Patent Application
20200148178
The present invention relates to brake pedal actuation devices. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a brake pedal actuation device comprising a telescopic elongated rod, wherein a handle is removably secured to a first portion of the elongated rod.
Proper brake light operation is a legal requirement in most, if not all, states. In order to satisfy these requirements, the brake lights must properly respond and illuminate upon depression of the brake pedal, such that other drivers are informed of the driver's decreasing speed. Unfortunately, it is not possible for a driver to exit the vehicle to verify that the brake lights are properly functioning when the brake pedal is depressed. Often, it requires the assistance of an additional person, such that one person depresses the brake pedal, while the second examines the brake lights to ensure the lights are illuminating properly. As with any activity that requires additional assistance, it can be impractical or inconvenient to complete even a simple task. Alternatively, many prop up a weight or other device to maintain the brake pedal in a depressed state while examining the brake lights, however this can be time consuming or difficult to manage, especially when the user must assemble, find, or otherwise jury-rig a device to perform the task. Therefore, a device that can readily depress a brake pedal allowing a user to exit the vehicle to investigate the vehicle's brake lights is desired.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing brake pedal actuation device. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of brake pedal actuation devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a brake pedal actuation device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when testing the brake lights of a vehicle.
The present device comprises an elongated body having a first end opposite a second end, wherein the elongated body further comprises a first portion slidably disposed over a second portion, such that the elongated body is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a collapsed position. A linear distance between the first end and the second end is greater when the elongated body is in the extended position than in the collapsed position. A handle is further removably secured to the first portion via friction fit. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a pair of stoppers, wherein a stopper of the pair of stoppers is disposed on each of the first and second ends of the elongated device. In another embodiment, the pair of stoppers taper radially inward from a distal end thereof towards a proximal end thereof. In this way, each stopper of the pair of stoppers have a greater surface area at the distal end thereof for engaging a support surface, such as a brake pedal.
In other embodiments, the handle comprises a planer member having a pair of legs extending orthogonally from opposing ends thereof. In yet another embodiment, a cutout is disposed through each of the pair of legs, wherein the cutout is dimensioned to receive the first portion therein. In this way, the handle is removably securable to the first portion, allowing the user to disassemble the device for storage. In some embodiments, the cutout is defined between a pair of projections, wherein the pair of projections are biased towards a longitudinal axis of the pair of legs, thereby allowing the pair of projections to grip about the first portion. In another embodiment, the pair of projections taper outwards, such that a width of the pair of projections is greater at a far end thereof. Thus, the pair of projections are more securely affixed about the first portion.
In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures is disposed through the first portion, wherein a ball decent locking mechanism disposed within the second portion is configured to engage one of the plurality of apertures. In this way, the elongated body can be secured at a desired length. In another embodiment, the plurality of apertures is disposed along a length of the first portion at regular intervals.
The method comprises providing an elongated body having a first end opposite a second end, wherein the elongated body is telescopically adjustable in length via a plurality of apertures configured to engage a ball detent locking mechanism to secure the elongated body at a desired length, placing the first end against a brake pedal of a vehicle, disengaging the ball detent locking mechanism from one of the plurality of apertures, extending the elongated body to a desired length, such that the second end is in contact with a support surface and the brake pedal is depressed, and observing each brake light of the vehicle to determine whether the brake lights are functioning. In some embodiments, the method further comprises affixing a handle comprising a planar member having a pair of legs removably securable about the elongated body thereto. In another embodiment, the method further comprises grasping the handle to extend the elongated body to a desired length.
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the brake pedal actuation device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to
In the shown embodiment the elongated body 12 further comprises plurality of apertures 17 through the first portion 15, wherein a ball-detent locking mechanism 27 disposed within the second portion 16 is configured to engage one of the plurality of apertures 17 to retain the elongated body 12 at a desired length. The ball-detent locking mechanism 27 is spring-biased towards an outward position and is configured to depress within an interior of the second portion 16. In this way, the ball-detent locking mechanism 27 can allow the first portion 15 to freely slide along the second portion 16 until one of the plurality of apertures 17 overlaps the ball-detent locking mechanism 27, at which point the ball-detent locking mechanism 27 extends through one of the plurality of apertures 17 to lock the elongated body 12 at a desired length. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of apertures 17 are evenly and linearly disposed along a length of the first portion 15, thereby providing the user with a variety of length options for the elongated body 12.
In the illustrated embodiment, a stopper of a pair of stoppers 19 is disposed on each of the first and second ends 13, 14 of the elongated body 12. In some embodiments, the pair of stoppers 19 comprise a compressible material allowing the pair of stoppers 19 to conform to a support surface, such as a brake pedal or vehicle seat. In other embodiments, the pair of stoppers 19 further comprise a material providing a coefficient of friction greater than one, such as rubber or the like. In this way, the user is ensured that the elongated body 12 is secured between a pair of support surfaces and remains in position when placed. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of stoppers 19 taper radially inward from a distal end 20 thereof towards a proximal end 21 thereof. In this way, an outer surface disposed at the distal end 20 comprises a greater surface area for frictional engagement against the support surface. In this way, the distal end 20 comprises a greater width than the elongated body 12.
A handle 18 is removably securable to the first portion 15 of the elongated body 12, wherein the handle 18 is configured to provide the user with a gripping surface. In the shown embodiment, the handle 18 defines a substantially rectangular opening allowing the user to insert a hand therethrough. The handle 18 can be grasped to provide increased control of the elongated body 12 when placing, securing, and extending the elongated body 12 within a vehicle. The handle 18 is removably secured to the elongated body 12, such that the user can
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, the cutout 24 is defined by a pair of protrusions 25, wherein an interior portion of the pair of protrusions 25 is arcuate to conform to the first portion. In some embodiments, the pair of protrusions 25 are biased towards a longitudinal axis of the pair of legs 23, such that the pair of protrusions 25 grip about the elongated body when the handle 18 is secured thereto. In some such embodiments, the pair of protrusions 25 are flexible and comprise a high friction material to prevent the handle 18 from sliding along the elongated body when secured thereto. In this way, the user can easily manipulate the elongated body between the extended position and the collapsed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of protrusions 25 taper outwards at a far end 26 thereof, such that the cutout 24 defined thereby can further encircle the elongated body. In this way, a greater surface area of the handle 18 is in contact with the elongated body, further securing the handle 18 thereto.
Referring now to
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/757,885 filed on Nov. 9, 2018. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62757885 | Nov 2018 | US |
