Abstract:
A brake pad dust collector or diverter is described, which includes a brake caliper extension operatively associated with the brake pad, the extension shaped or configured so as to divert and/or collect brake dust.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/670,220, filed Apr. 11, 2005, the entire contents of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Brake pads are made of a compressed combination of metal, plastic asbestos and other compounds designed to be effective at elevated operating temperatures, while also resisting excessive wear. While such technology is effective for braking and provides a more easily serviceable brake configuration, the advent of the disc brake has culminated in an ongoing aesthetic problem.  
         [0003]     The problem is most visible with regard to inclusion of disc brakes and alloy wheels in the same design. The aesthetic problem occurs as the dust from the brake pads deposits on the alloy wheels. The dust is a combination of carbon fibers, metal filings and polymer adhesives. Because the dust contains adhesive residue, the dust leaves a fine gray, brown and black film on the surface of the alloy wheels. In a matter of days, the film degrades the appearance of the alloy wheels. Further, the film is often not easily removed, resulting in headache for the vehicle owner.  
         [0004]     Where the film is not periodically removed, the acidic content in the film also can etch into the finish of alloy wheels. Thus, the problem presented by brake dust goes further than mere aesthetics.  
         [0005]     Significant efforts have been underway to solve this problem. Primarily, the industry has produced brake pads or disc brake materials formulated to reduce the amount of dust produced. Automobile owners often switch to Kevlar or carbon Kevlar pads, which produce somewhat less dust. While producing less dust, these pads are typically somewhat harder on the rotor.  
         [0006]     The only other option has heretofore been installing a disc of metal or plastic against the inside surface of the wheel. The disc seals the brake area from the wheel and stops the brake dust from depositing on the wheel.  
         [0007]     However, the aesthetics of this design are generally not acceptable, since the disc is visible through the wheel and since the brake calipers and rotors are obstructed from view. Car owners prefer the look of the brake calipers and rotors behind the alloy wheel. Further, the disc hinders airflow through the alloy wheel spokes and may result in deficient brake cooling resulting in fade and rotor warping.  
         [0008]     What is needed in the art is an alternate, aesthetically pleasing mechanism for managing the problem presented by brake dust deposited on wheel surfaces.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]     The above discussed and other problems and deficiencies of the prior art are overcome and alleviated by the presently described brake pad dust collector or diverter, which includes a brake caliper extension operatively associated with the brake pad, the extension shaped and configured so as to divert and/or collect brake dust.  
         [0010]     In one embodiment, the extension is shaped or configured to provide at least one airflow path, such airflow generated by the rotation of a wheel and rotor and directed by said extension of said caliper, the airflow path directed over an edge of the rotor and away from the wheel surfaces.  
         [0011]     In another embodiment, the extension is configured with a cavity having a construction effective to trap brake dust. Such cavity may have a high surface area, e.g., created by a convoluted surface. The surfaces of the extension may also be prepared to adhere dust, e.g., as by including one or more replaceable filters.  
         [0012]     The above-discussed and other features and advantages of the presently described brake pad dust diverter or collector will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary brake pad dust diverter or collector; and  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a front view of an exemplary brake pad dust diverter or collector. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0016]     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0017]     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the presently described brake pad dust diverter or collector, illustrated generally at  10 , comprises at least one caliper extension  12  operatively associated with caliper portion  14 , which holds a brake pad  16  against a rotor  18 . For purposes of illustration and discussion, extension  12  is illustrated in a “forward” position, that is, forward along a first rotational direction A relative to brake pad  16  (which rotation effects forward movement of the automobile). It should be noted that an extension may, in any instance, be positioned in a “rearward” position in addition to, or in lieu of the “forward” position.  
         [0018]     While the extension  12  may be bolted on, snapped on, adhered on (e.g., as with a high temperature adhesive tape) or the equivalent, the illustrated exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  shows a snap on configuration, wherein the material of the extension  12  may deflect sufficiently such that an arm  20  thereof slides over a pin  22  on the caliper, which engages a hole  24  in the arm  20 . It should also be noted that while extension  12  is illustrated as a removable piece relative to the caliper, extension  12  may also be a non-removable piece or contiguous portion of the caliper.  
         [0019]     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the extension  12  may extend at least partially beyond the circumference of the rotor  18 . An interior surface of the extension (not shown) may be angled or otherwise oriented to facilitate directing of airflow caused by rotation of the wheel and rotor (relative to the largely stationary caliper and extension).  
         [0020]     Additionally, with reference to  FIG. 2 , at least one interior airflow channel  26  or port  28  may be provided to direct airflow along a path (e.g., along airflow path B) or away from the wheel surfaces  30 . The rotor  18  may also be vented (see vents  32 ) or otherwise apertured or contoured adjacent such extension to further facilitate airflow.  
         [0021]     While an airflow path may be created by virtue of the orientation and/or the configuration of the extension  12 , the extension may also incorporate a dust collection mechanism, such as a filter, a pad, a convoluted surface or cavity, or the like. Additionally, the surface of the extension could be prepared to adhere brake dust. Reference is made to  FIG. 1 , which illustrates exemplary positioning of a filter or pad  34 .  
         [0022]     The materials of the extension may be any convenient material, including but not limited to a fiber filled high temperature plastic, a metal, or any other durable material. Where a filter or pad is included, such may be removable (e.g., a removable filter cartridge) for replacement or cleaning.  
         [0023]     Additionally, where the extension  12  is not integral with or permanently adhered to the caliper, the extension  12  may be attached in such a way so as to permit relatively facile removal and cleaning.  
         [0024]     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, while exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the various embodiments have been described by way of illustration and not limitation.