BRAKE STROKE INDICATOR ATTACHMENT

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a brake stroke indicator attachment for use with a sensor further comprised of a first bracket secured to the vehicle, the first bracket adjustably secured to the second bracket with securing mechanism to adjust a length of the attachment relative to the vehicle's slack adjuster. The second bracket is further comprised of an opening to receive the brake wear sensor, the brake wear sensor to be activated based on wear and tear of the brake pads.

Claims

1. A brake stroke indicator attachment for use with brakes comprising: a first bracket secured to a vehicle, the first bracket further comprised of at least a first aperture; and, a second bracket secured to the first bracket, the second bracket further comprised of: an elongated portion further comprised of a second aperture; and, a stepped portion further comprised of an opening, wherein the opening of the second bracket is constructed and arranged to receive and secure a sensor thereto.

2. The brake stroke indicator of claim 1 wherein the first aperture is two longitudinal slits.

3. The brake stroke indicator of claim 1 wherein the second aperture is a longitudinal slit.

4. The brake stroke indicator of claim 1 wherein the first bracket is further comprised of a bent portion to be secured to the vehicle.

5. The brake stroke indicator of claim 1 wherein the first bracket is secured to the second bracket by a securing mechanism.

6. The brake stroke indicator of claim 5 wherein the securing mechanism is further comprised of a plurality of nuts and bolts.

7. The brake stroke indicator of claim 1 wherein the stepped portion is positioned at a distance X from a slack adjuster of the vehicle.

8. The brake stroke indicator of claim 7 wherein the distance X is a range between inches and inches after full braking pressure is applied to the vehicle.

9. A method of installation of a brake stroke indicator attachment for use with brakes, the steps comprising: securing a first bracket to a brake chamber stud; and, adjusting a second bracket relative to the first bracket to a distance X from the slack adjuster, wherein X is defined as of a brake stroke travel limit.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein X is a range between inches and inches after full braking pressure is applied to the vehicle.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein a sensor is installed on the second bracket.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the sensor is connected to a light to alert the driver of the vehicle that the brakes should be adjusted.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the first bracket is secured to the second bracket by a securing mechanism.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the securing mechanism is further comprised of a plurality of nuts and bolts.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein the first bracket is slid longitudinally relative to the second bracket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following figures serve to illustrate various embodiments of features of the disclosure. These figures are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a brake stroke indicator attachment, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first bracket for a brake stroke indicator attachment, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of a second bracket for a brake stroke indicator attachment, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and,

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a brake stroke indicator attachment secured to a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated that various modifications and/or alterations to the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the disclosure and any modifications and/or alterations are within the scope of the contemplated disclosure.

[0014] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a brake stroke indicator attachment 10 is shown to be secured to a vehicle. The attachment 10 is connected to a brake sensor 15, which sends a signal to a light (not shown) to alert the vehicle driver that the brakes need adjusting or are not as effective anymore. A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that such light would be installed on the front left outside corner of the trailer for a driver to see it from the mirror, or mounted on the dash inside the cab of the cab of the truck. The attachment 10 is preferably comprised of a first bracket 20, the first bracket 20 further comprised of two apertures 25, 27, shown as longitudinal slits as well as a second bracket 30, the second bracket 30 further comprised of an aperture 35, also shown as longitudinal slit. Although longitudinal slits are shown, a worker skilled in the art would appreciate that drilled holes could also be used. The first bracket 20 is further comprised of a first opening 29 and the second bracket 30 is further comprised of a second opening 37. The first opening 29 of the first bracket 20 is constructed and arranged to be secured to a brake chamber stud (not shown), typically by means of a bolt and a nut. To secure the first bracket 20 to the second bracket 30, securing mechanism 40, such as nuts and bolts, are inserted into the longitudinal slits 25, 27 of the first bracket 20 and through the longitudinal slits 35 of the second bracket 30. Before tightening the securing mechanism 40, the first bracket 20 can be adjusted relative to the second bracket 30 to provide a desired or optimal length. Once the first and second brackets 20, 30 are adjusted at the desired length for the attachment 10, the securing mechanism 40 is tightened such that the first and second brackets 20, 30 do not move one relative to the other.

[0015] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second bracket 30 is further comprised of an elongated portion 45 and a stepped portion 47. The stepped portion 47 of the second bracket 30 is arranged so that it extends towards a slack adjuster 50 of the vehicle. The second opening 37 is positioned on the stepped portion 47 of the second bracket 30. The second opening 37 is able to receive and secure a sensor 15. The sensor 15 eventually comes into contact with the slack adjuster 50 as further detailed below. As is known, when a brake pedal is depressed for stopping, the slack adjuster 50 is pneumatically pushed back. As the brakes are used, the brake pads wear down and therefore the stroke measurement (the distance travelled by the slack adjuster 50) will increase. Eventually, the slack adjuster 50 will come into contact with the sensor 15, which will in turn complete a circuit. Completing said circuit will activate a light (not shown) to alert the driver of the vehicle that the brakes should be adjusted. Such adjustment could lead to a brake shoe replacement of other repairs o the braking components. An advantage of the present attachment 10 is that it is easy to install, inexpensive and utilizes existing power from the stop light circuit to power the light (not shown).

[0016] With further reference to FIG. 4, a method of securing the attachment 10 to a vehicle shall be described. First, the first bracket 20 is secured to the existing brake chamber stud. Then, the second bracket 30 is adjusted relative to the first bracket 20 at a distance X from the slack adjuster 50 The distance X depends on the optimal brake stroke measurement, which is calculated when the service brakes are fully applied. Indeed, in other words, upon installation, brakes are adjusted before full braking pressure is applied and the distance X is then measured. This distance X is then typically determined to be between inch- inch. The optimal brake stroke is measured to ensure that the attachment 10 is properly adjusted to be activated at the appropriate wear of the brakes. In standard applications, that has been determined to be of its legal travel limit. Once the distance X has been determined, the second bracket 30 is secured to the first bracket 20 so that the second bracket 30 does not move relative to the first bracket 20. Finally, a sensor 15 is attached into the second opening 37 of the second bracket 30.

[0017] Many modifications of the embodiments described herein as well as other embodiments may be evident to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is understood that these modifications and additional embodiments are captured within the scope of the contemplated disclosure which is not to be limited to the specific embodiment disclosed.