Extension Patents (Class 74/562)
  • Patent number: 11465709
    Abstract: A hybrid bicycle pedal and crank system includes a chain ring, a foot peg mount disposed on at least one side of the chain ring, and a foot peg rotatably mounted to the foot peg mount on at least one side of the chain ring and configured to rotate from a pedaling position in which the foot peg is offset from a center axis of the chain ring to a fixed foot peg position in which the foot peg is fixed in alignment with the center axis of the chain ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Gregory Kenneth Pompea
  • Patent number: 10160497
    Abstract: An ATV is disclosed having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, front and rear wheels supporting the frame, a drivetrain supported by the frame, and an operator's compartment extending generally between the seat and a front enclosure. The front enclosure extends forwardly to a position proximate an axial centerline of the front wheels. Front lower alignment arms have an inner end and an outer end. Front struts have a shock absorber and a hub portion, where the front struts are coupled to the front lower alignment arms at a lower end of the front struts and the frame at an upper end. A steering mechanism is positioned forward of the axial centerline of the front wheels and is coupled to the front struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Cory A. Wimpfheimer, Jeremy J. Utke, Matthew M. Kvien, Jeff S. Lovold, Jamie D. Omdahl, Timothy S. Wysocki
  • Patent number: 9926034
    Abstract: A replacement shifter peg is easily stored and allows for broken shift levers to quickly be repaired while requiring minimal tool use. The replacement shifter peg includes an adapter arm, a pedal, and a fastener. The adapter arm receives a broken shift lever, while the pedal is connected to the adapter arm in order to serve as new shifter peg. The adapter arm is formed from a tubular body (with a shaft-receiving region defined inside), a mount end that receive the broken shift lever, and a free end to which the pedal is connected. Fastener receptacles traverse through the tubular body to provide multiple position choices for fastening the replacement shifter peg relative to a broken shift lever. The fastener is a set screw that creates a vise by pressing against a shift lever positioned within the shaft-receiving region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Darryl R. Moore
  • Patent number: 9898031
    Abstract: A clutch extender which is positioned between the free end of a clutch pedal arm and a clutch pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventors: Adam J. Wurzer, Terry D. Wurzer, David T. Wurzer
  • Patent number: 9552011
    Abstract: A throttle control modification assembly includes an attachment assembly configured to removably attach the modification assembly to an existing throttle pedal of a vehicle. A foot plank is coupled to the attachment assembly, the foot plank being configured to extend from the throttle pedal of the vehicle toward the floor of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Mikal Wersland
  • Patent number: 9465402
    Abstract: A pedal travel transducer has sensors and a pedal unit which has a pedal travel transducer. The pedal travel transducer has a transducer which experiences a movement of the pedal through an elastic driver that is connected to the pedal so that the sensors register this movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Harry Kaiser
  • Patent number: 9274541
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle control pedal comprises a first arm having a first end rotatable along a plane between first and second positions. The first end defines a first through opening extending nonparallel to the plane. A second arm has a first end defining a second through opening extending nonparallel to a long dimension of the second arm. The second arm is repositionable in relation to the first arm among a plurality of positions in which the first and second through openings are in substantially coaxial adjacent registration with one another. An insert is receivable through the first and second through openings in each of the plurality of positions to lock the second arm against rotation in relation to the first arm along the plane. A position sensor is responsive to movement of the first arm between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Lokar, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Ford, Scott Thiel
  • Patent number: 8991281
    Abstract: A foot actuated pivoting lever is provided. The lever may include: a lever member having two ends, one end configured to attach to a mechanism configured to receive an input from the lever member; and a pedal pivotally attached proximate to the other end of the lever member, wherein the pedal is configured to pivot between a first and a second position, wherein in the first position, the pedal lies on top of a section of the lever member and, in the second position, the pedal extends beyond the lever member. A mechanism for actuating a piston may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: John Kleifgen, Jose Barrios
  • Patent number: 8919222
