Abstract: An improved self-adjusting mechanism for a cable-operated vehicle brake is disclosed. The operating lever is pivoted about an axis on a frame member which carries a fixed sector. The lever carries a first pawl, which is adapted to releasably hold the operating lever in position with respect to the frame, and a second pawl which locks the lever to a sheave sector fixed to a sheave which winds up the brake cable upon pivoting of the lever. A third sliding pawl is mounted on the sheave sector. When the operating lever is rotated beyond a predetermined degree in setting the brake, the sliding pawl abuts a stop on the frame. This moves the sliding pawl with respect to the sheave sector. When the handle is subsequently returned to its rest position, the sliding pawl allows a limited amount of rotation of the sheave sector with respect to the lever, which occurs due to tension exerted on the brake cable by the brake shoe return spring.

Abstract: A tilt and telescope steering column is disclosed in which a single control member operates the lock and release of a tilt lock mechanism and a telescope lock mechanism. Both lock mechanisms include pivotally mounted pawls having teeth which interfit with teeth on an associated housing assembly to lock the column in its adjusted position. The pawls are movable in opposite directions from their respective locked positions to release positions in which adjustment of the steering column is permitted. A control member is mounted for movement in two directions and operates in one direction to release one lock system and in the opposite direction to release the other lock system. Spring means normally maintain the locking pawls in their locked position and also maintain the control member in its neutral position. In one embodiment, a single spring functions to normally maintain both lock mechanisms in their locked position and also normally maintains the control member in its neutral position.

Abstract: A tiltable vehicle steering column assembly including a steering shaft assembly constituted by an upper shaft and a lower shaft which are connected together by a first universal joint. A transmission shift rod assembly is provided on the steering shaft assembly and constituted by an upper rod portion and a second rod portion which are connected together by a second universal joint so that the upper rod portion can be tiltably moved together with the upper shaft of the steering shaft assembly. The second universal joint is located at a side of and in the same heightwise position as the first universal joint so that the upper rod portion of the shift rod assembly is not relatively moved with respect to the upper shaft of the steering shaft assembly when the steering shaft assembly is tiltably moved.

Abstract: A lock structure for a seat slide device for a vehicle seat having a first and a second rail which are parallel to each other and mutually slidable, and in particular to such a lock device which can lock up at any slide position. This can be accomplished by varying the pitch of the lock holes and the lock teeth from each other as opposed to the case of conventional lock structures in which lock teeth and lock holes are provided at the same pitch. The various approaches proposed by the present application include the use of the principle of a vernier caliper, varying the phase relationship of the lock teeth relative to the lock holes, and using evenly spaced lock teeth in combination with lock holes provided at a pitch which is a multiple of the pitch of the lock teeth.

Abstract: A control button assembly for positioning an operating rod to "lock" and "unlock" a vehicle door lock includes a sleeve member and a button member. The button member has a hollow stem portion for threading onto an upper end region of the operating rod. The sleeve member is a tubular part that surrounds the stem of the button member. The sleeve member is mountable on a window sill of a vehicle door structure, with portions of the sleeve member extending through a sill opening to surround the threaded upper end region of the operating rod. The sleeve member has a plurality of integrally formed, resilient fingers that depend from the sill as they extend alongside the stem of the button. The fingers have inwardly turned tip portions that frictionally grip outer surface portions of the stem. The frictional grip of the fingers on the stem acts as a detent to assist in holding the button in its lowermost or "locked" position.

Abstract: An adjustable arm rest for a vehicle in which the arm rest is supported for both vertical and angular adjustment by means of rack and pawl mechanisms. Adjustment is achieved by moving the arm rest upwardly in increments to selected positions. The arm rest can be returned to its initial lower position by first moving the arm rest to its full upper position after which it is free to return to its lowest position by way of release elements which permit or prevent operation of the rack and pawl mechanism.

Abstract: A foot operated vehicle parking brake mechanism comprises a brake pedal lever and a brake cable actuator pivotal about a common axis, the brake pedal lever being operable upon depression to displace the cable actuator to a cable tensioning position in which the vehicle brake is set. The cable actuator and pedal lever are independently releaseably retained in the cable tensioning and depressed positions and, respectively, against the bias of the tensioned cable and a pedal lever biasing spring. A manually operable release mechanism operates to release the pedal lever from its depressed position and, during return of the pedal lever to its retracted position, the pedal lever operates to release the cable actuator for return to its released position.

Abstract: A lifting and depositing device for portable containers comprising a plurality of rack and pinion jacks, some of which are mounted on support legs of the container. Each rack and pinion jack has an accessory gearing which can be pivoted outwardly or removed, so that when accessory gearing is pivoted outwardly, a support leg can be manually moved axially relative to its guide part, if the container, e.g., is offset on the loading surface of a truck. Thus, the gearing operation and time-consuming crank work required until now for two idle strokes per work cycle is avoided.

Abstract: A parking brake actuating and release mechanism actuated through a series of strokes of the brake pedal lever to tension the parking brake cable throughout the desired range, the parking brake cable being connected with an eccentric cable take-up member so that the effective leverage applied to the cable causes the mechanical advantage to increase through at least the predominant range of actuation of the mechanism. A release mechanism provides quick release of the parking brake so that it returns to the released position.

Abstract: A neutral lock mechanism for a direction and speed control pedal. Forward or down-toe motion on the pedal produces forward movement of a vehicle and rear, or down-heel, motion produces rear movement, while increased displacement of the pedal in either direction will produce an increase in speed. The neutral lock mechanism includes a latch pivotally connected to the pedal and spring loaded to a latching position in which the latch will engage the floor plate of the vehicle and prevent pivotal movement of the pedal. A lever is connected to the latch and projects upwardly through an opening in the pedal. The operator's foot, when in a normal operating position, will depress the lever and release the latch while mere accidental engagement of the operator's foot with the pedal will not release the latch and will retain the pedal in the neutral lock position.

Abstract: A foot-operated device for controlling a parking brake wherein a parking brake pedal is locked in its operated position through engagement of a pawl member with ratchet teeth. The pawl member is pivotally connected to the brake pedal, and the ratchet teeth are formed on a sector or bracket fixed to a vehicle frame on which the brake pedal is pivotally supported. The parking brake is released when a pedal pad pivotally connected to the brake pedal is pivoted on the pedal and the pedal is depressed. The pedal pad is operatively connected by a lever to the pawl member which is normally held in engagement with the ratchet teeth by a first spring member. The lever is pivotally connected to the brake pedal, biased by the first spring member and engageable with the pawl member to transmit a biasing force of the first spring member to the pawl member so that the pawl member engages the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A vehicle parking brake control mechanism having a clutch drive through which the brake setting actuator lever drives the brake cable to set the brake, is provided with a self-adjusting arrangement for automatically taking up slack in the brake cable. Release means actuated by the actuator lever on return to its brake released position acts to disengage the clutch drive to free the driven element thereof for cable slack take-up movement by an adjusting spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lever assembly which is coupled by a cable to operate a remote mechanism, such as a vehicle parking brake. The lever assembly comprises a lever pivotally mounted to a support member. A locking pawl pivotally mounted to the lever is adapted to engage one of a plurality of ratchet teeth on the support member for maintaining the lever in a selected pivoted position relative to the support member. The one end of the cable is coupled to the handle such that pivoting of the lever results in movement of the cable and operation of the remote mechanism. In accordance with the present invention, an adjusting device is provided for maintaining the cable within a predetermined tension range when the lever is in the non-operating position.

Abstract: The steering column is mounted to be pivotable about the same axis as the steering shaft which extends through the column. The column carries a support plate for associated controls which is locked on the casing tube of the column which is pivotally mounted on a bracket for fixing the whole of the column to the body of the vehicle. An unlocking lever, pivotally mounted in the vicinity of the steering column, is extended by a curved rod which terminates in the vicinity of the steering wheel. A first travel of the lever puts an arm in contact with a pivotal cam, then a second travel of the lever pivots the cam and unlocks the column which can then be pivoted about its pivotal mounting on the bracket and adjusted to the desired height.

Abstract: Steering column with tilt head having tilt locking and release dog controlled by manual lever operable in camming slot therein and normally biased by spring to an over-tilt center position for positive locking of the tilt head in selected tilt position.

Abstract: A small engine throttle control which includes three molded plastic parts, two mating parts forming a housing and a third part, a lever pivotally mounted in side the housing and extending to the exterior thereof with a spring detent and rack structure between the lever and the housing to retain the throttle lever in any desired set position and with an enlarged ridge maintaining the throttle lever in idle position and preventing inadvertent stopping because such detent is larger and thus requires a positive force to move the throttle lever to stop position.

Abstract: The hand lever operating mechanism is positioned beside a vehicle seat and remains below the level of the seat upper surface throughout its operating range. It provides an increase in parking brake cable travel without a conventional lever arm increase in radius from the fulcrum. The anchor point of the cable is self-contained in the unit and may be angularly varied to change the ratio through a range of 2:1 to 1:1.

Abstract: A foot-operated parking brake lever assembly wherein a double-manual operation is required to effect release of the parking brake. The assembly is provided with a pawl having a first pawl section and a second pawl section. The first pawl section is pivotally mounted on a brake lever which is in turn pivotally mounted on a stationary support formed with a series of ratchet teeth. The first pawl section is formed with a finger for selectively engaging the ratchet teeth and thereby retaining the brake lever in brake setting positions thereof. The second pawl section is mounted on the first pawl section for limited rotational movement therewith.

Abstract: A manually operated latch mounted on the handlebar of a motorcycle and engaging the clutch control lever for releasably holding the clutch in a locked-out position or in a partially disengaged position.

Abstract: An automotive transmission shifter and park lock is disclosed which includes a base for mounting the shifter in an automotive vehicle. A shift lever is pivotable with respect to the base and a park lock hook is pivotally mounted on the shift lever. The base includes means for engaging the park lock hook comprising an aperture disposed in the base. The park lock hook is normally spring biased upwardly out of engagement with the aperture disposed on the base. Means for connecting the lock hook to an ignition switch locked park lock cable is provided whereby once the park lock cable is locked stationary by the ignition switch, the park lock hook is automatically pivoted into engagement with the aperture in the base upon an attempt to pivot the shift lever out of the park position.

Abstract: A mounting for an adjustable steering hand wheel for motor vehicles with an outer column immovably secured at the vehicle body and with a bearing housing pivotally secured at the upper end of the outer column by way of a pivot joint; a steering shaft extends through the outer column which is connected with a steering shaft section non-rotatably connected with the steering hand wheel and rotatably supported in the bearing housing by way of a shaft joint, whereby the bearing housing is provided with an arm extending along the outer column; an adjustable form-locking detent means pairing is arranged between the end of the arm and the outer column whose one part consists of a detent row and whose other part consists of a locking member cooperating with the detent row and adapted to be lifted radially out of the detent row, whereby one of the two parts of the detent means pairing is arranged at the end of the arm and the other part at a corresponding place at the outer column corresponding to the end area of the a

Abstract: Parking brake release apparatus for a vehicle of the type which has a frame, wheels, a parking brake for at least one of its wheels, a parking brake pedal pivotally mounted to the frame to apply the parking brake, the pedal having a braking and a brake release condition, a brake return opposing braking movement of the parking brake pedal, and an engine to provide driving power to at least one of the wheels. The engine when operating has a range of possible rotational frequencies (rpm). The release apparatus itself comprises a releasable lock adapted to lock the parking brake pedal in its braking condition. A lock release is adapted selectively to release the lock means and to prevent the lock means from locking.

Abstract: A releasable lock mechanism is provided in combination with a stationary first member and a second member, the latter being adapted to assume various selected positions of rotary adjustment with respect to the first member. The lock mechanism includes a first lock component carried by one of the members and a complemental pivotally adjustable second lock component carried by the other member. The first lock component has a rounded periphery which is provided with a plurality of annularly spaced pockets; each pocket corresponding to a selected position of rotary adjustment of the second member with respect to the first member. The second lock component assumes an interlocking engagement with a peripheral pocket, when the second member is disposed at a selected position of rotary adjustment with respect to the first member, and retains the second member in the selected position.

Abstract: A transmission shift control mechanism has a pivotally mounted shift lever and bracket on which is pivotally mounted a lock pawl. A lock lever is pivotally mounted on the same axis as the shift lever and bracket and has an abutment surface thereon which is maintained in contact with a cam surface on the lock pawl. The shift lever and bracket and the lock lever are operatively connected by a spring. The lock lever is connected to the vehicle steering column by a cable mechanism such that the lock lever is maintained stationary when the steering column is locked whereupon pivotal movement of the shift lever and bracket results in relative movement between the lock pawl and abutment surface causing engagement between the lock pawl and the stationary latch member whereby further pivoting of the shift lever and bracket is prevented.

Abstract: A bicycle speed change lever device comprises a lever body pivotally mounted on a support shaft and having a handle portion and a base portion which is formed with internal hollow spaces, within which are disposed a step positioning mechanism including a resiliently urged engaging piece and a plurality of engaging recesses arranged so as to cooperate for retaining the lever body in a selected speed gear position, and a one-way clutch mechanism including means for permitting the lever body to pivotally move in one direction with reduced frictional resistance.

Abstract: A collapsible lever device comprising a main lever mounted on a valve stem extending from the main body of a valve and an auxiliary lever pivoted to the forward end of the main lever. The main lever and the auxiliary lever are provided at the pivoted portion with a lower plate and a contact plate respectively for holding the auxiliary lever in alignment with the main lever. When the auxiliary lever is turned to its unfolded position in alignment with the main lever, the levers provide a single elongated lever. The valve main body has a cover covering the base end of the main lever from above and provided on the edge thereof on the main lever side with an engaging portion in the form of rack grooves, pins or teeth. The auxiliary lever is formed on its upper surface with a pawl engageable with the engaging portion of the cover. A grip lever having a hook at its one end is mounted on the auxiliary lever.

Abstract: An arrangement for arresting a seat of a vehicle includes an elongated stationary element which is provided with a row of separate recesses being arranged on the element so as to correspond to a plurality of possible positions of the seat. At least two blocking elements are provided for joint movement to a rest position in which the seat is free to move lengthwise of the row of recesses; each of the blocking elements is movable independently of the other from the rest position to an arresting position in which the blocking elements are inserted in respective recesses independently of one another to thereby prevent further movement of the seat.

Abstract: A unit for remotely operating an element to different positions such as start, fast, slow and stop for a driving application such as the one herein illustrated for the engine of a lawn mower. The unit is made of plastic material being molded in two parts with a recess in the side of one part which is adapted to receive a tube forming a handle. A bolt passes through a hole in the part and through the tube to which it is securely retained when a lock nut and bolt is tightened. The unit has a slot between the two parts in which a lever is movable to advance and retract one or more control wires which operate the carburetor, brake or other element of the lawn mower.

Abstract: A device for operating a parking brake including a pivotable lever for stretching a brake cable and a one-way locking mechanism for the lever having a pawl and ratchet teeth. The pawl is actuated by the balance of a spring force and the reaction force of the cable stretched so that the pawl is driven into engagement with the ratchet teeth by the reaction of the cable against the spring force when the cable is stretched beyond a predetermined tensioned condition.

Abstract: Pawl catch device for two reciprocally-rotating parts, for example for an awning. The first part has a spring-loaded pawl with a tongue to engage with teeth on a toothed sector provided on the second part. The second part also comprises a shaft about which the first part rotates. The teeth on the toothed sector are disposed at successively increasing distances from the shaft, and the pawl is adapted to catch automatically in any of a plurality of angular positions, such that when the two parts are rotated back toward the starting position, the tongue passes clear of the top of that tooth with which it has just been engaged. The pawl is held by spring force against the teeth in each of the catch positions.

Abstract: An improved brake lever assembly of the overcenter toggle type is disclosed, wherein the brake operating lever is preferably pivotally connected with the stationary mounting plate assembly about a pivot axis that is laterally displaced from the linear axis of travel of an inner cable member relative to the concentrically arranged tubular outer sheath, thereby to reduce wear of the inner cable guide means. According to a first feature of the invention, an improved anchor plate or anchor plate arrangement is provided for connecting one end of the outer sheath member with one end of the stationary mounting plate assembly. In accordance with a second feature, a ratchet and pawl assembly is provided for releasably locking the operating lever in various angular positions relative to the mounting plate assembly.

Abstract: In a fastening device for a tiltable steering wheel assembly, the locking lever of the device is set in the locked position beyond the rotary dead point of a rotary cam element pivoted on a fastening bolt so as to firmly hold the steering wheel at a desired angle with respect to the driver. The fastening device is provided with a rack element and a ratchet element to give click feeling to the driver in adjustment of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A multispeed winch having a drum about which a rope or the like may be wound and a drive shaft extending through the drum which is rotatable by a winch handle. Gear trains located within the drum provide two gear ratios between the shaft and the drum. The desired gear ratio is dependent on the direction in which the handle is turned to rotate the shaft. A third, direct drive ratio is achieved by an arrangement which directly connects the winch handle to the drum.

Abstract: A control mechanism adapted for incrementally and positively controlling the displacement of a biassed member or the like associated with a bicycle gear-change transmission between a plurality of predetermined positions for effectuating changes in gear ratios of such transmission in response to unidirectional movement of an operator control lever of the control mechanism. In addition, the control mechanism is also, preferably, provided with an "overshift" arrangement which effectively and effortlessly enables an operator to shift the bicycle sprocket chain from one sprocket to another sprocket of larger diameter. In an alternate embodiment, the control mechanism is directly mounted on and connected to a derailleur type bicycle change-gear mechanism.