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US 7,466,036 B2Granted
Grip actuated vehicle control system
OwnerTimothy Gerard Ledford, Steven O'toole Dodsoninventors
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OwnerTimothy Gerard Ledford, Steven O'toole Dodsoninventors
Estimating the term…
Grip actuated control system to provide operational control of vehicle functions at a gripping surface of handlebar equipped vehicles. The system can be provided as original equipment and as an aftermarket addition or replacement for existent vehicle controls. The system includes one or more grip controls positioned adjacent a user's fingertips in a grip or glove assembly which are in communication with a control module. The control module is connected to existent or provided vehicle wiring and thus to respective operational equipment such that user actuation of a grip control induces the control module to provide a corresponding output to activate/deactivate or regulate the operation of the respective vehicle equipment. Communication between the grip controls and control module can be wireless for increased flexibility in installation and placement of the module on the vehicle. Combinations, sequences, and relative timing of the grip controls can provide numerous distinct control functions.
A grip control assembly for a vehicle wherein the grip control assembly defines a gripping surface and wherein the grip control assembly comprises one or more grip controls arranged within the gripping surface wherein the grip controls are responsive to generally inwardly directed pressure applied within the gripping surface such that a user can actuate the grip controls without releasing their grasp of the gripping surface and such that actuation of the grip controls induces a change in corresponding operational aspects of the vehicle, wherein correspondence between the grip controls and the corresponding operational aspects is programmable such that the user can define the correspondence as desired, the grip control assembly further comprising a wireless transmitter which can transmit signals corresponding to actuation of the one or more grip controls.
A grip control assembly for a vehicle wherein the grip control assembly defines a gripping surface and wherein the grip control assembly comprises one or more grip controls arranged within the gripping surface wherein the grip controls are responsive to generally inwardly directed pressure applied within the gripping surface such that a user can actuate the grip controls without releasing their grasp of the gripping surface and such that actuation of the grip controls induces a change in corresponding operational aspects of the vehicle and wherein the assembly is configured such that rotation of the gripping surface induces a throttle control to the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.