Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a tire, having each bead seat angle in the range of 10 degree to 12 degree with respect to the axis of rotation, preferably 11 degree, and an aspect ratio of less than 60%, and a wheel rim, having a circumfurential well and a bead support surface angle also in the range of 10 degree to 12 degree, each bead support surface terminating in an upstanding flange overlapping a radially inner portion of the tire to support the sidewall of the tire. The flanges may be part circular in cross section defining a segment of approximately 135 degree, the radius of curvature being greater than 0.5 inches and preferably 0.75 inches.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 13, 1999
Date of Patent:
July 29, 2003
Assignee:
Titan Wheel International Inc.
Inventors:
Ralph Reynolds, Rich Coonce, Steve Ownby, Brent Taylor, Maurice M. Taylor, Joe Clerger, Dave Kuhl
Abstract: A wheel rim including a first wheel rim section having a base and a pair of circumferential support flanges at opposite sides of the base, each of which extends radially outwardly from said base. A second wheel rim section has a base and a pair of circumferential support flanges at opposite sides of the base, each of which curves axially and radially outwardly. The second wheel rim section is sized to fit inside the first wheel rim section with the bases of the respective wheel rim sections in contact engagement. The outer peripheral edges of the flanges of both rim sections meet along the circumference of the wheel rim and are joint together by weldments that extend around the entire circumference of the wheel. The result is a composite wheel rim having an inner contour of a conventional roll-formed wheel rim and an outer, distinct contour.
Abstract: A locking differential includes a housing containing a chamber and a pair of opposed openings for receiving a pair of axially spaced output shafts, respectively, a pair of side gears adapted for non-rotatable connection with the respective output shafts, concentrically arranged annular center driver gear and center cam members arranged coaxially about the adjacent ends of the output shafts, and annular clutch members operable by the center cam member to disconnect an overrunning output shaft, characterized in that the center driver gear and center cam members contain radially extending access openings to permit manual mounting of C-clip retainers in peripheral grooves contained in the adjacent ends of the output shafts.
Abstract: A hydraulically-operable locking differential includes a friction-pack arrangement for locking an output shaft and associated side gear with the differential housing, use being made of a piston-cylinder motor the axis of which is colinear with the output shaft. The advantage is afforded that the locking operation may be effected while the drive and output shafts are rotating without stopping the vehicle.
Abstract: An improved differential mechanism of the holdout ring type, characterized by the provision of a pair of annular thrust blocks engaged by sets of Belleville disc-spring washers which bias a pair of side gears axially outwardly apart against a pair of annular thrust washers, respectively, non-rotatably supported by the differential housing. By loading the side gears in the axial direction, the side gear radial freedom of movement is restricted, whereby the differential chatter and noise level during operation are significantly reduced.
Abstract: An off-highway wheel rim has a flange formed with a frustroconical outwardly directed band at its radially inner surface. The band abuts an inwardly directed surface on an upturned edge of the rim so that in the free body state the opposed surfaces diverge. Upon inflation of the tire, the faces are brought into engagement by the pressure forces within the tire to produce face-to-face contact between flange and rim.