Abstract: A steering stick (1) is disclosed for switching or actuating components of a utility vehicle, in particular a wheeled loader. In order to make handling and overview easier for the operator, the stick (1) has a handle (2) ergonomically adapted to the hand. Switching elements (6, 7) within reach of the thumb of the hand that grips the handle (2) are located in the head (3) linked to the handle (2). The switching elements (6, 7) are keys (10 to 13 and 15 to 17) and/or signaling elements, such as luminescent diodes. At least one further key (20) arranged on the back side of the handle (2) allows several keys to be actuated together.

Abstract: A gearshift lever and a method of forming the lever is disclosed. The lever includes a one-piece shaft with a functional end and an operative end, the functional end being cold formed to a specific configuration for mechanical cooperation with components auxiliary to the lever. A channel region is provided along the shaft between the functional and operative ends for running electrical wire between the functional and operative ends, and a shaft covering material surrounds the channel region for containing the electrical wire within the channel region. The cold forming of the functional end of the lever reduces the cost of manufacturing the lever. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft of the lever is provided with a hollow bore along the length of the shaft for enclosing the wires.

Abstract: Actuating structure is provided for manually moving hook members mounted on a rigid support structure. The rigid support structure supports a portion of a cushioned seat structure of a vehicle seat for use in a vehicle having a floor surface. The hook members are mounted on the rigid support structure for movement between (1) an operative position engaged in hooked relationship with anchor members of the floor surface so as to detachably fixedly retain the rigid support structure and the portion of the seat structure when mounted thereon in a fixed operative position on the floor surface and (2) an inoperative position disposed above the operative position thereof so as to enable the rigid support structure and the portion of the seat structure when mounted thereon to be moved relatively over the floor surface. The actuating structure is constructed and arranged to move the hook members between the operative and inoperative positions thereof.

Abstract: All wheel steer work vehicles are useful for working in conditions which require greater maneuverability and traction. When simultaneous work operations and steering is required, a control having both functions is required. The subject vehicle includes a steering wheel for steering a first pair of wheels, an implement lever for controlling the implement work functions, and a switch means for steering a second pair of wheels mounted on the implement lever. This arrangement of components provides simultaneous movement of a work mechanism and steering of the second pair of wheels using only one hand of an operator.

Abstract: A brake operating mechanism comprises a frame, an articulatable beam movable relative to the frame, a force reacting fulcrum movable relative to both the frame and the beam and pivotably supporting the beam, and resilient means acting on one end of the beam. The other end of the beam is, in use, connected to a brake operating element, such as a brake cable. The fulcrum is movable, in use, between a first position in which the beam is in a maximum loading condition with the brakes, which the mechanism operates, applied and in which the beam is force balanced resiliently about the fulcrum and a second position nearer the one end of the beam than when in its first position and in which position the beam is unloaded as a result of the resilient means becoming grounded-out by the frame so as to render the force balance ineffective and allow the brakes to become released.

Abstract: A shift lever structure (E) for operating an automatic transmission of a vehicle, includes a frame (10) fixed to a floor of the vehicle, a shaft (20,21,22) rotatably supported by the frame, a shift lever (30) and a select lever (40) connected with the automatic transmission. Both the shift lever and the select lever are molded integrally with the shaft by the insert-molding technique. In the arrangement, the lower end portion of the shift lever is engaged with the upper end portion of the select lever at an L-shaped bend (41). In operation, a force applied on the shift lever can be transmitted to the select lever directly, thereby reducing any twisting movement applied to the shaft. Therefore, it is possible to improve the strength of both levers and to decrease the strength required for the shaft.

Abstract: This brake comprises a lever (1) articulated onto a pin (2), a soleplate (3) and a toggle joint mechanism (8) connected to the application cable (9); this mechanism (8) includes a connecting rod which is articulated onto the lever (1), the end of the cable (9) being connected to the end of the connecting rod (10) through the use of a balance bar (11) which can be moved translationally in a direction parallel to the cable (9). The mechanism (8) considerably decreases the forces for applying and releasing the brake. On application, the lever (1) is brought into abutment on the soleplate (3) so that the direction of the force (P) in the connecting rod (10), which force is brought about by tensioning the cable (9), passes above the pin (2), which keeps it in the applied position. A push-rod (16), subjected to a return force (F) and sliding inside the lever (1) automatically provides safety locking of the brake in the position for keeping it applied.

Abstract: A shift knob for use with automatic automotive transmissions has a one-piece body construction molded from a hard resin. The knob body is formed by gas injection molding, has a substantially uniform wall thickness and is covered with a soft resin. The knob body has a relatively thick bulbous grip portion at one end and gradually tapers to a slimmer lower end portion.

Abstract: The movable actuating lever is connected to a transmission lever, at one hand, and is guided by means of a pin within a guideway in the housing of the apparatus, on the other hand. The transmission lever serves at the same time for transmitting the actuating motion via further levers to the apparatus part to be actuated. Due to the position and the shape of the guiding groove and the lever, the course of motion of the actuating lever with respect to the fixed handle portion may be optimally adapted to technical and ergonomic requirements in order to achieve an effective force transmission having minimal frictional losses. Furthermore, no levers are in the way, and injuries are avoided.

Abstract: An air combat control head with an extension provides a head for a collece control stick wherein system control switches may be located for easy access by the operator and an extension comprising a phenolic coated hand grip and a bottom tube component. The hand grip is offset laterally and longitudinally from the bottom tube component, and the head is canted back toward the operator, making the system control switches workable by the operator's thumb while the rest of the operator's hand grips the stick and maintains control of the collective pitch of the main rotor blades. The collective control head of the invention provides a controller that is comfortable for an operator to use, even in extended flight operations, and that reduces fatigue, discomfort and distraction while making system control operations easy and effective.

Abstract: A noise abating gear shift mechanism for an automotive transmission. The mechanism includes a gear shift lever, an insert member disposed within the gear shift lever releasably connected to the transmission, and a homogeneous resilient member surrounding the insert member. The gear shifting mechanism is effective to absorb transmission noise and vibration as well as maintain sufficient rigidity to provide firm shift capability.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly includes a noise and vibration damper. A first shift lever member has a first end adapted to be grasped by a vehicle driver and a second end connected to the damper. A second shift lever member has a first end connected to the vehicle transmission and a second end connected to the damper. A hollow housing is provided having a first end to which an end of the first shift lever member is secured, and a second end which is open and in which an end of the second shift lever member is received. Rigid outer and inner sleeves are disposed within the housing and spaced radially from each other. An end of the second shift lever member extends through the second, open end of the housing and is received within the inner sleeve. A layer of a noise and vibration dampening material, such as rubber, is disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A variable ratio parking brake lever mechanism includes a brake lever connected with a support for pivotal movement about a lever pivot axis, a cable track member connected with the support for rotation about a cable track axis spaced from the lever pivot axis, a connecting link connected at one end with the cable track member adjacent the cable track axis, and a slot and pin arrangement connecting the other end of the connecting link with the lever to afford a mechanical advantage such that pivotal movement of lever through a given angle in the brake-applying direction produces a controllably variable rotational angle of displacement of the cable track member in the cable-tensioning direction. The connection between the connecting link and the cable track member is released when the lever is in the brake-released position, whereby the cable track member is free for rotations by a biasing spring to remove slack from the cable.

Abstract: A hand brake lever in a vehicle includes a stationary support mounted in a passenger compartment of the vehicle and having a mounting slot. A sound insulating material covers at least a portion of the stationary support, the sound insulating material defining a sealing surface surrounding the mounting slot. A brake lever member having a handle is pivotally mounted to the stationary support such that the handle extends through the mounting slot and into the passenger compartment. A lever base is mounted to the brake lever member and extends so as to cover an area above the sealing surface. The lever base has an elastic peripheral edge positioned so as to come into support contact with the sealing surface to seal the mounting slot when the brake lever member is pivoted to a brake release position. The sealing surface may be flexible and have a rectangular shape.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a crank of a fishing-rod reel includes universally oting finger engaging members which function to prevent wrist sprains and fatigue and also assure uniform guidance of a lure.

Abstract: A mounting for a shift lever (1) for the mechanical remote control of a selector shaft of a gear change box in motor vehicles, in which the shift lever (1) is mounted pivotably around a selection axis and around a shifting axis, which is at right angles thereto, by means of a spherical part (2) of a universal joint in a bearing box (4) in a housing (3) that is a rigid part of the body, and is connected by coupling members (7, 16) to a sliding selector shaft of a gear change box. The coupling members for transmitting the movement of the shift lever to the sliding selector shaft are connected, articulated around an axle (9, 12) each, to the spherical part (2) of a universal joint, wherein the axle extends in one pivoting plane of the shift lever (1) at right angles to the pivot axis of the shift lever in the other direction of pivoting.

Abstract: An engine control system for a helicopter having at least one engine is provided, including an electronic engine control unit for each engine and further including a manually operated system for backing up each electronic engine control unit in the event of a failure thereof or for permitting optional manual engine operation. The engine control system includes at least one collective pitch stick and at least one twist grip rotatably mounted on the collective pitch stick. Each twist grip includes a normal (NORM) position within the range of the operating arc which is coincident with a detent. The system includes means for electronically actuating the detent to retract when the twist grip is rotated out of the NORM position into a manual operating mode, so that the electronic disablement of the detent permits an operator to smoothly operate the twist grip through the operating arc when the engine control system is in a manual control mode.

Abstract: A handle mounted trigger lever which is utilized as a solution release mechanism in an extractor is provided. The trigger switch as an `off` position and two `on` positions with the second `on` position obtainable by the depression of a release button, the release button being in a normally obstructing relationship with the trigger switch's movement in its first position. The release button includes a deformable obstructing portion which abuts with the trigger lever and limits trigger lever swing at the first `on` position. This obstructing portion may then be moved to a non-interfering relationship be deformation of the obstructing portion of the release button so that the trigger lever may then be moved to the second `on` position.

Abstract: A conformed control knob (23) is mounted to a manipulating lever (22) of an apparatus (20) having an arm (21) to be operably controlled by the manipulating lever (22). Through manual manipulation of the control knob (23), the arm (21) can be controlled for proportional precision movement. The control knob (23) includes an upwardly facing substantially planar support surface (25) formed for supporting at least one fingertip (26) of an operator's hand thereon, and includes a recess (27) formed therein to receive the fingertip (26). The support surface (26) is sufficiently cupped and the manipulating lever (22) is sufficiently biased upwardly toward the fingertip (26) to transmit both lateral and vertical movement of the operator's hand to the manipulating lever (22) for fingertip control thereof.

Abstract: The safety device for a drive unit of a vibration roller has a locking bar displaceable between a switch-off position and a locking position and is biased into its switch-off position. The drive unit is forcibly switched off when the locking bar is in its switch-off position. A switch lever is provided for manually operating the drive unit and can be coupled to a toothed rack with a coupling. The toothed rack is connected with a control cable to the drive unit and is biased into a position in which the drive unit is inoperative. A spring biases the coupling into a disengaged position in which the switch lever is disengaged from the toothed rack. The coupling is switchable from the disengaged position into an engaged position for operatively connecting the switch lever and the toothed rack and further into a locked engaged position.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly adapted for use in a power transmission of an automotive vehicle, composed of a shift lever having a tubular body portion formed therein with an axial bore and provided at its lower end with a support portion to be mounted on a vehicle body structure and arranged perpendicularly to the tubular body portion and a connecting arm extending forwardly from the lower end of the tubular body portion, an operation rod slidably disposed within the axial bore of the tubular body portion and provided at its lower end with a detent mechanism for retaining the shift lever in a shifted position, and an operation knob having a grip portion connected to the upper end of the tubular body portion and an operation button assembled within the grip portion and maintained in engagement with the upper end of the operation rod.

Abstract: A control panel (24) of an industrial truck is provided, on two sides, with combination control grips (2a, 2b), which can both be rotated in the circumferential direction and deflected vertically, and on which control levers (45a, 45b) are arranged. Signal transmitters (51, 52), which can be operated by the fingers, and by means of which various types of movements of an internal load pickup means of the truck can be selected and can be preset as a set value for the control lever (45) of the respective opposite combination control grip (2), are integrated within the control levers (45a, 45b).

Abstract: A compound shift lever mechanism employs a noise and vibration damper assembly for isolating an upper shift lever from a lower shift lever of a transmission. In a preferred form, the levers are held in spaced, coaxial alignment for unitary movement in a plurality of planes by a damper which comprises two parts. The first part is a cylindrical elastomeric sleeve defining axially spaced female end portions comprising bores which frictionally overlie and snugly encase the two lever end portions which extend thereinto. The second part is a cylindrical metallic shell which circumferentially encapsulates the elastomeric sleeve which contains the respective ends of the upper and lower levers. The shell thus radially encapsulates both of the end portions, as well as the sleeve, which incorporates a midportion containing a radial internal barrier to prevent direct physical contact between the extremities of the levers.

Abstract: A handle assembly is adapted for installation in a vehicle panel aperture having a flanged border from the outboard side of the panel. The handle housing has a pre-installed attaching clip retained on the housing by a screw tightened to an initial setting enabling predetermined upward and inward travel of the clip between a lower gravity induced position to an installation rocked-in induced upper position. The clip has tapered flanges configured to bear on the aperture border during rocked-in movement of the housing along a determined swingline. Upon clip tabs being positioned inboard of the border the tapered flanges disengaging the border thereby returning the clip by gravity to its installed position such that tightening the screw clamps the tabs against the aperture border.

Abstract: A throttle control for connection to an engine throttle control wire broadly includes a shifter and a case, with the shifter including a rim which engages a corresponding bearing wall within the case to define a circular shift path and which enables the throttle control to be converted for either a positive-action or negative-action mode. The case includes a first portion and a second portion, with at least one of the portions preferably including an inner wall spaced radially inwardly toward a pivot axis of the shifter and away from the bearing wall. The inner wall preferably includes one or more recesses thereon for engagement with a follower on the shifter whereby the shifter may be releasably held by the recess at a preselected position along the shift path.

Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter for a vehicle comprises a unitary glass reinforced nylon housing open at the bottom and having interconnected, spaced upper, side and end walls. A slot is formed in the upper wall, a pair of spaced aligned apertured bosses are formed in the side walls, and integral flanges extend from the side and end walls and incorporate a plurality of spaced apertures for mounting the housing to vehicle structure. A pair of spaced, aligned position control plates, each comprising a plurality of notches, are formed interiorly on the side walls, a plurality of detent notches are formed interiorly on the housing on one of the side walls below the position control plates, and a shift cable access opening is formed in one of the end walls. A shift lever assembly including an operating lever extends upwardly through the slot.

Abstract: A knob body of a rigid resin is divided at a generally central portion thereof in front and rear directions into a first knob division portion and a second knob division portion. A button insertion tubular portion and a mounting tubular portion are formed integrally with the first knob division portion, and a shell is provided to cover the outer periphery of the knob body. The first and second knob division portions are molded separately from each other, and by doing so, the thickness can be made thin.

Abstract: This brake, suitable for being connected to a brake cable (6), comprises a toothed sector (1) fitted with a dentation (2) which sector is intended to be fixed to the floor of the vehicle, a pawl (9) provided with locking teeth (13) interacting with the dentation (2) of the sector and a hollow manual gripping lever (5) equipped with an internal push-button rod (7), one end (7a) of which interacts with the pawl in order to keep it in the locking position of the brake due to the thrust of a return spring (14); the pawl (9), articulated about a pin (11), interacts with a member (17), which may be an additional tooth (17) forming part of an over-moulded covering (16) on the metal body (12) of the pawl, positioned between the teeth (13) of the locking mechanism and the pin (11), or an intermediate member which is not integrally connected to the pawl; this member is dimensioned in order to slide over the dentation (2) while the lever (5) is being operated, thereby keeping the teeth (13) of the locking mechanism away

Abstract: A toggle type parking brake lever apparatus capable of surely holding a brake lever at a brake application position is provided. Attached to the brake lever is a pivotable stopper pawl, with which a stopper surface formed on a stopper plate is adapted to be engaged in a brake application condition so as to inhibit the brake lever from being turned in a brake releasing direction. A stopper releasing rod with a push button is provided longitudinally of the brake lever to pivot the stopper pawl, thereby to disengage the stopper pawl from the stopper face. The invention is also applicable to a brake lever which is supported to a lever bracket, tiltably back and forth, and left and right, by means of a universal joint.

Abstract: A shift knob comprising at least two pieces of material stitched together by stitches and forming a hollow covering body, the hollow being defined by an inner stitched surface, a first resin-formed body disposed within the covering body having an outer surface spaced from the inner stitched surface, and a second resin-formed body disposed in engagement with the entire stitched inner surface. The second resin-formed body completely fills the space between the outer surface of the first resin-formed body and the stitched inner surface of the covering body. The stitches extend into and are surrounded by the second resin-formed body.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for attaching a handgrip knob assembly to a vehicle gearshift lever rod. The knob has a through cavity comprising an upper cavity portion, an intermediate cavity portion supporting a metal insert, and a lower upwardly tapered cavity portion. The insert upper surface defining a bottom wall clamping surface of the upper cavity portion bottom wall. An internally threaded insert through bore is divided from a lower counterbored portion by an internal stop shoulder. The shift lever rod has an upper threaded stem connected by a cylindrical shank portion to an upwardly tapered rod section while the stem portion terminates in a frustoconical pilot end. A rod external stop shoulder divides the stem and shank sections. A spring steel drive washer, having a central aperture intermeshed with an upper crown portion of a locknut, is initially press-fitted in the upper cavity until its outer edge frictionally engages a serrated portion of the upper cavity.

Abstract: A detachable manual actuation handle for a recliner chair having a square-shaped drive rod. The handle comprises a metal insert having a star-shaped bore for receiving the free end of the drive rod in a plurality of alternate angular orientations. The star-shaped bore is configured such that a locking means, in the form of a threaded bore and set screw that are perpendicular to the star-shaped bore, is adapted to provide, at an acute angle, a locking force against the flat surface of the drive rod to retain the handle thereon.

Abstract: A parking brake apparatus for use in a motor vehicle, mounted on a floor member which operatively connects a hand-operated brake actuator to a wheel brake is disclosed. The parking brake apparatus comprises a link member for reversing and transmitting an input force from the brake actuator to an output force on a cable linkage. The apparatus allows a hand operated parking brake actuator to be used in a vehicle with a cable linkage routed into the front of the actuator rather than into the rear of the actuator.

Abstract: A manual control for controlling the release of a latching mechanism of a piece of motion furniture including a housing to be mounted on the furniture, a lever to be pivotally mounted within the housing, a spring positioned between the lever and housing to urge the lever toward its inactive position, means on the lever to support the spring on the lever during mounting of the lever within the housing and allow release of one end of the spring to engage the housing, a cable sheath structure, an arcuate recess on the lever and having means to connect one end of the cable to the lever, means restricting entry of the cable into said arcuate recess to avoid undesired release of the cable therefrom, means on the housing for receiving one end of the cable sheath, the lever having a handle portion which is sufficiently large to limit the entry of more than the first joint of fingers into the housing below the lever handle, such handle portion having sufficient area on its outer surface to allow a logo to be embossed

Abstract: A hand brake for a motor vehicle includes a hand lever pivotably supported on a support bracket fixed to the vehicle body, and an adjusting disc likewise supported on the support bracket and connecting the hand lever with a pull member leading to a wheel brake shoe. A detent pawl supported on the hand lever cooperates with a toothed segment formed integrally with the support bracket and is released with an actuation rod longitudinally displaceable in the hand lever. The hand lever is connectable with the adjusting disc by a coupling pawl supported on the hand lever and slidably engaging a guide pin secured to a side surface of the support bracket. The adjusting disc is springbiased in the rotational direction so that it provides for progressive pull member displacement/force ratio.

Abstract: A device for locking a tilt steering column in adjusted position has two clamping rings, one of which is rotated by a handle. When the handle is rotated in one direction, the clamping rings interact to lock the steering column in adjusted position. When the handle is rotated in the opposite direction, the clamping rings release the steering column so that its position can be adjusted. The handle is normally positively retained in a position in which the locking device clamps the steering column, but can be moved to a position in which it unclamps the steering column upon operation of a release lever on the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for ergonomically controlling a vehicle. A vertical control stick provides acceleration, brake, and turn functions in the vehicle. The apparatus may include a pivotal attachment or a slidable attachment at the lower end of the stick to a fixed surface in the vehicle. The stick is restricted to movement along the line of direction of the vehicle, both forward and rearward, of a neutral stick position. A braking means is interconnected with the stick such that movement of the stick forward from the neutral stick position causes vehicle braking. Similarly, an acceleration means is interconnected with the stick such that movement of the stick rearward from the neutral stick position causes vehicle acceleration. A steering collar on the stick is included such that the collar may be manually rotated about the longitudinal axis of the stick in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions from a neutral collar position.

Abstract: The actuating device for a hand brake of a motor vehicle includes a hand lever pivotably supported on a support bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle body and displaceable against a bias of a return spring, and a traction lever that connects the hand lever with the drive element for actuating means of at least one wheel brake assembly of the motor vehicle. The actuating device further includes an automatically locking latching mechanism which is associated with the traction lever and is not connected with the hand lever. The latching mechanism provides for predetermined positioning of the drive element necessary for application of the brake. The latching mechanism is released with an auxiliary rod displaceable within the hand lever against a spring bias.

Abstract: Control consoles are normally utilized to provide ready access to the operator of the controls necessary to perform the various operating functions of the vehicle. Since vehicles, such as construction vehicles, are traversing rough terrain, it is advantageous to stabilize movement of the hand of the operator relative to the controls of the vehicle. In this subject arrangement a control console assembly is provided and has a handrest located thereon. The handrest is adapted to receive the hand of the operator such that the heel of the operator's hand remains in intimate contact with a raised portion of the handrest. A pair of levers are mounted on the control console assembly adjacent the handrest and operatively actuated by the fingertips of the operator's hand. A rotary knob is oriented on the side of the handrest and operative to be rotated by the thumb of the operator's hand.

Abstract: In an unloaded state, by pulling the pressing drive member apart from the pressure bearing member by moving to the operation wheel side, the load sheave is allowed to rotate freely without disengaging the pinion of the drive shaft and the load sheave. In this lever operated hoist, at this time, since the conical friction member to be engaged with the pressing drive member in the rotating direction, and the intermediate member spline-coupled on the drive shaft adjacently to this conical friction member respectively have engaging parts to be engaged with each other in the rotating direction, disposed at their confronting ends, these engaging parts are engaged with each other when the load sheave rotates freely, and the contact of the torque transmitting member and other constituent members is effectively prevented, so that the load sheave is permitted to idle continously and smoothly.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively controlling endwise movement of two control members comprising first structure including body structure supporting the members for selective endwise movement thereof; actuator structure coupled to the members for selectively moving the members endwise; and lock structure selectively movable into locking relation with the members to selectively block endwise movement thereof.

Abstract: An improved handle/prop is provided for a pen-based computer wherein the handle/prop is pivotally mounted to opposite side edges of the computer. The handle/prop can be pivoted and locked into a plurality of different positions. In particular, these positions are selected to facilitate carrying the computer, supporting the computer on a flat surface in one or more inclined positions for writing and/or viewing, and holding the computer during writing. A ratchet locking mechanism is provided for locking the handle/prop into the plurality of different positions. This ratchet locking mechanism includes first and second release buttons located at points where the handle/prop pivotally connects at opposite side edges of the computer. In addition, the ratchet locking mechanism includes a handle-tie piece extending through the interior of the computer to spring bias the release button into a locked position.

Abstract: An interface assembly includes a housing having a pair of side walls lined to a curved upper surface and the upper surface forms a fore-and-aft extending slot. A shaft is supported by and extends between the side walls. A control member is supported on the shaft and has an outer edge aligned with the slot. A limit member is mounted on the shaft adjacent to the control member and has an outer edge aligned with the slot. The limit member is frictionally coupled to the control member. An stop projects from an outer edge of the limit member. A lever is pivotally mounted on the control member and is releasable engageable with the stop. A transducer is coupled to the control member for generating a signal representing the position of the control member. A thumb wheel and gear may be operated to control rotation of the limit member relative to the housing. A tab projects into the slot and is engageable and disengageable with the tab to limit rotation of the control member relative to the housing.

Abstract: A polarised manual gearchange lever for a motor vehicle gearbox or the like comprises an upstream part having a knob and carried by a downstream part of the lever, with a slight misalignment between the two parts occurring on manipulation of the knob, together with a force threshold detector which includes electrical sensor means. The force threshold detector comprises a resiliently deformable, or elastic, bar having a head portion, which is fixed with respect to the knob, and a foot portion which is fixed against deflection in a female element that is itself fixed to the downstream part of the lever.

Abstract: A spare tire mount for pickup trucks having a sidewall with an inner surface and an upper ledge which extends inward, turns downward as a flange, and then turns outward as a lip. A support member engages the outward facing lip of the sidewall with a horizontal flange formed to lay atop the lip, a vertical flange formed to lay horizontally adjacent to the lip. A horizontal threaded aperture is formed competely through the support member. An elongated threaded member engages through the threaded aperture of the support member to press against the inner surface of the sidewall when rotated at its outer end, thereby preliminarily propping the spare tire mount between the inner surface and the lip of the sidewall prior to and during the mounting of the spare tire.

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: The device of the present application, a hand held vacuum and pressure pump having an improved handle, provides a hand held pump with a handle suitable to be used by a person with a smaller hand without significant loss of stroke length or leverage. The handle having a movable arm which is compressible toward a fixed arm, at least one of the arms having an angled corner such that distal ends of the arms when not compressed are closer together than they would be without the corner, and at least one of the arms having a taper at the distal end of the arm such that the arms may compress together in a full stroke.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing a member at any angular position to the non-circular cross section of a shaft has an insert formed of a relatively soft material and a clamping element fixed to the member. The insert has a central bore whose cross section matches the shaft section cross section, a circular periphery, and a slot between the periphery and the central bore. The clamping element is formed of relatively hard, rigid material, and has a bore in surrounding relation to the periphery of the insert and conforming to it so as to permit rotation of the member with respect to the insert while the clamping element bore is undistorted. There is at least one tooth on the periphery of the clamping element bore projecting radially inward toward the insert. Preferably the periphery of the clamping element bore is completely knurled instead of having a single tooth.

Abstract: A control system including interfaced hand and foot control assemblies for independently conditioning an off-highway implement by selectively positioning a regulator thereof relative a neutral position. The hand and foot control assemblies utilize a common force transfer mechanism in the form of a push/pull cable for moving and positioning the regulator. The foot control assembly includes a self-centered foot pedal and linkages for arranging the push/pull cable relative to the regulator in a manner inhibiting binding forces from being imparted to the cable. The hand control assembly requires independent movement of a control lever in two different planes to shift the hand control assembly from a neutral condition. Moreover, the hand control assembly is isolated from spring forces acting to self center the foot pedal and thus requires low operator efforts to adjust the position of the regulator. The control system of the present invention further includes a mechanism for governing operation of the regulator.

Abstract: In order to eliminate play between the elements of a shift mechanism wherein when a shift lever is moved toward control wire, the control wire is moved toward the shift lever and versa. A torsion spring which produces a force greater than the force which resists movement of the control wire or cable is disposed with a bell crank which interconnects the shift lever and the control wire and is arranged to bias a pin which forms part of the connection between the shift lever and the bell crank into constant engagement with a side of an elongate slot in which the pin is received and which slot forms part of the above mentioned connection.