Breakaway footrest
US6375266B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N3/063
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A footrest is mounted to the frame of a forward seat and is pivotally mounted thereto to be movable between a raised stored position adjacent the back of the seat to a lowered use position for supporting a second row passenger's feet. The footrest responds to a force above a predetermined level to breakaway to prevent damage to the footrest which can be subsequently returned to the use or stored position. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the footrest comprises a generally U-shaped member having a mounting bracket including the pivot coupling to opposite ends of the member to allow such pivotal movement. In addition, the mounting bracket and U-shaped footrest include a deformable stop extending between the two which holds the footrest in a use position and allows the footrest to pivot downwardly if an excessive force is placed thereon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.