Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Multiple controlling elements for single controlled element
Utility Patent
1999-05-18
2001-01-02
Footland, Lenard A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Multiple controlling elements for single controlled element
C074S48000R, C074S489000
Utility Patent
active
06167776
ABSTRACT:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to auxiliary throttles for snowmobiles and similar off-road vehicles; and particularly to auxiliary throttles for snow mobiles and similar off-road vehicles that reduce the amount of effort needed to operate the throttle.
2. Description of Related Art
Snow mobiles, three-wheeler and four-wheeler type off-road vehicles operate with small gasoline powered engines. To operate the engines, the operator activates a thumb throttle. The thumb throttle is usually mounted to the right handlebar. As the rider grips this handlebar, the rider's thumb operates the throttle by pushing the throttle against the handle bar and holding it there. The throttle is designed to provide a range of speeds as the throttle is depressed. If the throttle is held fully open, the highest speeds can be reached. However, holding the throttle in between “off” and “full” produces an intermediate level of speed.
To keep the throttle from sticking in the open position, a spring is used to force the throttle back to the off position if the throttle is released. Although the spring provides an important safety function, it also causes fatigues in the rider. Holding the throttle against the force of the spring is tiresome and prevents enjoyment on long trips. Moreover, people with smaller hands suffer more because the thumb must be stretched out to grip the throttle. This puts additional strain on the rider.
Several solutions to this problem have been devised. The first is a modification of the throttle and spring so that the force required to hold the throttle is reduced for the first half of throttle travel. The force is increased for the remaining amount of travel. This provides some relief in that riders can operate the device under lower speeds with less strain. However, this improvement is not available on all machines; it limits the speeds an operator can ride in comfort; and does nothing to help riders with small hands. A second solution is a “cheater” bar that is installed on top of the handlebar. This bar is attached to the throttle and is operated by the user's fingers. As the user grips the bar tighter, the speed is increased. Although this makes riding more comfortable, it also makes it more dangerous. Because the rider grips the bar with the fingers, and because the tighter the grip the faster the device goes, a rider may cause more problems in a panic situation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention overcomes these problems. A bar attaches to the underside of the throttle mechanism. In that position, it rides on the back of the handlebar and is operated by the thumb like the standard throttle. Moreover, the device has a built-in stop that prevents the rider from engaging the throttle at more than half speed using the bar. The rider can increase speed, but only by using the main throttle. This has three beneficial effects. First, it provides a convenient and easy method for riders to operate the throttle without fatigue. Second, it is operated by the thumb, just like the main throttle, thereby preventing confusion in an emergency. Third, it limits the speed the vehicle can operate, no matter how hard the device is gripped. Thus, in a panic situation, gripping the handlebar does not cause any sudden burst of speed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5775167 (1998-07-01), Maietta
patent: 5941125 (1999-08-01), Watarai et al.
Footland Lenard A.
Tavella Michael J.
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