Abstract: A hub clutch device for connecting and disconnecting an axle and a wheel in a part time four-wheel drive vehicle is disclosed closed. The hub clutch device is provided with an outer race secured to a vehicle body, an inner race having a flange portion secured to the wheel and a hub portion provided with a gear portion at a peripheral inner portion, defining a fluid passage with the axle, and a roller member positioned between the outer race and the inner race. A movable wall is positioned inside of the hub portion. The movable wall defines a sealed chamber with the hub portion and is movable in an axial direction of the axle. The sealed chamber communicates with the fluid passage. A sliding gear always engages the gear portion of the hub portion and is axially movable according to the motion of the movable wall to engage a gear part of the axle to connect the axle with the wheel in a rotational direction.

Abstract: A towing system for a vehicle comprises a coupling frame attachable to the rear end of a towing vehicle and to the front end of the vehicle to be towed. The coupling frame includes a rotatable coupling member which permits independent tilting movement of each fron wheel of the towed vehicle during towing operation thereof.

Abstract: A diaphragm control is disclosed for a free-wheeling hub assembly that selectively engages a four-wheel drive. A venting arrangement is disclosed for the diaphragm chamber of the free-wheeling hub assembly. The venting arrangement extends through the body of the free-wheeling hub assembly to a space within the engine compartment of the vehicle thus ensuring that the vent will not become clogged thus preventing the venting of the diaphragm chamber. Venting of the diaphragm chamber is important in predicting the pressure within the diaphragm chamber and thus the engagement of the free-wheeling hub assembly.

Abstract: Improvements relating to fire hydrant closures are disclosed in which a cap-shaped cover for the outflow port from a fire hydrant, and a tool for locking and unlocking the cap on the hydrant, is provided. The cap includes a septum-like strong plate which is freely rotatable with the cap, but which is fixed against axial movement relative to the cap. Such septum-like plate, including means for mating engagement with corresponding means at the outflow spigot. The plate further includes means constructed to become engaged by the tool; the tool having a grip portion and a mating portion with a corresponding portion provided on the cap.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a remote type free wheel hub clutch includes an inner sleeve integrally rotatable with a wheel axle, a clutch ring integrally rotatable with the free wheel hub clutch, an actuating arrangement for changing the two-wheel and four-wheel driving operations by engaging or disengaging the clutch ring with the inner sleeve in response to a transfer shift position. The transfer shift position actuates a discriminating circuit for changing over from two-wheel driving operation to four-wheel driving operation or vice verse.

Abstract: A vehicle having a length, a front end and a substantially opposing rear end useful for propelling an implement pivotably coupled thereto at or near the front end. The vehicle comprises two driven wheels located at or near the rear end and positioned to rotate in a direction generally parallel to the length of the vehicle; a power system acting to provide power to rotate the two driven wheels; at least one non-steered wheel located at or near the front end, the non-steered wheel being rotatable about an axis which axis is at least partially rotatable; and a seat acting to provide a location at which a human being can sit on the vehicle and control the vehicle. The vehicle is sized so that the human being sitting in the seat is capable of directly steering the pivotably coupled implement.

Abstract: A free wheel hub system comprises a free wheel hub mechanism disposed between a drive shaft and an axle hub supported by a spindle and a flexible print circuit disposed between the inner face of the spindle and the outer face of the drive shaft to control an electric element in the free wheel mechanism.

Abstract: A locking device for use with a gas flow distribution device to be connected to a source of gas under pressure. The device has a yoke for securement to the source and a fastening screw threaded in the yoke for securing the device to the gas source. The locking screw has a tee-shaped handle. The locking device has a collar including a sleeve defining opposed openings for engagement of the yoke to permit longitudinal movement relative to the yoke but substantially prevents rotation of the sleeve relative to the yoke. The collar has a yoke-remote portion including a plurality of handle-engaging recesses. A spring biases the collar outwardly from the yoke into locking engagement with the handle for preventing unintended unfastening of the screw.

Abstract: A free wheel hub system comprises a free wheel hub mechanism disposed between a drive shaft and an axle hub supported by a spindle, an electric motor mounted on a hub body accommodating the free wheel hub mechanism, a brush case mounted on the hub body and accommodating bushes connected to the electric motor, and slip-rings mounted on the spindle and contacting the bushes. The brush case is fixed to the hub body before the hub body is attached to the axle hub.

Abstract: A free wheel hub control system for a free wheel hub mechanism is positioned between a drive shaft and an axle hub supported by a spindle. A flexible printed circuit is disposed between an inner face of the spindle and an outer face of the drive shaft to transmit a control signal to an electric element of the free wheel hub mechanism. A cylindrical collar having contact portions is tightly fitted to the inner face of the spindle to hold the printed circuit in position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembled driveshaft in the case of which individual driving elements, especially gears, are non-rotatingly connected to a hollow shaft, with the connection between the hollow shaft and the driving elements essentially being achieved by a force or friction locking connection between the plastically expanded hollow shaft and the elastically pretensioned driving elements. For improving the bending and torsional stiffness of the driveshaft, at least one driving element has been produced to comprise at least two toothed discs with different diameters connected to each other by a sleeve, with the sleeve either being positioned directly on the shaft to form a basis for the connection or radially spaced from the shaft between the discs.

Abstract: To prevent dust or muddy water from entering a hub housing or to prevent a hub clutch from being allowed to be inoperative, a hub clutch for selectively coupling or decoupling a wheel shaft to or from a clutch housing (to which a wheel is fixed), the hub clutch comprises a drive gear fixed to the wheel drive shaft; a slide gear axially slidably coupled to the clutch housing; a diaphragm fixed to the slide gear so as to partition an inner space of the clutch housing into an inner enclosed chamber and an outer enclosed chamber; and a control valve connected to an engine intake manifold vacuum, for selectively applying vacuum into the inner chamber and atmospheric pressure into the outer chamber or vice versa to move the diaphragm. Further, a piston plate and a spring can be used instead of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting structure for securely and accurately positioning an object on a rotatable shaft. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting structure is utilized to position a rotary bell on a rotatable shaft of a rotary atomizer coater. More specifically, the mounting structure includes a rotatable shaft member having an axis and adapted to be connected to a rotating drive mechanism. The shaft member is provided with a first tapered mounting position. An object is adapted to be securely mounted on the shaft member for rotation therewith, and is provided with an internal bore having a second tapered mounting portion engageable with the first tapered mounting portion. The first and second tapered mounting portions cooperate to accurately align the object with respect to the shaft member.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling and decoupling first and second coaxial members comprises an annular member which is supported coaxially on one of the first and second members by means of a bi-directional lost motion connection so as to permit relative rotation of the annular member and the one of the first and second members about the common axis back and forth between first and second positions. A mechanism is provided for automatically adjusting the relative rotational position of the annular member and the one of the first and second members to a position midway between the first and second positions when the first and second members are decoupled, thereby insuring that bi-directional lost rotational motion can be attained during a subsequent coupling operation. The coupling device permits the correction of misalignment of splines on the coupling device and the other of the first and second members to be coupled.

Abstract: A free wheel hub clutch for a drive shaft includes an outer casing, an inner sleeve in the casing for connection to the drive shaft, a slidable clutch in the casing for movement between a lock position wherein the clutch is connected therewith, and a free position wherein the clutch is disconnected from the inner sleeve for free rotation with respect thereto. The slidable clutch selectively and alternatively moves the clutch between the lock position and the free position, either mannually or remotely.

Abstract: An improved mechanism is provided for selectively altering the position of a depressible, outwardly biased, shiftable structure, such as a splined shaft, and for releasably holding such structure in either a depressed or an outwardly shifted position. The mechanism is especially adapted for use with powered wheel hub assemblies, such as commonly employed in combine or normally self-propelled agricultural implements or the like, in which provision is to be made for disengaging the hub from an associated power shaft to permit two-wheel drive or towing of the implement at higher speeds than those used for operation of the implement. The power shaft is disengaged when the plunger of the device is pushed inward and turned through 90.degree. to lock it in position. On releasing the handle by turning through 90.degree., the spring loaded plunger is retracted and the powered wheel hub assembly is engaged in a drive position.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly comprises a spindle including a shank having a first longitudinal spline, a threaded portion and a mount flange adapted for connection to a vehicle drive train. A cylindrical wheel hub adapted to mount a wheel is coaxial of and surrounds the spindle. Bearings are interposed between the spindle and wheel hub supportably and retainingly engaging the hub. A fastener upon the threaded portion retainingly engages the bearings, retaining the hub against endwise movement. A second spline upon the interior of the hub is spaced from the first spline, and a drive key having inner and outer longitudinal splines thereon is interlocked with the first and second splines respectively, whereby the spindle the hub rotate in unison. The key is adapted to transmit a drive torque from the spindle to the hub. On removal of the drive key, the hub is journaled upon the spindle for free rotation independently of the spindle.

Abstract: A hub clutch is operable as an automatic hub clutch and as a manual hub clutch, and includes a hollow housing secured to a wheel hub, the inner circumference of which is provided with a spline, and on the outside end surface of which an opening is defined; a manually operable knob rotatably mounted in the opening of the housing and provided with a boss section having an inclined cam surface; a drive gear fixed to a drive shaft at the extreme end thereof, and provided with a spline and a gear section; a ring clutch supported in an axially transferable manual on the spline and which is engaged with the gear section on the circumference of the drive gear when displaced outwardly in the axial direction; a retainer rotating integrally with the housing and engageable with the cam surface of the knob; a return spring extending between either the retainer and the drive gear or the retainer and the housing for urging the retainer and the ring clutch inwardly in the axial direction; a shift spring extending between the

Abstract: The device for disconnecting the wheels from a vehicle's optional drive is mounted inside the support of the axle shaft, and the wheel hub is splined onto the axle shaft. The universal joint is diametrically positioned in relation to the support of the axle shaft by a bearing. The universal joint has an internal splined section which corresponds to an internal splined section on the clutch disc for "engage" and "disengage" positions. A fluid responsive actuating device is provided including a movable member in the form of a diaphragm or a piston connected to the clutch disc for axially moving, in response to the pressure or pressure differential from a fluid source to effect the engagement and disengagement of the clutch disc splines in relation to the axle shaft and universal joint splines.

Abstract: A hub clutch used for a four-wheel driving free-wheel device in which, when a knob for manual operation and mounted on a casing is set to an automatic position, a pawl portion of a retainer becomes disengaged with a cam surface defined by a boss portion of the knob so that the device operates in the automatic condition, while when the knob is rotated in a manual lock direction, the pawl portion is engaged by the cam surface of the knob and is cammed to a lock position. When the pawl portion is in the lock position, the device assumes a manually locked state so that a drive gear and a clutch ring are maintained in an engaged condition with each other and stationary system members are separated from rotating system members. Accordingly, no contact force is applied to stationary system members when in the manually locked state.

Abstract: A hub mechanism for four wheel drive vehicles. Movement of the clutch ring into and out of position for interengaging the pinion of the axle end and a housing portion of the wheel hub, is provided by a pair of opposed spring members. The first spring member provides continuous urging for disengagement. A second spring member is coupled to a camming mechanism that is activated by a manually operated dial. Turning the dial physically moves the second spring member relative to the clutch ring. In a retracted position the strong spring member is backed away from the clutch ring to permit disengagement. Opposite dial turning moves the strong spring member for urging engagement of the clutch ring with the pinion.

Abstract: A flywheel suitable for use in a tape recorder or the like is composed of an annular metal plate and a plastic pulley superposed coaxially as a unitary member with the plate. The plate defines a plurality of outwardly-extending notches at an equal angular interval along an inner peripheral edge thereof and the corresponding number of interlocking holes between the respective notches. The pulley is provided with a plurality of holding lugs extending outwardly beyond the inner peripheral edge of the plate and holding an inner peripheral edge portion between the lugs and a main part of the pulley. The main part of the pulley is provided, at at least one of locations opposing to the interlocking lugs, with an elastic interlocking member maintained in engagement with one of the interlocking holes.

Abstract: A hub clutch in which when an axle shaft commences to be driven, protruding cam portions of a first cam which is axially movably splined to the outside circumference of a driving gear formed integrally with the axle shaft is displaced from the inside of respective grooved cam portions of a second cam and a cam ring to the outside along an axial direction. Thereafter, the first cam is further displaced to the outside in the axial direction along a second cam portion of the cam ring, and a clutch ring is displaced in the direction of clutched engagement through a shift spring, at which a casing is engaged integrally with the driving gear.

Abstract: A device is provided, designed to prevent unauthorized operation of fire hydrants by completely concealing the hydrant operating nut and weather shield within freely rotating sleeves, thereby rendering the hydrant inoperable. The hydrant is made operable by the use of a specially designed self-contained magnetic operating wrench. The hydrant again becomes inoperable when the magnetic wrench is disengaged. The device is externally mounted for easy, quick field installation with common tools, and requires no modification of the internal hydrant mechanism. The device is designed to be used on all hydrant makes and models having an operating nut extending vertically above the hydrant bonnet.

Abstract: A clutch to permit engagement and disengagement of a splined axle with a power drive means which has an inner axle hub, internally splined to engage with said axle and externally splined, and a body with internal ridges and grooves and external grooves and ridges connectable to a power source, comprising a clutch ring having exterior ridges and grooves, interior ridges and grooves and a plurality of rearwardly extending ramps; wherein said exterior ridges and grooves are engaged with said body internal ridges and grooves; a movable control body having a plurality of forwardly extending leaf springs registerable with said ramps; and a spring forward of said clutch ring; whereby rotation of said body causes said clutch ring to move forward so that its interior ridges and grooves engage the inner axle hub while reverse rotation causes the clutch ring to move rearward so as to disengage.

Abstract: Conversion of a vehicle between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is effected by means of a camming assembly and a shift mechanism to temporarily lock the camming assembly against rotation in advancing a drive gear into driving engagement with a receiving gear in converting to four-wheel drive, or to re-engage the camming assembly under the control of the shift mechanism as a preliminary to disengaging the drive gear from the receiving gear in converting to two-wheel drive.

Abstract: An improved quick disengagement apparatus is provided for selectively altering the positioning of an axially translatable member between an axially biased first position and a second position in opposition to said axial bias, and for releasably locking said translatable member in at least said second position. The mechanism is especially adapted for use with power wheel hub assemblies, such as may be commonly employed in vehicles and agricultural implements or the like, in which provisions are to be made for disengaging the hub from an associated power shaft. The apparatus in accordance with the present invention provides a housing, mountable to the hub assembly, which carries an axial plunger, engageable with a distal end of the axially translatable power shaft, and a transverse release plunger, acting under a yieldable bias to interlock with the axial plunger to retain the axial plunger in a position whereat the power shaft is disengaged from the hub assembly.

Abstract: A system for towing of vehicles having automatic or manual transmissions without causing damage to any part of the drive train and for providing enhanced steerability to a towed vehicle. The vehicle towing system includes a tow bearing device for isolating rotation of a wheel and attached tire from a wheel hub coupled to the automatic transmission and the drive train, thereby enabling the vehicle to be towed efficiently and safely on all wheels without damage to the automatic transmission or drive train, while still making use of the suspension/steering system of the vehicle being towed. The vehicle towing system also includes a steer bar device attachable with or without the tow bearing device to the wheel and attached tire, or to the wheel hub, to provide enhanced, affirmative steering to the towed vehicle, responsive to forces generated by a towing vehicle.

Abstract: Steering wheel with an electric cable to a protective gas bag impact device located in the bowl of the steering wheel of an automotive vehicle, having a conductor formed of several concentric windings of a conducting strip arranged in a housing surrounding the steering wheel spindle and hub. One end thereof terminates in a core fastened to the steering wheel hub and rotates therewith, while the other end terminates in a fixedly mounted housing. A spring-loaded two arm rocker with arms at an angle to each other, is mounted on the hub or spindle. One arm of which projects into the path of a nut securing the steering wheel on the spindle. A recess located in the hub within the pivoting range of said arm and a recess located in the housing within the pivoting range of the other arm. The spring is loading the rocker in a rotating direction against the housing.

Abstract: A device for rapidly interlocking or disengaging for anti-theft purposes, the steering wheel and the steering column of a motor vehicle. The device includes:a base interlocked for rotation with the steering column.an intermediate connecting piece.a plate interlocked for rotation with the steering wheel.first rotational coupling mechanism provided between the base and the connecting piece for rapid coupling uncoupling of the base and the connecting piece together for rotation.

Abstract: The automatic free wheeling hub assembly includes a housing or body secured to the vehicle's wheel hub. The vehicle's drive axle extends into and is mounted in the body and wheel hub. The free wheeling hub assembly includes a cylindrical axle hub located in the interior of the body and spline connected to the splined end of the drive axle. The axle hub is provided with an external toothed section or series of circumferentially spaced teeth. A tubular clutch ring is mounted in the body for axial movement and is provided with internal teeth for engagement with the disengagement from the series of teeth provided on the axle hub. Fluid actuating means are provided in the body including a movable member in the form of a diaphragm or piston connected to the clutch ring for axially moving same relative to said axle hub in response to the pressure or pressure differential from a fluid source such as vacuum to effect the engagement and disengagement of the matching teeth of the axle hub and clutch ring.

Abstract: A freewheeling adapter for use on a vehicle such as a car or truck which is designed to be mounted on the existing wheel hub of the vehicle is disclosed. The adapter allows the vehicle to be converted to freewheeling thereby permitting the vehicle to easily be towed without damaging the drive train such as the automatic transmission of the vehicle. The adapter as designed eliminates the use of a wrecker truck in towing an automatic transmission vehicle by raising the drive wheels off of the ground during the towing process. The adapter may be designed having a lock-out feature which allows the adapter to be converted from freewheeling to non-freewheeling should it be desired to permanently mount the adapter on a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a self-contained hub assembly that can be placed onto the drive axles of a vehicle to provide either free wheeling of the wheel mounted on the hub or driving from the vehicle drive axle. An axle assembly includes a mounting flange and a shaft. A hub, upon which the vehicle wheel is mounted, is rotatably mounted on the shaft. A cap is selectively locked onto the shaft to engage a drive member, thereby transmitting the driving force of the vehicle axle to the hub and to the wheel.

Abstract: A bearing support and disconnect for a motor shaft is provided as a separate unit connected to the motor shaft. The unit includes a bearing mounted spindle and a shiftable member for bringing the spindle into and out of driving relation with the motor shaft.

Abstract: A calibrated handknob assembly for use with a valve having a control stem, said assembly having a rising stem with spaced circumferential calibrations, a handknob having circumferentially spaced radial calibrations, a lock ring having an index cooperating with said handknob calibrations and having positions for permitting setting of the handknob "zero" position and index position at a desired circumferential location, for placing the assembly in a condition where the handknob cannot be rotated and for permitting rotation of the handknob to change the valve opening. An O-ring is used to detent the lock ring so that inadvertent rotation of the handknob will not occur and to prevent movement of the lock ring to the position where the handknob can be removed and "0" calibration reset. The O-ring may be easily removed to permit the resetting when needed.

Abstract: A propeller device for a ship rotates 360.degree. and may be raised when it is not in use. The transmission system of the propeller device includes a drive shaft for the propeller device, which is placed in the upper part of such propeller device. The shaft is driven by the shaft of the engine and transmits rotation via an upper angular gearbox to a vertical shaft and a lower angular gearbox to a propeller shaft at the bottom part of the propeller device. A coupling is fitted between the drive shaft of the propeller device and the engine shaft rotating same. A coupling member of the coupling permits the propeller device to be uncoupled from the engine and to be displaced in the axial direction, so that the propeller device may be raised.

Abstract: An automatic locking gear is adapted to drivingly connect a drive axle and wheel hub automatically in response to application of torque to the drive axle which has a stationary housing in which said drive axle is journaled, a drive gear keyed for rotation with the drive axle while being slidable in an axial direction independently of the drive axle, and a driven gear is keyed for rotation with the wheel hub while being slidable in an axial direction independently of the wheel hub. The locking member is mounted on the stationary housing, and the cam follower mounted on the drive gear.

Abstract: A hub comprising a self contained unit that can be placed onto the drive axles of a vehicle that is to be towed periodically, and used to provide for free wheeling of the wheel mounted on the hub or, alternately driving from the vehicle drive axle to the hub when the vehicle is to be driven.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus which includes pedaling apparatus carried on a frame, the pedaling apparatus including a first pedal on a crank arm fixed to a first shaft rotatably mounted on the frame, a second pedal on a second crank arm fixed to a second shaft rotatably mounted on the frame, both shafts having a common axis, and means for the selective angular indexing of the first crank arm relative to the second crank arm between at least a first position in which both crank arms are disposed in the same angular orientation and a second position in which the first and second crank arms extend in opposite directions from their common axis.

Abstract: A motor system is releasably connected to a roller-skate provided with a driving shaft. The motor system comprises a power unit mounted on a frame which can be tied as a kit-bag to a roller-skate body and a flexible connection for transmitting the movement from the power unit to the driving shaft. A releasable clutch is interposed between the flexible connection of the motor system and the driving shaft of the roller skate.

Abstract: A wheel hub clutch assembly comprises a cylindrical body formed therein with a first set of clutch teeth and fastened to a wheel hub, a sleeve member fixed to the outer end of a drive axle and located within the body, a clutch member formed with a second set of clutch teeth and axially slidably mounted on the sleeve member for rotation therewith, a cam ring operatively coupled with the outer end of a stationary axle tube for the drive axle and rotatable on the sleeve member, a cam follower ring axially slidably mounted on the sleeve member for rotation therewith and cooperable with the cam ring to be displaced toward the clutch member in response to rotation of the drive axle, and a connecting member engaged with the cam follower ring and the clutch member to permit relatively inward movement between the cam follower ring and clutch member.

Abstract: The free-wheeling latch disengages the wheels of power type wheelchairs from the motors to permit easy manual use of the wheelchair. The latch itself is in the form of a manually movable pin projecting into a bore in the side of the hub. When the pin is moved inwardly, it engages a flange structure secured to the wheel axle and thereby locks the wheel to the axle for operation by the wheelchair motor. When the pin is manually retracted, the wheel and hub are free to rotate independently of the drive system to the axle.

Abstract: An automatic hub clutch used for connection and disconnection of a drive axle with a wheel of a four-wheel drive vehicle, has a simple mechanism and a short axial length. The hub clutch includes a first spring adapted to bias a slide gear toward disengagement, and a second spring disposed radially inwardly of the slide gear and adapted to bias the slide gear toward engagement through a cam.

Abstract: An improved mechanism is provided for selectively altering the positioning of an inwardly depressable, outwardly biased, shiftable structure, such as a splined shaft, and for releasably holding such structure in either of an inwardly depressed or an outwardly shifted position thereof. The mechanism is especially adapted for use with powered wheel, hub assemblies, such as commonly employed in combines or other normally self-propelled agricultural implements or the like, in which provision is to be made for disengaging the hub from an associated power shaft to permit towing of the implement at higher speeds than normal for field running thereof.

Abstract: An automatic hub clutch used for connection and disconnection of a drive axle with a wheel of a four-wheel drive vehicle includes a simple mechanism having a short axial length. The hub clutch includes a first spring adapted to bias a slide gear toward disengagement, and a second spring disposed between and coaxially with the first spring and the slide gear, and adapted to bias the slide gear toward engagement through a cam.

Abstract: A freewheel hub assembly has a wheel hub rotatably supported by a bearing on a steering knucle and a freewheel mechanism is provided for connecting the wheel hub with a driving axle in such a manner that a rotating torque can be transmitted from the axle to the wheel hub but the wheel hub is freely rotatable when the axle is not rotating. The freewheel mechanism includes a roller cage carrying a plurality of rollers. A retarder shoe is attached to one axial end of the cage. The one end of the cage is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial cutouts to provide a plurality of axial projections and the retarder shoe is formed with cutouts complementary to the axial projections of the cage so that the retarder shoe can be axially slidably fitted to the cage.

Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch comprises a drive shaft for transmitting a rotational driving force, a drive clutch member which is rotated with the drive shaft, a driven clutch member in engagement with the drive clutch to receive rotational motion thereof and movable axially to transmit the rotational motion to a hub, and a brake member to impart a desired braking force to rotational movement of the driven clutch member. In a two wheel running mode, the driven clutch member is disengaged from the hub so that the driving force, which is received by a non-driven wheel from the road surface, is limited to the wheel only.

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: An improvement to a clutch housing, including a clutch mechanism manually operable to lock and unlock the vehicle axle to the vehicle wheel hub, is disclosed. The improvement comprises the clutch housing attachable to the vehicle wheel hub by a lock ring disposed around the clutch housing. The lock ring engages an annular groove within the vehicle wheel hub allowing the clutch housing to be secured to the wheel hub.

Abstract: A device provides free-wheeling four-wheel towing of an automotive vehicle without damage to its (especially automatic) transmission. It is easily insertable co-axially between the power-driven wheel-mounting structure and the removed and replaced wheel. It comprises a base plate, a shaft on the base plate, a hub rotatable around the shaft, and a second wheel-mounting plate fixed to the hub by short lug-screws. The free-wheeling can be locked-out by substituting long lug-screws for half of the short ones. The long lug-screws enter threaded bores in posts fixed to the base plate to lock-out the free-wheeling, and they are slightly thinner then the short lug-screws to facilitate their placement.