Importance

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Abstract

A collapsible control lever for use with a control system having levers including a conventional cable control lever system such as those found on motorcycles and bicycles. The lever has three independent axes of rotation about which sections of the lever rotate during impact to deflect the impact force. However, the lever remains rigid in the direction of the applied control force when in its operational position during normal operation. The lever restores itself to its operational position following impact with minimal user assistance. The lever may be sized and shaped to be easily retrofit into existing known pivot bases, and at least one of the pivots may include an improved swivel pivot that is sealed from mud and other debris in its operational configuration. The improved swivel pivot has a first and second generally cylindrical frame portion that rotate about a pivot pin with each frame portion having a sliding surface with a smoothly alternating concave and convex-shaped sliding surface. The two surfaces are in intermeshed alignient when the lever is in its operational configuration. The two surfaces slide out of intermeshed alignment during impact. A coil spring received within the frame portions urges the two frame portions toward each other and the misaligned concave and convex surfaces urge the frame portions to rotate to restore the sliding surfaces into intermeshed alignment following an impact.

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First Claim