Single-handled vehicle brake system

Abstract

A transmission unit for bicycle brakes consisting of a single operating force input (10, 12) connected to a force multiplier (14) which distributes said multiplied force between two operating force outputs (16, 18) via a differential which equalizes the two operating force outputs while giving preferential motion of one of the outputs in the phase of motion prior to the full equalization of the multiplied operating force. This unit allows a single brake cable (12) from a control lever (10) to connect within the unit to a cam actuator follower which transfers this single operating force by means of a ratio modulating cam lever (26) which incorporates a guide pulley which moves via a fulcrum pivot axle (28) located between the cam structure and the guide pulley structure. This mechanism is combined with a cable (16, 18) which is looped around 180.degree. of the guide pulley and which exits the unit in parallel paths in a direction of opposition to the motion of the cam structure via the pivot axle described. Each end of the pulley-actuated brake cable described connects to one of each of the two wheel brakes allowing equalization of the distributed force. A light friction generating device (32-36) within the unit connects to one of the two operating force outputs to insure preferential actuation of the rear wheel brake within the phase of operation of initial brake-to-wheel contact but prior to full operating force application, during which full equalization is desired so as not to compromise the efficient transfer of the operating force input to the two operating force outputs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.