CA2803203C - Vehicle safety apparatus - Google Patents
Vehicle safety apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2803203C CA2803203C CA2803203A CA2803203A CA2803203C CA 2803203 C CA2803203 C CA 2803203C CA 2803203 A CA2803203 A CA 2803203A CA 2803203 A CA2803203 A CA 2803203A CA 2803203 C CA2803203 C CA 2803203C
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- Prior art keywords
- side wall
- foot
- platform
- accelerator pedal
- raised platform
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/04—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of floor mats or carpets
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/06—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of footrests
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Braking Elements And Transmission Devices (AREA)
- Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
- Auxiliary Drives, Propulsion Controls, And Safety Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A raised platform for minimizing simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal by a foot of a vehicle operator, said raised platform comprising a top surface separated from said vehicle floor by a predetermined distance; a side wall; wherein said raised platform is positioned adjacent to said accelerator pedal, such that said foot heel is urged to stay in front of said brake pedal by said side wall.
Description
VEHICLE SAFETY APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to unintended acceleration in automobiles, more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for mitigating pedal misapplication.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to unintended acceleration in automobiles, more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for mitigating pedal misapplication.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] As is well known in the art, the pedal assembly of an automobile comprises a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal (or a clutch pedal) arranged in a parallel relationship to one another. These pedal devices allow a driver's foot, typically the right foot, to operate both the accelerator and brake pedal parts separately.
Specifically, assuming that the right foot is put on the brake pedal device from a rest position, the foot is made to turn clockwise about the heel to operate the accelerator pedal device, and vice versa. However, the side-by-side pedal arrangement often causes drivers to erroneously actuate the accelerator instead of the brakes, especially under stress. To minimize such an occurrence, in some vehicles the accelerator pedal is positioned on a lower plane than the brake pedal, however, this pedal arrangement still does not sufficiently address the problem.
Specifically, assuming that the right foot is put on the brake pedal device from a rest position, the foot is made to turn clockwise about the heel to operate the accelerator pedal device, and vice versa. However, the side-by-side pedal arrangement often causes drivers to erroneously actuate the accelerator instead of the brakes, especially under stress. To minimize such an occurrence, in some vehicles the accelerator pedal is positioned on a lower plane than the brake pedal, however, this pedal arrangement still does not sufficiently address the problem.
[0003] Since the introduction of automatic transmission in automobiles, the use of the left foot has been made redundant. In addition, as most automobiles are now equipped with a cruise control feature, maintaining the right foot on the accelerator pedal when this feature is no longer required. Accordingly a driver may remove the right foot from the accelerator pedal, and rest the right foot while the cruise control feature is activated. Generally, the right foot is often placed in a rest position on the vehicle floor, in front of the accelerator pedal and adjacent to the right side of the accelerator pedal. Often times the driver is not aware of this particular placement of the right foot, which may cause problems when the driver chooses to brake, as the driver is forced to quickly maneuver the right foot from the resting position to the brake pedal.
Typically, while executing such a maneuver the right foot often ends up in a diagonal position across the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, and as the accelerator pedal offers minimal resistance to the operating force applied by the right foot, and the accelerator pedal can be easily accidentally actuated together with the brake pedal. As the accelerator pedal offers no noticeable resistance, any slight force thereon results in an immediate response, that is, acceleration. With the foot on both pedals, the effect of the accelerator cancels the effect of the brakes and the vehicle maintains its same speed, giving the driver a sensation that the brakes are non-functional. Even if the driver does eventually realize that both pedals had been depressed simultaneously, it may be too late to take any corrective action to stop the vehicle. It is therefore not uncommon that the misapplication of pedals or delay in applying the intended pedal has resulted in a plurality of traffic accidents.
Typically, while executing such a maneuver the right foot often ends up in a diagonal position across the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, and as the accelerator pedal offers minimal resistance to the operating force applied by the right foot, and the accelerator pedal can be easily accidentally actuated together with the brake pedal. As the accelerator pedal offers no noticeable resistance, any slight force thereon results in an immediate response, that is, acceleration. With the foot on both pedals, the effect of the accelerator cancels the effect of the brakes and the vehicle maintains its same speed, giving the driver a sensation that the brakes are non-functional. Even if the driver does eventually realize that both pedals had been depressed simultaneously, it may be too late to take any corrective action to stop the vehicle. It is therefore not uncommon that the misapplication of pedals or delay in applying the intended pedal has resulted in a plurality of traffic accidents.
[0004] Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed equipping new cars and light trucks with override systems to prevent unintended acceleration when the gas pedal and brake are applied at the same time. For instance, some vehicles manufactured by Toyota Motor Corp., Japan, now include a safety system that operates in the event of certain simultaneous brake and gas pedal applications, and reduces engine power to help the brakes bring the vehicle to a stop.
However, Toyota warns in its operator's manuals that this system does not guarantee instant stopping, and therefore should not be relied upon.
However, Toyota warns in its operator's manuals that this system does not guarantee instant stopping, and therefore should not be relied upon.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to mitigate or obviate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one of its aspects, there is provided an apparatus for minimizing simultaneous operation of a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal.
[0007] In another of its aspects, there is provided a raised platform for minimizing simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal by a foot of a vehicle operator, said raised platform comprising:
a top surface separated from a vehicle floor by a predetermined distance;
a side wall; and wherein said raised platform is positioned adjacent to said accelerator pedal, such that said foot heel is urged to stay in front of said brake pedal by said side wall.
a top surface separated from a vehicle floor by a predetermined distance;
a side wall; and wherein said raised platform is positioned adjacent to said accelerator pedal, such that said foot heel is urged to stay in front of said brake pedal by said side wall.
[0008] In another of its aspects, there is provided a method for minimizing simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal by a foot of a vehicle operator, said method having the steps of:
providing a raised platform adjacent to said accelerator pedal, disposing said raised platform on a vehicle floor and substantially below said accelerator pedal; and whereby said foot is urged to stay in front of a brake pedal while the accelerator pedal is not being operated by said foot.
providing a raised platform adjacent to said accelerator pedal, disposing said raised platform on a vehicle floor and substantially below said accelerator pedal; and whereby said foot is urged to stay in front of a brake pedal while the accelerator pedal is not being operated by said foot.
[0009] In yet another of its aspects, there is provided a platform for minimizing simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal by a foot of a vehicle operator, said platform comprising:
a side wall;
an opposing side wall;
a front wall and a back wall connecting said side wall and said opposing side wall together; and a top surface disposed between said side wall, said opposing side wall, said front wall and said back wall.
100101 In yet another of its aspects there is provided a vehicle safety apparatus comprising:
a side wall;
a top surface depending from said side wall;
said apparatus is positioned adjacent to an accelerator pedal such that a portion of a driver's foot abuts said side wall when actuating said accelerator pedal;
wherein said apparatus is disposed on a floor well of said vehicle;
wherein said top surface is separated from said floor well by a predetermined distance, said predetermined distance being the height of said side wall;
wherein said foot is placed in a rest position on said floor well beside said side wall when not actuating said accelerator pedal or said brake pedal; and wherein said foot swivels about said foot's heel to actuate accelerator pedal and said brake pedal in an operating position, and said height of said side wall is chosen to minimiLe simultaneous actuation of said accelerator pedal and said brake pedal by said foot.
[0011] Advantageously, simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal by a foot of a vehicle operator is greatly minimized, and separate operation of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal is greatly ensured as the foot is urged to remain in front of the brake pedal while in the rest position rather than in front of the accelerator pedal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
[0013] Figure 1 shows a top view of a vehicle floor portion having a raised platform;
[0014] Figure 2 shows a front view of the vehicle floor portion of Figure 1;
[0015] Figure 3 shows a side view of the vehicle floor portion of Figure 1;
[0016] Figure 4 shows a foot is a rest position;
[0017] Figure 5 shows the foot of Figure 4 in a first operating position actuating a brake pedal;
[0018] Figure 6 shows the foot of Figure 5 in a second operating position actuating an accelerator pedal; and [0019] Figure 7 shows a barrier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein makes reference to the accompanying block diagrams and schematic diagrams, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best mode. The detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.
For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented.
[0021] Moreover, it should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way.
Indeed, for the sake of brevity, certain sub-components of the individual operating components.
100221 Figure 1 shows a top view of a floor well 10 of a vehicle, on the vehicle operator side, a brake pedal 12, an accelerator pedal 14, and an assembly 16.
The assembly 16 is positioned adjacent the accelerator pedal 14 and the vehicle's engine compartment 18, and the accelerator pedal is positioned closer to the engine compartment 18 than the brake pedal 12. The brake pedal 12 has some free motion when an operating force is applied by a foot, and this free motion allows an air gap to be maintained between the brake shoe and the disc or drum to minimise friction and any resulting heat.
[0023] As can be seen in Figure 2, the area of the floor well 10 before the brake pedal is free of the assembly 16. An exemplary assembly 16 is a rectangular shaped box having a top surface 20, a bottom surface 22, a front wall 24 facing the engine compartment 18, having a width, wi; an opposing back wall 26, a side wall 28 facing the vehicle operator side door 30, the side wall having a length, li; and an opposing side wall 32. The height, hi, of the assembly 16 is calculated between the top surface 20 and the bottom surface 22 is chosen to suit a particular vehicle, or vehicle make and model, as the dimensions of the brake pedal 12 and the accelerator pedal 14 may vary, and the positioning of the pedals 12, 14 may also vary from vehicle to vehicle. In addition, the height, hi, of the assembly 16, and positioning of the assembly 16 may also depend on the above-identified variables, including the distance separating the brake pedal 12, the accelerator pedal 14 and the assembly 16, or the different foot sizes, shoe sizes or shoe styles, such as winter boots or stilettos. The width, wi, length 11, and the height, hi, are chosen such that they do not interfere with the normal operation of the brake pedal 12, or the accelerator pedal 14. Accordingly, the distances di, d2 and d3 corresponding to the separation distances between the brake pedal 12, the accelerator pedal 14 and the assembly 16 are determined. These distances d1, d2 and d3 are so chosen such that the does not interfere with the normal operation of the brake pedal 12, or the accelerator pedal 14, nor preclude the foot 19 from performing desired actions associated with the brake pedal 12, or the accelerator pedal 14. Once a desired operational position has been chosen, the assembly 16 is secured to the vehicle floor well 10 by a retaining means (not shown) to maintain the assembly 16 in the chosen location. In one example, d1 ranges from half an inch to one inch, while d2 is about one inch.
[0024] With the assembly 16 in place, the vehicle may be operated in a normal manner by allowing a foot 34 to swivel about a heel 36 between the brake pedal 12 and accelerator pedal 14. When the foot 34 is moved temporarily from the accelerator pedal 14 in the normal driving position, the foot 34 is placed in a rest position at a location parallel to the side wall 28, and in line with the brake pedal 12, as shown in Figure 4.
Therefore, in the event of an emergency stop, by having the brake pedal 12 in the direct path of the foot 34 only the brake pedal 12 may be actuated as the raised side wall 28 urges the foot 34 towards the brake pedal 12, thus avoiding actuation of the accelerator pedal 14 while the foot 34 applies a force on the brake pedal 12, as seen in Figure 5.
The assembly 16 assists in maintaining the right foot 19 in a safe operating position in front of the brake pedal 12, especially while cruise control is activated, and does not interfere with the normal operation of the vehicle when cruise control is not activated.
The raised side wall 28 is so dimensioned such that the vehicle operator is able to discern the difference in height between the vehicle floor well 10 and raised floor portion's top surface 20. Figure 6 shows the foot 34 applying a force on the accelerator pedal 14 in a normal driving operation. In the event that the operator deliberately lifts the foot and places it on the top surface 20, then the operator will immediately become aware of such a non-desirable action, if not a dangerous action, as such foot positioning may feel uncomfortable. In addition, having the foot 34 on the top surface 20 makes more difficult to quickly manoeuvre the foot 34 to the brake pedal 12 or accelerator pedal 14. The assembly 16 also minimizes the actuation of the wrong pedal 12 or 14, as the foot 19 is urged to be disposed in front of the brake pedal 12.
