US3687248A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic gear shifting device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-12
•
Granted: 1972-08-29
•
Expires: 1990-11-12
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for shifting automobile gears which utilizes automatic actuators controlled by movement of the related clutch mechanism. The apparatus includes a plurality of gear shift actuators disposed at or near the driver''s position, each of which may be actuated to enable an associated gear lever mechanism such that it will be engaged to move the associated gear shift rod upon operation of the clutch mechanism. In the case of a foot clutch, depression and release of the clutch will cause gear shift actuation as a function of the stroke position of the clutch.
Inventors
- 👤 Elvin G Holub
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 00:24
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D67/00; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20207; Y10T74/20238; Y10T74/20244
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A device for shifting gears of a multispeed transmission having a respective shift lever and shift rod for each speed, said transmission drive input being coupled by an operatoractuated clutch mechanism, the device comprising: plural shifting means each attached to a respective shift rod and each being actuatable to move said respective shift rod to rotate a respective shift lever; enabling means operatable by the operator to enable a selected one of said shifting means for actuation; slide plate means which is movable to contact and enable one of said shifting means to cause actuation thereby to move said respective shift drive; and connecting rod means providing mechanical linkage between said clutch mechanism and said shift plate means such that shift plate means is moved reciprocally in a cycle of movement synchronous with release and re-engagement of the clutch mechanism.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
140 words
A device for shifting gears of a multispeed transmission having a respective shift lever and shift rod for each speed, said transmission drive input being coupled by an operatoractuated clutch mechanism, the device comprising: plural shifting means each attached to a respective shift rod and each being actuatable to move said respective shift rod to rotate a respective shift lever; enabling means operatable by the operator to enable a selected one of said shifting means for actuation; slide plate means which is movable to contact and enable one of said shifting means to cause actuation thereby to move said respective shift drive; and connecting rod means providing mechanical linkage between said clutch mechanism and said shift plate means such that shift plate means is moved reciprocally in a cycle of movement synchronous with release and re-engagement of the clutch mechanism.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said plural shifting means comprises: lever means having a first end pivotally affixed proximate to said transmission and being pivotally affixed in a central portion to a respective transmission shifT rod, the second end of said lever means being extendable to a position which enables said shifting means for actuation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said enabling means comprises: plural means operated selectively by the operator to effect extension of the extendable second end of a selected one of said lever means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
A device as set forth in claim 1 which is further characterized to include: housing means secured proximate said transmission, said housing means including a portion extending accessibly to the operator and supporting a plurality of push-buttons, each of such push-buttons being actuatable to selectively control said enabling means, said housing means also including a transversely aligned pivot rod supporting each of said plural shifting means in sequentially juxtaposed relationship.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plural shifting means comprises: lever means having a first end pivotally affixed to said pivot rod and having a second end which is extendable to an extended position which enables said shifting for actuation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
88 words
A device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said connecting rod means comprises: a plurality of shift mover elements disposed on said slide plate means, each shift mover element being aligned with a respective lower end of a lever means, said shift mover elements including a raised formation which comes into interfering contact with the second ends of said lever means in the extended position; plural compression spring means disposed below each of said shaft mover elements to continually urge said elements upward to a fixed position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
79 words
A device as set forth in claim 6 which is further characterized to include: neutralizer bar means rigidly secured across said slide plate means parallel to said line of lever means so that upon initial actuation of a clutch mechanism and initial movement of said shift plate means, said neutralizer bar means urges all lever means to a neutral position whether or not a selected one of said lever means second ends has been placed in its extended position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device as set forth in claim 5 which is further characterized in that: said clutch mechanism is a hydraulic actuator clutch mechanism; and push-button means manually operated by the operator provides actuation of said hydraulic clutch mechanism.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device as set forth in claim 8 which is further characterized to include: odometer means providing a series of actuation outputs in response to a selected motional parameter of said multi-speed transmission; plural control means each responsive to a selected one of said odometer output control indications to actuate a selected one of said lever means and thereafter effect actuation of said hydraulic clutch mechanism.
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) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |