# US 8,539,851 B2 · Modular automatic transmission shift device

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 8,539,851 B2
- Document ID: US8539851B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/881,558
- Filed: 2010-09-14
- Published: 2012-03-15
- Granted: 2013-09-24
- Earliest claimed: 2010-09-14
- Applicants: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
- Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8539851B2

## CPC

- F16H 59/0278: {Constructional features of the selector lever, e.g. grip parts, mounting or manufacturing}
- F16H 59/10: comprising levers
- F16H 2059/0282: {Lever handles with lock mechanisms, e.g. for allowing selection of reverse gear or releasing lever from park position}
- F16H 2061/242: {Mechanical shift gates or similar guiding means during selection and shifting}
- Y10T 74/20018: Transmission control
- Y10T 74/20104: Shift element interlock
- Y10T 74/2011: with detent, recess, notch, or groove
- Y10T 74/2014: Manually operated selector [e.g., remotely controlled device, lever, push button, rotary dial, etc.]
- F16H: GEARING
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A modular shift device for an automatic transmission having a first module adapted for pushbutton operation of the transmission's safety lockout, and a second module that when coupled to the first module, modifies operation of the transmission's safety lockout to that of shift shaft tilting and eliminates the pushbutton.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A modular shift device for operating the safety lock out mechanism of an automatic transmission comprising:
an upper module; and
a lower module;
wherein said upper module is adapted for mechanical connection to said lower module and is adapted for mechanical connection to a distal end of a shifter shaft, and wherein said lower module is pivotally affixed adjacent a shift gate to a shifter support assembly affixed to an automatic transmission, and wherein said lower module connects to a moveable gear linkage for shifting gears;
wherein said lower module has a lower body with a moveable pin extending therefrom that is capable of mechanically cooperating with said shift gate to prevent unwanted engagement of said gears;
wherein said lower body has a depressable plunger recessed within a bore formed there through said lower body, and a compression spring constrained between a shoulder on said bore and a shoulder on said plunger, and wherein said moveable pin resides on said plunger;
wherein said plunger has a rod extending normally therefrom at least one side that protrudes through at least one oblong slot in said lower body; and
wherein said upper module is comprised of an upper body that tiltably resides in a mounting bracket that is affixed to said lower body, and wherein said upper module has at least one arm having a first end pivotally affixed to said upper body and a second end with an angled section formed thereon that resides in contact with said rod outside of said lower body.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The modular shift device of claim 1 wherein said lower body has at least one pivot arm extending therefrom that pivotally connects said lower module to said shifter support assembly, allowing the shift device to pivot and move said gear linkage.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The modular shift device of claim 1 wherein said second end of said arm has an angled ramp formed thereon where said arm contacts said rod.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The modular shift device of claim 3 wherein tilting of said upper body relative to said lower body pivots said arm from said first end such that said angled ramp exerts pressure on said rod so as to push said rod and said plunger down in said bore to move said pin from mechanical cooperation with said shift gate.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The modular shift device of claim 4 wherein said rod protrudes normally therefrom two oblong slots in said lower body, and wherein said upper module has two arms each in contact with said rod outside said lower body.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The modular shift device of claim 5 wherein said upper body has a stopped bore formed therein and a second compression spring housed therein said bore with a first end in contact with said upper body and a second end in contact with said lower body so as to maintain said upper body in a non tilted state until an external force is exerted upon a shifter shaft attached to said upper module.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The modular shift device of claim 6 further comprising:
a first bore through said upper body;
a second bore through said shifter shaft wherein said first and said second bores are aligned;
a flex shaft slidingly received within said first bore and said second bore; and
a depressable button housed in a proximate end of said shifter shaft, said button operably connected to said depressable plunger by said flex shaft so as to urge said movable pin in and out of cooperation with said shift gate.