DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[001] This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 201941002930 filed on 24th January 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The embodiments herein relate to a pedal catcher assembly for a vehicle, which restricts a movement at least one of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in an event of collision between the vehicle and another vehicle or obstacle. Further, embodiments herein relate to methods of restricting a movement of at least one of the clutch pedal and the brake pedal in the vehicle in the event of collision.

BACKGROUND
[003] During frontal crash of a vehicle, an occupant, especially a driver is exposed to a high degree of injuries depending on speed and type of collision. To minimize the injuries to the driver below the biomechanical limits, movement of components in the front structure of the vehicle has to be restricted.
[004] Pedal assembly, including a brake pedal and a clutch pedal is a critical assembly in the occupant area that is bound to increase the injuries to the driver, if the driver comes into contact with it during crash. Excess movement of the clutch and brake pedals causes lower leg injuries to the driver.
[005] Some conventional assemblies try to minimize the brake pedal intrusions by using dash reinforcement on either sides of the dash board i.e., on the inner side of the dash board inside an occupant compartment or on the outer side of the dash board outside the occupant compartment. Many a times a combination of both inner and outer dash reinforcement is also used. The aforementioned conventional assemblies pose complexity in installation and incur high manufacturing costs.
[006] Other conventional ways of reducing pedal intrusion include varying the joinery and thickness of parts adjacent to the brake and clutch pedal assemblies. However, such conventional ways include iterative processes and may not yield the desired results.
[007] Therefore, there exists a need for a pedal catcher assembly for a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further, there exists a need for a method of restricting a movement of at least one of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in the vehicle in an event of collision, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[008] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a pedal catcher assembly for a vehicle, which restricts a movement of at least one of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in an event of collision.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a single pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which restricts a movement of both the clutch pedal and the brake pedal in the event of collision.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide methods of restricting a movement of at least one of the clutch pedal and the brake pedal in the vehicle in the event of collision.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which is reliable, easy to install and incur less manufacturing cost.
[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which restricts a movement of at least one of the clutch pedal and the brake pedal beyond a desired limit in the event of collision.
[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a clutch pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which is directly mounted onto a clutch pedal box.
[0014] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a brake pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which is directly mounted onto a brake pedal box.
[0015] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0017] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a pedal catcher assembly mounted onto a pedal box, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a pedal catcher assembly mounted onto a pedal box, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly mounted onto the pedal box and another pedal catcher assembly mounted onto another pedal box, according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 6 depicts a side view of a pedal catcher assembly mounted onto a clutch pedal box and a brake pedal box, according to third embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 7a depicts a flowchart indicating a method of restricting a movement of a pedal in an event of collision, according to the first and second embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0024] Fig. 7b depicts a flowchart indicating a method of restricting a movement of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in the event of collision, according to the third embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0026] The embodiments herein achieve a pedal catcher assembly for a vehicle, which restricts a movement of at least one of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in an event of collision. Further, embodiments herein achieve the pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which is reliable, easy to install and incur less manufacturing cost. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 7b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0027] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a pedal catcher assembly (100) mounted onto a pedal box (CB), according to first embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly (100), according to first embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the pedal catcher assembly (100) is explained herein below with reference to restricting a movement of a pedal (C) in an event of collision. For example, the pedal (C) is a clutch pedal and correspondingly the pedal box (CB) is a clutch pedal box. In another example, the pedal (C) is a brake pedal and correspondingly the pedal box (CB) is a brake pedal box. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice/ implement the pedal catcher assembly (100) for restricting a movement of an accelerator pedal or any other pedal present in the vehicle in the event of collision without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher assembly (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the first embodiment, the pedal catcher assembly (100) includes a pedal catcher (102), a plurality of mounting brackets (104) and a plurality of nuts (106). The pedal catcher (102) is adapted to restrict a movement of the pedal (C) thereby reducing the intrusion of the pedal (C) into an occupant compartment in the event of collision. In the first embodiment, the pedal catcher (102) is removably mounted onto the pedal box (CB) through the mounting brackets (104). In another first embodiment, the pedal catcher (102) is directly mounted onto the pedal box (CB) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. The example of temporary joint is snap fit or thread fit or interlocking joints. The pedal catcher (102) is snap fitted or thread fitted to the pedal box (CB). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the pedal catcher (102) to the pedal box (CB) by using any other type of temporary joints. The example of permanent fit is at least welding. The pedal catcher (102) is welded to the pedal box (CB). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the pedal catcher (102) to the pedal box (CB) by using any other type of permanent joints. The pedal catcher (102) with the mounting brackets (104) is encompassed around a shank of the pedal (C) to generate the reaction generated during frontal impact on a clutch master cylinder side. The pedal catcher (102) is positioned in front of and away from the pedal (C). In the first embodiment, the pedal catcher (102) is a rod or a tube. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other means as the pedal catcher (102) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher (102) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the first embodiment, the pedal catcher (102) substantially defines at least one of a U shape configuration and a V shaped configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the pedal catcher (102) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher (102) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0028] In the first embodiment, the plurality of mounting brackets (104) are adapted to mount the pedal catcher (102) onto the pedal box (CB). One end of each mounting bracket (104) is connected to the pedal catcher (102) and another end of each mounting bracket (104) is connected to the pedal box (CB). Each mounting bracket (104) includes a first portion (104a) and a second portion (104b) transversely extending from the first portion (104a), as shown in fig. 2). The first portion (104a) of each mounting bracket (104) is connected onto the pedal box (CB) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint thereby mounting the pedal catcher (102) onto the pedal box (CB). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. For example, the first portion (104a) of each mounting bracket (104) is removably connected to the pedal box (CB) by using fasteners (not shown). The second portion (104b) of each mounting bracket (104) is connected to the pedal catcher (102) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For example, the second portion (104b) of each mounting bracket (104) is connected to the pedal catcher (102) by welding. Each mounting bracket (104) substantially defines a L shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide each mounting bracket (104) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of each mounting bracket (104) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Each nut (106) is adapted to be connected onto the first portion (104a) of corresponding each mounting bracket (104) by welding. Each nut (106) is adapted to facilitate insertion of corresponding each fastener (not shown) therethrough to secure the pedal catcher (102) onto the pedal box (CB). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, each fastener is considered to be at least a bolt.
[0029] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a pedal catcher assembly (200) mounted onto a pedal box (BX), according to second embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly (200), according to second embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the pedal catcher assembly (200) is explained herein below with reference to restricting a movement of a pedal (B) in an event of collision. For example, the pedal (B) is a brake pedal and correspondingly, the pedal box (BX) is a brake pedal box. In another example, the pedal (B) is a clutch pedal and correspondingly, the pedal box (BX) is a clutch pedal box. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice/ implement the pedal catcher assembly (200) for restricting a movement of an accelerator pedal or any other pedal present in the vehicle in an event of collision without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher assembly (200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the second embodiment, the pedal catcher assembly (200) includes a pedal catcher (202), a plurality of first mounting brackets (204), a plurality of second mounting brackets (206), a plurality of intermediate members (208) and a plurality of nuts (210), as shown in fig. 3.) The pedal catcher (202) is adapted to restrict a movement of the pedal (B) thereby reducing the intrusion of the pedal (B) into the occupant compartment in the event of collision. The pedal catcher (202) is directly and removably mounted onto the pedal box (BX) through the first mounting brackets (204) and the second mounting brackets (206). The pedal catcher (202) with the first mounting brackets (204) and the second mounting brackets (206) are encompassed around a shank of the pedal (B) to generate the reaction generated during frontal impact on a brake booster side. The pedal catcher (202) is positioned in front of and away from the pedal (B). In the second embodiment, the pedal catcher (202) is a rod or a tube. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other means as the pedal catcher (202) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher (202) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the second embodiment, the pedal catcher (202) substantially defines at one of a U shape configuration and a V shaped configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the pedal catcher (202) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher (202) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0030] In the second embodiment, each first mounting bracket (204) and each second mounting bracket (206) are adapted to mount the pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX). One end of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) and another end of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected to the pedal box (BX). Each first mounting bracket (204) includes a first portion (204a) and a second portion (204b) transversely extending from the first portion (204a), as shown in fig. 4). The first portion (204a) of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected onto the pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint thereby for mounting the pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. For example, the first portion (204a) of each first mounting bracket (204) is removably connected to the pedal box (BX) by using fasteners (not shown). The second portion (204b) of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For example, the second portion (204b) of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) by welding. Each first mounting bracket (204) substantially defines a L shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide each first mounting bracket (204) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of each first mounting bracket (204) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0031] One end of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) through corresponding intermediate member (208) and another end of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected to the pedal box (BX). Each second mounting bracket (206) is spaced away from the pedal catcher (202). Each second mounting bracket (206) includes a first portion (206a) and a second portion (206b) transversely extending from the first portion (206a), as shown in fig. 4.) The first portion (206a) of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected onto the pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint thereby mounting the pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. For example, the first portion (206a) of each second mounting bracket (206) is removably connected to the pedal box (BX) by using fasteners (not shown). The second portion (206b) of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected to corresponding intermediate member (208) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For example, the second portion (206b) of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected to the corresponding intermediate member (208) by welding. Each second mounting bracket (206) substantially defines a L shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide each second mounting bracket (206) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of each second mounting bracket (206) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0032] Each intermediate member (208) is connected between the pedal catcher (202) and corresponding each second mounting bracket (206). Each intermediate member (208) is adapted to reinforce the pedal catcher (202). Each intermediate member (208) includes a first portion (208a) and a second portion (208b) disposed above and away from the first portion (208a), as shown in fig. 4). The first portion (208a) of each intermediate member (208) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. The second portion (208b) of each intermediate member (208) is connected to corresponding each second mounting bracket (206) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding.
[0033] Each nut (210) is adapted to be connected to the first portion (204a, 206a) of corresponding each mounting bracket (204, 206) by welding. Each nut (210) is adapted to facilitate insertion of corresponding each fastener (not shown) therethrough to secure the pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, each fastener is considered to be at least a bolt.
[0034] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly (100) mounted onto the pedal box (CB) and another pedal catcher assembly (200) mounted onto another pedal box (BX), according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein. The pedal catcher assemblies (100, 200) are adapted to restrict a movement of the pedals (C, B) towards an occupant in the event of collision.
[0035] Fig. 6 depicts a side view of a pedal catcher assembly (300) mounted onto a clutch pedal box (CB) and a brake pedal box (BX), according to third embodiments as disclosed herein. In the third embodiment, the pedal catcher assembly (300) includes a pedal catcher (302) adapted to restrict a movement of a clutch pedal (C) and a brake pedal (B) in an event of collision. The pedal catcher (302) is adapted to be mounted onto the clutch pedal box (CB) and the brake pedal box (BX). The pedal catcher (302) is adapted to be directly connected to the clutch pedal box (CB) and the brake pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. One end of the pedal catcher (302) is connected to the clutch pedal box (CB) and another end of the pedal catcher (302) is adapted to be connected to the brake pedal box (BX). In the third embodiment, the pedal catcher assembly (300) comprises a plurality of mounting brackets (not shown) adapted to mount the pedal catcher (302) to the clutch pedal box (CB) and the brake pedal box (BX).
[0036] Fig. 7a depicts a flowchart indicating a method (400) of restricting a movement of a pedal (C, B) in an event of collision, according to the first and second embodiments as disclosed herein. The method (400) includes, mounting a pedal catcher (102, 202) onto a pedal box (CB, BX), wherein pedal catcher (102, 202) is adapted to restrict the movement of the pedal (C, B) in the event of collision and the pedal catcher (102, 102) is in front of and away from the pedal (C, B).
[0037] The method step of mounting the pedal catcher (102, 202) onto the pedal box (CB, BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding.
[0038] The method step of mounting the pedal catcher (102, 202) onto the pedal box (CB, BX) by directly connecting the pedal catcher (102, 202) to the pedal box (CB, BX).
[0039] The method step of mounting the pedal catcher (102, 202) onto the pedal box (CB, BX) by using mounting brackets (104, 204, 206), where the pedal (C, B) is a clutch pedal or a brake pedal, where the pedal box (CB, BX) is a clutch pedal box or a brake pedal box.
[0040] Fig. 7b depicts a flowchart indicating a method (500) of restricting a movement of a clutch pedal (C) and a brake pedal (B) in the event of collision, according to third embodiments as disclosed herein. The method (500) includes, mounting a pedal catcher (302) onto a clutch pedal box (CB) and a brake pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint, wherein the pedal catcher (302) is adapted to restrict the movement of the clutch pedal (C) and the brake pedal (B) in the event of collision. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. The pedal catcher (302) is in front of and away from the clutch pedal (C) and the brake pedal (B). One end of the pedal catcher (302) is connected to the clutch pedal box (CB) and another end of the pedal catcher (302) is connected to the brake pedal box (BX).
[0041] Therefore, a pedal catcher assembly (100, 200, 300) for a vehicle, which is reliable and easy to install and incur less cost, is provided.
[0042] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[001] This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 201941002930 filed on 24th January 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The embodiments herein relate to a pedal catcher assembly for a vehicle, which restricts a movement at least one of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in an event of collision between the vehicle and another vehicle or obstacle. Further, embodiments herein relate to methods of restricting a movement of at least one of the clutch pedal and the brake pedal in the vehicle in the event of collision.

BACKGROUND
[003] During frontal crash of a vehicle, an occupant, especially a driver is exposed to a high degree of injuries depending on speed and type of collision. To minimize the injuries to the driver below the biomechanical limits, movement of components in the front structure of the vehicle has to be restricted.
[004] Pedal assembly, including a brake pedal and a clutch pedal is a critical assembly in the occupant area that is bound to increase the injuries to the driver, if the driver comes into contact with it during crash. Excess movement of the clutch and brake pedals causes lower leg injuries to the driver.
[005] Some conventional assemblies try to minimize the brake pedal intrusions by using dash reinforcement on either sides of the dash board i.e., on the inner side of the dash board inside an occupant compartment or on the outer side of the dash board outside the occupant compartment. Many a times a combination of both inner and outer dash reinforcement is also used. The aforementioned conventional assemblies pose complexity in installation and incur high manufacturing costs.
[006] Other conventional ways of reducing pedal intrusion include varying the joinery and thickness of parts adjacent to the brake and clutch pedal assemblies. However, such conventional ways include iterative processes and may not yield the desired results.
[007] Therefore, there exists a need for a pedal catcher assembly for a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further, there exists a need for a method of restricting a movement of at least one of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in the vehicle in an event of collision, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[008] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a pedal catcher assembly for a vehicle, which restricts a movement of at least one of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in an event of collision.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a single pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which restricts a movement of both the clutch pedal and the brake pedal in the event of collision.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide methods of restricting a movement of at least one of the clutch pedal and the brake pedal in the vehicle in the event of collision.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which is reliable, easy to install and incur less manufacturing cost.
[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which restricts a movement of at least one of the clutch pedal and the brake pedal beyond a desired limit in the event of collision.
[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a clutch pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which is directly mounted onto a clutch pedal box.
[0014] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a brake pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which is directly mounted onto a brake pedal box.
[0015] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0017] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a pedal catcher assembly mounted onto a pedal box, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a pedal catcher assembly mounted onto a pedal box, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly mounted onto the pedal box and another pedal catcher assembly mounted onto another pedal box, according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 6 depicts a side view of a pedal catcher assembly mounted onto a clutch pedal box and a brake pedal box, according to third embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 7a depicts a flowchart indicating a method of restricting a movement of a pedal in an event of collision, according to the first and second embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0024] Fig. 7b depicts a flowchart indicating a method of restricting a movement of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in the event of collision, according to the third embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0026] The embodiments herein achieve a pedal catcher assembly for a vehicle, which restricts a movement of at least one of a clutch pedal and a brake pedal in an event of collision. Further, embodiments herein achieve the pedal catcher assembly for the vehicle, which is reliable, easy to install and incur less manufacturing cost. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 7b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0027] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a pedal catcher assembly (100) mounted onto a pedal box (CB), according to first embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly (100), according to first embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the pedal catcher assembly (100) is explained herein below with reference to restricting a movement of a pedal (C) in an event of collision. For example, the pedal (C) is a clutch pedal and correspondingly the pedal box (CB) is a clutch pedal box. In another example, the pedal (C) is a brake pedal and correspondingly the pedal box (CB) is a brake pedal box. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice/ implement the pedal catcher assembly (100) for restricting a movement of an accelerator pedal or any other pedal present in the vehicle in the event of collision without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher assembly (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the first embodiment, the pedal catcher assembly (100) includes a pedal catcher (102), a plurality of mounting brackets (104) and a plurality of nuts (106). The pedal catcher (102) is adapted to restrict a movement of the pedal (C) thereby reducing the intrusion of the pedal (C) into an occupant compartment in the event of collision. In the first embodiment, the pedal catcher (102) is removably mounted onto the pedal box (CB) through the mounting brackets (104). In another first embodiment, the pedal catcher (102) is directly mounted onto the pedal box (CB) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. The example of temporary joint is snap fit or thread fit or interlocking joints. The pedal catcher (102) is snap fitted or thread fitted to the pedal box (CB). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the pedal catcher (102) to the pedal box (CB) by using any other type of temporary joints. The example of permanent fit is at least welding. The pedal catcher (102) is welded to the pedal box (CB). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the pedal catcher (102) to the pedal box (CB) by using any other type of permanent joints. The pedal catcher (102) with the mounting brackets (104) is encompassed around a shank of the pedal (C) to generate the reaction generated during frontal impact on a clutch master cylinder side. The pedal catcher (102) is positioned in front of and away from the pedal (C). In the first embodiment, the pedal catcher (102) is a rod or a tube. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other means as the pedal catcher (102) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher (102) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the first embodiment, the pedal catcher (102) substantially defines at least one of a U shape configuration and a V shaped configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the pedal catcher (102) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher (102) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0028] In the first embodiment, the plurality of mounting brackets (104) are adapted to mount the pedal catcher (102) onto the pedal box (CB). One end of each mounting bracket (104) is connected to the pedal catcher (102) and another end of each mounting bracket (104) is connected to the pedal box (CB). Each mounting bracket (104) includes a first portion (104a) and a second portion (104b) transversely extending from the first portion (104a), as shown in fig. 2). The first portion (104a) of each mounting bracket (104) is connected onto the pedal box (CB) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint thereby mounting the pedal catcher (102) onto the pedal box (CB). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. For example, the first portion (104a) of each mounting bracket (104) is removably connected to the pedal box (CB) by using fasteners (not shown). The second portion (104b) of each mounting bracket (104) is connected to the pedal catcher (102) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For example, the second portion (104b) of each mounting bracket (104) is connected to the pedal catcher (102) by welding. Each mounting bracket (104) substantially defines a L shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide each mounting bracket (104) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of each mounting bracket (104) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Each nut (106) is adapted to be connected onto the first portion (104a) of corresponding each mounting bracket (104) by welding. Each nut (106) is adapted to facilitate insertion of corresponding each fastener (not shown) therethrough to secure the pedal catcher (102) onto the pedal box (CB). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, each fastener is considered to be at least a bolt.
[0029] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a pedal catcher assembly (200) mounted onto a pedal box (BX), according to second embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly (200), according to second embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the pedal catcher assembly (200) is explained herein below with reference to restricting a movement of a pedal (B) in an event of collision. For example, the pedal (B) is a brake pedal and correspondingly, the pedal box (BX) is a brake pedal box. In another example, the pedal (B) is a clutch pedal and correspondingly, the pedal box (BX) is a clutch pedal box. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice/ implement the pedal catcher assembly (200) for restricting a movement of an accelerator pedal or any other pedal present in the vehicle in an event of collision without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher assembly (200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the second embodiment, the pedal catcher assembly (200) includes a pedal catcher (202), a plurality of first mounting brackets (204), a plurality of second mounting brackets (206), a plurality of intermediate members (208) and a plurality of nuts (210), as shown in fig. 3.) The pedal catcher (202) is adapted to restrict a movement of the pedal (B) thereby reducing the intrusion of the pedal (B) into the occupant compartment in the event of collision. The pedal catcher (202) is directly and removably mounted onto the pedal box (BX) through the first mounting brackets (204) and the second mounting brackets (206). The pedal catcher (202) with the first mounting brackets (204) and the second mounting brackets (206) are encompassed around a shank of the pedal (B) to generate the reaction generated during frontal impact on a brake booster side. The pedal catcher (202) is positioned in front of and away from the pedal (B). In the second embodiment, the pedal catcher (202) is a rod or a tube. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other means as the pedal catcher (202) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher (202) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the second embodiment, the pedal catcher (202) substantially defines at one of a U shape configuration and a V shaped configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the pedal catcher (202) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pedal catcher (202) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0030] In the second embodiment, each first mounting bracket (204) and each second mounting bracket (206) are adapted to mount the pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX). One end of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) and another end of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected to the pedal box (BX). Each first mounting bracket (204) includes a first portion (204a) and a second portion (204b) transversely extending from the first portion (204a), as shown in fig. 4). The first portion (204a) of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected onto the pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint thereby for mounting the pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. For example, the first portion (204a) of each first mounting bracket (204) is removably connected to the pedal box (BX) by using fasteners (not shown). The second portion (204b) of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For example, the second portion (204b) of each first mounting bracket (204) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) by welding. Each first mounting bracket (204) substantially defines a L shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide each first mounting bracket (204) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of