Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02345499 2001-04-30
DO-IT-YOURSELF DRIVING INSTRUCTOR KIT AND METHOD
Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to instructional driving
techniques and, more particularly, to a kit for converting an
automobile to a dual brake system and a dual brake rental and
installation business.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The cost of automobile driving lessons, if available at
all, can be prohibitively high for teenagers and other
individuals of tender years. It is also observed the many
parents would like to forego the expense of purchasing driving
lessons for their children, who have reached driving age. The
high cost of driving lessons is also due in part to the
driving school having to pay for insurance for the
inexperienced driver.
Parents often decide to pay for the driving lessons only
because the driving schools have cars that are equipped with
dual-braking systems. These dual-braking systems provide a
great measure of safety for an instructor and a driver.
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The present invention comprises a simple kit for
converting most cars to a dual-brake system. The system can
be installed easily by the do-it-yourselfer, so he can teach
his child to drive using the family car, without having to
purchase lessons.
It is also contemplated that the kit can be installed on
loaner vehicles by automobile centers, which would rent the
vehicles for driving instruction purposes. The cost of
renting a properly equipped vehicle would appeal to parents
and teenagers, who worry about accidents, while driving the
family car. The cost of renting such vehicles could have
insurance incorporated into the rental fee. This would
provide a low cost method of providing driving lessons without
having to purchase vehicular insurance for a teenager.
The dual-brake system kit of the invention comprises a
pad that mounts to the floor of an automobile. A pulley is
mounted for rotation with respect to the mounting pad. A
cable is entrained about the pulley and runs between the
factory installed driver brake of a car and the passenger or
instructional brake supplied by the kit. The passenger or
instructional brake is mounted to the floor of the vehicle on
the passenger side by means of a spring-biased mounting
bracket. When the instructor senses a dangerous situation,
the instructional brake is applied. The applied brake pulls
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the cable, and causes the driver brake to be applied. Thus,
the passenger or instructor can apply the brake for the
driving student in emergency situations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is
provided a kit for installing a dual-brake system in an
automobile, and a method of doing business that is associated
with the dual-brake system. The dual-brake system kit of the
invention comprises a pad that mounts to the floor of an
automobile. A pulley is mounted for rotation with respect to
the mounting pad. A cable is entrained about the pulley, and
runs between the factory installed driver brake of a car and
the passenger or instructional brake supplied by the kit. The
passenger or instructional brake is mounted to the floor of
the vehicle on the passenger side by means of a spring-biased
mounting bracket. When the instructor senses a dangerous
situation, he can apply the instructional brake. The applied
brake pulls the cable, and causes the driver brake to be
applied. Thus, the passenger or instructor can apply the
brake for the driving student in emergency situations.
The method of the invention contemplates installing the
dual-brake system on loaner or home vehicles provided by
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automobile maintenance centers, rental car agencies, and U-
Haul and Ryder truck garages, who would rent or install the
unit on home or rental vehicles for driving instruction
purposes. The cost of renting the kit or a properly equipped
vehicle for a limited time would appeal to parents and
teenagers, who worry about accidents, while driving the family
car. The cost of renting such vehicles could have insurance
incorporated into the rental fee. This would provide a low
cost method of providing driving lessons without having to
purchase vehicular insurance for a teenager.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a kit
and method for making available a low cost, dual-braking
system to individuals contemplating driving lessons.
It is another object of this invention to provide a dual-
brake system in kit form, such that it can be easily installed
by the do-it-yourselfer.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a
method by which low cost driving lessons can be provided with
the safety of a dual-brake system.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the present invention may be
obtained by reference to the accompanying drawing, when
considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed
description, in which:
THE FIGURE illustrates a schematic view of an installed,
dual-braking system that can be part of a kit in accordance
with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Generally speaking, the invention features a kit for
installing a dual-brake system on a home or rental vehicle.
The kit allows for easy installation on a home or rental
vehicle by personnel with ordinary mechanical skill. Such an
easily obtained dual-brake auto system will make possible the
obtaining of driving instruction for teenagers at a reduced
cost, using a home or loaner automobile.
Now referring to the FIGURE, a dual-brake system 10 that
has been built from a kit is illustrated. The kit is
available from the Titan Company and supplies all of the parts
and installation instructions necessary to easily install the
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dual-brake unit on an automobile. The dual-brake system kit
comprises a pad 12 that mounts to the floor of an automobile.
A pulley 14 is mounted for rotation about the floor mounted
pad 12. A cable 16 is entrained about the pulley 14 and runs
between the factory installed driver brake pedal 18, mounted
on a first shaft 19 of a car, not shown, and the passenger or
instructional brake pedal 22, attached to a second shaft 20
and supplied by the kit. The passenger or instructional brake
22 is mountable to the floor of the vehicle on the passenger
side by means of a mounting bracket 24 that is spring-biased
by means of a coil spring 25. A collar 26 is attached to
driver brake pedal shaft 19. When the instructor senses a
dangerous situation, the instructional brake pedal 22 is
applied. The applied brake pulls the cable 16, which is
applied through pulley 14 to collar 26, which causes the
driver brake pedal 18 to be applied. Thus, the passenger or
instructor can apply the brake for the driving student in
emergency situations.
In accordance with the method of the invention, the dual-
brake system 10 can be rented, leased, lent or even sold to an
individual for installation on his or her car. Alternatively,
the system 10 can be installed on vehicles owned and rented or
leased by rental car companies or rental moving vehicle
companies which, in turn, can be rented or leased to
individuals. In either case, a deposit may be required on the
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part of the renting or leasing individual. Upon expiration of
the rental or lease period, the dual-brake system 10 can be
removed or the rented vehicle returned to the rental company.
Installation and removal of the dual-brake system 10 can
be performed by the parent or guardian himself or herself,
provided that he or she possesses ordinary mechanical skill;
or it can be performed by skilled mechanics at third party
establishments, such as service stations, muffler replacement
shops, etc.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit
particular operating requirements and environments will be
apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not
considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of
disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do
not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of
this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to
be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the
subsequently appended claims.
What is claimed is:
Docket No. H-491 7
