Abstract: A latch comprises a support block which, in use, is attached to a first member, and a strike block which, in use, is attached to a second member. A first lever is attached to the support block and shaped to engage with the strike block when the first and second members come into contact. A link member is pivotally attached to the support block. A second lever is pivotally attached to the link member and is shaped to engage with the strike block, with a third lever, pivotally attached to the link member and engageable with the support block, to retain the latch in a latched position. Biasing means biases the third lever into engagement with the support block when the second lever is in its engaged position.

Abstract: A one-part, front mounted receptacle 1 for a quick release fastener has a first element 11 which provides a retention mechanism 12 for engaging and retaining a stud of the fastener. A second element 16 having a pair of flexible elongate components 17 is spaced from the first by a bight portion 14 and has a pair of transverse tabs 19 disposed adjacent the bight portion. These are adapted to engage one face 33 of a support 30, in an aperture 31 of which the receptacle is mounted. In use, the bight portion 14 engages the other face 32. A third element 20 is disposed at the opposite end of the second element 16 from the bight portion 14 and has a flexible barb portion 23 arranged to flex on insertion of the receptacle in the aperture and to engage the other face after insertion in order to retain the receptacle in the aperture.

Abstract: In an internal shoe-drum brake of the duo-servo type a strut assembly with which non-actuated shoe ends engage is slidably guided in an open-ended through bore in a fixed housing and the length of the strut assembly is substantially greater than the maximum transverse dimension thereof.

Abstract: A disc or drum brake fluid pressure actuator incorporates a lock actuator strut acting on an inner part of a telescopic piston assembly, of which the inner and outer parts are normally rendered effectively unitary by pre-stressed spring which can, however, deflect under excess pressure to permit extension of the lock actuator strut when it is desired to operate the strut for parking purposes. An hydraulic control system for operating the actuator is also described and illustrated.

Abstract: A thrust transmitting assembly, particularly useful as a shoe tip abutment for an internal shoe drum brake, has a cylindrical output member and a slidable input member in the form of a piston, the members being transmissively coupled by a fluent material, such as an elastomeric material, which transmits input thrust in one direction to the output member in the same direction but at a higher velocity.

Abstract: An abutment assembly for an internal shoe drum brake, particularly a vehicle wheel brake, comprising a pair of opposed abutment members for engagement with respective ends of the brake shoes and an arrangement for transmitting only part of the input force applied to one abutment member, to the other abutment member. The arrangement comprises a plurality of individual force-transmitting members each pivotally supported between and engaging the said one abutment member and an output member coupled to the other abutment member.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel spring brake actuator has a service braking piston and cylinder assembly and an auxiliary parking or emergency braking piston and cylinder assembly, the emergency braking piston being spring biassed towards a brake-applying position and normally held off by an opposing fluid pressure, upon release of which the spring force is transferred through the emergency braking piston and a force transferring member to the service braking piston to apply the brake. A quick release device is movable through a small distance to permit relative movement between the force transferring member to release the applied brake, the release device and the force transferring member extending through the emergency braking piston freely and with clearance.

Abstract: An abutment assembly for an internal shoe drum brake, particularly a vehicle wheel brake, comprising opposed abutment members for engagement with respective brake shoes and an arrangement for transmitting forces between the abutment members. The arrangement comprises a deformable member contained within a recess in one abutment member and sandwiched between the abutment member and a piston in force transmitting relation with the other abutment member. The deformable member has different areas of engagement with the piston and the one abutment member so that only a part of the thrust applied to one abutment member is transmitted to the other abutment member.