[00251 In another embodiment, the height of the assembly 16 is adjustable, such that the difference in height between the vehicle well 10 and assembly's top surface 20 can be controlled to suit the operator's preference.
[0026] In another embodiment, the distance between the side wall 28 and the opposing side wall 32 is adjustable to suit the vehicle's design constraints dictated by the make, model, pedal arrangement, or operator's preference.
[0027] In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle floor well 10 comprises a raised floor portion similar to the assembly 16, and serves the same purpose and function as the assembly 16. However, as the raised portion 16 is formed with the vehicle floor well 10, the height of the raised floor portion 16 is fixed, and may depend on the manufacturer, make, model, pedal arrangements, or typical operator parameters, while ensuring that the raised floor portion 16 fulfils its intended function and goal.
100281 In another embodiment, the side wall 28 is upwardly angled such that the foot 19 may easily slide down to a position in front of the brake pedal 12 after actuation of the accelerator pedal 14.
[00291 In another embodiment, the assembly 16 is a barrier for urging placement of the foot in front of the brake pedal 12, while in the rest position, rather in front of the accelerator pedal 14. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 7, the barrier 16 may comprise an elongate plate depending from the floor well, having a height h1 and length dimensioned to urge the foot back to a rest position in front of the brake pedal 12 when not operating the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal. Therefore, in an emergency the brake pedal 12 is most likely to be actuated by the vehicle operator, rather than the accelerator pedal, in order to slow down or bring the vehicle to a stop.
[0030] In another embodiment, the assembly 16 comprises of various shapes and sizes having a raised platform for minimizing simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal 14 and a brake pedal 12 by a foot 19 of a vehicle operator, and for urging the foot to maintain a rest position in front of the brake pedal 12. As an example, the various shapes may be dimensioned differently but have the functionality of the assembly 16 as described above.
[00311 The preceding detailed description of exemplaty embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Further, the present invention may be practiced using one or more servers, as necessary. Thus, the preceding detailed description is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation, and the scope of the invention is defined by the preceding description, and with respect to the attached claims.
a side wall;
an opposing side wall;
a front wall and a back wall connecting said side wall and said opposing side wall together; and a top surface disposed between said side wall, said opposing side wall, said front wall and said back wall.
100101 In yet another of its aspects there is provided a vehicle safety apparatus comprising:
a side wall;
a top surface depending from said side wall;
said apparatus is positioned adjacent to an accelerator pedal such that a portion of a driver's foot abuts said side wall when actuating said accelerator pedal;
wherein said apparatus is disposed on a floor well of said vehicle;
wherein said top surface is separated from said floor well by a predetermined distance, said predetermined distance being the height of said side wall;
wherein said foot is placed in a rest position on said floor well beside said side wall when not actuating said accelerator pedal or said brake pedal; and wherein said foot swivels about said foot's heel to actuate accelerator pedal and said brake pedal in an operating position, and said height of said side wall is chosen to minimiLe simultaneous actuation of said accelerator pedal and said brake pedal by said foot.
[0011] Advantageously, simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal by a foot of a vehicle operator is greatly minimized, and separate operation of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal is greatly ensured as the foot is urged to remain in front of the brake pedal while in the rest position rather than in front of the accelerator pedal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
[0013] Figure 1 shows a top view of a vehicle floor portion having a raised platform;
[0014] Figure 2 shows a front view of the vehicle floor portion of Figure 1;
[0015] Figure 3 shows a side view of the vehicle floor portion of Figure 1;
[0016] Figure 4 shows a foot is a rest position;
[0017] Figure 5 shows the foot of Figure 4 in a first operating position actuating a brake pedal;
[0018] Figure 6 shows the foot of Figure 5 in a second operating position actuating an accelerator pedal; and [0019] Figure 7 shows a barrier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein makes reference to the accompanying block diagrams and schematic diagrams, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best mode. The detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.
For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented.
[0021] Moreover, it should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way.
Indeed, for the sake of brevity, certain sub-components of the individual operating components.
100221 Figure 1 shows a top view of a floor well 10 of a vehicle, on the vehicle operator side, a brake pedal 12, an accelerator pedal 14, and an assembly 16.
The assembly 16 is positioned adjacent the accelerator pedal 14 and the vehicle's engine compartment 18, and the accelerator pedal is positioned closer to the engine compartment 18 than the brake pedal 12. The brake pedal 12 has some free motion when an operating force is applied by a foot, and this free motion allows an air gap to be maintained between the brake shoe and the disc or drum to minimise friction and any resulting heat.
[0023] As can be seen in Figure 2, the area of the floor well 10 before the brake pedal is free of the assembly 16. An exemplary assembly 16 is a rectangular shaped box having a top surface 20, a bottom surface 22, a front wall 24 facing the engine compartment 18, having a width, wi; an opposing back wall 26, a side wall 28 facing the vehicle operator side door 30, the side wall having a length, li; and an opposing side wall 32. The height, hi, of the assembly 16 is calculated between the top surface 20 and the bottom surface 22 is chosen to suit a particular vehicle, or vehicle make and model, as the dimensions of the brake pedal 12 and the accelerator pedal 14 may vary, and the positioning of the pedals 12, 14 may also vary from vehicle to vehicle. In addition, the height, hi, of the assembly 16, and positioning of the assembly 16 may also depend on the above-identified variables, including the distance separating the brake pedal 12, the accelerator pedal 14 and the assembly 16, or the different foot sizes, shoe sizes or shoe styles, such as winter boots or stilettos. The width, wi, length 11, and the height, hi, are chosen such that they do not interfere with the normal operation of the brake pedal 12, or the accelerator pedal 14. Accordingly, the distances di, d2 and d3 corresponding to the separation distances between the brake pedal 12, the accelerator pedal 14 and the assembly 16 are determined. These distances d1, d2 and d3 are so chosen such that the does not interfere with the normal operation of the brake pedal 12, or the accelerator pedal 14, nor preclude the foot 19 from performing desired actions associated with the brake pedal 12, or the accelerator pedal 14. Once a desired operational position has been chosen, the assembly 16 is secured to the vehicle floor well 10 by a retaining means (not shown) to maintain the assembly 16 in the chosen location. In one example, d1 ranges from half an inch to one inch, while d2 is about one inch.
[0024] With the assembly 16 in place, the vehicle may be operated in a normal manner by allowing a foot 34 to swivel about a heel 36 between the brake pedal 12 and accelerator pedal 14. When the foot 34 is moved temporarily from the accelerator pedal 14 in the normal driving position, the foot 34 is placed in a rest position at a location parallel to the side wall 28, and in line with the brake pedal 12, as shown in Figure 4.
Therefore, in the event of an emergency stop, by having the brake pedal 12 in the direct path of the foot 34 only the brake pedal 12 may be actuated as the raised side wall 28 urges the foot 34 towards the brake pedal 12, thus avoiding actuation of the accelerator pedal 14 while the foot 34 applies a force on the brake pedal 12, as seen in Figure 5.
The assembly 16 assists in maintaining the right foot 19 in a safe operating position in front of the brake pedal 12, especially while cruise control is activated, and does not interfere with the normal operation of the vehicle when cruise control is not activated.
The raised side wall 28 is so dimensioned such that the vehicle operator is able to discern the difference in height between the vehicle floor well 10 and raised floor portion's top surface 20. Figure 6 shows the foot 34 applying a force on the accelerator pedal 14 in a normal driving operation. In the event that the operator deliberately lifts the foot and places it on the top surface 20, then the operator will immediately become aware of such a non-desirable action, if not a dangerous action, as such foot positioning may feel uncomfortable. In addition, having the foot 34 on the top surface 20 makes more difficult to quickly manoeuvre the foot 34 to the brake pedal 12 or accelerator pedal 14. The assembly 16 also minimizes the actuation of the wrong pedal 12 or 14, as the foot 19 is urged to be disposed in front of the brake pedal 12.
