(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0023652 A1
`Cosby et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Feb. 3, 2011
`
`US 2011 0023652A1
`
`MODULAR PEDAL ASSEMBLY FOR
`VEHICLES
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/442,577, filed on Jan.
`24, 2003.
`
`Inventors:
`
`Christopher D. Cosby, Augusta,
`GA (US); Douglas T. Crow, Evans,
`GA (US); David R. Hardy,
`Hephzibah, GA (US); Paul E.
`Morgan, Appling, GA (US); Duane
`E. Newman, Evans, GA (US);
`Geoff D. Stewart, Evans, GA (US);
`Michael L. Welsh, Evans, GA (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRCH LLP
`100 E WISCONSINAVENUE, Suite 3300
`MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 (US)
`Appl. No.:
`12/903,289
`Filed:
`Oct. 13, 2010
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Division of application No. 10/543,344, filed on May
`19, 2006, filed as application No. PCT/US04/02120 on
`Jan. 26, 2004.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`G05G L/36
`(2008.04)
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................................... 74/513
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A modular pedal assembly for use with a vehicle that includes
`a prime mover, a control circuit, and a brake assembly. The
`modular pedal assembly including a base that is removably
`connectable with the vehicle, a brake pedal, an accelerator
`pedal that is displaceable between a first position and a second
`position, and a control output regulator that includes a first
`sensor and a second sensor. In a vehicle having an electric
`motor prime mover, the first sensor is a limit switch electri
`cally connected to the control circuit, and the second sensor is
`a variable resistor. In a vehicle having an internal combustion
`engine prime mover, the first sensor is a limit Switch operable
`to control a starter motor, and the second sensor is a limit
`Switch operable to control a spark plug ignition.
`
`(54)
`
`(76)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(62)
`
`
`
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`US 2011/0023652 Al
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`FIG. 15
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`FIG. 18
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`44
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`FIG. 25A
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`Page 0025
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`FIG. 28
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`Patent Application Publication
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`US 2011/0023652 Al
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`DGL Exhibit 1013
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`

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`US 2011/0023652 A1
`
`Feb. 3, 2011
`
`MODULAR PEDAL ASSEMBLY FOR
`VEHICLES
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`0001. This application is a divisional application of U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 10/543,344, filed May 19, 2006
`which is a National Stage entry of P.C.T. Application No.
`PCT/US04/02120, filed Jan. 26, 2004 which claims priority
`to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/442,577, filed
`Jan. 24, 2003, the entire contents of all above listed applica
`tions are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`0002 This invention relates to vehicles such as golf cars,
`utility vehicles, and neighborhood vehicles, and more par
`ticularly to accelerator pedals and brake pedals for Such
`vehicles.
`0003 Conventional golf cars and utility vehicles may be
`expensive and time consuming to assemble. This is because
`most conventional vehicles and utility vehicles areassembled
`one piece at a time, stacking each upon the next, and the
`amount of time and labor required to assemble a conventional
`vehicle may be substantial because of this process. Golf cars
`and utility vehicles may have either an electric motor drive
`system oran internal combustion engine drive system, and the
`footprint and packaging of an electric drive system may be
`significantly different than the footprint and packaging of a
`gas drive system. Therefore, during the assembly of a con
`ventional golf car or utility vehicle, the difference in the sizes
`and shapes of parts may require as much as two separate
`chassis for electric and gas drive vehicles, and most conven
`tional accelerator assemblies are different for an electric drive
`vehicle then for a gas drive vehicle. This is because the parts
`coupled to the accelerator and the interconnection of the
`accelerator with the drive system may vary significantly
`between drive systems. Text
`
`SUMMARY
`0004. In one embodiment, the invention provides a modu
`lar pedal assembly for use with a vehicle. The vehicle
`includes a prime mover, a control circuit operatively con
`nected with the prime mover, and a brake assembly. The pedal
`assembly includes a base that is removably connectable with
`the vehicle, a brake pedal that is movably coupled with the
`base and operatively coupled with the brake assembly, an
`accelerator pedal that is movably coupled with the base so as
`to be displaceable between a first position and a second posi
`tion and operatively coupled with one of the prime mover and
`the control circuit, and a control output regulator that includes
`a first sensor and a second sensor, and is electrically connect
`able with the control circuit such that the control circuit at
`least one of regulates the motor and operates the motor. In a
`vehicle having an electric motor prime mover, the first sensor
`is a limit switch electrically connected to the control circuit to
`selectively turn on the control circuit, and the second sensoris
`a variable resistor that generates a signal proportional to a
`displacement of the accelerator pedal between the first posi
`tion and the second position. In a vehicle having an internal
`combustion engine prime mover, the first sensor is a limit
`switch operable to control a starter motor of the internal
`combustion engine, and the second sensor is a limit Switch
`operable to control a spark plug ignition of the internal com
`bustion engine.
