Distinct Spoke Socket Sleeve Patents (Class 301/61)
  • Patent number: 10994572
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel hub for mounting a brake disc in relation to a spoke-holding flange. The hub has a connection portion with a first annular sector that is axially external with respect to the spoke-holding flange and a second annular sector that is axially external with respect to the first annular sector. A circumferential groove axially arranged between the first and the second annular sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 8985707
    Abstract: A wheel with flexible spokes, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Martin Connolly
  • Patent number: 8985708
    Abstract: A wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Martin Connolly
  • Patent number: 8651583
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel spoke assembly includes a spoke and a spoke nut. The spoke has a rim attachment end and a hub attachment end. The spoke nut has a main body with a cylindrical shaped outer surface and a bore extending at least partially through the main body. The outer surface has at least one axially extending rib configured for engagement with a spoke aperture of a bicycle wheel hub. The bore of the main body of the spoke nut includes threads with the hub attachment end of the spoke being threadedly secured within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takanori Kanehisa, Masashi Goto, Seiji Mouri
  • Publication number: 20130207449
    Abstract: A force-distributing apparatus for a bicycle wheel spoke includes a force-distributing body having a free-end first surface and a second surface disposed at an opposite side of the first surface. The force-distributing body has a spoke-receiving opening that extends through the first surface. In one embodiment, the first surface substantially has the shape of a truncated sphere. In another embodiment, the force distributing body has a generally cylindrical shape. In another embodiment, the spoke-receiving opening is formed eccentrically in the force-distributing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Shimano, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20120299365
    Abstract: A nipple (1) for spokes of spoked wheels includes a head (2) which is wider than a shank (3), both of which are traversed by one axial through hole (4) which is at least partly threaded, with a seat in the head opposite the shank to house self-locking means and prevent undesired slackening of the nipple with respect to the spoke (7) when a thread (6) of the spoke is screwed into the hole, in which the seat comprises at least one recess (11) which intersects the threaded surface of the hole and the self-locking means comprise at least one insert (10) of material which is deformable in relation to the material of the nipple inserted in each recess, the recess and insert being shaped and positioned relative to the hole so that the insert is held in the corresponding recess in a position which partly projects over at least one length in the hole to interfere with the thread of the spoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Guido Cappellotto
  • Patent number: 8113593
    Abstract: A wheel for a bicycle including a rim and having a hub including a fixed hub axle and a hub body rotatably mounted relative to the hub axle, and having a plurality of spokes disposed between the hub body and the rim to non-rotatably connect the rim with the hub body. The rim includes two rim flanks, a rim well and a rim base with spoke holes, at which the spokes are received. A separate holding member is disposed in each spoke hole, which together with a spoke nipple received at the holding member can be passed through the spoke hole in a tilted position, while in a tilted-back position it contacts the rim and is received therein to be tension-proof so as to fix the spoke to the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: DT Swiss Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Spahr, Martin Walthert, Andreas Reuteler
  • Publication number: 20100033006
    Abstract: A wheel, comprised of a peripheral wheel rim, a central hub with a central axle and an outer flange, a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, a connecting element connected to at least one of said spokes, and a bracing element connected to said connecting element. The spokes have a first portion connected to the rim and a second portion opposed to the first portion and connected to the hub and a span portion between the rim and hub. The spoke is a generally slender element with a longitudinal axis and also has a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the span portion. The bracing element includes at least a portion of at least one of the rim and hub. The connecting element includes a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion integrally joined to the second portion at a joining interface. This integral joinder of the first portion and second portion of the connecting element serves to at least one of retain and engage the spoke to the connecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Raphael Schlanger
  • Patent number: 7658452
    Abstract: A hub and a wheel equipped with such a hub for bicycles, wherein the hub includes a fixed hub axle and a hub body rotatably mounted relative to fixed hub axle through two bearings. The hub body includes a hub sleeve and two separate hub flanges positioned on the hub sleeve at which spokes are disposed to connect the hub body with a rim. The hub flanges are fastened to the hub sleeve by connecting members positioned substantially perpendicular to the hub axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: DT Swiss Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Spahr, Martin Walthert, Andreas Reuteler
  • Publication number: 20080129105
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel, comprising a hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes extending between the hub and the rim is provided. Each spoke comprises a first end portion coupled with the hub and a second end portion coupled with the rim. The first end portion comprises an abutment surface in contact with a first stop surface of the hub in a tensioning condition of the spoke. A surface substantially opposite the aforementioned abutment surface, on the other hand, does not make contact with the hub. The wheel further comprises locking means of the spoke with respect to the hub adapted to prevent or to limit a displacement of the abutment surface away from the first stop surface in a detensioning condition of the spoke, as in, for example, that which occurs for a violent impact against uneven or rough ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Davide URBANI, Andrea BUSA
  • Patent number: 7360847
    Abstract: A bicycle hub includes an axle, a hub shell and a plurality of fixing elements. The hub shell is rotatably disposed about the axle. The hub shell has a plurality of fixing portions disposed at an end thereof. Each of the fixing portions has a pair of spoke guide openings. The spoke guide openings are preferably unthreaded closed bores. The fixing elements are removably coupled to the fixing portions of the hub shell. Each of the fixing elements includes a pair of spoke attachment structures to receive inner ends of a pair of spokes. Preferably, the spoke attachment structures include threaded spoke attachment openings. Preferably, the fixing portions and the fixing elements are configured and arranged such that each of the fixing elements contacts an exterior surface of the hub shell when assembled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinpei Okajima, Kazuki Koshiyama
  • Publication number: 20080048489
    Abstract: A bicycle rim assembling structure includes a plurality of through holes disposed equidistantly at a concave surface on an external side of a rim, and a corresponding number of eyelets are engaged into the through holes by a pressing machine. The eyelet is T-shaped with a distal edge of its broadened circular section at the top bent into an internal wall of a cannular hole, and the lowest section of its linear flat body section at the bottom bent into another cannular hole, and both upper and lower cannular holes have the same diameter, and the eyelets are engaged into the through holes. The space of the linear flat body section under the eyelet provides a function of adjusting the spokes, and the thickness of the eyelet provides sufficient strength to accept the pulling force applied to the eyelet after the spoke is installed to the rim to prevent accidents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Liu
  • Patent number: 7306292
    Abstract: A bicycle hub has an axle and a hub shell rotatably disposed about the axle with a plurality of fixing portions disposed at opposite ends of the hub shell. Each of the fixing elements has a pair of spoke attachment structures to attach a pair of inner ends of a pair of spokes to the hub shell. The fixing elements are removably coupled to the fixing portions of the hub shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Muraoka, Kazuki Koshiyama
  • Patent number: 7192098
    Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a tire attachment portion a spoke attachment portion and a plurality of reinforcement members fixedly coupled to the spoke attachment portion at attachment openings to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachment portion at the attachment openings. Each reinforcement member includes a rim facing surface that contacts the rim, an exterior facing surface facing and a through opening extending between the rim facing surface and the exterior facing surface that is aligned with one of the attachment openings. Each of the reinforcement members is preferably welded to the spoke attachment portion. Each of the reinforcement members preferably has a maximum overlapping dimension overlapping the spoke attachment portion as measured from an outer peripheral edge to a respective one of the attachment openings with the maximum overlapping dimension being at least half as large as a maximum transverse dimension of the attachment openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 6811228
    Abstract: A wheel for cycles includes a wheel rim having a number of orifices each formed by a peripheral flange, a number of couplers engaged into the orifices of the wheel rim and each having a screw hole threaded with fasteners. A number of spokes each has one end engaged through the bore of the fasteners and engaged with lock members which may anchor the spokes to the fasteners, and to secure the spokes to the couplers. The ends of the spokes may thus be easily secured to the wheel rim without forming any threaded or screw holes in the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Tseng Ping Tien
  • Patent number: 6557946
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spoke nipple for bicycle wheels and similar contrivances comprising a body having a longitudinal axis in which a drill hole is disposed essentially concentrically to said longitudinal axis. A screw thread is provided extending at least over one longitudinal section of said drill hole which is provided for receiving a spoke having a corresponding thread. A quantity of glue is disposed on the spoke nipple and so structured that the glue is activated to function as an agent to secure the thread upon screwing said spoke nipple onto a spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jager Gerrit, Maurizio d'Alberto
  • Patent number: 6409279
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel includes a hub and a plurality of mounting seats arranged around the hub and pivoted to the hub for pivoting about axes parallel to an axis of the hub. A plurality of spokes have outer ends mounted on a wheel rim, and inner ends mounted on the mounting seats for mounting the wheel rim on the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Alex Machine Industrial Co., LTD
    Inventor: Chao-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 6213562
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel basically has a hub, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the hub and an annular rim coupled to the outer ends of the spokes for supporting a tire. The annular rim has a spoke attachment portion with a plurality of openings for receiving the outer ends of the spokes therein. The openings of the annular rim have reinforcement members or washers located between the spokes and annular rim. The outer ends of the spokes have bent sections located within the spoke holes of the reinforcement members or washers and head section that engage the inner surface of the reinforcement members or washers. The rim is provided with a reinforcing rib or bend above each of the spoke holes. The reinforcing rib or bend can be continuous or discontinuous. The spoke attachment portions of the rim are divided into an outer circumferential section, a middle circumferential section with the spoke openings formed therein and an inner circumferential section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutumo Muraoka, Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 6205664
    Abstract: A spoke nipple comprises a body of substantially undeformable material with a head and a shank which have an at least partially threaded axial hole for housing the thread of a spoke, and with a perforated insert of substantially deformable material fixed to the body with the holes in the body and in the insert arranged coaxially, the insert having an inside diameter such as to house the thread of the spoke with interference when it is screwed into the axial hole in the nipple body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Alpina Raggi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guido Cappellotto
  • Patent number: 6102168
    Abstract: The present invention is a brake system for wheeled skates, and in particular in line skates. The brake system consists of at least one brake disk, but preferably two sets of interleaving disks. The first set of disks are keyed to a wheel's shaft, and the second set of disks are keyed to the inner hub of the wheel. The first set of disks cannot rotate around the shaft which is fixedly attached to the frame of the skate. The second set of disks rotate with the wheel. Both sets of disks are free to move axially. To brake, a skater shifts his weight onto the outside of his feet, which causes both the first set and second set of disks to move towards the inside of the skate and compress together. The frictional force between the rotating second set of disks and the nonrotating first set of disks causes the second set of disks to decrease in rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Robert C. Brandriff, George Edward Avila
  • Patent number: 6068349
    Abstract: Spoked wheel assemblies (22, 55) having included angles (50, 70) about a center line (20) passing through tire rims (25, 78) and a midway point on a distance between forks, yielding uniform tension in their sets of spokes (30, 31/76, 77) forming the included angles (50, 70) that are equally divided about their corresponding line (20). A front wheel hub assembly (37) includes a housing 27, a web 28 mounted thereon and passing through the center line (20), a circumferential member (29) mounted to web (28), and a pair of flanges (23) spacedly mounted on member (29). Openings (34) are provided in assembly (37) to lessen weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Seismic Industries Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Henderson, Larry W. Henderson, Dacques Downey
  • Patent number: 6059374
    Abstract: A hub flange and rotor assembly, both having cut out openings or scallops, wherein the scallops aid in accessing the outward facing bolt heads of the bearing flange to knuckle bolts. This configuration allows the rotor to be machined after it is installed on the hub, prior to installation of the unified assembly into the steering knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Steven G. Goddard
  • Patent number: 6033032
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel hub bearing unit is disclosed, in which the outer race (10) of the bearing has a radial bearing flange (11) providing an axially protruding edge (12) adapted for being folded by rolling in a radially outer direction to secure for rotation a flange (21) of the brake member (20). The brake flange (21) is clamped between the rolled edge (12') and a peripheral undeformed radial edge (13) of the same bearing flange (11). The hardness of the material forming the axial edge (12) to be deformed by rolling is between about 200 HV and 300 HV. This edge (12) protrudes axially from the brake flange (21) by a length (d) shorter than 5 mm. The thickness (e) of said edge (12) is within 1 and 3.5 mm. The axial thickness (a) of the edge (12') deformed by rolling against the brake flange (21) is less than 3.5 mm and the axial thickness (c) of the undeformed radial peripheral edge (13) exceeds said axial thickness (c) by a length x=0.4.div.1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: SKF Industrie S.p.A.
    Inventor: Andreas Rutter
  • Patent number: 6010197
    Abstract: A hub for aligning a plurality of spokes on a spoked wheel. The hub has a cylindrical hub sleeve and a hub axis extending centrally through the hub sleeve. The hub includes a flange-type hub head disposed at one end of the hub sleeve and extending circumferentially about the hub axis. The hub head defines a plurality of guide slots, each of the plurality of spoke guide slots being dimensioned and configured to receive and orient each of the plurality of spokes along a radial plane of the hub head such that the plurality of spokes define a plurality of tangent lines around an imaginary circle centered at the hub axis and that the tangent lines form a polygon centered at the hub axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Guillame Crosnier, Gunter Nurnberger, Werner Steuer, Peter Kroger, Hans-Joachim Mayer
  • Patent number: 6003954
    Abstract: A beam key and wheel assembly for aircraft brakes is presented. A beam key is pinned at one end to the aircraft wheel and is engaged proximate an opposite end to a pad on an outrigger flange of the wheel. The pad has a milled arcuate surface which is congruent with and nestingly receives a similar arcuate surface of a foot member. The foot has a channel formed therein on a side opposite the arcuate surface, the channel matingly receiving a base on a bottom surface of the beam key. A bolt passes through the beam key, foot, and pad on the outrigger flange to secure the elements together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Everhard, Edward J. Biskner, Kurt Burkhalter
  • Patent number: 5988761
    Abstract: A wheel end hub assembly for a motor vehicle incorporating mechanical retention features. The assembly accurately and positively orients the motor vehicle brake component, such as a disc brake rotor or brake drum with respect to its wheel hub. Accordingly, the machining operations for the brake component braking surfaces can be accurately based from a datum surface of the hub. The assembly incorporates a retention nut threaded onto the wheel mounting bolts which exerts a clamping force on the brake component and further establishes the relative positions of the hub and brake component. The retention nut features a generally conical surface which contacts a generally conical surface of the brake component to establish the radial and rotational relative position of these components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Monte J. Visser, P. William McCay, Stanley Kulczycki
  • Patent number: 5921633
    Abstract: A wheel mounting for a vehicle, which includes a rotatable wheel flange connected by an antifriction bearing with a stationary part of the wheel mounting. The wheel flange has pluralities of first and second mounting regions circumferentially around the wheel flange and axially spaced at different respective first and second axial locations along the wheel flange. Each of the regions includes fastening areas to which either a brake disk or a wheel rim may be attached. Rivets, pins, or the like may permit axial mounting of the brake disk with play. Radially inwardly facing, generally semicircular holes in the brake disk enable the brake disk to expand without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Peter Neibling, Heinrich Hofmann, Roland Langer, Rainer Breitenbach
  • Patent number: 5918707
    Abstract: A tape correction plate and method of using the correction plate to correct for lateral runout of a disc brake rotor is described. The tapered correction plate is installed between the hub and brake rotor of an automobile such that the thinnest portion of the correction plate is aligned with the angular position on the hub and rotor corresponding to the maximum lateral runout. The mounting geometry of the correction plate may include any one of a number of configurations including circular openings, slotted openings having a smooth or gear-like perimeter, or an outer perimeter defining a gear like shape or open-ended "half slots." Each type of mounting geometry is suitable for mating with existing lug patterns while enabling adjustment of the angular orientation of the correction plate with respect to the hub and rotor. The correction plate may also consist of one washer or a number of washers with appropriately varying thicknesses that are arranged to correct runout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Accu Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas N. Saunders, III
  • Patent number: 5884980
    Abstract: A wheel end hub assembly for a motor vehicle incorporating mechanical retention features. The assembly accurately and positively orients the motor vehicle brake component, such as a disc brake rotor or brake drum with respect to its wheel hub. Accordingly, the machining operations for the brake component braking surfaces can be accurately based from a datum surface of the hub. The assembly incorporates a retention nut threaded onto the wheel mounting bolts which exerts a clamping force on the brake component and further establishes the relative positions of the hub and brake component. The retention nut features a generally conical surface which contacts a generally conical surface of the brake component to establish the radial and rotational relative position of these components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Monte J. Visser, P. William McCay, Stanley Kulczycki
  • Patent number: 5826684
    Abstract: An improved structure for a brake drum adapted for use in a drum brake assembly includes a generally closed outer end, a generally axially extending cylindrical main body, and an open inner end. The closed outer end of the brake drum includes a centrally located wheel spindle opening formed therein, and a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes spaced circumferentially around the wheel spindle opening. The cylindrical main body of the brake drum includes a plurality of generally axially extending raised ribs provided on an outer surface thereof. Preferably, the ribs define at least three distinct strengthened areas on the brake drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Dayton Walther Corporation
    Inventor: Larry B. Hester
  • Patent number: 5795036
    Abstract: The hub of a rear wheel of a race bicycle is deprived of radial flanges for connection to the spokes. The spokes have straight end portions, which are not bent in an elbow-like fashion, and are received in respective front cavities formed on the end surfaces of the hub. Force distributing members are preferably interposed between the enlarged heads of the spokes and the cooperating abutment surfaces. Axial retainers may be provided to prevent the end portions of the spokes from moving axially out of the respective cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
  • Patent number: 5437352
    Abstract: The aircraft brake torque transfer assembly comprises an aircraft axle (10) having at one axial location an axle flange (18) which includes a plurality of radially extending slots (19, 119) about the circumference thereof, and at an opposite axial location a nut assembly (14) which engages the inner cone of a tapered roller bearing assembly (15) for an associated aircraft wheel (20). The aircraft wheel (20) engages another tapered roller bearing assembly (17) maintains in axial position a bushing assembly (21) and a foot (25) of a torque tube (24) which abuts against the axle flange (18). The aircraft brake (30) includes a piston housing (35) attached to the torque tube (24), and the torque tube (24) includes a plurality of openings (27) receiving key members (60) bolted to the torque tube (24). The key members (60) extend axially to be received in the respective slots (19) of the axle flange (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Brian G. Harker
  • Patent number: 5429421
    Abstract: A hub (10) for a spoked wheel includes flanges (18) having a plurality of open-topped slots (20) for receiving spokes (22). The hub is designed for use with spokes having an elongated shaft portion (30) and an enlarged head portion (32). The slots have an open end (25) at a periphery of the flange and an enlarged closed end (27) located between the periphery of the flange and an axis of rotation of the hub. The enlarged end of the slot is wide enough to accommodate the enlarged end portion of the spoke. A narrowest portion (29) of the slot is only wide enough to accommodate the shaft portion of the spoke. Slots in a flange member are arranged in a pattern corresponding to a lacing pattern of spokes in a the wheel. A spoke may be laid into a slot with the enlarged head portion of the spoke in the enlarged portion of the slot, and with the spoke in its correct orientation in the spoke-lacing pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Paul B. Watson
  • Patent number: 5398999
    Abstract: A method of installing a vehicle spindle and brake assembly on a vehicle component. First, the spindle and brake assembly are "preassembled" into a complete brake unit. The preassembled spindle and brake assembly includes a spindle, a rotatable component, a bearing member for supporting the rotatable component relative to the spindle, and a brake mounting plate secured to the spindle and adapted to support brake friction pads. The preassembled spindle and brake assembly further includes a plurality of inwardly extending vehicle mounting lugs carried by the spindle, and a plurality of outwardly extending wheel mounting lugs carried by the rotatable component. Next, the preassembled spindle and brake assembly is positioned on a vehicle component such that the vehicle mounting lugs extend through a plurality of corresponding lug receiving apertures formed in the vehicle component. The preassembled spindle and brake assembly can then be secured relative to the vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Larry L. Last
  • Patent number: 5383539
    Abstract: A device for reducing the level of brake squeal noise having a damper ring disposed between a brake drum and a vehicle wheel rim where one or more friction springs extend from a retention band to form the damper ring with its axial position relative to the wheel set by a stop flange attached to the retention band and where the friction springs contact the squealer band of the brake drum with a separation force thereby creating friction damping on the squealer band to lower vibration and resultant noise levels produced by the brake drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Bair, Steven W. Woodard
  • Patent number: 5377735
    Abstract: In an anti-skid device for motor vehicles, having a plurality of chain strands (10) distributed over the periphery of a holder (4), which holder can be set into a rotational motion, the holder exhibits a hub (6) having a ring collar (11). The ring collar (11) is surrounded by the ring bar (ring web) (18) of a friction wheel (7). Two plates (14, 15) of a pair of clamping plates are pressed by screw connections (16) against the side faces of the ring collar (11) and of the ring bar. The lower plate (15) is provided with slots (18) through which the ends of end links (20) of the chain strands (10) protrude into chambers (19) disposed in the ring bar (8) of the friction wheel. The anchorage of the end 1 inks (20) in the chambers (19) is here served by bolts (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: RUD-KettenfabrikRieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.
    Inventors: Peter Zeiser, Anton Wolf
  • Patent number: 5324099
    Abstract: This invention relates to devices for suppressing the water spray thrown by vehicle tires. The present invention generates an air flow for blocking outward movement of the water spray. Air turbines are attached to the outboard sides of each tire on the vehicle. The air turbines, being rigidly affixed to the hub of each wheel rotate with the wheels and by means of angled vanes disposed in each air turbine generate a flow of air outwardly and perpendicular to the axle. This radial flow suppresses the water spray outboard of each wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Lloyd B. Fitzhugh
  • Patent number: 5246082
    Abstract: A small vehicle, in particular a rolling chair, has a frame, at least two running wheels having hubs, a direct current motor provided with a transmission and a stator and located in a region of each of the hubs so as to drive a respective one of the running wheels. The running wheels are formed as movable wheels provided with plug-in axles releasable fixable on the frame. Each of the direct current motors with a respective one of the transmissions is arranged inside a respective one of the hubs without projecting beyond the latter. And a supporting part such that, each of stators of each of the direct current motors are fixable releasably on the frame through the supporting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Haas & Alber Haustechnik Und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Alber
  • Patent number: 5236249
    Abstract: The wheel assembly hinged heat shield (10) comprises a plurality of arcuate sectors (12) which are attached firmly to one another by hinge mechanism (14). Each hinge mechanism (14) comprises arcuate shaped hinge members (18, 20, 22) of adjoining arcuate sectors (12) which receive therethrough an axial pin (24). The axial pin (24) has a cotter key (28) engaged therewith in order to capture axially the pin (24). The heat shield (10) is disposed within an aircraft wheel (30) such that when attachment mechanisms (37) are tightened to secure each arcuate sector (12) firmly to the wheel (30), the adjoining arcuate sectors (12) are each pulled circumferentially away from adjoining arcuate sectors (12) in order to effect a chordal tensioning therebetween. The chordal tensioning defines the critical radial positioning of sector interface regions comprising the hinge mechanism (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Han, Joseph A. Sipocz, Donald G. Roulett