    Abstract: A platform upon which a humans foot can be placed has an upper and a lower surface, distal and proximal ends respectively corresponding to the toes and heel of the humans foot, and a ridge extending approximately vertically from the platforms upper surface around the perimeter of the proximal end of the platform to aid in retaining the humans heel at the proximal position of the platform when positioned on the upper surface of the platform. Associated with the platform is a distal plate adjustably connected to the distal region of the lower surface of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Scheiman Rebuild Fitness, Inc
    Inventor: Donald R. Scheiman
  • Patent number: 7954398
    Abstract: A common use pedal device for automotive vehicles comprises a base plate and a pedal pivotably attached to the base plate and having a push rod extending downwards from an underneath surface of the pedal. A rotating member is mounted to the base plate in such a manner that the rotating member can be depressed and rotated by the push rod of the pedal, the rotating member having a pulling arm adapted to pull a manual operating cable in response to rotation of the rotating member. A rotation detecting sensor is provided on one side of the base plate for detecting the degree of rotation of the rotating member and then notifying an electronic control unit of the degree of rotation thus detected. This pedal device can be employed in common in a manually controlled pedal type vehicle and an electronically controlled pedal type vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Heon Lee, Kwang Joo Choi
  • Patent number: 7874526
    Abstract: A pedal system particularly tailored to a Fly-By-Wire (FBW) flight control system includes a double gradient linkage assembly. The double gradient linkage assembly includes a damper system and a spring system that improves yaw axis (azimuth) control of the aircraft. Control is only required when a change in the yaw axis state is demanded. Since only minimal displacement inputs to such a FBW flight control system is required, the travel of the pedals are exceeding compact, such that pilot workload is significantly reduced through the reduction in the frequency and magnitude of aircraft control inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Boczar, Lorren Stiles, Peter T. Witiak
  • Patent number: 7730806
    Abstract: A vehicle pedal booster includes a rigid support panel with a rectilinear central region provided with a predetermined thickness and a plurality of anchoring brackets spaced from the support panel and positioned posterior thereof in such a manner that the existing vehicle pedal is intercalated between the anchoring brackets and the support panel. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for maintaining the anchoring brackets and the support panels directly and statically abutted against the existing pedal such that the vehicle pedal booster is prohibited from disengaging the existing vehicle pedal during driving conditions. Such a maintaining mechanism includes a plurality of rectilinear threaded fasteners penetrating through the orifices and engaging the anchoring brackets respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Stanzie Grimaldi
  • Patent number: 7665388
    Abstract: A pedal adjustable device includes a case fixed to an end of a link and a first member and a second member are connected between two sidewalls of the case respectively. The first part includes a polygonal hole and the second part includes a circular hole. The polygonal hole is larger than the circular hole. A support plate has one end pivotably connected to the case and an extension extends from an underside of the other end of the support plate. A pedal is fixed on the support plate. The extension includes an elongate hole and a plurality pairs of protrusions extend from two insides of the elongate hole to define a space between each pair of the protrusion. An operation member includes a polygonal section and a circular rod. The polygonal section is engaged with the polygonal hole and set on one of pairs of the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Ming Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 7568406
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Allen Booher, James Robert Allen, Brian John Eckerle
  • Publication number: 20090158885
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a pedal extension apparatus for use with a mechanical control lever. In embodiments of the invention, the pedal extension apparatus includes a platform configured to rest on a top surface of a pedal; and a vertical retainer coupled to the platform, the vertical retainer and a bottom surface of the platform configured to circumnavigate the pedal, the vertical retainer thus configured to secure the pedal extension apparatus to the pedal, the pedal extension apparatus not including a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Donald J. Therrien
  • Patent number: 7185555
    Abstract: A footswitch having an adjustable treadle and a pivotable heel cup slidable retained on the treadle so as to adjustably increase or decrease a length of the treadle, the heel cup being pivotable and being prevented from sliding by a plurality of locking pins mounted on the heel cup, the locking pins fitting within locking holes in the treadle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Peterson, David Thoe, Jiansheng Zhou, Dac Vu
  • Patent number: 7171869
    Abstract: A left foot accelerator apparatus comprises a shaft housing secured to the top surface of one end of an anchor plate, a shaft rotatably supported within the shaft housing and a left foot pedal moveably mounted to the shaft between a left end of the shaft and the shaft housing, the shaft operatively connecting the left foot pedal to an existing accelerator pedal in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Marquis, Kim Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6925905
    Abstract: A pedal-supporting apparatus includes a bracket support configured to pivotally support a brake pedal subassembly and an accelerator pedal subassembly. The brake pedal subassembly includes an upper section, a lower section, and an adjustment mechanism adjustably connecting the two sections. The adjustment mechanism includes a track defining a channel, and a follower having a flange-supported bearing shoe that slidably engages the channel. The bearing shoe includes partially-compressed resilient portions and crush ribs that provide a consistent and stable connection that takes up slack to prevent a sloppy connection. The shoe also facilitates manufacture and assembly of the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products, Divison of JSJ Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Brock
  • Patent number: 6722226
    Abstract: A locationally adjustable actuator is provided having a force input to a rod operatively associated with an automotive vehicle control. The actuator includes two parallelogram linkages which link an actuator pedal to a rod link which is pivotally connected with a rod which provides an automotive vehicle control input. The parallelogram arrangement is furthermore connected with a slider which is linearly adjustable with respect to the vehicle. Movement of the slider causes the actuator pedal to be linearly adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Dorinel Neag, Daniel W Husted, James P Salva, Stylianos A Meidanis, Thomas R Carbone, Victor Johnson
  • Patent number: 6619155
    Abstract: A pedal-supporting apparatus includes a bracket support configured to pivotally support a brake pedal subassembly and an accelerator pedal subassembly. The brake pedal subassembly includes an upper section, a lower section, and an adjustment mechanism adjustably connecting the two sections. The adjustment mechanism includes a track defining a channel, and a follower having a flange-supported bearing shoe that slidably engages the channel. The bearing shoe includes partially-compressed resilient portions and crush ribs that provide a consistent and stable connection that takes up slack to prevent a sloppy connection, but also that facilitates manufacture and assembly of the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products, division of JSJ Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Brock
  • Patent number: 6575052
    Abstract: A scanner or other system has an actuator, a mechanical device having three states corresponding to three respective positions of the actuator, and a pedal mechanism. The pedal mechanism comprises: a support structure; first and second slotted arms pivotably mounted to the support structure; first and second latches respectively pivotably mounted to the first and second arms; a pivot part pivotably mounted to the support structure; and a mechanism for converting pivoting of the pivot part into movement of the actuator, e.g., swinging of a lever. The pivot part has first and second extensions which extend in generally opposite directions and which respectively protrude through the slots in the first and second arms. The pedal arms, latches and pivot part cooperate to enable the position of the actuator to be controlled by depressing one pedal at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Aasulv Toennesland, Louis Morasse, Robert A. Meurer
  • Publication number: 20030094071
    Abstract: A foot pedal lift assist that is operably associated with the lift mechanism of a lawn care apparatus. The lift assist includes a foot pedal that is pivotally connected to a holder. The foot pedal may be locked into an operative position where the longitudinal axis of the foot pedal is perpendicular to the axis of the holder. The foot pedal includes a positioning hole that is aligned with a first hole on a mounting surface of the holder when the foot pedal is in the operative position. The foot pedal may be locked into an inoperative position where the longitudinal axis of the foot pedal is parallel to the axis of the holder. The positioning hold of the foot pedal is aligned with a second hold on the mounting surface when the foot pedal is in the inoperative position. The foot pedal lift assist may be used alone, or in conjunction with a standard hand lever to reposition a mower deck or other implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Gary Hobrath, Dan Morse
  • Patent number: 6564672
