US3820641A

US3820641A - Tiller mounted clutch and throttle control

Info

Publication number: US3820641A
Application number: US00327768A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Borst; W Fuelling
Original assignee: Outboard Marine Corp
Current assignee: Outboard Marine Corp
Priority date: 1970-08-20
Filing date: 1973-01-29
Publication date: 1974-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 1991-06-28

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an outboard motor including a combination clutch and throttle control which is rotatably mounted on the tiller of a propulsion unit and which includes a first member connected to a rotatable throttle control member for common rotary movement so as to control the throttle of the outboard motor engine and a second member which has a common rotary movement with the first member and which is movable axially of the first member and which is connected through a push-pull member to a remote clutch control member to effect clutch actuation in response to axial movement of the second member relative to the first member. Accordingly coordinated steering, speed, and clutch control can be accomplished by an operator using one hand on the clutch and throttle control assembly.

Description

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,820,641 Borst et al. June 28, 1974 [54] TILLER MOUNTED CLUTCH AND 2,682,248 6/1954 Sitz 74/480 B THROTTLE CONTROL FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Inventors: Gaylord i i Fuelling, 1,240,262 7/1960 France 74/489 Jr., both of Galesburg, lll. [73] Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation, Primary x miner-Benjamin W. Wyche waukegan, L Attorney, Agent, or F1rm--M1chael, Best & Friedrich [22] Filed: Jan. 29, 1973 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl' 105321768 Disclosed herein is an outboard motor including a Rehted Appncatiun Data combination clutch and throttle control which is rotat- [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 65 498 Aug. 20 1970 y mounted on the of a propulsion unit and abandon whlch includes a first member connected to a rotatable throttle control member for common rotary [52] CL 192L098, 74/47] R 74/480 B movement so as to control the throttle of the outboard 74/489 motor engine and a second member which has a com- 51] 1m. (:1 B60k 21/00 mmmtary movement with the first member and [58] Fiem of Search H 74/471 R 47] XY, 4 B, which is movable axially of the first member and 74/489 51] 5518 192/084)- 092 which is connected through a push-pull member to a 094 .096 remote clutch control member to effect clutch actuation in response to axial movement of the second [56] References Cited member relative to the first member. Accordingly coordinated steering, speed, and clutch control can be v UNITED STATES PATENTS accomplished by an operator using one hand on the 2,668,200 2/1954 Glaze 74/471 10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures h 5 t z/ V 2: 23

lfifig 43 A? iJ/ L, ll I ta/v 49* 43 67 .69 /?7# 47 m7 m7 M 75 r 7 e I; a :7

PATENTlEnJuuza 1914 zz/zzz/erzars' TILLER MOUNTED CLUTCH AND THROTTLE CONTROL This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 65,498, filed Aug. 20, 1970, and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to clutch and throttle controls for outboard motors, and particularly to such controls for outboard motors which have a throttle control member remotely located relative to a clutch control member so as to provide controlling of the throttle and clutch by a single one of the operators hands.

The invention also relates to an arrangement mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor to afford control of steering, speed, andclutch functions with one hand. While previous arrangements have been mounted on a tiller for providing-integrated throttle and clutch regulation under the control of one of the operators hands, such prior constructions have included a single rotatable connection which extended along the tiller and which operated a mechanism within thepropulsion unit for providing separate outputs respectively controlling the throttle and the clutch. The internal mechanism was an integral part of the original outboard motor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a combined throttle and clutch control assembly which can be mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor for connection to remotely and separately located clutch and throttle control members, whereby to provide for one handed control of steering, clutch, and throttle functions.

In accordance with the invention, the throttle and clutch control assembly includes a first member or inner tube which is adapted to be movably mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor and connected to a throttle control member of the outboard motor for common movement therewith to actuate the throttle control member, together with a second member or outer handle which has common movement with the inner tube, as well as telescopic movement relative to the inner tube, and a push-pull member which is connected to the outer handle for common movement and which is adapted to be connected to a clutch controlling member on the outboard motor for actuation thereof.

Also in accordance with the invention, the outer handle is movable relative to the inner tube between neutral, forward, and reverse positions and there is provided a releasable lock means carried by the outer handle and cooperating with the inner tube for releasably locking the outer handle in the neutral position relative to the inner tube, whereby to prevent inadvertent reversal in the direction of operation of the outboard motor.

