Brakes – Wheel – Axially movable brake element or housing therefor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-16
2001-11-06
Oberleitner, Robert J. (Department: 3613)
Brakes
Wheel
Axially movable brake element or housing therefor
C188S071300, C188S073380, C188S072500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311806
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a caliper piston construction and more particularly to a piston construction which allows for increased heat isolation.
2. Description of Related Art
Many vehicles today simultaneously employ two types of braking systems: disc and drum. It is widely accepted, however, that disc brakes provide the majority of the stopping power. Thus, conventional braking systems can be improved by converting existing drum brakes to disc. Disc brakes can be further improved by switching to calipers which employ multiple pistons.
An example of a disc brake employing multiple pistons is U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,227 to Pelfrey. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,363 to Herbulot et al. discloses a twin-disc brake system employing multiple pistons. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,974 to Filderman discloses an actuator mounting system for a multiple piston system.
While each of these braking systems achieves its own particular objective, none of them provides a construction with improved heat isolating characteristics. Furthermore, none of the above referenced systems limits the amount of air which escapes into the brake fluid lines.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved brake system which can be used for heat isolation and air intake reduction. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved piston construction for use within a brake caliper.
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises an improved piston structure for use in a brake caliper. The piston includes a cylindrical base portion having a circular spring receiving recess formed therein for receiving a base mounted spring. The piston is further defined by a cylindrical brake pad engaging portion. This engaging portion has a recess formed within its length. The engaging portion further includes an inner face. A thin layer of heat isolating material is adapted to be removably coupled to the inner face. This coupling can be achieved by way of a threaded fastener or the like. The heat isolating material, in turn, is adapted to engage the surface of an adjacent brake pad. Lastly, the engaging portion has an opening formed within its inner face. This opening functions in receiving the threaded fastener.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved piston construction for use within a brake caliper.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a piston construction which efficiently isolates the heat generated during braking operations.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved piston construction which limits the amount of air which escapes into the brake lines.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a brake system which reduces maintenance needs.
Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a piston construction which is light weight and easy to manufacture.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved disc braking system. Such system employs two mating housings. Each of these houses has a pair of cylindrical piston receiving recesses. Such recesses include a base mounted spring; a brake fluid inlet passage; and an upstanding seal formed adjacent an opened end of the piston recess. The brake system further includes a slidably positioned brake pad formed adjacent the opened ends of the piston recesses. A piston is fitted into each of the piston recess of the housings. Each piston includes a base portion and a engaging portion. The cylindrical base portion is formed from a major diameter. The base portion further includes a circular spring receiving recess for receiving a base mounted spring. A cylindrical recess is formed within the length of the base portion. An elastomeric o-ring is positioned within the recess and has an outer surface which is adapted to form a fluid tight seal with the cylindrical piston recess of the housing. The engaging portion of the piston is preferably cylindrical and formed of a lesser, or minor, diameter. A cylindrical recess is formed within the length of the engaging portion and is adapted to receive a peripheral edge of the upstanding seal of the braking system. The engaging portion has an inner face. A thin layer of heat isolating material is adapted to be coupled to the inner face by way of a screw. The heat isolating material, in turn, is adapted to engage the surface of an adjacent brake pad. Furthermore, an opening is formed within the inner face of the engaging portion. The opening is adapted to receive the screw which retains the isolating material.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4496033 (1985-01-01), Hall et al.
patent: 4867280 (1989-09-01), Von Gruenberg et al.
patent: 5363944 (1994-11-01), Thiel et al.
patent: 5485899 (1996-01-01), Thiel et al.
patent: 5515948 (1996-05-01), Gilliland
patent: 5538105 (1996-07-01), Rike
patent: 5551712 (1996-09-01), Repucci
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patent: 5660253 (1997-08-01), Rike
patent: 5826686 (1998-10-01), Rike
patent: 6044936 (2000-04-01), Matsumoto et al.
patent: 6082509 (2000-07-01), Buckley
Gonzalez Angelo
Wilkie Roben
Kramer Devon
Oberleitner Robert J.
Vette Brakes & Products, Inc.
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