Claims:We claim:

1. An ergonomic arrangement (100) for a gear shift lever (101), the arrangement (100) comprising:
a first bracket (3) integrally defined with a socket (2), wherein the socket (2) facilitates connection of the first bracket (3) with a gear shaft (1);
a second bracket (4) positioned perpendicular to the first bracket (3), wherein the second bracket (4) and the first bracket (3) are connectable through a central bolt (5);
a position adjuster (6) defined with a plurality of provisions (12) is connectable with the second bracket (4);
a tube (8) capable of slidably accommodating a threaded shaft (9), wherein the threaded shaft (9) is mounted with a gear knob (10);
wherein, the plurality of provisions (12) in the position adjuster (6) facilitates change in position of the gear shift lever (101) along in the horizontal direction, and the central bolt (5) is operable to adjust angular position of the gear shift lever (101).

2. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear shaft (1) is connected to the first bracket (3) through one or more fasteners (13).

3. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threaded shaft (9) is configured to slidably move in the tube (8) for varying the height of the gear knob (10).

4. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the socket (2) comprises one or more holes (11) for accommodating a plurality of welded nuts (11) on a surface of the socket (2).

5. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more bolts (13) corresponding to the one or more welded nuts (19) are operable to facilitate rotation of the gear shift lever (101) along a central longitudinal axis (C) of the socket (2).

6. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first nut (17) corresponding to the central bolt (5), wherein the first perpendicular nut (17) is operable to facilitate the rotation of the second bracket (4) along the first linear axis (A).

7. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a second nut (18) corresponding to the central bolt (5), wherein the second nut (18) is operable to facilitate the rotation of the second bracket (4) along the second linear axis (B).

8. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of provisions (12) defined on the position adjuster (6) are at least one of varying in distance and equidistant.

9. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and the second bracket (3 and 4) are of an L shape.

10. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second bracket (4) and the position adjuster (6) are connected by at least one of the tube (8) and the fastener.

Dated 10th day of January 2020

Gopinath Arenur Shankararaj
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]

TITLE: “AN ERGONOMIC ARRANGEMENT FOR A GEAR SHIFT LEVER”

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

The 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 an ergonomic arrangement for a gear shift lever of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Driver ergonomics focuses on the comfort and the health aspects of drive in a vehicle. Comfort and safety are few of the major considerations in the purchase of a new vehicle and features that add to the safety of the vehicle make driving easier and more comfortable. Further, the driver comfort directly impacts the driver’s productivity and long-term health. The drivers comfort mainly depends on the seating position and the accessibility of all the controls suited for a particular driving position.

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 to adjust the height and position of the seats. The seats of the vehicles may be provided with suitable mechanisms that allow the variation of the distance and the angle at which the seat is oriented, thereby allowing the driver to easily access the controls in the vehicle. Automotive manufactures also provide suitable mechanisms which enable the tilt and telescopic adjustment of the steering columns. Further, many vehicles are also provided with adjustable throttle, brake, and clutch pedals to allow the driver to comfortably operate the vehicle. The above-mentioned features play an important role in improving the overall driver comfort and safety. Improved driver comfort and driving conditions further enhance the driver’s productivity and enable the drivers to operate the vehicle for a prolonged period of time with minimal impact towards the long-term health of the driver.

During normal operation, a driver may shift gears plenty of times in an hour. Further, heavy traffic conditions which involve constant stop and go circumstances, the frequency at which the drivers shift gears may drastically increase. Also, drivers may find it difficult to drive in mountainous environments, since manoeuvring large trucks or vehicle around steep curves also requires the driver to constantly shift gears. Further, there may be drivers who often operate vehicles up to ten hours per day. 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 and angle of the gear shift lever may not be ideal for a particular driver since the location 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 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. Also, in the conventional vehicle the angle of the gear knob with respect to the driver's wrist is fixed and cannot be adjusted to accommodate the shape of a driver’s hand or the driver's range of comfortable motion. Further, the gear shift levers in conventional vehicles such as commercial and passenger vehicles are often placed far away from the reach of the driver. Consequently, drivers’ often have to lean forward in order to operate the gear shift lever.

Conventionally, ergonomic adjustments to the gear shift lever was achieved by providing bulky mechanisms. Further, major modifications to the gear box ant the transmission were to be made for providing ergonomic adjustments to the gear shift lever. Additionally, automotive manufacturer may often be forced to redesign the location of the transmission within the vehicle. Apart from redesigning the location of the transmission, the manufacturers also have to find a method to suitably house all the surrounding components around the transmission which might further lead to the redesigning of the chassis or body of the vehicle. Thus, the conventional mechanisms which provide limited ergonomic adjustments to the gear shift lever are often very bulky. Consequently, the manufacturer is also compelled to design a transmission which is compact in size so that the mechanisms which enable the ergonomic adjustments to the gear shift lever may be suitably accommodated. Also redesigning of the transmission or the chassis of the vehicle often leads to a significant increase in the overall cost of the vehicle.

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 device as claimed in the present disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an ergonomic arrangement for a gear shift lever is disclosed. The ergonomic arrangement allows the gear shift lever to be adjusted in all the three axes and also allows a set angular movements for the gear shift lever. The arrangement includes a first bracket integrally defined with a socket, where the socket facilitates connection of the first bracket with a gear shaft. Further, a second bracket is positioned perpendicular to the first bracket and the second bracket and the first bracket are connectable through a central bolt. A position adjuster defined with a plurality of provisions is connectable with the second bracket. Further, a tube capable of slidably accommodating a threaded shaft is provided and the threaded shaft is further mounted with a gear knob. The plurality of provisions of the position adjuster facilitates change in position of the gear shift lever in the horizontal direction. Further, the central bolt is operable to adjust angular position of the gear shift lever.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the gear shaft is connected to the first bracket through one or more bolts.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the threaded shaft is configured to slidably move in the tube for varying the height of the gear knob.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the socket comprises one or more holes for accommodating a plurality of welded nuts on a surface of the socket.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more bolts corresponding to the one or more welded nuts are operable to facilitate rotation of the gear shift lever along a central longitudinal axis of the socket.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a first perpendicular nut corresponding to the central bolt is provided. The first nut is operable to facilitate the rotation of the second bracket along the first linear axis.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a second nut corresponding to the central bolt is provided. The second nut is operable to facilitate the rotation of the second bracket along the second linear axis.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of provisions defined on the position adjuster are at least one of varying distance and equidistant.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first and the second bracket are of L shape.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second bracket and the position adjuster are connected by at least one of the tube and the fastener.

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:

Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an ergonomic arrangement for a gear shift lever of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates an assembled perspective view of an ergonomic arrangement for a gear shift lever of Fig. 1, where the gear shift lever is positioned at the fist provision of the position adjuster.

Fig. 3 illustrates an assembled perspective view of an ergonomic arrangement for a gear shift lever of Fig. 1, where the gear shift lever is positioned at the last provision of the position adjuster.

Fig. 4 illustrates an assembled right-side view of an ergonomic arrangement for a gear shift lever of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 illustrates an assembled front view of an ergonomic arrangement for a gear shift lever of Fig. 1.

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 system 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 an arrangement for improving the ergonomics of a gear shift lever. Conventionally, the location of the gear shift lever and the angle at which the gear shift lever is oriented always remained fixed. As a result, drivers may not be able to make any ergonomic adjustments to the gear shift lever and may be forced to operate the gear shift lever in an already fixed position. Accordingly, shift lever which may be located far away from the reach of the driver, often causes significant, repetitive strain on muscles that control motions of the driver's wrist and elbow. Thus, prolonged and continuous operation of gear levers often contribute to driver fatigue and cause injuries.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses an ergonomic arrangement for a gear shift lever of the vehicle. The ergonomic arrangement allows the gear shift lever to be adjusted in all the three axes and also allows angular movements for the gear shift lever. The arrangement includes a first bracket integrally defined with a socket, where the socket facilitates connection of the first bracket with a gear shaft. Further, the arrangement includes a second bracket which is positioned perpendicular to the first bracket, and the second bracket and the first bracket are connectable through a central bolt. There is a position adjuster defined with a plurality of provisions oriented in a horizontal direction and is connectable with the second bracket. Further, the arrangement has a tube capable of movably accommodating a threaded shaft which is further mounted with a gear knob. The plurality of provisions of the position adjuster facilitates the movement of the gear shift lever in the horizontal direction. Further, a plurality of nuts that are configured to the central bolt are operable to adjust angular movement of the gear shift lever along the first and the second linear axis. The socket that is connected to the gear shaft can be loosened, thereby facilitating the rotation of the arrangement in a central longitudinal axis.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an ergonomic arrangement (100) for a gear shift lever (101). The arrangement (100) includes a socket (2) extending from a first bracket (3). In an embodiment, the socket (2) is tube which is integrated or integrally formed with a first bracket (3). The socket (2) houses a gear shaft (1) that extends form a gear box [not shown] of the vehicle. Further, the surface of the socket (2) may be provided with a plurality of holes (11). The holes (11) on the surface of the socket (2) may further be welded with a plurality of nuts (19), such that the openings on the nuts (19) are aligned with the holes (11) on the surface of the socket (2). Each of the plurality of welded nuts (19) is configured to receive at least one bolt (13), such that the bolts (13) extend though the holes (11) on the surface of the socket (2), and frictionally grip the socket (2) on the gear shaft (1). The socket (2) is configured such that the first bracket (3) is provided on the upper end of the socket (2). The first bracket (3) may be welded or may be connected by any other suitable means to the upper end of the socket (2). In an embodiment, the first bracket (3) may be L-shaped including a first plate and a second plate. The first plate of the first bracket may be fixed to the socket (2) and is configured to extend horizontally on the socket (2). Further, the second plate of the first bracket (3) extends perpendicular to the first plate and is defined with a. a hole (22). In an embodiment, the hole (22) may be defined at a substantially centre portion of the second plate of the first bracket (3). The hole (22) defined in the second plate of the first bracket (3) defines a first linear axis (A) that extends linearly along the centre of the hole (22) through which the first bracket may be coupled to the second bracket (4). The arrangement (100) is also provided with a second bracket (4). The second bracket (4) may be L-shaped. In an embodiment, the second bracket (4) may be defined with two holes (23 and 24). One hole (24) of the second bracket (4) is defined on its horizontal surface and the other hole (23) of the second bracket (4) is defined on its vertical surface. Further, the hole (23) defined on the vertical surface of the second bracket (4), defines a second linear axis (B).

The arrangement (100) is also provided with a central bolt (5) to interconnect the first bracket (3) and the second bracket (4). In an embodiment the central bolt (5) may be a perpendicular bolt which includes two bolts that may be oriented in a perpendicular on another. The bolts may be joined together by welding or may be formed as single unified central bolt (5). The central bolt (5) is further aligned to lie along the first and the second linear axis (A and B). Further, the central bolt (5) may be fastened with first and second nuts (17 and 18) interconnecting the first bracket (3) and the second bracket (4). The arrangement (100) further includes a position adjuster (6) which is oriented in a horizontal direction with respect to the transmission or gear box [not shown]. The position adjuster (6) may be an elongated member defined with a plurality of provisions (12). In an embodiment, the plurality of provisions (12) defined on the surface of the position adjuster (6) may be equidistant form each other.