Also in accordance with the invention, the push-pull member comprises one component of a push-pull cable including an outer sheath anchored at one end to the inner tube and adapted to be anchored at the other end to the outboard motor, and wherein the push-pull member comprises an inner core movable within the outer sheath and connected at one end to the outer handle for common movement therewith and adapted to be connected at the other end to the clutch control member.

The invention also provides means for preventing unwanted disassembly of the outer handle from the inner tube by means including a push-pull cable having an inner core connected to the outer handle and an outer sheath connected to the inner tube and means for limiting the extent of permissable travel of the inner core relative to the outer sheath to preclude disconnection of the outer handle from the inner tube.

The invention also provides an integrated clutch and throttle control arrangement mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor wherein rotatable movement regulates the engine throttle and movement axially of the tiller regulates clutch operation. In addition, the invention provides a releasable means for preventing axial movement from a neutral position whereby to prevent inadvertent reversal in the direction of operation of the outboard motor.

One of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of a combined throttle and clutch control assembly which can be incorporated as original equipment in an outboard motor or which can be employed as a conversion kit to adapt previously existing outboard motors with separate remotely operated clutch and throttle controlsto provide one handed operation of clutch, throttle, and steering functions.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision of a tiller carried control for the clutch and throttle of an outboard motor, which control is provided with detent means releasably locating the control in one or more drive positions, and/or with releasable lock means preventing movement from a neutral position in the absence of the depression by the operator of a release member or button, thereby preventing inadvertent reversal in the direction of operation of the outboard motor.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision of a tiller mounted clutch and throttle control assembly which is relatively economical to manufacture and which will provide reliable operation over a long and useful life.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become known by reference to the following descrip tion and accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view of an outboard motor embodying various of the features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged view, partially broken away and in section, of the combined throttle and clutch control assembly mounted on the tiller of the motor shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Shown in FIG. 1 is an outboard motor 11 which conventionally includes means such as a transom bracket and swivel bracket assembly 13 adapted to be connected to the transom of a boat (not shown), together with a propulsion unit 17 which is carried by the transom bracket and swivel bracket assembly 13 for vertical tilting movement about a horizontal axis and for steering movement relative to the boat about an axis perpendicular to the tilting axis. As is also conventional, the outboard motor 11 includes an engine (not shown) and a reversing clutch or transmission (not shown) for affording operation of the outboard motor in each of forward, reverse, and neutral conditions. Actuation of the clutch between its several conditions is provided by a clutch control lever or member 19 which is pivotally mounted on the propulsion unit 17. As is also conventional, the propulsion unit 17 includes a steering handle or tiller 21 which, if desired, may be pivoted about an axis transverse to the steering axis to permit location of the handle or tiller 21 in a collapsed storage condition. Rotatably mounted by the steering handle or tiller 21 (See FIG. 2) is a throttle control member 23 which is suitably connected within the propulsion unit 17 to the throttle of the engine. As is also conventional, the tiller 21 includes, at the outer end thereof, a friction or ring block 27 which is keyed to the steering handle or tiller 21, which is apertured at 29 to receive and guide rotation of the throttle control member 23, and which is biased outwardly of the tiller 21 by a spring 31 seated, at one end, against an internal web 33 of the tiller 21.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided means in the form of a combined throttle and clutch control assembly 41 which is movably mounted on the tiller 21 and which includes a first member or inner tube 43 connected to the throttle control member 23 for common rotary movement therewith and an outer handle or second member 47 having common rotary movement with the first member 43 and telescopic movement relative to the first member 43, together with a push-pull member 49 connected to the second member 47 for common movement relative to the first member 43 and additionally connected to the clutchcontrol member 19 on the propulsion unit 17. Thus, when using a device in accordance with the invention, one hand can be used to provide coordinated steering, throttle, and clutch control in an outboard motor.

More specifically, the first member comprises an inner sleeve or tube 43 having oppositely extending generally

cylindrical bores

51 and 53 separated by an intermediate web 57 which is centrally apertured at 59 to permit passage of the outer end of the rotatably mounted throttle control member 23.

The bore 51 adjacent to the tiller 21 is rotatably received over the adjacent cylindrical outer end surface of the tiller, whereby there is provided a means for rotatably mounting the throttle and clutch assembly on the tiller. The bore 51 adjacent to the tiller 21 also includes a somewhat conical surface 61 engaging a like surface on the friction block ring 27 which is biased thereagainst by the spring 31 so as to afford a desired amount of frictional restraint to rotary movement of the throttle and, clutch control assembly 41 relative to the tiller 21. The other or outer bore 53 of the inner tube is also generally circular except that a radially inwardly extending, apertured boss 63 is formed on the web 57 and except for an axially extending groove 67 and a diametrically opposed axially spaced series of apertures or catches including two smaller apertures 69 and 71 and a larger aperture 73 located centrally of the smaller apertures 69 and 71, which boss, groove, and apertures are provided for purposes to be explained.

Means are provided for providing common rotary movement of the inner tube 43 with the throttle control member 23 and for preventing disassembly of the inner tube 43 from the tiller 21. While other arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, such means includes the before mentioned apertured boss 63, and aperture 59 in the web 57, together with a screw 77 which is located in the aperture in the boss 63 and threaded into a diametric aperture in the projecting end of the throttle control member 23.

The outer handle 47 is a tubular member which, in the disclosed construction, is open at both ends and which is carried on the inner tube 43 for common rotary movement and for movement relative to the inner tube 43 along the axis of inner tube rotary movement between forward, neutral, and reverse positions.

Various means can be provided for affording such common rotary movement and relative axialy movement. In the disclosed construction, the outer surface of the inner tube 43 is provided (See FIGS. 3 and 4) with two diametrically opposed and axially extending

ribs

79 and 81, while the inner surface of the bore of the outer handle 47 includes two axially extending

recesses

83 and 87 respectively mating with the

ribs

79 and 81 on the inner tube 43 to afford common rotary movement and relative axial movement between the inner tube 43 and the outer handle 47. While various other arrangements could be employed, the axially spaced

apertures

69, 71, and 73 in the inner tube 43 extend through the rib 81.

In further accordance with the invention, means are provided for releasably locking the outer handle 47 in the neutral position and for providing a releasable detent action when the outer handle 47 is in either of the forward and reverse drive positions. While various arrangements can be provided, in the disclosed construction, there is included (See FIG. 2) a combined carrier and handle end cap 89 which serves to support the releasable lock and detent means and to close the outer end of the outer handle 43.

More particularly, the combined carrier and handle end cap 89 includes a central tubular portion 91 which is located intermediate inner and

outer end portions

93 and 97 respectively and which is of relatively small diameter and includes axially extending diametrically opposed slots 99. The inner end portion 93 is generally enlarged as compared to the central tubular portion 91 and has a generally cylindrical outer surface adapted to generally mate with the outer bore 53 of the inner tube 43.

The enlarged inner end portion 93 includes (See FIG. 4) a radial slot 111 which is generally rectangular in cross section, which connects with the bore 113 of the central tubular portion 91 and which has a lock and detent member 117 movable radially in the slot 111. The lock and detent member 117 includes a terminal semispherical detent portion 119 which is adapted to be re ceived in the smaller apertures 69 and 71 in the inner tube 43 and which extends from a cylindrical lock portion 121 which, in turn, is adapted to be received in the larger aperture 73 and extends from a main body portion 123 which is generally of rectangular cross section and which is slidably received in the slot 111. Thus, the semi-spherical detent portion 119 cooperates with the apertures 69 and 71 to provide the detent action while the cylindrical portion 121 cooperates with the intermediate aperture 73 in the inner tube so a releasable lock.

Means are provided for biasing the lock and detent member 117 radially outwardly of the slot 111 and into selective engagement with the

apertures

69, 71, and 73. While various arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, a helical spring 127 is located in the slot 111 between the blind end thereof and the adjacent end of the lock and detent member 117.

Means are provided for maintaining the lock and detent member 117 within the slot 111 against the action of the spring 127 and for selectively withdrawing the projecting semisphericaland

cylindrical portions

119 and 121 within the slot 111 so as to permit movement of the outer handle 47 axially of the inner tube 43 from the neutral position. While various arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, the lock and detent member 117 is provided, intermediate its end, with an aperture 129 having a camming surface 131 cooperating with a camming surface 133 on the inner end of a member or button 137 which extends through the combined handle end cap and carrier 89.

