US3669200A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic parking device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-10-23
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Granted: 1972-06-13
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Expires: 1989-10-23
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for automatically parking automobiles having a steering means including a steering post and a transmission with a reverse gear. The device includes first gear means on the steering post, second axially and transversely displaceable gear means and third gear means operatively connected to be driven by the transmission drive shaft in reverse gear. The second gear means is selectively operatively positioned between the first and second gear means to transmit the rotation of the drive shaft to the steering post to effect turning of the steering wheels. Timing means control the direction of rotation of the third gear means so that the steering wheels of the vehicle are rotated in a first direction and, after a predetermined period of time, rotated in the reverse direction in order to accomplish the desired parallel parking.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul J Odell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:53
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D15/00; B62D15/02; B62D15/027; B62D15/0285
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
274 words
A device for automatically parallel parking automotive vehicles having a steering means including steering wheels, a steering post controlling said steering wheels and a transmission means having a reverse gear and drive shaft, said device comprising first gear means fixedly mounted on said steering post, second gear means operatively connected to be driven by said drive shaft, means to operatively connect said second gear means to drive said first gear means, and timing means controlling the direction of rotation of said first gear means, said first gear means comprising a main gear means having an upstanding peripheral flange forming an outer driving surface and an inner driving surface and a hub driving surface, all of said driving surfaces being co-axial, a drive gear means mounted to selectively engage with said inner driving surface and said hub driving surface and being driven in a single direction by said means connecting said first and second gear means so that upon selective engagement of said drive gear means with said inner driving surface and said hub driving surface, said main gear means will be driven in either direction, a steering gear means fixed to said steering post, and connecting gear means selectively positioned to contact said steering gear means and the outer driving surface of said main gear means, whereby upon placing said connecting gear means in driving connection with said steering gear means and said main gear means and said transmission in reverse gear, the steering wheels of said vehicle are rotated in a first direction as said vehicle is backed up and then rotated in the opposite direction to complete parallel parking of said vehicle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
274 words
A device for automatically parallel parking automotive vehicles having a steering means including steering wheels, a steering post controlling said steering wheels and a transmission means having a reverse gear and drive shaft, said device comprising first gear means fixedly mounted on said steering post, second gear means operatively connected to be driven by said drive shaft, means to operatively connect said second gear means to drive said first gear means, and timing means controlling the direction of rotation of said first gear means, said first gear means comprising a main gear means having an upstanding peripheral flange forming an outer driving surface and an inner driving surface and a hub driving surface, all of said driving surfaces being co-axial, a drive gear means mounted to selectively engage with said inner driving surface and said hub driving surface and being driven in a single direction by said means connecting said first and second gear means so that upon selective engagement of said drive gear means with said inner driving surface and said hub driving surface, said main gear means will be driven in either direction, a steering gear means fixed to said steering post, and connecting gear means selectively positioned to contact said steering gear means and the outer driving surface of said main gear means, whereby upon placing said connecting gear means in driving connection with said steering gear means and said main gear means and said transmission in reverse gear, the steering wheels of said vehicle are rotated in a first direction as said vehicle is backed up and then rotated in the opposite direction to complete parallel parking of said vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said connecting gear means is both selectively axially movable to be positioned between said main gear means and steering gear means and transversely movable to provide a driving connection between said main gear means and said steering gear means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A device according to claim 1 further comprising selectively energized solenoid means operatively connected to effect contact of said drive gear means with said inner and hub driving surfaces and effecting driving contact between said steering gear means, connecting gear means and outer driving surface of said main gear means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according To claim 3 wherein each said gear means and driving surfaces are covered with a friction drive surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 4 further comprising warning lamp means connected to said solenoid means and energized when said device is operative.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
65 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein said timing means comprises a plurality of cam means spring-biased to a rest position, drive means connected to and driven by said means operatively connecting said first and second gear means, said drive means driving said cam means in rotation against said spring-biasing, switching means responsive to said cam means and operatively connected to energize said solenoid means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 6 further comprising audio means responsive to said cams returning to their rest position thus indicating the end of the automatic parking maneuver.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said second gear means comprises a first gear fixedly mounted on said drive shaft, second gear movably mounted to selectively drivingly engage with said first gear, and said means operatively connecting said first and second gear means comprises a flexible shaft connected to and driven by said second gear.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 8 further comprising solenoid means operatively connected to effect driving connection of said first and second gears.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-13 | 1975-12-13 | 1976-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-13 | 1979-12-13 | 1980-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-13 | 1983-12-13 | 1984-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |