Abstract: A pedal assembly including a bracket, a pedal lever pivotally mounted to the bracket, a spring mounted to the bracket, and a cam pivotally mounted to the bracket. The cam engages one end of the spring so as to load the spring while the cam pivots. The cam has a pre-determined profile and the pedal lever engages the cam profile to pivot the cam and load the spring during the stroke of the pedal lever, thus enabling the assembly to provide a pre-determined force versus stroke profile.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for use in association with a vehicle includes a pedal support adapted for mounting to the vehicle. The pedal support includes a pivot shaft extending along a pivot axis and having an outer bearing surface. A pedal arm is rotatably engaged to the pivot shaft to allow pivotal movement of the pedal arm about the pivot axis. A clamp arm is pivotally coupled to the pedal arm and has a compression surface. A biasing member is engaged between the pedal support and the clamp arm and is arranged to apply a biasing force to the clamp arm to pivot the clamp arm relative to the pedal arm and toward the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A brake pedal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pedal hanger fixed to a dash panel, a brake pedal whose upper end is pivotally installed directly at the pedal hanger via a pin, a release bracket fixed to a fixing bracket mounted on to a cowl cross bar, a mounting bracket fixed at an upper surface of the pedal hanger, an upper portion of the mounting bracket being placed between the fixing bracket and the release bracket; a triangular link having a right-angled triangular shape configuration, and a linear link whose lower end is pivotally connected to corner of vertical side of the triangular link, an upper end of the linear link being pivotally and releaseably coupled to the pin, and the linear link being configured to separate from the pin when a vehicle collision occurs.

Abstract: First and second guide members 53 and 54 are fixed to a reinforcing member 9, while a pedal bracket 17 is provided with first and second abutment parts 41 and 42 for guiding the pedal bracket 17. When the pedal bracket 17 is moved backward due to automobile collision, the first abutment part 41 abuts against and slides along the first guide member 53, and then the second abutment part 42 abuts against and slides along the second guide member 54 after the first abutment part 41 has finished sliding along the first guide member 53. Thus, the position of the pedal bracket 17 is changed using both the guide members 53 and 54.

Abstract: To provide a work machine in which traveling devices and an implement device can be operated by common operating levers, wherein switching operation is easy and a changeover is easily confirmed. Inside a cab of the work machine, there are provided travel pedals, with which the traveling devices can be operated, and operating levers, with which the traveling devices and the implement device can be operated. A changeover switch is provided on a console positioned in the vicinity of one side of an operating sheet. The changeover switch switches over between a traveling mode, in which traveling operation is possible by the operating levers, and a work mode, in which implement operation is possible by the operating levers.

Abstract: A compact vehicle pedal includes a mounting bracket having a lower arm with guide slot. A swing plate having a mounting face and upper arm with guide slot is pivotally interconnected to a mounting bracket upper arm at a first axis by a pivot pin disposed within the swing plate guide slot, and the swing plate upper end has a first degree of freedom. An electronically controlled pedal arm assembly is mounted on the swing plate. A screw member connected to a drive apparatus has an end connected to the swing plate and operatively connected to the mounting bracket slot at the second axis, and the swing plate lower end has a second degree of freedom that is greater than the first. Activation of the drive apparatus displaces the screw member to pivotally constrain movement of the swing plate about the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal includes an upper arm and a lower arm carrying a pedal. The lower arm can be selectively moved relative to the upper arm to adjust the position of the pedal between a forward position and a rearward position. A control pin is operably connected to the upper arm for rotation with the upper arm to supply a control signal when force is applied to the pedal. An adjuster is operably connected to the control pin to adjust the position of the control pin relative to the pivot axis so that a ratio of a distance between the pivot axis and the pedal and a distance between the pivot axis and the control pin remains constant as the pedal is adjusted between the forward position and the rearward position.

Abstract: A brake actuating assembly for a vehicle having a brake system is provided. The assembly includes a mounting bracket for mounting the brake actuating assembly to the vehicle, and a pedal arm mounted to the mounting bracket for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. The pedal arm is connectable to the brake system such that movement of the pedal arm in a brake applying direction activates the brake system and movement of the pedal arm in a brake releasing direction de-activates the brake system. An arcuate rack of teeth is connected to the pedal arm, and a pawl that includes a tooth engages the rack. The assembly also includes a spring that has a first end that operatively connected to the pawl, and the second end that is operatively connected to the mounting bracket in an opening that includes a surface extending between a first stop and a second stop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pedal apparatus for a vehicle, which makes it possible to reduce the driver's fatigue by reducing the pedal effort when operating the pedal arm and also allows the driver to be able to easily recognize the maximum operational position of the pedal arm.

Abstract: An electronic control pedal assembly includes a fixed support structure and a pedal arm. The pedal arm has a lower end carrying a pedal and is pivotable relative to the support structure. A potentiometer is at least partly carried by the fixed support and operable to generate an electric control signal that varies in magnitude in proportion to the extent of movement of the pedal arm relative to the fixed support structure. The potentiometer has at least one resistive track trimmed after assembly of the potentiometer to the fixed support so that the potentiometer provides a first fixed electric control signal at a idle position of the pedal arm and the potentiometer has at least one resistive track trimmed after assembly of the potentiometer to the fixed support so that the potentiometer provides a second fixed electric control signal at a full throttle position of the pedal arm.

Abstract: An electronically controlled floor mounted pedal assembly with a position sensor includes a base. A control arm is pivotally mounted to the base member at a control arm pivot axis, and a pedal arm is pivotally mounted to the base member at a pedal arm pivot axis. The control arm free end is positioned adjacent an inner surface of the pedal arm. A friction generating member mounted on the control arm free end contacts a pedal arm friction member positioned on the inner surface of the pedal arm to generate frictional hysteresis force. A spring positioned between the base member and the control arm free end initially biases the control arm against the pedal arm. A position sensor supported on the base member about the control arm pivot axis senses angular rotation of the control arm about the control arm pivot axis as the pedal arm rotates about the pedal arm pivot axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a load sensor-equipped operating apparatus, which comprises an operational member (16) which is movably operated; a reaction force member (22) which receives an operating force of the operational member transmitted thereto, and on which a reaction force corresponding to the operating force is acted; at least one pivotal connecting portion (20) which is interposed between the operational member and the reaction force member, and pivotably connects a pair of a first member and a second member relative to each other to transmit the operating force; and a load sensor (30) which electrically detects the operating force.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine. The engine includes a deceleration mechanism inside a crankcase part. A shift pedal member for actuating the deceleration mechanism of the engine is provided. An arm member has a lower part directly mounted on the shift pedal member. A link member is rotatably connected to an upper part of the arm member and connected to the deceleration mechanism of the engine.

Abstract: A pedal security system for pedal mounting, particularly for motor vehicles, includes a pedal rotatably mounted on a pedal axis, an opening for receiving and retaining the pedal axis which is connected with an expandable slot wherein the expandable slot receives the pedal axis by exceeding a mechanical limit load of the pedal axis.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a vehicle including a pedal housing and a pedal arm coupled to the housing. A friction generating assembly associated with the housing includes at least an actuator which is engaged by the pedal arm, a brake pad engaged by the actuator, and springs which engage against the brake pad. Arms on the brake pad are adapted to engage with either an interior central wall or interior peripheral wall of the friction generating assembly. In one embodiment, the friction generating assembly defines a separate module which is snap fitted into a cavity defined in the pedal housing. A magnet is coupled to the pedal arm. A sensor is coupled to the pedal housing and positioned in proximity to the magnet. The sensor is responsive to movement of the magnet to generate an electrical signal that is representative of the position of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A snap connection is provided between a push rod, e.g., of brakes, to an actuating element, e.g., a brake pedal. A fastening clip (2) is detachably fastened to the pedal. The push rod includes a spherical end (10) which can be held in an articulated manner by the fastening clip (2) for transmitting actuating forces. The interior of the fastening clip has two elastically deformable locking lips (4) acting as barbs, which fix the spherical end of the push rod (10) in the pedal (1) after the insertion of the push rod (10) into the fastening clip (2). The fastening clip (2) is preferably a plastic part with essentially closed sides, which are closed off on the pedal side by a front surface with an opening for the spherical end of the push rod. The opening has an insertion area (13) for inserting the spherical end of the push rod (10) and a removal area (14) for removing the push rod (9).

Abstract: The pedal adjusting devises and the floor adjusting device control pedals and the movable floor respectively according to the driver's body size detected, with first adjusting characteristic such that the pedals become closer to the driver and the movable floor goes up further, as the driver's body size detected becomes small, and with second adjusting characteristics, which are different from the first characteristics, for the driver having the relatively small body size whose body size detected is smaller than the specified body size. Accordingly, the arrangement positions of the pedals and the going-up-and-down position of the floor can be properly adjusted for drivers having different body sizes.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal assembly support structure comprises: a bracket to which a pivot shaft for a pedal lever is mounted; a guide member fixed to a vehicle body member other than a dash panel; a fixing mechanism for normally fixing a rear end portion of the bracket to a front end portion of the guide member but disengaging the bracket from the guide member in a vehicle collision; and a relative shift restricting member for restraining the rear end portion of the bracket from relatively shifting in directions other than the rearward direction of the vehicle to the front end portion of the guide member. The guide member is provided with a guide surface for downwardly guiding the bracket moving backward in the vehicle collision to change the posture of the bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a reaction force to a pedal member. The apparatus includes: a reaction-force applying device for applying the reaction force to the pedal member and changing the reaction force; and a reaction-force controlling device for controlling the reaction-force applying device such that the reaction force is changed on the basis of a depressing stroke of the pedal member. The reaction-force applying device includes a spring member connected with the pedal member, and a reaction-force changing mechanism for changing the reaction force, by moving an end of the spring member toward and away from the pedal member. The reaction-force changing mechanism includes a feed screw mechanism for moving the end of the spring member toward and away from the pedal member. The feed screw mechanism includes an externally threaded shaft rotatable and held in engagement with an internally threaded hole formed in a spring seat that is held in engagement with the end of the spring member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pedal simulation device for simulating the reaction behaviour of a pedal, in particular of a brake pedal of a vehicle brake system, comprising a cylinder, a piston disposed displaceably inside the cylinder and coupled to the pedal and delimiting a working chamber inside the cylinder, a resetting element which, upon an actuation of the pedal, exerts a resetting force on the pedal, and a modelling device, which is fluidically connected to the working chamber, for influencing the reaction behaviour of the pedal. In the invention, for achieving the reaction behaviour it is provided that, upon an actuation of the pedal, by means of the modelling device a vacuum, which is arising or has arisen in the working chamber, is built up.

Abstract: The present inventor believes that one of the advantages of the present invention is that when washer 66 abuts the second shoulder 76 and the pin 80 is disengaged from the washer 66the assist mechanism 54 is effectively disengaged from pedal arm 32 and does not impact its operation over the balance of its stroke. Thus assist mechanism 54 only has an effect at the initial portion of the stroke of pedal arm 32, as desired.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal includes a mounting bracket and guide housing having a gear sector formed therein. The gear sector pivots about a fixed pivot during adjustment, and the mounting bracket upper arm includes an arcuate slot having a radius of curvature centered at the fixed pivot. A swing plate is slidingly supported within the arcuate slot in the mounting bracket upper arm at a second non-fixed pivot point located radially inboard from the first pivot point. The swing plate includes a gear sector that cooperates with the guide housing gear sector. A pedal arm with pedal pad is attached to the swing plate. An adjustment mechanism adjusts the pedal pad position. The guide housing gear sector pivots about the fixed pivot, engaging the swing plate gear sector and varying the position of the non-fixed pivot within the slot in the mounting bracket arm, constraining travel of the pedal pad.

