Adjustable pedalbox and floor for an automobile interior
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsKolita Mendis, John W. Downs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An adjustable pedalbox and floor mechanism includes a pedalbox having at least one pedal associated therewith. The pedalbox is in communication with a vehicle seat via an adjustable floor mechanism that extends therebetween. The pedal and seat positions are independently adjustable in the vertical and/or horizontal directions. The floor mechanism is continuous between the pedalbox and the vehicle seat and remains generally horizontal with respect to the ground.
Claims21
A system for locating an occupant in a position to maximize comfort and safety for drivers of varying statures, comprising;
- a pedalbox having at least one pedal mechanism associated therewith;
- a vehicle seat disposed rearwardly of said pedalbox;
- an adjustable floor located between and in communication with said pedalbox at a forward end and said vehicle seat at a rearward end;
- whereby said adjustable floor provides a continuous surface extending from said pedalbox to said vehicle seat in all positions;
- and
- wherein said adjustable floor is length-adjustable.
A system for locating an occupant in a position to maximize comfort and safety for drivers of varying statures, comprising:
- a pedalbox having at least one pedal mechanism associated therewith;
- a vehicle seat disposed rearwardly of said pedalbox;
- an adjustable floor located between and in communication with said pedalbox at a forward end and said vehicle seat at a rearward end;
- whereby said adjustable floor provides a continuous surface extending from said pedalbox to said vehicle seat in all positions;
- and
- wherein said adjustable floor comprises a forward section and a rearward section that have a telescoping relationship to accommodate adjustment of said adjustable floor.
A system for locating an occupant in a position to maximize comfort and safety for drivers of varying statures, comprising:
- a pedalbox having at least one pedal mechanism associated therewith;
- a vehicle seat disposed rearwardly of said pedalbox;
- an adjustable floor located between and in communication with said pedalbox at a forward end and said vehicle seat at a rearward end;
- and
- a blocking device that eliminates any gap between said adjustable floor and any vehicle body structure when said adjustable floor is in a fully raised position;
- whereby said adjustable floor provides a continuous surface extending from said pedalbox to said vehicle seat in all positions.
A method of locating an occupant in an optimum position in a driver's compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
- positioning a pedalbox to suit the stature of the occupant;
- positioning a vehicle seat to suit the seating requirements of the occupant;
- moving an adjustable floor as said pedalbox and said vehicle seat are being positioned such that said adjustable floor remains in a generally horizontal position with respect to a ground surface;
- and
- wherein said step of moving an adjustable floor further comprises length-adjusting said adjustable floor.
An adjustable pedalbox and floor system for a vehicle comprising:
- a pedalbox having at least one pedal disposed thereon, said pedalbox having a range of motion between a first position and a second position;
- a seat being disposed rearwardly of said pedalbox, said seat having a range of motion between a first position and a second position;
- a floor mechanism extending from said pedalbox to said seat to provide a continuous floor therebetween, said floor mechanism being adjustable between a first length and a second length.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.