Abstract: A gear selector includes a sleeve member which has an annular flange that extends radially and outwardly from the periphery of one end of the sleeve member. The flange has a circumferential groove to receive a curved member which has a plurality of retaining grooves. The flange further has an annular extension with a guide rail that is formed circumferentially on an external surface, an abutting face, a receiving space, and a notch which interconnects the receiving space and the guide rail. A tubular member has a casing with a retractable projection at one end. When the sleeve member is sleeved rotatably on the tubular member, the retractable projection extends into one of the retaining grooves of the curved member so as to retain the sleeve member at a predetermined position relative to the tubular member. A cable has one end fixed in the tubular member and passes through the notch. The cable encircles the guide rail before being led out of the tubular member.

Abstract: A control device attachable to the handlebar of a bicycle for controlling a brake mechanism and change speed mechanism. The control device comprises a bracket fixed to the handlebar and a brake lever pivotable crosswise relative to the bracket. The brake mechanism is controlled by fore and aft pivotal movement of the brake lever, while the change speed mechanism is controlled by sideways pivotal movement of the brake lever.

Abstract: An improved, self energizing bicycle saddle post clamp easily operated by local or remote control from a handlebar lever. The design is self energizing, with holding action increasing with load. No adjustment is required; small variations in post size or wear are self compensating. Basically only one simple moving part is involved.

Abstract: A change-speed lever apparatus for use on a bicycle, comprises: a fixed member; a winding member pivotably supported to the fixed member and urged toward a cable-winding direction, the winding member winding a change-speed cable; a control lever operable to pivot the winding member only in the cable-winding direction via a one-way mechanism with an operation thereof in a forward direction against the urging force. A position-maintaining mechanism having an engaging member and a plurality of engaging portions operable to stepwisely and elastically engage with the engaging member, the mechanism maintaining a position of the winding member; and a release mechanism for releasing the position-maintaining condition of the winding member by the position-maintaining mechanism by releasing the engagement between the engaging member and the one engaging portion and for effecting a change-speed operation by causing the winding member to pivot in the cable-rewinding direction with the cable-rewinding urging force.

Abstract: A control device for a bicycle derailleur that includes a fixing member, control structure for effecting a change speed, a reciprocating member reciprocatably supported by the fixing member and operatively connected to the derailleur to be movable between a forward direction for shifting a chain from a smaller sprocket to a larger sprocket and in a backward direction for shifting the chain from the larger sprocket to the smaller sprocket, the reciprocating member being urged in the backward direction, and a retaining mechanism acting as a one-way mechanism for permitting the reciprocating member to move in the forward direction and preventing the same from moving in the backward direction thereby to position and maintain the reciprocating member.

Abstract: A speed control apparatus for a bicycle includes a support shaft fixed to a bracket mounted on a handlebar; a first control lever pivotable about the support shaft and retainable in position after pulling a change speed wire to effect a change speed operation, the first control lever being returned to a pull starting position after the change speed operation; and a second control lever pivotable about the support shaft for releasing the change speed wire to effect a change speed operation, the second control lever being returned to a release starting position after the change speed operation. For improved operability of the apparatus, the first and second control levers are operable in opposite directions, with respective control portions of the levers movable close to each other when the levers are operated.

Abstract: A speed control system for a bicycle for controlling a change speed device through a change speed wire, having a shift lever movable in opposite directions from a home position, a take-up reel connected to one end of the wire for winding up the wire with movement in one direction of the shift lever, a one-way transmission mechanism for transmitting only movement in one direction of the shift lever to the take-up reel, position retaining teeth and a position retaining pawl for retaining the take-up reel in a plurality of winding positions, and a retention canceling cam mechanism for canceling retention of the take-up reel by the position retaining teeth and pawl, and for allowing the take-up reel to rotate in the wire unwinding direction.