each first mounting bracket (204) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0031] One end of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) through corresponding intermediate member (208) and another end of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected to the pedal box (BX). Each second mounting bracket (206) is spaced away from the pedal catcher (202). Each second mounting bracket (206) includes a first portion (206a) and a second portion (206b) transversely extending from the first portion (206a), as shown in fig. 4.) The first portion (206a) of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected onto the pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint thereby mounting the pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. For example, the first portion (206a) of each second mounting bracket (206) is removably connected to the pedal box (BX) by using fasteners (not shown). The second portion (206b) of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected to corresponding intermediate member (208) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For example, the second portion (206b) of each second mounting bracket (206) is connected to the corresponding intermediate member (208) by welding. Each second mounting bracket (206) substantially defines a L shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide each second mounting bracket (206) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of each second mounting bracket (206) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0032] Each intermediate member (208) is connected between the pedal catcher (202) and corresponding each second mounting bracket (206). Each intermediate member (208) is adapted to reinforce the pedal catcher (202). Each intermediate member (208) includes a first portion (208a) and a second portion (208b) disposed above and away from the first portion (208a), as shown in fig. 4). The first portion (208a) of each intermediate member (208) is connected to the pedal catcher (202) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. The second portion (208b) of each intermediate member (208) is connected to corresponding each second mounting bracket (206) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding.
[0033] Each nut (210) is adapted to be connected to the first portion (204a, 206a) of corresponding each mounting bracket (204, 206) by welding. Each nut (210) is adapted to facilitate insertion of corresponding each fastener (not shown) therethrough to secure the pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, each fastener is considered to be at least a bolt.
[0034] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of the pedal catcher assembly (100) mounted onto the pedal box (CB) and another pedal catcher assembly (200) mounted onto another pedal box (BX), according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein. The pedal catcher assemblies (100, 200) are adapted to restrict a movement of the pedals (C, B) towards an occupant in the event of collision.
[0035] Fig. 6 depicts a side view of a pedal catcher assembly (300) mounted onto a clutch pedal box (CB) and a brake pedal box (BX), according to third embodiments as disclosed herein. In the third embodiment, the pedal catcher assembly (300) includes a pedal catcher (302) adapted to restrict a movement of a clutch pedal (C) and a brake pedal (B) in an event of collision. The pedal catcher (302) is adapted to be mounted onto the clutch pedal box (CB) and the brake pedal box (BX). The pedal catcher (302) is adapted to be directly connected to the clutch pedal box (CB) and the brake pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. One end of the pedal catcher (302) is connected to the clutch pedal box (CB) and another end of the pedal catcher (302) is adapted to be connected to the brake pedal box (BX). In the third embodiment, the pedal catcher assembly (300) comprises a plurality of mounting brackets (not shown) adapted to mount the pedal catcher (302) to the clutch pedal box (CB) and the brake pedal box (BX).
[0036] Fig. 7a depicts a flowchart indicating a method (400) of restricting a movement of a pedal (C, B) in an event of collision, according to the first and second embodiments as disclosed herein. The method (400) includes, mounting a pedal catcher (102, 202) onto a pedal box (CB, BX), wherein pedal catcher (102, 202) is adapted to restrict the movement of the pedal (C, B) in the event of collision and the pedal catcher (102, 102) is in front of and away from the pedal (C, B).
[0037] The method step of mounting the pedal catcher (102, 202) onto the pedal box (CB, BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding.
[0038] The method step of mounting the pedal catcher (102, 202) onto the pedal box (CB, BX) by directly connecting the pedal catcher (102, 202) to the pedal box (CB, BX).
[0039] The method step of mounting the pedal catcher (102, 202) onto the pedal box (CB, BX) by using mounting brackets (104, 204, 206), where the pedal (C, B) is a clutch pedal or a brake pedal, where the pedal box (CB, BX) is a clutch pedal box or a brake pedal box.
[0040] Fig. 7b depicts a flowchart indicating a method (500) of restricting a movement of a clutch pedal (C) and a brake pedal (B) in the event of collision, according to third embodiments as disclosed herein. The method (500) includes, mounting a pedal catcher (302) onto a clutch pedal box (CB) and a brake pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint, wherein the pedal catcher (302) is adapted to restrict the movement of the clutch pedal (C) and the brake pedal (B) in the event of collision. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the temporary joint is considered to be snap fit or thread fit and the permanent joint is considered to be welding. The pedal catcher (302) is in front of and away from the clutch pedal (C) and the brake pedal (B). One end of the pedal catcher (302) is connected to the clutch pedal box (CB) and another end of the pedal catcher (302) is connected to the brake pedal box (BX).
[0041] Therefore, a pedal catcher assembly (100, 200, 300) for a vehicle, which is reliable and easy to install and incur less cost, is provided.
[0042] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A pedal catcher assembly (100) for a vehicle, said pedal catcher assembly (100) comprising:
a pedal catcher (102) adapted to be mounted onto a pedal box (CB), said pedal catcher (102) is adapted to restrict a movement of a pedal (C) in an event of collision.

