Claims:

1. A detachable reverse idler gear assembly (200) for a gearbox (100) of a vehicle, the assembly (200) comprising:
a cover plate (4) removably connectable to a housing (11) of the gearbox (100), wherein the cover plate (4) is defined with a mounting surface (4a) and an outer surface (4b);
a reverse idler gear (3) rotatably mounted on the mounting surface (4a), wherein the reverse idler gear (3) is structured to mesh with a set of gears within the gearbox (100) of the vehicle, when the cover plate (4) is connected to the housing of the gearbox (100).

2. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover plate (4) comprises a pair of arms (9) spaced apart from each other and extending from the mounting surface (4a) of the cover plate (4).

3. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pair of arms (9) extend in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface (4a) of the cover plate (4).

4. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the each of the pair of arms (9) is defined with apertures (9a).

5. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a shaft (5) accommodated by the pair of arms (9) through the apertures (9a) defined in the pair of arms (9),
wherein, the shaft (5) rotatably supports the reverse idler gear (3) through a bearing.

6. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover plate (4) is detachably connected to the gearbox (100) through a plurality of fasteners (6).

7. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of arms (9) of the cover plate (4) define an intervening space (10) between them and the intervening space (10) provides clearance for the rotation of the reverse idler gear (3).

8. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a retainer ring (8) for locking axial movement of the shaft (5) housed by the apertures (9a) of the pair of arms (9).

9. A gear box (100) for a vehicle, comprising:
a gearbox housing (11);
an input shaft (1) accommodated in the gearbox housing (11) and connectable to an output shaft of the vehicle, and a main shaft (1a) that houses a first set of gears;
a counter shaft (2) including a second set of gears meshingly coupled to the first set of gears of the main shaft (1a);
the gearbox housing (11) defined with a window (7) for detachably accommodating a reverse idler gear assembly (200), the assembly (200) comprising:
a cover plate (4) removably connectable to a housing of the gearbox (100), wherein the cover plate (4) is defined with a mounting surface (4a) and an outer surface (4b); and
a reverse idler gear (3) rotatably mounted on the mounting surface (4a), wherein the reverse idler gear (3) is structured to mesh with a set of gears within the gearbox (100) of the vehicle, when the cover plate (4) is connected to the housing of the gearbox (100).

10. The gear box (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cover plate (4) comprises a pair of arms (9) spaced apart from each other and extending from the mounting surface (4a) of the cover plate (4).

11. The gear box (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the each of the pair of arms (9) is defined with apertures (9a).

12. The gear box (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprises a shaft (5) accommodated by the pair of arms (9) through the apertures (9a) defined in the pair of arms (9);
wherein, the shaft (5) rotatably supports the reverse idler gear (3) through at bearing.

13. The gear box (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cover plate (4) is detachably connected to the gearbox (100) through a plurality of fasteners (6).

14. The gear box (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pair of arms (9) of the cover plate (4) define an intervening space (10) between them; and
the intervening space (10) provides clearance for the rotation of the reverse idler gear (3).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a gearbox of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a reverse idler gear assembly for the gearbox of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, automobiles are equipped with powertrain assembly for transmitting power generated by a prime mover i.e., engine or an electric motor to the wheels of the vehicle. The
powertrain assembly may comprise a transmission and clutch systems to facilitate engagement and disengagement of gears to control power or torque transferred to the wheels. Transmission or gearbox is equipped with a plurality of gears of different gear ratios, in order serve the needs of power requirement at various power bands of the vehicle. Further, the powertrain assembly may include propeller shafts, differential assembly, axle assembly and wheels. Among other components in the powertrain assembly, the transmission or gearbox plays a vital role in catering required torque during various operating conditions of the vehicle. Generally, vehicles may be equipped with different types of transmissions including, but not limiting to manual transmission, automatic transmission, and semi-automatic transmission to deliver wide range of torque values based on the requirement.

Conventional transmissions, or gearbox generally includes a main shaft and a counter shaft. The main shaft includes a first set of gears and is connected to an output shaft of the vehicle. The counter shaft also includes a second set of gears that are meshingly coupled to the first set of gears on the main shaft. The gearbox is defined by a housing. The main shaft and the counter shaft are enclosed and accommodated by the housing of the gearbox. Further, the gearbox also includes a reverse idler gear assembly. The reverse idler gear assembly includes a reverse idler gear in meshing engagement with a first set of gears on main shaft and the second set of gears mounted on the counter shaft. The reverse idler gear reverses the normal direction of rotation of the first set of gears mounted on the main shaft so that the automobile can be moved backwards. The reverse idler gear is often mounted on a reverse idler shaft which is separate from the main shaft and the counter shaft. Generally, the reverse idler shaft is accommodated by the housing of the gearbox.

Further, the reverse idler gear may wear out after a prolonged period of time or in some circumstances undergo failure due to excessive loads or other severe operational conditions. Consequently, the reverse idler gear and/or the reverse idler shaft may have to be replaced. Due to the constructional configuration of the gearbox, the reverse idler gear and the shaft may only be accessed after disassembling the gearbox and a clutch assembly from the vehicle. Technicians often have to initially disassemble the clutch assembly and the gearbox from the vehicle. Further, the housing of the gearbox has to be disassembled for accessing the main shaft and the counter shaft. Generally, a rear cover and a coupling flange of the housing are disassembled by loosening multiple fasteners for gaining access to the reverse idler gear assembly. The technician may subsequently, repair or replace the damaged components of the reverse idler gear assembly. Thus, the repair or replacement of components in the reverse idler gear assembly is often tedious and time consuming since, the technician has to initially disassemble the gearbox followed by the disassembly of the housing and the multiple shafts accommodated inside the housing for accessing the reverse idler gear assembly.

Once the access to the reverse idler gear assembly is gained by disassembling the housing (particularly the rear cover of the housing), the technician may remove the shaft along with a plurality of bearings. The technician may subsequently replace the shaft and/or the reverse idler gear. While assembling the shaft and the reverse idler gear, the technician has to align the bearings along with the spacers within the gearbox. The process of aligning the bearings along with the spacers within the gearbox is tricky and time consuming. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the overall operational and service costs in repairing or replacing the reverse idler gear assembly. Further, the assembly of the reverse idler gear assembly requires an additional sealing rings to avoid leakage of lubricating fluid from a rear side of the shaft. Also, the overall structural strength of the housing is significantly lesser since the load on the reverse idler gear is directly imparted to the housing of the gearbox.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above, or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional assembly or system are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the assembly and method as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a detachable reverse idler gear assembly for a gearbox of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a cover plate, which is removably connectable to a housing of the gearbox. The cover plate is defined with a mounting surface and an outer surface. Further, a reverse idler gear is rotatably mounted on the mounting surface. The reverse idler gear is structured to mesh with at least one gear within the gearbox of the vehicle where, the cover plate is connected to the housing of the gearbox.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cover plate comprises a pair of arms spaced apart from each other and extending from the mounting surface of the cover plate.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pair of arms extend in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the cover plate.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the each of the pair of arms is defined with apertures, and a shaft is accommodated by the pair of arms through the apertures defined in the pair of arms where, the shaft rotatably supports the reverse idler gear through at least one bearing.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cover plate is detachably connected to the gearbox through a plurality of fasteners.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pair of arms of the cover plate (4) define an intervening space between them the intervening space provides clearance for the rotation of the reverse idler gear.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a retainer ring is provided for supporting the shaft housed by the apertures of the pair of arms.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a gearbox housing is disclosed. The gearbox includes a main shaft with a first set of gears mounted on it. The main shaft acts as an output shaft of the vehicle accommodated in the gearbox housing. Further, a counter shaft including a second set of gears is meshingly coupled to the first set of gears of the main shaft. Further, the gearbox housing is defined with a window for detachably accommodating a reverse idler gear assembly. The assembly includes a cover plate, which is removably connectable to a housing of the gearbox. The cover plate is defined with a mounting surface and an outer surface. Further, a reverse idler gear is rotatably mounted on the mounting surface. The reverse idler gear is structured to mesh with at least one gear within the gearbox of the vehicle where, the cover plate is connected to the housing of the gearbox.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates perspective view of a gearbox with a detachable reverse idler gear assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional side view of the gearbox with the detachable reverse idler gear assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the detachable reverse idler gear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a cover plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a rear view of the cover plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the detachable reverse idler gear assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the detachable reverse idler gear assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figure depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the reverse idler gear assembly for the gearbox of the vehicle without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other assembly for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the device or mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a detachable reverse idler gear assembly for a gearbox of a vehicle. Conventionally, during maintenance an operator or technician often has to initially disassemble the gearbox from the vehicle for accessing the reverse idler gear assembly. The repair or replacement of components in the reverse idler gear assembly is often tedious and time consuming since, the technician has to disassemble the gearbox followed by the disassembly of the housing and the multiple shafts accommodated inside the housing. Further, while assembling the shaft and the reverse idler gear, the technician has to align the bearings along with the spacers within the gearbox. The process of aligning the bearings along with the spacers within the gearbox is complicated and time consuming. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the overall operational and service costs in repairing or replacing the reverse idler gear assembly.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a detachable reverse idler gear assembly for a gearbox of a vehicle. The assembly includes a cover plate which is removably connectable to a housing of the gearbox. The cover plate is defined with a mounting surface and an outer surface. The cover plate also includes a pair of arms spaced apart from each other and extend from the mounting surface of the cover plate. The pair of arms extend in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the cover plate and each of the pair of arms is defined with apertures. A shaft is accommodated by the pair of arms through the apertures defined in the pair of arms where, the shaft rotatably supports the reverse idler gear through at least one bearing. Further, a reverse idler gear is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The reverse idler gear is structured to mesh with two gears within the gearbox of the vehicle. The cover plate is detachably connected to the gearbox through a plurality of fasteners.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 and 7. In the figures, neither the complete vehicle nor the engine has been shown for the purpose of simplicity.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a perspective view and a side view respectively, of a gearbox (100) with a detachable reverse idler gear assembly (200). The gearbox (100) may include a housing (11) for accommodating various components of the gearbox (100). The housing (11) may be mounted onto a vehicle body through a suitable means. The gearbox (100) includes a input shaft (1) disposed in the housing (11) and is connectable to a crankshaft or an outputs shaft of a prime mover such an engine through clutch system or electric motor. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the input shaft (1) is coupled to the engine of the vehicle through clutch system. Further, the main shaft (1a) may be housed within the input shaft (1) to define a single member or a single shaft. The main shaft (1a) includes a first set of gears, which are configured to rotate along with the main shaft (1a). The main shaft (1a) and the first set of gears are configured to rotate at different speeds as the speed of rotation of the crank shaft from the engine. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first set of gears mounted on the main shaft (1a) are configured with varying pitch circle diameters and number of teeth to vary gearing ratios of the main shaft (1a).

The gearbox (100) further includes a counter shaft (2) disposed parallel to the main shaft (1a) in the housing (11). The counter shaft (2) accommodates a second set of gears. The second set of gears may be in the form of forward driven gears and reverse gear (3c) with the help of reverse idler gear (3). The second set of gears on the counter shaft (2) are configured to be in constant mesh with the first set of gears of the input shaft (1). The second set of gears mounted on the counter shaft (2) are configured with varying pitch circle diameters and number of teeth to vary the transmission of torque from the counter shaft (2). Further, the reverse idler gear (3) is meshed with both first set of gears on main shaft (8) and second set of gears mounted on the counter shaft (2). The reverse idler gear (107) is configured to rotate the reverse gear (9) mounted on main shaft (1a) in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the input shaft (1) when vehicle is required to move in a reverse direction. The reverse idler gear (3) is a part of a reverse idler gear assembly (200) and the reverse idler gear assembly (200) is detachably mounted to the housing (11).

The housing (11) of the gearbox (100) may be defined with a window (7) for accommodating the reverse idler gear assembly (200). The window (7) may be a cutout defined to the housing (11) for accessing the second set of gears mounted on the counter shaft (2). Further, the window (7) defined to the housing (11) may be defined along a lower region of the housing (11) such that the reverse idler gear (3) when positioned inside the window (7), meshes with reverse gear (3c) on main shaft (1a) and counter shaft gear [seen from Fig. 2]. In an embodiment, the window (7) may be of a rectangular shape. The dimensions of the window (7) may be greater than the dimensions of the reverse idler gear (3). Further configuration of the reverse idler gear assembly (200) is explained in detail below.

Fig. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the detachable reverse idler gear assembly (200). The reverse idler gear assembly (200) includes a cover plate (4) which is removably connectable to the housing (11) of the gearbox (100). The reverse idler gear assembly (200) also includes the reverse idler gear (3) defied with a plurality of teeth. The teeth of the reverse idler gear (3) are defined to be meshingly coupled with reverse gear mounted on main shaft (1a) and counter shaft gear . The reverse idler gear (3) may be defined with a bearing (3b) on either ends. Further, the reverse idler gear (3) may be defined with a central aperture (3a) for accommodating a shaft (5). The shaft (5) may be of a cylindrical shape defined with groove /slot on one end and a flange on the other end. The shaft (5) may be configured to support the reverse idler gear (3) by at least one bearings. In an embodiment, the bearings may be needle roller bearings and may be accommodate between the central aperture (3a) of the reverse idler gear (3) and an outer surface of the shaft (5). The bearings may facilitate the rotation of the reverse idler gear (3) over the shaft (5). The reverse idler gear assembly (200) also includes a retainer rings (8). The retainer rings (8) may be of dimensions equivalent to the dimensions of the bearing (3b) defined on either ends of the reverse idler gear (3). The retainer ring (8) may also be defined with an aperture of dimensions equal to that of the central aperture (3a) of the reverse idler gear (3). The retainer ring (8) may be provided to lock the shaft (5). Further, the cover plate (4) of the reverse idler gear assembly (200) is explained in detail below.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrates a top perspective view and a bottom view of a cover plate (4) respectively. The cover plate (4) is defined with a mounting surface (4a) and an outer surface (4b). Shape of the cover plate (4) may be configured to be similar to the shape of the window (7) defined to the housing (11) of the gearbox (100). The cover plate (4) includes a pair of arms (9) that are spaced apart from each other. The distance between the pair of arms (9) may be slightly greater that the thickness of the reverse idler gear (3). The pair of arms (9) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface (4a) for a pre-determined height. Further, the pair of arms (9) may be of a circular triangular shape with the top end of the circular triangle being defined by a circular arc edge. The top end of the pair of arms (9) may be defined with apertures (9a) that extend along a first axis (A-A) of the cover plate (4) in a direction parallel to the mounting surface (4a) of the cover plate (4). Further, the circumference of the apertures (9a) in the pair of arms (9) may be concentric to the circular arc edge at the top end of the pair of arms (9). The region extending between the pair of arms (9) may be defined by an intervening space (10). The intervening space (10) may be defined to the mounting surface (4a) of the cover plate (4). Further, the surface of the intervening space (10) may be lowered from the mounting surface (4a) and may extend laterally along the cover plate (4). The intervening space (10) may be defined with a curved surface and the diameter of the curved surface may be slightly greater than the diameter of the reverse idler (3). The curvature of the intervening space (10) may conform to the curvature of the reverse idler gear (3). Further, the circumference of the intervening space (10) may be concentric to the circumference of the reverse idler (3). The intervening space (10) is configured such that a significant tolerance for the rotation of the reverse idler (3) is offered. The cover plate (4) is defined with a plurality of threaded holes (6a) for accommodating a plurality of fasteners (6). The window (7) defined in the housing (11) of the gearbox (100) may also be defined with threaded holes for receiving the fasteners (6). A boundary region of the window (7) may be defined with the plurality of through holes (7a) for accommodating the fasteners (6). Thus, the through holes (6a and 7a) of the cover plate (4) and the window (7) defined to the housing (11) along with the plurality of fasteners (6), enable the mounting of the reverse idler gear assembly (200) to the housing (11) of the gearbox (100).

Fig. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the detachable reverse idler gear assembly (200) and Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the detachable reverse idler gear assembly (200) in an assembled state. The reverse idler gear assembly (200) may initially be removed from the housing by loosening and removing the fasteners (6) from the threaded holes defined along the boundary of the window (7) and the through holes (6a) in the cover plate (4). Further, once, the reverse idler gear assembly (200) is disassembled form the housing (11) of the gearbox (100), the shaft (5) and the reverse idler gear (3) may be repaired or replaced. The reverse idler gear assembly (200) may be disassembled from the housing (11) of the gearbox (100) without removing the gearbox (100) from the vehicle itself. Further, the retainer rings (8) may initially be aligned with the bearings (3b) of the reverse idler gear (3). The retainer rings (8) may be positioned between an outer surface of the pair of arms (9) and the shaft groove (5) defined at one end of the reverse idler gear (3). Thus, the retainer rings (8) and the reverse idler gear (3) may be configured to extend along the first axis (A-A). The retainer rings (8) may lock the axial and the rotational movement of the shaft (5). Subsequently, the shaft (5) may be inserted through the apertures (9a) defined to the pair of arms (9). The shaft (5) may be inserted to pass through the apertures defined to the retainer rings (8) and the central aperture (3a) of the reverse idler gear (3). The shaft (5) may be accommodated in the apertures (9a) of the pair of arms (9). The flange defined on the other end of the shaft (5) prevents the shaft (5) from passing through the apertures (9a) of the pair of arms (9). The reverse idler gear assembly (200) may further be assembled to the housing (11) of the gearbox (100). The cover plate (4) may initially be aligned such that the mounting surface (4a) of the cover plate (4) lies proximal to the window (7) of the housing (11). The cover plate (4) of the reverse idler gear assembly (200) may also be aligned such that the through holes (6a) of the cover plate (4) are aligned with the threaded holes (7a) defined along the boundary region of the window (7). Further, the cover plate (4) along with the reverse idler gear (3) is assembled such that the reverse idler gear (3) meshes with set of gears mounted on the counter shaft (2) and main shaft (1a). After the alignment of the reverse idler gear assembly (200), the fasteners (6) may be screwed through the threaded holes (6a and 7a) of the cover plate (4) and the window (7) defined in the housing (11). Thus, the cover plate (4) may be detachably accommodated to the housing (11) of the gearbox (100) through the plurality of fasteners (6). The above configuration of the reverse idler gear assembly (200) may be assembled and disassembled from the housing (11) of the gearbox (100), without removing the gearbox (100) form the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the reverse idler gear assembly (200) may be disassembled and reassembled without removing the gearbox or the clutch assembly form the vehicle. In an embodiment, the shaft (5), the reverse idler gear (3) or any other components of the reverse idler gear assembly (200) may be replaced by only draining the oil in the gearbox (100) and by disassembling the reverse idler gear assembly (200). In an embodiment, the service costs, and the service time in repairing or replacing components on the reverse idler gear assembly (200) may be drastically reduced due to the above configuration of the gearbox (100) and the reverse idler gear assembly (200). In an embodiment, the process of repairing or replacing components on the reverse idler gear assembly (200) is simplified since, the reverse idler gear assembly (200) can individually be disassembled from the gearbox (100) for repair. In an embodiment, the window (7) defined in the housing (11) of the gearbox (100) provides access for regular inspection of the main shaft (1a), the counter shaft (2) and the corresponding set of gears without the disassembling the gearbox (100). In an embodiment, load from the reverse idler gear (3) is imparted onto the cover plate (4). The load on the cover plate (4) is further uniformly distributed throughout the cover plate (4) and to the fasteners (6) of the cover plate (4). The area offered by the cover plate (4) for the load distribution from the reverse idler gear (3), decreases the stresses on the housing (11) and thereby improves the overall structural stiffness of the gearbox (100).

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:

Referral numerals Description
1 Input shaft
1a Main shaft
2 Counter shaft
3 Reverse idler gear
3a Central aperture
3b Bearing
3c Reverse gear
4 Cover plate
4a Mounting surface
4b Outer surface
5 Shaft
6 Fasteners
7 Window
6a, 7a Threaded holes
8 Retainer ring
9 Pair of arms
9a Apertures
10 Intervening space
11 Housing
500 Convectional gearbox
100 Gearbox
200 Reverse idler gear assembly