    Abstract: A pedal-supporting apparatus includes a bracket support configured to pivotally support a brake pedal subassembly and an accelerator pedal subassembly. The brake pedal subassembly includes a first upper portion and a brake pedal coupled to the first upper portion by an adjustment device comprising a vertically-elongated C-shaped track and follower. A rack on the track is engaged by a worm gear for adjusting the brake pedal location. The accelerator pedal subassembly is supported by an adjustment device like the brake pedal subassembly, and has a second rack on its track engaged by a worm gear for adjusting the accelerator pedal location. A reversible electric motor includes a rotatable shaft and a driving gear, and gear-driven cables engage the driving gear and extend to the worm gears so that the brake pedal and accelerator pedal are simultaneously and equally adjusted upon actuation of the motor. The tracks can be linear or arcuate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products, division of JSJ Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Brock, Daniel J. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6526846
    Abstract: A foot pedal control for controlling operations of a machine has a folding foot pedal assembly that has two sections that pivot relative to each other, and both sections are pivoted relative to a platform of the machine. The two pedal sections will pivot relative to each other from a first folded position where they nest together with foot rest portions closely adjacent, to a second position where the foot rest portions are separated and will support a foot. In the position with the foot rest portions separated, both of the sections will pivot around a common axis to provide movement of a control link when using the foot operated pedal. The folded pedals can be locked from pivoting to then serve as a foot rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Gerald J. Duppong, Corey S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6494115
    Abstract: A left foot accelerator pedal device which allows persons lacking sufficient functionality of the right foot or right leg to operate a motor vehicle accelerator pedal using their left foot. The device incorporates an accelerator pedal activator which engages the motor vehicle accelerator pedal and is operably attached by a main shaft to a left side accelerator pedal. The main shaft is supported by a base unit which is removably attached to a base plate affixed to the vehicle floor. By depressing left side accelerator pedal a person lacking functionality of the right foot may operate the vehicle while the device may be easily removed from base plate allowing a person of normal functionality to operate the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Alfred Haugen, Lynn Ringdahl
  • Patent number: 6415682
    Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a shaft having a pedal mounting end portion. A pedal with a shaft mounting end portion is coupled to the shaft. At least one wedge slidably engages the pedal mounting end portion and the shaft mounting end portion to couple the pedal to the shaft so that the pedal and shaft move together while resisting relative rotation. The shaft may include first and second interconnected shaft sections with one of the shaft sections being hollow. The shaft mounting end portion of the pedal may comprise a collar having an axially extending bore with at least one bore flat, and in one specific form, first and second opposed bore flats. The pedal mounting end portion of the shaft may have at least one shaft flat and in a specific form has a pair of opposed shaft flats. When assembled, the shaft flats are aligned with the bore flats. The wedge may be a u-shaped wedge structure with first and second wedge shaped legs that are inserted into respective gaps between the bore flats and shaft flats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Freightliner LLC
    Inventor: George R. Drew
  • Patent number: 6345550
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for an automotive vehicle including a plurality of screw members (30, 130, 32, 132 and 42, 142) interconnected by threads for adjusting the position of q pedal pad (20, 120) along the adjustment axis A relative to a pedal arm (14, 114.) A first telescoping element (24, 124) and a second telescoping element (26, 126) which are in sliding engagement with one another along a telescoping axis for interconnecting the pedal pad (20, 120) and the pedal arm (14, 114) for stabilizing the movement of the pedal pad (20, 120) relative to a pedal arm (14, 114) along the adjustment axis A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony Markham, Christopher Bortolon, Christopher Rixon
  • Patent number: 6237929
    Abstract: A bicycle stand, which includes a prop that may be attached to a bicycle pedal. Attachment of the prop to the pedal may be by a “socket-bolt” having a hole in one end and a threaded hole in the other. The socket-bolt replaces the lock nut normally located on the bearing spindle of a pedal. In one embodiment, the socket and prop may include socket and prop having the same polygonal cross section thereby preventing rotational instability of the inserted prop-member. The prop-member may be substantially “L” shaped, thereby providing a ground contact point located below and outboard of the pedal. When the pedal assembly is rotated near its lowest point, the bicycle can be securely tilted onto the prop-member. The prop-member may also be configured to serve as a lever that applies torque to standard mechanic's toolbits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Kielland
