Patent ID: 6029779
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: B60T,Y10T

Abstract:
A combination automatic parking brake and steering spindle for use in conjunction with a steerable wheel in a self-propelled vehicle, a propulsion system for said vehicle, at least one steerable wheel, a hollow steering spindle mount carried above said steerable wheel, wherein said parking brake is automatically activated whenever said propulsion system is shut off, and said parking brake is automatically released whenever said propulsion system is turned on, comprising:a brake pad carried above said steerable wheel,brake cylinder means above said steerable wheel, said brake cylinder means carrying said brake pad and extending through said hollow steering spindle mount, said brake cylinder means forming a hollow, cylindrical and generally vertically oriented steering spindle,brake actuator means connected to said brake pad, said brake actuator means including a spring urging said brake pad against said steerable wheel, andautomatic hydraulic brake release means carried by said brake cylinder means, said automatic hydraulic brake release means releasing said brake pad from said steerable wheel whenever said propulsion system is activated by applying sufficient hydraulic pressure to apply sufficient force to overcome and to release said brake actuator means.