US4677932A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Handicap turn signal bar for an automobile
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1986-03-26
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Granted: 1987-07-07
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Expires: 2006-03-26
Abstract
Abstract A handicap turn signal bar is adapted to be mounted on an automobile's steering column. The steering column has a vertically actuated turn signal lever horizontally positioned and extending generally radially from the steering column. The handicap turn signal bar includes an elongated lever member substantially parallel to the turn signal lever. The member is pivotally mounted at the bottom of the steering column and one longitudinal end of the member is proximate a portion of the steering wheel. The other longitudinal end of the member is disposed in the vertical plane movement of the turn signal lever. A split clamp is attached to that other end of the member and is removably attached to the turn signal lever. The split clamp includes first and second mating parts which define a varied dimensional through-hole adapted to loosely encircle the turn signal lever. Due to the loose encirclement of the lever, rotational controls at the extensive end of the lever are still operable even though the split clamp is attached to the turn signal lever.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Ewing
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:08
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/34; B60Q1/343; A; A61; A61F; A61F4/00; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20576; Y10T74/20582; Y10T74/20612; Y10T74/20732; Y10T74/20834
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
A handicap turn signal bar adapted to be mounted on an automobile's steering column, said steering column terminating in a steering wheel and having a vertically actuated turn signal lever substantially horizontally positioned and extending generally radially from said steering column comprising: an elongated lever member substantially parallelly disposed with respect to said turn signal lever and pivotably mounted on said steering column, one longitudinal end of said member adapted to be proximate a portion of said steering wheel and the other longitudinal end of said member disposed in the vertical plane of movement of said turn signal lever; a split clamp attached to said other longitudinal end of said member and having first and second mating parts that define a varied dimensional through-hole adapted to loosely encircle said turn signal lever, said first mating part being removably attached to said second mating part such that said split clamp is adapted to be detachable from said turn signal lever; and, wherein said vertical dimensional through-hole has a cross-sectional area larger than the area of the adjacent portion of said turn signal lever to permit multiple movements of said turn signal lever therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
A handicap turn signal bar adapted to be mounted on an automobile's steering column, said steering column terminating in a steering wheel and having a vertically actuated turn signal lever substantially horizontally positioned and extending generally radially from said steering column comprising: an elongated lever member substantially parallelly disposed with respect to said turn signal lever and pivotably mounted on said steering column, one longitudinal end of said member adapted to be proximate a portion of said steering wheel and the other longitudinal end of said member disposed in the vertical plane of movement of said turn signal lever; a split clamp attached to said other longitudinal end of said member and having first and second mating parts that define a varied dimensional through-hole adapted to loosely encircle said turn signal lever, said first mating part being removably attached to said second mating part such that said split clamp is adapted to be detachable from said turn signal lever; and, wherein said vertical dimensional through-hole has a cross-sectional area larger than the area of the adjacent portion of said turn signal lever to permit multiple movements of said turn signal lever therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
A handicap turn signal bar as claimed in claim 1 wherein said turn signal lever includes a rotatable accessory control rod longitudinally disposed to cover at least said adjacent portion of said turn signal lever, said varied dimensional through-hole having sufficient clearance with said control rod to permit rotational movement thereof as one of said multiple movements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A handicap turn signal bar as claimed in claim 2 wherein said varied dimensional through-hole comprises two large diameter partial bores open to opposing faces of said split clamp and a smaller bore hole extending therebetween defined by an intermediate lip in said split clamp.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A handicap turn signal bar as claimed in claim 3 including a mounting bracket affixed to said steering column and retaining a rubber grommet defining the pivot point of said member.
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) | 1990-07-06 | 1991-01-05 | 1991-07-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-07-06 | 1995-01-05 | 1995-07-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-07-06 | 1999-01-05 | 1999-07-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |