FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to braking systems for vehicles and in particular, relates to a combined braking system for two-wheeler vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Generally, vehicles, such as two-wheeler, are provided with a braking system for de-accelerating the vehicle. In the two-wheeler, the braking system is operated to impede a movement of the wheels, such as a front wheel and a rear wheel, of the two-wheeler. Usually, the two-wheeler is provided with a pair of control levers for independently controlling the de-acceleration of the front wheel and the rear wheel. In particular, when a user operates one of the pair of control levers, such as a front (Right Hand) brake lever, the front wheel of the two-wheeler may de-accelerate. Similarly, when the user operates one of the pair of control levers, such as a rear (Left Hand) brake lever, the rear wheel of the two-wheeler may de-accelerate.

However, there are certain drawbacks pertaining to the braking system of the two-wheeler vehicle. One such drawback arises, when the user tries to actuate brakes at the front wheel and the rear wheel, simultaneously, by operating the control levers. In such a case, the user may inadvertently operate the front (Right Hand) brake lever with a time delay compared to the operation of the rear (Left Hand) brake lever. Owing to such time delay between the operation of the front (Right Hand) brake lever and the rear (Left Hand) brake lever, the braking system may result in disproportionate braking of the front wheel and the rear wheel. Further, if a braking force at the rear wheel is higher compared to the braking force at the front wheel, then the stopping distance may significantly increase. This might lead to possibilities of skidding of the rear wheel, thereby causing hazard to the user riding the two- wheeler. On the contrary, if the braking force at the front wheel is higher compared to the braking force at the rear wheel, the braking-system may lead to sudden de-acceleration of the front wheel which may further lead to toppling of the two-wheeler.

While there exists combined braking systems to address aforesaid problems, the same are not only complex to assemble, but also tend to occupy a substantial-space within the vehicle- chassis. In an example, the assembly of cables within the combined braking system is always challenging.
Moreover, there always remains a problem associated with operation and durability of the conventional combined braking system. For example, the cables connecting the braking system with the brake-shoes of vehicles (in case of non-hydraulic brakes) either tend to develop slack or tend to undergo lateral or side-wise movement, thereby leading to loss of efficiency during transmission of braking-force.

Furthermore, the braking-force generated by the conventional combined braking systems remains below satisfactory levels.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved combined braking-system for vehicles.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment, a combined braking system for a vehicle is disclosed. The combined braking system includes a housing member and a linkage assembly disposed in the housing member. The linkage assembly is adapted to couple a front brake lever and a rear brake lever to a front brake and a rear brake, respectively, of the vehicle. The linkage assembly includes a first actuating member disposed in the housing member and adapted to be connected to the rear brake lever. The first actuating member is pivotally movable by actuating the rear brake lever. Further, the linkage assembly includes a second actuating member disposed in the housing member. The second actuating member is adapted to be coupled to the first actuating member and adapted to be connected to the rear brake. The second actuating member is adapted to be moved by operating the first actuating member to actuate the rear brake. Further, the linkage assembly includes a linkage member adapted to be coupled with the second actuating member. Furthermore, the linkage assembly includes a third actuating member disposed in the housing member. The third actuating member is adapted to be connected to the second actuating member through the linkage member and adapted to be connected to the front brake lever and the front brake. The third actuating member is adapted to be moved by operating the front brake lever to actuate the front brake. Further, the third actuating member is adapted to be moved by the second actuating member through the linkage member to actuate the front brake when the rear brake lever is operated.

In another embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a front brake coupled to a front brake lever and adapted to be actuated by operating the front brake lever. Further, the vehicle includes a rear brake coupled to a rear brake lever and adapted to be actuated by operating the rear brake lever. The vehicle also includes a combined braking system having a housing member and a linkage assembly disposed in the housing member. The linkage assembly includes a first actuating member disposed in the housing member and adapted to be connected to the rear brake lever. The first actuating member is pivotally movable by actuating the rear brake lever. Further, the linkage assembly includes a second actuating member disposed in the housing member. The second actuating member is adapted to be coupled to the first actuating member and adapted to be connected to the rear brake. The second actuating member is adapted to be moved by operating the first actuating member to actuate the rear brake. Further, the linkage assembly includes a linkage member adapted to be coupled with the second actuating member. Furthermore, the linkage assembly includes a third actuating member disposed in the housing member. The third actuating member is adapted to be connected to the second actuating member through the linkage member and adapted to be connected to the front brake lever and the front brake. The third actuating member is adapted to be moved by operating the front brake lever to actuate the front brake. The third actuating member is adapted to be moved by the second actuating member through the linkage member to actuate the front brake when the rear brake lever is operated.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle having a combined braking system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate different perspective views of the combined braking system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate different side views of the combined braking system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a front view and a rear view of the combined braking system, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a top view and a bottom view of the combined braking system, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the combined braking system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the combined braking system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate different perspective views of the combined braking system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c illustrate enlarged view of different portions of the combined braking system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle 100 having a combined braking system 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be embodied as a two-wheeler, such as scooters, motorcycles, and mopeds. Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle 100 may include a front (Right Hand) brake lever 106 and a rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104 mounted on a handlebar 108 of the vehicle 100. The front brake lever 106 and the rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104 may be adapted to be operated to actuate a front brake and a rear brake, respectively, of the vehicle 100.

In an embodiment, the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106 and the rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104 may collectively be referred to as the brake levers 106, 104, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106 may be connected to the front brake through the combined braking system 102. Similarly, the rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104 may be connected to the rear brake through the combined braking system 102.

The front brake and the rear brake may be positioned at a front wheel 110 and a rear wheel 112 of the vehicle 100, respectively. In an embodiment, the front brake and the rear brake of the vehicle 100 may be provided to impede a movement of the front wheel 110 and the rear wheel 112, respectively. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may include the combined braking system 102, hereinafter referred to as the CBS 102, mounted in vicinity of a head pipe of the vehicle 100. However, it is to be noted that the shape, general configuration and mounting location of the CBS 102 may be varied as per the desire of the manufacturer/user etc.

In an embodiment, the CBS 102 may be implemented in the vehicle 100 for simultaneous actuation of the rear brake and the front brake of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the CBS 102 may be connected to the brake levers 106, 104 and brakes, i.e., the front brake and the rear brake, of the vehicle 100. The CBS 102 may be adapted to receive an actuating force from the brake levers 106, 104, and simultaneously transmits a braking force to the brakes of the vehicle 100. In particular, the CBS 102 may include a linkage assembly 114 (shown in Figure 7) for transmitting the braking force to the brakes based on the actuating force received from the brake levers 106, 104. In an embodiment, the linkage assembly 114 may be adapted to couple a front brake lever 106 and a rear brake lever 104 to the front brake and the rear brake, respectively, of the vehicle 100.

In an embodiment, when the rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104 may be actuated by a driver, simultaneously the CBS 102 may actuate the front brake and the rear brake of the vehicle 100. Constructional details and operational details of the CBS 102 are explained in detail in the description of Figures 2a-2b, Figures 3a-3b, Figures 4a-4b, Figures 5a-5b and Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8a-8c, and Figure 9a-9c of the present disclosure.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate different perspective views of the CBS 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 3a and 3b illustrate different side views of the CBS 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a front view and a rear view of the CBS 102, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a top view and a bottom view of the CBS 102, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the CBS 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figures 2a-2b, Figures 3a-3b, Figures 4a-4b, Figure 5a-5b, and the Figure 6, the CBS 102 may include a housing member 202 for accommodating various components of the linkage assembly 114. In an embodiment, the linkage assembly 114 of the CBS 102 may include a plurality of actuation members to receive the actuating force from the brake levers 106, 104, and to transmit the braking force from the linkage assembly 114 to the front brake and the rear brake. Further, the CBS 102 may also include a protective cover 204. In an embodiment, the protective cover 204 may be adapted to cover the housing member 202 of the CBS 102, thereby protecting the components accommodated within the housing member 202 from contaminants, such as dust.

In an embodiment, the plurality of actuation members of the linkage assembly 114 may include a first actuating member 206, a second actuating member 208, a third actuating member 210, and a linkage member 212. The first actuating member 206 may be disposed in the housing member 202. The first actuating member 206 may be adapted to be connected to the rear brake lever. The first actuating member 206 may be pivotally movable by actuating the rear brake lever.

