Patent ID: 8011270
Filing Date: 2011-09-06
Classification: G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pedal assembly for use in association with a vehicle, comprising: a pedal support adapted for mounting to the vehicle; a pedal member including a lever portion and a mounting portion, said mounting portion rotatably coupled to said pedal support to allow pivotal movement of said pedal member about a first pivot axis; a friction member having a bearing surface; a clamp member pivotally engaged with said pedal member by at least one pivot element to provide pivotal displacement of said clamp member relative to said pedal member about a second pivot axis offset from said first pivot axis, said clamp member having an engagement surface abutting said bearing surface of said friction member to define at least two separate and distinct surface contact regions angularly offset from one another relative to said first pivot axis, wherein said clamp member includes at least two raised projections that are positioned in abutment against said bearing surface of said friction member to define said at least two separate and distinct surface contact regions, and wherein said at least two separate and distinct surface contact regions are arranged along a common circumferential axis extending about said first pivot axis, and wherein said surface contact regions are separated from one another by a circumferential gap defined between said clamp member and said friction member and extending along said circumferential axis, said circumferential gap including an inner non-contact surface region that is radially spaced from said friction member when said contact regions are engaged with said friction member.