SPHERE BRAKE FOR CYCLES

Abstract

A cycle braking system is provided where the system comprises a brake sphere engaged with a shaft adjacent to a wheel of a cycle and a brake caliper, where the brake caliper is mounted to a cycle's chassis and aligned around the brake sphere rotor. In one embodiment, the cycle braking system further comprises brake pad(s) with an inner side and a contact side, a brake housing having the brake pad(s) positioned between the caliper and the contact side facing the brake sphere; and the brake caliper connected to a cycle's hydraulic lines.

Claims

1. A cycle braking system comprising: (a) a brake sphere engaged with a shaft adjacent to a wheel of a cycle; and (b) a brake caliper; wherein the brake caliper is mounted to a cycle's chassis and aligned around the brake sphere rotor.

2. The cycle braking system of claim 1 further comprising: (a) brake pad(s) with an inner side and a contact side; (b) a brake housing having the brake pad(s) positioned between the caliper and the contact side facing the brake sphere; and (c) the brake caliper connected to a cycle's hydraulic lines.

3. The cycle braking system of claim 1 wherein multiple braking systems are located adjacent to one wheel on a single drive shaft of a cycle.

4. The cycle braking system of claim 3, wherein a splitter evenly distributes fluid pressure to the braking systems located at one wheel on a single drive shaft of a cycle.

5. The cycle braking system of claim 1, wherein multiple braking systems are located adjacent to more than one wheel on a single drive shaft of a cycle.

6. The cycle braking system of claim 5, wherein a splitter evenly distributes fluid pressure to braking systems located at more than one wheel on a single drive shaft of a cycle.

7. The cycle braking system of claim 1, whereby the brake is actuated with a mechanical system, an electrical magnet, or a solenoid.

8. The cycle braking system of claim 2, wherein the brake pad(s) are formed with an installation and removal slot.

9. The cycle braking system of claim 2, wherein the brake pad(s) comprise more than one piece connected mechanically to form one brake shoe assembly.

10. The cycle braking system of claim 2 further comprising a bleeder valve.

11. A cycle braking system comprising: (a) a brake sphere rotor profile permanently attached to a wheel hub, wheel, or drive shaft of a cycle; and, (b) means for slowing the speed of the cycle by applying pressure to said brake sphere to slow the rotation of the same.

12. A method for slowing down a cycle utilizing a brake sphere braking system comprising: (a) depressing a brake lever and/or foot pedal; (b) increasing pressure in a system or signaling electronic frequency to activate a caliper; (c) thereby forcing a brake pad to engage with a brake sphere; (d) thereby causing friction between the brake sphere and brake pad; and (e) resulting in slowing the rotation of the cycle's wheel.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the brake is installed on a shaft rotating around a central axle or axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 shows the cycle braking system according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the cycle braking system according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows the cycle braking system according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 shows a hydraulic sphere brake according to one embodiment installed on the LAND-DISTRICT e-motorcycle.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows a hydraulic sphere brake according to one embodiment installed on the Cleveland CycleWerks ACE motorcycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The described sphere brake technology leverages axial compression in lieu of expansion. When the brake is applied, a hemispherical pad(s) compress on a spherical surface(s). This inherent design allows multi-directional brake force application around the brake surface generating more torque with a smaller brake effective diameter.

[0016] In one aspect, the sphere brake is centrally located by the axis of the cycle wheels. This is a constant location which insures consistent braking, brake adjustment, and replacement. In addition, the sphere brake provides increased surface area as compared to a flat surface. This increased surface area in turn increases friction and braking power. In one embodiment, the centrally located brake assembly and its components are designed in a compact manner allowing no tool brake pad changes. This design frees up space to improve function, aesthetics, and may reduce weight. In addition, the compact design provides increased protection from the elements, foreign materials, objects, and extremities of the riders. In various embodiments, the sphere brake assembly is actuated by hydraulics, electrics, pneumatically, or mechanical action.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram representing one embodiment of a hydraulic sphere brake system installed on a motorcycle (100) is provided. A hand lever (102) is compressed supplying pressure through a hydraulic line (104) down to a brake caliper (106). The brake caliper (106) is attached to the axle (108). As pressure increases in the caliper, a piston translates hydraulic pressure to mechanical pressure against a brake pad(s) (110). The brake pad (110) is positioned between the brake caliper (106) and sphere rotor (112) which is also attached to the wheel hub (114). The friction between the brake pad (110) and the sphere rotor (112) slow the rotation of the wheel (116).

[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, an explosion of one embodiment of a single hydraulic sphere brake (200) is provided. The brake caliper (202) comprises a bleeder valve (204), a hydraulic input line (206), and a brake pad guide (208). When hydraulic pressure is applied through the input line (206), the hydraulic pressure is converted into mechanical energy through the hydraulic piston (210). The hydraulic piston (210) applies mechanical pressure against the brake pad (214). The axle spacer (212) ensures proper tolerance between brake pad (214) and brake caliper (202). In one embodiment, the brake pad (214) has a slotted feature (216) which enables quick brake pad changes without any tools. The brake pad (214) translates friction against the sphere rotor (218). The sphere rotor (218) is attached to the wheel hub. The friction slows the rotation of the sphere rotor, slowing down the rotation of the wheel.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, a diagram representing one embodiment of a hydraulic sphere brake (300) comprising a split brake pad (304) is provided. The hydraulic housing (302) converts hydraulic pressure to mechanical pressure through a piston (306). The piston (306) applies pressure against the multi-piece brake pad (304) which applies friction force to the sphere rotor to slow the rotation of the wheel. In one embodiment, the multi-piece brake pad (304) is mechanically held together with pins or clips (308) for quick installation and removal.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0020] FIG. 4 shows the described hydraulic sphere brake installed on the LAND-DISTRICT e-motorcycle.

Example 2

[0021] FIG. 5 shows the described hydraulic sphere brake installed on the Cleveland CycleWerks ACE motorcycle.