Programmable vehicle model

• US 6,371,766 B1
• Filed: 10/02/1998
• Issued: 04/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Prefix Corporation
• Original Assignee: Prefix Corporation
• Inventors: Zeile, Kim A., Fox, John A., Sharples, Thomas M., Doll, Brian C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rovnak, John Edmund
• Application Number:
  US09/165,788
• Time in Patent Office: 1,292 Days
• Field of Search: 434/62, 434/66, 434/67, 434/69, 434/71, 434/373, 701/1, 296/187, 296/223
• US Class Current: 434/373
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/042 providing simulation in a real vehicle G09B9/052, G09B9/058 take precedence

Abstract

A dimensionally adjustable vehicle component and/or a simulated entire vehicle includes body panels and vehicle components arranged in a simulated vehicle position and movably mounted on internal support structure for dimensional adjustment in fore/aft, up/down and lateral directions to form a variety of different spatial relationships between the vehicle components. A drive mechanism, typically including a motor and a rotatable drive shaft, is coupled to each dimensionally adjustable vehicle component support structure for adjusting the dimensional position of a selected component via control signals from a central controller. An encoder is coupled to each rotatable shaft output and generates actual travel position information for the controller to determine the actual position of the selected, dimensionally adjusted component.

Claims

1. A dimensionally adjustable vehicle component comprising:

a base;

a first plate;

means, coupled between the first plate and the base, for longitudinally moving the first plate relative to the base;

a second plate movably disposed relative to the first plate;

means, coupled to the second plate, for laterally moving the second plate relative to the first plate;

vertical elevatable means, coupled to the second plate, for vertically elevating the second plate;

a mount carried on the vertical elevatable means; and

seat mounting pads, carried on the mount, for attachment to a seat.

2. The vehicle component of claim 1 further comprising:

the seat mounting pads disposed on at least one track slidably mounted on the mount; and

drive means, coupled to the at least one track, for sliding the at least one track with respect to the mount to change the orientation of the seat mounting pads with respect to the base.

3. The vehicle component of claim 2 further comprising:

the at least one track having an arcuate shape between opposed ends.

4. A dimensionally adjustable vehicle component comprising:

a base;

vertical elevatable means mounted on the base;

drive means for elevating the vertical elevatable means;

a first floor frame mounted on the vertical elevatable means;

a first floor plate fixed on the first floor frame;

a plurality of second floor frames slidably coupled to the first floor frame, a second plate mounted on each second floor frame and arranged in telescoping overlapping arrangement with the first floor plate to form a solid floor surface; and

the first floor frame and the plurality of second floor frames being laterally and longitudinally adjustable with respect to each other.

5. The vehicle component of claim 4 further comprising:

a third floor frame having a third plate mounted thereon;

a plurality of fourth floor frames, each having a fourth plate carried thereon, the third plate and the fourth plates arranged in telescoping overlapping relationship; and

means, coupled between the first floor frame and the third floor frame, for varying the lateral spacing between the first floor frame and third floor frame.

6. The vehicle component of claim 4 further comprising:

a seat disposed adjacent to the first floor frame and the plurality of second floor frames; and

means, coupled between two rearmost ones of the first and the second floor frames and the seat, for varying the longitudinal overlap of rearmost ones of the first and second plates with respect to frontmost ones of the first and second plates.

7. The vehicle component of claim 4 further comprising:

a toe plate angularly disposed with respect to the first floor frame;

means, coupled between the toe plate and one of the base and the first floor frame for longitudinally moving the toe plate with respect to the first floor frame.

8. The vehicle component of claim 7 further comprising:

a housing simulating a wheel well disposed adjacent to the toe plate; and

means, coupled between the housing and first floor frame, for independently moving the housing longitudinally with respect to the first floor frame and the toe plate.

9. A dimensionally adjustable vehicle component comprising:

a base;

a first floor frame carrying a floor panel, the first floor frame carried on the base;

a toe plate angularly disposed with respect to the floor frame; and

means, coupled between the first floor frame and the toe plate, for adjusting the longitudinal position of the toe plate relative to the floor first frame.

10. The vehicle component of claim 9 further comprising:

a toe plate angularly disposed with respect to the first floor frame;

means, coupled between the toe plate and one of the base and the first floor frame for longitudinally moving the toe plate with respect to the first floor frame.

11. The vehicle component of claim 10 further comprising:

a housing simulating a wheel well disposed adjacent to the toe plate; and

means, coupled between the housing and first floor frame, for independently moving the housing longitudinally with respect to the first floor frame and the toe plate.

12. A dimensionally adjustable vehicle component comprising:

a base mounted on a platform;

accelerator pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting an accelerator pedal;

brake pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting a brake pedal;

means for moving the base and the accelerator pedal support means and the brake pedal support means laterally together relative to the platform; and

means for selectively laterally spacing the brake pedal support means from the accelerator pedal support means.

13. The vehicle component of claim 12 further comprising:

a first slider mounted on the base, the first slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the first slider, for laterally moving the first slider relative to the base.

14. The vehicle component of claim 13 further comprising:

a second slider carried on the first slider, the second slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the second slider, for moving the second slider and for longitudinally varying the position of the brake pedal support means with respective to the accelerator pedal support means.

15. The vehicle component of claim 12 wherein the accelerator pedal support means comprises:

a first track slidably mounted on an accelerator pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the accelerator pedal mounted on one end of the first track; and

resistance means, coupled to the first track, for biasing the one end of the first track and the accelerator pedal outward from the accelerator pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the first track and the accelerator pedal in an opposed direction.

16. The vehicle component of claim 15 wherein the brake pedal support means comprises:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

17. The vehicle component of claim 12 further comprising:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

18. The vehicle component of claim 12 further comprising:

clutch support means for supporting a clutch pedal, the clutch support means mounted on the first slider.

19. A vehicle model comprising:

a platform;

panel support means including first and second pairs of longitudinally spaced pillars, the pillars in each of the first and second pairs of pillars laterally spaced on the platform, each of the first and second pairs of pillars being independently laterally and longitudinally movable relative to the platform;

a plurality of vehicle body panels mounted on the panel support means in a vehicle body position simulating a vehicle; and

first and second pairs of upper pillar members, each angularly and extensibly mounted with respect to the first and second pairs of pillars, respectively.

20. The vehicle model of claim 19 further comprising a vehicle roof, the vehicle roof comprising:

a first pair of frontmost roof frames, each carrying a frontmost roof panel;

a second pair of rearmost roof frames, each carrying one rearmost roof panel;

the first and second pairs of frontmost and rearmost roof panels disposed in a telescoping, overlapping, transverse and longitudinal arrangement to form an entire roof; and

roof panel drive means, coupled to the first and second pairs of frontmost and rearmost roof frames, for transversely and longitudinally adjusting the position of the first and second pairs of roof frames with respect to each other to vary the perimeter dimensions of a roof formed by the first and second roof panels.

21. The vehicle model of claim 20 further comprising:

means for longitudinally adjusting the position of the entire roof as a unit with respect to the second pair of pillars.

22. The vehicle model of claim 21 wherein the means for longitudinally adjusting the position of the entire roof as a unit comprises:

a pair of supports, one support coupled to each opposed side of one of the first and second pairs of roof frames;

a bracket movable on each support and connected to one of the second pillars; and

drive means, carried on one of the supports and coupled to the bracket or each support, for longitudinally adjusting the position of each bracket with respect to one second pillar.

23. The vehicle model of claim 20 further comprising:

first and second supports carried on opposed sides of one of the frontmost and rearmost pairs of roof frames;

a link pivotally connected to each of the first and second supports and arranged for complimentary rotation with an opposed link;

a slider pivotally connected to each link, the slider movably mounted in a block;

a drive nut carried in each block and coupled to the slider, and threadingly receiving a threaded screw;

a universal joint connected to opposed ends of first and second telescopingly extendable shafts and coupled to a threaded shaft; and

a gear coupled to one of the universal joints and to one of the threaded shafts for reversing the direction of rotation of the one threaded shaft for identical directional rotation of both of the shafts.

24. The vehicle model of claim 20 further comprising:

a bracket slidably mounted on one of the frontmost roof frames;

a mirror mounted to the bracket;

a pair of racks carried on adjacent surfaces of each of frontmost roof frames; and

a gear carried on the bracket and engageable with the racks upon opposed lateral movement of the racks with the roof frames to maintain the bracket in a normal, unmoved position relative to the vehicle model.

25. The vehicle model of claim 19 further comprising:

a base;

a first plate;

means, coupled between the first plate and the base, for longitudinally moving the first plate relative to the base;

a second plate;

means, coupled to the second plate, for laterally moving the second plate relative to the first plate;

vertical elevatable means, coupled to the second plate, for vertically elevating the second plate;

a mount carried on the vertical elevatable means; and

seat mounting pads, carried on the mount, for attachment to a seat.

26. The vehicle model of claim 25 further comprising:

the seat mounting pads disposed on at least one track slidably mounted on the mount; and

drive means, coupled to the at least one track, for sliding the at least one track with respect to the mount to change the orientation of the seat mounting pads with respect to the base.

27. The vehicle model of claim 19 further comprising:

a base mounted on a platform;

accelerator pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting an accelerator pedal;

brake pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting a brake pedal;

means for moving the base and the accelerator pedal support means and the brake pedal support means laterally together relative to the platform; and

means for selectively laterally spacing the brake pedal support means from the accelerator pedal support means.

28. The vehicle model of claim 27 further comprising:

a first slider mounted on the base, the first slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the first slider, for laterally moving the first slider relative to the base.

29. The vehicle model of claim 28 further comprising:

a second slider carried on the first slider, the second slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the second slider for moving the second slider and for longitudinally varying the position of the brake pedal support means with respective to the accelerator pedal support means.

30. The vehicle model of claim 27 wherein the accelerator pedal support means comprises:

a first track slidably mounted on an accelerator pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the accelerator pedal mounted on one end of the first track; and

resistance means, coupled to the first track, for biasing the one end of the first track and the accelerator pedal outward from the accelerator pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the first track and the accelerator pedal in an opposed direction.

31. The vehicle model of claim 30 wherein the brake pedal support means comprises:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

32. The vehicle model of claim 27 further comprising:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

33. The vehicle model of claim 27 further comprising:

clutch support means for supporting a clutch pedal, the clutch support means mounted on the first slider.

34. The vehicle model of claim 19 further comprising:

a base;

vertical elevatable means mounted on the base;

drive means for elevating the vertical elevatable means;

a first floor frame mounted on the vertical elevatable means;

a first floor plate fixed on the first floor frame assembly;

a plurality of second floor frames slidably coupled to the first floor frame, a second plate mounted on each second floor frame and arranged in telescopingly overlapping arrangement with the first floor plate to form a solid floor surface; and

the first floor frame and the plurality of second floor frames being laterally and longitudinally adjustable with respect to each other.

35. The vehicle model of claim 34 further comprising:

a third floor frame having a third plate mounted thereon;

a plurality of fourth floor frames, each having a fourth plate carried thereon, the third plate and the fourth plates arranged in telescoping overlapping relationship; and

means, coupled between the first floor frame and the third floor frame, for varying the lateral spacing between the first floor frame and the third floor frame.

36. The vehicle model of claim 34 further comprising:

a seat disposed adjacent to the first floor frame and the plurality of second floor frames; and

means, coupled between the two rearmost ones of the first and the second floor frames and the seat, for varying the longitudinal overlap of rearmost ones of the first and second plates with respect to frontmost ones of the first and second plates.

37. The vehicle model of claim 34 further comprising:

a base;

a first plate;

means, coupled between the first plate and the base, for longitudinally moving the first plate relative to the base;

a second plate;

means, coupled to the second plate, for laterally moving the second plate relative to the first plate;

vertical elevatable means, coupled to the second plate, for vertically elevating the second plate;

a mount carried on the vertical elevatable means; and

seat mounting pads, disposed on the mount, for attachment to a seat.

38. The vehicle model of claim 37 further comprising:

the seat mounting pads disposed on at least one track slidably mounted in a bracket on the mount; and

drive means, coupled to the at least one track, for sliding the at least one track with respect to the bracket to change the angular orientation of the seat with respect to the base.

39. The vehicle model of claim 37 further comprising:

a base;

a first floor frame carrying a floor panel, the first floor frame carried on the base;

a toe plate angularly disposed with respect to the floor frame; and

means, coupled between the first floor frame and the toe plate, for adjusting the longitudinal position of the toe plate relative to the first floor frame.

40. The vehicle model of claim 39 further comprising:

a housing simulating a wheel well disposed adjacent to the toe plate; and

means, coupled between the housing and first floor frame, for independently moving the housing longitudinally with respect to the first floor frame and the toe plate.

41. The vehicle model of claim 34 comprising:

a base;

a first floor frame carrying a floor panel, the first floor frame carried on the base;

a toe plate angularly disposed with respect to the floor frame; and

means, coupled between the first floor frame and the toe plate, for adjusting the longitudinal position of the toe plate relative to the first floor frame.

42. The vehicle model of claim 41 further comprising:

a housing simulating a wheel well disposed adjacent to the toe plate; and

means, coupled between the housing and first floor frame, for independently moving the housing longitudinally with respect to the first floor frame and the toe plate.

43. The vehicle model of claim 41 further comprising:

a base mounted on a platform;

accelerator pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting an accelerator pedal;

brake pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting a brake pedal;

means for moving the base and the accelerator pedal support means and the brake pedal support means laterally together relative to the platform; and

means for selectively laterally spacing the brake pedal support means from the accelerator pedal support means.

44. The vehicle model of claim 43 further comprising:

a first slider mounted on the base, the first slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the first slider, for laterally moving the first slider relative to the base.

45. The vehicle model of claim 44 further comprising:

a second slider carried on the first slider, the second slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the second slider for moving the second slider and for longitudinally varying the position of the brake pedal support means with respective to the accelerator pedal support means.