2. The pedal catcher assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pedal catcher assembly (100) comprises,
a plurality of mounting brackets (104) adapted to removably mount said pedal catcher (102) onto the pedal box (CB).

3. The pedal catcher assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pedal catcher (102) is directly mounted onto the pedal box (CB) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint.

4. The pedal catcher assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said mounting bracket (104) includes,
a first portion (104a) adapted to be connected to the pedal box (CB); and
a second portion (104b) transversely extending from said first portion (104a), where said second portion (104b) is adapted to be connected to said pedal catcher (102).

5. The pedal catcher assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said pedal catcher assembly (100) comprises,
a plurality of nuts (106), each of said nut (106) is adapted to be provided onto said first portion (104a) of corresponding each mounting bracket (104),
wherein
each of said nut (106) is adapted to receive corresponding fastener therethrough to secure said pedal catcher (102) onto the pedal box (CB).

6. The pedal catcher assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pedal catcher (102) is positioned in front of and away from the pedal (C);
said pedal catcher (102) is at least one of a rod and a tube;
said pedal catcher (102) substantially defines at least one of a U shape and a V shape configuration; and
each of said mounting bracket (104) substantially defines a L shape configuration.

7. The pedal catcher assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said pedal catcher (102) and each of said the mounting bracket (104) is encompassed around a shank of the pedal (C) to generate the reaction generated during the collision on a clutch master cylinder side;
the pedal (C) is a clutch pedal or a brake pedal; and
the pedal box (CB)is a clutch pedal box or a brake pedal box.

8. A pedal catcher assembly (200) for a vehicle, said pedal catcher assembly (200) comprising:
a pedal catcher (202);
a plurality of first mounting brackets (204), each of said first mounting bracket (204) is connected to said pedal catcher (202) and a pedal box (BX);
a plurality of intermediate members (208), each of said intermediate member (208) is connected to said pedal catcher (202); and
a plurality of second mounting brackets (206), each of said second mounting bracket (206) is connected to corresponding each of said intermediate member (204) and the pedal box (BX),
wherein
each of said first mounting bracket (204) and each of said second mounting bracket (206) is adapted to mount said pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX); and
said pedal catcher (202) is adapted to restrict a movement of a pedal (B) in an event of collision.

9. The pedal catcher assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of said first mounting bracket (204) is parallel and opposite and disposed away with respect to corresponding each of said second mounting bracket (206);
each of said second mounting bracket (206) is spaced away from said pedal catcher (202); and
each of said intermediate member (208) is adapted to reinforce said pedal catcher (202).

10. The pedal catcher assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said pedal catcher assembly (200) comprises,
a plurality of nuts (210), each of said nut (210) is adapted to be provided onto corresponding each of said mounting bracket (204, 206),
wherein
each of said nut (210) is adapted to receive corresponding fastener therethrough to secure said pedal catcher (202) onto the pedal box (BX).

11. The pedal catcher assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said pedal catcher (202) is positioned in front of and away from the pedal (B);
said pedal catcher (202) is at least one of a rod and a tube;
said pedal catcher (202) substantially defines at least one of a U shape and a V shape configuration;
each of said first mounting bracket (204) substantially defines a L shape configuration; and
each of said second mounting bracket (206) substantially defines a L shape configuration.

12. The pedal catcher assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said pedal catcher (202) and each of said mounting bracket (204, 206) is encompassed around a shank of the pedal (B) to generate the reaction generated during the collision on a brake booster side;
the pedal (B) is a brake pedal or a clutch pedal; and
the pedal box (BX) is a brake pedal box or a clutch pedal box.

13. A pedal catcher assembly (300) for a vehicle, said pedal catcher assembly (300) comprising:
a pedal catcher (302) adapted to restrict a movement of a clutch pedal (C) and a brake pedal (B) in an event of collision,
wherein
said pedal catcher (302) is adapted to be mounted onto a clutch pedal box (CB) and a brake pedal box (BX).
14. The pedal catcher assembly (300) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said wherein pedal catcher (302) is adapted to be directly connected to the clutch pedal box (CB) and the brake pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint; and
one end of said pedal catcher (302) is connected to the clutch pedal box (CB) and another end of said pedal catcher (302) is adapted to be connected to the brake pedal box (BX).

15. The pedal catcher assembly (300) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said pedal catcher assembly (300) comprises a plurality of mounting brackets adapted to mount said pedal catcher (302) to the clutch pedal box (CB) and the brake pedal box (BX).

16. A method (400) of restricting a movement of a pedal (C, B) in a vehicle in an event of collision, said method (400) comprising:
mounting a pedal catcher (102, 202) onto a pedal box (CB, BX),
wherein
the pedal catcher (102, 202) is adapted to restrict the movement of the pedal (C, B) in the event of collision; and
the pedal catcher (102, 102) is in front of and away from the pedal (C, B).

17. The method (400) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said mounting the pedal catcher (102, 202) onto the pedal box (CB, BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint.

18. The method (400) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said mounting the pedal catcher (102, 202) onto the pedal box (CB, BX) by directly connecting the pedal catcher (102, 202) to the pedal box (CB, BX).

19. The method (400) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said mounting the pedal catcher (102, 202) onto the pedal box (CB, BX) by using mounting brackets (104, 204, 206), where the pedal (C, B) is a clutch pedal or a brake pedal, where the pedal box (CB, BX) is a clutch pedal box or a brake pedal box.

20. A method (500) of restricting a movement of a clutch pedal (C) and a brake pedal (B) in a vehicle in an event of collision, said method (500) comprising:
mounting a pedal catcher (302) onto a clutch pedal box (CB) and a brake pedal box (BX) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint,
wherein
the pedal catcher (302) is adapted to restrict the movement of the clutch pedal (C) and the brake pedal (B) in the event of collision;
the pedal catcher (302) is in front of and away from the clutch pedal (C) and the brake pedal (B); and
one end of the pedal catcher (302) is connected to the clutch pedal box (CB) and another end of the pedal catcher (302) is connected to the brake pedal box (BX).