`
`0005. In another embodiment, the invention provides a
`modular pedal assembly mountable as a module upon a
`vehicle having a brake assembly and adaptable for use on a
`vehicle having either a gas engine or an electric motor drive.
`The modular pedal assembly has a mounted state in which the
`modular pedal assembly is mounted in the vehicle and an
`unmounted State. The modular pedal assembly includes a
`base that is adapted to be mounted in a vehicle in the mounted
`state. A first pedal is pivotally coupled to the base in the
`unmounted State of the modular pedal assembly and has a
`portion coupled to the brake assembly in the mounted state of
`the modular pedal assembly. A second pedal is pivotally
`coupled to the base in the unmounted state of the modular
`pedal assembly and has a portion coupled to the drive in the
`mounted state of the modular pedal assembly. The second
`pedal has an unactuated State and an actuated State. The actu
`ated state is defined by pivotal movement of the second pedal
`with respect to the base. A control output regulator is coupled
`to the second pedal in the unmounted state of the modular
`pedal assembly and is also electrically coupled to the drive
`assembly in the mounted State of the modular pedal assembly.
`The control output regulator is adaptable to be used with
`vehicles driven by gas engines and electrical motors, and
`includes a sensor configured to detect the pivotal position of
`the second pedal and to communicate the position to the drive
`in the mounted state of the modular pedal assembly.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0006. The invention is further described with reference to
`the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one or more
`embodiments of the invention. However, it should be noted
`that the invention as disclosed in the accompanying drawings
`is illustrated by way of example only. The various elements
`and combinations of elements described below and illustrated
`in the drawings may be arranged and organized differently to
`result in embodiments which are still within the spirit and
`Scope of the present invention in the drawings, wherein like
`reference numeral indicate like parts:
`0007 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a
`modular pedal assembly in accordance with the present
`invention;
`0008 FIG. 2 is a partial prospective view of the vehicle
`illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the modular pedal assembly:
`0009 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the
`decorative body of the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1;
`0010 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of
`the underbody or chassis of the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1;
`0011
`FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the underbody
`illustrated in FIG. 4;
`0012 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the modular pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 showing the portions of the
`pedal assembly located under the base, including portions of
`the pedals and a control output regulator,
`0013 FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the modular pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 showing some of the outputs of
`the modular pedal assembly;
`0014 FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the modular
`pedal assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 with the control output
`regulator removed and showing several elements of the park
`ing brake assembly;
`(0015 FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the modular
`pedal assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 with the control output
`regulator removed and showing several of components of the
`modular assembly, including the parking brake assembly;
`
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`0016 FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the modular pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 removed from the base;
`0017 FIG. 11A is a more diagrammatic view of one
`embodiment of a control output regulator for use with a
`electric drive vehicle and components of the electric vehicle:
`0018 FIG. 11B is a more diagrammatic view of one
`embodiment of a control output regulator for use with a gas
`drive vehicle and components of the gas vehicle;
`0019 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the accelerator
`pedal assembly, including a pedal, a shaft, a pin, an output
`portion, and a biased portion;
`0020 FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a portion of the
`parking brake engagement assembly, including a carriage, a
`lever, a roller, and an engagement element having a projec
`tion;
`0021 FIG. 13B is a perspective view from a different
`angle of the portion of the parking brake engagement assem
`bly illustrated in FIG. 13 A:
`0022 FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the brake pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 10, including the service brake
`pedal having a toothed portion and an output portion, the
`parking brake pedal, and an arm;
`0023 FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the reverse
`side of the brake pedal assembly illustrated in FIG. 14 show
`ing the parking brake pedal nested within a portion of the
`service brake pedal and interconnected to the service brake
`pedal;
`0024 FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 10 showing the pedals in the
`unactuated State and the parking brake in the disengaged;
`0025 FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 16 showing arm coupled to the
`brake pedal assembly preventing the parking brake engage
`ment assembly from engaging the toothed portion of the
`brake pedal assembly:
`0026 FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 10 showing the service brake
`pedal in the actuated State and the parking brake engagement
`assembly held in the disengaged position by the arm;
`0027 FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of the pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 10 showing the parking brake
`pedal in the actuated state with respect to the service brake
`pedal and the arm rotated, allowing the parking brake engage
`ment assembly to abut the toothed portion;
`0028 FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of the pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 10 showing the service brake
`pedal actuated and the parking brake pedal in the actuated
`with respect to the service brake pedal, placing the pedal
`assembly in the parked State;
`0029 FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of FIG. 20
`showing the arm rotated and the projection of the engagement
`element engaged with the toothed portion of the service brake
`pedal assembly;
`0030 FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of FIG. 20
`showing the accelerator pedal in an unactuated State and the
`lever of the parking brake engagement assembly abutting the
`pin on the accelerator pedal assembly;
`0031 FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view similar to FIG.
`22 showing the accelerator pedal assembly actuated and the
`lever of the parking brake engagement assembly no longer
`abutting the pin on the accelerator pedal assembly:
`0032 FIG. 24 is a simplified side view of the pedal assem
`bly illustrated in FIG. 10 showing some of the components
`
`comprising the parking brake engagement assembly includ
`ing the arm, the engagement element, and the Serrate portion;
`0033 FIG. 25A is a simplified side view of the pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 24 showing the cam surface on
`the arm engaging a roller on the carriage to prevent engage
`ment of the parking brake as the service brake is actuated;
`0034 FIG. 25B is a simplified side view of the pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 24 showing the cam surface on
`the arm disengaged from the roller on the carriage due to
`actuation of the parking brake pedal with respect to the Ser
`Vice brake and allowing engagement of the parking brake;
`0035 FIG. 26 is substantially the same view as illustrated
`in FIG. 25B with the arm and roller removed for clarity;
`0036 FIG. 27A is a simplified side view of the pedal
`assembly illustrated in FIG. 24 showing parking brake
`engaged, the accelerator pedal assembly in the unactuated
`state, and the lever of the parking brake engagement assembly
`abutting the pin on the accelerator pedal assembly;
`0037 FIG. 27B is substantially the same view as illus
`trated in FIG. 27A showing the parking brake becoming
`disengaged due to actuation of the accelerator pedal assem
`bly:
`0038 FIG. 28 is a more diagrammatic illustration of non
`contact Switch coupled to a brake pedal, a timer, and brake
`lamps;
`0039 FIG. 29 is a more diagrammatic illustration of the
`accelerator pedal, depicting two limit positions of the pedal;
`and
`0040 FIG. 30 is a more diagrammatic illustration of the
`brake pedals, depicting two limit positions of the pedal.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0041. Before any embodiments of the invention are
`explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
`not limited in its application to the details of construction and
`the arrangement of components set forth in the following
`description or illustrated in the following drawings. The
`invention is capable of other embodiments and of being prac
`ticed or of being carried out in various ways.
`0042. Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like
`numbers are used to indicate like elements throughout, there
`is shown in FIGS. 1-29 a preferred construction of a modular
`pedal assembly 10 for use with a vehicle 1, the vehicle 1
`including a motor 2, a control circuit 3 operatively connected
`with the motor 2, and a brake assembly 4. The modular pedal
`assembly 10 basically comprises a base 11 removably con
`nectable with the vehicle 1, an accelerator pedal 12 and at
`least one and preferably two brake pedals 13, 14 movably
`coupled with the base 11, and at least one sensor 15 config
`ured to sense displacement of the accelerator pedal 12. As
`depicted in FIG. 29, the accelerator pedal 12 is displaceable
`between a first, initial position P., at which the pedal 12 is in
`an “unactuated State', and a second, maximum travel position
`P, the pedal 12 being in an, “actuated State' at the second
`position P and all positions between the two limit positions
`P. P. Preferably, the accelerator pedal 12 is pivotally
`coupled with the base 11, so as to be angularly displaceable
`about an axis 12a, and is operatively coupleable with the
`motor 2 and/or with the control circuit 3. Each brake pedal 13,
`14 is preferably pivotally coupled with the base 11, so as to be
`angularly displaceable about an axis 13a, 14a between a first,
`initial position P. and a second, maximum travel position
`P. (FIG. 30) and are each operatively coupled with the brake
`assembly 4 of the vehicle 1, as discussed below. The “service'
`
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`brake pedal 13 is used for braking or stopping of the vehicle
`1 during vehicle operation and the “parking brake pedal 14 is
`used to maintain the brake assembly 4 engaged with the wheel
`shafts (not shown) and is releasably lockable at the second
`position P. Preferably, the accelerator pedal 12 is opera
`tively coupled with the parking brake pedal 14, such that
`when the brake pedal 14 is locked at the second position P.
`displacement of the accelerator pedal 12 releases the parking
`brake pedal 14 from the second position P.
`0043. Further, the one or more sensors 15 are each config
`ured to sense displacement of the accelerator pedal 14 and
`each is electrically connectable with the control circuit 3. As
`Such, the control circuit 3 regulates and/or operates the motor
`2 and/or operates the motor 2 when the sensor 15 senses
`displacement of the accelerator pedal 12, i.e., when the accel
`erator pedal 12 “actuates' by displacing from the initial posi
`tion P toward the second, maximum travel position P.
`Preferably, the one or more sensors 15 are incorporated into a
`control output regulator 16 of the pedal assembly 10 that also
`includes a housing 24 or 34, the sensor(s) 15 being disposed
`within the housing 24 or 34. The housing 24 or 34 is remov
`ably connected with the base 11 so as to position the sensor 15
`generally proximal to the acceleratorpedal 12, as described in
`further detail below.
`0044) Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the modular pedal
`assembly 10 may be used with a vehicle 1 having a motor 2
`that is either an electric motor 28 or an internal combustion or
`“gas' engine 37, the primary difference being the particular
`control output regulator 16 connected with the base 11. More
`specifically, when the motor 2 is an electric motor 28, the
`vehicle 1 includes a battery 31 and the control circuit 3
`includes a controller 27 configured to regulate either the
`voltage or the current between the battery 31 and the motor
`28. An "electric' motor control output regulator 23 preferably
`includes a housing 24 and two sensors 15 disposed within the
`housing 24, specifically a first sensor 25 and a second sensor
`26. The first sensor 25 is a limit switch electrically connected
`with the controller 27 such that the controller 27 is “turned
`on' when the pedal 12 displaces from the initial position P.
`and towards the second position P. The second sensor 26 is
`variable resistor or potentiometer configured to generate a
`signal proportional to a displacement d of the accelerator
`pedal 12 from the initial position P, such that the controller
`27 adjusts either the voltage or current to the motor 28 to be
`generally proportional to pedal displacement d (FIG. 29).
`0045 Alternatively, when the motor 2 is a gas engine 37,
`the engine 37 has at least one and preferably a plurality of
`spark plugs and a starter motor, and the control circuit 3
`includes a starter circuit with a solenoid 39 operatively
`coupled with the starter motor and a magneto 41 electrically
`coupleable with the spark plugs, as depicted in FIG. 11B. A
`“gas' motor control output regulator 33 preferably includes a
`housing 34 and two sensors 15 disposed within the housing
`34, specifically a first sensor 35 and a second sensor 36. The
`first sensor 35 is a limit switch electrically connected with the
`solenoid 39 such that the solenoid 39 is electrically connected
`with the starter motor of the engine 37 when the accelerator
`pedal 12 displaces from the initial position P and towards
`the second position P. The second sensor 37 is a limit
`switch electrically connected with the magneto 41 such that
`the magneto 41 is electrically coupled with the Spark plugs
`when the accelerator pedal 12 displaces from the initial posi
`tion P. Further, with a gas engine 37, the engine 37 prefer
`ably includes a carburetor 43 with a throttle and the accelera
`
`tor pedal 12 is operatively connected with the throttle by
`means of a cable 43a. Having described the basic components
`and operation of the present invention, these and other ele
`ments of the modular pedal assembly 12 are described in
`greater detail below.
`0046 Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, the modular pedal
`assembly 10 is preferably used with a vehicle 1 that is con
`structed as a golf car 1 (as shown) or a utility vehicle. The
`preferred vehicle 1 includes a body or chassis 5 that has an
`underbody portion 6 to which the modular pedal assembly 10
`is preferably mounted. Specifically, the underbody portion 6
`includes a mounting cavity 7 sized to receive the pedal group
`10, as discussed in further detail below. Although preferably
`used with the above-described vehicle 1, the modular pedal
`assembly 10 of the present invention may be used with any
`other type of vehicle. For example, the modular pedal 10 may
`be used with a vehicle 1 that is a standard passenger automo
`bile, a sports utility vehicle, a commercial truck, an off-road
`vehicle (e.g., dune buggy) having any type of drive system
`and/or other appropriate structure for connecting the pedal
`assembly 10 with the vehicle 1 (no alternatives shown).