Abstract: A bicycle speed change lever assembly comprises a tubular body (7) pivotally supported on a lever shaft (9) which is located inwardly and downwardly relative to an end grip portion (2) of a handlebar (1) and extends downward, and a control arm (8) extending radially outward from the tubular body. The following measure is taken for enabling speed change operation while gripping the grip portion (2) of the handlebar (1), for enlarging the pivotal range of the control arm (8) to increase the number of speed stages, and for enabling smooth pivotal operation of the control arm (8). The control arm (8) has a first operating arm portion (13) which provides a pivotal path immediately under the handlebar (1) or grip portion (2), and a second operating arm portion (14) which provides a pivotal path spaced from the underside of the handlebar (1) or grip portion (2) by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A display device for use on a multi-speed (multi-gear) bicycle, which indicates the currently selected bicycle gear. The device interfaces directly with a gear changing cable. In one embodiment, a toothed rack is attached to a section of cable running along the bicycle frame. A pinion, attached to a cylindrical indicator meshes with the rack. In an embodiment for remote mounting, a slave cable is attached to the gear changing cable to transmit the motion of the gear changing cable to the remote location.

Abstract: A hand brake actuator for actuating a caliper brake on a bicycle. The actuator is attached to the handlebar by a mounting bracket. A lever pivotally attached to the mounting bracket actuates the caliper of the bicycle brake. A shroud integrally formed with the lever receives the mounting bracket during pivotal movement of the lever.

Abstract: A twist-grip device for operating the gears of a bicycle includes indexing associated with the hand-grip for snap-locating the hand-grip in the various positions corresponding to the engagement of the various gear ratios. The device includes a spring which biasses the hand-grip in the opposite sense from the sense of biassing of the spring of the derailleur which effects the engagement of the various gear ratios. The device also includes a screw for adjusting the average torque which needs to be applied to the hand-grip to snap-rotate the hand-grip between two successive positions. The rotation of the screw varies the preloading of a resilient expandable bush associated with the indexing pin springs.

Abstract: A brake lever connected to a brake system of a bicycle includes a metal arm having a pivoted end connected to the brake system and a handle portion with a distal end. A rigid plastic coating layer fully covers the handle portion, the coating layer having a first thick portion adjacent to the pivoted end, and a thin portion. A shoulder is formed between the thick and thin portions. A flexible plastic coating layer covers the thin portion and is flush with the thick portion of the rigid plastic coating layer.

Abstract: A bicycle speed control apparatus according to this invention comprises a wind-up control device including a take-up element for winding a speed control cable, and a position maintaining mechanism for maintaining the take-up element in position. The control device is operable to effect change speed by rotating the take-up element for winding the cable.The present invention is characterized in that the position maintaining mechanism is operable to maintain the take-up element in a plurality of change speed positions and in overshift positions displaced from the change speed positions in a cable winding direction, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle speed change lever assembly comprising a first lever pivotally pressed to wind up a control cable aginst a tension applied thereto, and a second lever pivotally pressed to pivotally return the first lever for paying out the control cable. The lever assembly further comprises an indexing mechanism provided between the first and second levers for holding the first lever at a selected one of stepwise pivotal positions against the cable tension. The indexing mechanism is made to have a skip preventing function for ensuring that the first lever is pivotally returned stepwise.

Abstract: A double lever braking system that allows triathletes, cyclists and recreational riders the ability to control a bicycle equipped with an aerodynamic handlebar system through various situations while maintaining the aerodynamic riding position as well as in the upright stable riding position. The double lever braking system connects multiple brake levers to a common caliper type bicycle brake which allow human powered vehicles, where multiple extreme riding positions are desired, for improved performance and efficiency to be safe and controllable in various riding situations.

Abstract: A primary throttle lever connected to a secondary lever affords a throttle control engagement to a throttle cable initially with a high lever ratio to ease thumb pressure at low throttle settings. The motion of an axial slot which end of said slot eventually engages a limiting pin ensures subsequent motion of the secondary lever attached to said limiting pin. The consequential motion of said secondary lever affords a lower lever ratio for higher throttle settings. Said sequential lever ratios being set at manufacture and the travel limits of said sequential lever ratios being user adjustable.

Abstract: In connecting an operating lever to the inner wire of a Bowden cable, a nipple is secured to one end of said inner wire, and on the other hand, a connector, in which a locking hole for engaging said nipple is formed, is supported within said operating lever so that the nipple of said inner wire engages the locking hole of said connector. Also, a ring body which presses the top surface of the nipple is attached to the circumferential surface of said connector to restrain said nipple within the locking hole of said connector. Said ring body prevents the nipple from unexpectedly projecting or falling from the connector as a result of elongation, etc. of the inner wire. The ring body has a handle-shaped pickup portion with a slot-shaped tool opening and is carried solely by the connector hidden within the operating lever.