[00251 In another embodiment, the height of the assembly 16 is adjustable, such that the difference in height between the vehicle well 10 and assembly's top surface 20 can be controlled to suit the operator's preference.
[0026] In another embodiment, the distance between the side wall 28 and the opposing side wall 32 is adjustable to suit the vehicle's design constraints dictated by the make, model, pedal arrangement, or operator's preference.
[0027] In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle floor well 10 comprises a raised floor portion similar to the assembly 16, and serves the same purpose and function as the assembly 16. However, as the raised portion 16 is formed with the vehicle floor well 10, the height of the raised floor portion 16 is fixed, and may depend on the manufacturer, make, model, pedal arrangements, or typical operator parameters, while ensuring that the raised floor portion 16 fulfils its intended function and goal.
100281 In another embodiment, the side wall 28 is upwardly angled such that the foot 19 may easily slide down to a position in front of the brake pedal 12 after actuation of the accelerator pedal 14.
[00291 In another embodiment, the assembly 16 is a barrier for urging placement of the foot in front of the brake pedal 12, while in the rest position, rather in front of the accelerator pedal 14. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 7, the barrier 16 may comprise an elongate plate depending from the floor well, having a height h1 and length dimensioned to urge the foot back to a rest position in front of the brake pedal 12 when not operating the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal. Therefore, in an emergency the brake pedal 12 is most likely to be actuated by the vehicle operator, rather than the accelerator pedal, in order to slow down or bring the vehicle to a stop.
[0030] In another embodiment, the assembly 16 comprises of various shapes and sizes having a raised platform for minimizing simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal 14 and a brake pedal 12 by a foot 19 of a vehicle operator, and for urging the foot to maintain a rest position in front of the brake pedal 12. As an example, the various shapes may be dimensioned differently but have the functionality of the assembly 16 as described above.
[00311 The preceding detailed description of exemplaty embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Further, the present invention may be practiced using one or more servers, as necessary. Thus, the preceding detailed description is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation, and the scope of the invention is defined by the preceding description, and with respect to the attached claims.
Claims (30)
1. A method for minimizing simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal by a foot of a vehicle operator, said method having the steps of:
providing a raised platform adjacent to said accelerator pedal, disposing said raised platform on a vehicle floor well and substantially adjacent to said accelerator pedal; and whereby said foot is urged to stay in front of said brake pedal while the accelerator pedal is not being operated by said foot.
providing a raised platform adjacent to said accelerator pedal, disposing said raised platform on a vehicle floor well and substantially adjacent to said accelerator pedal; and whereby said foot is urged to stay in front of said brake pedal while the accelerator pedal is not being operated by said foot.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said raised platform is a rectangularly shaped.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said raised platform is dome-shaped.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said raised platform is an elongate barrier.
5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said raised platform is formed with said vehicle floor well.
6. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said raised platform is an assembly secured to said vehicle floor well.
7. The method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said raised platform is disposed at a predetermined height above said vehicle floor well.
8. The method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said predetermined height is variable.
9. A raised platform for minimizing simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal by a foot of a vehicle operator, said raised platform comprising:
a top surface separated from a vehicle floor well by a predetermined distance;
a side wall; and wherein said raised platform is positioned adjacent to said accelerator pedal, such that said foot heel is urged to stay in front of said brake pedal by said side wall.
a top surface separated from a vehicle floor well by a predetermined distance;
a side wall; and wherein said raised platform is positioned adjacent to said accelerator pedal, such that said foot heel is urged to stay in front of said brake pedal by said side wall.
10. The raised platform of claim 9, wherein said predetermined distance is the height of said side wall above said vehicle floor well.
11. The raised platform of claim 10, wherein said side wall abuts said foot to maintain said foot in front of said brake pedal when said foot is in a rest position.
12. The raised platform of claim 11 wherein, said side wall permits pivoting of said foot about said heel for separate actuation of said accelerator pedal or said brake pedal.
13. The raised platform of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein said predetermined distance is adjustable.