`0047 Preferably, the pedal assembly 10 is coupled to the
`vehicle 1 as a modular unit or “module'. Specifically, the base
`11 is connectable with the vehicle 1 to connect the entire
`modular pedal assembly 10 to the vehicle 1 and the base 11 is
`alternatively removable from the vehicle 1 to remove the
`entire modular pedal assembly 10 from the vehicle 1. A such,
`the pedals 12, 13 and 14 are coupled or connected with the
`base 11 before the base 11 is mounted on the vehicle 1, and
`then the pedals 12, 13, 14 are correctly positioned on the
`vehicle 1 when the base 11 is connected or mounted thereto.
`FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate how a modular pedal assembly 10
`may be mounted with respect to vehicle 1, preferably to the
`body 5 of the vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle body or chassis
`5 has an aperture or mounting cavity 7 designed to receive and
`secure the modular pedal assembly 10 to the vehicle 1. Fur
`thermore, the aperture/cavity 7 of the chassis 5 is designed to
`house and protect many of the moving and electrical parts (if
`any) from the environment.
`0048. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the modular pedal assembly
`10, including the base 11, the pedals 13, 14, and a control
`output regulator 16, is placed within the cavity 7 of the chassis
`as an assembled module. As such, very little manipulation or
`adjustment of the modular pedal assembly 10 is required once
`placed onto the chassis 5. In the illustrated embodiment, for
`example, the brake output rod 17 is then connected to the
`brake system 4 by a brake cable 4a, two electrical connections
`3a are made with the control circuit 3a, 3b, and depending on
`the drive system, the accelerator pedal 12 may be coupled
`directly to the motor 2. After these items are connected, an
`upper body panel 8, including floorboards 9, may be placed
`around and partially over the modular pedal assembly 10 and
`connected with the underbody 6. As illustrated, the floor
`boards 9 cover and protect the cables and electrical compo
`nents of the modular pedal assembly 10 from the environ
`ment. Returning to FIG. 2, in the fully assembled state only a
`portion of the pedals and a debris shield 21 of the modular
`pedal assembly 10 are exposed to the environment.
`0049. Although the pedal assembly 10 is illustrated as
`being mounted on the floor of a vehicle 1, the pedal assembly
`10 may be mounted in other areas such as the inclined area
`between the floorboard and the dash of the vehicle 1. As
`discussed above and shown in FIGS. 6-11, the modular pedal
`assembly 10 has a base 11 and a plurality of pedals coupled to
`
` DGL Exhibit 1013
`Page 0031
`
`

`

`US 2011/0023652 A1
`
`Feb. 3, 2011
`
`the base 11, which may include any combination of an accel
`erator pedal assembly 12, a service brake pedal assembly 13,
`a parking brake pedal assembly 14, clutch pedal, or any other
`appropriate vehicle pedal. Although the illustrated embodi
`ment comprises an accelerator pedal assembly 12, a service
`brake pedal assembly 13, and a parking brake pedal assembly
`14, it should be noted that the parking brake pedal 14 is not
`necessary for all applications.
`0050. The pedals may be coupled to the base 11 by one or
`more moveable connections, such as a pivot. The accelerator
`pedal 12 is coupled to the base 11 by a first pivot 19 and the
`service brake 13 and parking brake 14 are coupled to the base
`11 by a second pivot 20. Although two separate pivots are
`used in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, other
`embodiments may use more or less pivots then illustrated. For
`example, some embodiments may use a single pivot for two
`or more pedals.
`0051 Referring to FIGS. 6-10 and 12, the illustrated
`accelerator pedal 12 has a shaft portion 64 that substantially
`surrounds and couples to the pivot 19. The pivot 19, as illus
`trated, is secured to the accelerator shaft 64 to rotate with the
`accelerator 12 when the accelerator 12 is actuated. Although
`not illustrated, the shaft 64 may be secured to the pivot by a
`fastener, a male/female connection, a force fit, a friction fit,
`adhesive, and the like. Furthermore, the accelerator pedal 12
`does not need to be secured to the pivot 19 in all embodiments.