Abstract: A brake pedal device suitable for being actuated to effect service braking and lock braking, said brake pedal device having a first brake pedal element and a second brake pedal element, which elements are suitable for being moved by being depressed for effecting braking. Depression of at least the first brake pedal element is suitable for causing service braking to take place. The device further has locking means which are suitable for being activated by moving the second brake pedal element over a determined stroke only, so as to hold said second brake pedal element in the locked position for lock braking, and unlocking means which are suitable for being activated by depressing the first brake pedal element so as to unlock the locking means and so as to release the second brake pedal element.

Abstract: A clevis pin (connecting pin) (26) is inserted into a clearance hole (72), and is displaceable relative to an operating pedal (16). A pivotal moving link (68) is disposed between the clevis pin (26) and a sensor pin (64) of a load sensor (30). A reaction force applied from the clevis pin (26) to the load sensor (30) always acts in a substantially constant direction (substantially leftward in FIG. 1A) even if the operating pedal (16) and an operating rod (22) are pivoted relatively around the axis of the clevis pin (26) in accordance with the depressing operation of the operating pedal (16). Thus, the detecting accuracy of the load sensor (30) is heightened, and variation in detecting accuracy is prevented, rendering the high reliability.

Abstract: A push link shaft 4 serving as a center of swing of push links 2a and 2b adapted to directly output a force of operating a brake master cylinder 22 is provided in a pedal apparatus, in addition to a pedal link shaft 5 serving as a center of swing of a pedal arm 7, and pedal links 3 and 3. An application point shaft 10, on which an external force received by the push link 20 and 2b is competitive with a force of stepping on a pedal 11, is adapted to move in an up-down direction when a slider 8, to which the pedal arm 7 is fixed, is moved along a slider rail 9.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ratio regulating mechanism for an manually actuated action lever, like a hand brake lever or a pedal, in particular for the use in a motor vehicle, which comprises a mounting (2), an action lever arm (20) and a rotational shaft (15) for rotably mounting of the action lever arm (20) at the mounting (2), wherein the rotational shaft (15) is relocatably mounted at the action lever arm (20) and relocatably mounted at the mounting (2). Further, the ratio regulating mechanism comprises a first adjustment means (19, 21) for the relocation of the rotational shaft (15) in relation to the action lever arm (20) and a second adjustment means (22, 23) for the relocation of the rotational shaft (15) in relation to the mounting (2).

Abstract: A support structure for a pedal of a vehicle pivotablly supports a pedal assembly (34) to a pedal bracket (38) mounted on a vehicle dash panel (6).

Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly that provides a hysteresis in pedal force-response upon actuation is provided. The accelerator pedal assembly includes a housing, an elongated pedal arm terminating at one end in a rotatable drum defining a curved braking surface, a brake pad having a curved contact surface substantially complementary to the braking surface and a bias spring device operably situated between the pedal arm and the brake pad. The pedal arm is rotatably mounted to the housing such that the curved braking surface rotates as the pedal moves. The brake pad defines a primary pivot axis and is pivotably mounted for frictional engagement with the braking surface. The bias spring serves to urge the contact surface of the brake pad into frictional engagement with the braking surface of the drum.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to bidirectional rocker pedal assemblies that may be adapted for use in vehicular operations. In various embodiments, a subassembly may be coupled to a treadle and the vehicle to allow for bidirectional rotation of the treadle.

