Grip actuated vehicle control system
First Claim
1. A vehicle control system for a vehicle having handle-bar steering controls and existent vehicle control wiring, the vehicle control system comprising:
- a grip assembly configured to be fitted to the handle-bars wherein the grip assembly defines a gripping surface and comprises one or more grip controls arranged along the gripping surface such that a user can actuate the grip controls with fingertip pressure without releasing their grasp of the grip assembly anda control module in communication with the grip assembly and with the existent vehicle wiring such that actuation of the one or more grip controls induces the control module to provide corresponding control signals to the existent vehicle wiring so as to control corresponding operational aspects of the vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
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.
23 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A vehicle control system for a vehicle having handle-bar steering controls and existent vehicle control wiring, the vehicle control system comprising:
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a grip assembly configured to be fitted to the handle-bars wherein the grip assembly defines a gripping surface and comprises one or more grip controls arranged along the gripping surface such that a user can actuate the grip controls with fingertip pressure without releasing their grasp of the grip assembly and a control module in communication with the grip assembly and with the existent vehicle wiring such that actuation of the one or more grip controls induces the control module to provide corresponding control signals to the existent vehicle wiring so as to control corresponding operational aspects of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A vehicle control system for a vehicle having existent vehicle control wiring, the vehicle control system comprising:
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a glove assembly comprising one or more grip controls and a control module in communication with the glove assembly and with the existent vehicle wiring such that actuation of the one or more grip controls induces the control module to provide corresponding control signals to the existent vehicle wiring so as to control corresponding operational aspects of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A vehicle control system for a vehicle having a gripping surface for a user'"'"'s hands and existent vehicle control wiring, the vehicle control system comprising:
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one or more grip controls arranged between the gripping surface and the user'"'"'s fingers such that a user can actuate the grip controls with fingertip pressure without releasing their grasp of the gripping surface and a control module in communication with the one or more grip controls and with the existent vehicle wiring such that actuation of the one or more grip controls induces the control module to provide corresponding control signals to the existent vehicle wiring so as to control corresponding operational aspects of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of retrofitting controls to a vehicle having at least one gripping surface for a user'"'"'s hands and existent vehicle wiring for operational aspects of the vehicle;
- the method comprising;
interposing one or more user controls between a user'"'"'s fingers and the at least one gripping surface such that the one or more user controls generate control signals in response to compressive pressure applied between the user'"'"'s fingertips and the gripping surface; connecting an interface module to the existent wiring; and establishing communication between the interface module and the one or more user controls such that actuation of the one or more user controls induces the interface module to generate and deliver a corresponding control signal to the existent vehicle wiring to alter a corresponding operational aspect of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
- the method comprising;
Specification