Safety interlock system for left foot operated accelerator control devices
OwnerJohn Livingston Kazanchyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A safety interlock system for left foot operated vehicle accelerator control systems is disclosed which permits a left foot operated accelerator control system to be immobilized so that it cannot be activated unintentionally or accidentally by an individual operator who is not familiar with a vehicle so equipped. The safety interlock system may be selectively activated by the vehicle operator manually directly by mechanical means or remotely by means of a switch-controlled hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical activator. An indicator system is provided which indicates the status of the safety interlock system to the vehicle operator.
Claims20
A safety interlock system for a left foot operated vehicle acceleration control device, the control device including a pedal operatively connected to a rotating member and being rotatable about a first axis for controlling vehicle acceleration, the safety interlock system comprising:
- an aperture formed in the rotating member;
- a locking member having an elongate body portion disposed along a second axis, the locking member being selectively movable along the second axis and including a first end portion adapted to be releasably received in locking engagement by the aperture and a second end portion;
- and
- an activating device secured to the second end portion for moving and positioning the locking member at preselected positions along the second axis.
In a vehicle having a left foot operated vehicle acceleration control device, the control device including a pedal operatively connected to a rotating member and being rotatable about a first axis for controlling vehicle acceleration, the improvement comprising:
- a safety interlock system including:
- an aperture formed in the rotating member;
- a locking member having an elongate body portion disposed along a second axis, the locking member being selectively movable along the second axis and including a first end portion adapted to be releasably received in locking engagement by the aperture and a second end portion;
- and
- an activating device secured to the second end portion for moving and positioning the locking member at preselected positions along the second axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.