The arrangement (100) further includes a tube (8) which is configured to acts as a gear lever. In an embodiment, the tube (8) is configured such that it is defined with a stepped portion, in the bottom end, and the diameter at the bottom end of the tube (8) is less than the diameter of the provisions (12) on the position adjuster (6). Further, bottom end of the tube (8) may be threaded and a nut (16) may be fastened to the bottom end of the tube (8), such that the tube (8) may be removably fixed to the position adjuster (6) at multiple positions. Such removable fixing of the tube (8) may facilitate adjustment of the position of the tube (8) [in turn the gear lever] in the horizontal direction depending on the requirement. The arrangement (100) further includes a threaded shaft (9). The diameter of the threaded shaft (9) may be lesser than the internal diameter of the tube (8). The threaded shaft (9) may be suitably housed inside the tube (8). The threaded shaft (9) includes a threaded portion (7). When the threaded shaft (9) is housed inside the tube (8), the threaded portion (7) comes in contact with the nuts (20 and 21) and consequently, the threaded shaft (9) may be fastened by the nuts (20 and 21). Further, the top end of the threaded shaft (9) is provided with a gear knob (10). The gear knob (10) is used as a gripper by a driver for changing the gears of the vehicle. The user may turn the gear knob (10), thereby turning the threaded shaft (9) that is directly attached to the gear knob (10). The threaded portion (7) of the threaded shaft (9) engages with the nut (20 and 21). Depending on the direction in which the user turns the gear knob (10), the gear shift lever (101) may move upwards or downwards.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating assembled perspective view of the ergonomic arrangement (100), where the gear shift lever (101) is positioned at first and last provisions (12) of the position adjuster (6) respectively. Further, Figs. 4 and 5 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating assembled right-side view and front view of the ergonomic arrangement (100) respectively. With reference to Fig. 2, for assembling the arrangement on the gear box, the socket may be positioned on the gear shaft (1), and the bolts (13) may be fastened through the nuts (19) to fix the socket on the gear shaft in desired orientation.

The second bracket (4) is connected to the first bracket (3) using an intermediate central bolt (5). The central bolt (5) is inserted though the holes (22 and 23) on the vertical surfaces of the first and the second bracket (3 and 4) respectively. With further reference from Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the central bolt (5) connects the first and the second bracket (4 and 5) through the holes (22 and 23) that lie along the first and the second linear axis (A and B) of the first and the second bracket (3 and 4) respectively. The central bolt (5) connects the first and second brackets (3 and 4) such that the vertical surface of the first bracket (3) lies perpendicular to the vertical surface of the second bracket (4), whereas the horizontal surface of the first bracket (3) lies parallel to the horizontal surface of the second bracket (4). Further, when the central bolt (5) is inserted through the holes (22 and 23) of the first and the second bracket (3 and 4), the first and second nuts (17 and 18) may be fastened to both the ends of the central bolt (5), thereby firmly securing the first and the second bracket (3 and 4) together.

Further, the position adjuster (6) is connected to the second bracket (4). The hole (24) on the horizontal surface of the second bracket (4) may be initially aligned with any one of the plurality of provisions (12) of the position adjuster (6). Further, the bottom end of the tube (8) is inserted through the hole (24) of the second bracket (4) and the provision (12) of the position adjuster (6). As the bottom end of the tube (8) is completely inserted through the hole (24) and the provision (12), the nut (16) is fastened to the bottom end of the tube (8). Thus, the bottom end of the tube (8) and the nut (16) firmly secure the second bracket (4) with the position adjuster (6).

Then threaded shaft (9) may be inserted inside the tube (8) such that the threaded portion (7) of the threaded shaft (8) meshes with the nut (20 and 21) of the tube (8). Further, the top end of the threaded shaft (9) a gear knob (10) may be fixed.

The above-mentioned arrangement (100) to the gear shift lever (101), enables the movement of the gear shift lever (101) in horizontal and vertical directions. Further, the angular rotation of the gear shift lever (101) in three different axes is also achieved.

Below paragraphs explain the method of adjusting position of the gear shift lever along vertical, horizontal and the angular positions.

As evident from FIG. 2, for adjusting rotational position of the gear shift lever (101), bolts (13) may be loosened or removed from the holes (11), such that socket may be rotated to the required orientation on the gear shaft (1). After, the bolts (13) are removed, the socket (2) can rotate on the surface of the gear shaft (1) along a central longitudinal axis (C). Since the socket (2) is an integral part of the first bracket (3), the first bracket (3) along with the whole arrangement (100), rotates about the central longitudinal axis (C), and thereby rotational position of the gear shift lever may be adjusted.

Further, in order to adjust angular position of the gear shift lever, rotation of the gear shift lever (101) along the first linear axis (A) or the second linear axis (B) may be performed. In order to rotate the gear shift lever (101) along the first linear axis (A) the first nut (17) of the central bolt (5) may be loosened, and the second bracket (4) may be rotated about the first linear axis (A) of the first bracket (1). As the second bracket (4) rotates about the first linear axis (A), the central bolt (5) also rotates about the first linear axis (A). Thus, the second bracket (4), the position adjuster (6) and the gear shift lever (101) all rotate in tandem along the first linear axis (A). Thus, the angular position of the gear shift lever may be adjusted towards or away from the driver. In order to rotate the gear shift lever (101), along the second liner axis (B) the second nut (18) of the central bolt (5) may be loosened, and the second bracket (4) may be rotated about the second linear axis (4) of the second bracket (4). Since, the second bracket (4) is housed on the central bolt (5) through the hole (23) on the vertical surface of the second bracket (4), loosening of the second nut (18) shall facilitate the second bracket (4) to slide on the surface of central bolt (5) along the second linear axis (B). Thus, the driver can rotate the gear shift lever (101) in a forward or backward manner by loosening the second nut (18) of the central bolt (5).

Referring further to FIG. 3, the configuration of the position adjuster (6), enables the adjustment of position of the gear shift lever (101) in a horizontal direction. When the driver intends to change the position of the gear shift lever (101) for better accessibility, the user may loosen and remove the nut (16) from the bottom end of the tube (8). Further, the tube (8) may be removed from the provision (12) and the hole (24) on the horizontal surface of the second bracket (4), thereby disconnecting the second bracket (4) from the position adjuster (6). Then, the tube (8) may be attached to any of the provisions (12) provided on the position adjuster (6) depending on the ease of accessibility and comfort of a particular driver. As seen from Fig. 3, the tube (8) may be positioned at the last provision (12) of the position adjuster (6). After, the bottom end of the tube (8) is inserted though the required provision (12), the nut (16) may be fastened to firmly fix the gear shift lever (101) with the position adjuster (6). The hole (24) of the second bracket (4) is further aligned to the first provision (12) of the position adjuster (6) and the second bracket (4) may be fixed to the position adjuster (6) by means of nut (14) and a bolt (15). Thus, the arrangement (100) provides an option for better accessibility of the gear shift lever (101) for different users with different arm length and reach.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the position adjuster (6) may be oriented at any suitable angle with respect to the gear box. The position adjuster (6) may also be oriented at a horizontal direction with respect to the gear box.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the provisions (12) on the position adjuster (6) may be oriented at equal distances from each other or the distance between each provision (12) on the position adjuster (6) may vary suitably.

The arrangement (100) also provides the option of increasing or decreasing the height of the gear shift lever (101). With reference to Fig. 1, the user may turn the gear knob (10), thereby turning the threaded shaft (9) that is directly attached to the gear knob (10). Since, the threaded portion (7) of the threaded shaft (9) engages with the nut (20 and 21), the user may turn the gear knob (10) in a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction. Further, depending on the direction in which the user turns the gear knob (10), the gear shift lever (101) may move upwards or downwards. Thus, a vertical movement of the gear shift lever (101) is achieved and the accessibility of the gear knob (10) with respect to the height at which the gear shift lever (101) is oriented may be suitably varied according to the user’s comfort and reach. Thus, by imparting a vertical, horizontal and the angular movement of the gear shift lever (101) by configuring the arrangement (100), the user can change the position of the gear shift lever (101) according to individual comfort. Consequently, the user could reduce fatigue and avoid long term health issues.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the arrangement (100) enables the movement of the gear shift lever (101) in horizontal and vertical directions. The arrangement (100) also enables an angular rotation of the gear shift lever (101) in three different axes.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the arrangement (100) can be easily configured between the existing gear shaft (1) and the gear knob (10). The arrangement (100) provides a simple method for improving the ergonomics of the gear shift 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 Gear shaft
2 Socket
3 First bracket
4 Second bracket
5 Central bolt
6 Position adjuster
7 Threaded portion
8 Tube
9 Threaded shaft
10 Gear knob
11 Holes in the socket
12 Provisions
13, 14 Bolts
15, 16, 19, 20, 21 Nuts
17 First nut
18 Second nut
A First linear axis
B Second linear axis
C Central longitudinal axis
100 Ergonomic arrangement
101 Gear shift lever