46. The vehicle model of claim 43 wherein the accelerator pedal support means comprises:

a first track slidably mounted on an accelerator pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the accelerator pedal mounted on one end of the first track; and

resistance means, coupled to the first track, for biasing the one end of the first track and the accelerator pedal outward from the accelerator pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the first track and the accelerator pedal in an opposed direction.

47. The vehicle model of claim 46 wherein the brake pedal support means comprises:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

48. The vehicle component of claim 43 further comprising:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

49. The vehicle component of claim 43 further comprising:

clutch support means for supporting a clutch pedal, the clutch support means mounted on the first slider.

50. The vehicle model of claim 34 further comprising:

a base mounted on a platform;

accelerator pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting an accelerator pedal;

brake pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting a brake pedal;

means for moving the base and the accelerator pedal support means and the brake pedal support means laterally together relative to the platform; and

means for selectively laterally spacing the brake pedal support means front he accelerator pedal support means.

51. The vehicle model of claim 50 further comprising:

a first slider mounted on the base, the first slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the first slider, for laterally moving the first slider relative to the base.

52. The vehicle model of claim 51 further comprising:

a second slider carried on the first slider, the second slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the second slider for moving the second slider and for longitudinally varying the position of the brake pedal support means with respective to the accelerator pedal support means.

53. The vehicle model of claim 50 wherein the accelerator pedal support means comprises:

a first track slidably mounted on an accelerator pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the accelerator pedal mounted on one end of the first track; and

resistance means, coupled to the first track, for biasing the one end of the first track and the accelerator pedal outward from the accelerator pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the first track and the accelerator pedal in an opposed direction.

54. The vehicle model of claim 53 wherein the brake pedal support means comprises:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

55. The vehicle component of claim 50 further comprising:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

56. The vehicle component of claim 50 further comprising:

clutch support means for supporting a clutch pedal, the clutch support means mounted on the first slider.

57. The vehicle model of claim 19 further comprising:

a base;

a first floor frame carrying a floor panel, the first floor frame carried on the base;

a toe plate angularly disposed with respect to the floor frame; and

means, coupled between the first floor frame and the toe plate, for adjusting the longitudinal position of the toe plate relative to the first floor frame.

58. The vehicle model of claim 57 further comprising:

a housing simulating a wheel well disposed adjacent to the toe plate; and

means, coupled between the housing and first floor frame, for independently moving the housing longitudinally with respect to the first floor frame and the toe plate.

59. The vehicle model of claim 19 further comprising:

a housing simulating a wheel well disposed adjacent to the toe plate; and

means, coupled between the housing and first floor frame, for independently moving the housing longitudinally with respect to the first floor frame and the toe plate.

60. The vehicle model of claim 19 further comprising:

a base mounted on a platform;

accelerator pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting an accelerator pedal;

brake pedal support means, carried on the base, for supporting a brake pedal;

means for moving the base and the accelerator pedal support means and the brake pedal support means laterally together relative to the platform; and

means for selectively laterally spacing the brake pedal support means from the accelerator pedal support means.

61. The vehicle component of claim 60 further comprising:

a first slider mounted on the base, the first slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the first slider, for laterally moving the first slider relative to the base.

62. The vehicle model of claim 61 further comprising:

a second slider carried on the first slider, the second slider carrying the brake pedal support means; and

drive means, coupled to the second slider for moving the second slider and for longitudinally varying the position of the brake pedal support means with respective to the accelerator pedal support means.

63. The vehicle model of claim 60 wherein the accelerator pedal support means comprises:

a first track slidably mounted on an accelerator pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the accelerator pedal mounted on one end of the first track; and

resistance means, coupled to the first track, for biasing the one end of the first track and the accelerator pedal outward from the accelerator pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the first track and the accelerator pedal in an opposed direction.

64. The vehicle model of claim 63 wherein the brake pedal support means comprises:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

65. The vehicle model of claim 60 further comprising:

a second track slidably mounted on a brake pedal support bracket carried on the first slider, the brake pedal mounted on one end of the second track; and

resistance means, coupled to the second track, for biasing the one end of the second track and the brake pedal outward from the brake pedal support bracket to a foot engagement position and for providing resistance against movement of the second track and the brake pedal in an opposed direction.

66. The vehicle model of claim 60 further comprising:

clutch support means for supporting a clutch pedal, the clutch support means mounted on the first slider.

67. The vehicle model of claim 19 further comprising:

drive means, including an electric motor coupled to a rotatable shaft coupled to one panel support means, for adjusting the dimensional position of the panel support means;

encoder means for generating output pulses upon rotation of an output shaft of the motor; and

control means, coupled to the drive means and responsive to the encoder means, for controlling the drive means and for determining the actual position of the panel support means being adjusted.