Hand Patents (Class 74/523)
  • Publication number: 20120186937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rod comprising a long plastic body (1), an axial housing (3) close to the front end corresponding to the push button (2), and a compression spring (4) mounted in said housing (3), one end of the spring butting up to the front end wall (3?) of the housing, and the other end of the spring (4) butting up to a side piece (5) provided for this purpose on a plastic guiding part (6) on which the rod (1) slides during its straight movement, the guiding part (6) being fixed onto the actuating lever itself. The connection of each part to the traction lever enables the actuation of the handbrake of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: José Manuel GUTIÉRREZ FERNÁNDEZ
  • Patent number: 8225693
    Abstract: A control lever mechanism is provided for being mounted to a cowl of a main body of a materials handling vehicle. The control lever mechanism may comprise at least one lever structure including a control lever having a section which falls within or is approximately parallel with a lowermost view plane of a view zone of an operator, wherein the operator view zone includes at least one view plane positioned above the lowermost view plane, and apparatus for mounting the lever structure to the main body cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Hanson, Jason R. Kremer, Julien J. Schrenk
  • Publication number: 20120181371
    Abstract: A web dispenser is fitted with a crank that extends from the side or below the dispenser and is ergonomically shaped to receive the edge of a user's hand rather than the palm side of the user's hand. The crank interfaces with an advance mechanism in the dispenser that advances web material from the roll as the crank is pushed downward. The crank has a curved body that forms a recess or depression for receiving the edge of the user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
    Inventors: Paul Omdoll, Scott J. Collins
  • Patent number: 8220359
    Abstract: A theftproof clutch handle for a motorcycle includes a clutch connector provided with a plug, a handle body provided with a slot detachably mounted on the plug, and a locking device mounted on the handle body and releasably locked onto the plug. The handle body has a receiving chamber to receive the locking device. The locking device includes a support seat, a locking shaft, an elastic member and a drive member. Thus, when the drive member is pulled outwardly, the locking shaft is moved outwardly to detach from the locking hole of the plug to unlock the handle body from the clutch connector so that the handle body can be removed from the clutch connector to provide a theftproof effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Yao-Ming Liu
  • Publication number: 20120149468
    Abstract: Machine handle assemblies are provided that can be attached to an external surface of a machine. The machine handle assembly includes a handle mechanism and may include a handle. An illumination assembly provides lighting effects from the machine handle assembly. The machine handle assembly does not require space within the machine, allowing room in the machine for other elements or allowing the machine to be more compact. A user interacts with the machine handle assembly to control aspects of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Maarten P. MENHEERE, Edwin ROODENBURG, Fred A. CASTILLO
  • Patent number: 8166845
    Abstract: A theftproof clutch handle for a motorcycle includes a clutch connector, at least one fixed shaft mounted on the clutch connector, a handle body removably mounted on the fixed shaft, and a locking shaft movably mounted on the handle body and releasably locked onto the fixed shaft. The fixed shaft has a locking groove. The handle body has at least one shaft hole. The locking shaft has a release groove. Thus, when the locking shaft is pressed, the fixed shaft is released from the release groove of the locking shaft, and the locking shaft is released from the locking groove of the fixed shaft to unlock the fixed shaft from the locking shaft so that the handle body can be removed from the fixed shaft to provide a theftproof effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Yao-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 8156841
    Abstract: A manipulation lever connection structure for a vehicle eliminates a striking sound without losing an adjusting function of an adjustment nut. The manipulation lever connection structure for a vehicle includes an arm for operating a driving changeover device and for connecting a wire which extends from a manipulation lever to the arm. An adjustment bolt is mounted on a distal end of the wire with a joint slidably mounted on the adjustment bolt on an axis thereof. An adjustment nut for supporting the joint is fastened to the adjustment bolt. A pair of side plate portions, respectively, forming elongated holes which allow the joint to pass therethrough is mounted on the arm. The adjustment nut is inserted between the pair of side plate portions with a buffer cover being mounted on the adjustment nut with a clearance formed between the adjustment nut and the respective side plate portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yasuda, Koji Sato, Hideo Yanai
  • Publication number: 20120079909
