Abstract: A disc brake is provided with a torque member having a pair of arms which define a recess which slidably receives one of the friction elements. The torque member and one friction element are designed so that braking torque is transmitted from the one friction element to the torque member through a primary abutment located on the lower edge of the recess, and a pair of secondary abutments. The other friction element is carried by a caliper which is slidably mounted on removable rails mounted on the upper end of the arms. The braking torque generated by the other friction element is transmitted through the caliper and the rails mounted on the other arm. Consequently, the braking torque is divided so that it is taken by several different portions of the torque member, thereby permitting a smaller and more efficient torque member.

Abstract: A mechanically actuated disc brake includes a wedge actuator which urges an extensible, force transmitting member toward the disc brake rotor in order to effect a brake application. A ratchet mechanism is carried by the extensible member and by a piston slidably mounted within the brake housing. The ratchet mechanism is responsive to movement of the extensible member toward the rotor in access of a predetermined amount in order to effect elongation of the extensible member to limit retraction in the piston, so that retraction of the friction elements is similarly limited. The extensible member also cooperates with a manual adjustment mechanism which may be used to manually adjust the brakes or to "back-off" the extensible member to permit movement of the friction elements away from the disc in excess of the predetermined amount when the friction elements must be removed when the brake is serviced.