Foot operated control apparatus
First Claim
1. A foot operated control apparatus for randomly selecting a function and subsequently actuating that selected function of a multi-function device comprising:
- a) a base member and a foot operator assembly;
b) the foot operator assembly includingb1) an intermediate carriage that is reciprocally journalled on the base member for allowing selective movement along a first direction of movement, the first direction of movement being along a plane that is parallel to a major surface of the base member;
b2) a top plate that is reciprocally journalled to the intermediate carriage for allowing a second direction of movement of a sensing end of the top plate;
the second direction of movement being along a path that is transverse to the first direction of movement;
b3) a foot plate that is pivotally attached to the top plate for allowing a selective rocker movement therebetween, the rocker movement being transverse to the second direction of movement;
b4) a biasing means for urging the foot plate towards a de-activated position,c) a plurality of position sensors for sensing the relative position of the sensing end of the top plate with respect to the base member, each of the position sensors being adapted for preparing a function of the multi-function device for selective activation;
d) an activating means that senses the selective movement of the foot plate from the de-activated position to a first activated position, the first activated position providing a signal for activating the prepared function of the multi function device; and
wherein the relative multi-directional movement of the foot operator assembly with respect to the base member prepares a function of the multi-function device for selective activation and the selective activation thereafter of the prepared function of the multi-function device being by only the rocker movement of the foot plate to the first activated position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A foot operated control apparatus for randomly selecting any function and subsequently activating that function of a multi-function device that includes a base assembly and a foot operator assembly. The foot operator assembly is capable of being articulated in at least distinct three directions of travel with respect to the base assembly. The foot operator assembly may be selectively moved by the foot of the user in any of the directions, separately or in combination, to provide a floating-like movement. This apparatus includes indicating means for providing physical sensory indications to the user during the random selection and activation of a function.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A foot operated control apparatus for randomly selecting a function and subsequently actuating that selected function of a multi-function device comprising:
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a) a base member and a foot operator assembly; b) the foot operator assembly including b1) an intermediate carriage that is reciprocally journalled on the base member for allowing selective movement along a first direction of movement, the first direction of movement being along a plane that is parallel to a major surface of the base member; b2) a top plate that is reciprocally journalled to the intermediate carriage for allowing a second direction of movement of a sensing end of the top plate;
the second direction of movement being along a path that is transverse to the first direction of movement;b3) a foot plate that is pivotally attached to the top plate for allowing a selective rocker movement therebetween, the rocker movement being transverse to the second direction of movement; b4) a biasing means for urging the foot plate towards a de-activated position, c) a plurality of position sensors for sensing the relative position of the sensing end of the top plate with respect to the base member, each of the position sensors being adapted for preparing a function of the multi-function device for selective activation; d) an activating means that senses the selective movement of the foot plate from the de-activated position to a first activated position, the first activated position providing a signal for activating the prepared function of the multi function device; and wherein the relative multi-directional movement of the foot operator assembly with respect to the base member prepares a function of the multi-function device for selective activation and the selective activation thereafter of the prepared function of the multi-function device being by only the rocker movement of the foot plate to the first activated position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification