Shifter with dampened pawl movement
First Claim
1. A shift mechanism, comprising:
- a base;
a shift gate having a plurality of notches defining gear positions;
a shift lever movably mounted to the base;
a pawl configured to move between an engaged position, wherein the pawl engages the shift gate and restricts movement of the shift lever, and a disengaged position;
a button on the shift lever operably connected to the pawl such that pushing of the button moves the pawl from the engaged position to the disengaged position; and
a pneumatic mechanism providing a first resistance against movement of the pawl in a first direction from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and providing a second resistance against movement of the pawl in a second direction from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the second resistance being greater than the first.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A shift mechanism including a base, and a shift gate having a plurality of notches defining gear positions. A shift lever is movably mounted to the base. The shift mechanism includes a pawl configured to move between an engaged position wherein the pawl engages the shift gate and restricts movement of the shift member, and a disengaged position. The pawl is biased into the engaged position. The shift mechanism further includes a linkage disposed in the shift lever and coupled to the pawl for shifting the pawl between the engaged and disengaged positions. A button on the shift lever is operably connected to the linkage such that the button can be pushed to selectively move the pawl from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The shift mechanism also includes a pneumatic mechanism providing a first resistance against movement of the pawl in a first direction from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and also provides a second resistance against movement of the pawl in a second direction from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the second resistance being greater than the first.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A shift mechanism, comprising:
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a base;
a shift gate having a plurality of notches defining gear positions;
a shift lever movably mounted to the base;
a pawl configured to move between an engaged position, wherein the pawl engages the shift gate and restricts movement of the shift lever, and a disengaged position;
a button on the shift lever operably connected to the pawl such that pushing of the button moves the pawl from the engaged position to the disengaged position; and
a pneumatic mechanism providing a first resistance against movement of the pawl in a first direction from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and providing a second resistance against movement of the pawl in a second direction from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the second resistance being greater than the first. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A pawl release mechanism for shifters, comprising:
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a shift knob having a cavity defining a sidewall;
a plunger having at least a first end portion movably disposed in the cavity, the first end portion including an annular groove defining a base wall, the first end portion having a passageway extending from the annular groove away from the first end portion; and
a resilient ring in the annular groove, the resilient ring having an outer peripheral edge sealingly engaging the sidewall, and an inner edge engaging the base wall of the annular groove, the resilient ring configured to shift within the annular groove to close off the passageway upon movement of the plunger. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A shift mechanism for automatic transmissions, comprising:
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a base including a gate having a plurality of detent gates;
a shift lever movably mounted to said base, said shift lever having an elongated cavity and a knob mounted to a first end of said shift lever, said knob including a release button;
a pawl movably mounted on said shift lever and engagable with said detent gates to restrict movement of said shift lever, said pawl biased into engagement with said detent gates;
a rod movably disposed in said elongated cavity, said rod operably connected with said pawl and with said release button, such that manipulation of said release button selectively releases said pawl;
said rod having an annular groove and a ring-like resilient member disposed in said annular groove, said rod having a passageway in fluid communication with said annular groove such that said resilient member shifts within said annular groove upon movement of said rod to control fluid flow through said passageway and the amount of force required to move said rod. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification