[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application 15/394,210, filed December 29, 2016 and titled "Ergonomic Gear Shift Grip Adjuster," the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application is generally directed to ergonomically adjustable structures for motor vehicles and other manually-operated levers, and more particularly, to an attachable/detachable, securable, and ergonomically adjustable grip to facilitate operation of a gear shift tower of a truck, a tractor-trailer, or other heavy equipment.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Operation of trucks and other heavy equipment requires an operator to frequently shift gears. Modern tractor trailer transmissions typically include 18 gear settings. Control of the transmission is accomplished by moving a shifter through positions arranged in an H-shaped pattern. A selected gear ratio is engaged when the shifter is pushed or pulled into a position at an end of a leg of a shifting pattern. A hydraulic switch located on the shifter allows the driver to select whether the positions on the shifting pattern correspond to low, high, or overdrive combinations.

SUMMARY

[0005] Apparatuses according to the disclosure facilitate ergonomic application of force that, for some embodiments, allows a user, such as a driver, to customize the place where he or she holds and operates a lever or other tools, such as the gear shift tower of a motor vehicle. For reasons detailed below, this meets a variety of previously unmet needs. There is also a need for a mechanism that allows a driver to engage the gear shift tower with a variety of hand position so that driver can vary the angle of his wrist and shoulder while operating the vehicle to reduce the repeated strain on one particular set of muscles and tendons. There is also a need for a mechanism that allows a driver to conveniently customize the position of his engagement with a gear shift tower on any vehicle so that drivers that must operate fleet vehicles can improve the ergonomic operation of the vehicle without having to permanently alter the vehicle itself.

[0006] In some embodiments, an ergonomic adapter for a lever assembly (e.g., a manual vehicle shifter) includes a first bracket, an extension bracket, and a handle. The first bracket can be configured to be removably coupled to a lever of the lever assembly, and selectably positioned along a height of the lever and at an angular position about an axis of the lever. The extension bracket can be configured to be rotatably coupled with the first bracket about an extension axis and fixed to the first bracket at a selected angular position about the extension axis. The handle can be rotatably coupled to the extension bracket about a handle axis, and configured to be selectably fixed to the extension bracket at an angular position about the handle axis.

[0007] In some embodiments, the handle includes a plurality of gripping surfaces, each gripping surface being sized to accommodate an operator's hand. Each gripping surface can comprise two parallel portions, the handle further comprising a safety bar disposed between the parallel portions. The handle can further comprise: (1) a mounting plate mechanically coupled to at least a first gripping surface of the plurality of gripping surfaces, the gripping surfaces and the mounting plate substantially forming a loop; and (2) a safety bar extending from a second one of the gripping surfaces to the plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the ergonomic adapter further comprises a bushing disposed between an interior surface of the first bracket and an exterior surface of the lever. An exterior surface of the lever can be cylindrical.

[0009] In some embodiments, the handle comprises a single, cylindrical gripping surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the adapter is formed from a material selected from the group comprising: metals, metal alloys, polymers, composite materials, and combinations thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments, the tower mounting bracket comprises: (1) an engaging portion on a first side of the lever, the engaging portion mechanically coupled to the extension bracket; and (2) an opposing portion on a second side of the lever opposite the first side. The adapter can further comprise a fastener that releasably connects the engagement portion to the opposing portion such that a force moves the opposing portion toward the engaging portion. The fastener can include an over-center latch mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, an ergonomic adapter for a lever assembly (e.g., a manual vehicle shifter) includes a first bracket, an extension bracket, and a handle. The first bracket can be removably coupled to a lever, and can comprise an engaging portion on a first side of the lever and an opposing portion on a second side of the lever opposite the first side. The engaging portion can include two holes, defined therein, configured to receive one or more fasteners, the holes being positioned a first distance from one another. The opposing portion and the engaging portion can be mechanically coupled to one another by a fastener, the fastener causing the opposing portion to move toward the engaging portion and to apply a clamping force to connect the first bracket to the lever at a selected position along a height of the lever and at a selected angular position about an axis of the lever. The extension bracket can be rotatably coupled with the engaging portion of the first bracket about an extension axis, and can comprise a first planar portion and a second planar portion, the first planar portion and the second planar portion connected perpendicular to one another along respective edges thereof. The first planar portion can include: (1) a through-hole configured to receive a fastener; and (2) an arcuate slot, the arcuate slot disposed at a constant radial distance from the through-hole and extending through an angular distance of about 180 degrees, the radial distance being substantially equal to the first distance. The extension bracket can be mechanically coupled to the first bracket by : (1) a first extension fastener extending through the through-hole and engaging one of the holes of the first bracket; and (2) a second extension fastener extending through the arcuate slot and engaging the other of the holes of the first bracket at a selected angular position along the arcuate slot such that the extension bracket is connected with the first bracket at a selected angular position about the extension axis. The second planar portion can comprise two extension holes for receiving respective handle fasteners. The handle is rotatably coupled to the second planar portion of the extension bracket, and can comprise a mounting portion and a gripping portion. The mounting portion can comprise two handle mounting slots that are disposed such that the handle fasteners inserted therethrough engage with the extension holes. A position and a rotation of the handle with respect to the extension bracket can be selectable by a position of the handle fasteners in the slots. The gripping portion can comprise: (1) two parallel portions, the parallel portions connected to the mounting portion at one end and connected with one another at their opposite ends by a cross piece; and (2) a safety bar extending between the parallel portions intermediate the mounting portion and the cross piece. The safety bar can function, for example, to prevent a user's hand from passing through the handle and becoming lodged therein, and as such, one or more safety bars can be configured accordingly.

[0013] According to some embodiments, an ergonomic adapter for a transmission tower (or "transmission shifter") includes a tower mounting bracket that is removably couplable to a tower (i.e., a vertical elongate member) of the transmission and configured to be positioned and adjustably secured at a selected position along a height of the transmission tower and at a selected angular position about an axis of the tower (also "shifter axis" or "lever axis"). The ergonomic adapter also includes an extension bracket rotatably couplable to the tower mounting bracket about an extension axis and configured to be fixed to the tower mounting bracket at a selected angular position about the extension axis; and a handle rotatably coupled to the extension bracket about a handle axis and adapted to be fixed to the handle at a selected angular position about the handle axis.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, the handle of the adapter further comprises a plurality of gripping surfaces, wherein each gripping surface is sized to accommodate an operator's hand. According to a further aspect the gripping surfaces comprise two parallel portions, and the handle further comprising a safety bar where the safety bar extends between the parallel portions. According to yet another aspect the handle further comprises a mounting plate connected with at least a first one of the gripping surfaces, wherein the gripping surfaces and the plate form a loop. According to this aspect, a safety bar extends from a second one of the gripping surfaces to the plate. According to a still further aspect of the invention, the handle comprises a single, cylindrical gripping surface.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the adapter includes a bushing positioned between an interior surface of the mounting bracket and an exterior surface of the tower. According to yet another aspect of the invention the exterior surface of the tower includes a texture, coating or "finish" to enhance the coupling (e.g., an interference/friction fit) between the adapter and the tower.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts.

[0017] Fig. 1 shows the interior of a cab of a vehicle equipped with a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 2 shows a view of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a shift tower.

[0019] Fig. 3A shows an engagement clamp of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.

[0020] Fig. 3B shows a bracket of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.

[0021] Fig. 3C shows a handle of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.

[0022] Fig. 4A shows the engagement clamp of Fig. 3 A connected with a gear shift tower.

[0023] Fig. 4B shows an alternative embodiment of an engagement clamp in an open position.

[0024] Fig. 4C shows the embodiment of the engagement clamp of Fig. 4B in the closed position.

[0025] Fig. 5 shows a handle according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 6 shows a handle according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 7 shows a clamp including a bushing according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [0028] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a rod-shaped adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0029] Fig. 9 shows another perspective view of the adapter of Fig. 8.

[0030] Fig. 10 shows a side view of the adapter of Fig. 8.

[0031] Fig. 11 is a photograph illustrating a rod-shaped adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0032] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a U-shaped adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0033] Fig. 13 is a photograph illustrating a U-shaped adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0034] Fig. 14 is a photographic illustrating the adapter of Fig. 13 from another perspective.

