Abstract: The present invention provides a disk brake system comprising a wheel defining a rotational axis, a caliper mounted adjacent the wheel, and a rotor mounted for rotation with the wheel and engageable by the caliper. The rotor includes a mounting slot defined by first and second sidewalls, the first sidewall defining a first axis that substantially intersects the rotational axis, and the second sidewall defining a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis. Preferably, the mounting slot defines a center axis that intersects a radial axis of the wheel at an angle of at least 1.5 degrees, preferably at least 2.0 degrees and more preferably about 2.5 to 3.9 degrees. Preferably, the mounting slot has a width and a length that is at least 10% larger, preferably at least 15% larger, and more preferably about 20% larger than the width.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disk brake system comprising a wheel defining a rotational axis, a caliper mounted adjacent the wheel, and a rotor mounted for rotation with the wheel and engageable by the caliper. The rotor includes a mounting slot defined by first and second sidewalls, the first sidewall defining a first axis that substantially intersects the rotational axis, and the second sidewall defining a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis. Preferably, the mounting slot defines a center axis that intersects a radial axis of the wheel at an angle of at least 1.5 degrees, preferably at least 2.0 degrees and more preferably about 2.5 to 3.9 degrees. Preferably, the mounting slot has a width and a length that is at least 10% larger, preferably at least 15% larger, and more preferably about 20% larger than the width.

Abstract: A brake caliper assembly comprising a housing including inlet and outlet ends collectively defining forward and rearward directions. The housing includes an abutting surface facing in the rearward direction and positioned closer to the inlet end than to the outlet end. A pad assembly includes an engaging surface in engagement with the abutting surface to thereby substantially prevent movement of the pad assembly in the forward direction. The outlet end of the housing is free from a feature that substantially prevents movement of the pad assembly in the forward direction. The pad assembly includes a base and a projection extending from the base in the rearward direction and defining the engaging surface. The outlet end of the pad assembly can include an alignment member extending in the forward direction and engaging the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the forward direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a braking system that is designed to give the rider of a vehicle an audible indication of an impending lock-up condition (i.e., a condition where the wheel of a wheeled vehicle or track or a snowmobile is not rotating relative to the vehicle). Preferably, the frequency of the audible indication is proportional to the speed of the wheel or track. In one embodiment, the characteristics of the sound (e.g., frequency) are tuned to achieve an audible indication that can be readily heard and perceived by a rider under specific conditions, such as when the rider is wearing a helmet and also in the presence of other noise, such as engine and exhaust noise. In general, an audible indication in the range of about 6 kHz+/?1 kHz is preferred. The audible indication can be altered by changing the geometry and dimensions of the brake rotor and brake pads.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake assembly comprising a fluid conduit containing hydraulic fluid, a cylinder having a port fluidly connected to the conduit, and a piston positioned in the cylinder. The piston includes a recess having a depth at least 30% of a length of the piston. The assembly further includes a rod having an inner end positioned in the recess and an outer end outside the recess. In one embodiment, the piston moves relative to the cylinder along an axis, and the piston further includes a primary piston seal and a secondary piston seal separated by a seal spacing. The rod can axially overlap the secondary piston seal. For example, the inner end of the rod can be positioned axially between the primary piston seal and the secondary piston seal, and is preferably axially closer to the primary seal than to the secondary seal.

Abstract: A brake caliper assembly comprising a housing including inlet and outlet ends collectively defining forward and rearward directions. The housing includes an abutting surface facing in the rearward direction and positioned closer to the inlet end than to the outlet end. A pad assembly includes an engaging surface in engagement with the abutting surface to thereby substantially prevent movement of the pad assembly in the forward direction. The outlet end of the housing is free from a feature that substantially prevents movement of the pad assembly in the forward direction. The pad assembly includes a base and a projection extending from the base in the rearward direction and defining the engaging surface. The outlet end of the pad assembly can include an alignment member extending in the forward direction and engaging the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the forward direction.