14. The raised platform of any of claims 9 to 13, wherein said raised platform is integral with said vehicle floor well.
15. The raised platform of any of claims 9 to 13, wherein said raised platform is secured to said vehicle floor well.
16. The raised platform of claim 15, wherein said raised platform further comprises an opposing side wall, a front wall, a back wall, wherein said top surface is disposed between said side wall, said opposing side wall, said front wall and said back wall.
17. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 16, wherein said raised platform is box-sh ap ed.
18. A platform for minimizing simultaneous actuation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal by a foot of a vehicle operator, said platform comprising.
a side wall;
an opposing side wall, a front wall and a back wall connecting said side wall and said opposing side wall together; and a top surface disposed between said side wall, said opposing side wall, said front wall and said back wall.
a side wall;
an opposing side wall, a front wall and a back wall connecting said side wall and said opposing side wall together; and a top surface disposed between said side wall, said opposing side wall, said front wall and said back wall.
19. The platform of claim 18, wherein said top surface is disposed a predetermined distance from a vehicle floor well.
20. The platform of claim 19, wherein said platform is positioned adjacent to said accelerator pedal, such that said foot is placed on said floor well adjacent to said side wall in a rest position.
21. The platform of claim 20, wherein said foot is disposed in front of said brake pedal in said rest position.
22. The platform of claim 21, wherein said foot heel rests on said floor well and said foot is angled to operate said accelerator pedal.
23. The platform of claim 22, wherein said foot abuts said side wall when operating said accelerator pedal.
24. The platform of claim 23, wherein said foot is urged by said side wall to face said brake pedal when said accelerator is not being operated
25. The platform of claim 24, wherein said foot is urged by said side wall to face said brake pedal when said accelerator is not being operated.
26. The platform of claim 25, wherein said side wall is upwardly angled from said floor well.
27. The platform of claim 23, wherein said top surface, said side wall, said opposing side wall, said front wall and said back wall are formed integrally.
28. The platform of any of claims 19 to 27, wherein said raised platform is formed with said vehicle floor well.
29. The platform of any of claims 15 to 17 and 19 to 27, wherein said raised platform comprises a base resting on said vehicle floor well.
30. A vehicle safety apparatus comprising:
a side wall;
a top surface depending from said side wall;
said apparatus is positioned adjacent to an accelerator pedal such that a portion of a driver's foot abuts said side wall when actuating said accelerator pedal;
wherein said apparatus is disposed on a floor well of said vehicle;
wherein said top surface is separated from said floor well by a predetermined distance, said predetermined distance being the height of said side wall;
wherein said foot is placed in a rest position on said floor well beside said side wall when not actuating said accelerator pedal or said brake pedal; and wherein said foot swivels about said foot's heel to actuate accelerator pedal and said brake pedal in an operating position, and said height of said side wall is chosen to minimize simultaneous actuation of said accelerator pedal and said brake pedal by said foot.
a side wall;
a top surface depending from said side wall;
said apparatus is positioned adjacent to an accelerator pedal such that a portion of a driver's foot abuts said side wall when actuating said accelerator pedal;
wherein said apparatus is disposed on a floor well of said vehicle;
wherein said top surface is separated from said floor well by a predetermined distance, said predetermined distance being the height of said side wall;
wherein said foot is placed in a rest position on said floor well beside said side wall when not actuating said accelerator pedal or said brake pedal; and wherein said foot swivels about said foot's heel to actuate accelerator pedal and said brake pedal in an operating position, and said height of said side wall is chosen to minimize simultaneous actuation of said accelerator pedal and said brake pedal by said foot.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2803203A CA2803203C (en) | 2013-01-15 | 2013-01-15 | Vehicle safety apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2803203A CA2803203C (en) | 2013-01-15 | 2013-01-15 | Vehicle safety apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2803203A1 CA2803203A1 (en) | 2013-11-14 |
| CA2803203C true CA2803203C (en) | 2015-06-30 |
Family
ID=49577956
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2803203A Expired - Fee Related CA2803203C (en) | 2013-01-15 | 2013-01-15 | Vehicle safety apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2803203C (en) |
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2013
- 2013-01-15 CA CA2803203A patent/CA2803203C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2803203A1 (en) | 2013-11-14 |
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Effective date: 20180115 |