Spindle Patents (Class 301/131)
  • Patent number: 11571930
    Abstract: An axle system includes an axle stub and a clamping unit, the axle stub being formed in a substantially rotationally symmetrical manner about a stub axis, the clamping unit in an assembled state transmitting a clamping force to the axle stub, the clamping unit and the axle stub in the assembled state being secured non-positively to prevent movement relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Christ, Rainer Stegmann
  • Patent number: 10539193
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint includes forming cup and shaft members of medium carbon steel, preparing, as the cup member, a cup member having cylindrical and bottom portions integrally formed by forging, and a joining end surface formed on an outer surface of the bottom portion, and preparing, as the shaft member, a shaft member having a joining end surface to be joined to the bottom portion of the cup member. The method also includes bringing the joining end surfaces of the cup and shaft members into abutment against each other, and welding the cup and shaft members from an outer side of the cup member to an abutment portion between the cup and shaft members in a radial direction of the cup members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Shimasawa, Naoki Nakagawa, Tsuneaki Hiraoka, Shintaro Suzuki, Tatsuro Sugiyama, Masazumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10207539
    Abstract: A vehicle spindle and a method of attaching the spindle to a portion of an axle half shaft housing. The spindle has an inner surface, an outer surface, one or more bearing journals on the outer surface of the spindle and a radially protruding portion circumferentially extending from at least a portion of the outer surface of an axially inboard end portion of the spindle. Prior to attaching the spindle to the axle half shaft housing, the one or more bearing journals are ground, a clocking angle for the radially protruding portion of the spindle is determined and the spindle is aligned to the determined clocking angle. Once the spindle is aligned to the determined clocking angle, the axially inboard end portion of the spindle is attached to an axially outboard end portion of the axle half shaft housing using one or more welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Harry W. Trost, Steven G. Slesinski
  • Publication number: 20150061356
    Abstract: A high temperature warning system for a vehicle steer axle an air pressure supply, a normally-closed valve in fluid communication with pressure supply, a heat sensitive control capable of opening the normally-closed valve upon a predetermined temperature, the heat sensitive control mounted adjacent to the wheel end assembly in a heat exchange relationship therewith, and a warning system connected to the air pressure supply for actuation upon opening of the normally-closed valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Kevin Hennig
  • Patent number: 8939518
    Abstract: An improved replacement axle spindle includes a cylindrical wall exhibiting increasing thickness at increasing distances from the inner end which is secured to an axle. The wall thickness increases in correspondence with the load borne by the replacement spindle resulting in no loss of necessary strength and load carrying ability. Several different profiles are embodied in the present invention: a first embodiment utilizes a straight internal taper; a second embodiment utilizes a dual internal taper, first at a small angle and then at a larger angle; another embodiment utilizes a parabolic internal taper and yet another embodiment utilizes a straight external taper. All may be utilized to replace a tractor or a trailer axle spindle. The spindles save weight and facilitate lubricant flow from the tractor differential into the axle roller bearing assemblies after a repair procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 8882117
    Abstract: A spindle has first, second and third portions, each portion having interior and exterior surfaces, the third portion having an interiorly facing interior spindle face. A cylindrical sleeve bearing has an exterior surface in the first portion and an interior surface rotatably receiving an axle. A knuckle has an exteriorly facing exterior knuckle face positioned in contact with the interior spindle face. The knuckle has an interior knuckle face and an aperture for the passage of the axle. A lubrication assembly is formed of a channel extending through the knuckle and the spindle and the bearing sleeve and includes a lubrication fitting. The invention also includes a lubrication method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Lomsak
  • Patent number: 8882208
    Abstract: A cylindrical rotatable hub has interior and exterior cylindrical surfaces, an exterior end, a central extent, and an interior end. A fixedly positioned generally cylindrical spindle has an outer end and an enlarged annular inner end with a central extent axially between the outer and inner ends. Tapered inner and outer wheel bearings operatively couple the hub exteriorly and the spindle interiorly adjacent to the interior and exterior ends of the hub. The inner and outer wheel bearings are adapted to allow rotation of the hub with respect to the spindle. Lubricant input and output passageways extend through the inner end of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Lomsak
  • Patent number: 8826542
    Abstract: In summary, the invention relates to a method for forming an end-side toothing arrangement of a roiling bearing, in particular a wheel bearing. The aim is to improve the uniformity of the end-side toothing arrangement and to allow a greater tooth depth. This is achieved by two method steps in that, in a first step before the reshaping of an end piece of a hub, a die is axially arranged on the rolling bearing in a preassembled state and, in a second step during the reshaping of the end piece and the shaping of the end-side toothing arrangement, the die radially delimits a radial recess of the rolling rivet collar as it forms. In addition, the die reduces or prevents radial widening of the inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Roland Langer, Peter Niebling, Sebastian Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20140232177
    Abstract: An axle assembly and a method of manufacture. The axle assembly may have an axle tube that may be formed to increase a wall thickness of an end portion. A spindle may be fastened to the end portion with a fastener that is received in the fastener hole in the end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Andrew Power
  • Publication number: 20130162007
    Abstract: A rear dual wheel direct drive axle assembly (30) for a vehicle having a longitudinal frame rail (28) includes a spindle shaft (1) attached to the frame rail and having an axis of rotation generally in the same vertical plane as the longitudinal frame rail. The assembly (30) also includes a dual wheel drive axle (13, 14) transversely and pivotally mounted on the spindle shaft (1). The axle (13, 14) is configured to pivot about the spindle shaft (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: NAVISTAR CANADA, INC.
    Inventor: Leo P Oriet
  • Patent number: 8353562
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axle body, particularly for a commercial vehicle, wherein the body is configured substantially as an axle pipe, which comprises a center section and at least one receiving section connected thereto for receiving an axle guide, wherein the axle body in the center section has a substantially constant wall thickness, and wherein the axle body in the receiving section, at least in some regions, has a wall thickness that is greater than the wall thickness of the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Saf-Holland GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Spielmann, Bjorn Meyer, Olaf Drewes
  • Publication number: 20130009385
    Abstract: A low profile trailer and method of use with mountable equipment includes an axle system allowing reduced trailer deck height, open trailer sides, and peripheral trailer stabilizer legs, said axle system comprising aligned axle structures at each of two sides of the trailer, each said axle structure including a sleeve fixedly attached to the trailer body and including an axle assembly slidably received in the sleeve such that the sleeve and axle assembly is structured to allow removal and insertion of an axle assembly on one trailer side without the necessity of replacing the axle assembly on the other trailer side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: John A. Vlahakis
  • Patent number: 8136890
    Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing shock from a high voltage power source. In one embodiment, a device for preventing an electric shock, comprises output terminals for connecting to an external load, a low voltage circuit for carrying a first current (IL) to the output terminals, the low voltage circuit comprising a first coil disposed about a magnetic core, and a high voltage circuit for carrying a second current (IH) to the output terminals, the high voltage circuit comprising a second coil disposed about the magnetic core, and a control relay configured to electrically connect one of the high voltage circuit and the low voltage circuit to the output terminals based at least partly on the first current (IL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Safety & Development, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Cruz
  • Publication number: 20110109151
    Abstract: An axle stub and to a process for producing the axle stub, consisting of a steel core (which can also be hollow) and a cast part which surrounds the steel core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Karl Seidinger
  • Patent number: 7878516
    Abstract: Axles and spindle assemblies for wheeled vehicles. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, this invention relates to a substantially curvilinear axle for wheeled vehicles, alone or in combination with a spindle assembly, having a substantially continuous radius of curvature extending from one end of the axle to the other. In at least one additional embodiment, this invention relates to fabricated spindle assemblies having gusset arms for mechanical attachment to axle ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Michael John Gottschalk, Robert Steven Shea
  • Publication number: 20100225157
    Abstract: A spindle body defining a central axis and having a hydraulic motor assembly operably mounted thereon. At least a portion of the hydraulic motor assembly is rotatable relative to the spindle body about the central axis. A plurality of hydraulic passages extend within the spindle body. Each of the passages includes axial and lateral sections. The axial sections are in fluid communication with the hydraulic motor assembly and define a first centerline extending substantially parallel with the central axis. Each of the lateral sections are in fluid communication with one of the axial sections and form a port on an outer surface of the spindle body. The lateral sections also each define a second centerline wherein the second centerlines are positioned in mutually parallel planes and each of the first centerlines and the central axis are substantially parallel with each of the mutually parallel planes. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Lane C. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7686313
    Abstract: A speed sensor for a wheel end that has an interior that is substantially isolated from an atmosphere around the wheel end. The speed sensor is carried by a housing of the wheel end for monitoring the rotation of the wheel end and indicating the angular velocity of the wheel end. The speed sensor includes a cable leading from the sensor to a location remote from the wheel end and further includes leads that transmit a signal and a sheath that encloses the leads. The sheath is open enough to allow a fluid to flow through its interior. A vent channel provides communication between the interior of the wheel end and the interior of the sheath on the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Russell F. Folger, Michael A. Gromosiak, Gregory C. Piotrowski
  • Publication number: 20090184566
    Abstract: An axle used to mount a wheel for rotation on the body of a wood hobby vehicle is provided with three axially separate cylindrical lands that engage with and support the wheel for rotation, and four axially spaced cylindrical grooves that are interspersed among the lands and reduce the friction between the wheel and the axle as well as provide areas for lubrication between the wheel and the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: HOBBYX, LLC
    Inventor: Randall S. Metz
  • Publication number: 20090066153
    Abstract: A torsion-beam rear axle of a vehicle, more preferably motor vehicle, is provided with two rigid trailing arms, which with their one end are each mounted on a vehicle body in a manner capable of being swiveled and at the other end of which a wheel carrier is each attached for the rotatable mounting of a vehicle wheel about its wheel center axis, as well as with a torsionally soft cross-tie connecting the two trailing arms with each other. Each wheel carrier, by means of at least three elastic wheel carrier bearings is fixed to the trailing arm when viewed in forward driving direction of the vehicle, at least two wheel carrier bearings are arranged behind the wheel center axis, and at least one wheel carrier bearing is arranged in front of the wheel center axis in such a manner that through the two wheel carrier bearings arranged behind the wheel center axis to define a swivel axis for the swiveling of the wheel carrier relative to the trailing arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerd BITZ, Jurgen SIEBENEICK, Eckhardt Dohrer
  • Publication number: 20080258541
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus includes a roller bearing, an inner shaft having an outer circumferential surface to which an inner ring of the roller bearing is installed, a coupler ring attached to an end portion of the inner shaft, and a caulked portion provided in an end portion of the inner shaft so as to fix the coupler ring and the roller bearing to the inner shaft so as to be immovable in an axial direction of the inner shaft. An outer diameter of the coupler ring is set smaller than a diameter of a shoulder portion of the inner ring. Alternatively, a protruding portion is provided in any one of opposing end surfaces of the coupler ring and the inner ring, whereby the coupler ring is arranged away from a seal member. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid an interference of the coupler ring with the seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kamikawa, Yoshito Takada, Masaru Deguchi, Ken Adachi, Youichi Tsuzaki, Seiji Yamamoto, Changxin Yu, Masao Takimoto, Tetsuya Ishikawa, Syuuji Nagata
  • Patent number: 7328908
    Abstract: A steer axle for a vehicle and a method of making the same involves forming portions of a steer axle to have a three sided design. Spring seats that wrap around two of the three sides are secured to the steer axle. Plates are secured to the spring seats. The plates extend over the third surface of the steer axle. Angled spring pads are located over the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Sean J. Barber, Dennis D. Dauber, David G. Moses, Gregory A. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7090309
    Abstract: An axle assembly is provided having a varying wall thickness resulting in an axle assembly that is lightweight yet has sufficient strength and stiffness. The axle assembly includes a tube disposed about a longitudinal axis and having first and second end portions and a center portion. The first and second end portions have a uniform wall thickness and the center portion has a wall thickness that is uniform at first and second axially spaced segments and a non-uniform wall thickness both between the axially spaced segments and between each of the axially spaced segments and the end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Blessing, Kent Davison
  • Patent number: 7021431