  • Patent number: 6170355
    Abstract: The invention provides an easily adjustable foot-operated pedal assembly, such as a brake pedal for use in heavy equipment, that can be placed in multiple positions to accommodate people of differing heights and body shapes. The pedal is mounted in an assembly including a dual linkage operating apparatus having one element of that linkage that freely rotates about a shaft. A second link of the pedal linkage is connected to a fixed link through an adjustment mechanism. The fixed link is fixedly mounted to the same shaft as the pedal link. The adjustment mechanism incorporates a latch that has multiple settings yielding three or more pedal positions. The pedal is urged upwardly to effect adjustment to raise the pedal. A latch bar of the pedal assembly is urged up to allow lowering of the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventor: William A. Fay, III
  • Patent number: 6131485
    Abstract: A foot pedal extension system for permitting a short user to reach the foot pedals of a vehicle comfortably. The foot pedal extension system includes a foot pedal of a vehicle with a pivot arm and a foot pad coupled to a lower end of the pivot arm. The pivot arm of the foot pedal has an upper end pivotally coupled to the vehicle. An elongate extension arm has an inner end coupled to the pivot arm of the foot pedal between the upper and lower ends of the pivot arm. The extension arm is outwardly extended from the pivot arm of the foot pedal in a direction towards the foot pad of the foot pedal. An extension pad is coupled to an outer end of the extension arm located distal the inner end of the extension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Shaffaqat H. Raja
  • Patent number: 6073515
    Abstract: An adjustable foot support for an automotive vehicle, having at least one adjustable actuating foot pedal movable between forward and rear pedal adjustment positions to accommodate varying leg lengths of various operators, includes a normally stationary foot rest for optionally resting a foot of a vehicle operator during periods of inactivity and foot rest adjusting means for selectively adjusting said foot rest between stationary forward and rear foot rest adjustment positions to position the foot rest in a comfortable position that accommodates the varying leg lengths of various operators. The adjusting means may be a powered linkage and is optionally movable in concert with the adjustment linkage of an associated pedal, such as a brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Douglas Elton, Michael Joseph McKale
  • Patent number: 6008797
    Abstract: A foot pedal assembly having a base, a first support member with an upper end and a lower end, a foot pedal attached to the upper end of the first support member, a second support member with a fore end and an aft end, a guide member with a retention slot affixed to the base, and means for coupling the fore end of the second support member and the lower end of the first support member within the retention slot of the guide member; wherein the means for coupling slidingly guides the fore end of the second support member and the lower end of the first support member substantially along the retention slot upon application of a downward force to the foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: ACT Labs, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel Sanderson, Andrey Gleener
  • Patent number: 5884534
    Abstract: An elastic covering cap for a foot-pedal of a motor vehicle which can be produced economically, while functioning well and having a pleasing aesthetic effect. For this purpose, the covering cap includes, on its foot-rest surface, a multiplicity of studs which have a mushroom-like shape and over the mushroom heads of which a perforated ornamental plate can be snapped on so as to be form-lockingly fitted underneath the mushroom heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Knoll, Martin Mueller
  • Patent number: 5884532
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes an extensible module positioned on the lower end of the pedal arm of the pedal assembly and carrying the pedal pad. The module includes two screw jacks which may be selectively extended or contracted to vary the distance to the pedal pad from the lower end of the pedal arm and thereby accommodate drivers of various statures. The lower screw jack includes a coarser thread than the upper screw jack so that as the pedal pad is moved away from the lower end of the pedal arm in response to extension of the screw jacks the pedal pad is also pivoted upwardly to further accommodate drivers of small stature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tecnology Holding Company II
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rixon, Christopher Bortolon
  • Patent number: 5839326