Abstract: A steering handle apparatus for use in a bicycle includes a handle bar and a change-speed lever apparatus for effecting a change-speed operation with a forward operation or a return operation to a home position of its control lever. The control lever is disposed, in the home position, on a side of the handle bar opposed to the other side contacting interdigital pads of a rider's hand gripping the grip portion of the handle bar. Further, the control lever extends towards the grip portion, and the forward operation on this control lever is effected in a direction aligned with a bending direction of the rider's thumb. The improved bicycle steering handle apparatus assures the rider or greater safety by always providing the rider with a good gripping condition and of easier control lever operation.

Abstract: This device, of the type comprising a fixed part including a support element (1) adapted to be fixed on one part of the frame or the handle bar of the bicycle and a moveable part (2) including an operating hand-lever (3) which can rotate relative to the support element, a control mechanism (9) of which a first part (11) co-operates with the fixed part of the device and of which a second part (10) co-operates with the moveable part of the latter and a cable for actuation of the derailleur-gear, is characterized in that the cable for acutation of the derailleur-gear is connected to an actuation plug (4), rotated by the operating hand-lever (3) and on which are provided the control mechanism (9) and the means (16) for attaching the moveable part of the device to the fixed part of the latter.

Abstract: A bicycle brake lever assembly comprises a mount bracket having a front end and a base end fixable to a bicycle handlebar, and a brake lever extending downward from the mount bracket and having a connecting end pivotally connected to the front end of the mount bracket. The mount bracket further has an upper surface elongated enough to work as a palm rest for a rider. The brake lever has a first finger engaging portion which is substantially straight and extends rearward from the connecting end to approach the base end of the mount bracket. The brake lever further has a second finger engaging portion which is substantially straight and bent relative to the first finger engaging portion to extend downward away from the mount bracket.

Abstract: A speed change lever apparatus for use in a bicycle. The apparatus has a winding member for winding up a speed change control cable and a cable-pulling lever operable to pull the cable by causing the winding member to pivot only in a cable winding direction. The cable-pulling lever returns to its home position after completion of speed change operation. The improved apparatus includes a position maintaining mechanism for stepwisely maintaining a position of the winding member and a release lever operable to release the position maintaining mechanism. The release lever also returns to its home position after completion of release operation. At the respective home positions, the cable-pulling lever and the release lever are operable in substantially same directions to enable a cyclist to disregard the direction of lever operations. Further, the home positions of the levers are disposed at different yet adjacent locations relative to a direction normal to the lever operating directions.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus includes a bracket, a brake lever pivoted to the bracket via a lever shaft and a lever spring for urging the brake lever to its home position relative to the bracket. The lever spring has first and second spring legs engageable respectively with the bracket and the brake lever and a coil portion disposed between the first and second spring legs. A return movement of the brake lever to its home position relative to the bracket is realized by flexion of a radial center line of the coil portion of the lever spring. With this control apparatus, the lever spring can provide substantially constant urging force regardless of the pivot amount of the brake lever and the lever spring does not produce unpleasant creaking noises in the course of a braking operation.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, conventional cable operated, pull up braking systems can be combined with a pair of bi-directional, rotatable grip subassemblies to provide braking action without change in the rider's grip. Each subassembly of the invention includes a cord attached to a hand grip that includes a longitudinal bore that is slidable about but rotatable with respect to the handle bar. In one embodiment, each hand grip includes a cylinder having an enlarged head, a central segment and a longitudinal bore slightly greater in diameter than the handle bar. At the exterior of the central segment is an exterior cylindrical cover preferably of compressible rubber. The outer diameter of the compressible cover is larger than that of the enlarged head of the support cylinder, and is of sufficient length to comfortably accommodate the grip of the rider.

Abstract: A brake control device for use in a bicycle, the device includes a compression spring for providing an urging force for returning a brake lever from its operating position to its rest position. The compression spring is disposed between the brake lever and a bracket adjacent a rider's steering handle and is fully enclosed in a housing such as an elastic support capsule.

Abstract: A support for brake-operating levers adapted for connection to a handlebar of a bicycle includes a pin for the articulation of an operating lever for the front or rear derailer, which is mounted on an auxiliary body whose position is adjustable relative to the support. The auxiliary body may be connected to a lever support mounted on the handlebars in a configuration such that the operating lever is placed above or below the median plane of the support.

Abstract: A bicycle speed change lever assembly comprises a fixed support shaft, and a control lever pivotally supported on the support shaft and always subjected to a tension tending to pivot the lever in one direction. The lever has a boss portion housing a click ring formed with an arcuate series of clicking recesses. The click ring is co-rotatable with the lever boss portion. A ball is retained by a non-rotatable retainer disc in facing relation to the recess series. In one operational mode, the lever is given a rotational friction overcoming the tension, while the ball is backed up by a mode selector in a manner such that the ball comes into clicking engagement with the recess series with the capability of slight retreating movement.

Abstract: A brake manipulating member or operating member has a pair of opposed walls each formed with a hole. A capped bush made of abrasion-resistant synthetic resin and having a flange around a closed end thereof and a retaining flange around an open end thereof is fitted in the hole with the open end positioned inward. A rollershaped connector has a trunk portion slightly smaller than the hole in diameter, a short pin portion projecting from each end of the trunk portion, a wire engaging portion at the center of the trunk portion and an overall length equal to or slightly smaller than the outside width of the portion of the manipulating or operating member having the two walls. The opposite pin portions of the connector are inserted in and supported by the bushes mounted on the pair of walls.

Abstract: A double action brake handle structure is provided which includes a cam surface on a brake handle and a roller mounted on a brake cable retainer. The cam surface bears on the roller upon actuation of the brake handle in order to give the brake cable greater movement so that the brake handle need be depressed only one half of the distance normally required.

Abstract: A speed-change operating device for a bicycle includes an operating lever for actuating a derailleur, the operating lever being supported rotatably through a lever shaft to a base member adapted to be supported on the bicycle. A friction mechanism applies to the lever an adjustable rotational resistance against a bias force of a return spring associated with the derailleur. A positioning mechanism includes a positioning member having a plurality of engaging portions for precisely setting the respective speed change stages of the derailleur and an engaging member engageable with at least one of the engaging portions. An operating mechanism selects between an operating mode and a non-operating mode of the positioning mechanism so that the positioning mechanism can be placed in a non-operating mode, when desired, with the speed-change operation being performed in such non-operating mode only with the friction mechanism resisting the return spring.

Abstract: An improved shift console for bicycles which is mounted on the front fork stem extension projecting forwardly of stem axis so as not to interfere with the movements of the rider and permit a clearly visible showing of the location of the shift lever within the normal line of sight of the rider.

Abstract: A speed-change operating device for a bicycle includes an operating lever for actuating a derailleur, the operating lever being supported rotatably through a lever shaft to a base member adapted to be supported on the bicycle. A friction mechanism applies to the lever an adjustable rotational resistance against a bias force of a return spring associated with the derailleur. A positioning mechanism includes a positioning member having a plurality of engaging portions for precisely setting the respective speed change stages of the derailleur and an engaging member engageable with at least one of the engaging portions. An operating mechanism selects between an operating mode and a non-operating mode of the positioning mechanism so that the positioning mechanism can be placed in a non-operating mode, when desired, with the speed-change operation being performed in such non-operating mode only with the friction mechanism resisting the return spring.

Abstract: A cable threading structure of a bicycle frame includes a pair of members and a tube which do not communicate with each other. A cable inlet is formed in one of the members or in the tube near one of the members and a cable outlet is formed in the other of the members or in the tube near the other member. A cable threading exit opening having a diameter which is gradually reduced communicates with the cable outlet to lead a cable to the cable outlet so that the cable is inserted into the tube.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for a lever operated brake actuator for an all terrain vehicle of the type having brake cables connected to the brakes for the wheels of the vehicle. The actuator including a housing mounted on the vehicle, a lever arm pivotally mounted in the housing and being operatively connected to the brake cables, a sheath enclosing each of the brake cables and having one end secured to the vehicle in close proximity to the brakes. The anti-rotation device including an adjusting member connected to the other end of the sheath and mounted for axial movement in the housing, the adjusting member also including a threaded bore; a cable adjusting member mounted for rotary motion in the housing and having a threaded stud matingly engaging the threaded bore in the adjusting member, a thumb wheel mounted on the threaded stud for adjusting the length of the sheath and a cover mounted on the housing and including a number of ribs for preventing rotation of the thumb wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake lever device for use on the handlebar of a bicycle. With conventional brake lever devices, the center of rotation of the brake lever is a large distance away from the axis of the handlebar, radially outwardly of the bar, and the Bowden cable connected to the lever is correspondingly projected and is very likely to be caught by an obstacle, while the arrangement involves waste of materials. Accordingly, to position the center (O) of rotation of a brake lever (43) close to the central axis of the handlebar (1), a pivot (4) for the brake lever (43) is positioned perpendicular to the central axis (C) of a handlebar inserting bore (5) of a brakcet (2).

Abstract: Bicycle handlebar which are intended to be coupled, in use, to at least one auxiliary element, such as a support element or a brake-operating lever, in a selectively adjustable coupling position is provided with a graduated scale in correspondence with the region of coupling to the at least one auxiliary element for the selective determination of the coupling position.

Abstract: In a brake-operating device for cycles, motorcycles and the like, of the type comprising a lever articulated to a support structure and connected to a flexible brake-operating cable by an auxiliary member is provided for adjusting the distance between the axis of articulation of the lever and the axis of the flexible cable near the point of connection of the flexible cable to the lever.

Abstract: A bicycle auxiliary brake control assembly which is provided on a bicycle body in a path of a double type control cable extending from a brake lever assembly to a brake assembly and including an outer cable and an inner cable, the outer cable being divided into two separate sections each having a divided end, wherein the auxiliary brake control assembly comprises a fixed member engaging with the divided end of one section of the outer cable at a fixed position, and an operating member engaging with the divided end of the other section of the outer cable and movable to enlarge and reduce the distance between the divided ends of the respective sections of the outer cable.

Abstract: A throttle control lever for a vehicle, and in particular for a recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile, has a two-stage lever action. In the first stage, which includes throttle openings corresponding to normal cruising speeds of the vehicle, the throttle lever turns about a first pivot axis wherein the mechanical advantage of the manual actuating force is relatively high. In a second range the throttle lever pivots about a second pivot axis wherein the mechanical advantage of the manual actuating force is relatively much smaller. Operator fatigue is reduced because of the reduction in force required at normal cruising speeds of the vehicle.

Abstract: A speed-change lever device for a bicycle in which a boss of an operating lever is rotatably supported to a lever shaft, and in which a friction plate is supported to an eccentric portion of the lever shaft to give a resistance against rotation of the operating lever. An urging member is provided having a not-round through bore by which it is fitted onto the not-round portion of the lever shaft. A screw member is provided to engage with screw threads in the lever shaft forwardly or backwardly to adjust thereby a rotational resistance given to the lever through the urging member. The urging member includes an urging portion for urging the friction plate toward the boss of the operating lever through a forward screw-movement of the screw member during assembly.

Abstract: In a brake device for bicycles, a handlebar is provided at each end with a cylindrical grip member which is connected with an inner wire of a brake cable having an outer wire fixed to said handle bar, and the brake cable is provided with a toggle mechanism.

Abstract: The device permits the control of a derailleur by means of a lever (9) with the use of indexation means which ensure a precise positioning of the lever in the various positions corresponding to the various gear ratios. It also permits the adjustment of the indexation pitch, so as to adapt it to freewheels having a different spacings or pitches between different sprocket pinions. For this purpose, positioning elements (19) may be shifted by a pitch selection element (21) so that the pitch between the various positions of the lever is modified.

Abstract: A device for operating the gear change of a bicycle comprises a main body mounted rotatably on a support pin and provided with an operating lever. A member driven by the main body and whose rotation is prevented by friction coupling means is also mounted rotatably on the support pin. Interposed between the driven member and the main body are one-way engagement means for coupling the driven member to the main body for rotation only when the operating lever is rotated in the direction of return of the derailer spring. These one-way engagement means are controlled directly by the same operating lever, which is constituted by an element separate from the main body and articulated to this body.

