초록 ▼

A brake system for a movable cart, such as a tool cart or the like, including a brake mechanism for inhibiting rotation of at least one wheel of the cart, a brake release mechanism, and an actuator for manually actuating the brake release mechanism. The brake mechanism includes a lever arm pivotally

A brake system for a movable cart, such as a tool cart or the like, including a brake mechanism for inhibiting rotation of at least one wheel of the cart, a brake release mechanism, and an actuator for manually actuating the brake release mechanism. The brake mechanism includes a lever arm pivotally coupled to the cart and having first and second portions disposed on opposite sides of a pivot axis. The lever arm has a braked position wherein the first portion is pressure-loaded against the cart wheel to inhibit rotation of the wheel. The brake release mechanism includes a cam member rotatably coupled to the frame and disposed adjacent the second portion of the lever arm. The actuator is operatively coupled to the cam member, such that actuation of the actuator rotates the cam member and causes the cam member to engage the second portion of the lever arm and pivots the lever arm to a released position wherein the first portion of the lever arm is disengaged from the cart wheel to permit rotation of the wheel. In a further aspect of the invention, the brake system is configured to provide simultaneously braking of a pair of cart wheels.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A movable cart, comprising:a frame; at least two wheels rotatably attached to said frame; a brake mechanism including a lever arm pivotally coupled to said frame to allow pivotal movement of said lever arm about a pivot axis, said lever arm being disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation

1. A movable cart, comprising:a frame; at least two wheels rotatably attached to said frame; a brake mechanism including a lever arm pivotally coupled to said frame to allow pivotal movement of said lever arm about a pivot axis, said lever arm being disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation and having first and second portions disposed on opposite sides of said pivot axis, said lever arm having a braked position wherein said first portion is pressure-loaded against one of said wheels to inhibit rotation thereof; a brake release mechanism including a cam member rotatably coupled to said frame and disposed adjacent said second portion of said lever arm; an actuator attached to said frame and being operatively coupled to said cam member; and wherein actuation of said actuator imparts rotational movement to said cam member, said rotational movement causing said cam member to engage said second portion of said lever arm and pivot said lever arm to a released position wherein said first portion of said lever arm is disengaged from said one of said wheels to permit rotation thereof.