# US 8,739,939 B2 · Brake system and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,739,939 B2 - Document ID: US8739939B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/726,268 - Filed: 2012-12-24 - Published: 2013-05-02 - Granted: 2014-06-03 - Earliest claimed: 2006-09-12 - Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - Applicants: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - Inventors: Joseph Aaron Mears; Hiroki Ishikawa; Kevin Scott Katerberg - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8739939B2 ## CPC - B60T 11/046: {Using cables (B60T11/043 takes precedence)} - B60T 11/06: Equalising arrangements - B62D 25/20: Floors or bottom sub-units {(sub-frames for mounting engine or suspensions B62D21/11; drip trays F16N31/006)} - F16D 65/14: Actuating mechanisms for brakes; Means for initiating operation at a predetermined position (brake control systems, parts thereof B60T) - B60T: VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL (electrodynamic brake systems for vehicle, in general B60L; brakes per se, i.e. devices where braking effect occurs, including ultimate brake actuators, F16D); ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES - B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M) - F16D: COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES ## Abstract A brake system for a vehicle can include a brake actuator, an equalizer operably connected to the actuator, and two brake wires that are each connected to the equalizer and extend to first and second brake assemblies. The first and second brake wires can extend in a first direction extending from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The first brake wire can cross over the second brake wire at least once and possibly twice, each time in a direction transverse to the first direction. Additionally, the first and second brake wires can each include a cover that protects a respective wire. The covers can be in contact with each other at the crossover point for the wires to minimize noise, friction and to improve operating ability and durability of the brake wires. The various features, such as the cross-over configuration, the contacting wires, and/or the covers, also make it possible to minimize the space requirements for the wires in the vehicle. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A brake system for a vehicle, comprising: a brake actuator; an equalizer operably connected to the brake actuator; a first brake wire having a first portion connected to the equalizer and a second portion connected to a first brake assembly associated with a first wheel; and a second brake wire having a first portion connected to the equalizer and a second portion connected to a second brake assembly associated with a second wheel, wherein the first and second brake wires extend from the equalizer toward a portion of the vehicle located substantially between the first wheel and second wheel, the first brake wire crossing the second brake wire at two locations spaced from the equalizer such that the first brake wire and second brake wire extend from the equalizer to the first brake assembly and second brake assembly, respectively. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The brake system of claim 1, wherein the brake system is a parking brake system, and the first wheel and second wheel are rear wheels of the vehicle. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The brake system of claim 1, further comprising: a first cover located adjacent a portion of the first brake wire; and a second cover located adjacent a portion of the second brake wire, wherein the first cover and second cover are located at one of the two locations at which the first brake wire crosses the second brake wire, the first cover and second cover being in contact with each other. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The brake system of claim 3, wherein the first cover and second cover are connected to the first brake wire and second brake wire, respectively, via at least one of an adhesive bond and an interference fit. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The brake system of claim 1, wherein the equalizer is incorporated into the actuator. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The brake system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first cover and second cover comprises a rubber material. ### Claim 7 (depends on 3) The brake system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first cover and second cover comprises Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The brake system of claim 1, wherein the equalizer is separated from and connected to the brake actuator via a wire. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The brake system of claim 1, further comprising: a housing cover located adjacent the first brake wire and the second brake wire and configured to protect the first brake wire and second brake wire, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover contacts the housing cover. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The brake system of claim 1, further comprising: a housing cover including a central portion and two support portions, the central portion extending from one of the support portions to another one of the support portions, and wherein the central portion of the housing cover is located adjacent the first brake wire and the second brake wire, at least one of the first cover and the second cover contacts the central portion of the housing cover, and the support portions are configured to engage a floor panel of a vehicle and suspend the central portion above the floor panel such that the housing cover protects the first brake wire and second brake wire when the housing cover is secured to the floor panel.