US4363249A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety apparatus for vehicles having automatic transmissions
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-06-30
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Granted: 1982-12-14
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Expires: 2000-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A neutral safety switch is moved to a closed position upon shifting of an automatic transmission to a neutral position but moved to an open position when the automatic transmission is shifted to a drive position. An air pressure responsive switch is moved to a closed position when air brake pressure is reduced to set alternative brakes and is in series with a bell, buzzer, light or other signal producing device. A control device is controlled by the neutral safety switch, so as to close one circuit, whereby an ignition control may be utilized to start the engine with the transmission in neutral position, but to close an alternative circuit, whereby the signal device will be activated with the alternative brakes set, when the neutral safety switch is moved to open position.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerald L. Stugart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 07:58
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60K; B60K28/00; B60K28/10; F; F02; F02N; F02N15/00; F02N15/10; F16; F16H; F16H61/00; F16H61/18; F16H63/00; F16H63/40; F16H59/00; F16H59/68; F16H2059/6823; F16H61/22; F16H2061/223; F16H59/02; F16H59/08; F16H59/10; F16H59/50; F16H59/54
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
Safety apparatus for a truck or tractor having an engine, an automatic transmission, air brakes and alternative brakes which set when air brake pressure is reduced to a predetermined value, for producing a signal when such transmission is shifted away from neutral while the engine is running for an extended period of time and such alternative brakes are utilized for parking purposes, comprising: a neutral safety switch which is moved to a closed position upon shifting of the automatic transmission to a neutral position but moved to an open position when the automatic transmission is shifted to a drive position; an air pressure responsive switch which is moved to a closed position when air brake pressure is reduced to said predetermined value; means for producing a signal and connected in series with said air pressure responsive switch; current supply means; and means controlled by said neutral safety switch for causing current to be supplied to said air pressure switch and said signal producing means when said neutral safety switch is moved to an open position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
Safety apparatus for a truck or tractor having an engine, an automatic transmission, air brakes and alternative brakes which set when air brake pressure is reduced to a predetermined value, for producing a signal when such transmission is shifted away from neutral while the engine is running for an extended period of time and such alternative brakes are utilized for parking purposes, comprising: a neutral safety switch which is moved to a closed position upon shifting of the automatic transmission to a neutral position but moved to an open position when the automatic transmission is shifted to a drive position; an air pressure responsive switch which is moved to a closed position when air brake pressure is reduced to said predetermined value; means for producing a signal and connected in series with said air pressure responsive switch; current supply means; and means controlled by said neutral safety switch for causing current to be supplied to said air pressure switch and said signal producing means when said neutral safety switch is moved to an open position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
Safety apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein: said means for producing a signal includes a bell, buzzer, horn or light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
74 words
Safety apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein: said truck or tractor is provided with an ignition control and a starter means; said ignition control is electrically connected to said starter means and to said means controlled by said neutral safety switch; and said means controlled by said neutral safety switch is constructed and arranged for causing current to be supplied to said starter only when said neutral safety switch is in closed position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
65 words
Safety apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein: said means controlled by said neutral safety switch includes multiple double contact switch blades movable to opposite positions; and said signal producing means is activated only when said switch blades are in one of said opposite positions; and said ignition control activates the starter only when the switch blades are in the other of said opposite positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
Safety apparatus as defined in claim 4, including: a movable magnetic plate on which said switch blades are mounted; and an electromagnetic coil for moving said magnetic plate and said switch blades, said coil being energized when said neutral safety switch is in closed position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
Safety apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein: the connection between the current supply and said air pressure responsive switch and signal producing means is through different blades and in a different position of said blades, than the connection between said ignition control and said starter means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
Safety apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein: the connection between said ignition control and said starter means is through a plurality of switch blades.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
Safety apparatus as defined in claim 5, including: resilient means for urging said plate and blades to one of said opposite positions.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-12-13 | 1986-06-14 | 1986-12-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-12-13 | 1990-06-14 | 1990-12-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-12-13 | 1994-06-14 | 1994-12-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |