Abstract:
The present invention is a device convertible for operating a brake and acceleration pedals of a vehicle by hands for a disabled driver and by legs for a physically fit driver. Device includes brake and acceleration frames, brake and acceleration foldable rods, brake and acceleration extending levers. Brake and acceleration frames are fixedly connected to the respective brake and acceleration pedals and are defined with the respective brake and acceleration cavities. Brake and acceleration foldable rods are defined with respective brake and acceleration pivotal ends. Brake and acceleration extending levers are selectively connected and disconnected at distal end of respective brake and acceleration foldable rods. When disabled driver drive, brake and acceleration extending levers are connected to respective brake and acceleration foldable rods. When physically fit driver drive, brake and acceleration extending levers are disconnected from respective brake and acceleration foldable rods that rest in respective brake and acceleration cavities.
Abstract:
A bidirectional pedal assembly for a vehicle. The assembly includes a support mounted on the vehicle and a pedal pivotally coupled to the support about a pivot shaft. The pedal pivots between a neutral position and first and second operational positions. A biasing member is mounted within the support and continuously biases the pedal to the neutral position. A control mechanism is coupled to the support and the pedal to retard pivotal movement of the pedal as the pedal returns from the operational positions to the neutral position. A handle can be coupled to the pedal and pivot concurrently with the pedal. A frictional mechanism can be disposed within the support and provide increasing resistance as the pedal moves increasingly away from the neutral position. The biasing mechanism, frictional mechanism, and/or control mechanism are configured to force the pedal to the neutral position with no overshoot within a predetermined period.
Abstract:
Two embodiments of improved brake light switches that are integrated into the brake pedal and are actuated by the application of pressure to the pedal. In one embodiment, the pedal pad is movable relative to the pedal and this relative movement effects closure of the switch.
Abstract:
A strain gauge force transducer having a mounting surface and a bearing surface and responsive to compressive loading therebetween is attached at the mounting surface to the sole of a slipper which is adapted to releasably engage the foot of a human operator, the transducer being attached at a force transmitting portion of the sole which receives the force applied by the operator, the bearing surface of the transducer being adapted for contact with the brake pedal of an automobile, the transducer providing, in response to compressive loading resulting from the transmittal of operator-applied force from the sole to the brake pedal, a signal at a magnitude representative of the force applied by the operator to the brake pedal.