Steering column shifter assembly
OwnerBrian C. Bowerman, Patrick D. Gaukelinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A shifter assembly for use on tilting and/or telescoping steering columns includes a cam connected to the steering column, and a crank spaced from the cam and connected to a fixed portion of the vehicle such as the lower portion of the steering column. A gear shift lever is provided which is connected to the cam. A parallel cable linkage assembly interconnects the cam and crank.
Claims21
A shifter assembly for a steering column, the steering column having an upper housing and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing, said shifter assembly comprising in combination:
- a cam assembly adapted to be pivotally connected to the upper housing;
- a crank assembly adapted to be pivotally connected to the lower housing;
- a gear shift lever connected to said cam assembly;
- and
- a flexible linkage interconnecting said cam assembly to said crank assembly.
A gear shift lever assembly for a steering column, the steering column having a first housing, a second housing coupled to the first housing in a manner to permit at least one of pivotal movement and telescopic movement between the first housing and the second housing, the gear shifter assembly comprising:
- a lever assembly configured to be mounted to the second housing;
- a cam assembly configured to be mounted to the second housing and interconnected to said lever assembly;
- a crank assembly configured to be mounted to the first housing;
- and
- a parallel linkage assembly interconnecting said cam assembly to said crank assembly wherein actuation of said lever assembly moves said crank assembly.
A steering column mounted gear shift assembly, comprising in combination:
- a first mounting plate for attachment to a steering column at a first location;
- a second mounting plate spaced from said first mounting plate for attachment to the steering column at a second location;
- a first crank pivotally coupled to said first mounting plate;
- a lever assembly mounted on said first mounting plate and coupled to said first crank;
- a second crank coupled to said second mounting plate;
- and
- a pair of flexible members interconnecting said first crank to said second crank, whereby actuation of said lever moves said first crank and said flexible member, cause a corresponding movement of said second crank.
A shifter assembly for a steering column, the steering column having a first housing interconnected to a second housing in a manner to permit at least one of a tilting and telescoping motion of said first housing relative to said second housing, the shifter assembly, comprising:
- a first crank to be pivotally coupled to the first housing;
- a lever to be mounted on the first housing and connected to said first crank;
- a second crank to be pivotally coupled to the, second housing;
- and
- a parallel flexible linkage assembly interconnecting said first and second cranks such that rotation of said first crank by said lever produces a corresponding rotation of said second crank.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.