    Abstract: An apparatus used to quickly, and without additional tools or adhesives, allow anyone to, without additional training or knowledge, repair a broken mechanical control lever, examples including, but not limited to, a clutch or brake lever on a motorcycle or a brake release lever on machinery, while leaving the control lever in place within its holder/housing. The invention consists of a hollow cylindrical tube, open at one end and closed by a solid spherical ball at the other end, and raised ridges to improve the user's grip on the lever, designed to closely replicate the original shape and functionality of the broken control lever. The cylindrical tube is capable of holding the broken end of a control lever, and is of sufficient length, width, flexibility and tensile strength to form to the broken control lever and hold itself in place through friction and pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Keith Robert Rovell
  • Publication number: 20120067161
    Abstract: A valve actuator assist system, including a first elongated generally flat portion, an aperture formed through the first generally flat portion for loosely engaging a knob member, a second generally flat portion, an axis-engaging u-section connected to first and second generally flat portions, an elongated axial rod positioned in the axis-engaging u-section, and a bracket engaged positioned adjacent the axis-engaging u-section and connected to the axial rod. The axis-engaging u-section is engaged to the axis member and the first and second generally flat portions are at an angle between 155 and 170 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Stephen Shirley
  • Publication number: 20120067710
    Abstract: An on-vehicle lever switch includes a main body portion, a lever body, and a switch contact. The lever body includes a knob rockably held by the main body portion and protruding outward, a drive shaft extending in the direction along which the knob protrudes and being rotatably held in the knob, and a rotational operation portion fixed to the drive shaft. The switch contact is disposed at the main body portion, and carries out electrical connection by rocking or rotating of the lever body. The knob can be divided into two portions, a first knob portion and a second knob portion, along the extending direction. The first knob portion and the second knob portion are coupled to each other by a first member provided in the inner part of the first knob portion and a second member provided in the inner part of the second knob portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: TAKEO NAKAMURA, MASAHIKO FUJITA, DAIKI KABURAGI
  • Patent number: 8039769
    Abstract: The invention concerns an armrest mounted joystick for communication of operator initiated control signals to a vehicle controller. A plurality of switches require that the operator be safely located in the operation position in order for the control signals to reach the vehicle controller. Only when all of the switches change state, at substantially the same time, does the joystick either activate or de-activate, in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Charles J Asp, Jeremy B Shuler, Kevin L Pfohl, Daniel J Wild
  • Publication number: 20110239812
    Abstract: A locking arrangement for locking a brake part held under tension is provided. The locking arrangement includes a gearing having a plurality of adjoining gears, a catch which can be pivoted about a catch coupling and which has at least one engaging nose that is biased in the direction toward the gearing on one engagement end. Either the catch coupling or the gearing can be pivoted about a main axis relative to each other, and a parking brake equipped with the locking arrangement. A locking arrangement, or a parking brake enabling an improved locking is created in that an auxiliary nose is associated with the catch at a distance from the engaging nose, and that the auxiliary nose is disposed such that it may be brought into contact with the gearing in front of the engaging nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Edscha Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Jose Manuel Gutierrez Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20110226087
    Abstract: An electric lever device includes a detent mechanism 6 between the rotational center shaft 3 and the handgrip 2. The detent mechanism 6 includes a pressing unit 10 including a through hole 11 formed in an axis C1 direction of the operation lever 1, an extension coil spring 12 inserted into the through hole 11 and balls 13a and 13b provided on both ends of the extension coil spring 12 for generating pressing force in the axis C 1 direction, and a guide unit 20 for guiding movement in a circumferential direction of the axis C 1 and changing the pressing force by changing a guide width in the axis C1 direction to apply a load to the movement of the operation lever 1 together with pulling force of a twisted coil spring 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuuji Hori, Mitsumasa Akashi, Hiroyuki Chikugo
  • Patent number: 8020469
    Abstract: A base frame 1 is such as to be fixedly provided on a body so that a parking brake device 2 is provided thereon which causes a brake applying portion of a parking brake to apply the brake and release the brake so applied, a base frame main body 1a is molded into an integral unit, a parking device mounting portion 10A where the parking brake device 2 is mounted is formed on one side A of the base frame man body 1a, and a gearshift device mounting portion 10B where a gearshift device of a transmission is provided is formed on the other side B thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Otsuka Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masateru Momozu, Naoto Shibui, Hideto Nebuya, Satoru Masuda, Yukiyoshi Akutsu, Tomoya Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8006588
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for a parking brake assembly for actuating a parking brake in a vehicle. The parking brake assembly comprises a mounting bracket fixedly attached to a mounting location of the vehicle, a first linkage element having a first end coupled to the mounting bracket at a first pivot, and a second linkage element having a first end pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. A brake cam is coupled to the first end of the first linkage element at the first pivot. A handle mechanism is pivotally attached to a second end of the first linkage element and to the second end of the second linkage element. The handle mechanism is configured such that movement of the handle mechanism actuates the brake cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Kowalski, Jeremy W. Short, Brian S. Paprocki
  • Publication number: 20110048162
    Abstract: A grip comprises a grip body forming a gripping control portion of a manually operable device to be held with the operator's palm and fingers. The grip body includes a ball-receiving surface coming into contact with the ball of the thumb, a palm-receiving surface coming into contact with a middle portion of the palm and the ball of the little finger, a finger-receiving surface coming into contact with the fingers, an open surface positioned between the tips of the fingers and the ball of the thumb for receiving the thumb when the grip body is held, and a switch mounted on a top portion of the grip body to be operable with the thumb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Miura, Masaaki Ueda, Ikuhiro Uotani, Kenji Kohno, Takehiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 7895916
    Abstract: A vehicular operating device includes a lever movably attachable at one end to a housing such as a steering column such that the lever is pivotable relative to the housing between different positions. A connector connectable to the housing is adjacent to the first end of the lever and is in communication with the hollow body of the lever. A catch line having first and second ends runs through the hollow body of the lever with the first end of the catch line being connected to the connector and the second end of the catch line being connected to the second end of the lever. Upon the lever breaking, the catch line secures the lever to the connector as the catch line is connected to both of the second end of the lever and the connector to thereby prevent the lever from breaking away from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Knut Moldenhauer, Werner Volmer
  • Publication number: 20110006157
    Abstract: Actuators, principally for inflating emergency-usage objects such as floats and rafts, are detailed. Two opposite positive actions may be required to effect complete inflation of the objects, inhibiting inadvertent deployment of, particularly, the rafts while readily permitting deployment when intended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan Vezzosi
  • Publication number: 20100328876
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an ejection mechanism for ejecting a removable module from a piece of equipment includes a two-part ejection lever including a first lever portion that is snap fit to a second lever portion, wherein the first lever portion can separate from the second portion when a user pulls on the ejection lever in an attempt to eject the removable module when the module has been locked within the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Mark H Ruch, Earl W. Moore
  • Publication number: 20100326771
    Abstract: A coating unit (20), comprising a lift-off protection (25) that is fastened in a face end region (21) of the coating unit (20) and is formed by a securing pivot lever (26), which can be manually pivoted about a pivot axis (27), which in the usage position (22) of the coating unit (20) is vertical, from an open position, in which the coating unit (20) can be placed onto a horizontal carrier (30) or lifted off therefrom, into a closed or lift-off protection position (31), and vice versa, in which the coating unit (20) is secured against lift-off from the carrier (30) when it is placed on the carrier (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Wilhelm Layher Verwaltungs-GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Kreller
  • Publication number: 20100307283
    Abstract: An operating lever for a wind-surfing or kite board is a two-layer hollow water-drop-shaped pipe. With the water drop shape, the operating lever can be stably gripped by the user, and the undesired slippage of the operating lever can be avoided, so that the user can grip the operating lever more effortlessly. The two-layer hollow structure enhances the structure strength of the operating lever, so that the operating lever can be made of aluminum material without causing the increase of cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Jen-Chuan LIU
  • Publication number: 20100300241
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a parking brake includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block; a locking device adapted to secure the manual brake lever in a predetermined pivoting position; an activation rod guided inside the manual brake lever, the activation rod operatively connected to the locking device; and a position-adjustable end stop movable between an engaged position and a released position. The position-adjustable end stop is adapted to delimit pivotable movement of the manual brake lever to a maximum value setting when in the engaged position, and the position-adjustable end stop is adapted to permit movement of the manual brake lever past the maximum value setting when in the disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Dietz-automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Baris BARCIN
  • Publication number: 20100294075
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a parking brake includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block, a locking device adapted to secure the manual brake lever in a predetermined pivoting position, an actuating rod guided inside the manual brake lever and operatively connected to the locking device, and a guiding device for the actuating rod located on the manual brake lever. The guiding device comprises a U-shaped profile having an opening oriented toward a side of the manual brake lever. The opening is adapted to receive the actuating rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Dietz-automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Baris BARCIN
  • Publication number: 20100294076
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a parking brake. The operating mechanism includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block by a tubular holder. The manual brake lever is fixed to the tubular holder. The mechanism also includes a locking device adapted to fix the manual brake lever in a predetermined pivoting position, an activation rod guided inside the manual brake lever and operatively connected to the locking device, and a transfer element connected to the tubular holder. The transfer element is adapted to transmit movement of the manual lever to the parking brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: DIETZ-AUTOMOTIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Baris Barcin
  • Publication number: 20100242654
    Abstract: A stick control apparatus includes a member, a fixed location and a pivot point arranged so the member can pivot with respect to the fixed location to follow a deflection axis. A C-shaped spring engages indentation arrangements and provides a bias force to return the member to a predefined position on the deflection axis from any point along the deflection axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventor: John Michael Corney
  • Publication number: 20100218640
    Abstract: A detachable brake lever assembly for a bicycle includes a brake seat connected to a handlebar of a bicycle. The brake seat has an engaging portion formed thereon and extending therefrom. The engaging portion is formed into a shape of an equilateral polygon. A holder is connected to the brake seat. The holder has an engaging recess defined therein and corresponding to the shape of the engaging portion for engaging with the engaging portion. A pull lever is rotatably connected to the holder; wherein the engaging portion is able to engage with the engaging recess in different positions corresponding to the shape of the equilateral polygon. The brake lever which is assembled with the holder is adjusted with the holder relative to the brake seat for appropriately cooperating with different types of bicycle handlebars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Chester Wen
  • Patent number: 7779722
    Abstract: A lever 2 includes first and second lever members 10, 20 between which both sides of a base B are interposed. A guide piece 14, which is a part of first lever member 10 arranged on first side of the base B, is formed being located on a second side of the base B. The guide piece 14, which is a part of the first lever member 10 located on the second side, has a guide portion to guide a wire 4 together with a guide piece 24 formed in the second lever member 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Kawano, Naoto Shibui, Fumikage Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7762158
    Abstract: A self-locking device for a table elevating screw includes a rotatable disk disposed on a screw having a nut thereon, a wedged body disposed on the rotatable disk, an outer cover moveably disposed on the rotatable disk and the wedged body and a stop plate disposed on the outer cover. When the rotatable disk rotates in relation to the screw in a direction or a reverse direction, the wedged body ascends or descends in relation to the rotatable disk, maintaining a gap between the stop plate and the outer cover or generating a frictional force therebetween. By the frictional force occurred when the screw rotates in a single direction, the self-locking device can achieve a precise self-locking device for the screw in a lifting/lowering positioning task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Wu-Teng Shieh, Yu-Shan Lee
  • Publication number: 20100180715
    Abstract: A control lever for a machine for machining surfaces is disclosed that comprises at least one housing for at least one tool, in particular for an L-shaped Allen key (6). Said lever comprises a housing (5) for the long shaft (7) and a housing (8) for the short shaft (9) of the Allen key (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Guido Valentini
  • Publication number: 20100175786
    Abstract: A gas pump nozzle handle block and method of use for maintaining an open flow position until the valve senses the back pressure to shut off the flow of gas, the block dimensioned so as to slide within an opening of the nozzle handle, and rotated within the opening so as to frictionally engage a bottom side of the block against an upper side of the nozzle handle below the opening of the handle and to further frictionally engage an upper side of the block against an undersurface of a valve operating lever and to push the lever toward a lower side of the nozzle handle above the opening of the nozzle handle, thereby maintaining the operating lever in an open flow position until the nozzle valve senses a back pressure to shut off a flow of gas through the nozzle valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Martin
  • Publication number: 20100159730
    Abstract: Electronic assemblies are described. One embodiment includes a circuit board and a socket coupled to the circuit board. The assembly also includes a load mechanism including a first lever arm and a second lever arm. The load mechanism also includes a first axis portion extending from a first longitudinal end of the first lever arm, the first axis portion pivotally coupled to the circuit board, and a second axis portion extending from a first longitudinal end of the second lever arm, the second axis portion pivotally coupled to the circuit board. The load mechanism also includes a first load arm region extending from the first axis portion and the second axis portion and positioned between the first and second lever arms. The load mechanism also includes a first handle region at a second longitudinal end of the first lever arm, and a second handle region at a second longitudinal end of the second lever arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: David J. LLAPITAN, Jerry A. KALISZEWSKI
  • Publication number: 20100140438
    Abstract: An actuation lever according is provided for a longitudinal adjustment device of a car seat, and includes, but is not limited to a gripping section, which a person uses to grab the actuation lever, and at least one attachment section for mechanically coupling the lever with a locking unit of the longitudinal adjustment device. The actuation lever is at least section ally, but preferably completely, made out of an injection molded plastic part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Valerii SEMENCHENKO
  • Publication number: 20100139446
    Abstract: A gear lever assembly for a car includes a gear lever, a support unit, a control unit and a power supply unit. The support unit includes a housing, a transparent body, a sphere, an electric wire, and an insulating member. The control unit is used to control operation of the sphere and the electric wire. The power supply unit is used to provide an electric power to the electric wire. The sphere produces a blink (or light) by operation of a high voltage static electricity. The insulating member is enclosed around the electric wire to prevent from incurring a static electricity leakage from the housing and the transparent body so as to prevent the static electricity from interfering with operation of the electronic systems in the car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Kun-Wang Wang, Pi-Jie Lu
  • Patent number: 7721622
    Abstract: A handle device comprises a handle unit having a holding end at one end thereof; another end of the handle unit being an adjusting end; a center of the adjusting end having a penetrating hole; a frame having a pivotal seat; a pivotal groove being formed in the pivotal seat; a center of the pivotal groove being formed with a through hole; a twisting unit being assembled in the pivotal groove; a supporting block being installed between the adjusting end of the handle unit and the pivotal seat of the frame; the supporting block being a disk like structure. In assembly, the twisting unit is installed in the pivotal seat; the supporting block is installed upon the twisting unit. The supporting block is pivotally rotatable by the twisting rotation of the twisting unit; and the supporting block is engaged to the adjusting end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Chester Wen
  • Patent number: 7717222
    Abstract: A snowmobile throttle control apparatus includes a pair of bushings with a hole and closed ends and a separate axle pin. The bushings are assembled to a thumb lever and mounted over the axle pin. The axle pin allows for a controlled gap to be maintained between the throttle lever, bushing assembly and the control housing. The thumb lever is allowed to flex open when a side load is applied. Thus allowing the thumb lever assembly to travel without binding on the control housing. This insures proper functioning of the RPS feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary T. Spraetz, Albert Boyd Cable
  • Publication number: 20100071501
    Abstract: First and second handle bar segments located on respectively opposite sides of a horizontal connector is attached to a revolving bicycle handle. Each bicycle revolving handle has a control member rotatably coupled to a core member that is rigidly attached to the handle bar segment. A pin that is coupled to the control member and operated by a finger operated lever selectively disengages the control member from the core member to allow the control member, and a hand grip attached to the control member, to revolve 360 degrees about the handle bar segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: John Michael LANE
  • Patent number: 7669503
    Abstract: A grip for a parking-brake operating lever includes a tubular-shaped grip main body which is press-fitted on a lever main body of the operating lever so as to be mounted on an outer circumferential periphery of the lever main body, a grip cover which is mounted on a part of a circumferential periphery of the grip main body, an engaging tab which projects from an inner surface of the grip cover and which is inserted through an insertion hole provided in the grip main body and is held in engagement with an engaging portion provided in the lever main body, such that the engaging tab is movable relative to the engaging portion in a longitudinal direction of the lever main body, and a fitting protrusion and recess which are respectively provided in the inner surface of the grip cover and the outer circumferential surface of the grip main body, and which are held in fitting engagement with each other for positioning the grip cover in a predetermined relative to the grip main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiro Takeshima
  • Patent number: 7665381
    Abstract: A control device for a marine propulsion system includes a base and at least two levers. Each one of the levers is supported by the base at a first end for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis and extending generally normal to the pivot axis to have a second end. The second end has a grip. The grip of one of the levers extends toward the second end of the other one of the levers. The respective grips are nested with each other when the levers extend generally parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuji Iekura, Eifu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7661334
    Abstract: A locking device (10) includes an adjustable bracket (7) provided with a recess (16), a stationary contour (9) with a contact surface (12), a pin (8), which is arranged movably in the recess (16) and on which an axial spring force generated by a compression spring (21) acts. A pin head (14) projects from the recess (16) of the bracket (7) and has a contact pair with the contact surface (12). At least one centering device (18) is provided between the pin (8) and the bracket (7). The locking device has a centering device (18), which has an elastically deformable ring (19). The ring (19) is arranged between the pin (8) and the bracket (7) within the recess (16) and is displaceably arranged within the recess (16). The ring (19) has a surface (22) with a cross section tapering against the direction of the force of the compression spring (21). The surface is in contact with a complementary surface (23) at the pin (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Jörg Meyer
  • Patent number: 7637180
    Abstract: A release operation knob is provided at a distal end of a brake operation lever so as to move back and forth in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the brake operation lever. A locking pawl is provided swingably on the brake operation lever so as to engage with ratchet teeth which is fixedly placed on a vehicle body side. A rotational rod is provided so as to rotate on an axis extending substantially along an axial direction of the brake operation lever. The rotational rod includes a primary arm portion and a secondary arm portion are respectively provided on each end of a rod main body. The primary arm portion linked to the release operation knob, and the secondary arm portion is linked to the locking pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumikage Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7637179
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a parking brake includes a bearing block and a handbrake lever positioned pivoting on the bearing block. A brake setting device includes a locking segment secured to the bearing block and a movably positioned locking pawl which has an edge segment facing the locking segment. An actuating linkage is positioned inside the handbrake lever and includes a web to connect the actuating linkage to the locking pawl. The web rests on the edge segment. A spring loaded push button is movable counter to a spring force to activate the actuating linkage. A catch spring is arranged to secure the locking pawl by a force of the catch spring in an engaged position on the locking segment. During actuation of the actuating linkage by the push button, a force counter to the force of the catch spring is exerted by the web onto the locking pawl, thereby causing the locking pawl to be separated from the locking segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Dietz-automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Udo Nitsche
  • Patent number: 7637178
    Abstract: A device for the actuation of vehicle brakes has a pull element which can be brought into a lockable braking position in order to pull at least a part of a vehicle brake, the pull element being capable of being tensioned by a tension element in this braking position, and which can be brought into a released position, in which the pull element is relaxed to an extent such that the at least a part of the vehicle brake is released, the device being provided with a retensioning device which, in the released position, automatically retensions the pull element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Fico Cables, S.A.
