Inventors:
Gary L. Grubbs - Canton KS
Sheila A. Grubbs - Canton KS
Delores Grubbs - McPherson KS
International Classification:
G05G 900
Abstract:
An articulated joint assembly includes an upper joint member having an inner portion and an outer portion connected to an upper lever section of a gear shift lever, a lower joint member having an inner portion and an outer portion connected to a lower lever section of the shift lever, a pivotal joint formed between the inner portions of the upper and lower joint members, and an annular collar having a central bore being slidably mounted over the inner portions of the upper and lower joint members and movable along the inner portions and between the outer portions of the upper and lower joint members between a lower position in which the annular collar locks the upper and lower lever sections at an erected condition and an upper position in which the annular collar unlocks the upper and lower lever sections for converting the shift lever from the erected condition to a folded condition. Flexible resilient annular rings are mounted in annular channels defined in upper and lower ends of the annular collar about the central bore to provide a tight sliding fit between the annular collar and upper and lower joint members as the annular collar is slidably moved between the upper and lower positions. Boots of axially expandable and retractable flexible material are mounted to extend between opposite ends of the annular collar and outer portions of the upper and lower joint members for enclosing the inner portions of the upper and joint members to prevent dust infiltation.