Abstract: In a gear selector for controlling speed gears with a spring-loaded derailleur for sports and racing bicycles, there are associated with the gear selector operating lever (1), mounted rotatable against friction on a pivot (2), a snap-action mechanism controlling a plurality of lever positions with which a like number of positions of correct alignment of the speed gear with the various sprockets of the free wheel correspond, and means for activating and deactivating said mechanism on command. This snap-action mechanism comprises a notched member (4) with notches (18) in different positions, which is immediately interchangeable so as to adapt the gear selector to the control of any type of free wheel and of the most varied combinations of sprockets in free wheels, and at least one pawl for engaging the notches of said member and constructed integrally (5) with the spring which urges it into said engagement.

Abstract: A speed control device is provided for operating a bicycle derailleur via a control wire. The device includes a fixing member, an operating member supported rotatably relative to the fixing member and including a plurality of engaging portions and a passive portion, and an operating lever supported rotatably relative to the fixing member and including a transmitting portion engageable with the passive portion of the operating member to transmit an operating force supplied to the operating lever to the operating member. The operating member has one end of the control wire secured thereto. A lever spring biases the operating lever in a predetermined rotation direction, and a retaining pawl is pivoted to the fixing member and is selectively engageable with the engaging portions of the operating member. A pawl spring biases the retaining pawl in a direction of engagement with the engaging portions.

Abstract: A touring bicycle handlebar and reversible brake adaptor lever comprising of a handlebar having straight bar lengths extending equidistantly on each side of the handlebar boss providing the cyclist with the means to assume a hands on semicrouched posture, each straight bar length terminated by bent portions extending the bar upwardly above the level of the first straight portions to second straight portions with further bent portions extending the bar forwardly and downwardly, providing the cyclist with the means to assume a hands on upright posture, with third straight portions providing a means for mounting the brake lever assemblages, the third straight portions terminated by bending the bar backwardly to provide straight portions that extend beyond and below the first straight portions providing the cyclist the means to assume a hands on crouched posture and of a brake lever to replace the levers of the drop racing handlebar brake assemblages permitting the mounting of the modified assemblages on the tour

Abstract: A lever operated brake actuator for an all terrain vehicle, the actuator including a housing and a lever arm pivotally mounted in the housing, the lever arm including an arcuate curved groove, a cable equalizer in the form of a unitary member having a spherical or ball shaped center section and a pair of prongs forming a slot at each end of the equalizer, a connecting member is provided on the end of each cable, the connecting members being positioned in the slots between the prongs, the connecting members being free to pivot in the slots in the equalizer to maintain equal tension on the brake cables and the equalizer being able to pivot in the bath of motion of the lever arm to maintain a straight line connection of the cables to the equalizer.

Abstract: A constant vehicle speed retaining device for motorcycle, comprising a control mechanism connected to a cable provided between a throttle valve and a throttle grip, for controlling the angle of opening of the throttle valve during the time interval between a constant speed control command and a cancellation command. A set switch generates the constant speed command, and a cancellation switch generates the cancellation command to the control mechanism. The cancellation switch is located near the throttle grip and operates in response to rotation of the latter in a decelerating direction.

Abstract: In a lever system for vehicles, comprising an operating element for operating a master cylinder, an operating lever for actuating the operating element, the operating element and the operating lever being mounted on a lever holder attached to a steering handle, and an adjusting means interposed between the operating element and the operating lever for adjusting the distance between the operating lever and the steering handle, the operating element is pivotally supported on the lever holder through a first support shaft, and the operating lever is pivotally supported on the operating element through a second support shaft. This makes it possible to improve the fitting strength and assembling of the operating lever and the operating element without degradation of the appearance.

Abstract: A speed-change operating lever is provided for a bicycle derailleur and includes a winding portion for a control wire connected to the derailleur, an operating portion in continuation of one side of the boss and extending outwardly therefrom, and a retaining portion for retaining one end of the wire. The boss has a winding amount changing device for changing the amount of the control wire wound on the winding portion so as to alter the operating stroke of the lever to adapt it for use with different sprocket assemblies having different distances between sprockets.

Abstract: The device permits the control of a derailleur by means of a lever (9) with the use of indexation means which ensure a precise positioning of the lever in the various positions corresponding to the various gear ratios. It also permits the adjustment of the indexation pitch, so as to adapt it to freewheels having a different spacings or pitches between different sprocket pinions. For this purpose, positioning elements (19) may be shifted by a pitch selection element (21) so that the pitch between the various positions of the lever is modified.