    Abstract: An apparatus attaches to an automobile brake pedal lever in such a way as to allow a statuesquely small automobile operator the ability to adjustably control the total brake pedal length so that he can comfortably remain a safe distance from the steering wheel while still reaching the brake. This control apparatus has a leaf spring element that provides temporary self-supporting capability so that the optimum arrangement can be found before the controller is more stably connected to the existing brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Young-ryeol Song
  • Patent number: 5555773
    Abstract: A brake pedal operated manually by the driver, a driving arm connected to a brake cable, and a ratchet wheel driven by a motor are rotatably supported on a pedal shaft. A ratchet member, mounted on the driving arm, is meshed with the ratchet wheel. When the brake pedal is depressed in a direction A, the brake pedal and the driving arm are coupled to each other through a limiting device and the driving arm, with a locking recess 35.sub.1 urged by a locking pin, is turned in the direction A to operate a brake. When the driving arm is otherwise turned in the direction A, only the arm is turned in the direction A, with the brake pedal separated by the limiting device being left at the brake operating position and prevents the operating foot from being caught between the pedal and vehicle body while such driving arm is otherwise turned and such brake is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunio Nanno, Atsushi Mori, Akinori Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 5497678
    Abstract: An adaptor having a base plate adapted to fit on an accelerator pedal of a vehicle has an operating plate with upper and lower portions thereon. The operating plate is elevationally and adjustably mounted on the base plate. A lateral integral projection extends outwardly from the lower portion of the operating plate. The adaptor is removably attached to the accelerator pedal which facilitates the positioning of the toe and heel of the same foot of the user on the operating plate for controlling the braking and acceleration of the vehicle without lifting or moving the foot from one pedal to the other. The use of the adaptor permits a conventional manual transmission vehicle to be converted for stock car racing. In an alternative embodiment, the accelerator pedal per se replaces the base and the adaptor is directly attached to the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Wayne W. Chou
  • Patent number: 5461939
    Abstract: A pedal extension assembly for attaching to standard existing pedals. In the illustrated embodiment, sleeve bearings supported by a base connector rod are coupled to adjustable support bars which, in turn are pivotally coupled to adjustable extension bars. An extension pedal extends from one end of the extension bar, the opposite end of the adjustable extension bar being coupled via a pedal coupling plate to the standard, manufacturer-installed pedal. When the extension pedal is depressed, the standard pedal is equally depressed with a 1-to-1 displacement between the pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Jesuit Community at Loyola University
    Inventor: Winfred R. Upton
  • Patent number: 5351571
    Abstract: An industrial machinery control system is provided which allows for ergonomically favorable operation by paired reciprocal control pedals which mirror an operator's right and left limbs. The reciprocal mirror control pedals allow operation of the same predetermined function within designated machinery by either the left or right foot of an operator, thus reducing fatigue while maintaining position at a particular workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Robert E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5253545
    Abstract: An adjustable foot pedal assembly for control of an industrial machine which is supported by a stand having legs includes a treadle plate rockably mounted on the foot pedal assembly beneath and longitudinal in relation to the stand, for operation of the industrial machine supported by the stand. The foot pedal assembly has a mechanism for selective transverse adjustment of the foot pedal assembly in relation to a longitudinal axis of the stand, connected to the legs of the stand, spacedly in relation to a floor, and a mechanism for selective vertical adjustment of the foot pedal assembly, in relation to the floor, connected to the means for selective transverse adjustment, and a mechanism for selective initial angle of tilt adjustment of the treadle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: DBH Limited, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Barrons, Morris D. Hunt, Carlton H. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 5231891
    Abstract: A change speed pedal mechanism for controlling a transmission of a working vehicle comprises a first pedal pivotable on an axis extending transversely of a vehicle body, and a second pedal disposed adjacent the first pedal and pivotable on an axis extending longitudinally of the vehicle body. The first pedal is connected to the transmission such that its depression shifts the transmission in a forward accelerating direction. The second pedal includes a linkage arm extending to a position under the first pedal. When the second pedal is depressed, the linkage arm lifts the first pedal, thereby shifting the transmission in a backward accelerating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Kubota Corp.
