Drum and constricting drum assembly

An improved drum for a constricting pneumatic drum brake assembly, comprising:

• (a) a drum disposed for rotary movement constructed to be received within a coupling component having an annular array of friction elements, the annular array of friction elements configured to move in a radial direction to engage the drum upon pneumatic inflation of the coupling component to provide a braking action, the drum having an annular outer and an annular inner surface with an annular ring extending radially inwardly from the annular inner surface of the drum, the outer annular surface of the drum constructed to engage the annular array of friction elements on the coupling component;
• and
• (b) a plurality of drum inserts disposed inside the drum and being situated substantially about the entire circumference of the annular inner surface of the drum, each of the drum inserts having a mounting bracket adapted for attachment to the annular ring, each of the drum inserts having a plurality of curved fins extending radially inwardly towards a center of the drum and substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the drum for transferring heat generated during the braking action, the plurality of drum inserts being positioned on the inner surface of the drum in an annular array in alignment with the annular array of friction elements on the coupling component.