Abstract A brake wear indicator for use in a self-adjuster brake assembly which includes the actuator associated with a brakeshoe, with the actuator arm turning the adjusting screw from time to time to achieve the self-adjusting action. With the present invention there is provided a movable terminal that is moved from time to time by the actuator arm and a fixed terminal that is mounted on the brakeshoe. As the brake linings wear away, the actuator screw is caused by the actuator arm to be rotated from time to time and with each advance of the actuator screw the movable terminal of the present invention is advanced toward the fixed terminal. At a predetermined amount of wear of the brake lining the movable terminal comes into contact with the fixed terminal to close a circuit that turns on a warning light that is preferably located on the dashboard of an automobile to warn the driver that the time has come to replace the brake lining of the automobile.
A brake wear indicator device for use in a self-adjuster assembly including an actuator arm, a brake lining and an adjusting screw motivated by said actuator arm ''''through a star wheel'''', the improvement comprising, providing a brake wear indicator device including a bracket for securement to said adjusting screw, said bracket ''''having secured thereto'''' a movable electrode adapted to be moved together with said adjusting screw, and a fixed electrode being secured to said actuator arm, ''''said movable and fixed electrodes being positioned on line with said adjusting screw and star wheel, whereby as said adjusting'''' screw is moved, said movable electrode approaches said fixed electrode, with ultimate contact being achieved between the electrodes to close a circuit to an indicator light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A brake wear indicator device for use in a self-adjuster assembly including an actuator arm, a brake lining and an adjusting screw motivated by said actuator arm ''''through a star wheel'''', the improvement comprising, providing a brake wear indicator device including a bracket for securement to said adjusting screw, said bracket ''''having secured thereto'''' a movable electrode adapted to be moved together with said adjusting screw, and a fixed electrode being secured to said actuator arm, ''''said movable and fixed electrodes being positioned on line with said adjusting screw and star wheel, whereby as said adjusting'''' screw is moved, said movable electrode approaches said fixed electrode, with ultimate contact being achieved between the electrodes to close a circuit to an indicator light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The brake wear indicator of claim 1 including a bracket which is adapted to be fitted upon the stem of an adjusting screw, with said bracket being provided with a tightening screw.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The brake wear indicator of claim 2 including a lead connecting a power source to said movable terminal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
The brake wear indicator of claim 1 including a conductive pin adapted to be positioned in one of the existing openings into the brakeshoe to permit electrical connection to said movable terminal in the event of a solid backing plate as a part of the said self-adjuster assembly, said pin being insulated from said shoe whereby electrical current may pass to said movable terminal.