Apparatus for concurrent actuation of multiple foot pedal operated switches

The present invention relates generally to foot pedal operated switches and to an apparatus for concurrent actuation of multiple foot pedal operated switches. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for concurrent actuation of multiple foot pedals to coordinate the operation of devices actuated by foot pedal operated switches, for example, medical equipment such as a video endoscope or a video fluoroscope. An apparatus is disclosed for coordinating the operation of multiple devices actuated by foot pedal operated switches. A housing has a lid movably mounted thereto and defines a recess therewithin. A foot pedal assembly has a pedal member which is downwardly movable and which is adapted to be depressed by downward pressure exerted by the foot of a user. The foot pedal assembly has a first switch operatively associated therewith which is actuated by a downward movement of the pedal member. The foot pedal assembly is disposed within the recess defined within the housing such that a downward movement of the lid displaces the pedal member of the foot pedal assembly to actuate the first switch. A second switch is disposed such that the downward movement of the lid of the housing also actuates the second switch. Downward movement of the lid actuates the first and second switches together to concurrently change the states of first and second devices operatively associated with the first and second switches. In one embodiment the second switch comprises a foot pedal operated switch, such that two foot pedal assemblies are positioned within the housing and actuated simultaneously upon a downward movement of the lid. In another embodiment the lid is divided into two sections, such that both of the switches are normally actuated concurrently, but one of the switches can be operated independently of the other if desired.