`For example, in some embodiments, the shaft portion 64
`pivots with respect to the pivot 19 (structure not shown).
`Returning to the illustrated embodiment of the accelerator
`pedal assembly 12, portions of the pivot 19 are coupled to the
`base 11 via a bracket 40 on the base 11. Although not illus
`trated, these portions of the pivot 19 may rest in bearings
`mounted to the bracket 40. As best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and
`10, a portion of the pivot 19 extends beyond the bracket 40.
`This portion of the pivot 19 rotates as the accelerator 12 is
`actuated. As will be discussed in greater detail below, this
`portion of the pivot 19 is coupled to a control output regulator
`16.
`0052 Another portion 65 of the accelerator 12 is coupled
`to one or more biasing members 18. In some embodiments,
`the biasing member also has a damper member. The biasing
`members 18 as illustrated in FIG. 6 are also coupled to the
`base 11. This structure allows the accelerator pedal 12 to be
`biased toward the initial or unactuated position P. Thus,
`when the accelerator pedal 12 is actuated, the biasing mem
`bers 18 exert a force against a portion 65 of the accelerator
`pedal 12 and create a torque on the pedal 12 to bias the pedal
`12 toward the unactuated position.
`0053. The brake pedal assembly 13 is also coupled to a
`pivot 20. Much like the accelerator assembly 12, the pivot 20
`of the brake pedal assembly 13 may either be rigidly fixed to
`the base 11 or may be fixed to the pedal assembly 13 and
`rotate within the base 11. If the pivot 20 is fixed to pedal
`assembly 13 and rotates relative to the base 11, a bearing may
`be mounted to the base 11 to reduce the force required to
`actuated the pedal 13 and to eliminate wear.
`0054 As best illustrated in FIGS. 5-10 and 14-16, the
`service brake pedal 13 and the parking brake pedal 14 are
`disposed adjacent to one another. Each pedal has an arm 74.
`81 that extends from the foot actuated portion 73, 80 of the
`assembly 13, 14 to a shaft 75, 83. In the illustrated embodi
`ment, the arm 81 of the parking brake pedal 14 is nested
`within the arm 74 of the service brake 13. As such, actuation
`of the service brake pedal 13 alone causes the parking brake
`
`pedal 14 to move with the service brake pedal 13 relative to
`the base 11, but not relative to the service brake pedal 13. The
`parking brake pedal 14, however, may be partially actuated
`with respect to the service brake pedal 13 and the base 11
`without causing actuation of the service brake pedal 13. After
`a certain range of motion though, the parking brake pedal 14
`hits an abutment 79 on the service brake pedal 13 causing the
`service brake pedal 13 to move with it. As will be discussed in
`greater detail below, further actuation of the parking brake
`pedal 14 (once it hits the abutment 79 on the service brake
`pedal 13) causes the service brake pedal 13 to actuate and the
`parking brake to engage.
`0055 Since the parking brake pedal 14 always moves
`upon actuation of the service brake pedal 13, a biasing mem
`ber 18 may be coupled to the parking brake pedal 14 to bias
`both pedals 13, 14 toward the unactuated position. In other
`embodiments, it may be desirable to use a separate biasing
`member for each pedal. One or more portions 77 of the brake
`pedal assemblies 13, 14 may be coupled to one or more output
`members, such as output rod 17. These output members may
`be coupled to a braking system of a vehicle 1 once the modu
`lar pedal assembly 10 is mounted on the car 1.
`0056. As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, a control output regula
`tor 16 is preferably mounted to the base 11 of the pedal
`assembly 10. The control output regulator 16 is also coupled
`to the portion of the accelerator pedal assembly 12. The
`control output regulator 16 has a housing 24 or 34 that couples
`to the base 11 and supports at least one and preferably two
`sensors 15 disposed within the housing 24, 34, respectively.
`The sensors 15 are positioned within the housing 24 or 34 to
`sense actuation of the acceleratorpedal 12. Since a portion of
`the accelerator pivot 19 extends within the housing 24 or 34 of
`the control output regulator 16, the sensors 15 preferably
`detect rotation of the pivot 19. The control output regulator 16
`communicates with the drive system of the vehicle 1 indicat
`ing whether the accelerator pedal 12 is actuated. In some
`embodiments, the control output regulator 16 also communi
`cates with the drive system the amount of angular displace
`ment d by which the accelerator pedal 12 is actuated or
`displaced.
`0057. As discussed above, the modular