Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Multiple controlled elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-17
2001-05-15
Herrmann, Allan D. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Multiple controlled elements
C074S473340
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230579
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a shifter assembly for automatic transmissions, and more specifically, to a shifter assembly having an automatic and a manual shift path.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Multi-mode shifter assemblies are used with automatic transmissions and provide a normal automatic mode and a manual mode in which the automatic transmission may be shifted like a manual transmission. To switch from automatic to manual mode, a shift lever is moved from an automatic shift path to a parallel manual shift path where the driver may then shift through the transmission gears manually. Such assemblies typically include a detent member supported by a base for deterring parallel automatic and manual shift paths for a shift lever which, in turn, rotates a control warn which is pivotally supported by the base. One such assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,197 to Rempinski et al. issued Aug. 11, 1998. The transmission control arm in the Rempinski patent is pivotally connected to the base for movement about an axis for connection to a linkage for operating the automatic transmission and the shift lever is supported on the base independently of the control arm. More specifically, a ball and socket joint supports the shift lever on the base for pivotal movement relative to the control aim for changing between shift paths. There is always a need to simplify the assembly by reducing the number of components and to develop a more efficient interaction among the components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
The present invention provides a shifter assembly for automatic transmissions having a base and a detent member supported by the base. The detent member defines an automatic and manual shift path and a plurality of gear positions within the shift paths. A transmission control arm is pivotally connected to the base for movement about an axis and is adapted for connection to a linkage for operating an automatic transmission. The shifter assembly also has a shift lever movable through the gear positions. The assembly is characterized by including a pivotal connection interconnecting the control arm and the shift lever for supporting the shift lever on the control arm and pivoting the shift lever relative to the control arm for changing between the shift paths.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a shifter assembly wherein the interaction among the components is improved by mounting the shift lever on the control arm instead of on the base thereby reducing the number of components. The interaction between the control arm and the shift lever is more tightly controlled as a result of the shift lever being pivotally supported directly on the control arm.
REFERENCES:
patent: 927698 (1909-07-01), Warner
patent: 2772652 (1956-12-01), Shane et al.
patent: 2775134 (1956-12-01), Swenson
patent: 4515033 (1985-05-01), Carlo
patent: 4732232 (1988-03-01), Miyagi et al.
patent: 4905530 (1990-03-01), Stehle et al.
patent: 4987792 (1991-01-01), Mueller et al.
patent: 5044220 (1991-09-01), Raff et al.
patent: 5062314 (1991-11-01), Maier et al.
patent: 5150633 (1992-09-01), Hillgartner
patent: 5197344 (1993-03-01), Maier et al.
patent: 5509322 (1996-04-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 5520066 (1996-05-01), Tueri
patent: 5555961 (1996-09-01), Olmr
patent: 5622079 (1997-04-01), Woeste et al.
patent: 5689996 (1997-11-01), Ersoy
patent: 5768944 (1998-06-01), Inuzuka et al.
patent: 5791197 (1998-08-01), Rempinski et al.
patent: 5799539 (1998-09-01), Haase
patent: 5899115 (1999-05-01), Kataumi et al.
Meyer Klemens J.
Reasoner Michael V.
Herrmann Allan D.
Howard & Howard
Teleflex Incorporated
LandOfFree
Multi-mode shifter assembly joint does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Multi-mode shifter assembly joint, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multi-mode shifter assembly joint will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2504279