Abstract: Reciprocating or push-pull control cable assemblies have fittings permanently attached, preferable by swaging or other mechanical deformation process, to the ends of a control cable or core that reciprocates within an outer casing. The fittings have a projected width no greater than the inner diameter of the casing. As a result, the entire control cable, with fittings attached, can be pulled through the casing to remove the control cable for inspection, maintenance or replacement. The cable also have a unique combination of ball joint assemblies and excluder seals that effectively exclude contaminants from the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for automatically tightening a belt of a motor vehicle. The belt tensioner includes a tensioner mechanism including a hub, an inner casing and an outer casing. The outer casing is movably mounted to the inner casing. The hub is freely mounted for rotation to the outer casing and for contacting the belt and selectively tightening and loosening the belt in response to movement of the outer casing relative to the inner casing in first and second directions, respectively. The belt tensioner further includes a biasing mechanism for providing a torque force to the outer casing in the first direction. The belt tensioner additionally includes a one-way clutch mechanism normally resisting movement of the outer casing relative to the inner casing in the second direction. An exteriorly accessible rotatably member is associated with the one-way clutch mechanism for selectively deactivating the one-way clutch mechanism to prevent movement of the inner casing in the second direction.

Abstract: An improved flywheel for use in a small gasoline engine of the type utilized in string trimmers, chain saws, lawn mowers and other such devices. The flywheel comprises a flywheel body including a central hub portion and an integral wheel portion. The hub portion of the flywheel body defines an axial bore extending therethrough in which the engine's drive shaft is received when the flywheel is mounted thereon. An integral key is located in the axial bore for receipt in a corresponding keyway defined in the drive shaft. The key is configured without deep-cut stress reliefs, having opposed side walls extending directly from an inside surface of the through bore.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a pivotable upper pedal arm having an arcuate slot formed therein, a link pivotable relative to the upper pedal arm, and a lower pedal arm having an upper end pivotably connected to the link and a lower end carrying a pedal. A drive assembly includes a screw supported by the upper pedal arm, a motor operatively connected to the screw to selectively rotate the screw, and a nut threadably engaging the screw and adapted to move along the screw upon rotation of the screw. The nut is pivotally connected to the link such that the link pivots relative to the upper pedal arm upon movement of the nut along the screw. A pin connected to the lower pedal arm and laterally extends into the slot such that the pin moves along the slot upon pivotal movement of the link. Also disclosed is a control pedal having a drive block or a pair of spaced apart pins located in a single slot of the upper pedal arm.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a first member having a slot formed therein, a pin laterally extending into the slot and having an abutment facing the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member, and a second member rigidly secured to the pin and movable relative to the first member along the slot. A plastic bushing encircles the pin and extends into the slot. The bushing has a flange engaging the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member. A plastic washer encircles the pin and is located between the first and second members. A spring washer such as a wave or Belleville washer is located between the abutment and the flange and resiliently biases the second member relative to the first member to resist relative lateral movement between the first and second members to reduce lash therebetween. The pin can be either a guide pin or a drive pin of the control pedal.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a mountain strap for allowing a rider to shift his or her weight on the snowmobile to a greater degree in order to improve the handling characteristics of the snowmobile when traversing steep terrain or turning tightly at elevated speeds. The snowmobile includes a steering assembly and a handlebar connected to the steering assembly. The handlebar includes a central mounting portion, upright portions extending generally upwardly from each side of the central mounting portion, grip portions extending generally outwardly from the upright portions, and curved portions formed between the upright portions and grip portions. A mountain strap is provided comprising a core member having first and second ends which extend around the handlebar and are connected to the core member to form loop portions. The loop portions are positioned at the curved portions of the handlebar.

Abstract: A vehicle drive assembly includes a directional control transmission assembly and a variable speed drive assembly. A transmission drive belt extends between the variable speed drive assembly and the directional control transmission assembly to transmit force from the variable speed drive assembly to the transmission assembly when the transmission assembly is in a forward drive condition and when the transmission assembly is in a reverse drive condition. A main drive belt extends between the variable speed drive assembly and a source of power to transmit force to the variable speed drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a linkage assembly operable to move the variable speed drive assembly toward the directional control transmission assembly to change the variable speed drive assembly from a first condition in which the directional control transmission assembly is driven at a relatively low speed and a second condition in which the directional control transmission assembly is driven at a high speed.

Abstract: A control lever assembly comprises a cable housing having an outer surface, the outer surface containing an opening, e.g., a slot, for receiving a cable; a cable received within the housing; and a control lever, adjacent the housing, movable to actuate the cable. A cable cover extends from or is secured to the control lever. The cable cover is adapted to shield the opening in the surface of the housing and restrict view of the cable therein.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel (10) comprises a steering wheel armature (14) having adjoining first and second portions (20 and 60) and a decorative layer (30) covering the first portion (20) of the armature. The decorative layer (30) has an annular groove (44). A band (80) is disposed in the groove (44) in the decorative layer (30). A wrapable material (90) covers the second portion (60) of the armature (14). The wrapable material (90) includes an end portion (92) folded around the band (80) and disposed in the groove (44) to form a junction of the wrapable material and the decorative layer (30).

Abstract: A pedal arrangement for a footwell of a motor vehicle. The pedal arrangement includes a bearing bracket operatively connected to a front wall of the motor vehicle. A pedal pivot shaft is provided on the bearing bracket at an upper bracket segment. The upper bracket segment is capable of being torn off from the remainder of the bearing bracket. At least one pedal lever is arranged pivotally on the pivot shaft. A tear-off lever element is capable of being engaged with an abutment attached to the motor vehicle and spaced from a floor and the front wall of the motor vehicle. In the event of a collision, the upper bracket segment is at least partially torn away from the remainder of the bearing bracket such that the at least one pedal lever is displaced away from the driver reducing the possibility of injury to the driver.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes an upper arm and a lower arm carrying a pedal. The lower arm is selectively moveable relative to the upper arm to adjust the position of the pedal relative to the upper arm. A drive screw is secured to the upper arm. A drive nut threadably engages the drive screw and is adapted to move axially along the drive screw upon rotation of the drive screw. A motor is operatively connected to the drive screw to selectively rotate the drive screw. The lower arm is operatively connected to the drive nut for fore-aft movement of the lower arm relative to the upper arm upon axial movement of the drive nut along the drive screw. A control system includes a sensor located at the drive screw and adapted to directly sense rotation of the drive screw and a controller in communication with the sensor to receive electrical signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A bicycle cable connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector include a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable and a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a radially outwardly extending locking member. The second connector includes a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable and a tubular portion defining a first connector opening for receiving the first connector therein and having a side wall extending along a second connector axis. The side wall includes a first passage for passing the locking member in the direction of the second connector axis away from the first connector opening, a second passage extending in a circumferential direction, and a recess communicating with the second passage and extending in the direction of the first connector opening for receiving the locking member therein.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur shifting controller includes a base having a shell and a coupling tube extended from the shell, a rotary knob having a body coupled to the coupling tube of the base and a handgrip formed integral with one end of the body, the body having a recessed portion, a raised block, and a locating hole through the raised block, a spring plate fixedly mounted inside the shell of the base, the spring plate having a protruding portion, an arched positioning block mounted in the recessed portion at the body of the rotary knob, the positioning block having a series of notches meshed with the protruding portion of the spring plate to guide rotary motion of the rotary knob on the coupling tube and to hold the rotary knob in position after a rotary motion, a cover plat covered on the recessed chamber to stop the rotary knob from axial movement on the coupling tube of the base, and a derailleur cable moved with the rotary knob to shift the rear derailleur mechanism of the bicycle.

Abstract: A tractor steering wheel grip comprising a clamp secured to the rim of the steering wheel and having a post projecting therefrom. A hand grip is rotatably secured to the post which is gripped by the operator of the tractor. The hand grip comprises a base portion which rotatably receives the post, a first leg portion which extends from the base portion at substantially a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the post, an arcuate portion extending from the first leg portion, and an elongated hand gripping portion extending from the arcuate portion. The first leg portion, arcuate portion and the elongated hand gripping portion define a substantial U-shape.

Abstract: A parking brake system for a vehicle comprising a brake pedal vertically penetrating a floor of a vehicle, a first engaging member integrally provided on the brake pedal below the floor, a parking brake operating member disposed above the floor, a second engaging member for engaging with the catch pivoted on a chassis of the vehicle below the floor so as to be shifted between a locking position and an unlocking position in accordance with operation of the parking brake operating member, and an overcenter spring interposed between the second engaging member and the chassis so as to alternately bias the second engaging member toward the locking position and the unlocking position. The parking brake operating member is shifted so as to be retained at either a releasing position or a parking position. The second engaging member is retained at the locking position when the parking brake lever is located at the parking position, and if the brake pedal is lowered, engages with the first engaging member.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal system including a cleat attached to a rider's shoe, and a pedal including a pedal body and, in one embodiment, two spring plates, each formed from spring-tempered steel and shaped with a flat portion attached to the pedal body and arms extending to form the mechanisms for clamping both edges of the cleat engaging the opposite side of the pedal. Using spring-tempered steel allows the clamping mechanism itself to flex.

Abstract: A foot pedal for a cycle has adjustable components on its surface to alter the engagement of the pedal with the boot of a rider of the cycle. Pegs are threadably installed in bores in the pedal and are adjustable upwardly and downwardly to provide a variance in the surface of the pedal. In one embodiment, the frame of the pedal has replaceable support blocks for receiving the adjustable pegs. Another variation has upstanding teeth in combination with the adjustable pegs.

Abstract: A rail brake controller with a locking device includes a handle coupled to a hub. The hub includes a notch. A pawl is provided adjacent the hub and rotates between an unlocked position out of the notch and a locked position in the notch when the handle is in a preselected angular position. This position may represent, for example, a full service application. A lock assembly is provided coupled to the pawl and controls the position of the pawl. The pawl includes an arcuate recess and the lock assembly includes a pin in the arcuate recess to limit the angular position of the pawl.

Abstract: A pedal adjustment system for an automobile having an accelerator cable and a master cylinder pushrod with a free end, the system having a brake pedal secured to a lower end of a brake pedal arm and an accelerator pedal secured to a lower end of an accelerator pedal arm. The adjustment of the brake pedal arm is effected by pivoting about the free end of the master cylinder pushrod, which pivotally engages the brake pedal arm between its ends, the pivoting being done by imposing a reversible force from an electric motor and gearbox assembly attached to an upper end of the brake pedal arm. The accelerator pedal arm, an upper end of which engages the accelerator cable, is adjusted in unison with the brake pedal arm by providing an accelerator pedal adjustment link, an upper end of which is coaxial with the brake pedal arm and a lower end of which is pivotally attached to the accelerator pedal arm at a location between the upper and lower ends of the accelerator pedal arm.

Abstract: Two cam-bearing holders of an indexing drive are bolted to opposed side walls of a housing in such a way that respective positions of the cam-bearing holders are adjustable in a plane orthogonal to an axial direction of the cam shaft along the side walls. Each of the cam-bearing holders has a first reference surface for positioning the cam-bearing holder relative to a positioning reference surface of the output shaft in the axial direction of an output shaft and a second reference surface for positioning the cam-bearing holder in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft. With such novel arrangements, there is achieved an improved cam-positioning mechanism for the indexing drive which can accurately adjust a meshing engagement between the cam and roller followers of the output shaft and thereby allows the indexing drive to be assembled with greatly increased accuracy.