In an embodiment, the first actuating member 206 may be rotatably pivoted on the housing member 202 through a first pivot pin 214. The first actuating member 206 may be connected to the rear brake lever 104 through a first cable 216, hereinafter referred as the first input cable 216. The first actuating member 206 may be movably configured with the second actuating member 208, interchangeably referred as the bell crank lever 208.

The second actuating member 208 may be disposed in the housing member. The second actuating member 208 may be adapted to be coupled to the first actuating member and adapted to be coupled to the rear brake. The second actuating member 208 may be adapted to be connected to the rear brake through a first output cable 224. Further, the second actuating member may be adapted to be moved by operating the first actuating member to actuate the rear brake.
Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the CBS 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 4b and Figure 7, the second actuating member 208 may include a first end 218 and a second end 220 distal to the first end 218. In an embodiment, the first end 218 of the second actuating member 208 may be connected to a first output cable 224 of the rear brake. In an embodiment, the first output cable 224 may be adapted to transmit the braking force from the second actuating member 208 to the rear brake. In particular, the second actuating member 208 may be adapted to actuate the rear brake through the first output cable 224.

Further, the second end 220 of the second actuating member 208 may be coupled to the linkage member 212. The second actuating member 208 may be connected to a first end 222, interchangeably referred as the first linkage end 222, of the linkage member 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 220 of the second actuating member 208 may be connected to the first linkage end 222 of the linkage member 212. In an embodiment, the second actuating member 208 may be adapted to move the linkage member 212 connected to the second end 220 of the second actuating member 208. Further, the linkage member 212 may be connected to the third actuating member 210.

Further, the third actuating member 210 may be disposed in the housing member 202. The third actuating member 210 may adapted to be connected to the second actuating member 208 through the linkage member 212. The third actuating member 210 may be adapted to be connected to the front brake lever 106 and the front brake. The third actuating member 210 may be adapted to be moved by operating the front brake lever 106 to actuate the front brake. Further, the third actuating member 210 may be adapted to be moved by the second actuating member 208 through the linkage member 212 to actuate the front brake when the rear brake lever 104 is operated. Constructional and operational details of the third actuating member 210 are explained in detail in the later sections of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the third actuating member 210 may be rotatably pivoted in the housing member 202 through a second pivot pin 226. The third actuating member 210 may be connected to the linkage member 212. The third actuating member 210 may be connected to a second end 234, interchangeably referred to as the second linkage end 234, of the linkage member 212. The third actuating member 210 may include a first slot 228, a second slot 230, and a third slot 232. The first slot 228 may be adapted to movably accommodate the second linkage end 234 of the linkage member 212. In an embodiment, the linkage member 212 may be movably configured with the third actuating member 210 via the first slot 228 of the third actuating member 210.

The third actuating member 210 may be adapted to be connected to the front brake lever 106 through a second input cable 236. Further, the third actuating member 210 may be adapted to be connected to the front brake through a second output cable 238. In the illustrated embodiment, the second slot 230 and the third slot 232 of the linkage member 212 may be adapted to be connected to a second input cable 236 and a second output cable 238, respectively. In particular, the second slot 230 may be adapted to accommodate a bead 236-1 of the second input cable 236 of the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106. The third slot 232 may be adapted to accommodate a bead 238-1 of the second output cable 238, of the front brake. In an embodiment, the second input cable 236 may be adapted to transmit actuation force from the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106 to the third actuating member 210. Further, the second output cable 238 may be adapted to transmit the braking force from the third actuating member 210 to the front brake. In particular, the third actuating member 210 may be adapted to actuate the front brake through the second output cable 238.

In an embodiment, the CBS 102 may include a resilient member 240 adapted to be coupled to the housing member 202 and the second end 220 of the second actuating member 208 for retaining actuation tension of the second actuating member 208. In an example, the resilient member 240 may be embodied as a spring, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the resilient member 240 provides a delay for the front brake, during operation.

In an embodiment, proportion of forces applied to the front brake and the rear brake may depend on various parameters including, but not limited to dimensions of the second actuating member 208 and radii of the first slot 228 and the second slots 230 of the third actuating member 210. In an embodiment, the third actuating member 210 may be adapted to be actuated by the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106 through the second input cable 236, thereby independently actuating the front brakes. In one embodiment, when the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106 is operated, the second input cable 236 of the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106 may actuate the third actuating member 210.

