Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Foot operated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-30
2001-03-27
Green, Mary Ann (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Foot operated
C074S560000, C074S60600R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205883
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention relates an adjustable pedal assembly for use in an automotive vehicle to adjust the position of the pad supported by a pedal lever between various operational positions to accommodate various operator positions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Such adjustable pedal assemblies typically include a support for attachment to a vehicle, a pedal lever having a distal end, and a pad attached to the distal end of the pedal lever for receiving a force from a vehicle operator for moving the pedal lever from an operational position. A mechanism interconnects the pedal lever and the support for providing an output to a control element in response to movement of the pedal lever from the operational position and for adjusting the pad between various operational positions to accommodate various operator positions. Frequently, a plurality of gears are driven by an electric motor to adjust the pad between various operational positions. These gears are pre-assembled in a gear box which, in turn, must be assembled to the remaining adjustable pedal components. Examples of such assemblies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,643,525; 4,875,385; 4,989,474; 5,078,024; 5,460,061; 5,697,260; 5,722,302 and 5,819,593. However, there is always a need to reduce manufacturing and assembly time and expense.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
The subject invention provides an improved adjustable pedal assembly comprising a support for attachment to a vehicle, a pedal lever having a distal end, and a pad attached to the distal end of the pedal lever for receiving a force from a vehicle operator for moving the pedal lever from an operational position. A mechanism interconnects the pedal lever and the support for providing an output to a control element in response to movement of the pedal lever from the operational position and for adjusting the pad between various operational positions to accommodate various operator positions and a plurality of gears adjust the pad between various operational positions. The assembly is characterized by a plurality of housing components coacting to surround and support the gears.
Accordingly, the subject invention provides an adjustable pedal assembly wherein the manufacture of the gear train and the other components is greatly simplified as is the assembly of such components.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1781083 (1930-11-01), Schmick
patent: 3643525 (1972-02-01), Gibas
patent: 4023433 (1977-05-01), Schutz
patent: 4989474 (1991-02-01), Cicotte et al.
patent: 5078024 (1992-01-01), Cicotte et al.
patent: 5460061 (1995-10-01), Redding et al.
patent: 5697260 (1997-12-01), Rixon et al.
patent: 5722302 (1998-03-01), Rixon et al.
patent: 5819593 (1998-10-01), Rixon et al.
Green Mary Ann
Howard & Howard
Teleflex Incorporated
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