    Inventors: Santiago Alberto Ortiz De Pinedo, Jaume Prat Terradas, Enrique Perez Navarro
  • Patent number: 7621198
    Abstract: A shift lever device for operation of a transmission of a vehicle having a plurality of shift ranges is provided which includes a lever main body, a housing that movably supports the lever main body, a light source provided at one of the housing and the lever main body; a knob mounted to a distal end portion of the lever main body, and having a transmitting portion, a light guiding portion provided at the knob and guiding light from the light source to the interior of the knob, and a light guiding control portion. The light guiding control portion includes a shutter member operatively connected to and movable with the lever main body which, when the lever main body is positioned at least at one specific shift position, does not block light from the light source to the knob transmitting portion, and which, when the lever main body is positioned at a position other than the specific shift position, is moved to a position blocking the light to the knob transmitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenichi Kako, Noriyasu Shamoto, Isamu Matsushima, Keizo Fukuda, Teruaki Kitano
  • Patent number: 7587960
    Abstract: A parking brake operating apparatus (10), comprises (a) a supporting member (12) disposed integral with a vehicle, (b) an operating member (16) disposed in the supporting member to pivot about a first axis, and actuates a parking brake by a braking operation from an initial position thereof, (c) a ratchet (30) having many engaging teeth (28) formed along an arc centering on the first axis, and disposed in the supporting member integrally therewith, and (d) a pawl (32) disposed in the operating member, riding over the many engaging teeth during the braking operation of the operating member, and engaging with the teeth in the brake actuating position of the operating member to prevent returning pivotal movement of the operating member toward the initial position side for maintaining an actuating state of the parking brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tsuzuki, Takumi Uno, Toshiro Takeshima
  • Patent number: 7578216
    Abstract: The present invention provides a parking brake tensioning apparatus, method, and system. Generally described, the device is for adjusting the tension cable of a parking brake in a vehicle. The device has an inner housing for receiving the handle of the parking brake. Also, the device has a deformable member attached to the housing, and is preloaded with a predetermined load. The device further has a force probe, or rod, having a first end connected to the deformable member and a second end in contact with a component of the vehicle. In addition, the device has a switch for generating a control signal when a predefined force value is applied to the deformable member by adjusting the tension of the tension cable through an adjustment tool. Furthermore, the device has a relay for transmitting the control signal to the adjustment tool once the predefined force value is reached, thus disabling the adjustment tool. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brian J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090205460
    Abstract: The invention provides a lever assembly for controlling a lock of a steering column assembly. The lever assembly includes a first lever portion pivotable about a locking axis between a locked position for substantially preventing adjusting movement of a steering column assembly and an unlocked position spaced from the locked position. The steering column assembly is moveable in adjusting movement when the first lever portion is in the unlocked position. The lever assembly also includes a second lever portion defining a handle portion and operable to rotate about the locking axis. The lever assembly also includes a lost motion linkage disposed between the first lever portion and the second lever portion. The lost motion linkage is operable to transmit rotation of the second lever portion about the locking axis to pivot the first lever portion between the locked position and the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: William D. Cymbal, Michael P. Anspaugh, Damir Menjak, Olivier Pugliese
  • Patent number: 7562603
    Abstract: A parking brake apparatus has a base, a ratchet plate fixed to the base, an operation lever includes a rotational base portion pivotally supported on the base; a pawl adapted to engage/disengage with the ratchet plate; an arc-shaped intermediate member comprises an arc-shaped relay rod; and a grip for controlling the engagement of the pawl. The arc-shaped relay rod is divided into at least two and is made to be interlocked with operations by the grip to transmit an engagement/disengagement operation with the ratchet plate to the pawl, the ratchet plate and the rotational base portion are provided inside a body side mounting portion, and the intermediate member is provided in such a manner as to appear from and disappear into a passage hole in the body side mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Otsuka Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masateru Momozu, Naoto Shibui, Hideto Nebuya, Satoru Masuda, Yukiyoshi Akutsu, Tomoya Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7552663
    Abstract: A parking brake apparatus for activating a brake unit includes a base member; an operating lever supported on the base member for generating an operating force when the operating lever is operated so that the operating force is transmitted to the brake unit through a brake cable; an inputting member to be rotated with the operating lever; an intermediating member disposed separately from the inputting member for interconnecting the inputting member and the brake cable; and a connection member for connecting the intermediating member and the inputting member. Accordingly, the intermediating member transmits the operating force to the brake cable from the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Otsuka Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumikage Yamanaka, Takahiko Midori, Satoru Masuda, Hiroshi Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20090120233
    Abstract: A control for a vehicle, has at least one activatable momentary contact, controlling and/or switching element for actuating motor-vehicle-internal functions. The control is arranged on the handbrake lever of a manually activated handbrake of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Markus Hornung
  • Publication number: 20090095119
    Abstract: A lever assembly. The assembly may include a lever, a shaft coupled to the lever for supporting pivotal movement of the lever, a magnet coupled to the lever, the magnet being configured to rotate upon pivotal movement of the lever, and magnetic field sensor positioned adjacent the magnet for providing an output representative to position of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: STONERIDGE CONTROL DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Susan M. Barnabo, Ronald I. Frank