Vehicle foot pedal actuator apparatus and method

A vehicle foot pedal actuator device for actuating a foot pedal of an automobile or the like, the actuator device comprising:

• A. an elongated extension housing;
• B. an elongated extension member slidably received in the elongated extension housing;
• C. pedal connector means connected to an extending end of the extension member for removably connecting the extending end of the extension member to a pedal to be actuated so that the extension member may impart both a pushing and pulling force on the pedal;
• D. a seat front member connected to a seat end of the elongated extension housing;
• E. a seat belt connecting member connected to the seat front member and adapted to receive a portion of the vehicle driver's seat belt so as to hold the seat front member securely against the front of the vehicle driver's seat;
• F. drive means connected to the extension housing for selectively extending and retracting the extension member;
• and
• G. moveable control means for controlling the operation of the drive means from various positions outside of the vehicle passenger compartment when the extension member and extension housing are connected between the pedal to be actuated and the vehicle driver's seat.

A method of remotely operating a vehicle foot pedal comprising the steps of:

• A. connecting an elongated extension assembly between the pedal to be actuated and the vehicle driver's seat, the extension assembly including an extension member slidably connected to an extension housing in position to extend and retract from the housing to vary the length of the extension assembly;
• B. extending the extension member from the extension housing with an extending force provided by an electric motor drivingly engaged with the extension member, the extension member depressing the pedal as it extends;
• and
• C. retracting the extension member back into the housing with a retracting force provided by the electric motor and having a magnitude substantially equal to the extending force, the extension assembly pulling the pedal back to its normal position as the extension member retracts.