`Lan ct al.
`
`{10] Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,921,870 B2
`Jul. 26, 2005
`
`U3006921870132
`
`{54} SHIFTING MECHANISM FOR ELECTRIC
`VEHICLES
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Yih-Yuan Lan, (fhia-I Ilsien {'IW);
`.
`.
`x
`-‘_
`.
`Mmg-Chla Wu, um I “m“ (1W)
`
`8/1983 Kaminski clal.
`4,401,866 A *
`7.31986 Vugletal.
`4531,02? A *
`5,1?3,591 A "‘ 121992 Pcrego
`$31-$53 1;
`*
`iiigiii Elmer N a"
`3,)
`_.
`..
`eaves
`5.742.014 A *
`4/1998 Schwartz ct at.
`
`
`
`200%].83
`zen-rm
`...... 200561.88
`mew;
`2t1l,’6l.2?
`
`(73} Assignee: Link Treasure Limited. Chia-l Ilsien
`('I'W)
`
`*
`
`.
`.
`crted by examlner
`
`( ‘ } Notice:
`
`Subject to an)r disclaimer, the term oflhis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154th) by 0 days
`
`Primary EA'mm'ner—ljncoln Donovan
`Aug-ism”; Exmflmer_M_ liishman
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Rabin & llerdo, RC.
`
`(21} App1.No.: 10K673,387
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 30’ 2003
`
`{22
`__
`(03}
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US ZOEHttIM‘JSS? Al Apr 15 2004
`'
`' '
`'
`"
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`(30)
`Oct. 9, 20:12
`(le1
`
`912|5134 U
`
`Int. Cl.7
`{51)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`(58) Field 9f Search
`
`HDIH 31ml]
`200:6 R; 200:6 B; 200313
`20056 R, 6 B,
`300;“17R,18,61.85, 88, 1 R, 5 B
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`A shifting mechanism for electric vehicles includes an
`operation bar coupled with a universal joint mounting on an
`electric vehicle body. The operation bar may be turned and
`swiveled in multiple directions and has a free end movable
`according to preset paths of a guiding means. The operation
`bar may be swiveled in different directions or through the
`3"“ng mam '0 sw'wh clm'ls m.“ “mm” "”0“” “051”“:
`rotation and reverse rotation at high speed or low speed.
`Thereby a delinite direction is provided to switch the direc-
`tion and speed. The switches are located on diflcrcnl posi-
`tions and arranged in low——high speed and forward (positive
`rotationj—hackward (reverse rotation) fashion so that
`the
`backward movement can only be exercised at the low speed
`to avoid the risk of backward high speed condition to secure
`safety for children’s ride-on electric vehicles.
`
`3.639305 A * 319D Rayner
`
`20016 A
`
`20 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`Mattel Ex. 2003
`Mattel EX. 2003
`Dynacraft v. Mattel
`Dynacraft v. Mattel
`IPR2018-00040
`|PR2018-OOO40
`
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`1
`SHII’TING MECHANISM FOR ELECTRIC
`VEHICLES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a shifting mechanism for
`electric vehicles that includes an operation bar, pivotally
`located in a guiding means. It swivels or moves in parallel
`with a straight line along preset paths, to control shifting of
`motor rotation in positive or reverse direction at high speed
`or low speed.
`
`BACKGROUND ()I: THE INVEN'I"I{)N
`
`There are many types of electric vehicles for children on
`the market. Some are designed for remote control use, and
`some are ride-on models for sealing the human body. The
`invention targets the ride-on electric vehicles for children.
`They usually imitate the real vehicles and may include jeeps,
`beach vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, race-cars, golf
`cars, and the like. The vehicle types and models are abun—
`dant to suit all kinds of tastes and preferences of children.
`Besides varying styles and models, as the ride-on electric
`vehicles are designed for seating children, safety is the most
`important design and production consideration.
`As previously mentioned, the ride-on electric vehicles for
`children usually imitate the structure of the real vehicles.
`They also haVe a shifting mechanism. The general ride-on
`electric vehicles for children generally have speed shifting
`and forward and backward shifting functions. A shift bar is
`usually provided to achieve the shifting function. The con-
`ventional electric vehicles generally have separated shift
`bars to control speed and positive and reverse rotation. Such
`a design could easily shift
`to a high speed and reverse
`condition, and become very risky. Another example is US.
`Pat. No. 5,644,114. It has an actuator to control shifting of
`speed and motor rotation direct ion. The actuator is pivotally
`installed and may he rocked to trigger switches that are in
`parallel with the actuator to accomplish the shifting effects.
`As the actuator is rocked about a pivotal point to perform
`shifting directly. children often cannot precisely shift to the
`desired speed or direction. As a result, control is difficult and
`risky conditions frequently occur.
`
`SUMMARY OF '11 IE INVEN'I'I ON
`
`In view of the aforesaid disadvantages. the primary object
`of the invention is to provide a shifting mechanism that has
`an operation bar coupling with a universaljoint installed on
`a vehicle body that equips with a guiding means. The
`operation bar may be rocked and swiveled in multiple
`directions. It also has a free end. Following the paths on the
`guiding means, the operation bar may be rocked and moved
`in different directions to switch circuits that control motor
`
`rotation in the positive or reverse direction at high speed or
`low speed. Thereby, a definite direction is provided for
`shifting turning direction and speed. Meanwhile, the shifting
`mechanism provides an arrangement of low speed—high
`speed and forward (positive rotation)—backward (reverse
`rotation] so that the vehicle can only move backward at low
`speed, to avoid the risk of high speed reverse and secure
`safety for the children in use.
`Another object of the invention is to have the operation
`bar pivotally coupled with the guiding means and make the
`operation bar move according to the paths set in the guiding
`means so that shifting of speed and direction can be con-
`trolled through different directions and positions.
`
`‘Jl
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`10
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`no
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`2
`The foregoing, as well as additional objects, features and
`advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent
`from the following detailed description, which proceeds
`with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings
`are only to serve for reference and illustrative purposes, and
`are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
`BRIEF DESCRIP'I‘ION OF THE [DRAWINGS
`FIG. I is a schematic view of the invention.
`
`FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the invention.
`FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the invention.
`FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the invention.
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view of the invention.
`FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the invention.
`FIG. 7 is another sectional view of the invention.
`
`FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the moving path of the
`operation bar.
`FIG. 8-1 is a schematic diagram of the shifting sequence
`of the operation bar.
`FIG. 9 is a fragmentary schematic view of a second
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`FIG, 10 is a schematic view of the moving path of the
`operation bar according to the third embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`FIG. 10-1 is a schematic diagram ofthe shifting sequence
`of the operation bar according to the third embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`FIGS. 11—17 show various alternative shifting sequences
`according to other aspects of the invention.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`Embodiment 1:
`Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the shifting mechanism
`of the invention is installed on a desired location of an
`
`electric vehicle body. It includes housing 1, fixedly mounted
`on the vehicle body 10 and a guiding means, which, accord-
`ing to one embodiment of the invention, is a guiding slot 11.
`The guiding slot 11 is formed in an L-shape and includes at
`least a first moving path 12 and a second moving path 13
`formed in a diflerent angle or location from the first moving
`path. The guiding slot 11 may also be formed in other
`character shapes depending on design requirements, such as
`an N, Z, II or U shape that has continuous strokes (shown in
`FIGS. 11—17).
`An operation bar 2 is provided, which has a hand grip
`section 21 and a free end 22. Users may move the operation
`bar 2 to make the free end 22 generate rocking and swivel
`movements. The operation bar 2 further is coupled with a
`universal joint 3 and is installed in the guiding slot 11
`through a pivot axle 4. In the embodiment the universaljoint
`3 includes two fan-shaped pivot slots 31 on two sides to
`allow the pivot axle 4 to pass through to pivotally couple on
`the vehicle body 10, so that the operation bar 2 may have at
`least two different turning directions through the universal
`joint 3.
`Refer to FIG. 3 for a circuit device 5 of the invention. It
`includes a transmission motor 51, battery 52, first circuit 53,
`second circuit 54, first switch 55 and second switch 56. The
`first switch 55 and the second switch 56 connect respectively
`to the transmission motor 51 and battery 52 through the first
`circuit 53 and the second circuit 54, to control high and low
`speed and positive and reverse rotation of the transmission
`motor 51. In addition, the first and second switches 55 and
`56 are mounted onto the vehicle body 10 at
`locations
`touchahle by the free end 22 of the operation bar 2.
`
`14
`14
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`US 6,921,870 B2
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`3
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`Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second switches
`55 and 56 are located below the operation bar 2 at different
`positions. The first switch 55 controls a high speed circuit H
`and a low speed circuit L. The second switch 56 controls a
`motor positive rotation (forward) circuit F and a reverse
`rotation (backward) circuit R. Hence, when the operation bar
`2 is swiveled in the direction ofthe first moving path 12, the
`free end 22 can shift the first switch 55 in the sequence of
`the low speed circuit 1. and the high speed circuit
`[1.
`Swiveling in the second moving path 13 can switch in the
`sequence of a positive rotation (forward) circuit F and the
`reverse rotation (backward) circuit R for the motor 51.
`Referring to FIG. 8, when the operator chooses the
`forward shift gear (positive rotation) circuit I: on the second
`moving path 13 through the operation bar 2, hefshe can
`select the high speed circuit H or the low speed circuit L
`through the first moving path 12 of difi'erent direction to
`control the first switch 55. When the ride-on electric vehicle
`
`‘JI
`
`IU
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`is in the condition of high speed circuit H, and the operator
`selects backward {reverse rotation) circuit R, the free end 22
`of the operation bar 2 has to be shifted from the first moving
`path 12 to the second moving path 13, and the free end 22
`must first go through the low speed circuit L of the first
`switch 22 before entering the second moving path 13. By the
`same token, when the free end 22 of the operation bar 2 is
`in the condition of backward (reverse rotation) circuit R and
`low speed circuit L, and returning to the lirst moving path 12
`is desired, the free end 22 of the operation bar 2 has to pass
`the forward (positive rotation) circuit F before entering the
`first moving path 12 to switch to the high speed circuit H or
`low speed circuit L. Therefore,
`the backward (reverse
`rotation) circuit R is always at the low speed circuit 1..
`Based on previous description, it can be seen that when
`the invention is in use, the operation sequence is such, that
`when the operator wants to enter the condition of backward
`(reverse rotation) circuit R, the free end 22 of the operation .
`bar 2 has to be first shifted to the first switch 55, to reach the
`state of low speed circuit L,
`thus the risky condition of
`moving backward at high speed can be avoided.
`Embodiment 2:
`
`3!]
`
`Referring to FIG. 9, in embodiment l, the operation bar
`2 is pivotally mounted on the vehicle body 10 through the
`universal joint 3 and the pivot axle 4. By swiveling the hand
`grip section 21, the free end 22 ofthe operation bar 2 my be
`moved to match the moving paths provided by guiding
`means to shift to the first switch 55 and second switch 56.
`
`In this embodiment. the operation bar 6 has a boss 61, and
`the guiding slot 7 of the guiding means is formed in an N,
`Z, I] or U shape that has continuous strokes. The guiding
`means, further, has a housing trough 71 in the cross section,
`corresponding to the boss 61 so that the operation bar 6 may
`be movably housed in the housing trough 7]. Thereby, the
`operation bar 6 may be moved along a straight
`line in
`parallel with the paths of the housing trough 71 to shift the
`free end 62 of the operation bar 6 to the first and second
`switch 55 and 56, so that shifting between high and low
`speed, and forward and backward can be accomplished.
`Embodiment 3:
`
`Referring to FIG. 10, the invention may also be adapted
`on a single rotation speed mechanism. The first switch 8 is
`connected to a power supply circuit. The operation bar 2
`mainly controls an ON circuit and an OFF circuit. The
`shifting sequence is: the first moving path 81 controls power
`OFF and ON; the second moving path 82 shifts to the second
`switch 9;
`the operation sequence is forward (positive
`rotation) circuit F-—-backward (reverse rotation) circuit R.
`By means of the constructions set forth above, it is clear
`that the invention provides an operation bar that can be
`
`4o
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`50
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`55
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`an
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`15
`15
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`4
`moved in preset paths of directions to allow users to select
`and shift to high speed, low speed, forward and backward.
`Through different arrangements of the switches, moving
`backward at high speed can be avoided to prevent risky
`conditions from occurring to the children‘s ride-on electric
`vehicles.
`While the preferred embodiments of the invention have
`been set forth for the purpose of disclosure, modifications of
`the disclosed embodiments of the invention as Well as other
`
`embodiments thereof may occur to those skilled in the art.
`Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all
`embodiments, which do not depart from the spirit and scope
`of the invention.
`What is claimed is:
`l. Ashifting mechanism mounted on an electric vehicle to
`couple with a first switch to control the first switch to
`selectively effect a forward rotation, and a reverse rotation of
`a vehicle motor of the electric vehicle, and to couple with a
`second switch to switch the second switch between a high
`rotation speed position and a low rotation speed position, to
`respectively effect a high rotation speed and a low rotation
`speed of the vehicle motor, comprising:
`a universal joint fixedly mounted on the electric vehicle;
`an operation bar located on the universal joint, and having
`a hand grip section on an upper end for users to move
`the operation bar, and a free lower end movable to
`actuate a select one of the first and second switches; and
`a guiding means fixedly mounted on the electric vehicle
`for restricting the free end of the operation bar to move
`reciprocally in a first moving path and a second moving
`path, the first moving path and the second moving path
`extending in dilferent directions, the free end being
`allowed to move in the first moving path to actuate the
`first switch, and in the second moving path to actuate
`the second switch;
`wherein when the free end of the operation bar is moved
`from the second moving path to the first moving path,
`the second switch is automatically and always first
`switched to the low rotation speed position; and
`wherein since the first moving path and the second
`moving path extends in different directions, a user is
`prevented from accidentally moving the operation bar
`from the first moving path to the second moving path,
`and from accidentally moving the operation bar from
`the second moving path to the first moving path,
`thereby ensuring the first and second switches are not
`inadvertently actuated.
`2. The shifting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are connected to
`form an L—shaped or an inverse L—shaped path.
`3. The shifting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are bridged by a
`connection path to form a U-shaped or an inverse U-shaped
`path.
`4. The shifting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are bridged by a
`connection path to form a erhaped or an inverse Z—shaped
`path.
`5. The shifting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are bridged by a
`connection path to form an N-shaped or an inverse N-shapcd
`path.
`6. The shifting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are bridged by a
`connection path to form an H—shaped path.
`7. 'l'he shifting mechanism of claim I, wherein when the
`free end of the operation bar is moved from the first moving
`
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`US 6,921,870 B2
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`path to the second moving path, the first switch is automati—
`cally and always first switched to a forward rotation posi-
`tion.
`
`8. The shifting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the guiding
`means is a plate having a continuous slot to restrict the
`operation bar to a moving path that includes at least the first
`moving path and the second moving path.
`9. A shifting mechanism mounted on an electric vehicle to
`couple with a first switch to control
`the first switch to
`selectively effect a forward rotation, and a reverse rotation of
`a vehicle motor of the electric vehicle, and to couple with a
`second switch to switch the second switch between a high
`rotation speed position and a low rotation speed position, to
`respectively effect a high rotation speed and a low rotation
`speed of the vehicle motor, comprising:
`an operation bar having a hand grip section on an upper
`end for users to move the operation bar, and a free
`lower end, wherein moving of the hand grip section
`causes one of the first and second switches to be
`actuated; and
`a guiding means fixedly mounted on the electric vehicle
`for restricting the free end of the operation bar to move
`reciprocally in a first moving path and a second moving
`path, the first moving path and the second moving path
`extending in different directions, the free end being
`allowed to move in the first moving path to actuate the
`first switch, and in the second moving path to actuate
`the second switch.
`
`2[J
`
`4n
`
`wherein when the free end of the operation bar is moved
`from the second moving path to the first moving path.
`the second switch is automatically and always first
`switched to the low rotation speed position; and
`wherein since the first moving path and the second
`moving path extends in difi'erent directions, a user is _
`prevented from accidentally moving the operation bar
`from the first moving path to the second moving path,
`and from accidentally moving the operation bar from
`the second moving path to the first moving path,
`thereby ensuring the first and second switches are not
`inadvertently actuated.
`10. The shifting mechanism of claim 9, wherein the
`operation bar has a boss.
`11. The shifting mechanism of claim 9, wherein the
`guiding means has a housing trough having a cross section
`corresponding to a shape of the boss to allow the operation
`bar to be movably located in the housing trough such that the
`operation bar is movable on a straight line in parallel with a
`path of the housing trough to allow the free end of the
`operation bar to shift between the first switch and the second
`switch.
`12. The shifting mechanism of claim 9, wherein the
`guiding means is a plate having a continuous slot to restrict
`the operation bar to a moving path that includes at least the
`first moving path and the second moving path.
`13. The shifting mechanism ofclaim 12, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are bridged by a
`connection path to form a U-shaped or an inverse U-shaped
`path.
`
`45
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`50
`
`55
`
`14. The shifting mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are connected to
`form an L-shaped or an inverse L-shaped path.
`15. The shifting mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are bridged by a
`connection path to form an N—shaped or an inverse N—shaped
`ath.
`p 16. The shifting mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are bridged by a
`connection path to form a Z—shaped or an inverse Z-shaped
`ath.
`p 17. The shifting mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first
`moving path and the second moving path are bridged by a
`connection path to form an II-shaped path.
`18. The shifting mechanism of claim 9, wherein when the
`free end of the operation bar is moved from the first moving
`path to the second moving path, the first switch is automati-
`cally and always first switched to a forward rotation posi-
`tion.
`
`19. A shifting mechanism mounted on an electric vehicle
`to couple with a first switch to control the first switch to
`selectively turn on or off a power supply transmission to a
`vehicle motor of the electric vehicle, and to couple with a
`second switch to switch the second switch between a for-
`
`to
`ward rotation position and a reverse rotation position,
`respectively effect a forward rotation and a reverse rotation
`of the vehicle motor, comprising:
`an operation bar having a hand grip section on an upper
`end for users to move the operation bar, and a free
`lower end, wherein moving of the hand grip section
`causes one of the first and second switches to be
`actuated; and
`a guiding means fixedly mounted on the electric vehicle
`for guiding the free end of the operation bar to move
`reciprocally in a first moving path and a second moving
`path, the first moving path and the second moving path
`extending in different directions, the free end being
`allowed to move in the first moving path to actuate the
`first switch, and in the second moving path to actuate
`the second;
`wherein when the free end of the operation bar is moved
`from the first moving path to the second moving path,
`the first switch is automatically and always first
`switched to turn on the power supply transmission; and
`wherein since the first moving path and the second
`moving path extends in different directions, a user is
`prevented from accidentally moving the operation bar
`from the first moving path to the second moving path,
`and from accidentally moving the operation bar from
`the second moving path to the first moving path,
`thereby ensuring the first and second switches are not
`inadvertently actuated.
`20. The shifting mechanism of claim 19. wherein when
`the free end of the operation bar is moved from the second
`moving path to the first moving path, the second switch is
`automatically and always first switched to a forward rotation
`position.
`
`16
`16
`
`