    Abstract: A disk brake caliper mounting bracket is attachable to an axle tube to mount a brake caliper to the axle tube with a desired positioning and alignment. The bracket includes an axle tube mounting portion and a brake caliper mounting portion. The axle tube mounting portion includes a circular flange for mounting between the axle tube and a wheel mount to accurately position the bracket with respect to the axle tube. The brake caliper mounting portion is positioned at an angle to correspond with a camber of the wheel mount such that when the brake caliper is mounted to the brake caliper mounting portion, the brake caliper is accurately positioned and aligned with a disk brake rotor. The axle tube mounting portion and the brake caliper mounting portion can be integral with one another or separate components attached together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: James C Beattie
  • Patent number: 6935005
    Abstract: A tool facilitates the installation of a hub/bearing assembly on a CV joint during the assembly of an automotive vehicle. The hub/bearing assembly has a housing, a hub provided with a spindle that projects into the housing, and a bearing between the spindle and housing to enable the hub to rotate in the housing. The spindle contains an internal spline which mates with an external spline located on a half-shaft of the CV joint, when the hub/bearing assembly is fitted to the CV joint, but the universal movement of the CV joint makes fitting difficult in the absence of the tool. The tool has a sleeve which fits into the spline of the hub spindle and over a reduced end that projects beyond the spline on the half-shaft. It aligns the two splines so that the hub is simply pushed off the sleeve and over the spline of the half-shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Avery, John D. Doughtery
  • Patent number: 6918637
    Abstract: A wheel end for use in a vehicle wherein the wheel end includes a side shaft wherein the side shaft having an appendage on one end thereof. The side shaft having a cylindrical cavity at a center point of the appendage. The wheel end unit also includes a spindle arranged around the appendage. A knuckle is arranged around a portion of the spindle and a portion of the side shaft. The wheel end also includes a fastener secured between the spindle and the appendage to ensure a robust connection between the spindle and the appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Hahn
  • Patent number: 6869151
    Abstract: A knuckle-supported wheelend assembly includes a shaft having a contoured peripheral surface portion proximate to an outboard end featuring a minimum radius and a maximum radius, and a hub mounted on the shaft's contoured surface portion via a complementary, contoured central bore. The nontapered contoured hub-shaft interface includes a slight twist or jog to reduce backlash and to permit a relative shortening of the length of axial hub-shaft engagement to as little as about 45% of the maximum radius, thereby advantageously reducing scrub radius for a given wheel-tire combination. By eliminating any required taper of the contoured interface, the hub's inboard face firmly abuts the machined face of the inner race of a knuckle-mounted, shaft-supporting bearing assembly to achieve reduced assembly runout. The hub's wheel-mounting face and integral annular friction surfaces are each machined with reference to the inboard hub face to ensure a high degree of parallelism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Myers, Hui Hugh Wang, Karl-Heinz Simons
  • Patent number: 6702397
    Abstract: For a wheel head for wheel guides of vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles, the wheel flange which is held via a supporting bushing is connected releasably to the supporting bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Rainer Herffurth, Uwe Mierisch
  • Patent number: 6676226
    Abstract: A wheel end for use in a vehicle wherein the wheel end includes a side shaft wherein the side shaft having an appendage on one end thereof. The side shaft having a cylindrical cavity at a center point of the appendage. The wheel end unit also includes a spindle arranged around the appendage. A knuckle is arranged around a portion of the spindle and a portion of the side shaft. The wheel end also includes a fastener secured between the spindle and the appendage to ensure a robust connection between the spindle and the appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20030047989
    Abstract: A spindle for use in an automobile chassis is provided. An aluminum knuckle with an axial through hole defined in its interior is provided along with a substantially cylindrical steel stem with an interlocking feature defined on one end. The interlocking feature has an extended flange with an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the through hole in the knuckle. The interlocking feature also has a frusto-conical section and at least a portion of the stem is welded to at least a portion of the through hole such that the interlocking feature is within the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Haimian Cai
  • Patent number: 6471221
    Abstract: A trash can system has a container. The container has a large upper periphery with a front and a rear. The container also has a small lower periphery with a front and a rear. Between the upper and lower peripheries, the container also has a side wall. The container also has a recess. The recess has a generally rectilinear configuration formed at the bottom of the side wall at the rear of the lower periphery. Within the recess is a lower tubular handle. The handle is in a horizontal orientation with a central extent of the handle being spaced from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin McGarry