as to provide Means are provided for biasing the button 137 outwardly of the combined handle end cap. carrier 89 so as to permit the spring 127 to extend the combined lock and detent member 117 for selective engagement with the

apertures

69, 71, and 73. While various arrangements can be employed, the button 137 includes a stem 139 which is slideably received in the bore 113 of the central portion 91 of the combined handle end cap and carrier 89 and an enlarged head 141 which is received in a recess 143 in the enlarged outer portion 97 of the combined end cap and carrier 89, and there is additionally provided a helical spring 147 which surrounds the stem 139 and is seated, at its opposite ends, against the bottom of the recess 143 and the bottom of the button head 141. I

In order to maintain alignment of the

camming surfaces

131 and 133 and to maintain assembly of the button within the combined handle end cap and carrier 89, a transverse pin 149 extends diametrically from the stem 139 with the ends of the pin 149 located in the slots 99 in the central tubular portion 91.

The outer end portion 97 of the combined handle end cap and carrier 89 is enlarged relative to the central tubular portion 91 and includes a handle end closure part 151 together with means for releasably locking the combined handle end cap and carrier 89 and assembled button 137 and combined lock and detent block 117 in the outer handle 47. More particularly in this regard, the outer end of the handle includes two radially inwardly extending flats 153 and the combined handle end cap and carrier 89 includes, inwardly of the closure part 151, an annular groove 157 between the closure part 151 and a raised shoulder 159 which is otherwise annular except for two flats 161. As a consequence, the raised shoulder 159 can be inserted past the radially inwardly extending flats 153 at the outer end of the handle 47 and the combined handle end cap and carrier can be rotated to effect a releasable bayonet-type lock.

Means are provided for locking the bayonet connection between the combined carrier and handle end cap member 89 and the outer handle 47 when the outer handle 47 is assembled on the inner tube 43. While various arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, the inner portion 93 of the combined handle end cap and carrier 89 includes a radially extending projection 163 which, when the outer handle 47 is received on the inner tube 43, extends into the axial groove 67 of the inner tube bore 53. Thus,because of the interaction of the

ribs

79 and 81 and the

recesses

83 and 87 which prevent relative rotation of providedfor connecting the outer handle 47 to the clutch control member 19 so as to effect clutch operation in response to axial movement of the outer handle 47 relative to the inner tube 43. While various arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, such means includes a push-pull cable 167 having an outer sheath 169 and the inner wire, core, or push-pull member 49 which is movable within the sheath 169. More particularly, theouter sheath 169 is anchored or connected at each end in respective metal sleeves 171 and 173. The metal sleeve 171 adjacent to the combined clutch and throttle control assembly 41 extends through an apertured boss 177 on the outer surface of the inner tube 43 at the end thereof adjacent the tiller 21. In addition, the axially and radially outwardly extending rib 79 is provided with a recess 179 which extends from the boss 177 and receives the end portion of the metal sleeve 171. In addition, the axially and radially outwardly projecting rib 79 is also provided with a smaller recess 181 which, at least partially, receives the inner wire or push-pull member 49.

Means are provided for preventing disconnection of the metallic end sleeve 171 from the inner tube 43. While various arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, a snap ring 183 is engaged on the metal sleeve 171 and abuts the adjacent end of the boss 177 to prevent withdrawal of the metal sleeve 171 from the inner tube 43.

The inner end of the wire or push-pull member 49 includes a bentportion 187 which is connected to a small cylindrical anchor 189which extends into a radially extending hole 191 in the outer handle 47 so as to provide common movement of the wire or push-pull member 49 with the outer handle 47 axially of the inner tube 43. In addition, the axially extending recess 83 in the inner surface of the outer handle includes an additional or counter recess 193 which cooperates with the recess 179 in the rib 79 to house the metallic sleeve 171. In addition, there is a short relatively small recess 197 which extends from the counter recess 193 to the radial hole 191 and which cooperates with the recess 181 in the rib 79 of the inner tube 43 to receive the end of the inner wire or push-pull member 49. In addition, the cylindrical anchor 189 extends diametrically a sufficient distance so as to bridge the recess 1181 in the inner tube 43 and rides on the outer surface of the projecting rib 79 on the inner tube. Such bridging action, as well as receipt of the anchor 189 in the radially extending hole 191 in the outer handle 47 prevents rotary movement of the inner wire 49 relative to the outer handle 47.