Abstract: A torsion pedal feel emulator assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the same. The assembly includes a pedal member for receiving an applied pedal force. A torsion member is operably attached to the pedal member. A portion of the torsion member is positioned adjacent a reaction surface. The torsion member rotates as a result of the applied pedal force, and a dynamic reaction force is generated against the applied pedal force. A pivot is operably attached to the torsion member and the motor vehicle. The method includes receiving an applied pedal force. A torsion member is rotated as a result of the applied pedal force. A dynamic reaction force is generated against the applied pedal force as a result of the torsion member rotation.

Abstract: A pedal support structure for a vehicle includes a main body provided between a catcher and a toe board. A front end of the main body is connected to the toe board, and a rear end thereof is spaced apart from a downwardly inclined surface of the catcher. A pedal bracket support part has a supporting surface supported on a bulkhead. The pedal bracket has a connecting surface, and the connecting surface is connected to the supporting surface. When a force is applied to a front part of the vehicle, the load rearwardly moves the main body, the connecting surface slides on the supporting surface, and the rear end of the main body slides downwardly along the inclined surface of the catcher. Accordingly, a pedal on the pedal support structure is moved toward an engine compartment of the vehicle without moving toward a passenger.

Abstract: A golf car having a hydraulic fluid brake system. The hydraulic fluid brake system is implemented as a disk brake system which is responsive to hydraulic fluid pressure generated from a master cylinder. A brake pedal and associated linkage provides input to a master cylinder to generate a hydraulic fluid pressure to control a brake caliper assembly. The brake pedal has a range of travel, where a first portion of the range defines a service mode of operation and a second portion of the range defines a parking mode of operation. In the parking mode of operation, the brake pedal and linkage engages a detent to maintain application of the brake to provide a parking mode of operation. An accumulator in the brake system provides an input force to maintain hydraulic fluid pressure sufficient to retain a parking mode of operation.

Abstract: An electronic pedal device obtains a reliable and stable operation without generating noise by using a mechanism that converts a pivot of a treadle about a pedal body into a pivot of a link and then transmits the pivot of the link to a sensor. The device includes a base plate, pedal body, treadle, resilient member, sensor, and link.

Abstract: An operating pedal device for an automobile, which is designed to suppress rearward movement of a depression portion of an operating pedal caused by rearward movement of a dashboard upon a frontal collision of the automobile. An operating member is opposed to a control lever forward-rearward swingably supported on a dashboard or a pedal bracket for supporting an operating pedal. The operating member is supported on a steering hanger beam in the rear of the control lever to swing the control lever forward in response to rearward movement of the dashboard upon frontal collision of an automobile. The operating pedal is provided with an engagement portion to be brought into engagement with the control lever upon forward swing of the control lever to force forward swing of the operating pedal.

Abstract: A footswitch assembly with a position memory includes adjustable mounting mechanisms. A first adjustable mounting mechanism moves the heel cup portion on the treadle pedal assembly to a predetermined position to accommodate the length of a user's foot. A second adjustable mounting mechanism moves the side wing assembly to predetermined position to accommodate the width of a user's foot. A third adjustable mounting mechanism adjusts the force needed to move the treadle pedal assembly.

Abstract: A park brake includes a brake lever that is movable about a pivot. A release mechanism is associated with the brake lever The release mechanism is actuable for allowing selective movement of the brake lever. A cable is connected to the release mechanism. The cable is isolated from movement of the brake lever.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an operating pedal device for a vehicle comprises an operating pedal mounted on a pedal support fixedly secured to a vehicle to be pivotable about an axis of a support shaft and operative to be depressed by a driver; a reactive member, connected to the operating pedal via at least one connecting section which connects with allowing relative pivotal movement therebetween about a connecting pin to which an output is transferred at a rate depending on an operational force of the operating pedal and which is applied with a reaction force corresponding to the output; and a load sensor electrically detecting the operational force. A member pivotably connected via the connecting pin is formed with a sensor mounting hole allowing insertion of the connecting pin and being greater than the connecting pin, at a connecting position with the connecting pin, to allow the load sensor to be mounted between the sensor mounting hole and the connecting pin.

