Steering and braking control system for a vehicle
OwnerRoy Sebazcoinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A steering and control system is disclosed which includes a steering wheel that not only allows for the operator to accomplish the steering of a vehicle, but also allows the operator to merely exert a force on the steering to control the braking mechanism of a vehicle. The steering wheel, acting as a unitary device for controlling two of the principal operations of a vehicle, provides the operator with improved handling capabilities and does so without the operator needing to use his/her feet which makes the control system of the vehicle particularly suited for handicapped individuals.
Claims14
A steering and braking control system for a vehicle with a steering column having a longitudinally extending axis confining a steering shaft that is connected to the steering mechanism of the vehicle, said vehicle also having a brake pedal connected to a braking mechanism of the vehicle, said control system comprising:
- (a) a steering wheel;
- (b) a pivotal mechanism having first and second ends with an intermediate portion therebetween, each end having connecting means, with the first end being connected to said steering wheel, means for connecting said intermediate portion to said steering column, said pivotal mechanism being arranged so as to draw said second end in the opposite direction of said first end when a substantially axial force is exerted on said steering wheel;
- (c) a sleeve having a bore dimensioned to allow the passage of the steering shaft, said sleeve having first and second ends with the first end thereof connected to the connecting means of said second end of said pivotal mechanism;
- and
- (d) a force translating mechanism having first and second ends each with means for connecting, said first end thereof having its connecting means connected to said second end of said sleeve, and said second end of said force translating mechanism having its connecting means connected to said brake pedal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.