FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]
TITLE: “A HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY FOR A
VEHICLE”
Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay
House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Nationality: INDIAN
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION
Present disclosure relates in general to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to driver ergonomics. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a gear shift lever for a vehicle, having a height adjustable feature.
BACKGROUND
Driver ergonomics focuses on comfort and posture of a driver in a vehicle. Driver’s comfort and posture mainly depends on the seating position and the accessibility of all the controls suited for a particular driving position in order to not strain body of the driver.
With advancements in technologies, many ergonomic features have been introduced by the automotive manufactures to improve comfort and safety of vehicle users. Some the features may include seat adjustments in the vehicle, that allow the driver or commuters to adjust height and position of the seats, provide suitable mechanisms which enable the tilt and telescopic adjustment of the steering columns. However, during driving of the vehicle,
driver may frequently shift gears often by actuating a gear shift lever provided inside a cabin of the vehicle. Further, heavy traffic conditions which involve constant stop and go circumstances, also increases the frequency at which the drivers shift gears. Also, drivers may find it difficult to drive in mountainous terrain, since manoeuvring large trucks or vehicle around steep curves also requires the driver to constantly shift gears. Operating a manual transmission requires the driver to apply force to the gear knob to assure that the transmission is firmly engaged in the desired gear. Accordingly, shifting gears may often cause significant, repetitive stress on muscles that control motions of the driver's wrist, elbow and shoulder. Prolonged and continuous operation of gear levers often contributes to driver fatigue and can sometimes lead to injury.
Further, since the height and arm-length or the reach may not be always same for all of the drivers, the location or length of the gear shift lever may not be ideal for a particular driver since the length of the gear shift lever always remains fixed in conventional vehicles. Thus, the location of the gear shift lever and the distance through which the lever must be pushed or pulled is often dependent on the shape of the vehicle and the design of the transmission. As a result, drivers may not be able to make any ergonomic adjustments to the gear shift lever and are forced to operate the gear shift lever in an already fixed position, which is undesired.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with prior arts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One or more shortcomings of the conventional system or device are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the assembly as claimed in the present disclosure.
In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a gear shift lever assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a first member defined with a plurality of slots and a plurality of deformable members on the first end of the first member. A second member is accommodated by a pin which is engaged through the plurality of slots of the first member allowing the movement of the pin along the plurality of slots of the first member resulting in relative movement between the second member and the first member. The deformable members are operable to selectively engage with the second member to lock position of the second member relative to the first member.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of deformable members are separated by slits, extending longitudinally and along a periphery of the first end of the first member.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of slots include at least one longitudinal slot and a plurality of lateral slots extending from the at least one longitudinal slot.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the movement of the pin through the longitudinal slot enables the relative longitudinal movement between the first member and the second member. The movement of the pin through the lateral slots enables relative rotational motion between the first member and the second member.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, each of the plurality of lateral slots are defined with a depression and the depression is configured to accommodate the pin.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pin is removably accommodated in a hole defined at a substantially bottom portion of the first member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a locking protrusion is defined on an outer surface of the first member, proximal to the plurality of deformable members.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the locking protrusion comprises one of a threaded arrangement or a snap fit arrangement.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, a locking member structured to engage with the locking protrusion relative to position of the first member and configured to confine the deformable members for engaging the deformable members with a peripheral surface of the second member.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, height of the gear shift knob is increased or decreased by the relative longitudinal movement between the first member and second member.
In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a vehicle comprising a height adjustable gear shift lever assembly is disclosed. The shift lever assembly includes a first member defined with a plurality of slots and a plurality of deformable members on the first end of the first member. A second member is movably accommodated in the first member and the second member is configured to receive a pin through one slot of the plurality of slots to position of the second member relative to the first member. The deformable members are operable to selectively engage with a portion of the second member to lock position of the second member relative to the first member.
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.
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 characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further advantages, 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:
Figure. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a gear shift lever assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
Figure. 2 illustrates a partially assembled front view of the gear shift lever assembly in an un¬locked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
Figure. 3 illustrates an assembled perspective view of the gear shift lever assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
Figure. 4 illustrates an assembled front view of the gear shift lever assembly in a locked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the 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 mechanism for operating a tailgate of a vehicle illustrated herein may be employed 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 embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other devices 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 spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic 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 embodiment thereof has 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 alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a 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.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1-4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. One skilled in the art would appreciate the component disclosed in the claims may be any component which may be used in machinery but not limiting to vehicle, turbines, fans, manufacturing machines and the like.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate an exploded view and a perspective view of a gear shift lever assembly (100) [hereinafter referred to as assembly] for a vehicle, respectively. The assembly (100) may include a first member (1). The first member (1) may include a first end (1a) and a second end (1b), where the second end (1b) may be adapted to engage with a shifting fork (not shown in figures) of a transmission (not shown in figures). Further, the first member (1) may be defined with a plurality of slots (4) [hereinafter referred to as the slots]. In an implementation, the slots (4) may be defined in portion of the first member (1), between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b). In another implementation, the slots (4) may include at least one longitudinal slot (4b) [hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal slot] and a plurality of lateral slots (4a) [hereinafter referred to as the lateral slots], which extend from the

longitudinal slot (4b). The longitudinal slot (4b) may be a cut out that may be defined in a direction which is parallel to a first axis (A-A). Further, the lateral slots (4a) may be configured to extend from the longitudinal slot (4b). The lateral slots (4a) may be defined in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal slots (4b) and the lateral slots (4a) may extend circumferentially around the axis the first axis (A-A). In an implementation, each of the plurality of lateral slots (4a) extending from the longitudinal slot (4b) may be parallel to each other and may be equidistantly positioned away from each other. In an implementation, each of the lateral slots (4a) may be defined with a depres sion (4c) at one of the ends. The depression (4c) may be defined at an end of the lateral slots (4a) which lies opposite to the end that merges with the longitudinal slot (4b). The depression (4c) may extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction in which the lateral slots (4a) extend. The depression (4c) may be small extension or cutout of each of the lateral slots (4a) that extend downwardly from each of the lateral slots (4a).
Referring further to Figures. 1 and 2, the assembly (100) may include a locking protrusion (7) which may be defined on an outer surface (1o) of the first member (1). In an implementation, the locking protrusion (7) may be defined on the outer surface (1o) proximal to the first end (1a) of the first member (1). In an implementation, the locking protrusion (7) may include at least a threaded arrangement or a snap fit arrangement.
Further, a plurality of deformable members (5) [hereinafter referred to as the deformable members] may be defined in the first member (1). The deformable members (5) may be defined to extend from the first end (1a) of the first member (1). Further, the deformable members (5) are defined to extend along a peripheral region at the first end (1a) of the first member (1). In an implementation, the deformable members (5) may be separated from each other by slits (5s). In a preferable and non-limiting implementation, there may be at least four deformable members (5c) which are separated by two slits (5s), however the same cannot be construed as a limitation since the number of deformable members (5) may be more than or less than four deformable members (5). The deformable members (5) may extend in the direction of the first axis (A-A). The deformable members (5) in this implementation may be configured to extend at a pre-determined angle from the first end (1a) of the first member (1) such that the deformable members (5) may eventually converge towards the first axis (A-A).
Referring back to Figure 1, the assembly (100) includes a second member (2). The second member (2) may be defined by a top end (2a) and a bottom end (2b). In an implementation, the

top end (2a) of the second member (2) may include a gear knob (10), which may be used by a user to operate the gear shift lever assembly (100) to change gears based on requirement. In an implementation, as seen in Figure 2, the second member (2) may be movably accommodated in the first member (1) by a pin (3) which may engaged through the plurality of slots (4) of the first member (1) such that, the movement of the pin (3) is allowed along the plurality of slots (4), thereby resulting in relative movement between the second member (2) and the first member (1). Further, the second member (2) may be defined with a cavity (6) which may be configured to receive a pin (3) through the plurality of slots (4), to position the second member (2) relative to the first member (1). The pin (3) may abut to the one slot of the plurality of slots (4) to facilitate positioning of the second member (2) relative to the first member (1). Further, as seen in Figure 3, the pin (3) may be configured to traverse along the slot of the plurality of slots (4) and may be accommodated in the depression (4c) defined in the slot (4) such that, the circumferential movement of the second member (2) is prevented which thereby aids in firm positioning of the second member (2) relative to the first member (1). In an implementation, the second member (2) may be rotatable along a clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction with the first member (1) when the pin (3) is accommodated or positioned in one of the lateral slots (4a). Rotation of the second member (2) in one of the clockwise direction or anti-clockwise direction may cause the pin (3) to be traversed into the depression (4c) or into the longitudinal slot (4b). The second member (2) is also traversable along the first axis (A-A) when the pin (3) is accommodated in the longitudinal slot (4b). The second member (2) may be traversed vertically within the second member (2). The second member (2) may be initially rotated till the pin (3) travels from the lateral slots (4a) into the longitudinal slots (4b). Subsequently, the second member (2) may be moved upwardly or downwardly to traverse the second member (2) vertically along the first axis (A-A) for varying the overall height of the assembly (100). In an implementation, the movement of the pin (3) through the longitudinal slot (4b), enables the relative longitudinal movement between the first member (1) and the second member (2). In an implementation, the pin (3) may be positioned (thus, coupled) to the cavity (6) of the second member (2) through one of threaded connection or snap fit connection.
In an implementation, the assembly (100) may include a locking member (8). The locking member (8) may include a locking section (9) which may be one of threaded arrangement or snap fit arrangement. The locking section may be defined in an inner surface (8i) of the locking member (8). Upon positioning the second member (2) relative to first member (1) and engaging the pin (3) with the second member (2) through the slot (4) of the plurality of slots (4), the

locking member (8) may be configured to engage with the locking protrusion (7) on the first member (1), such that, the locking may confine the deformable members (5) for engaging the deformable members (5) with a peripheral surface of the second member (2) for locking the second member (2) with the first member (1) relative to position of the second member (2) with the first member (1).
In an implementation, a region of the locking member (8) above the locking section (9) may be defined with a conical shape. This conical shaped section of the locking member (8) may be configured to abut an outer surface (5o) of the deformable members (5) in the first member (1). The inner surface (8i) of the locking member (8) and particularly, the threads of the locking section (9) in the locking member (8) may engage with the locking protrusion (7). The conical shaped region/section above the locking section (9) of the locking member (8) may abut the outer surface (5o) of the deformable members (5). The diameter at the inner surface (8i) of the locking member (8) is greater than the diameter of the second member (2) at the outer surface of the second member (2). The locking member (8) may be insertable into the second member (2) and the locking member (8) is traversable along the first axis (A-A). As the locking member (8) engages with the locking protrusion (7), the conical shaped section of the locking member (8) presses against the deformable members (5) and distorts the deformable members (5) towards the second member (2). The deformable members (5) deform and engage with the outer surface of the second member (2). Consequently, the rotation and liner movement of the second member (2) is restricted. In an implementation, the configuration of the locking protrusion (7) must not be considered as a limitation and any arrangement which couples the locking member (8) to the locking protrusion (7) may be configured.
In an implementation, the working of the assembly (100) is explained with greater detail below. For varying the height of the assembly (100), the user may initially disengage the locking member (8) from the locking protrusion (7). Disengaging the locking member (8) and may release/disengage the deformable members (5) from the second member (2). Consequently, the second member (2) is free to rotate or is traversable along the vertical direction. resulting in relative movement or rotational motion between the first member (1) and the second member (2). After disengaging the locking member (8), the second member (2) may initially be rotated such that the cavity (6) lies adjacent to one of the lateral slots (4a). Subsequent to aligning the cavity (6) in the lateral slots (4a), the pin (3) may be fastened into the cavity (6) for securing the second member (2) with the first member (1). Subsequently, the second member (2) may

be rotated along the first axis (A-A) such that the pin (3) travels in the lateral slot (4a) and is accommodated in the depression (4c) at one end of the later slot (4a).
For varying the height of the assembly (100), the second member (2) may be partially lifted upwardly for dislocating the pin (3) which is engaged in the depression (4c) of one of the plurality of slots (4). Subsequently, the second member (2) is rotated along the first axis (A-A) and the pin (3) is traversed from the lateral slot (4a), enabling relative rotational motion between the first member (1) and the second member (2), to the longitudinal slot (4b). Once the pin (3) is brought into the longitudinal slot (4b), the height of the assembly (100) is adjusted by pulling/operating the second member (2) in the upward/downward direction along the first axis (A-A), as the movement of the pin (3) through the longitudinal slot (4b) enables the relative longitudinal movement between the first member (1) and the second member (2). Subsequent, to adjusting the height of the second member (2), the user may rotate the second member (2) into the corresponding/nearest lateral slot (4a). The pin (3) is thus traversed from the longitudinal slot (4b) into the nearest/corresponding lateral slot (4a). The second member (2) may further be rotated till the pin (3) is traversed from the lateral slot (4a) into the depression (4c) at one of the ends of the lateral slot (4a). Thus, the pin (3) is locked/restricted within the depression (4c) and the rotation of the second member (2) is restricted/locked. Further, the locking member (8) is further engaged with the locking protrusion (7) and the conical shaped section of the locking member (8) engages with the deformable members (5). The deformable members (5) are thus engaged with the second member (2) and the liner/vertical movement of the second member (2) along the first axis (A-A) is restricted. In an implementation, the pin (3) may be telescopically accommodated in the cavity (6) through a biasing member. The pin (3) may retreat into the cavity (6) when a force beyond a pre-determined limit is applied onto the pin (3). In an implementation, the pin (3) may be removably coupled in the cavity (6) through any known mechanisms.
In an implementation, the vertical/linear movement of the assembly (100) is achieved, and the accessibility of the gear knob (10) may be suitably varied according to the user’s comfort and reach. Thus, by imparting a vertical movement of the assembly (100), the user can change the position of the assembly (100) according to individual comfort. Consequently, the user could reduce fatigue and avoid long term health issues. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the assembly (100) can be easily configured between the existing gear shaft and the gear knob (10).

The assembly (100) provides a simple arrangement for improving the ergonomics of the lever (101) without any modifications to the transmission, gear box or the chassis of the vehicle.
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 numeral Detailed description
1 First member
1a First end
1b Second end
1o Outer surface of the first member
2 Second member
2a Top end
2b Bottom end
3 Pin
4 Slots
4a Lateral slots
4b Longitudinal slots
4c Depression
5 Deformable members
5s Slits
5o Outer surface of the deformable members
6 Cavity
7 Locking protrusion
8 Locking member

8i Inner surface of the locking member
9 Locking section
10 Gear knob
100 Lever

We Claim:
1. A gear shift lever assembly (100) for a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a first member (1) defined with a plurality of slots (4) and a plurality of deformable members (5) on a first end (1a) of the first member (1); and
a second member (2) accommodated by a pin (3) which is engaged through the plurality of slots (4) of the first member (1) allowing the movement of the pin (3) along the plurality of slots (4) of the first member (1) resulting in relative movement between the second member (2) and the first member (1),
2. wherein, the deformable members (5) are operable to selectively engage with the second member (2) to lock position of the second member (2) relative to the first member (1).The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of deformable members (5) are separated by slits (5s), extending longitudinally and along a periphery of the first end (1a) of the first member (1).
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots (4) include at least one longitudinal slot (4b) and a plurality of lateral slots (4a) extending from the at least one longitudinal slot (4b).
4. The assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the movement of the pin (3) through the longitudinal slot (4b) enables the relative longitudinal movement between the first member (1) and the second member (2); and
the movement of the pin (3) through the lateral slots (4a) enables relative rotational motion between the first member (1) and the second member (2).
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of lateral slots (4a) are defined with a depression (4c) and the depression (4c) is configured to accommodate the pin (3).
6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pin (3) is removably accommodated in a hole (6) defined at a substantially second end (1b) of the first member (1).
7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a locking protrusion (7) defined on an outer surface (1o) of the first member (1), proximal to the plurality of deformable members (5).

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking protrusion (7) comprises one of a threaded arrangement or a snap fit arrangement.
9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a locking member (8) structured to engage with the locking protrusion (7) relative to position of the first member (1) and configured to confine the deformable members (5) for engaging the deformable members (5) with a peripheral surface of the second member (2).
10. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the height of the gear shift knob (10) is increased or decreased by the relative longitudinal movement between the first member (1) and second member (2).
11. A vehicle comprising a height adjustable gear shift lever assembly (100), the shift lever assembly (100) comprising:
a first member (1) defined with a plurality of slots (4) and a plurality of deformable members (5) on a first end (la) of the first member (1); and
a second member (2), movably accommodated in the first member (1), the second member (2) is configured to receive a pin (3) through one slot (4) of the plurality of slots (4) to position of the second member (2) relative to the first member (1), wherein, the deformable members (5) are operable to selectively engage with a portion of the second member (2) to lock position of the second member (2) relative to the first member (1).