Automatic transmission selector lever lock
OwnerCarlton J. Reynoldsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An interlock mechanism for mechanically locking a steering column mounted, automatic transmission selector lever in the "park" position by means of a detent locking device which has a first element mounted on the stationary portion of the steering column adjacent a second element on the collar which rotates as the transmission selector lever is moved. The movable detent of one element is spring biased to engage an opening in the other element only when the transmission is in the "park" position. The detent is removed manually or otherwise to allow movement of the transmission out of "park" and may include a signaling device to indicate that the transmission is not in "park" when turning off the ignition, leaving the vehicle, etc.
Claims12
In a vehicle having an automatic transmission selector lever, movement of which rotates a collar on the steering column adjacent a portion which remains stationary during said movement, an interlock mechanism for mechanically locking said lever in the "park" position until intentionally released, said mechanism comprising:
- (a) an element having a detent-receiving opening therein;
- (b) a movable detent member;
- (c) means biasing said detent member towards movement into said opening when aligned therewith;
- (d) one of said element and detent member being mounted upon said collar and the other upon said stationary portion for relative movement as said collar rotates;
- and
- (e) said element and detent member being respectively positioned for alignment of said detent member and said opening only when said selector lever is in said "park" position, engagement of said detent member in said opening being effective to prevent rotation of said collar relative to said stationary portion of said steering column and thereby prevent movement of said selector lever until said detent member is removed from said opening against the force of said biasing means.
Apparatus for releasably locking a transmission selector lever in the "park" position and for signaling to indicate that the lever is not in the "park" position in response to a predetermined vehicular condition, said apparatus comprising, in combination:
- (a) an electrical power source;
- (b) a first electrical switch which is closed in response to movement of a first vehicle part;
- (c) a locking device having two elements respectively mounted on second and third vehicle parts which are moved relative to one another in response to movement of the transmission selector lever;
- (d) said two elements being constructed and arranged for movement into locking engagement to prevent further relative movement of said second and third vehicle parts, and thereby of said selector lever, upon movement of the latter to the "park" position;
- (e) said two elements having electrically conducting portions which remain in contact when said selector lever is in other than the "park" position and which are removed from contact when said lever is placed in the "park" position;
- (f) said electrically conducting portions forming a second electrical switch wired in series with said first switch;
- and
- (g) an electrically actuated signaling device connected to said first and second switches and to said power source for actuation only when both of said switches are closed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.