The other end of the push-pull cable 167 is connected to the propulsion unit 17 and to the clutch control member 19. More specifically, at its other end, the metallic sleeve 173 has a threaded portion 221 on which there is located a knurled adjusting nut 223. The knurled adjusting nut 223 also includes an enlarged portion 227 which is receivable in a cable lock 229 fixed on the propulsion unit 17. At its rearward end, the metallic sleeve 173 is telescopically, slideably received in a first lengthwise bore 230 in a tubular connecting member 231 which includes a spring biased bayonettype lock 233 enterable into and cooperable with an apertured bayonet receiving configuration on the clutch control member 19.

In addition, means are provided for anchoring the inner core or wire 49 to the connecting member 231 and for limiting the permissable extent of travel of the inner core 49 relative to the outer sheath 169 to thereby preclude disconnection or disassembly of the outer handle 47 from the inner tube 43. While various arrangement can be employed, in the disclosed construction, the connecting member 231 includes a second or smaller diameter lengthwise bore 232 which extends from the bore 230, as well as a diametric bore 237 which intersects the'smaller bore 230 and which receives a tubular anchor member 239 having a cross bore 241 which receives the end of the inner core, wire, or push-pull member 49 extending from the smaller lengthwise bore 232 in the connecting member 231. Extending from opposite ends of the tubular anchor member 239 are screws 243 which are threaded inwardly to crimp and anchor the inner core 49. Such crimping assures movement of the connecting member 231 with the inner core 49 and also prevents loss of the anchor member 239 from the connecting member 231. The means for limiting the extent of permissable travel of the outer sheath 169 relative to the inner core 49 to prevent disassembly of the outer handle 47 from the inner tube 43 includes the just described means for anchoring the inner core or wire 49 to the connecting member 231, as well as dimensioning of the length of the bore 230 of the connecting member 231 so that the amount of travel into the bore 230 of the metallic sleeve 173 until engagement of the inner end of the sleeve 173 with the inner end of the bore 230 is less than the amount of travel required to telescopically disassemble the outer handle 47 from the inner tube. Additional travel permitting such disassembly is permitted by loosening the screws 243 to permit relative movement between the core 49 and the connecting member 231.

When the outer handle 47 is moved from the neutral position outwardly from the tiller 21 to the forward drive position, the inner core is drawn through the outer sheath 169 causing the telescopic engagement of the connecting member 231 with the metallic sleeve 173 to be increased and such increase in telescopic engagement, in view of the fixed location of the knurled nut 227 relative to the propulsion unit 17, causes movement of the clutch control member 19 from the neutral to the forward drive position. Similarly, when the outer handle 47 is moved inwardly toward the tiller 21 from the neutral position to the reverse drive position, the inner core 49 is pushed through the outer sheath 169 to extend the connecting member 231 relative to the metallic sleeve 173. Because of the fixed connection of the metallic sleeve 173 to the propulsion unit 17, such movement of the connecting member 231 relative to the cable lock 229 serves to move the clutch control member 231 to the reverse position. In a similar fashion, movement of the outer handle 43 to neutral from either of the reverse or the forward drive positions will cause movement of the connecting member 231 so as to move the clutch control member to its neutral position.

Thus, there is provided an arrangement wherein coordinated steering, speed, and clutch control can be achieved by one handed manipulation of the clutch and throttle control assembly. While the disclosed arrangement can be employed as original equipment, the disclosed construction is particularly adapted to be used as a kit for adaptation or conversion to one handed operation of presently existing outboard motors which include a clutch control member at a remote point from the throttle controlling hand grip at the end of the tiller. Such conversion can be readily accomplished by removing the hand grip at the end of the tiller and by substituting therefor the inner tube 43 of the disclosed construction, together with the other components of the clutch and throttle control assembly 41 and of the push-pull cable 167 and the connection thereof to the propulsion unit 17 and to the clutch and throttle control assembly 41.

It is particularly noted that the disclosed construction affords throttle advance while the clutch is in neutral to facilitate starting and warming up of the engine. In addition, clutch movement in either direction from neutral requires depression of the button 137 to release the lock afforded by engagement of the cylindrical portion 121 of the lock and detent member 117 in the aperture 73 in the inner tube 43. Thus, inadvertent reversal of the direction of propulsion afforded by the outboard motor is precluded. It should be further noted that the engine throttle should be reduced to a low setting prior to moving the outer handle axially relative to the inner sleeve to actuate the clutch.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An outboard motor including a steerable propulsion unit, a clutch control member movably mounted on said propulsion unit, a tiller connected to said propulsion unit for effecting steering of said propulsion unit, a movably mounted throttle control member mounted on said propulsion unit, and a combined clutch and throttle control means mounted on said tiller for operating said clutch control member and said throttle control member and including a member mounted on said tiller for rotation relative thereto and operably connected to said throttle control member for actuation of said throttle control member in response to rotation of said member, and an element adapted to be manually actuated by the operator and connected to said member for rotary movement in common with said member and for axial movement relative to said member and operably connected to said clutch control member for actuation of said clutch control member in response to axial movement of said element.

