Vehicle pedal assembly
US6655230B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2144
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A brake pedal assembly 12 for a vehicle includes a pedal 14 and a foot pad 16 operatively engageable by the operator of a vehicle. The pedal assembly 12 also includes a collapsible push rod 22 or 22′ connected between the lever 14 and a hydraulic actuator assembly 20. The push rod 22 and 22′ includes a first rod member 40 telescopically engaged with a second rod member 42 and collapsible relative one to the other upon experiencing a force greater than a predetermined amount of force. The pedal assembly 12 further includes a connector assembly comprising an inertial mass 50 for preventing collapse of the push rod 22 or 22′ during normal vehicle operation, and movable to a second position to allow for collapse of the push rod 22 or 22′ upon experiencing a predetermined deceleration. Accordingly, the pedal assembly 12 reduces forces that may otherwise be transferred to the operator of the vehicle during a collision.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.