Abstract:
An improved brake pedal fastener adapted for use with a tandem-type braking system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the brake pedal fastener can be selectively locked against and removed from varying sized brake pedals in a quick and easy manner.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part patent application which claims priority from U.S. Utility Patent Application, Ser. No. 10/015,339, entitled “BRAKE PEDAL FASTENER,” filed on Dec. 12, 2001, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,466, and which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of tandem vehicle braking systems and, more particularly, to an improved brake pedal fastener adapted for use with a towed vehicle braking system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     When traveling by motor home, it is often desirable to tow a secondary vehicle behind the motor home. During such trips, it becomes necessary to brake the towed vehicle so as to avoid undue wear on the brakes of the motor home. Various methods of braking the towed vehicle in tandem with the motor home are well known in the art. A typical braking system is comprised of a pedal depressing apparatus that communicates with the towed vehicle&#39;s onboard braking system. Such apparatus are generally further comprised of a telescoping shaft or rod that is mechanically or hydraulically actuated, or is spring-biased. The shaft is typically mounted between the towed vehicle brake pedal and the steering wheel or the seat of that towed vehicle. When the shaft is actuated, the towed vehicle brake pedal is depressed and the towed vehicle is slowed in relation to the towing vehicle (such as a motor home, truck or car). 
     Regardless of how it is actuated, the shaft of the pedal depressing apparatus must be interconnected to the brake pedal of the towed vehicle. Various mechanisms are known in the art to accomplish this task. Known devices exist, which securely grip a brake pedal, but these devices are not easily and quickly installed or removed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,321 to Harness discloses, among other things, a pedal-engaging clamp that is comprised of top and bottom clamp portions secured onto the brake pedal by bolts and wing nuts. The antiquated bolt and wing nut configuration of the Harness device precludes easy installation and removal. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,719 to Streutker discloses, among other things, a pedal clamp with a rigid plate having a pair of fingers that are spaced from the main body of the plate and a moveable plate that is rotatably tightened against the front of the brake pedal. Like the Harness device, the Streutker pedal clamp cannot be quickly installed or removed because the moveable plate must be screwed or unscrewed. Thus, there is a need for a brake pedal fastener that can be quickly and easily installed and removed. 
     Other brake fasteners are known, which can be more quickly installed than the Harness and Streutker devices. However, these fasteners are not easily separated from the brake system for maintenance purposes, nor are they universally adaptable for use with piston-type tandem brake systems. It would be advantageous to have an easily installable/removable brake pedal fastener that could be used with multiple tandem braking systems. Moreover, it is important for the pedal fastener to be modular so that it could be replaced or serviced. 
     Another problem exists with known brake pedal fasteners. Of those fasteners that may be quickly installed and removed, there are no known devices that grip the brake pedal by four or more surfaces and are easily and quickly adaptable for use with multiple sizes of brake pedals. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,797 to Springer discloses, among other things, a C-channel type brake pedal engaging member, which is retained by flanges around the sides of the pedal. Although Springer&#39;s engaging member appears to be capable of gripping a brake pedal by four surfaces, it cannot be adjusted to accept multiple sizes of brake pedals. Other known devices, like that disclosed by Streutker, grip the brake pedal at three or less surfaces of contact (e.g., the front, top and back of the pedal). Since the towed vehicle is typically unoccupied, it would be advantageous to ensure that the brake pedal fastening device grip as many surfaces as possible in order to ensure that the device does not become dislodged in transit. Thus, there is a need for a more secure brake pedal fastener that can be easily adapted to grip four or more surfaces of various sized brake pedals. 
     When traveling over uneven terrain, it becomes especially important to ensure that the brake pedal fastening device does not become dislodged. Known devices that can be locked against the brake pedal are not readily installed or released from a variety of sized brake pedals. Thus, there is a need for a brake pedal fastener that can be locked against and/or around multiple sizes of brake pedals and easily removed/installed. 
     To obtain a complete understanding of the aforementioned patents, reference should be made directly thereto. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is designed to overcome the aforementioned problems and meet the aforementioned, and other, needs. It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide an expandable and selectively lockable, brake pedal fastener that can be adapted for use with varying sizes of brake pedals. Another aspect of this invention is to provide a brake fastener that can be easily adapted for use with a piston-type tandem braking system. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, an improved brake pedal fastener adapted for use with a tandem braking system, is provided, comprising:
         (a) an upper member;   (b) a lower member in slidable communication with the upper member;   (c) a locking mechanism in communication with the upper member and having a selectable first position and a second position;   (d) a coupling member connected to the lower member; and
           wherein the second position, the locking mechanism applies sufficient frictional force to lock the upper member in a selected position against the brake pedal.   
               

     The present invention offers an alternative to traditional brake pedal engaging devices by offering an inexpensive, secure device. Now, an operator can more quickly and easily attach, lock and remove a secure tandem braking system on a variety of brake pedals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener in use with a brake pedal; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener in a closed position; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener in an open position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 4  is a right side perspective view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 8  is a left elevation view of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener in use with the-piston-type tandem brake system; 
         FIG. 9A  is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a lower member of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 9B  is a top plan view of one embodiment of the lower member shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9C  is a left elevation view of the lower member shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9D  is a rear elevation view of the lower member shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of an upper member of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 10B  is a rotated, rear elevation view of the upper member shown in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 10C  is a rotated, right elevation view of the upper member shown in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 10D  is a rotated, top plan view of the upper member shown in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the cam lever of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 11B  is a left elevation view of the cam lever shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11C  is a rear elevation view of the cam lever shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the cam shoe of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 12B  is a top plan view of the cam shoe shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12C  is a front elevation view of the cam shoe shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12D  is a left elevation view of the cam lever shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 13A  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the coupling member of the brake pedal fastener; 
         FIG. 13B  is a rotated, top plan view of the coupling member shown in  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIG. 13C  is a right elevation view of the coupling member shown in  FIG. 13B ; and 
         FIG. 13D  is a front elevation view of the coupling member shown in FIG.  13 A. 
       The following components and numbers associated thereto are shown in the drawings and provided here for ease of reference: 
       
         
           
                 
                 
               
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   # 
                   Component 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                   2 
                   Brake pedal fastener 
                 
                 
                   4 
                   Stationary plate 
                 
                 
                   6 
                   First slot 
                 
                 
                   8 
                   Second slot 
                 
                 
                   10 
                   Coupling 
                 
                 
                   12 
                   Coupling aperture 
                 
                 
                   14 
                   Flange of stationary plate 
                 
                 
                   16 
                   Movable plate 
                 
                 
                   18 
                   First flange 
                 
                 
                   20 
                   Second flange 
                 
                 
                   22 
                   First pin of stationary plate 
                 
                 
                   24 
                   First pin of movable plate 
                 
                 
                   26 
                   First spring 
                 
                 
                   28 
                   Second pin of stationary plate 
                 
                 
                   30 
                   Second pin of movable plate 
                 
                 
                   32 
                   Second spring 
                 
                 
                   34 
                   Piston-type tandem braking 
                 
                 
                     
                   system 
                 
                 
                   36 
                   Upper jaw 
                 
                 
                   38 
                   Lower jaw 
                 
                 
                   39 
                   Locking mechanism 
                 
                 
                   40 
                   Cam lever 
                 
                 
                   42 
                   Cam shoe 
                 
                 
                   44 
                   Cavity 
                 
                 
                   46 
                   Flange of lower jaw 
                 
                 
                   48 
                   Aperture 
                 
                 
                   50 
                   Handle 
                 
                 
                   52 
                   First protruded member 
                 
                 
                   54 
                   Second protruded member 
                 
                 
                   56 
                   Ridge 
                 
                 
                   58 
                   Coupling member 
                 
                 
                   60 
                   Vertical plate 
                 
                 
                   62 
                   Flange of upper jaw 
                 
                 
                   64 
                   Finger-like protrusion 
                 
                 
                   66 
                   Beaded edge 
                 
                 
                   68 
                   Blasing means 
                 
                 
                   70 
                   Tab 
                 
                 
                   72 
                   Cam 
                 
                 
                   74 
                   Axial aperture 
                 
                 
                   76 
                   Front surface of cam shoe 
                 
                 
                   78 
                   Rear surface of cam shoe 
                 
                 
                   80 
                   Concave recess 
                 
                 
                   82 
                   Alignment aperture 
                 
                 
                   84 
                   Pin 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are, as shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention. The reader is to understand that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
     The present invention recognizes the limited nature of traditional brake fastening devices for tandem braking systems and offers a solution to the difficulty of quickly and securely installing these devices on various sized brake pedals. Thus, the present invention presents an improvement to traditional brake pedal fasteners. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in use with a brake pedal. Substantially rectangular brake pedals of various sizes can be used with the brake pedal fastener  2 .  FIG. 1A  depicts a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. In one embodiment, the brake pedal fastener  2  is manually expanded to an open position (See  FIG. 1B ) and then slipped over the desired brake pedal. In one embodiment, the flanges ( 14 ,  18 ,  20 ) of the brake pedal fastener  2  straddle the brake pedal stem and grip top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces of the brake pedal. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  depict front prospective and rear elevation views of one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the brake pedal fastener  2  is generally comprised of a stationary plate  4  and a moveable plate  16  with flanges ( 18 ,  20 ) for gripping the pedal. The moveable plate  16  is slidably interconnected to the stationary plate  4  via a first slot  6  and a second slot  8  in the stationary plate  4 . The moveable plate  16  is spring-biased toward a closed position. A coupling  10  adapted for use with a piston-type tandem braking system is interconnected to the rear side of the stationary plate  4 . 
     In one embodiment, the stationary plate  4  is comprised of a vertical plate with a flange  14  which is bent upward, thus, creating a generally J-like shape. As one skilled in the art can appreciate, the flange  14  may also be perpendicular to the bottom of the stationary plate  4 , thus, creating an L-shape. Regardless of the resulting shape, the flange  14  is used to grip at least the bottom surface of the brake pedal and, for added stability, the rear surface as well. 
     In order to provide a mechanism for slidably interconnecting the moveable plate  16  to the stationary plate  4 , in one embodiment, the stationary plate  4  is further comprised of at least one slot. As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the stationary plate  4  has a vertical, first slot  6  in parallel to a second slot  8 . A first pin  22  and a second pin  28  protrude from the back of the stationary plate  4  and are used in connection with a biasing means to keep the moveable plate  16  in a closed position. In one embodiment, the biasing means comprises a first spring  26  and a second spring  32 . 
     In one embodiment, the moveable plate  16  is generally comprised of a vertically-mounted plate with at least one finger-like flange for gripping the top and rear surfaces of the brake pedal. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in one embodiment, the moveable plate  16  has a first flange  18  and a second flange  20 . In one embodiment, a first pin  22  and a second pin  28  are mounted in parallel on the rear of the moveable plate  16  at a distance that corresponds to the first slot  6  and second slot  8 . In this embodiment, the first pin  22  and second pin  28  protrude through the rear of the stationary plate  4  via the first slot  6  and second slot  8 . 
     In order to ensure that the moveable plate  16  is tightly secured against the top of the brake pedal, a biasing means (such as a first spring  26  or similar device) is interconnected between the first pin of the stationary plate  22  and the first pin of the moveable plate  24 . See FIG.  4 . Similarly, a second spring  32  may also interconnect to a second pin of the stationary plate  28  and the second pin of the moveable plate  30 . See  FIGS. 3 ,  5 , and  6 . Used in tandem, the first spring  26  and the second spring  32  keep the moveable plate  16  biased toward a closed position. It is also possible to have the plate secured using rubber straps or other biased mechanisms. 
     When traveling over uneven terrain, it becomes especially important to ensure that the brake pedal fastener  2  does not become dislodged from the brake pedal. To that end, in one embodiment, the brake pedal fastener  2  employs the use of a locking mechanism  39  to lock an upper gripping means (e.g., an upper jaw  36 ) in a selected position relative to a lower gripping means (e.g., a lower jaw  38 ). As shown in  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, the locking mechanism  39  is further comprised of a cam lever  40  in communication with a cam shoe  42 . Alternatively, as further discussed below, the locking mechanism  39  can be comprised of a cam lever  40  without a cam shoe  42 . 
     After the upper jaw  36  is expanded from the lower jaw  38  and slipped around the brake pedal, in one embodiment, the cam lever  40  is then rotated against the cam shoe  42 , thereby applying frictional force to and locking the upper jaw  36 . As a result, the brake pedal fastener  2  firmly grasps the brake pedal. To release the brake pedal fastener  2 , the operator rotates the cam lever  40  in an opposite direction, thereby relieving the frictional force asserted by the cam shoe  42  on the upper jaw  36 . Thus, the brake pedal fastener  2  can be easily installed and selectively locked against and/or released from the brake pedal. See  FIG. 8  for depiction of one embodiment of the brake pedal fastener  2  in use with the piston-type tandem brake system  34 . 
     While the upper jaw  36  and lower jaw  38  can communicate in a variety manners, in one embodiment, the lower jaw  28  is generally comprised of a cavity  44  and a flange  46 . See FIGS.  7  and  9 A- 9 D. In this embodiment, the cavity  42  is of sufficient size and shape to accept the upper jaw  36 . In one embodiment, the flange  46  is curved slightly upward toward the brake pedal, thereby creating a J-like shape. See FIG.  9 C. Alternatively, the flange  46  could be positioned in a more perpendicular fashion. 
     In order to facilitate the locking of the upper jaw  36 , in one embodiment, the lower jaw  38  is further comprised of an aperture  48  to accept the cam shoe  42 . See  FIGS. 7 and 9D . In this embodiment, the cam shoe  42  is seated against the upper jaw  36  within the aperture  46  of the lower jaw  38 . Alternatively, instead of using the aperture  46 , the cam shoe  42  can partially integrated into the lower jaw  38  in such a manner (e.g., via flexible tabs) that allows the cam shoe  42  to selectively move against and apply sufficient frictional force to a surface of the upper jaw  36 . As one ordinarily skilled in the art can appreciate, other means of having the cam shoe  42  communicate with the cam lever  42  and upper jaw  36  are also intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is also envisioned the cam shoe  42  can be eliminated and the cam lever  40  directly contact the surface of the upper jaw  36  to lock the upper jaw  36  in a particular position relative to the lower jaw  38 . 
     In order to facilitate the application and release of the brake pedal fastener  2  to the brake pedal, in one embodiment, the brake pedal fastener  2  is further comprised of a handle  50 . As shown in FIGS.  7  and  9 A- 9 D, in one embodiment, the handle  50  is generally comprised of a first protruded member  52  and a second protruded member  54 . This configuration allows the operator to grip the lower jaw  38  while expanding the upper jaw  36  up and over the top surface of the brake pedal. To increase the ergonomic feel of the handle  50  and provide a greater surface area for gripping the lower jaw  38 , in one embodiment, the handle  50  is further comprised of a plurality of ridges  56 . See  FIGS. 9A-9D . Other means of facilitating the gripping of the handle  50  e.g., use of dimples, addition of tactile material, etc.) are also intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG.  7  and as further described below, in one embodiment, the handle  50  also functions to partially house and align the cam shoe  42 , cam lever  40 , and coupling member  58 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1A-10D , in one embodiment, the upper jaw  36  is further comprised of a vertical plate  60  interconnected to a flange  62 . One purpose of the vertical plate  60  is to provide a surface for the locking mechanism  39  to apply frictional force, thereby securing the upper jaw  36  in place. Although preferably made of single piece construction, it is also envisioned that upper jaw  36  can be manufactured in a plurality of pieces. In order for the upper jaw  36  to freely reciprocate within the lower jaw  38 , in one embodiment, the vertical plate  60  has a width and depth less than that of the aperture  48  of the lower jaw  36 . As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , in one embodiment, the vertical plate  60  is of solid construction. Alternatively, the vertical plate  60  could made with perforations. 