Subsequently, due to the movement of the third actuating member 210, the front brake may be actuated through the second output cable 238. In another embodiment, when the rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104 is operated, the first actuating member 206 is actuated through the first input cable 216 of the rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104. Subsequently, the front brake and the rear brake may be actuated by the third actuating member 210 and the second actuating member 208, respectively. In particular, in such an embodiment, the third actuating member 210 may actuate the front brake through the second output cable 238. The second actuating member 208 may actuate the rear brake through the first output cable 224.

During an operation of the CBS 102, when a driver applies a force on the rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104, the first input cable 216 may transmit the actuating force from the rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104 to the first actuating member 206 of the linkage assembly 114. Subsequently, the actuating force may rotate the first actuating member 206 in an upward direction about the first pivot pin 214. Owing to the rotation of the first actuating member 206, the second actuating member 208 may be pulled in the upward direction. Further, owing to movement of the second actuating member 208, the rear brake may be actuated through the first output cable 224 connected to the second actuating member 208 and the rear brake of the vehicle 100.

The movement of the second actuating member 208 in the upward direction may result in actuation of the third actuating member 210 about the second pivot pin 226 through the linkage member 212. In particular, when the second actuating member 208 moves in the upward direction, the linkage member 212 connected to the second actuating member 208 may also move in the upward direction. Owing to the movement of the linkage member 212, the third actuating member 210 may be rotated about the second pivot pin 226 through the second linkage end 234 of the linkage member 212 connected to the first slot 228.

Further, owing to the rotation of the third actuating member 210, the second output cable 236 may be actuated to actuate the front brake. As explained earlier, the bead 238-1 of the second output cable 238 may be accommodated in the second slot 230 of the third actuating member 210. Owing to such an arrangement of the second output cable 238, when the third actuating member 210 is rotated, the second output cable 238 may be actuated to actuate the front brake.

In one embodiment, when the driver applies a force only to the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106, the second input cable 236 may transmit the actuating force from the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106 to the third actuating member 210. Owing to the transmission of the actuating force, the third actuating member 210 may pivotally rotate in the upward direction. In such a condition, the third actuating member 210 may be actuated by the second input cable 236 connected to the second slot 230 of the third actuating member 210. Owing to the rotation of the third actuating member 210, the second output cable 238 connected to the second slot 230 of the third actuating member 210 may be actuated to actuate the front brake. In such an embodiment, the front brake may be actuated independent of the actuation of the rear brake. In particular, in such an embodiment, the braking force may be transmitted from the linkage assembly 114 only to the front brake which leads to the actuation of the front brake by the CBS 102.

In an embodiment, the first actuating member 206 may be designed in a manner that an overall size of the CBS 102 is substantially reduced. Owing to such reduction in the overall size, the CBS 102 can be effortlessly fitted to different vehicles, thereby providing improved and compact fitment. In an embodiment, owing to the design of the first actuating member 206, the overall size of the CBS 102 may be substantially reduced by approximately 12.76%. Therefore, the present embodiment renders the CBS 102 having a compact shape and size, which inter alia enables snug fitting of the CBS 102 in the vehicle 100. In an example, owing to the design of the first actuating member 206, a length L of the CBS 102 may substantially be reduced to 82 cm.

Further, the CBS 102 may include a pair of adjusting screws 702, 704 along with a pair of check-nuts 706, 708 for adjusting a free-play of the first input cable 216 and the second input cable 236 on the brake levers 106, 104. In an embodiment, the pair of adjusting screws 702, 704 may be hereinafter referred to as a first adjusting screw 702 and a second adjusting screw 704, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the pair of check-nuts 706, 708 may be hereinafter referred to as a first check-nut 706 and a second check-nut 708. The first adjusting screw 702 may be inserted in a first opening 710 of the housing member 202. The first adjusting screw 702 may be provided with the first check-nut 706 for adjusting the free-play of the first input cable 216 from the rear (Left Hand) brake lever 104.

Similarly, the second adjusting screw 704 may be inserted in a second opening 712 (shown in Figure 6) of the housing member 202. The second adjusting screw 704 may be provided with the second check-nut 708 for adjusting the free-play of the second input cable 236 from the front (Right Hand) brake lever 106. In an embodiment, the first adjusting screw 702 and the second adjusting screw 704 may be provided to eliminate any chances of loosening of the first input cable 216 and the second input cable 236 within the CBS 102.

Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate different perspective views of the CBS 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the housing member 202 may be designed in a manner that the cables, such as the first input cable 216, the first output cable 224, the second input cable 236, and the second output cable 238, can be effortlessly assembled within the CBS 102. In an embodiment, the housing member 202 may be designed in a manner that the second output cable 238 connected to the third actuating member 210 and the front brake can be effortlessly assembled within the housing member 202.

In an embodiment, the housing member 202 may have a cantilever shaped portion 802 for supporting the third actuating member 210 in the housing member 202. In such an embodiment, the cantilever shaped portion 802 of the housing member 202 may be designed by providing a gap within the housing member 202 for connecting the first output cable 224 to the CBS 102. Such gap may be without any obstruction. Therefore, the first output cable 224 can be effortlessly connected to the second actuating member 208 without bending the first output cable 224 within the housing member 202. Owing to such an arrangement of the first output cable 224, the overall efficiency losses of the CBS 102 is substantially reduced during the actuation of the rear brake through the first output cable 224.

Further, the housing member 202 may include a plurality of cable insertion slots 804 for enabling insertion of the cables within the housing member 202 without bending of the cables within the housing member 202 of the CBS 102. Owing to the elimination of bending of the cables, losses in overall efficiency of the CBS 102 is substantially reduced during the operation of the CBS 102.

Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c illustrate enlarged view of different portions of the CBS 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 9a, the bead 238-1 of the second output cable 238 and the bead 236-1 of the second input cable 236 of the front brake may be accommodated in the third slot 232 and the second slot 230, respectively, of the third actuating member 210. In an embodiment, the second slot 230 may be designed in a manner that the bead 236-1 of the second input cable 236 positioned in the second slot 230 may be aligned with the second opening 712 (see Fig. 6). Further, the third slot 232 may be designed in a manner that the bead 238-1 of the second output cable 238 positioned in the second slot 230 may be aligned with a third opening 714 (shown in Figure 9a) of the housing member 202.

Owing to such an arrangement of the beads, the overall efficiency of the CBS 102 is substantially increased during actuation of the front brake and the rear brake. In an embodiment, the bead 238-1 of the second output cable 238 is positioned in the third slot 232 of the third actuating member 210 in a manner that a higher amount of the braking force is transmitted to the front brake through the second output cable 238. In an un-actuated condition of the CBS 102, the bead 238-1 of the second output cable 238 may be closer to the third opening 714 of the housing member 202.

Referring to Figure 6, Figure 7, and Figure 9a, In an embodiment, the CBS 102 may include a pair of circlips 602 (as shown in Figure 6) for securing the first output cable 224 and the second output cable 238 in a fourth opening 716 and the third opening 714. In an embodiment, the pair of circlips 602 may be provided to reduce play in the first output cable 224 and the second output cable 238 during the operation of the CBS 102. In an embodiment, the pair of circlips 602 may individually be referred to as a first circlip 602-1 and a second circlip 602-2 circumscribing the third opening 714 and the fourth opening 716. In an embodiment, the first circlip 602-1 may be positioned around the fourth opening 716, surrounding the first output cable 224 which is connected to the rear brake.

In particular, the first circlip 602-1 may be secured on the fourth opening 716 for reducing a lateral movement of the first output cable 224. In an embodiment, the second circlip 602-2 may be positioned around the third opening 714, surrounding the second output cable 238 which is connected to the front brake through the third opening 714. The second circlip 602-2 may be secured on the third opening 714 for reducing a lateral movement of the second output cable 238. Owing to such an arrangement of the circlips 602-1, 602-2 with respect to the first output cable 224 and the second output cable 238, the overall efficiency of the CBS 102 is substantially increased.

Referring to Figure 9b and Figure 9c, the housing member 202 may include a first stopper 902 in a vicinity of the third actuating member 210. In an embodiment, the first stopper 902 may be adapted to limit a movement of the third actuating member 210 beyond a certain limit. Further, the housing member 202 may include a second stopper 904 in a vicinity of the second actuating member 208. In an embodiment, the second stopper 904 may be adapted to limit a movement of the second actuating member 208 beyond a certain limit.

The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.

Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

WE CLAIM:
1. A combined braking system (102) for a vehicle, the combined braking system (102) comprising:
a housing member (202); and
a linkage assembly (114) disposed in the housing member (202) and adapted to couple a front brake lever (106) and a rear brake lever (104) to a front brake and a rear brake, respectively, of the vehicle, the linkage assembly (114) comprising:
a first actuating member (206) disposed in the housing member (202) and adapted to be connected to the rear brake lever (104), wherein the first actuating member (206) is pivotally movable by actuating the rear brake lever (104);
a second actuating member (208) disposed in the housing member (202), the second actuating member (208) adapted to be coupled to the first actuating member (206) and adapted to be connected to the rear brake, wherein the second actuating member (208) is adapted to be moved by operating the first actuating member (206) to actuate the rear brake;
a linkage member (212) adapted to be coupled with the second actuating member (208); and
a third actuating member (210) disposed in the housing member (202), the third actuating member (210) adapted to be connected to the second actuating member (208) through the linkage member (212) and adapted to be connected to the front brake lever (106) and the front brake,
wherein the third actuating member (210) is adapted to be moved by operating the front brake lever (106) to actuate the front brake,
wherein the third actuating member (210) is adapted to be moved by the second actuating member (208) through the linkage member (212) to actuate the front brake when the rear brake lever (104) is operated.

2. The braking system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first actuating member (206) and the third actuating member (210) are pivotably coupled to the housing member (202) through a first pivot pin (214) and a second pivot pin (226), respectively.

3. The braking system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage member (212) includes a first linkage end (222) and a second linkage end (234) distal to the first linkage end (222), the first linkage end (222) and the second linkage end (234) are coupled to the second actuating member (208) and the third actuating member (210), respectively.

4. The braking system (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third actuating member (210) includes a first slot (228) adapted to movably accommodate the second linkage end (234) of the linkage member (212).

5. The braking system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first actuating member (206) is adapted to be connected to the rear brake lever (104) through a first input cable (216), the second actuating member (208) is adapted to be connected to the rear brake through a first output cable (224), and the third actuating member (210) is adapted to be connected to the front brake lever (106) through a second input cable (236) and connected to the front brake through a second output cable (238).

6. The braking system (102) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second actuating member (208) includes a first end (218) and a second end (220) distal to the first end (218), the first end (218) and the second end (220) are adapted to be connected to the first output cable (224) and the linkage member (212), respectively.

7. The braking system (102) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the third actuating member (210) includes a second slot (230) adapted to accommodate a bead (236-1) of the second input cable (236) and a third slot (232) adapted to accommodate a bead (238-1) of the second output cable (238).

8. The braking system (102) as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a pair of adjusting screws (702, 704)) along with a pair of check-nuts (706, 708) for adjusting a free-play of the first input cable (216) and the second input cable (236) on the rear brake lever (104) and the front brake lever (106), respectively.

9. The braking system (102) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a resilient member (240) adapted to be coupled to the housing member (202) and the second actuating member (208) for retaining actuation tension of the second actuating member (208).

10. A vehicle comprising:
a front brake coupled to a front brake lever (106) and adapted to be actuated by operating the front brake lever (106);
a rear brake coupled to a rear brake lever (104) and adapted to be actuated by operating the rear brake lever (104); and
a combined braking system (102) comprising:
a housing member (202); and
a linkage assembly (114) disposed in the housing member (202), the linkage assembly (114) comprising:
a first actuating member (206) disposed in the housing member (202) and adapted to be connected to the rear brake lever (104), wherein the first actuating member (206) is pivotally movable by actuating the rear brake lever (104);
a second actuating member (208) disposed in the housing member (202), the second actuating member (208) adapted to be coupled to the first actuating member (206) and adapted to be connected to the rear brake, wherein the second actuating member (208) is adapted to be moved by operating the first actuating member (206) to actuate the rear brake;
a linkage member (212) adapted to be coupled with the second actuating member (208); and
a third actuating member (210) disposed in the housing member (202), the third actuating member (210) adapted to be connected to the second actuating member (208) through the linkage member (212) and adapted to be connected to the front brake lever (106) and the front brake,
wherein the third actuating member (210) is adapted to be moved by operating the front brake lever (106) to actuate the front brake, and
wherein the third actuating member (210) is adapted to be moved by the second actuating member (208) through the linkage member (212) to actuate the front brake when the rear brake lever (104) is operated.