Abstract: A moveable control pedal assembly includes a pedal carriage to which a pedal arm is mounted. The pedal carriage can be moved forward and backward via threaded extender rods which engage the pedal carriage to move it along the extender rods when they are rotated. A threaded control rod, extending between the pedal arm and a control device, such as a hydraulic cylinder or control cable, rotates with the extender rods and allows movement of the pedal carriage and pedal arm without altering the mechanical advantage provided by the pedal arm and without altering the lateral positioning of the control rod.

Abstract: A structure for protecting a brake pedal of a vehicle from impact, the vehicle having a cowl crossbar provided with a pair of spaced apart connection holes, includes a supporter provided with a pair of converged brackets, each of the converged brackets provided with connection holes couplable with the connection holes of the cowl crossbar by using bolts, and a plurality of supporting protrusions provided on an end of the supporter, the supporting protrusions preventing the brake pedal from moving toward an occupant of the vehicle in the event of a collision.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting bracket having a mounting face and a pair of opposed upper arms. The assembly includes a first lever arm supported between the pair of mounting bracket upper arms at a first fixed pivot point. The assembly also includes a swing plate pivotally supported by the first lever arm at a second non-fixed pivot point located radially outboard from the first fixed pivot point, and having a mounting face, a pair of upper arms radially extending, a vertically extending lower arm and an outwardly extending pedal support arm. The assembly further includes a second lever arm pivotally attached to the swing plate lower arm at a third non-fixed pivot point at one end and another end pivotally attached to the mounting bracket at a fourth fixed pivot point. The assembly includes a pedal arm operatively attached to the swing plate with a pedal pad attached at a lower end.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device includes a seat mounted within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, in which the seat is movably connected to a vehicle frame by a seat position adjusting mechanism that allows the seat to move along an axis between a forward-most position and a rearward-most position. An air-bag is mounted within the passenger compartment in front of the forward-most position of the seat, with the forward-most position of the seat defined as a position of the seat in which a distance between a passenger seated in the seat and the air-bag is equal to a minimum safe clearance.

Abstract: A foot depressing parking brake apparatus including a brake pedal main body 3 pivotably supported by a support shaft 2, a ratchet plate 4 having ratchet teeth 4b and attached to the brake pedal main body 3, a ratchet pole 6 rotatably attached to a pivot pin 5 and constituting a shaft hole inserted with the pivot pin 5 by a long hole 7, and a toggle spring 10 for exerting a turning force to the ratchet pole 6, wherein a brake operating state in which a claw portion 6a of the ratchet pole 6 is brought in mesh with the ratchet teeth 4b of the ratchet plate 4 and a brake releasing state in which the meshing is released are realized.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal assembly (10) for a vehicle includes a bracket (12) adapted for mounting on the vehicle, an adjustment member (30) pivotally attached to the bracket (12), and a control mechanism (14) mounted to the adjustment member (30), for pivotal movement of the adjustment member (30) about a first axis (34) generally horizontal and transverse to the vehicle, and a pedal arm (16) attached to the control mechanism (14) for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second axis (52) parallel to the first axis (34). The control mechanism (14) includes an electronic control means (66) responsive to the degree of relative movement of the adjustment member (30) and the pedal arm (16) to produce a control signal proportional to such movement, and a motor (18) mounted on the bracket (12) adjacent the control mechanism (14), and a drive means (20) connecting the motor (18) to the control mechanism (14) for moving the control mechanism (14) and pedal arm (16) as a unit.

