BRAKE AND STEERING ENGAGEMENT DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

A device and related methods for remotely engaging a brake pedal of a vehicle, and/or engaging the steering wheel of the vehicle to arrest movement thereof, in order to perform a repair or maintenance process on the vehicle. The device allows a single user to remotely control an adjustable support which extends to fit between the steering wheel and brake pedal of the vehicle, with an actuation system operable to depress and release the brake pedal while the user is positioned at a position outside the vehicle to affect maintenance or repair. The device can be used for remotely depressing a brake pedal of a vehicle in order to bleed the hydraulic brake system, check the brake light function, flushing the brake fluid, air brake diagnoses to check for air leaks and function, repair a component of the brake system (e.g., pads, rotors, cylinders, etc.) or suspension system, change or rotate a tire, adjust the alignment, or any other process which involves removing a wheel, or putting the vehicle up on jacks.

Claims

1. A device for engaging a brake system and a steering mechanism of a vehicle, comprising: a. an adjustable support for changing the length of the device, said adjustable support comprising a first arm and a second arm, said first arm comprising a sliding channel on an inner surface thereof and said second arm comprising a sliding tab on an outer surface thereof, wherein said second arm is slidably fitted within said first arm and said sliding tab slidably engages with said sliding channel such that said second arm is prevented from twisting in relation to said first arm; b. a wheel mount for securely and statically attaching said device to a steering wheel of said vehicle; c. a pedal mount for attaching said device to a brake pedal of said vehicle; d. an actuation system for extending said device operable to apply a calibrated pressure to said brake pedal sufficient to arrest rotational movement of the steering wheel and the wheels of the vehicle during a maintenance operation performed on the vehicle; e. a remote control system for remotely operating said actuation system.

2. (canceled)

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said wheel mount comprises a latching mechanism having a plurality of cinching notches for engagement with said steering wheel.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The device of claim 3, wherein said wheel mount has a material having a high coefficient of friction for contacting said steering wheel and said latching mechanism.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The device of claim 1, wherein said actuation system comprises a pneumatic cylinder, a pneumatic shaft, and a pneumatic control, said pneumatic cylinder housing said pneumatic shaft in an air-tight and telescopic manner.

17. A method affecting a repair or maintenance process on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: a. attaching a device having a wheel mount to a steering wheel of a vehicle; b. adjusting a length of said device by sliding a second arm into or out of a first arm and setting the position of said second arm relative to said first arm with a locking device; c. attaching a pedal mount of said device to a brake pedal of the vehicle; d. positioning a user at a location outside the cabin of said vehicle; and e. remotely activating an actuation system of said device to apply a pressure to said brake pedal and arrest rotational movement of said steering wheel and wheels of the vehicle.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said pressure is calibrated to a pre-determined value sufficient to arrest the rotation of said wheels of said vehicle.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said wheel mount comprises a first wheel mount and a second wheel mount, and said step of attaching said wheel mount to a steering wheel of a vehicle comprises attaching said first wheel mount to a first lateral side of said steering wheel and attaching said second wheel mount to a second lateral side of said steering wheel.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein remotely activating said actuation system increases tension between said wheel mount and said steering wheel.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the remote control system comprises a remote control button, the remote control button being operable to cause the pneumatic system to either depress the brake pedal or release the brake pedal, depending on the length of time the remote control button is depressed, and further comprising the step of releasing the brake pedal via the remote control system.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. The method of claim 17, wherein said wheel mount comprises a latching mechanism having a plurality of cinching notches for engagement with said steering wheel.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said wheel mount includes a material on at least a portion thereof that interfaces with the steering wheel, said material having a high coefficient of friction in contact with the steering wheel.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said wheel mount comprises a forked shape having a first support member for extending adjacent to inside surface of said steering wheel and a second support member for extending adjacent to an outside surface of said steering wheel.

28. The method of claim 17, wherein said first arm comprises a sliding channel on an inner surface thereof and said second arm comprises a sliding tab on an outer surface thereof, wherein said second arm is slidably fitted within said first arm and said sliding tab slidably engages with said sliding channel such that said second arm is prevented from twisting in relation to said first arm.

29. The method of claim 17, further comprising an electronic remote control operable to activate the remotely activated actuator to extend or retract the arm by remote electromagnetic signal.

30. A method affecting a repair or maintenance process on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: a. attaching a device having a wheel mount to a steering wheel of a vehicle; b. adjusting a length of said device by sliding a second arm into or out of a first arm and setting the position of said second arm relative to said first arm with a locking device; c. attaching a pedal mount of said device to a brake pedal of the vehicle; and d. remotely activating an actuation system of said device to apply a apply a calibrated pressure to said brake pedal sufficient to arrest rotational movement of the steering wheel and the wheels of the vehicle during a maintenance operation performed on the vehicle.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said wheel mount comprises a latching mechanism having a plurality of cinching notches for engagement with said steering wheel.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein said wheel mount includes a material on at least a portion thereof that interfaces with the steering wheel, said material having a high coefficient of friction in contact with the steering wheel.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein said wheel mount comprises a forked shape having a first support member for extending adjacent to inside surface of said steering wheel and a second support member for extending adjacent to an outside surface of said steering wheel.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein said first arm comprises a sliding channel on an inner surface thereof and said second arm comprises a sliding tab on an outer surface thereof, wherein said second arm is slidably fitted within said first arm and said sliding tab slidably engages with said sliding channel such that said second arm is prevented from twisting in relation to said first arm.

35. The method of claim 30, further comprising an electronic remote control operable to activate the remotely activated actuator to extend or retract the arm by remote electromagnetic signal.

36. (canceled)

37. The method of claim 35, wherein remotely activating said actuation system increases tension between said wheel mount and said steering wheel.

38. The method of claim 35, wherein the remote control system comprises a remote control button, the remote control button being operable to cause the pneumatic system to either depress the brake pedal or release the brake pedal, depending on the length of time the remote control button is depressed, and further comprising the step of releasing the brake pedal via the remote control system.

39. (canceled)

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a top-down cutout view of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a side cutout view of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a wheel mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a wheel mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a wheel mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of a pedal mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of a pedal mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 10C shows a perspective view of a pedal mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 11 shows a front view of a wheel mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 12 shows a front view of a wheel mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 13A shows a front view of a wheel mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 13B shows a side view of a wheel mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 14 shows a front view of a wheel mount of a brake and steering engagement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0066] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. Conversely, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given as a way to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0067] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referring particularly to FIGS. 1-5, it is seen that the present invention includes various embodiments of a break-bleeding device which may be remotely operated by a person positioned at a brake line valve of the vehicle, and methods of using the break-bleeding device.

[0068] Without limiting the invention, FIGS. 1-3 show a brake and steering engagement device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The brake and steering engagement device 100 (hereinafter the invention) is configured for use with a hydraulic brake system 172 of a vehicle. The invention 100 comprises an adjustable support 101, a wheel mount 102, a pneumatic system 103, a remote control system 104, a pedal mount 105, and a power system 106.

[0069] The adjustable support 101 may have a first end 161 and a second end 162, the first end 161 being near the steering wheel of the vehicle 171 and the second end being nearer to the brake pedal 174 of the vehicle 171 when the invention 100 is installed (see FIG. 4). The adjustable support 101 may also comprise a first arm 181 and a second arm 182, the second arm 182 being slidably fitted within the first arm 181 at the first end 161 such that the length of the adjustable support 101 may be quickly adjusted to fit the distance between the steering wheel 175 and the brake pedal 174, and the second arm 182 being secured in place in relation to the first arm 181 by setting a position locking device 183. The first arm 181 may also support the pneumatic system 103 at the second end 162. The first arm 181 has a position locking hole 184, and the second arm 182 has multiple adjustment holes 185 along its length. The length of the adjustable support 101 may thereby be altered by sliding the second arm 182 in or out of the first arm 181 until an appropriate adjustment hole 184 lines up with the position locking hole 185, and fitting the position locking device 183 through both the position locking hole 184 and the appropriate adjustment hole 185. The position locking device 183 may comprise pin.

[0070] The wheel mount 102 may be attached at the first end 161 of the adjustable support 101. The wheel mount 102 may comprise a rigid hook 188 with a swinging arm 189, the swinging arm 189 being operable to swing outward, away from the first end 161 of the adjustable support 101, while the rigid hook 188 is installed on the steering wheel 175 (see FIG. 4). The swinging arm 189 may then swing back into a closed position and be held in place by a ridge on a lower extension 190 of the rigid hook 188.

[0071] The pedal mount 105 may be attached to a distal end 164 of the pneumatic system 103 and secure the pneumatic system 103 in position to depress the brake pedal 174 of the vehicle 171. The pedal mount 105 may include a plate 143, a leg tip 141, and a hook and loop fastener 142, the plate 143 being attached to the distal end of the pneumatic system 103, and supporting the leg tip 141 and the hook and loop fastener 142. The hook and loop fastener 142 may comprise a strap of sufficient length to wrap around the brake pedal 174, slide through a slot of the plate 143, and fold back against itself. The pedal mount 105 may comprise a commercially available hook and loop fastener 142 such as a Velcro strap. The leg tip 141 may be attached to a bottom side of the plate 143 and be operable to be secured against the brake pedal 174 when the hook and loop fastener 142 is in a secured position.

[0072] The pneumatic system 103 may be operable to extend the length of the brake and steering engagement device and may comprise a pneumatic cylinder 121, a pneumatic shaft 122, and a pneumatic control 123, the pneumatic control 123 comprising an air input port 124 and an air exhaust port 125. The air input port 124 may be operable to connect to and receive air pressure from a compressed air source 128 (see FIG. 5). The air input port 124 may comprise a commercially available standard male pneumatic connector. The pneumatic control 123 may be in electronic communication with, and able to receive a command from, the remote control system 104. The pneumatic control 103 may further comprise an air valve 126, the air valve 126 being operable to open or close the air input port 124 and to open or close the air exhaust port 125 in accord with the command received from the remote control system 104. In some embodiments, the air valve 126 may comprise a commercially available three-way solenoid valve.

[0073] The pneumatic control 123 may be in fluid communication with the pneumatic cylinder 121 and be operable to direct air pressure into, or release air pressure from, the pneumatic cylinder 121. The pneumatic cylinder 121 may house the pneumatic shaft 122 in an air-tight and telescopic manner, such that the pneumatic shaft 122 is operable to extend out of the pneumatic cylinder 121 as air pressure is directed into the pneumatic cylinder 122 via the pneumatic control 123, causing the pedal mount 105 to apply pressure to the brake pedal 174 of the vehicle. The pneumatic shaft 122 may also be operable to retract back into the pneumatic cylinder 121 as air pressure is released from the pneumatic cylinder 121 via the pneumatic control 123, releasing pressure from the brake pedal 174.

[0074] The pneumatic system 103 may further include an adjustable valve 165, the adjustable valve 165 being operable to limit the flow of air moving between the pneumatic control 123 and the pneumatic cylinder 121, thereby slowing the extension or retraction of the pneumatic shaft 122. The adjustable valve 165 may be operable to be adjusted to increase or decrease the maximum flow of air moving between the pneumatic control 103 and the pneumatic cylinder 121. The adjustable valve 165 may include an adjusting screw 166, the maximum flow of air moving between the pneumatic control 103 and the pneumatic cylinder 121 being adjusted by turning the adjusting screw 166.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 5, the remote control system 104 may include at least one remote controller 131 with at least one remote control button 133, and a remote receiver 132 capable of receiving a signal from the remote controller 131, the remote controller 104 being an electrical device that transmits a signal via a radio frequency link, the signal being used to direct the pneumatic control 123. The remote receiver 132 may be housed with and in electronic communication with the pneumatic control 103 and allow a user to remotely operate the pneumatic control 103. The remote controller 131 may be in wireless electronic communication with the remote receiver 132. The remote controller 131 may comprise a remote fob including the at least one remote control button 133, and be in wireless electronic communication with the remote receiver 132 via at least one remote control channel 135. The fob 131 is a handheld transmitter that comprises a remote control button 133.

[0076] In some embodiments, the remote control button 133 may be operable to cause the pneumatic control 103 to either open the air input port 124, or the air exhaust port 125, depending on how long the remote control button 133 is depressed. The remote receiver 132 is a receiver that communicates with the fob 131 using the remote control channel 135. The remote control channel 135 being a radio frequency link. The remote receiver 132 controls the operation of the air valve 126. The fob 131 may send a radio frequency control signal to the remote receiver 132. The remote control button 133 is a switch that is mounted on the fob 131. The actuation of the remote control button 133 may cause the fob 131 to establish the radio frequency link between the remote control button 133 and the remote receiver 132.

[0077] The remote receiver 132 is a radio-receiving device. The remote receiver 132 receives the signal from the fob 131 and, based on the signal, the remote receiver 132 may send a command to the pneumatic control 123 to change the position of the solenoid valve 126 from a closed position, to: 1) forming a fluidic connection between the compressed air source 128 and the pneumatic cylinder 121; or 2) forming a fluidic connection between the pneumatic cylinder 121 and the air exhaust port 125; and 3) moving back to a closed position. The remote control system 104 may comprise a commercially available 433 MHz remote control switch and receiver.

[0078] A user may cause the pneumatic control 103 to open the air input port 124 by depressing the remote control button 133 for longer than an predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), and close the air input port 124 by releasing the remote control button 133. The air exhaust port 125 may be opened by depressing the remote control button 133 for less than the predetermined period of time. Upon installation of the invention 100 in the vehicle 171, the first actuation of the remote control button 133 may be used to depress the brake pedal 174 in order to apply pressure to the hydraulic fluid of the vehicle brake system 172, and the second actuation of the remote control button 133 may be used to release pressure from the brake pedal 174 such that the resulting pumping action may subsequently be repeated.

[0079] The power system 106 may be operable to provide power to each of the remote receiver 132 and the pneumatic control 123. The power system 106 may comprise an outlet plug 151 and a power source housed near the remote receiver 132 and pneumatic control 123, the outlet plug 151 being operable to plug into the electrical system 173 of the vehicle 171, and comprising a cigarette lighter plug.

[0080] FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the brake and steering engagement device according to the present invention. The brake bleeding device 100a shown in FIG. 6 includes the same or similar features to those shown in FIGS. 1-5, with the additional feature of a joint 1800 in the second arm 182. The brake and steering engagement device 100a may include a first portion 182a and a second portion 182b of the second arm 182. The first portion 182a and the second 182b portion may be adjustably connected by the joint 1800 (e.g., a hinge joint) that can adjust the angle between the first portion 182a and the second portion 182b in order to accommodate vehicles that have bulky panels or structures below the steering column. The pivoting joint may allow the brake fluid bleeding device to be routed around the bulky panels of some vehicles without any impact on the effectiveness of the device.

[0081] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary configuration of the wheel mount of the present invention. The wheel mount 1102 shown in FIG. 7 may include a laterally extending curved receiver 1103 for creating more interfacing surface area with the steering wheel SW for a more stable interface. The wheel mount 1102 may have flared lateral portions that have a curvature that is complementary to the circular curvature of the steering wheel SW. The wheel mount 1102 may also include a notched securing device 1104 that connects and interlocks with complementary notches on the backside of the receiver 1103. The notched securing device 1104 may have (1) a curved surface that interfaces with the superior portion of circumference of the steering wheel at point P and (2) flexing or pivoting joints 1104a and 1104b to allow the notched securing device 1104 to wrap around the circumference of the steering wheel at point P and provide a tight fit. In other examples, the wheel mount 1102 may have straps with buckle fasteners or hook and loop fasteners (Velcro), or other fastening mechanisms that wrap around the steering wheel to secure the curved receiver 1103 to the steering wheel.

[0082] In still further examples, the wheel mount may not have a fastener that wraps around the steering wheel, and instead pressure fits onto the steering wheel. As shown in FIG. 8, without limiting the invention, the wheel mount 1202 may not include a part that folds or fits over the superior portion of steering wheel SW at point P. Instead, the curved sidewalls 1203a and 1203b may be resilient and flexible such that they be deformed to press the wheel mount 1202 onto the steering wheel SW at point P and the curved sidewalls 1203a and 1203b may then resile to their original shape to snugly grasp the circumference of the steering wheel SW. The sidewalls may be made from one or more resilient materials such as cross-linked polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), spring steel, composites of such materials, and other appropriate materials.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, the interior surfaces of the wheel mount that interface with the steering wheel may be covered with a high friction surface, such as a knurled metal or plastic surface, or a tacky rubber surface to increase the coefficient of friction between the steering wheel and the wheel mount. For example, the high friction material may provide a static coefficient of friction in the range of 0.5 to 1.0. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of the wheel mount of the present invention 1302 that includes a high friction surface 1303a lining the interior surface of the interfacing structure 1303. The high friction material may be, for example, a rubber or rubber foam comprising one or more of silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polyurethane foam, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polypropylene foam, and other appropriate materials.

[0084] In some embodiments, the pedal mount may include a bracket for fitting over the brake pedal of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 10A, the pedal mount 405 may have a bracket structure that reaches around the edges of the brake pedal 174. The pedal mount 405 may include straps 406a and 406b for wrapping around the backside of the brake pedal 174 to aid in securing the pedal mount 405, and the straps 406a and 406b may be secured around the brake pedal 174 with buckles 407a and 407b, respectively. The pedal mount 405 may also be secured to the first arm 181 by a movable joint, such as a ball and socket joint 410. The ball and socket joint 410 may have a limited range of motion (e.g., about 10 to about 20 relative to the central axis of the joint, such that the joint 410 allows some movement to accommodate vehicles of different designs and sizes, but not so much that the joint rotates to the point that it pedal mount rolls around the surface of the brake pedal when the second arm is actuated. The combination of the securing bracket and the joint 410 help the brake bleeding systems of the present invention to accommodate different shaped dashes and paneling within various vehicles while still maintaining a stable, firm connection between the pedal mount and the brake pedal.

[0085] In some embodiments, the pedal mount may have a bracket structure that may be pressure fit over the face of the brake pedal 174. As shown in FIG. 10B, the pedal mount 505 may have a bracket structure that reaches around the edges of the brake pedal 174. The pedal mount 505 may include firm, but resilient curved sidewalls 505a and 505b that can be deformed to press the pedal mount 505 onto the brake pedal 174 and the curved sidewalls 505a and 505b may then resile to their original shape to snugly grasp the top and bottom edges of the brake pedal 174. The sidewalls may be made from one or more resilient materials such as cross-linked polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), spring steel, composites of such materials, and other appropriate materials.

[0086] In some embodiments, the pedal mount may include a bracket for fitting over the brake pedal of the vehicle that has an adjustable size. To accommodate the varying vertical dimension of brake pedals, some embodiments of the pedal mount may have a two piece bracket that can be expanded or contracted by virtue of a sliding joint between the two pieces of the bracket. In some embodiments, the bracket may grip the back side of the pedal and the sliding joint may be lockable, such that no strap is needed to wrap around the pedal to secure it in place. As shown in FIG. 10C, the pedal mount 605 may have a bracket structure that reaches around the edges of the brake pedal 174. The pedal mount 605 may include sidewalls 606a and 606b that include flanges 607a and 607b, respectively, for wrapping around the backside of the brake pedal 174 to aid in securing the pedal mount 605 to the brake pedal 174. The bracket 602 may include two pieces 602a and 602b that are slidable with respect to one another at joint 620. The two pieces 602a and 602b may be moved to expand or contract the pedal mount 602 to accommodate the vertical dimension of the brake pedal to which the pedal mount is attached. The pedal mount may include lockable sliding mechanisms 610a and 610b, which may be secured with latches once the pedal mount is properly fitted onto the brake pedal. The pedal mount 405 may also be secured to the second arm 182 by a movable joint, such as a ball and socket joint.

[0087] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary configuration of the wheel mount of the present invention. The wheel mount 1402 shown in FIG. 11 may comprise a first wheel mount 1402a attached to the second arm 182 of the adjustable support and attachable to a first lateral side 1410 of the steering wheel SW, and a second wheel mount 1402b attached to the second arm 182 of the adjustable support and attachable to a second lateral side 1411 of the steering wheel 1411. The first wheel mount 1402a and second wheel 1402b mount may each comprise an attachment mechanism operable to attach to the steering wheel SW in a secure and static manner (i.e., wherein the first 1402a and second 1402b wheel mounts remain in the same position on the steering wheel SW despite rotational force being applied thereto). The attachment mechanism may comprise a strap having a hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro). The first wheel 1402a mount may comprise a first strap 1420 operable to securely engage with (e.g., wrap around) the steering wheel SW at or adjacent to a first spoke 1412 thereof, and the second wheel mount 1402b may comprise a second strap 1421 operable to securely engage with the steering wheel SW at or adjacent to a second spoke 1413 thereof. The first strap 1420 may engage with the first spoke 1412 directly, and the second strap 1421 may engage with the second spoke 1413 directly.

[0088] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary configuration of the wheel mount of the present invention. The wheel mount 1502 shown in FIG. 12 may comprise a first wheel mount 1502a operable to securely and statically engage with a first lateral side 1510 of the steering wheel SW and a second wheel mount 1502b operable to securely and statically engage with a second lateral side 1511 of the steering wheel SW. Each of the first 1502a and second 1502b wheel mounts may each comprise a laterally extending curved surface 1503 for receiving the steering wheel SW and a notched securing device 1504 that connects and interlocks with complementary notches on the backside of the laterally extending curved surface 1503. The notched securing device 1504 may have (1) a curved surface that interfaces with the superior portion of circumference of the steering wheel SW and (2) flexing or pivoting joints which allow the notched securing device 1504 to wrap around the circumference of the steering wheel SW and provide a tight fit. The laterally extending curved surface 1503 of the first 1502a and second 1502b wheel mounts may each comprise a material on a portion of the wheel mount that interfaces with the steering wheel SW, the material having a high coefficient of friction in contact with the steering wheel SW.

[0089] The first 1502a and second 1502b wheel mounts may each further comprise an extendable support 1505 and a pivoting base 1506, the extendable support 1505 being adjustable in length and the pivoting base 1506 being operable to adjust the angle of the extendable support 1505 in relation to the second arm 182 of the adjustable support. The extendable support 1505 and pivoting base 1506 may allow the device of the present invention to accommodate steering wheels of various sizes and shapes (e.g., non-round steering wheels, or steering wheels having wide spokes or support members which prevent attachment of a wheel mount in a certain area of the steering wheel). By extending the length of the extendable supports 1505, or adjusting the angle of the extendable supports 1505 via the pivoting bases 1506, a distance may be increased between the laterally extending curved surfaces 1503 of the first 1502a and second 1502b wheel mounts. The greater distance may allow the first 1502a and second 1502b wheel mounts to be attached to a steering wheel SW having a greater diameter, or to move the first 1502a and second 1502b wheel mounts to wider lateral positions on the steering wheel SW, providing increased leverage for the device to prevent rotation of the steering wheel SW. Each of the first 1502a and second 1502b wheel mounts may further comprise a pivoting joint connecting the laterally extending curved surface 1503 to the extendable support 1505, allowing the angle of the laterally extending curved surface 1503 to match the angle of the steering wheel SW at the point of engagement therewith.

[0090] FIG. 13A shows an exemplary configuration of the wheel mount of the present invention. The wheel mount 1602 shown in FIG. 13 may comprise a first wheel mount 1602a and a second wheel mount 1602b. The first wheel mount 1602a may comprise a forked shape having a first support member 1603a for extending around or adjacent to an inner surface 1610a of a first lateral side 1610 of the steering wheel SW, and a second support member 1603b for extending around or adjacent to an outer surface 1610b of the first lateral side 1610 of the steering wheel SW. Similarly, the second wheel mount 1602b may comprise a forked shape having a first support member 1604a for extending around or adjacent to an inner surface 1611a of a second lateral side 1611 of the steering wheel SW, and a second support member 1604b for extending around or adjacent to an outer surface 1611b of the second lateral side 1611 of the steering wheel SW. The first support members 1603a, 1604a may each comprise a securing device 1607 (e.g., a strap with an enlarged end) for wrapping around the steering wheel SW and attaching to the second support members 1063b, 1604b, respectively, at an attachment point 1608 (e.g., a notch having a diameter complementary to a diameter of the strap but too narrow to allow the enlarged end to pass). When installed, the first support member 1603a of the first wheel mount 1602a may be operable to but up against a first spoke 1612 of the steering wheel SW. The first wheel mount 1602a may thus prevent rotation of the steering wheel SW in a first rotational direction by lying in the rotational path of the first spoke 1612. The first support member 1604a of the second wheel mount 1602b may similarly but up against and lie in the rotational path of a second spoke 1613 of the steering wheel SW, preventing rotation of the steering wheel SW in a second rotational direction (i.e., opposite of the first rotational direction). FIG. 13B provides a side view of an embodiment of the present invention, showing the direction of installation of the wheel mount 1602 onto the steering wheel SW.

[0091] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary configuration of the wheel mount of the present invention. The wheel mount 1702 may comprise a fork shaped cradle 1703 having first and second support members (1702a, 1702b) for extending to each side of the bottom of the steering wheel SW. A flexible securing device 1707 may be attached to the first support member and my have multiple notches at different points along its length for connected with a notch receiver 1708 located on the second support member, where the multiple cinching notches of the securing device 1707 allow the securing device to be tightened around steering wheels of various cross-sectional circumferences.

[0092] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in FIGS. 1 through 5 include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

[0093] The present invention provides a device and related methods for remotely depressing a brake pedal of a vehicle in order to bleed the hydraulic brake system, check the brake light function, flushing the brake fluid, or air brake diagnoses to check for air leaks and function. It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

CONCLUSION/SUMMARY

[0094] The present invention provides a device and methods for bleeding the brake system of a vehicle without the need for two people to participate in the operation. It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.