Patent ID: 6481311
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: B60R,B60T,G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
A pedal assembly for connection to a dash panel of an automobile, said pedal assembly comprising:a support structure for connecting said pedal assembly to the dash panel, said support structure including: a first bracket having a first end and a second end, said first end being fixedly connected to the dash panel; a second bracket having a first end fixedly connected to an automobile body member and a second end disengageably connected to said second end of said first bracket; and a coupling member for disengageably connecting said second end of said second bracket to said second end of said first bracket, said coupling member being adapted to permit said second bracket to travel a distance less than a distance traveled by said first bracket during a collision of the automobile yet permit said first bracket to disengage from said second bracket upon said first bracket receiving a load above a predetermined level during the collision of the automobile; a pedal mechanism including a pedal arm and a pedal member mounted at a distal end of said pedal arm for manipulation by a driver of the automobile, said pedal arm having an upper end pivotally mounted to said first bracket for pivotal motion relative to the dash panel, said pedal arm being located at a distance forward of said coupling member, wherein said second bracket includes an inclined guide surface adapted for engagement by an upper end of said pedal arm during a collision of the automobile to guide said pedal mechanism downwardly relative to the dash panel.