Abstract:
Some embodiments are directed to a control system for use with a vehicle having handlebars that are configured to enable vehicle steering. The handlebars define a pair of grasping portions that are disposed to facilitate grasping by a vehicle operator&#39;s hands. The vehicle also includes a powertrain and an accessory. The control system includes a manually actuable primary selector disposed adjacent one of the grasping portions to enable manual actuation while one of the vehicle operator&#39;s hands grasps the one grasping portion. The primary selector is configured to operate in a powertrain mode to control an aspect of the powertrain, and to operate in a separate accessory mode to control an aspect of the accessory. A manually actuable override selector is disposed adjacent the one grasping portion. The override selector is configured to be manually actuable to switch the primary selector between the powertrain mode and the accessory mode.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The disclosed subject matter relates to vehicle accessory controls, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for controlling certain vehicle features, including but not limited to features that relate to vehicle accessories, features that are more directly related to vehicle powertrain performance, etc. 
         [0002]    Vehicles may be configured to satisfy or achieve a variety of performance capabilities, and may tailor controls and associated structures to suit anticipated usages. For example, some vehicles that are relatively small in size, such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), etc., may provide a relatively open seating area for the vehicle operator and/or other occupants, and may tailor certain controls to suit this structure and environment. In some cases, these vehicles include handlebars for steering, which enable the operator to maneuver the vehicle along a desired course of travel. The handlebars can be configured to enable the operator to grasp a pair of grasping portions, which are provided at opposing sides of the handlebars, with both hands to maintain control over the vehicle when moving. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    It may be beneficial for the vehicle operator to continuously or semi-continuously grasp the grasping portions of the handlebars during vehicle operation, movement, etc., to maintain control over the vehicle. However, the continuous or semi-continuous grasping of these portions of the handlebars with both hands may impede other tasks or otherwise make performance of these tasks more difficult. Thus, it may be beneficial to enable vehicle operators to perform other tasks while grasping the grasping portions of the vehicle handlebars to facilitate vehicle control and operation. 
         [0004]    For example, other controls may be provided at or adjacent the grasping portions of the handlebars to enable a user to access and/or operate these controls while still maintaining contact with the handlebars. In one such example, gear shifting controls may be provided at or adjacent the grasping portions of the handlebars to enable the vehicle operator to shift gears while grasping or otherwise maintaining contact with the handlebars. For example, portions of one of the vehicle operator&#39;s hands, such as the palm, one or more fingers, etc., may maintain contact with one of the grasping portions of the handlebars, while other portions of that same hand, such as other finger(s), operate the gear shifting controls. 
         [0005]    The gear shifting controls may be disposed and configured to facilitate use while the vehicle operator grasps the grasping portions of the handlebars, i.e., the controls may be accessed with one hand while the user grasps the handlebars with the same hand. In some cases, the gear shifting controls are provided at or adjacent the grasping portions of the handlebars and in the form of a pair of buttons that are configured for actuation by being depressed. Depressing one button may instruct the transmission to shift to a lower gear, while depressing the other button may instruct the transmission to shift to a higher gear. 
         [0006]    A limited amount of space is available at or adjacent the grasping portions of the handlebars, i.e., at a location that may be accessed by a vehicle operator while grasping the handlebars. Thus, only a certain number of other controls can be provided at this location. It may therefore be beneficial to selectively dispose controls that are critical to the vehicle operation (such as the powertrain performance), frequently used during operation, etc., at or adjacent the grasping portions of the handlebars, which can be characterized as a prime location, and to dispose other controls at other locations. 
         [0007]    In other words, it may not be possible for all controls to be disposed at this prime location due to space constraints. For example, providing a vehicle with a relatively large number of controls, or controls having a certain configuration, may preclude some controls from being disposed at or adjacent the grasping portions of the handlebars. Thus, it may be necessary to dispose these controls (including but not limited to controls used to operate vehicle accessories) at locations that can only be accessed by removing one of the user&#39;s hands from the grasping portions of the handlebars. 
         [0008]    As one example, some of the vehicles disclosed above include a winch, which can be used for a variety of purposes. The winch can cooperate with a cable that is connectable to an object, which may thereby enable the vehicle to pull the object. The winch may be controlled to increase or decrease a length of the cable available for use. Alternatively, the winch can communicate with a plow blade that is attached to the vehicle to enable the plow blade to be raised or lowered. However due to space constraints, the winch controls may not be located at or adjacent the grasping portions of the handlebars. 
         [0009]    As discussed above, it may be inconvenient, unsafe, etc. for a vehicle operator to cease grasping the handlebars during operation, even though the operator may need to do so to operate certain vehicle controls. It may therefore be beneficial to address this issue, such as by increasing the number of controls that can be accessed while the user grasps the grasping portions of the handlebars, even though a limited amount of space is available for such controls. 
         [0010]    Some embodiments address this space constraint and increase the number of controls that are safely and/or conveniently accessible by using the same controls or control structures for multiple operations. The nature of certain controls may facilitate this dual or multiple usage. For example, the separate buttons, which are actuable to instruct the transmission to either shift gears upward or downward, can also be used to instruct the winch to move in opposing directions, such as to increase or decrease a length of the cable, or to raise or lower the plow blade. Some embodiments include an override selector to enable these multi-use controls to be switched between the multiple different usages. For example, manipulating the override selector may enable the controls to be used for one type of operation, while either not manipulating the override selector (or manipulating the override selector in a different way) may enable the same controls to be used for another different type of operation. 
         [0011]    Some embodiments are therefore directed to a control system for use with a vehicle having handlebars that are configured to enable vehicle steering. The handlebars can define a pair of grasping portions that are disposed to facilitate grasping by a vehicle operator&#39;s hands. The vehicle can also include a powertrain and an accessory. The control system can include a manually actuable primary selector disposed adjacent one of the grasping portions to enable manual actuation while one of the vehicle operator&#39;s hands grasps the one grasping portion. The primary selector can be configured to operate in a powertrain mode to control an aspect of the powertrain, and to operate in a separate accessory mode to control an aspect of the accessory. A manually actuable override selector can be disposed adjacent the one grasping portion. The override selector can be configured to be manually actuable to switch the primary selector between the powertrain mode and the accessory mode. 
         [0012]    Some other embodiments are directed to a vehicle for transporting an operator. The vehicle can include handlebars that are configured to enable vehicle steering. The handlebars can define a pair of grasping portions that are disposed to facilitate grasping by hands of the operator. The vehicle can also include a powertrain and an accessory that is at least in part separate from the powertrain. The vehicle can further include a control system having a manually actuable primary selector disposed adjacent one of the grasping portions to enable manual actuation while one of the vehicle operator&#39;s hands grasps the one grasping portion. The primary selector can be configured to operate in a powertrain mode to control an aspect of the powertrain, and to operate in a separate accessory mode to control an aspect of the accessory. The control system can also include a manually actuable override selector that can be disposed adjacent the one grasping portion. The override selector can be configured to be manually actuable to switch the primary selector between the powertrain mode and the accessory mode. 
         [0013]    Still other embodiments are directed to a method of manufacturing a control system for use with a vehicle. The vehicle can include handlebars that are configured to enable vehicle steering. The handlebars can define a pair of grasping portions that are disposed to facilitate grasping by a vehicle operator&#39;s hands. The vehicle can also include a powertrain and an accessory. The method can include: disposing a manually actuable primary selector adjacent one of the grasping portions to enable manual actuation while one of the vehicle operator&#39;s hands grasps the one grasping portion; configuring the primary selector to operate in a powertrain mode to control an aspect of the powertrain, and to operate in a separate accessory mode to control as aspect of the accessory; disposing a manually actuable override selector adjacent the one grasping portion; and configuring the override selector to be manually actuable to switch the primary selector between the powertrain mode and the accessory mode. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The disclosed subject matter of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method, given by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is an elevated front perspective view depicting a vehicle with an attached vehicle accessory in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged front perspective view depicting a winch and front cover/fender assembly of a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an elevated rear perspective view depicting a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged elevated rear perspective view depicting handlebars and other components of the vehicle embodiments of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a rear view depicting a switch assembly associated with a portion of the handlebars of  FIG. 4 , according to one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a schematic depicting an electromechanical shift override controller and certain associated vehicle components of  FIGS. 1-6 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a schematic depicting an electronic shift override circuit and certain associated vehicle components of  FIGS. 1-6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    A few inventive aspects of the disclosed embodiments are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows. Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with the views and examples of  FIG. 1-7 , wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views. 
         [0023]    1. Overall Vehicle 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is an elevated front perspective view depicting a vehicle with an attached vehicle accessory in accordance with the disclosed subject matter; and  FIG. 3  is an elevated rear perspective view depicting a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0025]    A vehicle  10  is disclosed herein as being an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”). However, in alternative embodiments, the vehicle can be an automobile, a truck, a van, a recreational vehicle, a utility vehicle, a construction vehicle, agricultural equipment, or any other vehicle that could benefit from the installation, function, and/or use of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein. 
         [0026]    The vehicle  10  can include a powertrain  26 , a vehicle frame  16 , and various body panels  46  covering the vehicle frame  16  and powertrain  26 . The powertrain  26 , can include a drivetrain  29  and a power source  38 . The drivetrain  29  can include a front differential  28 , a transmission  27 , a rear differential  32 , and two pairs of wheels, in particular a left front wheel  12 L and right front wheel  12 R, and a left rear wheel  14 L and right rear wheel  14 R. Each front wheel  12 L,  12 R and rear wheel  14 L,  14 R can be rotatably coupled with respect to the vehicle frame  16 . The front wheels  12 L,  12 R can include steerable wheels. A pair of handlebars  18  can be operably coupled with the front wheels  12 L,  12 R to facilitate steering of the front wheels  12 L,  12 R. A headlight  54  can be attached to the handlebars  18 , which can provide a forward light source for operating the vehicle  10  on a path in dimly lit or unlit environmental conditions. 
         [0027]    The front differential  28  can be coupled to a pair of front axles  30  that can facilitate driving of the front wheels  12 L,  12 R. A pair of front dampers  31  can be attached between the respective pair of front axles  30  and the body panel  16 . A pair of rear dampers  36  can be attached to a respective pair of rear axles  34  and the body frame  16 . The rear final gear  32  can be coupled with the pair of rear axles  34  that can facilitate driving of the rear wheels  14 L,  14 R. The transmission  27  can be an automatic transmission, a manual transmission, or a semi-automatic transmission. The transmission  27  can be coupled to the front differential  28  and the rear differential  32 . A coupling can connect an engine output shaft to an input shaft of the transmission  27  and permit selective engagement/disengagement of the transmission input shaft with the engine output shaft, or at least relative rotation of the engine output shaft with respect to the transmission input shaft, in any manner that is later developed or known in the art. Exemplary couplings can include, but are not limited to, a friction disc clutch and a torque convertor. The transmission  27  can include, but is not limited to, a multi-ratio gear transmission, a hydraulic-type transmission, a hydrostatic-type transmission, a belt-drive transmission (e.g., a continuously-variable transmission), or any of a variety or other suitable transmission arrangements. 
         [0028]    The power source  38  can be an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that can provide a motive power to the drivetrain  29 . The power source  38  (configured as an internal combustion engine or a hybrid power source) can have the engine output axis oriented in the longitudinal direction L or in the traverse direction T of the vehicle  10 . The power source  38  can be mounted rearward of the front axles  30 , forward of the rear axles  34 , or an intermediate disposition the front and rear axles  30 ,  34 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the power source  38  is configured as an intermediate-mounted internal combustion engine. Output exhaust gasses from an internal combustion engine can be channeled through an engine exhaust manifold and through an exhaust muffler  40 . The exhaust muffler  40  can be disposed to direct exhaust gasses behind the vehicle  10  to enhance the safety of the operator. 
         [0029]    In an embodiment, the transmission  27  can be configured to selectively or alternatively operate in a variety of different gears, such as reverse, first gear, second gear, third gear, fourth gear, fifth gear, and overdrive. When in neutral, power from the power source  38  is not transmitted to any of the wheels  12 L,  12 R and  14 L,  14 R. When the transmission  27  is in reverse, power from the power source  38  can be transmitted to at least one of the wheels  12 L,  12 R and  14 L,  14 R to facilitate movement of the vehicle  10  in a reverse direction. When in each of the first, second third, fourth, fifth and overdrive gears, power from the power source  38  can be transmitted to at least one of the wheels  12 L,  12 R and  14 L,  14 R at a variety of different forward speed ranges. 
         [0030]    In an embodiment, the vehicle  10  can be configured to selectively and alternatively operate in a two-wheel drive (2WD) mode, a four-wheel drive (4WD) mode, or an all-wheel drive (AWD) mode. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the vehicle  10  can include a 2WD/4WD shift lever  48  that can be connected to the transmission  27 , electrically, mechanically, or elector-mechanically, such that actuation of the gear shift lever by the operator can effect a shift between 2WD mode and 4WD mode within the transmission  27 . The 2WD/4WD shift lever  48  can be a mechanical lever or an electrical switch, as is known in the art. The 2WD/4WD shift lever  48  can be mounted in any one of a plurality of different locations within the vehicle  10  that is convenient to an operator. 
         [0031]    The front differential  28  can facilitate operation of the vehicle  10 , such that one of the front wheels  12 L,  12 R can rotate at a different speed relative to the other one of the wheels  12 L,  112 R as the vehicle travels a curved path, thereby affecting a desired operation of the vehicle  10  in certain driving conditions. The front differential  28  can, however, be selectively locked to ensure that both of the front wheels  12 L,  12 R rotate at the same wheel speed. To control a front differential lock, a differential lock switch  50  can be mounted on the handlebars  18 . Upon actuation, the differential lock switch  50  can control any appropriate apparatus that can lock in the front differential  28  so that both front wheels  12 L,  12 R rotate at the same speed. In one embodiment, the differential lock switch  50  can include a three-position rocker switch or other suitable multi-position switch or multi-function button. To operate, an operator may actuate the differential lock switch  50  from either a lock-initiate or unlock-initiate position. Upon release, the differential lock switch  50  can automatically move into a home position. The differential lock switch  50  can be mounted on the pair of handlebars  18  adjacent a right hand grip  62 , such that during operation of the vehicle  10 , an operator can actuate the differential lock switch  50  (e.g., with a thumb) without releasing the right hand grip  62 . In alternative embodiments, the differential lock switch  50  can be located adjacent a left hand grip  60  or at other various different suitable locations on the vehicle  10 . 
         [0032]    The body panels  46  can provide a protective and aesthetically pleasing cover for the powertrain  26  and the vehicle frame  16 . The body panels  46  can include a pair of front wheel fenders  44  that can partially cover the front wheels  12 L,  12 R, and a pair of rear wheel fenders  42  that can partially cover the rear wheels  14 L,  14 R. The operator seat  47  can be disposed in a longitudinally centered position behind the handlebars  18 . 
         [0033]    The vehicle  10  can also include a front cargo rack  20  and a rear cargo rack  24  disposed above the vehicle body panels  46  that can facilitate support of cargo for transportation by the vehicle  10 . The front cargo rack  20  can be connected to a front guard rail  22  that can protect a front of the vehicle  10  from damage caused by collision with an object in the path of the vehicle  10 . The front and rear cargo racks  20 ,  24  and the front guard rail  22  can be provided as tubular metal frame assemblies. 
         [0034]    2. Winch 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged front perspective view depicting a winch and front cover/fender assembly of a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In the embodiment, the winch assembly  70  can be disposed forward of the front axles  30  in an intermediate position between the front wheels  12 L and  12 R. Although the winch assembly  70  is illustrated in  FIG. 2  at the front area of the vehicle  10 , in alternative embodiments the winch assembly  70  may be disposed in other areas of the vehicle  10 , such as a rear area intermediate position between left and right rear wheels  14 L and  14 R, a top area, or any other suitable area for attaching a winch assembly  70  to a vehicle. 
         [0036]    The winch assembly  70  can include a winch motor  78 , a winch cable  80  attached to a clevis hook assembly  82 , and a front carrier/fender assembly  86 . The front carrier/fender assembly  86  can include a winch mount plate  72 , a plate clamp  74 , and a fairlead  76 . The winch mount plate  72  can be moveably attached to the vehicle frame  16 , the front differential  28 , or any suitable location at the front of the vehicle  10 . The plate clamp  74  can be attached to an underside of the winch mount plate  72  (e.g., a side facing away from the vehicle  10 ) in any appropriate manner, such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners, glue, epoxy, welding, pressure fitting, etc. The fairlead  76  can be attached to an underside of the winch mount plate  72  (e.g., a side facing away from the vehicle  10 ) in any appropriate manner, such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners, glue, epoxy, welding, pressure fitting, etc. The fairlead  76  can include a pair of opposing rollers  84  that are aligned on opposing sides of an aperture in the winch mount plate  72 . 
         [0037]    The winch motor  78  can be attached, in a lateral disposition, to an opposing side of the winch mount plate  72  (e.g., a side facing the vehicle  10 ) using mounting holes that can align with the fasteners of the plate clamp  74 , which can extend through the winch mount plate  72 . In an alternative embodiment, the winch motor  78  can be attached to the winch mount plate  72  in any appropriate manner, such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners, glue, epoxy, welding, pressure fitting, etc. The winch motor  78  can include an appropriate AC or DC powered electric motor, and can be configured with various gears and control circuits to operate in a forward rotational direction or a reverse rotational direction. 
         [0038]    A first end of the winch cable  80  can be attached to, and wind around, a rotating member connected to and driven by the winch motor  78 . Once the fairlead  76  and winch motor  78  are attached to the winch mount plate  72 , a second end of the winch cable  80 , distal to the first end, can feed through the aperture in the winch mount plate  72  and between the fairlead rollers  84 . Once the winch cable  80  is fed through the fairlead rollers  84 , the clevis hook assembly  82  can rotatably attach to the second end of the winch cable  80 . The clevis hook assembly  82  can removably couple to an aperture, hook, loop member, etc., on an external object, separate vehicle, or vehicle accessory to facilitate pulling or releasing the object, vehicle, or accessory during operation of the winch motor  78  in a forward rotational direction or a reverse rotational direction. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the clevis hook assembly  82  can be removably coupled to a vehicle accessory that can be disposed at the front of the vehicle  10 . In some embodiments, the winch assembly  70  can be configured to selectively or alternatively cause one or more actuations of a vehicle accessory. For example, the winch assembly  70  can be configured to selectively or alternatively raise or lower an accessory upon actuation of the winch motor  78  in a forward rotational direction or a reverse rotational direction. 
         [0040]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a plow blade  64  accessory can be disposed at the front of the vehicle  10  and coupled to the winch assembly  70 . The plow blade  64  can include a wear bar  66  that can be mounted and fastened to a bottom edge of the plow blade  64  in any appropriate manner, such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners, glue, epoxy, welding, pressure fitting, etc. In an embodiment, the wear bar  66  can be secured to a bottom edge of the plow blade  64  with carriage bolts  68 . The plow blade  64  can be coupled to the winch assembly  70  by attaching the clevis hook assembly  82  and stringing the winch cable  80  through a mounting bracket on the plow blade  64 , such as a spring bracket mounted to the convex side of the plow blade  64 , or any suitable mounting bracket. Once the plow blade  64  has been mounted onto the winch assembly  70 , actuation of the winch motor  78  in a forward direction can cause the winch cable  80  to unwind, thereby lowering the plow blade  64 . Actuation of the winch motor  78  in a reverse direction can cause the winch cable to wind, thereby raising the plow blade  64 . 
         [0041]    3. Controls 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged elevated rear perspective view depicting handlebars and other components of the vehicle embodiments of  FIGS. 1-3 . The pair of handlebars  18  can be coupled to a center console  56  that can include a display screen  58  for displaying one or more indicators  59  related to operation or sensors of the vehicle  10 . The indicators  59  can include, but are not limited to, speed, gear selection, fuel level, 2WD/4WD gear selection, battery status, etc. The indicators  59  can additionally include any one of an indicator light, a display icon, a heads-up display icon (such as in conjunction with a helmet, vehicle with a windshield, etc.), an audible indicator, or any other visual and/or audible indicator. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  also illustrates a switch assembly  52  disposed on the handlebars  18  and associated with the left hand grip  60  according to one embodiment. More specifically, switch assembly  52  can be disposed adjacent the left hand grip  60  between the left hand grip  60  and the center console  56 . The switches and buttons disposed at the switch assembly  52  can be selectively depressed by a left hand of an operator without releasing the left hand grip  60 . In alternative embodiments, the switch assembly  52  can be disposed in other suitable locations on the vehicle  10 . For example, a switch assembly can alternatively be disposed on the handlebars  18  adjacent the right hand grip  62 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is a rear view depicting a switch assembly associated with a portion of the handlebars of  FIG. 4 , according to one embodiment.  FIG. 5  illustrates a more detailed view of the individual switches and buttons associated with the switch assembly  52  disposed at the handlebars  18  associated with the left hand grip  60 . The switch assembly  52  can include, but is not limited to, an engine stop switch  88 , a headlight switch  90 , a hi/lo headlight switch  92  to adjust light intensity of the headlight  54 , and an engine start switch  94 . 
         [0045]    The switch assembly  52  can further include an upshift button  98  (shown with an upward arrow in  FIG. 5 ) and a downshift button  100  (shown with a downward arrow in  FIG. 5 ) disposed within a shift buttons housing  96 . The upshift button  98  and the downshift button  100  can facilitate electronic shifting of the transmission  27  between different driving gears. In particular, an operator can depress the upshift button  98  to shift the transmission  27  into a higher gear, and can depress the downshift button  100  to shift the transmission  27  into a lower gear. In such an embodiment, the transmission  27  can include an automated manual transmission (AMT) or any of a variety of other suitable electronic shift-type transmissions. In alternative embodiments, the electronic shifting of the transmission  27  can be achieved with any of a variety of suitable alternative shift actuators, such as a three-position rock switch similar to that described in relation to the differential lock switch  50 . 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the switch assembly  52  can include a shift function override button  102  that can be selectively depressed by a left hand (e.g., a left thumb) of an operator without releasing the left hand grip  60 . Actuation of the shift function override button  102  can initiate an override control causing the functions of the upshift button  98  and the downshift button  100  to cease actuating the transmission to shift into a higher or lower gear, respectively. 
         [0047]    When the shift function override button  102  is depressed and held by an operator, the transmission shift function is placed into an override state. In the override state, the upshift button  98  and the downshift button  100  can be utilized to control one or more actions of a vehicle accessory, such as the winch motor  78 . In turn, the winch motor can control the upward and downward movements of the plow blade  64 . Thus, upon activating the shift function override button  102 , the operator can cause the upshift button  98  to control the winch motor  78  to move in the first direction that can cause the winch assembly  70  to raise the plow blade  64 , and can cause the downshift button  100  to control the winch motor  78  to move in the second direction that can cause the winch assembly  70  to lower the plow blade  64 . 
         [0048]    When the shift function override button  102  is no longer depressed by an operator, the toggling the functions of the upshift button  98  and the downshift button  100  are switched back to a normal state. In this state, the upshift button  98  and the downshift button  100  cease controlling the vehicle accessory (e.g., the winch motor  78 ), and resume the function of actuating the transmission to shift into a higher or lower gear, respectively. 
         [0049]    The disposition of the shift function override button  102  at the switch assembly  52  can be beneficial because it enables the accessory to be controlled without releasing the left or right hand grips  60 ,  62 . This feature is especially beneficial in situations requiring repetitive actuations of the winch assembly  70 , and where the operator of the vehicle  10  does not need to shift the transmission  27  to a higher or lower gear. In contrast, related art winch control switches are physically separated from the switch assembly  52 , and thus require the operator to release the left hand grip  60  (e.g., the throttle) to access a remotely positioned winch control switch. 
         [0050]    In a situation requiring frequent raising and lowering of the plow blade  64  (such as plowing snow, dirt, gravel, etc.), the winch assembly  70  is utilized to frequently raise and lower the plow blade  64 . The need to repeatedly move the hand position from the left hand grip  60  to access a winch control switch to raise and lower the plow blade  64  can become troublesome and possibly dangerous to an operator. It can be beneficial to provide the shift function override button  102  on the switch assembly  52  so that an operator can control the operation of the winch motor  78  without the need to remove the vehicle operator&#39;s hand from the left hand grip  60 . Thus, the disclosed embodiments advantageously allow an operator to disable the function of the upshift and downshift buttons  98 ,  100  for the transmission  27 , and repurpose the upshift and downshift buttons  98 ,  100  to operate a vehicle accessory. 
         [0051]    4. Multi-Use Switches 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  is a schematic depicting an electromechanical shift override controller and certain associated vehicle components of  FIGS. 1-6 . In one embodiment, the upshift button  98  and downshift button  100  for the transmission  27  can be configured to control the operation of a winch motor controller  124 . The winch motor controller  124  can include any suitable electromechanical controller for controlling the operations of the winch motor  78 . The upshift and downshift buttons  98 ,  100  can thus be configured as multi-use or dual-purpose switches. For example, when a change to a higher or lower transmission gear is not needed, and the operator desires to raise and lower the plow blade  64  using the winch assembly  70 , the shift function override button  102  can be actuated to override the gear changing function of the upshift and downshift buttons  98 ,  100  to function as controls to raise and lower the plow blade  64 . 
         [0053]    In  FIG. 6 , an electromechanical circuit  104  can be used to facilitate the use of the upshift button  98  and downshift button  100  as dual-use switches that control a vehicle accessory. The vehicle  10  can include an override relay  118  that can be configured to facilitate selective electrical communication between the upshift and downshift buttons  98 ,  100  and one of the winch motor and transmission  27 , in response to actuation of the shift function override button  102 . In  FIG. 6 , the circuit can be powered by a vehicle battery  110 , for example any AC or DC battery suitable to provide power to a vehicle. All components in the electromechanical circuit  104  can be grounded to a common ground  108 . 
         [0054]    An electronic control unit (ECU)  106  can be a processor that is operationally connected to each component in the electromechanical circuit  104 , and can provide communications, process algorithms, provide a memory to store instructions, and execute instructions for the electromechanical circuit  104 . The override relay  118  can include a pair of two-position switches (e.g., toggle switches) that can be actuated by depression of the shift function override button  102 . An input  120   a  of the override relay  118  can be electrically coupled with the upshift contact  112 , which is the contact for the upshift button  98 , the winch motor controller  124 , and the ECU  106 . 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, the ECU  106  can control the upshifting or downshifting functions of the transmission  27 . The winch motor controller  124  can be electrically coupled to the winch motor  78 , and can control a mechanical function of the winch motor  78 , such as to actuate the winch motor  78  in a forward rotational direction, to actuate the winch motor  78  in a reverse rotational direction, or to stop the movement of the winch motor  78 . First and second outputs  120   b  and  120   c  of the two-position switch  120  can be electrically coupled with the winch motor controller  124  and the ECU  106 . An input  122   a  of the override relay  118  can be electrically coupled with the downshift contact  116 , which is the contact for the downshift button  100 , the winch motor controller  124 , and the ECU  106 . First and second outputs  122   b  and  122   c  of the two-position switch  120  can be electrically coupled with the ECU  106  and the winch motor controller  124 , respectively. The upshift contact  112  and the downshift contact  116  can be electrically coupled to the transmission through resistors  114  and  117 , respectively, and electrically coupled with the battery  110 . 
         [0056]    The override relay  118  can be operable in one of an energized mode and a de-energized mode depending upon actuation of the shift function override button  102 . In one embodiment, the ECU  106  can function as a general purpose transmission (T/M) control unit (TCU) that is configured to control at least one function of the transmission  27 , such as shifting to a higher or lower gear. The ECU can also impede or prevent energization of the override relay  118 , such that the override relay  118  is in the de-energized mode. When the override relay  118  is in the de-energized mode, the pair of two-position switches  120 ,  122  can be in a first position (shown as solid lines in  FIG. 6 ), such that actuation of the upshift or downshift buttons  98 ,  100  provides power from the battery  110 , which in turn closes the upshift contact  112  or the downshift contact  116 , respectively, which provides electrical power to the transmission  27  and/or an electrical charge to the ECU indicating to shift a gear. 
         [0057]    Once an operator depresses and holds the shift function override button  102  for a predetermined period, the operator can release the shift function override button  102 , which places the override relay in the energized mode. When the override relay  118  is in the energized mode, the pair of two-position switches  120 ,  122  can switch to the second position (shown as dotted lines in  FIG. 6 ), such that the actuation of the upshift contact  112  (by the upshift button  98 ), or actuation of the downshift contact  116  (by the downshift button  100 ), provide circuits that are in electrical communication with the winch motor controller  124 , and can provide power from the battery  110  to a controller for the winch motor controller  124 . In the energized mode, the override relay  118  can enable the upshift button  98  to control at least one operation of the winch motor controller  124 , such as to cause the winch motor to operate in a reverse rotational direction. 
         [0058]    As described above, when the winch motor controller  124  operates in a reverse rotational direction, the winch motor controller  124  winds the winch cable  80 , thereby moving the plow blade  64  in an upward direction. Likewise, in the energized mode, the override relay  118  can enable the downshift button  100  to control at least one operation of the winch motor controller  124 , such as to cause the winch motor to operate in a forward rotational direction. As described above, when the winch motor controller  124  operates in a forward rotational direction, the winch motor controller  124  unwinds the winch cable  80 , thereby allowing the plow blade  64  to move in a downward direction. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  is a schematic depicting an electronic shift override circuit and certain associated vehicle components of  FIGS. 1-6 . The electronic shift override circuit  126  may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof, that exists in the related art or that is later developed. The electronic shift override circuit  126  can include an upshift function unit  130 , a downshift function unit  132 , an ECU  128 , a transmission control unit (TCU)  136 , a winch motor control function unit  138 , and a shift function override unit  134 . The ECU  128  can be a processor that is operationally connected to each unit in the electronic circuit  126 , and can provide communications, process algorithms, provide a memory to store instructions, and execute instructions for the electronic circuit  126 . In an alternative embodiment, the ECU may be in communication with each unit in the electronic circuit  126  over a network, such as a controller area network (CAN) bus for the vehicle  10 . In an additional alternative embodiment, one or more of the individual units of the electronic circuit  126  can include an ECU or processor that can provide communications, process algorithms, and execute instructions for the respective unit. 
         [0060]    The upshift function unit  130  can be actuated by a signal from the upshift button  98 . The downshift function unit  132  can be actuated by a signal from the downshift button  100 . The winch motor control function unit  138  can control a mechanical function of the winch motor  78 , such as to actuate the winch motor  78  in a forward rotational direction, a reverse rotational direction, or to stop the winch motor  78 . The shift function override unit  134  can receive an execution signal from the shift function override button  102 . The TCU  136  can control the upshifting or downshifting functions of the transmission  27  via signals from the upshift function unit  130  and the downshift function unit  132 , respectively. The ECU  128  can control the functions of the winch motor control function unit  138  that is electrically coupled to the winch motor  78 . 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, to facilitate the use of the upshift button  98  and downshift button  100  as dual-use switches to control a vehicle accessory, the vehicle  10  can include an override function that can be configured to facilitate selective electrical communication between the upshift and downshift buttons  98 ,  100  and one of the winch motor  78  and transmission  27 , in response to actuation of the shift function override button  102 . 
         [0062]    The electronic shift override circuit  126  can be operable in one of an activated mode and a deactivated mode depending upon status of the shift function override unit  134 . The ECU  128  can be coupled with various sensors of the transmission  27  that can determine the current gear engagement. In one embodiment, the ECU  128  can function as a general purpose TCU that is configured to control at least one function of the transmission  27 , such as shifting to a higher or lower gear and thereby negate the need for a separate TCU  136 . The ECU  128  can also impede or prevent activation of the shift override function unit  134  such that the shift override function unit  134  is in the deactivated mode. When the shift override function unit  134  is in the deactivated mode, TCU  136  can control shifting of the transmission  27  between gears in response to signals from the upshift or downshift buttons  98 ,  100 . 
         [0063]    Once an operator depresses and holds the shift function override button  102  for a predetermined time period, the operator can release the shift function override button  102 , which places the shift function override unit  138  into the activated mode. When the shift function override unit  134  is in the activated mode, activation of the upshift function unit  130  (by the upshift button  98 ) or actuation of the downshift function unit  132  (by the downshift button  100 ) can result in the ECU  128  switching functional use of the upshift button  98 , and downshift button  100  into controlling at least one function of a vehicle accessory. 
         [0064]    In one embodiment, the ECU  128  can switch functional use of the upshift button  98  and downshift button  100  into controlling the winch motor control function unit  138 , such as to instruct the winch motor  78  to operate in a forward or reverse rotational direction. In the activated mode, when the winch motor control function unit  138  receives a signal from the upshift function unit  130 , the winch motor control function unit  138  can signal the winch motor  78  to operate in a forward rotational direction. Likewise, in the activated mode, when the winch motor control function unit  138  receives a signal from the downshift function unit  132 , the winch motor control function unit  138  can signal the winch motor  78  to operate in a reverse rotational direction. As described above, when the winch motor  78  operates in a reverse rotational direction, the winch cable  80  pulls against a spring bracket of the plow blade  64 , causing the plow blade to move in an upward direction, and when the winch motor  78  operates in a forward rotational direction, the winch motor controller  124  unwinds the winch cable  80 , thereby allowing the plow blade  64  to move in a downward direction. 
         [0065]    5. Alternative Embodiments 
         [0066]    While certain embodiments of the invention are described above, and  FIGS. 1-7  disclose the best mode for practicing the various inventive aspects, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied and configured in many different ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0067]    While the embodiment for the vehicle  10  is described with two pairs of wheels, alternative embodiments for the vehicle  10  can include more than two pairs of wheels, such as a six-wheeled vehicle. 
         [0068]    Embodiments are disclosed above in the context of a plow blade  64  shown in  FIG. 1 . However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of different suitable vehicle accessories that can be mounted to the vehicle  10 , including but not limited to, a bucket, forklift forks, a platform, a bale spear or spike, etc. 
         [0069]    Exemplary embodiments are also intended to cover any manner or structure of winch or winch assembly, including but not limited to known or later developed winches. Exemplary embodiments are further intended to cover apparatus unrelated to winch assemblies. 
         [0070]    Exemplary embodiments are intended to cover execution of instructions of the ECU  106  and/or ECU  128  in any order relative to one another. In addition, instructions can be omitted, added, and/or modified. 
         [0071]    The embodiments re disclosed above in the context of two buttons, i.e., upshift and downshift buttons  98 ,  100 , that are switchable between controlling the gears and the winch. However, embodiments are intended to cover or otherwise include any number of buttons that can be switched between different modes, including a single button, three or more buttons, etc. 
         [0072]    The embodiments are also disclosed above in the context of switching between two different modes of operation, i.e., where the upshift and downshift buttons  98 ,  100  are switchable between controlling the gears and the winch. However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover switching between any number of different modes, i.e., three or more different modes. 
         [0073]    The embodiments are also disclosed above in the context of the selectors, i.e., upshift and downshift buttons  98 ,  100 , and shift function override button  102 , being in the form of buttons. However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any form of known, related art or later developed selector, such as a switch, touch screen, etc. 
         [0074]    Embodiments are also intended to include or otherwise cover methods of using and methods of manufacturing the override circuits disclosed above. The methods of manufacturing include or otherwise cover processors and computer programs implemented by processors used to design various elements of the override circuits disclosed above. For example, embodiments are intended to cover processors and computer programs used to design or create functions that can cause actions to control a vehicle accessory as described above. 
         [0075]    Exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all software or computer programs capable of enabling processors to implement the above operations, designs and determinations. Exemplary embodiments are also intended to cover any and all currently known, related art or later developed non-transitory recording or storage mediums (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, hard drive, RAM, ROM, floppy disc, magnetic tape cassette, etc.) that record or store such software or computer programs. Exemplary embodiments are further intended to cover such software, computer programs, systems and/or processes provided through any other currently known, related art, or later developed medium (such as transitory mediums, carrier waves, etc.), usable for implementing the exemplary operations disclosed above. 
         [0076]    These computer programs can be executed in many exemplary ways, such as an application that is resident in the memory of a device or as a hosted application that is being executed on a server and communicating with the device application or browser via a number of standard protocols, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, XML, SOAP, REST, JSON and other sufficient protocols. The disclosed computer programs can be written in exemplary programming languages that execute from memory on the device or from a hosted server, such as BASIC, COBOL, C, C++, Java, Pascal, or scripting languages such as JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, Perl or other sufficient programming languages. 
         [0077]    Some of the disclosed embodiments include or otherwise involve data transfer over a network, such as communicating various inputs over the network. The network may include, for example, one or more of the Internet, Wide Area Networks (WANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks (e.g., a PSTN, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a cellular network, and Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL)), radio, television, cable, satellite, and/or any other delivery or tunneling mechanism for carrying data. Network may include multiple networks or subnetworks, each of which may include, for example, a wired or wireless data pathway. The network may include a circuit-switched voice network, a packet-switched data network, or any other network able to carry electronic communications. For example, the network may include networks based on the Internet protocol (IP) or asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and may support voice using, for example, VoIP, Voice-over-ATM, or other comparable protocols used for voice data communications. In one implementation, the network includes a cellular telephone network configured to enable exchange of text or SMS messages. 
         [0078]    Examples of a network include, but are not limited to, a personal area network (PAN), a storage area network (SAN), a home area network (HAN), a campus area network (CAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a controller area network, a metropolitan area network (MAN), a virtual private network (VPN), an enterprise private network (EPN), Internet, a global area network (GAN), and so forth. 
         [0079]    While the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the invention. All related art references discussed in the above Background section are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.