The mechanism comprises a pivotable hand operated actuating lever (101) which engages an upwardly drive plate (102) biassed upward by a spring (122). The drive plate (102) moves an output rod (103) connected to a brake cable. The output rod (103) is held by a lock plate (104) which is released by a push rod (10) passing through the lever (101). The mechanism automatically adjusts for variation in the brake cable tension by the action of the spring (122) on an abutment plate (130) fixed to the end of the output rod (103). Additional self-adjustment mechanisms are described (Figures 4 to 7). Further hand or foot operated brake actuating mechanisms are also described (Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 10), together with additional hydraulic or manually operated mechanisms for release of the lock plate (104). A mechanism is described which signals that the brake has been applied (Figure 11).