Abstract: A foot pedal evacuates debris and fluid from the field of view of a camera during arthroscopic procedures. In a first embodiment, the foot pedal houses a ball check valve to control fluid flow, and includes a base and a foot support hingedly mounted to one another. The foot support includes a valve actuator that opens the ball check valve by distorting the shape of its valve seat. The ball check valve includes a pair of connectors at the ends of the valve adapted to accept irrigation tubing. The connectors are in axial alignment with one another in a first embodiment and in parallel relation to one another in a second embodiment. A third embodiment eliminates the ball check valve and a spring-loaded lever pinches a tube to prevent fluid flow. Depression of the foot support overcomes the bias of the spring so that liquid fluid flows through the tube.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal unit for a motor vehicle includes a first plate onto which are mounted at least the accelerator pedal (2) and the footbrake pedal (3). The plate is mounted slidingly onto longitudinal guides inclined upwardly and forwardly, so that in the most withdrawn position (referring to motor vehicle driving direction) of the pedal unit, the pedals are placed in a lower position. Conversely, in the most forward position of the pedal unit, the pedals are paced in a higher position. The driver's heels rest on a second plate (2) moving longitudinally together with the first plate (1) when the latter is adjusted in position, however always on a basically horizontal plane. An auxiliary footboard may be provided for resting the foot that does not actuate the accelerator and footbrake pedal (2, 3).

Abstract: A brake mechanism includes a pedal arm, a beam and a cam. The pedal arm is pivotally connected to the vehicle, while the beam is interposed between the pedal arm and the input rod for transmitting force from the pedal arm to the input rod. The beam is pivotally connected to the pedal arm and rotatable relative thereto. The cam defines a cam profile, and the beam contacts the cam and follows the cam profile as the pedal arm is activated. The cam profile is shaped to adjust the position of the beam relative to the pedal arm as the pedal arm swings relative to the vehicle. In this way, a variable force ratio is provided to maintain brake pedal feel while achieving an acceptable force ratio for failed power situations. The mechanism can be designed such that the force ratio does not drop off further into the pedal travel.

Abstract: A brake pedal assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first link pivotally mounted on a bulkhead bracket, and a first pulley mounted for rotation on a vehicle cross member positioned rearward of the bulkhead. A brake pedal lever arm is pivotally mounted on either the firewall bracket or the cross member, while a cable passing over the pulley couples a lever arm defined on the first link with a cable attachment point on the brake pedal lever arm. In the event of a rearward displacement of the bulkhead during a collision, the flexible cable slackens to allow the pedal lever arm to move forward, away from the legs of the vehicle operator.

Abstract: An electronically controlled pedal assembly with hysteresis includes a mounting bracket and pedal arm and a pedal support arm extending therebetween. The pedal arm is pivotally mounted to the pedal support arm at a pedal arm pivot point. The pedal support arm is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket at a pedal support arm pivot point. A hysteresis generating means is operatively supported by the support arm at the pedal support arm pivot point, and includes a torsion spring and a friction spacer having a cylindrical portion and an outer helical flange. The friction spacer is disposed within the torsion spring such that the outer flange of the friction spacer fits between the coils of the coil spring. Rotation of the support arm creates a frictional hysteresis force between the torsion spring and the friction spacer that is translated back through the pedal arm.

Abstract: An automotive foot pedal assembly including a first member with a foot pedal pivotally supported on an automotive structure, a second member operably coupled to the brake system and a frictional coupling. During normal operation, a force applied to the foot pedal pivotally moves the first member and the frictional coupling transmits this force to the second member to thereby controllably operate the brake system. Upon the application of a force exceeding a threshold value, the frictional coupling permits relative movement between the first and second members and at least partially dissipates the force. Upon diminution of the force below a second value, the frictional coupling operably re-couples the first and second members in a post-event configuration which allows the foot pedal assembly to control the operation of the brake system. The operational range of the first member is smaller in the post-event configuration than in the original configuration.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly which includes a brake lever, a rotary clutch and a lock-release mechanism which cooperate to selectively lock and release a parking brake. The clutch allows actuation of the brake lever in one direction and prevents movement of the brake lever in an opposite direction. The lock-release mechanism allows selective movement of the rotary clutch and the brake lever together in the opposite direction. The rotary clutch may be disposed generally coaxially with a pivot axis of the brake lever.