Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Multiple controlled elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-07
2001-12-11
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Multiple controlled elements
C074S473150, C074S487000, C074S493000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327928
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to vehicle gear shift assemblies, and particularly to gear shift assemblies mounted to a steering column which tilts and/or telescopes.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Since the advent of tilting and telescoping of steering columns for vehicles, manufacturers have struggled with how to mount the gear shift assembly in the vehicle. Many mount the shifter on the steering column below the point where the column tilts and/or telescopes. The result is that the gear shift lever is rarely near the steering wheel where the operators hands are positioned. Others have experimented by placing the gear shift lever on the dash board. This is particularly true of older model passenger vehicles and some contemporary heavy trucks. Again the same ergonomic considerations are present—that is the operators hands are not conveniently near the gear shift lever. One ergonomic option used by many manufacturers is to place the gear shift lever on the floor console next to the operators thigh or knee. Although this is in many cases a good location, there are instances when the floor space is preferred to be open. This necessitates placing the levers in front of the operator.
One possible solution is to place the gear shift lever on the tilt or telescoping upper portion of the steering column using the same technology used for the steering column shaft assembly used on tilting and telescoping steering columns. Two coaxially translating tubes are provided for the telescoping portion. The gear shift lever could be attached either to one of the telescoping tubes or to a universal joint at the end of the telescoping tubes to accommodate the tilt and/or telescope action of the steering column. The lower end of the telescoping tubes could be connected to a conventional gear shift linkage. The problem associated with this type of system is the sometimes excessive amount of lash commonly associated with the universal joint and the coaxially telescoping tubes.
The steering column shifter assembly described herein solves all of the problems associated with gear shift assemblies on tilting and/or telescoping steering columns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A shifter assembly is provided for a steering column wherein an upper housing is configured to tilt and/or telescope with respect to a lower housing. The shifter assembly includes a lever assembly mounted to the upper housing, a cam assembly also mounted to the upper housing and coupled by a linkage to the lever assembly such that actuation of the lever assembly moves the cam assembly between a first and second position. A second cam assembly is also provided, mounted to the lower housing, and interconnected to the first cam assembly by two cables. The two cables are sufficient in length to permit the full range of tilt and telescopic motion of the upper housing relative to the lower housing. The two cables are arranged such that movement of one cam assembly pulls the other cam assembly to a corresponding position. The second cam assembly is in turn connected to a conventional gear shift linkage for shifting the vehicle transmission.
The advantages provided by this invention include an easier shifting action of the shifter because the two cables work in a pull-pull relationship providing a positive displacement of the linkage without the lash of prior systems. Additionally, the flexibility of the two cables interconnecting the first and second cam assemblies provides an infinite range of tilt and telescope action, limited only by the length of cable. The two cable system is also easier to manufacture, resulting in savings on parts and labor. Lastly, the two cable system is extremely versatile and adaptable to substantially any situation.
These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification and appended drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3737003 (1973-06-01), Beals et al.
patent: 4291896 (1981-09-01), Koch
patent: 4664221 (1987-05-01), Loney et al.
patent: 4682787 (1987-07-01), Ruhter et al.
patent: 5280732 (1994-01-01), Katsumata et al.
patent: 5632353 (1997-05-01), Kimberley
patent: 6055881 (2000-05-01), Oda
patent: 10-86692 (1998-04-01), None
Bowerman Brian C.
Gaukel Patrick D.
Bucci David A.
Joyce William C
Kane Barry C.
Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummisky, P.L.C.
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