US3768612A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-adjusting clutch release mechanism
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1970-12-07
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Granted: 1973-10-30
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Expires: 1990-12-07
Abstract
Abstract A self-adjusting clutch release mechanism having a clutch release cable and a clutch pedal. The pedal carries a locking plate and a guiding plate that slidably engage the end of the cable. When the clutch pedal is in its position corresponding to clutch engagement, the plates are disengaged from the cable and a coil spring removes any slack in the cable system. When the clutch pedal is moved toward its clutch released position, the plates grip the cable to release the clutch.
Inventors
- 👤 R Gale
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 17:08
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D13/00; F16D13/58; F16D13/75; F16D23/00; F16D23/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A clutch release mechanism comprising a pivotally mounted clutch pedal movable between a clutch released position and a clutch engaged position, a rod constructed to be connected to a clutch release bearing, gripping means interposed between said rod and said pedal, said gripping means comprising a guide plate slidably engaging said rod and a locking plate engaging said rod, spring means connected to said rod and constructed to urge it in a clutch release direction, said locking plate being tiltable between a first position in which it slidably engages said rod and a second position in which it grips said rod, stop means constructed to move said locking plate to said first position when said clutch pedal is in its clutch engaged position, said guide plate being constructed to move said locking plate to said second position when said clutch pedal is moved to its clutch released position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
A clutch release mechanism comprising a pivotally mounted clutch pedal movable between a clutch released position and a clutch engaged position, a rod constructed to be connected to a clutch release bearing, gripping means interposed between said rod and said pedal, said gripping means comprising a guide plate slidably engaging said rod and a locking plate engaging said rod, spring means connected to said rod and constructed to urge it in a clutch release direction, said locking plate being tiltable between a first position in which it slidably engages said rod and a second position in which it grips said rod, stop means constructed to move said locking plate to said first position when said clutch pedal is in its clutch engaged position, said guide plate being constructed to move said locking plate to said second position when said clutch pedal is moved to its clutch released position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A clutch release mechanism according to claim 1 and including: said spring means being interposed between said rod and said locking plate and constructed to urge said locking plate to its said first position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
166 words
A vehicle control mechanism comprising a pivotally mounted lever movable between first and second positions, an actuator having an elongated portion, gripping means interposed between said lever and said actuator, said gripping means being constructed to provide a force transmitting connection between said lever and said actuator when said lever is in said second position, said gripping means being further constructed to permit relative displacement between said lever and said actuator when said lever is in said first position, said gripping means comprising a member having an aperture therethrough, said actuator portion extending through said aperture, said member being tiltable between a first position in which said actuator is slidable in said aperture and a second position in which said member grips said actuator, means constructed to move said member to said first position in response to displacement of said lever to said first position, means constructed to move said member to said second position in response to displacement of said lever to said second position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
166 words
A vehicle control mechanism comprising a pivotally mounted lever movable between first and second positions, an actuator having an elongated portion, gripping means interposed between said lever and said actuator, said gripping means being constructed to provide a force transmitting connection between said lever and said actuator when said lever is in said second position, said gripping means being further constructed to permit relative displacement between said lever and said actuator when said lever is in said first position, said gripping means comprising a member having an aperture therethrough, said actuator portion extending through said aperture, said member being tiltable between a first position in which said actuator is slidable in said aperture and a second position in which said member grips said actuator, means constructed to move said member to said first position in response to displacement of said lever to said first position, means constructed to move said member to said second position in response to displacement of said lever to said second position.
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) | 1976-10-29 | 1977-04-30 | 1977-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-29 | 1981-04-30 | 1981-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-29 | 1985-04-30 | 1985-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |