US20140298944A1

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Publication number: US20140298944A1
Application number: US14/218,973
Authority: US
Inventors: Ronnie D. Gibbs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-28
Filing date: 2014-03-19
Publication date: 2014-10-09
Also published as: US20130174687A1; US8746110B2; US20110154941A1

Abstract

An all terrain vehicle parking brake for after market installation on an ATV, UTV, RUV or MUV that relies on placing the vehicle shift lever in a park position to hold the vehicle on a hill. The parking brake includes a brake handle that is mounted to the vehicle dash board to pivot between brake engaged and disengaged positions, extending and retracting a linkage that connects and disconnects through a straight sleeve, with the linkage connecting to a rod end bearing that connects to a brake pedal arm, depressing the brake pedal when an operator activates the parking brake.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/655,246, filed on Dec. 28, 2009 and entitled “ATV PARKING BRAKE.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to parking brakes for all terrain vehicles.

PRIOR ART

Previously, many all terrain vehicles, “ATV's,” as have automatic transmissions have relied on placing the vehicle in park to hold it in place. Where, on level or nearly level ground, such is effective for holding the vehicle in place. However, should an operator stop the ATV on a slope and place the shift lever into “park” and release the foot brake, such operator will find that it is difficult to reposition the shift lever into “drive” as the weight of the vehicle will resist shift lever movement until the vehicle weight is taken off the vehicle transmission and linkage as by a person or persons pushing on the vehicle to neutralize the vehicle weight, removing that weight off of the transmission and linkage. Accordingly, in practice, an ATV operator who stops their vehicle on a slope and places the vehicle shift lever in “park” may find it difficult to reposition that shift lever into drive without exerting force on the shaft lever as many damage the vehicle transmission and/or linkage. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a linkage for maintaining a sufficient depressive force on the vehicle brake pedal to hold the vehicle in place without a reliance on a movement of the shift lever into “park.” Which linkage is unique in that when a brake handle is rotated approximately ninety (90) degrees downwardly from the horizontal, a continuous column is provided to transmit a sufficient force onto the brake pedal, depressing and holding the vehicle brake pedal down, operating the vehicle breaking system. Whereas, when that brake handle is back to the horizontal through approximately ninety degrees, the linkage forming the column is released, disconnecting the linkage components from one another, and allowing the brake pedal to lift, insuring brake system release.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a parking brake arrangements for holding an all terrain vehicle (ATV), or the like, on a slope. Previously, an operator, to secure an ATV against rolling, would place a vehicle shift lever to “park.” When such ATV in on an uphill slope when the shift lever is placed in “park,” and the brake releases, a strain is placed on the transmission and linkage with the vehicle weight acting on the transmission, making it difficult or impossible to move the vehicle shift from “park” to “drive.” In such a case, it is often necessary for an operator and/or others to physically push the vehicle up the slope to neutralize the vehicle weight that the vehicle weight directs into the transmission, so as to allow shift lever movement. Whereas, with an ATV that includes the parking brake of the invention, an operator, wishing to stop and hold the vehicle on a slope, engages the parking brake of the invention before they place the vehicle shift lever in “park.” Thereby, the parking brake will hold the vehicle in place without placing a strain on the transmission and linkage as can be damaged by the operator trying to force the shift lever out of “park” with the weight of the vehicle acting on the transmission.

The parking brake of the invention is for an all terrain vehicle, such as the Polaris® RZR®, but can be used on like ATV's having a transmission arrangement like the Polaris® RZR®, and does not include a parking brake as original equipment. The parking brake of the invention includes a manual handle operated mechanical linkage whereby an operator, by manually downwardly pivoting the handle that is mounted to extend below the dash board, depresses and holds the vehicle brake pedal to prohibit vehicle movement. The invention provides a mechanical linkage from the handle to a rod end bearing that is pivot mounted to the side of an arm that is mounted to the vehicle brake pedal, whereby, manually moving the handle downwardly from the horizontal through approximately ninety (90) degrees, urges the brake pedal downwardly, operating the vehicle brakes, and will hold the brake pedal in place until the handle is manually moved back to its horizontal attitude, approximately perpendicular to the plane of a flat mounting bracket that is positioned below the vehicle dash board.

A component of the mechanical linkage is a rectangular block with the threaded end portion of a forward end that includes a center longitudinal opening that a solid round shaft is passed through. The rectangular block end opposite to the threaded end portion is pivotally mounted on its opposite sides to forward end of a link that connects at its rear end to right angle bends of parallel brackets that extend axially from the handle, and the ends of the brackets ends pivotally connect to the solid round shaft end. The rectangular block threaded end is to receive a nut turned thereover after the threaded end is passed through a hole in the flat mounting bracket that is connected at its ends to a vehicle dash board support frame.

To transfer an upward pivoting handle into outward travel of the mechanical linkage, so as to depress the vehicle brake, the solid round shaft extends axially from the block threaded end portion and is internally threaded at its forward end to receive a threaded end section of a first guide shaft. Which threaded end section terminates in a collar, and has a smooth forward section that is to fit within a sleeve, and a lock nut is turned onto the first guide shaft threaded end section. The opposite slide rod opposite end to fit into a first open end of a straight tube. The opposite or forward end of the straight sleeve is to receive a second guide shaft smooth end sections fitted therein. Which second guide shaft also includes a collar fixed at a junction with a threaded end section, and a lock nut is turned onto the second guide sleeve threaded end section. The second guide shafted threaded section end is turned into a threaded end of a shaft of a road end bearing that includes a bearing end for connection through a clevis pin to the brake pedal arm.

The first and second guide shaft smooth end sections are fitted onto opposite ends of the sleeve, whereby the sleeve is in contact with the collars, prohibiting contact of the guide shaft smooth section ends.

When the parking brake is not engaged, the handle points outwardly, perpendicular to the dash board. To engage the parking brake, the handle is pivoted downwardly, to essentially parallel attitude to the dash board. The downward movement of the handle extends the solid round shaft from the connector end of the rectangular block forming a column with the second guide shaft and connected rod end bearing that is connected to the brake pedal arm so as to depress the vehicle brake pedal.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a parking brake for an all terrain vehicle, ATV, UTV, RUV or MUR, that includes a handle operated mechanical linkage whereby an operator, by manually pivoting a brake handle that is mounted below the vehicle dash board, can depress and hold the vehicle brake pedal against vehicle movement.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanical linkage from the handle, that is mounted below the vehicle dash board, to the side of the vehicle brake pedal arm, whereby manually moving the handle from a horizontal attitude through ninety (90) degrees downwardly pointing attitude extends a mechanical linkage to press the vehicle brake pedal downwardly, operating the vehicle brakes, so as to hold that brake pedal in place until the handle is manually pivoted upwardly, back to its horizontal attitude.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanical linkage that forms a column when the parking brake is operated to depress the vehicle brake pedal, and which mechanical linkage separates into unconnected components when the parking brake is released.

Another object of the invention is to provide a parking brake that is easy to install as an after market item and will provide a vehicle operator with a reliable alternative to a sue of an ATV, UTV, RUV, or MUV shift lever position in “park” to hold the vehicle on a slope.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an ATV parking brake that utilizes the pedal operated vehicle brake system as a parking brake, and will release the vehicle brake pedal by a rotation of a manually operated handle only.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in the arrangement of component parts that are herein shown as preferred embodiments and will be described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof:

FIG. 1 shows a top plan perspective view of the major components of the ATV parking brake of the invention shown exploded apart;

FIG. 2 shows a top plan perspective view of the assembled major components of the ATV parking brake ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side elevation perspective assembled view of the major components ofFIGS. 1 and 2, and related hardware assembled together and mounted in the ATV drivers compartments, forming the ATV parking brake of the invention, showing a brake handle in a horizontal attitude, extends at approximately perpendicular to a forward face of a flat mounting bracket with the parking brake disengaged; and

FIG. 4 shows the assembled view ofFIG. 3 showing the brake handle as having been rotated downwardly, to be approximately parallel to the forward face of the flat mounting bracket, and extend the parking brake mechanical linkage, illustrated by arrow A, that depresses the brake pedal, illustrated by arrow B, operating the vehicle parking brake.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2, show exploded and assembled perspective views, respectively, of aparking brake10 of the invention, less attachment hardware for mounting the parking brake in an ATV's driver's compartment11, and for connection to the vehiclebrake pedal assembly12, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.

Theparking brake10 is for holding an all terrain vehicle (ATV, UTV, RUV or MUV) or the like, on a slope where the vehicle had formerly relied only on a movement of a vehicle shift lever to “park” to hold the vehicle in place. Such use of the “park” transmission setting places a strain on the transmission and linkage caused by the transmission having to hold the vehicle on the slope, supporting the vehicle weight. In practice, utilizing the “park” transmission setting makes it difficult or impossible to move the vehicle shift back from “park” to “drive” without first neutralizing the force on the transmission exerted by the vehicle weight. Whereas, with an ATV that includes the parking brake of the invention, an operator, wishing to stop and hold the vehicle on a slope, engages theparking brake10, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, before they place the vehicle shift lever in “park.” So operated, theparking brake10 will hold the vehicle in place without placing a strain on the transmission and linkage that can be damaged should the operator try to force the shift lever out of “park” with the weight of the vehicle acting on the transmission.

Theparking brake10 as shown in the Figs. is for use as an after market add on for a Polaris® RZR® all terrain vehicle (ATV) that has a transmission that is operated with a shift lever. It should, however, be understood that theparking brake10 can be arranged for mounting to a similar ATV, UTV, RUV or MUV, within the scope of this disclosure, and may be adapted for use as an original equipment inclusion on an ATV. Shown in the Figs., theparking brake10 components include ahandle assembly15 that has a manually operatedcontrol handle16 that may be coated with a grip surface16a. Shown inFIG. 1, the control handle16 forwardend17 includes a pair ofidentical brackets18 that are secured into opposite sides of the handle forwardend17 to be parallel to one another and are spaced apart. Eachbracket18 has ahole19 formed therethrough that afirst pivot20 is fitted into, and has straightparallel legs21 withholes22 formed in theleg21 ends thatsecond pivots23 are fitted into. Thesecond pivots23 connect thelegs21 ends through a pivot shaft to asolid round shaft25

end section

26, and thesolid round shaft25 is fitted throughlongitudinal opening28 formed through arectangular block27 to slide freely back and forth. Additionally, thefirst pivots20 are fitted through feet ends31aof alink30 having opposite feet ends31bthat are each to receive apivot32 fitted therethrough, providing a pivot mounting of thelink30 ends onto opposite parallel long sides27aof therectangular block27. Therectangular block27 is thereby supported to thecontrol handle16 at spaced apart first and

second pivots

20 and23, respectively.

FIG. 3 shows theparking brake10 in a released attitude where thecontrol handle16 is in a horizontal attitude, with thelinks30 pivoted downwardly at their pivot mounting32 to therectangular block27 sides27a. With therectangular block27 held in position in the position shown inFIG. 3, thesolid round shaft25 has been moved towards the operator, shown as arrow A, disconnecting the linkage from thebrake pedal12, with the brake pedal spring urging it to a relaxed attitude. To operate theparking brake10, the linkage is extended, shown at arrow B inFIG. 4, to depress thevehicle brake pedal12, and as illustrated by arrow B, and will hold thebrake pedal12 in that depressed attitude until an operator pivots the control handle16 back to the attitude shown inFIG. 3, releasing the brake pedal, as discussed herein below.

FIG. 4 shows theparking brake10 in an engaged attitude engaging thebrake pedal12 and holding it in a braked attitude. In which attitude the control handle16 is pointed downwardly, with the straightparallel legs21 pivoted towards the operator, extending thesolid round shaft25 through the rectangular block. In this position, thelinks30 have been pivoted to where they are alongside therectangular block27 sides27a, and tend to hold the handle in place until an operator rotates the control handle16 upwardly to disengage the parking brake, as shown inFIG. 3 and as discussed herein below.

Shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, theblock27 has afitting mount35 formed into its forward end that is open through its center to accommodate thesolid round shaft25 passed therethrough. Thefitting mount35 includes a threaded forward end36 that a mountingnut37 is turned onto after passage through ahole42 formed through a mountingbracket40

face

41. The mountingbracket40 provides theflat face41 that is opposite to thebrake pedal12, and is bent to form short and long ends43 and44, respectively, that have a pair of side-by-side holes43aand43band a hole44aformed in, respectively, the short and long ends43 and44, respectively. The holes43aand43bof the bracketshort end43 are to receive fasteners, shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, as bolts46 with nuts46aturned thereon, after passage of the bolts46 through holes formed through a steeringtilt strut mount48. The mountingbracket40

long end

44 is mounted to a center dash board support frame as by fitting a fastener through thelong end44 hole44aand into the dash board support frame.

Forproper parking brake10 functioning, thesolid round shaft25 and linkage to thebrake pedal12 needs to align so as to avoid binding. Accordingly, the mountingbracket40

flat face

41 should be flat and perpendicular to thesolid round shaft25. To provide this mounting, the mounting bracketflat face41 is bent at an angle C, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Which angle C, for the Polaris® RZR®, is approximately seven (7) degrees, through, it should be understood that, for another ATV that theparking brake10 is suitable for installation on, the mounting bracket face angle to the short and long ends43 and44 could be greater or lesser, within the scope of this disclosure.

The linkage for transferring movement of thesolid round shaft25 towards thebrake pedal12 includes therectangular block27 having itsfitting mount35 fitted through thehole42 formed through the mounting bracketflat face41, and thenut37 is turned onto the threaded end36 of the fitting mount. So arranged, thesolid round shaft25 will extend perpendicular from the mounting bracketflat face41, as shown inFIG. 2. The exploded view ofFIG. 1 shows afirst guide shaft50 threaded end section51 end aligned for turning into a threaded end49 of thesolid round shaft25, and includes alock nut52 turned thereon. Thefirst guide shaft50 includes the threaded end49 that terminates on one side of a nut shapedcollar53, and has a straightsmooth shaft54 extending from the opposite side of the nut shapedcollar53. A second guide shaft60 that has a threadedend section61 that is shown aligned to turn into a threaded end63 of a shaft of a rod end bearing62 and includes a lock nut64 turned thereon and the threadedend section61 terminates in a one face of a nut shaped collar65 that has a straightsmooth shaft66 extending out from the other face thereof. Prior to the linkage assembly, asleeve70 is fitted onto the first andsecond guide shafts50 and60 such that, when the brake handle16 is in a downwardly pointing attitude, as shown inFIG. 4, thesleeve70 ends71 will be in contact with the nut shapedcollars53 and65, respectively, providing a column that transfers the movement of the brake handle16 from the attitude shown inFIG. 3 to the attitude shown inFIG. 4, into a solid linkage ending in the rod end bearing62 pivot end67 that connects through a clevis pin69 to an arm12aof thebrake pedal12, shown inFIG. 4, depressing thebrake pedal12. Which pivot end67 incorporates a bearing that will turn freely and is to receive a fastener, shown as the cotter pin69, that is passed through washer and through a hole through a brake bracket12a, through the pivot end67 and receives a cotter pin69afitted through a lateral hole formed through the cotter pin69 end. So arranged, movement of the linkage to depress thebrake pedal12, as set out above, turns within the bearing within the pin end67 avoiding binding between the pivot end67 and the clevis pin69.

Flat ends54aand66aof the first andsecond guide shafts50 and60 solid rod ends54 and66, as shown in broken lines inFIG. 2, are spaced apart from one another within thesleeve70 when the parking brake is not in depressing engagement with thebrake pedal12, as shown inFIG. 3. With the downward movement of the control handle16 from the horizontal through approximately ninety (90) degrees, as shown inFIG. 4, a columnar linkage through first andsecond guide shafts50 and60 solid rod ends54 and66 opposing flat faces54aand66a, form a column that depresses thebrake pedal12, as shown by arrow B. An operator pivoting the control handle16 upwardly, to the attitude shown inFIG. 3, thereby separates the end-to-end contact of the first andsecond guide shafts50 and60, releasing thebrake pedal12. Thesleeve70 has a smooth wall inner surface and is of a diameter to rotate on the first andsecond guide shafts50 and60 smooth solid rod ends54 and66, maintaining the first andsecond guide shafts50 and60 alignment during parking brake operations, while prohibiting an interference with an operator freely depressing thebrake pedal12 with their foot to brake the vehicle during driving. The length of whichsleeve70 is selected to allow clearance of theends71 thereof from thecollars53 and65 that are fixed to the first andsecond guide shafts50 and60 at the junction of the their threaded ends51 and61, respectively, that are turned into the threaded ends49 and63, respectively, of thesolid round shaft25 and the rod end bearing62, for providing for adjustment of the spacing distance between the first andsecond guide shaft50 and60 smooth solid rod ends54 and66 end faces54 a and66a, respectively. Whereafter, thelock nuts52 and64 are turned on the threaded ends51 and61, respectively, into engagement with the faces of solidround shaft25 and rod end bearing, locking the selected spacing distance in place.

In practice, after installation of the described components, some trial and error will be needed to apply an appropriate pressure through the linkage, to operate theparking brake10. Such adjustment is accomplished, with the brake handle16 in the attitude shown inFIG. 4, by turning the threaded ends51 and61, respectively, of the first andsecond guide shafts50 and60 into or out of the threaded ends of thesolid round shaft25 end49 and rod end bearing62 end63 to where thebrake pedal12 is depressed an appropriate distance to energize the brake system sufficiently to hold the vehicle in place, without over pressurizing the brake pedal. When the desired brake pedal travel is reached, thelock nuts52 and64, respectively, are turned into engagement with the solid round shaft end49 and rod end bearing end63, respectively, setting the distance the threaded ends51 and61 of the first and second guide shafts62 and63 extend out from the threaded ends of thesolid round shaft25 and rod end bearing62, respectively.

While a preferred embodiment of my invention in an all terrain vehicle has been shown and described herein, it should be understood, that although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiment components. Thus, the scope of the embodiment should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A brake assembly comprising:

a brake pedal movable between a disengaged attitude and an engaged attitude;

a mounting bracket having a length providing a flat face surface and an opening formed therein;

a linkage assembly disposed in relation to said mounting bracket, said linkage assembly comprising a control handle movable between a first position and a second position;

a shaft comprising a length formed between first and second opposing ends, said first end of said shaft pivotably engaging said linkage assembly and wherein said length of said shaft being disposed perpendicular to said flat face surface and extending through said opening in said mounting bracket;

a first guide shaft comprising an elongated length formed between first and second opposing ends, said first end of said first guide shaft engaging said second end of said shaft and said second opposing end of said guide shaft comprising an abutting surface;

a second guide shaft comprising an elongated length formed between first and second opposing ends, said second end of said second guide shaft comprising an abutting surface;

a rod end bearing having a first end engaging said first end of said second guide shaft and a second opposing pivot end disposed in pivotal engagement with said brake pedal;

a sleeve comprising two opposing open ends and an inner wall surface having a length and a diameter sufficient to house at least a portion of said elongated length of said first guide shaft introduced within said first open end and further disposed in alignment with at least a portion of said elongated length of said second guide shall introduced within said second open end, said length of said sleeve being less than the combined elongated lengths of said first and second guide shafts and wherein said sleeve is slidably disposed relative to said elongated lengths of said first and second guide shafts housed therein;

wherein when said control handle is selectively moved into said first position, said abutting surface of said second end of said first guide shaft is disposed in a spaced-apart relationship to said abutting surface of said second end of said second guide shaft within said sleeve, thereby placing said brake pedal in said disengaged attitude; and

wherein when said control handle is selectively moved into said second position, said abutting surface of said second end of said first guide shaft structurally engages said abutting surface of said second end of said second guide shaft within said sleeve, thereby selectively locking said brake pedal in said engaged attitude.

2. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein said mounting bracket is mounted to a support frame.

3. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein said control handle comprises a grip surface.

4. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein said linkage assembly further comprises two opposing brackets pivotably securing said control handle to said first end of said shaft.

5. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein said elongated length of said first guide shaft is disposed in linear alignment with said elongated length of said shaft.

6. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein said first end of said first guide shaft is threaded for fitting into a threaded portion of said second end of said shaft.

7. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein said elongated length of said second guide shaft is disposed in linear alignment with said elongated length of said first guide shaft.

8. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein said first end of said second guide shaft is threaded for fitting into a threaded portion of said first end of said rod end bearing.

9. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein when said brake pedal is selectively positioned in said locked engaged attitude, said control handle is disposed perpendicular to said length of said shaft.

10. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein when said brake pedal is selectively positioned in said disengaged attitude, said control handle is disposed in linear alignment with said length of said shaft.

11. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 1, further comprising a first collar engageably disposed along at least a portion of said extended length of said first guide shaft and a second collar engageably disposed along at least a portion of said extended length of said second guide shaft, wherein said first and second collars structurally restrict the slidable movement of said sleeve.

12. A brake assembly comprising:

a brake pedal movable between a disengaged attitude and an engaged attitude;

a sleeve comprising two opposing open ends and an inner wall surface having a length and a diameter sufficient to house at least a portion of said elongated length of said first guide shaft introduced within said first open end and further disposed in alignment with at least a portion of said elongated length of said second guide shaft introduced within said second open end, said length of said sleeve being less than the combined elongated lengths of said first and second guide shafts, and wherein said sleeve is slidably disposed relative to said elongated lengths of said first and second guide shafts introduced therein;

a first collar engageably disposed along at least a portion of said extended length of said first guide shaft and a second collar engageably disposed along at least a portion of said extended length of said second guide shaft, whereby said first and second collars structurally restrict the slidable movement of said sleeve;

13. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 12, wherein said mounting bracket is mounted to a support frame.

14. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 12, wherein said linkage assembly further comprises two opposing brackets pivotably securing said control handle to said first end of said shaft.

15. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 12, wherein said elongated length of said first guide shaft is disposed in linear alignment with said elongated length of said shaft.

16. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 12, wherein said first end of said first guide shaft is threaded for fitting into a threaded portion of said second end of said shaft.

17. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 12, wherein said elongated length of said second guide shaft is disposed in linear alignment with said elongated length of said first guide shaft.

18. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 12, wherein said first end of said second guide shaft is threaded for fitting into a threaded portion of said first end of said rod end bearing.

19. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 12, wherein when said brake pedal is selectively disposed in said locked engaged attitude, said control handle is pivotably disposed perpendicular to said length of said shaft.

20. The parking brake assembly as defined inclaim 12, wherein when said brake pedal is selectively disposed in said disengaged attitude, said control handle is disposed in linear alignment with said length of said shaft.