Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Foot operated
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-08
2001-11-27
Green, Mary Ann (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Foot operated
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321617
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a pedal assembly for use with a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a pedal having a position that is adjustable to accommodate various users of the motor vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional motor vehicles use various types of pedal assemblies to control the brakes, accelerator and, if the vehicle has a manual transmission, the clutch. A vehicle operator operates the pedals. Motor vehicles are currently designed for the “average” driver. Thus, some adjustment is necessary to ensure that the driver can fully operate the control pedals at all times. Typically, this adjustment is accomplished by repositioning the operator's seat rather than repositioning the pedals. However, the various differences in the physical sizes of various operators along with an individual operator's overall physical characteristics require adjustments that are not easily obtainable by adjusting the position of the seat with respect to the pedals.
Systems that adjust the position of the pedal with respect to the vehicle operator are known, i.e., the vehicle operator remains stationary and the position of the pedals with respect to the operator changes. Such systems can be very complex, costly, require increased maintenance and provide varying pedal and actuation characteristics depending upon the position of the pedal. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a control pedal that adjusts relative to the position of the vehicle operator, maintains proper pedal ratios and does not vary the mechanical advantage of the pedal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is an adjustable pedal apparatus for actuating a device on a motor vehicle. The apparatus is supported within a pedal compartment of the vehicle interior, typically through use of a pivot pin supported within the vehicle compartment by a support bracket. A pedal arm is pivotally secured to the pivot pin. The pedal arm includes a pedal pad attached to the lower end thereof for receiving a force from the vehicle operator to actuate the device. A drive arm is pivotally connected to the pivot pin and is also connected to an actuator rod used to actuate the device. A link is pivotally connected on a first end thereof to the pedal arm and is adjustably secured on a second end thereof to the drive arm for movement to various positions on the drive arm to vary the angular position or relationship between the pedal arm and the drive arm.
An adjuster varies the position of the link on the drive arm. The adjuster includes a threaded member rotatably secured adjacent the drive arm. A drive member threadably engages the threaded member and is connected to the link. Rotation of the threaded member causes movement of the drive member along the threaded member and correspondingly repositions the link.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Green Mary Ann
Warn, Burgess & Hoffman, P.C.
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