Abstract An Automatic Parking or Emergency Brake system for motor vehicles comprising means by which the parking, or emergency brakes of a motor vehicle will become applied automatically when the engine of the vehicle is shut off or stalls, and by which the brakes will become released automatically and immediately when the engine is started, and then only when the driver''s seat is occupied and pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal. The described means includes also an arrangement by which, when the vehicle is halted at crossings and elsewhere on either level or hilly roadway, the parking or emergency brakes will be automatically applied within about three seconds after the vehicle comes to a complete stop and thus creeping of the vehicle is prevented, and this is particularly desirable when it is one of the automatic transmission type.
In a brake system for a motor vehicle having a brake, the improvement which comprises the combination of: means for automatically applying said brake upon stopping of the vehicle, said brake applying means including an electrical control circuit energized from the vehicle battery; and seat switch means in series with said control circuit and operable to cause the latter to apply said brake whenever the driver''s seat of the vehicle is unoccupied; said seat switch means being closed when the driver''s seat is occupied and open when the driver''s seat is unoccupied; and said control circuit including electrical terminals in series with said seat switch means which are closed when the vehicle is moving and open-circuited when the vehicle stops.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
In a brake system for a motor vehicle having a brake, the improvement which comprises the combination of: means for automatically applying said brake upon stopping of the vehicle, said brake applying means including an electrical control circuit energized from the vehicle battery; and seat switch means in series with said control circuit and operable to cause the latter to apply said brake whenever the driver''s seat of the vehicle is unoccupied; said seat switch means being closed when the driver''s seat is occupied and open when the driver''s seat is unoccupied; and said control circuit including electrical terminals in series with said seat switch means which are closed when the vehicle is moving and open-circuited when the vehicle stops.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A brake system according to claim 1, and further comprising: a switch operable by the accelerator pedal of the vehicle for causing the circuit path between said terminals to close so as to release said brake if said seat switch means also is closed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
A brake system according to claim 2, wherein: said control circuit includes a relay which becomes de-energized and open-circuits said terminals after a time delay upon stopping of the vehicle and release of the accelerator pedal; and said accelerator pedal switch is connected in circuit with said relay to energize the latter by closing.