Abstract: An axle assembly includes a spindle (12) that extends through a mounting collar (28) into the open end of the axle. A cam key (70) moves through a key hole (22) in the axle and registers with the cam slot (54) of the spindle. The cam surface (76) of the cam key (70) is reversible with the cam surface (76) engaging either the bearing surface (58) or the bearing surface (60) of the spindle, to urge the spindle into or out of the axle.

Abstract: A golf cart spindle to allow mounting of a larger wheel and tire combination on a golf cart. The spindle having a spindle body which includes a top end and a bottom end, the spindle body including a bolt channel between the top end and bottom end of the spindle body, the spindle body sized to fit existing front spindle supports of the golf cart as a replacement to the production spindle. The spindle having a spindle leg extending from the spindle body, the spindle leg having a spindle end attached to the spindle body; the spindle leg having an axle end. The spindle having an axle extending from the axle end of the spindle leg. Whereby, the spindle leg extends from the spindle body such that the axle end and the axle is positioned forward and lower than the original position of the axle of the production spindle.

Abstract: An emergency axle is provided for small trailers normally pulled by automobiles or small trucks. The emergency axle may be carried on the trailer on in the pulling vehicle. In the event an axle is damaged or breaks, the emergency axle is placed over the end of that axle so that the wheel is remounted and the trip continues. The emergency axle has an extension tube for sliding over the end of the damaged axle. One end of the tube is closed with an attachment plate which connects to the brake mounting plate on the trailer axle. The other end of the tube is closed by an axle plate with a stub axle to which the wheel can be mounted.

Abstract: Opposite ends of a torsion beam are connected to left and right trailing arms, and a spindle which supports a wheel is secured to a spindle support plate which is welded to each of the left and right trailing arms. Bent flanges which are formed in the outer periphery of a body of the spindle support plate, are fitted to the outer periphery of the end of trailing arm and secured by welding. With this arrangement, thermal warp of the body of the spindle support plate which supports spindle can be prevented, and not only can the mounting precision of the spindle be improved, but also the thickness of the spindle support plate can be reduced to reduce the weight.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a tag axle commonly used in light, medium and heavy duty trailers 14 and is comprised of an axle beam 16 with a removable and replaceable spindle 24. The detachable spindle 24 has an extended back end 26 which is inserted in the axle beam 16 ends. The axle beam 16 ends are reinforced with a collar 18. The detachable spindle 24 and the axle beam 16 are locked together with a sleeved cross connector assembly 30, 32, 34, 36. The deformable sleeve 32 is fitted over the shaft of the cross connector 30 and the sleeved cross connector assembly is pressed into the cross-hole 20,28 which is drilled through the collar 18 and the back end 26 of the detachable spindle 24. The deformable sleeve 32 material is compressed into the cross-hole 20,28 to assure a tight fit and minimize any axial and radial movement between the spindle 24 and the axle beam 16. A wheel assembly 52 can then be attached to the spindles 24.

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.

Abstract: An improved wheel securing structure for a remote-controlled model car includes a steering seat and a U-shaped securing frame. The steering seat is disposed in the U-shaped structure of the securing frame and is connected thereto by means of screw and bushing. The invention is characterized in that the steering seat has a slightly protruding hole seat provided at each of upper and lower opposing ends of the housing thereof. The hole seat has an edge-cut positioning groove provided in inner side surfaces of through hole respectively. Two screws have head portions respectively formed with flat edges. The screws extend from the inner side of the steering seat through outer end of the through hole, with the flat edges embedded in the positioning groove. The other end of the screw is provided with a nut to secure the assembly tightly.

Abstract: A spindle to aluminum wheel carrier mounting is provided having increased contact area for reducing stress in the aluminum. The wheel assembly comprises a spindle, a wheel carrier, and a fastener. The spindle is comprised of ferrous material and includes a shank portion, a boss portion, and a fastening portion. The boss portion has a monotonically changing diameter along its longitudinal axis. The wheel carrier is adapted to be supported by a suspension system of the vehicle and has a wheel-facing side. The wheel carrier is comprised of aluminum and has a spindle-receiving aperture therethrough. The aperture has a variable diameter along its length to form a boss-receiving socket. The boss-receiving socket has a monotonically changing diameter substantially matching the boss portion. A fastener is joined to the fastening portion and draws the boss portion against the boss-receiving socket. Consequently, stresses in the aluminum wheel carrier are distributed over the boss-receiving socket.

Abstract: A plastic wheel (122, 222) and wheel mounting sleeve (127, 227, 327, 427) used to releasably secure the wheel (122, 222) onto an axle (123, 223). The wheel mounting sleeve (127, 227, 327, 427) preferably includes a resilient, radially displaceable, axially extending, cantilevered finger (146, 246, 346, 446) which includes an axle-engaging lug (155, 255, 355, 455), while a wheel-engaging shoulder is provided on the sleeve by an annular rib (201, 301). The sleeve shoulders latch the sleeve (127, 227, 327, 427) to the axle (123, 223) and the wheel (122, 222) to the sleeve. The sleeve (127, 227, 327, 427) includes an axle stabilizing recess (198, 298, 398, 498) positioned in an end wall (158, 258, 358, 458), which receives an axle stub (199, 299) that supports the axle (123, 223) against lateral loading and stabilizes it to reduce wobble, chatter and vibration.

Abstract: A flanged axle shaft assembly includes a shaft having a tubular wall and an open end, a flange hub having a central opening fitted over the shaft and secured to the open end, and an end wedge secured in the open end and urging the shaft wall into compressive engagement with the flange hub opening to provide for transmission of forces between the shaft and the flange hub. In a preferred method of assembly, the shaft is formed with a flared inner end stop against which the hub flange is mounted about the shaft. Forcing the end wedge into the shaft inner end expands the shaft wall into a characterized, such as splined, surface of the hub central opening to provide a high torque mechanical driving connection. The hub flange and a head of the end wedge are preferably also laser welded to the shaft.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle comprises a spindle and a wheel carrier. The spindle includes a shank portion and a shoulder portion. The shank portion includes a press-fit portion adjacent the shoulder portion and has a first predetermined diameter. The wheel carrier is adapted to be supported by a suspension system of the vehicle, is comprised of aluminum, and has a spindle-receiving bore therethrough. The bore has an initially-formed diameter smaller than the first predetermined diameter. The press-fit portion is press-fit into the bore. The difference between the initially-formed diameter and the first predetermined diameter is sufficiently large that the press-fit portion is surrounded by a deformation zone having a radial thickness of at least 10 microns. In one preferred embodiment, this deformation zone is comprised of plastically deformed aluminum having a radial thickness of at least 3 microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension for the driven wheels of a motor vehicle which are each fastened detachably by means of wheel bolts to a contact surface of a brake member which for its part is mounted rotatably by means of at least one roller bearing on a suspension connected in pivotable manner to the frame or structure of the vehicle and is connected to a drive shaft. In order to provide a structurally simple connection which is free of play both in the axial as well as in the radial direction the end of the drive shaft on the wheel side is connected via a shaft section having a polygonal outer contour directly to the brake member. Furthermore the drive shaft adjoining this polygonal shaft section is constructed with a cylindrical shaft section serving as the seat for the roller bearing.

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).

Abstract: A plastic wheel (22) and wheel mounting sleeve (27, 27a, 27b, 27c) used to releasably secure the wheel (22) onto an axle (23). The wheel mounting sleeve (27) preferably includes two resilient, radially displaceable, axially extending, cantilevered fingers (46, 47) which are cantilevered from and extend axially in opposite directions on the sleeve (27). An axle-engaging shoulder (42) is provided on a radially inwardly extending lug (55) on one finger (46), while a wheel-engaging shoulder (43) is provided on a radially outwardly extending lug (61) on the other resilient finger (47). The respective shoulders (42, 43) cooperate with oppositely facing shoulders (58, 62) so as to releasably latch the sleeve (27) to the axle (23) and the wheel (22) to the sleeve (27). Assembly can be accomplished without any tools and a screwdriver can be used to disassemble the components.

Abstract: A torsion axle assembly 10 having readily removable and replaceable spindle axles 20. The assembly comprises a tubular axle beam 12, a inner torsion bar 14 seated inside the tubular axle beam 12, rubber cords 16 positioned in the four corners of the tubular axle beam 12 for providing torsional resistance to the inner torsion bar 14, torsion arms 18 rigidly secured to the inner torsion bar 14 at opposing ends thereof, and removable spindle axles 18. A removable spindle axle 20 generally includes a boss 26 of defined taper arranged and configured to be mounted in abutment with the spindle axle socket 28 of the torsion arms 18, a threaded fastener 36 for securing the spindle axle 20 to torsion arm 18, and a spindle end 30 that is arranged and configured to mount a wheel and hub assembly 32 thereon.

Abstract: An adjustable steering axle includes an outer axle having an exterior surface and an inner cylindrical surface. The inner axle has an outer cylindrical surface, a first kingpin receiving tube provided at a first end of the inner axle and a second kingpin receiving tube at a second end of the inner axle. The inner axle is rotatably received within the cylindrical surface of the outer axle. A first kingpin extends through the first kingpin receiving tube, and a second kingpin extends through a second kingpin receiving tube. A first spindle is rotatably mounted about the first kingpin, and a second spindle is rotatably mounted about the second kingpin. A caster charge pin is attached to the inner axle and provides rotation of the inner axle relative to the outer axle. The adjustable steering axle is desirably used on semi trailers.

Abstract: A flange and shaft for a two-piece forged axle and method for forging same. The flange includes a hub formed concentric about a longitudinal axis wherein the hub defines an inner annular face, an outer annular face, and a bore extending therebetween. The bore includes a first tapered surface diverging from the longitudinal axis. The flange further includes an annular ring coaxial and integral with the hub as well as a locking arrangement integral with the tapered surface for mechanically coupling the flange for rotation with a shaft. Additional embodiments of the present invention include a two-piece axle having a flange generally configured as described above and a cylindrical shaft disposed in the bore of the flange. The shaft includes a first end portion having a first radial upset engaging a first locking arrangement on the flange to couple the flange for rotation with the shaft.

Abstract: Steering axle arrangement for non-driven steerable vehicle wheel, comprising a kingpin (3), on which a steering knuckle (12) is mounted in upper and lower taper roller bearings (17,18). The bearings are preloaded against bearing seats (20, 22) in the steering knuckle yoke arms (13, 14) by means of upper and lower nuts screwed onto the kingpin ends. The nuts press against the inner rings (23,25) of the bearings.

Abstract: A technique and related assembly for repairing axles such as large heavy duty axles for semitrailers and vehicles are disclosed. A single replacement spindle is utilized in conjunction with one of several sleeve components for the repair. The technique enables a wide array of axles to be easily repaired with a relatively small selection of components.

Abstract: Luggage cases usually include wheels to aid in their transport. The wheels and their mounting systems must themselves be extremely sturdy, and should not cause weakness or mechanical failure of the luggage case to which they are mounted. The disclosed cantilever wheel mounting assembly 18 includes an axle 22 with a protruding end 26 that fits into an elastomeric mounting block 20 that in turn is received in a corresponding cavity in a molded luggage case shell. A screw fastener 38 passes through one of the walls 15 of the cavity, and through a corresponding hole 44 in the mounting block and through a hole 28 through the end of the axle 22 to hold the assembly in place while permitting the axle to pivot about the fastener when the elastomeric block flexes in response to vibrations and impacts in use.

Abstract: An undercarriage of a belted or track-type machine includes a drive wheel rotatably mounted to the machine and a roller frame assembly pivotally mounted to the machine. The roller frame assembly includes at least one idler wheel and a number of guide rollers. Stationary shafts are mounted to the roller frame assembly and rotationally support the idler wheel and guide rollers. Mounting caps clamp the stationary shafts to the roller frame assembly. One or more fasteners fasten an end portion adjacent to the shaft engaging portion of the mounting cap in abutting contact with the roller frame assembly. A single fastener fastens the other end portion of the mounting cap to the roller frame assembly; however, the other end portion is spaced apart from the roller frame assembly. The abutting contact between the mounting cap and roller frame assembly minimizes flexure of the fasteners and movement of the shaft under moment loading.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel assembly for temporarily supporting one side of a trailer frame wherein the assembly includes a wheel carried by a strut which is vertically adjustable relative to a support tube. The assembly also includes clamping elements for securing the tube to and directly beneath the frame without interfering with the structural integrity of the frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed a safety tire for motor vehicles which is comprised of a cord-reinforced body having a pair of generally radially extending outer sidewalls and a third center wall. The three walls terminate in inextensible tire beads which are adapted to seat on a rim and to form therewith two side-by-side, axially arranged, airtight chambers. The rim has two axially outer bead seats, and an axially inner bead seat formed by flanges each curving toward a respective tire chamber.

Abstract: A new and improved spare tire and axle system for a trailer, comprising a spare tire, rim and hub assembly with an attachment plate secured thereto for coupling to a trailer. A handle raises the assembly and attachment plate to a storage position and lowers the assembly to an operative position. Locking components secure the assembly and attachment plate in one position or the other.

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.

Abstract: A structure for positively retaining a journal portion of a spindle in a tube portion of a vehicle axle housing includes a transverse aperture formed through the tube portion near the outer end thereof. The aperture extends partially into the interior of the tube portion and is defined by a radius of curvature. A generally hollow cylindrical spindle is connected to the end of the tube portion. The spindle includes a journal portion which is telescopically received within the hollow tube portion. An annular groove is formed in the outer surface of the journal portion of the spindle near the inner end thereof. The groove is defined by a radius of curvature which is substantially larger than the radius of curvature defining the transverse aperture. When the spindle is inserted within the tube portion, the groove is aligned with the transverse aperture. A threaded fastener is disposed within the transverse aperture.

Abstract: A three piece axle and wheel spindle assembly for vehicular trailers wherein a damaged spindle may be replaced at will, characterized by corresponding axle and spindle flange plates, the former defining a positive spindle flange plate positioners, the latter a removable plate, inter-locking therewith. Lefthand and righthand spindle flange plates each form a cam slide, corresponding to a cam positioner against the axle flange plate and a receptor flange seat for the axle plate. Removal and replacement of one or the other wheel spindle may be effected en route and without any axle dismantling from the trailer. Fastening bolts of the three piece assembly are readily accessible, due to their disposition at right angles to the axis of the axle.

Abstract: An improved golf cart mainly comprises a pair of grips, a grip-supporting-rod, a fixing seat for the grip supporting rod, an upper-fixing-member for a golf bag, a collapsible frame, a pair of wheels and a set of wheel supports. The grip can receive a golf ball and a plurality of golf tees. The upper-fixing-member for holding a golf bag can receive a plurality of golf balls. The inclination of the grip-supporting-rod is adjustable. The central components of the collapsible frame are disposed in a hollow supporting rod both to prevent the user from being hurt and to increase the component's durability. The wheels and its supports are simplified as well for easy operation.

Abstract: A replaceable spindle assembly which includes a pair of plates connecting the spindle to the axle and fastened together by mounting bolts. One plate includes annular ribs which fit within annular grooves in the other plate to distribute the shear forces transmitted by the spindle to the axle through the plates.

Abstract: A novel inflation/deflation system for the pneumatic tires of a vehicle, and particularly of an aircraft, is described, which comprises a housing on the vehicle, such as in the form of a fixed axle housing, on which the tire and wheel are mounted for rotation, and defining a cavity coaxial with the axis of rotation of the wheel for housing the valve and related components; a manifold within the housing defines a manifold chamber containing and supporting an axially movable poppet valve; a remotely controllable solenoid is mounted within the axle housing coaxially with the manifold and poppet valve, the plunger of the solenoid being operatively connected to the poppet valve for axial movement of the poppet valve between open and closed positions in response to operation of the solenoid, whereby pressurized air may be selectively supplied from a pneumatic source to the manifold and to the tire through pneumatic lines connected thereto.

Abstract: An improvement in an axle assembly for off-road vehicles 10 having a swing arm 18 carrying left and right rear wheels 20 in which the assembly comprises an elongated shaft 22 centrally journaled in thread-lockable relation on the swing arm and having left and right hand end portions defining wheel mounting hubs 44 outboard of the swing arm in a manner subjecting the shaft portion 50 between the hubs and the swing arm to severe bending moments likely to cause cracking in shaft threaded portions 48, comprising thread-lockable shaft locking apparatus separable from the shaft, the locking apparatus including an internally threaded nut 62, an exteriorly threaded slide 60 nonrotatably keyed to the shaft, and shoulder device 68, 70 opposing the slide in blocking relation responsive to threaded adjustment of the nut on the slide to lock the shaft relative to the swing arm free of cracking-prone threading on the shaft.

Abstract: An assembly for allowing quick removal of a wheel from a vehicle is provided. The original wheel axle is replaced with an elongated axle which is adapted to extend through a block clamped to the vehicle frame. The block includes a spring-biased plunger which interfits with an annular groove at the end of the axle to lock the wheel and axle in place. The plunger is withdrawn from the groove to release the axle and allow one to readily remove the wheel.Alternately, an indented shaft fits within the groove to lock the axle. Upon rotation of the shaft to align the indentation over the groove, the axle may be released and withdrawn from the block.

Abstract: A wheelchair, for either street or sports (e.g. racing) use, is comfortable and easy-to-use, lightweight, and may be folded compactly for transportation. A plastic pallet supports a collapsible chair frame, and is mounted to a base frame for adjustment along the base frame to thereby adjust the center of gravity of the wheelchair. The rear drive wheels and the caster-type front wheels are both mounted to the frame for easy removal, utilizing a split-block receiving the spindle or shaft from the wheels. The blocks may be pivoted about axes perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the rear wheels to adjust the camber of the wheels, and--by effecting flexing of a leaf spring to which the blocks are mounted--the toe of the rear wheels may be adjusted.

