Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Multiple controlled elements
Utility Patent
1999-02-08
2001-01-02
Fenstermacher, David (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Multiple controlled elements
C074S335000, C074S4830PB
Utility Patent
active
06167774
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ergonomic shifter mountable to the handlebar of a motor vehicle, and more particularly to an ergonomic shifter mountable to the handlebar of an all-terrain vehicle or motorcycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Off-road vehicles such as the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and the motorcycle are often driven across rough terrain. In both recreational and racing applications, these vehicles are repeatedly upshifted and downshifted as they encounter curves, hills and bumps. The transmissions of these vehicles must therefore be reliable and easy to operate.
For vehicles equipped with handlebars or handlebar-like steering mechanisms, it is especially arduous for the driver of the vehicle to maintain a firm grip on the shifter when traversing rough terrain. In other words, when the driver is traversing rough terrain, he or she has the tendency to temporarily lose his or her grip on the gear shifter. This means that gears cannot be easily shifted when the driver is being jostled by rough terrain. Recently, certain efforts have been made to solve this problem. Notably, Takanashi et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,723 discloses a handle switch assembly for a motor vehicle comprising at least two push button switch elements housed in the switch housing. In order that the driver may keep his eyes entirely on where he's going (which is very important when riding over rough terrain), the push buttons can be differentiated by their relative position on the housing and by the tactually distinctive projections protruding from each push button.
However, when operating a vehicle employing the Takanashi et al. switch assembly, the driver must grope with his or her thumb for the various push buttons in order to shift gears. In normal operation, the driver's thumb typically rests between the upshift and downshift buttons. When the driver wishes to upshift or downshift, he or she must slide his or her thumb either upwards to the upshift button or downwards to the downshift button. It should be apparent that operating a two-button shifter while traversing rough terrain at relatively high speeds is not easy because while the driver's hand is tightly gripping the handlebar, the thumb must be relaxed enough to be suitably dextrous to tactually sense and actuate the push buttons.
Thus, there is a need in the motor vehicle industry for an improved, ergonomic handlebar shifter.
OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a handlebar shifter that is ergonomic and easy to operate.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a handlebar shifter that allows the driver to easily shift gears when traversing rough terrain.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a handlebar shifter that allows the driver to easily shift gears without having to grope for the switches.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides an ergonomic shifter mountable to a handlebar of a motor vehicle, the shifter comprising a housing mountable to said handlebar and a unitary shifter toggle switch movably connected to said housing, said unitary shifter toggle switch being movable from a neutral position to an upshift position and a downshift position, said unitary shifter toggle switch being connected to an upshift switch element and a downshift switch element, said elements being connected by electrical wires to an electronic transmission control module.
This ergonomic shifter is easy to operate when the driver is traversing rough terrain. With this arrangement, it is easier to shift gears than with prior art shifters because the driver can firmly grip the handlebar and does not have to grope for the upshift and downshift switches. This means that the driver of such a vehicle can concentrate more on his environment and can more easily shift when encountering bumps, hills or the like. In other words, an ergonomic shifter not only makes driving easier and more pleasant but it also enhances the performance potential of the vehicle.
Preferably, the unitary shifter toggle switch is pivotally mounted to the housing. This arrangement allows the driver's thumb to press against the unitary shifter toggle switch in the neutral position. When the driver wishes to upshift or downshift, he or she simply pivots his or her thumb upwards or downwards. This maximizes the ease and comfort of shifting.
Preferably, the unitary shifter toggle switch has a plurality of small protrusions for enhancing a driver's grip. This is particularly useful when operating the vehicle in the rain or snow or when the driver's is wearing gloves that would otherwise slip on the unitary shifter toggle switch.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a motor vehicle having a handlebar and an ergonomic shifter, the shifter comprising a housing mountable to the handlebar and a unitary shifter toggle switch movably connected to the housing, the unitary shifter toggle switch being movable from a neutral position to an upshift position and a downshift position, said unitary shifter toggle switch being connected to an upshift switch element and a downshift switch element, said elements being connected by electrical wires to an electronic transmission control module.
With such a vehicle, the driver can readily upshift and downshift without having to grope for the two distinct shift buttons. This arrangement not only makes it easier and more comfortable for the driver to change gears but it also enhances the performance potential of the vehicle since the driver can shift at will even when running over bumpy terrain. Unlike the prior art shifters with which the driver might have a difficult time perceiving the location of the two shifter buttons without looking or groping, the present invention ensures that the driver maintains control of the shifter even when traversing rough terrain.
Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided hereinbelow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
is an isometric view illustrating an ergonomic shifter mounted to a handlebar of a motor vehicle in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a front elevational view of the ergonomic shifter of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a left side elevational view of the ergonomic shifter of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 4
is a right side elevational view of the ergonomic shifter of
FIG. 1
; and
FIG. 5
is a rear elevational view of the ergonomic shifter of
FIG. 1
mounted to a typical handlebar.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3894442 (1975-07-01), Hembree
patent: 4641723 (1987-02-01), Takanashi et al.
patent: 5134008 (1992-07-01), Alm
patent: 5708244 (1998-01-01), Conti
patent: 5865705 (1999-02-01), Shamoto et al.
patent: 5957001 (1999-09-01), Gualtieri et al.
patent: 6012351 (2000-01-01), Ysker
patent: 6035725 (2000-03-01), Graf et al.
Gagnon Claude
Gale John
Larose Pascal
Bombardier Inc.
Fenstermacher David
Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP
LandOfFree
Handlebar-mountable ergonomic shifter for a motor vehicle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Handlebar-mountable ergonomic shifter for a motor vehicle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Handlebar-mountable ergonomic shifter for a motor vehicle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2444120