     In order to negotiate a brake stem of the brake pedal, in one embodiment, the flange  62  of the upper jaw  36  is comprised of two finger-like protrusions  64 . See  FIGS. 10A and 10D . Other shapes of the flange  62  are also envisioned to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, a beaded edge  66  can be integrated into an end of the flange  62  to facilitate removal of the flange  62  from the upper surface of the brake pedal. See  FIGS. 10A and 10D . A similar beaded edge  66  could be integrated into the flange  46  of the lower jaw  38  to facilitate removal of the lower jaw  38  from the brake pedal. 
     Similar to that described above, in one embodiment, a biasing means  68  can also be interconnected to the upper jaw  36  and lower jaw  38  in order to provide greater overall gripping power to the brake pedal fastener  2 , and to keep the upper jaw  36  from becoming lost during storage, transport, and/or handling of the brake pedal fastener  2 . In one embodiment, the biasing means  68  is a spring. See FIG.  7 . As one ordinarily skilled in the art can appreciate, the biasing means  68  can be any biased mechanism, (e.g., a band). Of course, it is also envisioned that the current invention does not employ the use of a biasing mechamism interposed between the upper jaw  36  and lower jaw  38 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A-11C , in one embodiment, the cam lever  40  is comprised of a tab  70  and a cam  72 . The tab  70  can be made in various shapes, but is preferably made of sufficient size for the operator to press and release the tab  70 . Similarly, the shape of the cam  72  can be varied to acconmmodate the amount of desired frictional force to be applied to the cam shoe  42  and/or upper jaw  36 . In one embodiment, the cam lever  40  is further comprised of opposable, axial apertures  74 , which facilitate rotation and ensure alignment of the cam lever  40 . In one embodiment, the cam lever  40  is made in a sufficient shape to partially house the coupling member  58 . See FIG.  7 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12A-12D , in one embodiment, the cam shoe  42  is generally comprised of a front surface  76  and a rear surface  78 . In one embodiment, the front surface  76  is configured with two concave recesses  80  which are adapted to receive the cam  72  of the cam lever  40 . See  FIGS. 12A-12C . In one embodiment, the rear surface  78  is partially planar so that the cam shoe  42  can be locked firmly against a desired portion of the upper jaw  36 . In one embodiment, the cam shoe  42  is of sufficient size to fit within the aperture  48  of the lower jaw. In this configuration, the cam shoe  42  rests against the vertical plate  60  of the upper jaw  36  in a vertical position and the aperture  48  helps to hold the cam shoe  42  in this position. As noted above, in one embodiment, the cam shoe  42  could alternatively be integrated into the lower jaw  38  in such a manner that allows the cam shoe  42  to move toward the upper jaw  36  when the cam lever  40  is in the locked position and move away from the upper jaw  36  upon release of the cam lever  40 . 
     In order to interconnect the brake pedal fastener  2  to the piston-type tandem braking system, in one embodiment, the brake pedal fastener  2  is further comprised of a coupling member  58  that is partially housed by the cam lever  40 . See  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  13 A- 13 D. In one embodiment, the coupling member  58  has an alignment aperture  82 , which is substantially of the same diameter as the axial apertures  74  of the cam lever  40 . However, in this embodiment, the alignment aperture  82  of the coupling member  58  is not used to rotate the coupling member  58 . Rather, the alignment aperture  82  of the coupling member  58  is used to secure the coupling member  58  to the brake pedal fastener  2 . 
     In order to interconnect the cam lever  40  an decoupling member  58  to the brake pedal fastener, in one embodiment, the handle  50  is also further comprised of a pair of alignment apertures  82 . In this configuration, a pin  84  is inserted through the alignment apertures  82  of the handle  50  and coupling member  58 , and the axial apertures  74  of the cam lever  40 . See FIG.  7 . The pin  84  also aligns and maintains the cam lever  40  in the proper position against the cam shoe  42 . As one ordinarily skilled in the art can appreciate, the pin  84  can be designed to be removable to facilitate repair of the components of the brake pedal fastener  2 . Other interconnection and alignment means are also intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In order to ensure the brake pedal fastener&#39;s durability, the stationary plate  4 , lower jaw  38 , moveable plate  16 , upper jaw  36 , and coupling member  58  are preferably comprised of rigid non-brittle materials which are not likely to wear, bend, or break during continual use. Metals and metal alloys such as stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, and/or aluminum are preferable materials, as are numerous other metals commonly known in the art. Additionally, plastics, fiberglass, and other similar materials, which have similar physical properties, may be used. In one embodiment, in order to minimize costs and increase durability, the cam shoe  42  and cam lever  40  are made out of Delron plastic. However, other resilient metal alloys, metals, and/or plastics can be used. 
     While an effort has been made to describe some alternatives to the preferred embodiment, other alternatives will readily come to mind to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the details given herein.