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: Disclosed is an end stabilized backing plate for an extended length brake shoe for use in a railway braking system. The backing plate includes an elongated main portion extending along a longitudinal axis. This main portion has a front face, a back face, a first end portion and an opposed second end portion. A first and second pair of tab members are provided on each of the first and second end portions. These tab members extend in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the main body and function to stabilize the end portions of the extended length brake shoe which extend beyond the length of a brake head and reduce and/or eliminate cracking of these end portions of the brake shoe. A method of stabilizing end portions of an extended length brake shoe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A brake shoe without a metal backing has a metal insert comprising two spaced apart bodies, a connecting portion having a back face adjacent to the back surface of the brake shoe, and two generally parallel radially extending flanges integral with the connecting portion. The parallel extensions define a keyway, wherein when the brake shoe is emplaced on the brake head, the keyway extends through an opening provided in the brake head.

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: Disclosed is an end stabilized backing plate for an extended length brake shoe for use in a railway braking system. The backing plate includes an elongated main portion extending along a longitudinal axis. This main portion has a front face, a back face, a first end portion and an opposed second end portion. A first and second pair of tab members are provided on each of the first and second end portions. These tab members extend in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the main body and function to stabilize the end portions of the extended length brake shoe which extend beyond the length of a brake head and reduce and/or eliminate cracking of these end portions of the brake shoe. A method of stabilizing end portions of an extended length brake shoe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A brake shoe formed of friction material for use without a metal backing plate. The brake shoe is defined by a friction surface for bearing upon a wheel tread and an opposed back surface for being placed in contact with and secured to a brake head. The brake shoe has a reinforcing mesh defining a plurality of interstices positioned along the back surface of the brake shoe embedded in a molded friction material that is reinforced with a plurality of fibers. A keyway is at least partially formed of the molded fiber reinforced friction material extending away from the back surface of the brake shoe.

Abstract: A brake shoe without a metal backing has a metal insert comprising two spaced apart bodies, a connecting portion having a back face adjacent to the back surface of the brake shoe, and two generally parallel radially extending flanges integral with the connecting portion. The parallel extensions define a keyway, wherein when the brake shoe is emplaced on the brake head, the keyway extends through an opening provided in the brake head.