2. A throttle and clutch control assembly adapted to be movably mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor and including a first member adapted to be mounted on the tiller for rotary movement relative thereto and including means for connection to a throttle control member on the outboard motor to actuate the throttle control member in response to rotation of said first member, a second member adapted to be actuated by an operator and connected to said first member for common rotary movement with said first member and for reciprocal movement relative to said first member, and a push-pull cable including an outer sheath fixed to said first member and a core movable in said outer sheath and connected, at one end, to said second member for common movement with said second member and adapted to be connected, at the other end, to a clutch controlling member on the outboard motor for actuation thereof in response to reciprocal movement of said second member.

3. A throttle and clutch control assembly adapted to be movably mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor and including an inner tube adapted to be rotatably mounted on the tiller and connected to a throttle control member on the outboard motor to actuate the throttle control member, an outer handle telescopically mounted on said inner tube for common rotary movement with said inner tube and for movement relative to said inner tube along the axis of inner tube rotation, and a push-pull cable having an outer sheath anchored, at one end, to said inner tube and adapted to be anchored at the other end to the outboard motor, and further including an inner core movable in said outer sheath and connected, at one end, to said outer handle for common movement therewith and adapted to be connected, at the other end, to a clutch control member on the outboard motor.

4. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 3 wherein said outer handle is movable relative to said inner tube relative to a neutral position, and further including a releasable lock means carried by said outer handle and cooperating with said inner tube for releasably locking said outer handle in said neutral position relative to said inner tube.

5. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 4 wherein said releasable lock means comprises a catch on said inner tube, a lock member carried by said outer handle for movement relative to a position engaging said catch, and means biasing said lock member to said position engaging said catch.

6. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 5 and further including means on said outer handle for withdrawing said lock member from said position of engagement with said catch against the action of said lock member biasing means, and means on said outer handle for biasing said lock member with drawing means to a position affording movement of said lock member to said position of engagement with said catch in response to the action of said lock member biasing means.

7. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 6 wherein said outer handle comprises a tubular member open at one end and further including a closure and carrier member supporting said lock member, said lock member biasing means, said lock member withdrawal means, and said means biasing said lock member withdrawal means and including a part closing said one end of said outer handle.

8. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein said lock member withdrawal means includes a button extending through said part closing said one end of said outer handle.

9. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein said outer handle and said closure and carrier member include cooperating telescopically engageable and relatively movable bayonettype parts for releasably locking said closure and carrier member to said outer handle and wherein said inner tube and said closure and carrier member includes cooperating parts preventing rotative movement therebetween so as to assure alignment of said lock member with said catch and to prevent rotation of said closure and carrier member relative to said outer handle and thereby prevent release of the lock between said outer handle and said closure and carrier member when said outer handle and said inner tube are in assembled relation.

10. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accorsaid inner core relative to said outer sheath.

Claims

6. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 5 and further including means on said outer handle for withdrawing said lock member from said position of engagement with said catch against the action of said lock member biasing means, and means on said outer handle for biasing said lock member withdrawing means to a position affording movement of said lock member to said position of engagement with said catch in response to the action of said lock member biasing means.

9. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein said outer handle and said closure and carrier member include cooperating telescopically engageable and relatively movable bayonet-type parts for releasably locking said closure and carrier member to said outer handle and wherein said inner tube and said closure and carrier member includes cooperating parts preventing rotativE movement therebetween so as to assure alignment of said lock member with said catch and to prevent rotation of said closure and carrier member relative to said outer handle and thereby prevent release of the lock between said outer handle and said closure and carrier member when said outer handle and said inner tube are in assembled relation.

10. A throttle and clutch control assembly in accordance with claim 3 and further including means preventing disassembly of said outer handle and said inner tube comprising means limiting relative movement of said inner core relative to said outer sheath.