Abstract: The invention is directed to an insert for a backing plate assembly for a composition friction brake shoe. The insert is particularly useful in the formation of a universal brake shoe for use with a trolley car braking system. The insert includes a central member having a first and second set of attachment posts extending from the respective ends thereof. These first and second sets of attachment posts are adapted for securing a first and second backing plate strap, respectively, thereto. A key bridge extends through a back portion of the central member and is configured for attachment to a brake shoe. A flange guide support extends from a side portion of the insert and includes legs defining a channel that runs parallel to the insert. The flange guide support is adapted for contacting a wheel flange to align a brake shoe with the wheel during braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake shoe without a metal backing has a metal insert (9) comprising a main body (10), two wing-like extensions (12/13) integral with, on opposite sides of and extending away from the main body having back faces adjacent to the back surface of the brake shoe, two generally parallel radially extending flanges (15/16) integral with the main body and/or the wing-like extensions. The parallel extension defines a keyway (17), wherein when the brake shoe is emplaced on the brake head, the keyway extends through an opening provided in the brake head.

Abstract: A brake shoe mounting system for railway vehicles includes a composition type brake shoe having a recessed center portion and two bracket-style backing plates integrally molded into the composition type brake shoe. There is one bracket style backing plate per each half of the brake shoe. Each bracket style backing plate further includes at least two projections extending outwardly from the convex surface of the composition brake shoe. The two projections extending outwardly are closely adjacent a first end of the brake shoe and at least one projection extends outwardly from the convex surface of the brake shoe closely adjacent the recessed center portion of the composition type brake shoe. The mounting system further includes a brakehead having a concave surface with a central projection for engaging the recessed center portion of the convex surface of the brake shoe.