein the first arm and the second arm define an open space therebetween; and

wherein the first arm and the second arm define an opening to the open space.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the first arm and the second arm have different widths.

10. 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.

11. The method of claim 10 ,

wherein the stabilizing member includes first and second holes;

wherein the striker member includes first and second parallel segments;

wherein the first segment extends through the first hole;

wherein the second segment extends through the second hole; and

wherein the stabilizing member is slidable relative to the striker member along the first and second parallel segments.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the apparatus further includes a base member operatively connected to the first and second parallel segments; and

at least one spring positioned between the stabilizing member and the base member and biasing the stabilizing member away from the base member.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the door defines an aperture; and

wherein said engaging the apparatus with the latch includes inserting portions of the striker member and the stabilizing member into the aperture, and pushing the striker member into engagement with the latch.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein said engaging the apparatus with the latch includes causing the stabilizer member to contact a portion of the door such that said pushing the striker member into engagement with the latch causes the striker member to slide relative to the stabilizer member and thereby compress said at least one spring.