  • Patent number: 6439672
    Abstract: A vehicle dead axle is formed of a hollow tube that extends substantially the width of the vehicle and has wheel supporting spindle portions welded upon the opposite ends of the tube. The exterior surface of the tube is generally circular in cross-section. The cross-sectional shape of the opening in the tube is asymmetrically curved relative to the central axis of the tube to form the tube into integral, longitudinally extending, circumferential wall segments of varying wall thicknesses. The axle is oriented so that its thicker wall segments receive the greater of anticipated forces imposed upon the axle during use. The axle is formed by placing a tubular blank within an open die having a die throat and pushing the blank through the die throat by means of a moving ram that engages and pushes against the end of the blank. The ram has an extension that is fitted within the blank as the ram pushes the blank through the space between the extension and the die throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Brian A. Simon
  • Patent number: 6431659
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making possible an infinite variation in the adjustment angle of a spindle assembly makes possible a rapid changeover for testing the dynamic properties of elastomeric objects. In spindle assembly (10), wedge rings (18, 20) having wider portions (22, 22a) and narrower portions (24, 24a) interposed between a spindle (12) and an axle assembly (17), whereby the relative placement of the wider portions (22, 22a) and the narrower portions (24, 24a) determine the angle of the spindle (12) relative to axle assembly (17). Indicia (48, 48a) on the wedge rings (18, 20) make possible quick determination of the exact angle. Means (50, 50a, 67) may be provided to make easier rotation of the wedge rings (18, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Kerry Arne Somppi
  • Patent number: 6361121
    Abstract: A plastic wheel (22, 122) and wheel mounting sleeve (27, 27a, 127) used to releasably secure the wheel (22, 122) onto an axle (23, 123). The wheel mounting sleeve (27, 27a, 127) preferably includes a resilient, radially displaceable, axially extending, cantilevered finger (46, 146) which includes an axle-engaging lug (55, 155), while a wheel-engaging shoulder is provided on an annular rib 101, 201. The respective sleeve shoulders cooperate with oppositely facing shoulders on the wheel so as to latch the sleeve (27, 127) to the axle (23, 123) and the wheel (22, 122) to the sleeve (27, 127). The sleeve (27, 127) and sleeve-receiving bore (39a, 39b, 139a, 139b) are radially inwardly stepped on the inner side (66, 166) as compared to the outer side (67, 167) of the wheel. Assembly can be accomplished without any tools, and a pointed tool can be used to puncture a skin (195) in a passageway (191) so as to enable release of the sleeve (27, 127) and wheel (22, 122) from the axle (23, 123).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: GEO Plastics
    Inventor: Michael A. Morris
  • Patent number: 6299258
    Abstract: A one-piece injection mold composite axle for containers includes an elongated body portion having an I-shaped cross section. The elongated body portion defines opposite ends, each of which has a spindle integrally formed thereon for carrying a wheel mounting part. The axle is formed of a non-corroding fiber reinforced polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: 21st Century Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon C. Wright, Daniel J. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6280001
    Abstract: A waste container having a wheel assembly comprising an axle assembly on which are slidably mounted a pair of wheels. The axle assembly comprises a pultruded shaft with opposing end caps. The end caps have an indentation for receiving a retainer to retain the wheels on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Cascade Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Parker, Edward H. Wysocki, Roger D. Herrick
  • Patent number: 6000763
    Abstract: In a dead axle wheel assembly having a hub and bearings mounted on a threaded spindle and held there by lock nuts to rotatably support a vehicle wheel, a safety lock comprising a sleeve, closed at an outer end and open at an inner end, the sleeve of a size, when in position secured to the spindle, to sit on and cover the outer end of the spindle with the sleeve's inner end spaced from it the lock nuts, and a device associated with the closed end of the sleeve to secure the sleeve to the other end of the spindle, whereby, when in position on the spindle, the inner end of the sleeve is located to obstruct the lock nuts, if they become loosened, to keep them from disassociating from the spindle. This safety lock provides a simple but effective construction for maintaining the integrity of a dead axle wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Stevens
  • Patent number: 5997105
    Abstract: A swift wheel locking device for a golf cart includes a wheel axle and a bracket member. The wheel axle has a small diameter portion with an annular groove for a locking member to lock or unlock the wheel axle with a solid portion of the bracket member by means of a control member movably fitted in and on the solid portion and extending a little out of a cap covering on the solid portion and keeping the locking member and the control member in place in and on the bracket member. A press portion of the control member extending out of the cap can be pressed to lock and unlock swiftly the locking member with and from the wheel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Sports World Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Li Wu
  • Patent number: 5997103
    Abstract: A wheel hub has inboard and outboard bearings separated by a spacer. A temporary alignment member is located against an inner surface of the spacer and an inner surface of the outboard bearing thus aligning the inner surfaces of the spacer and the bearing. A cap is located on an outboard surface of the hub to hold the outboard bearing in place. The cap includes a hole large enough for the alignment member to pass through. The hub may be easily mounted onto an axle merely by locating an inboard opening of the hub over the axle and sliding the hub onto the axle. As the axle enters the hub it eventually contacts the alignment member and begins moving the alignment member outward through the hole in the cap. As the alignment member moves outward the axle refills the space immediately vacated by the alignment member. The hub is then further pushed onto the axle so that the alignment member falls away and the axle protrudes through the hole in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Consilidated Metco, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Wagner
  • Patent number: 5992943
    Abstract: A wheel mount for a wheel comprises a spindle, a hub for surrounding the spindle and a bearing assembly interposed between the spindle and the hub. The spindle extends from an end of an axle of a vehicle and has a generally decreasing diameter from its proximal end to its distal end. The spindle is provided with a pair of lands near the ends of the spindle for receiving bearings, and has bearing retainers near the respective ends also, the distal retainer being removably attached. These inboard and outboard bearing retainers define an axial bearing space. The hub has a central aperture with an inboard land and an outboard land provided on an internal surface of the central aperture, also for receiving bearings. The bearing assembly comprises an inboard bearing and an outboard bearing in spaced apart relationship within the axial bearing space. The inboard bearing has an internal diameter larger than the internal diameter of the outboard bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: James H Sheets, Paul R. Pollock, David G. Moses
  • Patent number: 5957543
    Abstract: A golf cart wheel axle assembly having a holder plate connected to the frame of a golf cart to hold a wheel axle by a lock screw, wherein a rivet is fastened in a transversely extended rivet hole on the holder plate and peripherally engaged into an annular groove around a shoulder on the lock screw to stop the lock screw from an axial movement relative to the wheel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Ching-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 5785332
    Abstract: An integrally joined two-piece motor vehicle steering knuckle assembly which includes a first component, preferably having a steering knuckle, a brake mounting bracket, a tie rod arm and, if needed, a steering rod arm, and a second component, preferably having a wheel spindle. The first component and the second component are integrally joined together by a process such as interference fit, welding and/or adhesive bonding, in the case of welding, most preferably friction welding, to form an integrally joined two-piece motor vehicle steering knuckle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Pollock, Dennis Timothy Mahoney, Richard Ryan
  • Patent number: 5757084
    Abstract: A wheel hub has inboard and outboard bearings separated by a spacer. A temporary alignment member is located against an inner surface of the spacer and an inner surface of the outboard bearing thus aligning the inner surfaces of the spacer and the bearing. A cap is located on an outboard surface of the hub to hold the outboard bearing in place. The cap includes a hole large enough for the alignment member to pass through. The hub may be easily mounted onto an axle merely by locating an inboard opening of the hub over the axle and sliding the hub onto the axle. As the axle enters the hub it eventually contacts the alignment member and begins moving the alignment member outward through the hole in the cap. As the alignment member moves outward the axle refills the space immediately vacated by the alignment member. The hub is then further pushed onto the axle so that the alignment member falls away and the axle protrudes through the hole in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Consolidated Metco, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Wagner
  • Patent number: 5689882
    Abstract: A method of producing a spindle that can be easily press fit into a knuckled suspension arm with high productivity. A round bar is forged by a header to form a work in process part which is, in turn, thermally refined. If necessary, shot blast and lubrication are applied to the exterior surface of the work in process part. Subsequently, by rolling the work in process part, screw threads are formed on a male screw portion. The work in process part is set and finished in a press. The peripheral surfaces of the bearing attachment portion as well as the knuckle press fit portion of the work in process part are finished in a press. Since the surface of the knuckle press fit portion of the spindle is formed or extruded in the press, the portion can be easily press fit into a knuckled suspension arm with little resistance. The method of producing the spindle obviates the necessity of machining and grinding thereby providing enhanced productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignees: TRW Steering Systems Japan Co. Ltd., Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Adachi, Kazuo Nakagawa, Kiyoaki Tanidono, Masaharu Tsuboi