    Inventors: Shigeru Morita, Terutaka Takei, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Yoshihiro Kawahara, Nobuhide Yanagawa
  • Patent number: 5168771
    Abstract: A left side accelerator apparatus for physically handicapped persons provided with a formation wherein a cover member is removably provided on a base fixed on an automobile floor side, a main shaft is rotatably supported by the cover member, a left side pedal arm fitted with a left side accelerator pedal is fitted to the main shaft at the left end and a right side arm having a roller in contact with an automobile side accelerator pedal is fitted to the main shaft at the right end so that the automobile side accelerator pedal may be operated by treading in the left side accelerator pedal. Thus, a person physically handicapped in the right foot can operate the accelerator of an automobile with the left foot and, when the apparatus is not used, it will be able to be removed by one touch so as not to be in the way of the driving operation by a non-handicapped person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Yoshio Fujimori
  • Patent number: 5136899
    Abstract: A vehicle which has a foot actuated speed control and linkage, a hand actuated control for selecting the forward or reverse mode, a brake pedal and linkage, and a mechanism connecting the speed control linkage and the mode control. The connecting mechanism comprises a rod coupled to an idler arm of the speed control linkage and a swingable connecting arm. The arm comes in contact with a selection arm of the mode control linkage to prevent the mode from being shifted when the speed control is depressed, and to limit the speed in reverse. A stop rod swings down over an arm of the speed control linkage as a parking brake is applied to block the movement of the speed control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John J. Hoch, James E. Hardzinski
  • Patent number: 5125287
    Abstract: The cylinder power shifter for a gasoline or a diesel fuel internal combustion engine includes a substantialy "cubic"-shaped hollow housing mounted to the under surface of the vehicle floor, a linkage connecting the accelerator pedal to the cylinder power shifter, a plurality of stationary posts disposed throughout the cylinder power shifter so that the linkage is properly guided, and a plurality of stationary switches disposed throughout the cylinder power shifter so that the number of engine strokes can be changes from 4 to 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Kunito Taguma
  • Patent number: 5002298
    Abstract: The hand assisted propulsion for a bicycle embodies special foot pedals which have their shafts extended. The shaft extension is engaged in a roller bearing at one end of a hand crank. At the other end of the hand crank is a handle used by the cyclist to augment the operation of the foot pedal. This provides hand and arm exercise to the cyclist as well as increasing the power driving the bicycle's rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Guy R. Motto
  • Patent number: 4867441
    Abstract: An apparatus to allow a leg amputee having only a thigh stump to ride a bicycle comprising a height adjustable shaft assembly having a means rotatably attached to the lower end of the shaft assembly and attachable to the pedal of the bicycle and further having a thigh stump support assembly for attaching the thigh stump to the shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Walter W. Blakeman
  • Patent number: 4843939
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the height of a piano pedal includes an assembly member provided at the proximal end of a pedal, a support member provided at the distal end of a pedal frame, the support member and the assembly member being movable in the vertical direction relative to each other, and an operation bolt in thread engagement with a screw hole formed in the support member in the vertical direction, a head portion of the operation bolt being pivotally supported at the lower portion of the assembly member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Toyo Piano Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Sato
  • Patent number: 4450733
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal extension device for the demountable attachment to a pedal of a machine, such as a piano, and which permits a user to manipulate an otherwise unreachable or difficult to reach foot pedal. The device includes a body frame having a supporting structure with an open end for receiving a pedal and an adjustable clamping member for securing the supporting structure to a pedal. A horizontal extension means is adjustably attached by a first securement means to the body frame, and a vertical extension means is adjustably secured to the horizontal extension means by a second securement means. The vertical extension means has a generally horizontal portion extending outward at its upper end to receive the foot of a user. The horizontal and vertical extension means are generally interchangeable L-shaped members having leg portions of varying lengths to effectuate a wide range of pedal extension distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Inventor: Larry A. Rantapaa
  • Patent number: 4206677
    Abstract: Pedal actuator and connection assemblies for electronic vorsetzer player piano units incorporating universal connection members between the electronic assemblies and foot pedals for converting a conventional piano to an electronic player piano are disclosed. The connection assemblies include a foot member, one for each foot pedal, which are adapted to transmit actuating forces transmitted from the player piano unit downwardly and on the rear portion of the pedal member pivoting the foot member in the second ball joint to cause an upward force on a lower pedal-engaging surface to thereby engage the lower side of the pedal therewith and thereby permit upward and downward movement of the foot without it slipping off the pedal. At the same time, since there is no positive securement of the connection assembly to the foot pedal, the vorsetzer may be easily and quickly positioned on the piano for converting a standard piano to an electronic player piano.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon B. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 4164885
    Abstract: A foot pedal of a console type musical instrument is provided with a lift attachable to the pedal to raise its effective height for the benefit of small people such as children. The lift is a member to be placed on top of the foot block of the pedal and is attached to the pedal by a U-shaped bracket which passes beneath the pedal and has sides which extend upwardly to a position of attachment to the lift. Provision is made for tensioning the sides of the bracket which may be done by a camming surface on the lift or by bowing the bracket sides. Provision is also made for preventing twisting of the lift on the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Inventor: Thomas P. Averette