Abstract: An assembly which can be mounted to a wheelchair to provide easy removal of the drive wheels yet retain mobility of a wheelchair includes a connector block mounted on a wheelchair frame, which connector block has a first orifice extending therethrough for receiving an axle of a drive wheel of a wheelchair and a second orifice extending therethrough and at least partially intersecting the first orifice. A drive wheel axle having an annular groove at one end extends into the first orifice of the connector block such that the annular groove aligns with the second orifice. A rod rotatable about its longitudinal axis extends through the second orifice of the connector block with at least a portion of the rod having a generally circular cross section and a slot therealong. The slot aligns with the first orifice of the connector block. A first arm is fastened to and extends radially from the rod and moves with rotation of the rod. A second arm is pivotally linked to the first arm.

Abstract: An automatic tire inflation/deflation system for a vehicle (10) is disclosed. Air passageways for the pressurize air are provided internally through the wheel assemblies without cutting into load bearing members. A rotating seal is provided by way of a pair of sealing rings (52,54) located inboard of the hub bearings (32,33) to protect the seals from adverse environmental conditions. A kit for retrofitting vehicles to include an automatic tire inflation/deflation system is also disclosed. Ramp surfaces (90, 91, 92) formed in the hub (30') are provided to facilitate removal of the bearing assemblies (32, 33).

Abstract: An assembly which can be mounted to a wheelchair to provide easy removal of the drive wheels of a wheelchair comprises a connector block mounted on a wheelchair frame, which connector has a first orifice extending therethrough for receiving an axle of a drive wheel of a wheelchair and a second orifice extending therethrough and at least partially intersecting the first orifice. A drive wheel axle having an annular groove at one end extends into the first orifice of the connector block such that the annular groove aligns with the second orifice. A rod rotatable about its longitudinal axis extends through the second orifice of the connector block with at least a portion of the rod having a generally circular cross section and a slot therealong. The slot aligns with the first orifice of the connector block. A first arm is fastened to and extends radially from the rod and moves with rotation of the rod. A second arm is pivotaly linked to the first arm.

Abstract: A transverse guide roller arrangement for a vehicle which can be guided mechanically along a guide track or the like provided on the side of a lane. The transverse guide roller arrangement includes at least one rolling surface which is approximately vertical when the guide roller is in an operating position. The rolling surface is formed by a rubber tire mounted on a rim having a hub rotatably supported on a fixed journal attached to an end of a supporting arm or the like. The hub forms radially, without transistion on an outside thereof the rim without a wheel disk, spokes, screw on flange, or the like. The hub and rim are combined structurally into one piece, with the journal being exchangeably attached to the supporting arm.

Abstract: In a wheel mounting arrangement which comprises a wheel-attachment spindle rotatably carried by roller bearings within a bearing hub and clamped thereto by a nut received on a threaded end of a spindle shaft, a locking device for preventing removal of the nut from the spindle shaft and consequent detachment of the spindle and spindle-attached wheel from the bearing hub and vehicle. The device comprises a locking snap ring received in a circumferential groove in the threaded spindle end so as to block removal of the nut. In accordance with a particular and critical feature of the invention, the groove and locking ring are axially spaced from the opposing surface of the nut in assembly and in normal operation so that the ring cooperates with the nut opposing surface to permit limited loosening of the nut.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly of the live spindle type is rendered driven or free wheeling by a torque responsive hub clutch. The hub clutch operates in response to the presence or absence of relative rotary motion between a driveable axle and a passive or stationary member in the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A bearing, hub and carrier assembly for use in a driven steering wheel wherein the drive shaft-engaging spindle on the wheel-mounting hub is locked against axial movement with respect to the spindle-surrounding wheel bearings by a one-piece retaining wire disposed in radially aligned circumferential grooves in the hub spindle and the inner race of the inboard wheel bearing.

Abstract: A wheel hub has a relatively large diameter hollow spindle within which a hollow shaft member is disposed and supported therein via bearings. A hollow cylindrical sleeve bearing support is disposed within the hollow shaft member and provided with a flange which serves to secure the bearings. The structural strength of the spindle can thus be increased via increasing the diameter thereof without necessitating the enlargement of the diameter of the associated road wheel and/or wheel brake.

Abstract: A brake and wheel assembly for vehicles having small diameter wheels and heavy axle loading requiring high capacity braking is disclosed. An axle extension shaft cantilevered transversely on a vehicle frame mounts rotatably a dual wheel hub which also serves as a brake rotor in coaction with a pair of wide brake shoes. A mounting unit for brake mechanism including a rigid backbone member is cantilevered from the vehicle frame across the axis of the axle extension shaft and brake rotor. The backbone member locates and supports front and rear brake cylinder bodies and associated anchor pins for the brake shoes and also supports a brake shoe upper guide. Brake shoe hold-down bases and other components are attached to a back plate of the brake mechanism mounting unit which also includes a side cover. A mechanical parking and emergency brake is included in the assembly along with required brake adjustment features.

Abstract: PCT NO. PCT/US79/00943 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 5, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Nov. 5, 1979, PCT Filed Nov. 5, 1979.A shear seal assembly (80) for sealing between two members (22,36) having limited relative motion therebetween has an inner sleeve (86), an outer sleeve (88), and an elastomeric member (90) connecting the sleeves (86,88). The inner sleeve (86) is in a press fit relationship with one of the members (22) and the outer sleeve (88) is in a press fit relationship with the other of the members (36). Thrust members (92,93) extending radially outwardly along the sides (94,96,98,99) of the seal assembly (80) control distortion thereof and prevent damage thereto. A protective member (93, 100) prevents the ingress of external contaminants and abrasives into the area to be sealed.

Abstract: A machine for uniformly applying a pressure on a relatively flat surface includes a portable frame structure and at least one frame supporting roller rotatably mounted on an axle by a pair of spaced journal assemblies. Each journal assembly has an upright bracket member with a top end secured to the underside of the frame structure, and an upright guideway in which the body portion of a bearing member, for rotatably supporting one end of the roller axle, is guidably movable. Flanges laterally extended from opposite sides of each bearing body portion are positioned between an associated bracket member and adjacent side of the roller. Each flange is formed with a fulcrum portion that is in contact engagement with the adjacent side surface of an associated bracket member for pivotal movement of the bearing member in response to a lateral tilting movement of the roller.

Abstract: A unitary axle of an elongated tubular construction preferably made from heat treated steel so as to be light weight with high strength. Two embodiments of the axle each have a first vehicle mounted end and a second wheel supporting end as well as an intermediate portion having an I-beam section whose combined height and width is less than the combined height and width of the intermediate axle portion adjacent the second axle end. Upper, lower, and spaced side walls of the intermediate axle portion have a uniform thickness and the side walls are deformed inwardly to form the I-beam section preferably so as to have inner sides thereof engaged with each other. First and second bends in the axle adjacent the first and second ends thereof allow it to be used in an overlapping relationship with another bent axle. A rectangular section of the intermediate axle portion is located between the I-beam section and the second axle end.

Abstract: An offset spindle and spindle support for a mobile home axle is disclosed, in which the wheel spindle is vertically offset with respect to a conventional axle tube. The offset support comprises a generally cup-shaped stamping and utilizes the backing plate of the brake to form a box-section, low-cost high strength offset support for a forged wheel spindle.

Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle tube, a transversely extending adapter plate adjacent an end of the tube, and a spindle projecting generally axially through the adapter plate. The adapter plate and spindle each have circumferentially spaced apart interdigitating fingers fixed thereto and each bearing on and extending generally radially across the end of the tube with the fingers of both the spindle and the adapter plate fixed to the tube by a weld which preferably extends circumferentially continuously around the outer periphery of the tube adjacent the end thereof.

Abstract: An adaptor capable of being mounted to the drive hubs of a vehicle to allow the vehicle to roll freely without rotation of the drive hubs or drive train. The adaptor includes an adaptor spindle which can be directly mounted to the drive hub using the wheel studs. A free-wheeling hub is mounted onto the adaptor spindle and includes a stud flange and studs providing an identical attachment pattern to that of the drive hub. The wheel of the vehicle may therefore be mounted on the free-wheeling hub such that the vehicle may be towed without injury to the drive line.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprises an axle housing secured to the frame of a vehicle, a spindle secured to the axle housing and a wheel rotatably mounted on the spindle. The axle housing and wheel spindle are secured together at radial flanges thereof by a plurality of circumferentially disposed bolts. A concavity is formed on the inner face of each of the flanges to impose compressive forces on radially inner portions thereof when the flanges are drawn and secured together by the bolts.