  • Patent number: 5667326
    Abstract: A flexible tie strut for supporting both compressive and tensile forces, the flexible tie strut includes a tension member and a coaxially mounted compression member, the compression member and the tensile member are interconnected at their respective ends. A coupler for interconnecting flexible tie struts, and a system of couplers and struts are also disclosed. Additionally, wheels are disclosed that have axles having both male and female connection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas H. McGaffigan
  • Patent number: 5658053
    Abstract: A hub for greasing inner and outer shaft bearings on a spindle having greasing passageways leading in from the front of the hub. One passageway leads to the front of the outer bearing and the other passageway leads to the rear of the inner bearing. A purging passageway is provided between the inner and outer bearings whereby upon pressured grease being forced into greasing passageways in the direction of the purging passageways, new grease is forced in an axial direction through the bearings and old grease and contaminants are purged. An annular seal between the bearings provides the purging passageway with the spindle, such passageway being next to the shaft for maintaining a supply of grease on the shaft. The seal has at least one annular recess for providing additional storage of grease. Grease holding areas are provided adjacent the bearings such that grease is forced into the bearings by centrifugal force when the hub rotates on the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventors: R. Lee Vencill, Robert E. Vencill
  • Patent number: 5484192
    Abstract: A mounting for an axle spindle of an agricultural implement is described which is adjustable between a substantially horizontal travel position and a downwardly inclined field working position. The downwardly inclined position is used in order to enhance performance of the agricultural implement, especially dual wing implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Degelman Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Wilfred J. Degelman
  • Patent number: 5466051
    Abstract: A wheel device for releasably attaching to a golf cart, the wheel device includes an engaging member fixed to a wheel axle. A pair of catches are extended from tile engaging member. The leg attachment member includes a hole for receiving the catches of the engaging member so as to secure the wheel to the leg attachment member. The wheel device includes a greatly simplified structure, and the wheel can be easily secured to the leg attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 5401080
    Abstract: A spindle hub mount unit for attachment to a wheel spindle. The improvement of a plate. Holes are located in the plate to assist in securing the plate to a machine frame. An upright stub axle sleeve is mounted on the plate. The plate has an offset plate hole with a lower end of the stub axle sleeve mounted in the offset plate hole. Welds attach the stub axle sleeve to the plate when set into the offset plate hole. Gussets are mounted on the plate having gusset edges. Welds join the gusset edges to an outside surface of the upright stub axle sleeve and to the plate. Aligned opposing stub axle sleeve holes extend through the stub axle sleeve above the plate with a bolt having a bolt shank extended through the aligned opposing stub axle sleeve holes and a nut is attached to a free end of the bolt for securing a lower end of a wheel spindle interiorly of the stub axle sleeve in bolted assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Verlyn C. Wenzel
  • Patent number: 5238297
    Abstract: A detachable wheel mounting assembly for golf trolleys and the like comprises a plastics bearing sleeve (5) carrying the wheel (6) rotatably mounted thereon and held by a captive washer (9). Extending rearwardly of the sleeve (5) and integral therewith is a resilient finger tab (17) carrying a detent notch which engages a fixed detent (19) when the sleeve with the wheel attached is axially mounted on the stub axle or shaft (2) to lock the wheel on the shaft. When it is desired to detach the wheel, the detent is disengaged by finger pressure on the finger tab (17) permitting the wheel (6) and hearing sleeve (8) to be removed as a unitary assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Acushnet Limited
    Inventor: Mark A. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5188430
    Abstract: A structure for a golf cart wheel shaft having two hole bushings fixed in opposing ends of a central bore of a hub of the golf cart wheel. A shaft bushing is disposed within the central bores of the hole bushings for receiving a wheel shaft within the interior of the shaft bushing. The wheel shaft is engaged within the shaft bushing and both rotate together by means of two fitting tips, each of the two fitting tips being formed on a respective one of two clamping fingers. The fitting tips pass through respective holes in the shaft bushing to engage respective recesses formed in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Sunshon Molding Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiu-Hui Chiu