[0035] Fig. 15 is a photograph illustrating a U-shaped adapter including a bushing installed therein, according to some embodiments.

[0036] Fig. 16 is a photographic illustrating the adapter of Fig. 15 from another perspective.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] When a vehicle has a large number of gear selections, it allows a driver/operator to operate the vehicle efficiently, to navigate inclines and declines, and to quickly decelerate or accelerate in emergency situations. To make effective use of the gear selections, the operator needs to rapidly move a shifter (also referred to as a "gear shifter" or "transmission tower") among the gear selections, and to easily access the switch.

[0038] During normal operation on an open road, a driver may shift gears hundreds of times in an hour. In heavy traffic, or in stop-and-go city driving, even more frequent shifting may be needed. Operators often operate vehicles up to ten hours per day and upwards of 250 days per year. Thus, an operator may need to shift gears half a million times or more per year.

[0039] Physically, the shifting of vehicle gears can place significant, repetitive strain on muscles and tendons that control motions of the driver's wrist and elbow that can lead to injury. When operating a manual transmission, the driver applies force to the shifter to ensure that the transmission is firmly engaged in the desired gear. Moreover, gear shifting involves moving the shifter through the same H-shaped pattern over and over again. Furthermore, the location and angle of the shifter may not be ideal for a particular driver, given the location of the seat, the height and arm-length of the driver, and the fact that the driver must also work foot pedals simultaneously with the gear shifter. As a result, drivers sometimes suffer from repetitive motion injuries to the wrist and elbow. Such injuries can include wrist flexor tendinopathy (golfer's elbow), which is an inflammation of the tendon of the wrist flexor muscle.

[0040] Orthopedists recommend that people who perform tasks involving the same motion repeatedly make an effort to rest the limb performing the repetitive task. For truck drivers, gear shifting is an extremely frequent (nearly constant) activity and, unless the driver pulls off the road (which costs time and money), there is no opportunity to rest. To the extent that a repetitive motion cannot be avoided, orthopedists recommend adjustment of the range of motion to reduce overuse of particular tendons.

[0041] Typically located near the top of the shifter are switches that allow the driver to select low, high, and overdrive gear combinations and/or to select intermediate (split) gears. The switches are positioned near enough to the grip so that the driver can quickly change from low to high to overdrive while at the same time moving the shifter. Operation of the switches is typically performed simultaneously with the motion of the shifter to smoothly transition between gears.

[0042] In a truck, the bottom end of the shifter engages the transmission located along the center- line of the truck below the floor of the cab. The distance through which the top of the shifter must travel within the H-shaped pattem discussed above in order to engage the gears can depend on the design of the transmission and on the height of the shifter. These dimensions are fixed for a particular truck. Moreover, trucks made by different manufacturers, and even trucks made by the same manufacturer but with different transmissions, may have different distances through which the shifter most be moved. In many cases, drivers working for companies that employ a fleet of trucks (e.g., Federal Express, United Parcel Service, etc.) may be assigned to a variety of trucks. As a result, the distance a driver must reach through to shift gears may change from trip to trip, depending on which truck he or she is assigned to.

[0043] Trucks are usually provided with seat adjustments that allow the driver to position the height of the seat, the distance of the seat from the controls, and the angle of the seat. Likewise, many trucks have adjustable steering columns and fuel, brake, and clutch pedals to allow the driver to comfortably operate the vehicle. Shifters, however, lack such ergonomic adjustments. Instead, the location of the shifter and the distance through which the shifter must be pushed or pulled is determined by the overall shape of the cab and the design of the transmission. Likewise, the angle of the shifter grip with respect to the driver's wrist is fixed by the design of the vehicle and cannot be adjusted to accommodate the shape of a driver's hand or the driver's range of comfortable motion. As a result, drivers are unable to make ergonomic adjustments to the shifter grip. In addition, the shifter grip does not provide a variety of surfaces to allow the driver to vary the position of his or her wrist, elbow, and/or shoulder when shifting gears.

[0044] The problem of injuries and strain resulting from poor ergonomics of shifters is more acute for drivers having less upper body strength, and with drivers that suffer from arthritis, osteoporosis, and/or muscle loss due to aging. In the United States, the average age of truck drivers is increasing as fewer younger drivers enter the business. Also, there is an increasing number of women, who generally have less upper body strength than men. Thus, there are increasing numbers of drivers with reduced upper body strength that can benefit from an adjustment that can make the gear shift tower easier to operate.

[0045] According to embodiments set forth herein, an attachable/detachable and ergonomically adjustable grip (also referred to herein as an "adapter") for a shifter of a motor vehicle (or for another manual lever assembly), and the method of making such an adjustable grip, are provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide one or more ergonomic advantages for operators of shifters and/or similar levered devices, potentially leading to reduced operator discomfort, fatigue and/or injury. For example, devices according to some embodiments can limit a range of motion through which a shoulder or arm of an operator travels when shifting through the gears of a large truck or other vehicle (e.g., to about 4 inches or less in a forward direction and/or to about 4 inches or less in a reverse direction), such that a cumulative distance traversed by the operator's shoulder or arm is substantially reduced. As a result, the wear and tear on an operator's upper extremity can be reduced, and overuse syndromes often seen in long haul truckers can be mitigated. In embodiments comprising a U-shaped handle (see, e.g., Fig. 3C), the pushing and pulling forces experienced by an operator's hand can be distributed over a larger surface area, as compared with a knob-shaped shifter, thus reducing the cumulative repetitive stress on the operator's hand, e.g., over a duration in which hundreds or even thousands of shifting motions have been performed by the operator. Embodiments of the present disclosure therefore have the potential to reduce the incidence of repetitive stress injuries and/or acute tendinitis which are often observed within the driving industry, thereby limiting lost work time and/or costs associated with worker's compensation claims.

[0046] Fig. 1 depicts an interior of a cab of a motor vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 can be a tractor- trailer, a bull dozer, a crane, an oil rig, an electric service truck (e.g., for telephone installation), a cruise ship or yacht, a snow removal vehicle, a train, a subway car, a delivery truck, an automobile, any piece of large and/or heavy equipment (e.g., front loader), or the like. A driver's seat 102 is positioned behind a steering wheel 103. The driver's seat 102 can include a track engagement 114 mechanically coupled to a floor 118 of the vehicle cab. The seat 102 can also include a height adjuster 116. The track 114 and the height adjustment 116 allow the driver to comfortably position himself with respect to control mechanisms, including the steering wheel 103, a clutch pedal 104, a brake pedal 106, and a throttle 108. Extending up from the floor 118 is the shifter 112 (also "gear shift tower" or "lever"). Mounted on the shifter 112 is an adjustable grip 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Also mounted on the shifter 112 is a switch 116 by which the driver can select low, high, and overdrive gear settings. [0047] Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the adjustable grip 1 shown in Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention. The adjustable grip 1 is mechanically coupled to the shifter 112. Switch 1 16 is mounted near the top of the shifter 1 12. A clamp 2 (or "first bracket") mounts the grip 1 to the shifter 112. An extension bracket 4 is mechanically coupled to the clamp 2. According to one embodiment, the extension bracket 4 has two surfaces arranged orthogonally to one another. Handle 6 is mechanically coupled to the extension bracket 4, e.g., bolted via elongate/slotted holes 68 and/or hole 67. Hole 67 can be substantially round and have a diameter, for example, of about

[0048] According to one embodiment, the shifter 1 12 has a substantially round cross section. An engagement region at an interface between the clamp 2 and shifter 1 12 can be positioned about the shifter axis 8 and along the height of the shifter 112. As will be explained more fully below, an engagement between the clamp 2 and extension bracket 4 can also be adjusted, about an extension axis 10. Likewise, an engagement between the handle 6 and the extension bracket 4 can be adjusted about a handle axis 12. The height of the adapter 1 on the shifter 112, as well as the position of the handle 6 with respect to the shifter 112 are adjustable such that an operator can comfortably move the shifter 1 12 through its range of operation while also allowing the operator to conveniently reach the switch 1 16.

[0049] Fig. 3A shows a detailed view of a clamp 2, according to an embodiment of the invention. The clamp 2 includes an engagement portion 22 and an opposing portion 20. Through-holes 24 in the opposing portion 20 facilitate the insertion of mounting bolts (not shown) therethrough. The mounting bolts, when inserted, engage with threaded holes 26 in the engagement portion 22. Arcuate surfaces 21 on the opposing portion 20 and the engagement portion 22 are shaped so as to receive a circumferential surface of the shifter 1 12, so that when the mounting bolts pull the opposing portion 20 and the engagement portion 22 together, the clamp 2 is fixed at a selected position on the shifter 1 12. Fig. 4A shows a view of clamp 2 connected with shifter 112. When the adjustable grip 1 is installed, the opposing portion 20 and engagement portion 22 can be tightened against the shifter 112 at a height selected along the shifter to best accommodate the driver. Also, the clamp 2 is positionable at a position about the shifter axis 8 (shown in Fig. 2) so that the handle 6 will be conveniently positioned for the driver when the adjustable grip 1 is fully assembled. Engaging portion 22 also includes two threaded holes 28 to connect with the extension bracket 4.

[0050] According to some embodiments, clamp 2 is connected with shifter 112 by way of a latch mechanism such as an "over-center" latch. Figs. 4B and 4C show a view of such an embodiment. Fig. 4B shows a clamp 200 formed from an engagement portion 222 (including holes 229 defined therein) and an opposing portion 220 connected by clamp hinge 224. Latch 228 is connected to the opposing portion 220 by a latch hinge 230. A hasp 226 is connected to the latch 228 by a hasp hinge 232. A receiving notch 234, configured to receive the hasp 226 when the clamp is in a closed configuration, is formed in the engagement portion 222 on a side opposite the side connected with hinge 224.

[0051] Fig. 4C shows the clamp 200 in the closed configuration. In this configuration, clamp 200 can be used to connect the adapter 1 to the shifter 112 in the same manner as that shown in Fig. 4A with respect to clamp 2. Opposing portion 220 is rotated about hinge 224 to abut engaging portion 222 (including holes 229) with the shaft of the shifter 112 positioned in the opening. An edge of hasp 226 engages with notch 234. Latch 228 is rotated about latch hinge 230 to abut a side of opposing portion 220. Rotation of the latch 228 about the latch hinge 230 pulls hasp 226 against notch 234, thereby pulling opposing portion 220 toward engaging portion 222. The positions of hinges 224, 230, and 232 are selected so that latch 228 forms an over-center engagement to hold clamp 200 in the closed arrangement shown in Fig. 4C to fix the adapter 1 to the shifter 112.

[0052] Clamp 200 allows the adjustable grip 1 to be connected with the shifter 112 without the need for tools. This arrangement also allows the device to be easily removed from the shifter 112 by moving latch 228 away from opposing portion 220. Thus, a driver that uses multiple vehicles can conveniently remove the adjustable grip 1 from one vehicle and install it in another.

[0053] An example bracket 4 is shown in Fig. 3B. According to some embodiments, bracket 4 has a clamp engaging portion 40 arranged perpendicularly with a handle engaging portion 42. The clamp engaging portion has a through hole 44 and an arcuate slot 46. The handle engaging portion 42 has two threaded holes 47, 48 and a slotted hole 49. Bracket 4 is configured to connect with the engagement portion 22 of clamp 2 by bolts extending through hole 44 and through slot 46, and into threaded holes 28 on the engagement portion 22. As shown in Fig. 3B, arcuate slot 46 can extend from a first location near a junction between the clamp engaging portion 40 and the handle engaging portion 42, through an arc of about 180 degrees to a second location near the junction. Arcuate slot 46 allows the bracket 4 to be positioned at a selected angle about the extension axis 10 (shown in Fig. 2) so that, when the device is fully assembled, the handle 6 is in a position that is comfortable for the driver.

[0054] Fig. 3C shows a detailed view of a handle 6, according to some embodiments. The handle 6 has side grips 60 connected by top grip 62, and may be said to substantially form a curved handle, or a "U-shaped" handle. Side grips 60 are connected with plate 64. When the device is assembled, bolts extend through holes 68 and engage with holes 47 and 48, or with holes 47 and 49, or with holes 48 and 49. Optionally, a bolt also extends through hole 67 and engages with slotted hole 49. Because holes 68 are slotted, because hole 49 is slotted, and because holes 68 can engage one or the other of holes 47 and 48, handle 6 can be positioned at a selected angular position about handle axis 12 (as shown in Fig. 2).

[0055] Safety bar 66 (also "cross-bar" or "horizontal member") extends between side grips 60 of handle 6, and is positioned between the top grip 62 and the plate 64. The safety bar 66 prevents the driver from inadvertently extending his hand through the handle 6. This minimizes the risk that the driver's hand will become lodged inside the handle 6, which would create a dangerous situation when driving. In some embodiments, the U-shaped handle is about 16 centimeters (cm) tall, about 11 cm wide, and about 2 cm deep, with the safety bar positioned about 8 cm from the top of the handle. In some embodiments, the general ratio of the measures can be maintained while being configured for different applications and/or users. In some embodiments, the U-shaped handle can have a height from about 6 cm to about 40 cm tall, a width from about 5 cm to about 20 cm, and/or a depth from about 1 cm. to about 5 cm., with one or more safety bars positioned at appropriate height(s) and/or length(s). In some embodiments, the U-shaped handle is configured such that the area of a plane or a planar space defined within/bounded by the U-shaped handle is less than 100 square centimeters (cm ² ), less than about 90 cm ² , less than about 80 cm ² , less than about 70 cm ² , less than about 60 cm ² , less than about 50 cm ² , less than about 45 cm ² , less than about 40 cm ² , less than about 35 cm ² , less than about 30 cm ² , less than about 25 cm ² , less than about 20 cm ² , less than about 15 cm ² , less than about 10 cm ² , or less than about 6 cm ² .

[0056] Fig. 5 shows an alternative arrangement, according to some embodiments. Here, safety bar 69 extends vertically, from top grip 62 to plate 64, and is disposed between the side grips 60. Again, safety bar 69 partially blocks the opening of handle 6, thereby reducing the risk that the driver can become entangled with the handle 6 while driving. In a further implementation, such an embodiment can include a further safety bar or bars (e.g., at a right angle or substantially right angle to safety bar 69) configured to prevent a user from accidentally inserting their hand, whether in a closed-type position (e.g., fist) or in an open or flat position (e.g., fingers extended).

[0057] As illustrated in Fig. 2, in operation the adjustable grip 1 is positioned on shifter 112 so that handle 6 is positioned near the top of shifter 112 with bracket 4 extending generally toward the driver. In this configuration, handle 6 is displaced from shifter 112 toward the driver, thus reducing the maximum distance the driver must extend his or her arm to reach the farthest gear selection. This feature can reduce the stress on the driver's shoulder and/or upper back muscles. It also allows the driver to more easily reach this gear setting without having to move out of the seat.

[0058] As discussed above, the clamp 2, bracket 4 and handle 6 can be positioned at selected angles of shifter axis 8, extension axis 10, and handle axis 12 so that the location of the side grips 60 and top grip 62 can be comfortably grasped by the driver. The driver has the option to grasp the handle on any of the side or top grips 60, 62 allowing the driver change the range of motion of his or her wrist, elbow, and shoulder and reduce the impact of repeated gear shifting motions.

[0059] Fig. 6 shows another alternative configuration of the handle, according to some embodiments. According to this embodiment, handle 7 has a substantially cylindrical grip 70. The grip 70 extends from plate 74. Slotted holes 78 are formed in plate 74. Handle 7 can be affixed to bracket 4 in the same manner as handle 6, as discussed above.

[0060] Fig. 7 shows an alternative configuration of the clamp 22, according to some embodiments. Positioned within the arcuate surfaces 21 of the opposing portion 20 and engaging portion 22 is a bushing 25. The thickness of the bushing 25 can be selected so that the adjustable grip 1 can be affixed to shifters 112 of differing diameter. Bushing 25 can also be shaped to conform to the shape of a shifter that is not cylindrical.

[0061] One or more components of the adjustable ergonomic grip 1 (or "adapter") or portions thereof can be constructed from one or more materials having adequate mechanical strength to transmit forces, applied by the driver's hand, to the shifter 112 to operate the vehicle transmission. Such materials can include metals and metal alloys (e.g., steel, aircraft aluminum, etc.), polymers (e.g., polyamides, fiber reinforced polymers, etc.), composite materials (e.g., a carbon fiber composite), and combinations thereof.

[0062] Figs. 8-10 show a rod-shaped adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0063] Fig. 11 is a photograph illustrating a rod-shaped adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0064] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a U-shaped adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0065] Figs. 13-14 are photographs illustrating a U-shaped adapter, according to some embodiments.

[0066] Figs. 15-16 are photographs illustrating a U-shaped adapter including a bushing installed therein, according to some embodiments.

[0067] Although the term "shifter" has been shown and described herein as corresponding to a device for shifting gears in a tractor-trailer/truck, it is not limited to such an implementation. As noted above, other contemplated implementations for a shifter include a bull dozer, a crane, an oil rig, an electric service truck (e.g. , for telephone installation), a cruise ship or yacht, a snow removal vehicle, a train, a subway car, a delivery truck, an automobile, any piece of large and/or heavy equipment (e.g., front loader), and/or the like. A "shifter" as used herein can refer to a "gear stick," a "gear lever," a "gearshift," a "transmission tower," a "lever," a "gear shift lever," or any other manually manipulable mechanical control (e.g., having an elongate shape) that is suitable for use in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein. Disclosed components can be formed from machining, molding, milling, injection, 3d printing, etc., and can be tubes, solid, and/or the like. [0068] As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" generally mean plus or minus 10% of the value stated, for example about 250 would include 225 to 275, and about 1,000 would include 900 to 1,100.

[0069] All combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed herewithin (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. The terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0070] The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).

[0071] In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this application (including the Cover Page, Title, Headings, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Embodiments, Abstract, Figures, Appendices, and otherwise) shows, by way of illustration, various embodiments in which the embodiments may be practiced. The advantages and features of the application are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented to assist in understanding and teach the embodiments.

[0072] It should be understood that they are not representative of all embodiments. As such, certain aspects of the disclosure have not been discussed herein. That alternate embodiments may not have been presented for a specific portion of the innovations or that further undescribed alternate embodiments may be available for a portion is not to be considered to exclude such alternate embodiments from the scope of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that many of those undescribed embodiments incorporate the same principles of the innovations and others are equivalent. Thus, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and functional, logical, operational, organizational, structural and/or topological modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. As such, all examples and/or embodiments are deemed to be non-limiting throughout this disclosure.

[0073] Also, no inference should be drawn regarding those embodiments discussed herein relative to those not discussed herein other than it is as such for purposes of reducing space and repetition. For instance, it is to be understood that the logical and/or topological structure of any combination of any program components (a component collection), other components and/or any present feature sets as described in the figures and/or throughout are not limited to a fixed operating order and/or arrangement, but rather, any disclosed order is exemplary and all equivalents, regardless of order, are contemplated by the disclosure.

[0074] Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. Put differently, it is to be understood that such features may not necessarily be limited to a particular order of execution, but rather, any number of threads, processes, services, servers, and/or the like that may execute serially, asynchronously, concurrently, in parallel, simultaneously, synchronously, and/or the like in a manner consistent with the disclosure. As such, some of these features may be mutually contradictory, in that they cannot be simultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features are applicable to one aspect of the innovations, and inapplicable to others.

[0075] In addition, the disclosure may include other innovations not presently described. Applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, including the right to embodiment such innovations, file additional applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, and/or the like thereof. As such, it should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical, operational, organizational, structural, topological, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the embodiments or limitations on equivalents to the embodiments. Depending on the particular desires and/or characteristics of an individual and/or enterprise user, database configuration and/or relational model, data type, data transmission and/or network framework, syntax structure, and/or the like, various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be implemented in a manner that enables a great deal of flexibility and customization as described herein.

[0076] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0077] As used herein, in particular embodiments, the terms "about" or "approximately" when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 10%. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. That the upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

[0078] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0079] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0080] As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of or "exactly one of," or, when used in the embodiments, "consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the embodiments, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0081] As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, the phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0082] In the embodiments, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of and "consisting essentially of shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 211 1.03.

[0083] While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined above, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.