Patents Examined by Jean Charleston
  • Patent number: 9505451
    Abstract: An endless track for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a snowmobile. The endless track comprises an inner side for facing track-contacting wheels around which it is mountable and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The ground-engaging outer side comprises a plurality of traction projections distributed along a longitudinal direction of the endless track. The traction projections may be designed to control rigidity characteristics, such as a longitudinal rigidity and a widthwise rigidity, of the endless track, while maintaining a weight of the endless track relatively low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Camso Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremie Zuchoski, Bernard Jean
  • Patent number: 9493045
    Abstract: A method is provided for reinforcement of a multiple layer shear band as may be used in a non-pneumatic tire. More particularly, a method of improving the performance characteristics (such as e.g., increasing the bending stiffness) of a shear band without increasing its thickness or to reducing the thickness of a shear band while maintaining its performance characteristics and to shear bands constructed according to such method is provided as well as shear bands constructed according to such method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: MICHELIN RECHERCHE et TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Steve Cron, Timothy B. Rhyne
  • Patent number: 9481205
    Abstract: The present invention provides a racing wheel with an improved beadlock to securely capture the bead of an attached tire, a decreased rotational movement of inertia, a stiffer inner and outer radial deflection of the inner and outer rings, a stiffer bearing load, a reduced lateral radial and/or combined run-out, a reduced number of leak paths and/or a reduction in the wheel weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Weld Racing, LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Rider, Joey R. Martin
  • Patent number: 9481412
    Abstract: A crawler belt and a master link for use in the crawler belt enable easy connection and disconnection of the crawler belt. The crawler belt has a track chain in which a plurality of regular links are pivotally connected at their ends, the master link for connecting the of the track chain to form the crawler belt into a loop, and track shoes attached to the regular links and the master link respectively. The crawler belt has a slit aperture which leads only to a pin insertion hole formed at the other end of the master link and is configured such that a clamping force, generated by tightening a master bolt that imparts a tightening force to the master link to narrow the slit aperture, is allowed to work on only the regular pin inserted into a pin insertion hole leading to the slit aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Tsubaki, Daijirou Itou, Kenichi Hisamatsu, Shigeto Marumoto
  • Patent number: 9469155
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a hub and a collar. The hub extends longitudinally inward from a wheel. The collar is disposed over the hub and is mounted for translation relative to the hub. The vehicle also includes a panel assembly having a support and first and second panels. The support extends radially outward from the collar, and the first and second panels are each pivotally connected to opposing lateral edges of the support. The panels pivot between an expanded position and a collapsed position and translate radially for selectively closing a wheel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon M. Platto, David Michael Lechkun, Anthony Lee Meyer, Brad Alan Richards
  • Patent number: 9463842
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure is provided with a shaft member, a head member, a lever member, an adjustment member and a positioning mechanism. The shaft member has a first end portion, a second end portion and an engaging part. The head member is movably disposed on the first end portion. The lever member is movably provided on the head member around a pivot axis that intersects with an axial direction of the shaft member to move the shaft member in the axial direction with respect to the head member. The adjustment member is movably provided on the head member in the axial direction and that can adjust a final fixing position of the lever member. The positioning mechanism is provided between the head member and the adjustment member to selectively maintain a position of the adjustment member in a plurality of axially spaced apart locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Nakajima, Kazuki Koshiyama
  • Patent number: 9457616
    Abstract: Wire wheel assembly apparatus for, and a method of providing, a wire wheel assembly for use with a tubeless tire. A wire wheel element comprises a wheel centre element, a spoke ring element, and a plurality of spoke elements extending between the wheel centre element and the spoke ring element. The spoke ring element is configured to allow a first rim element comprising a first rim tire flange and a second rim element comprising a second rim tire flange to be assembled with said wire wheel element into a wire wheel assembly in which a tire receiving region is defined between said first rim tire flange and said second rim tire flange. A first rim element and a second rim element configured to be assembled with said wire wheel element. A sandwich arrangement and a cantilever arrangement of a wire wheel assembly are disclosed. A split-rim wire wheel is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Charles William Tomkins
  • Patent number: 9457851
    Abstract: A crawler track for a crawler tracked vehicle is configured for running via a drive wheel and via bogie wheels. The crawler track has an outer ground contact side and an inner wheel contact side. The inner wheel contact side is formed with a flat surface from which a plurality of guide horns project to guide the crawler track during the movement of the crawler tracked vehicle. At least parts of the flat surface serve as the running surface for the bogie wheels. Cavities are formed in the flat surface for the engagement of drive pegs of the drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DST Defence Service Tracks GmbH
    Inventor: Marc Delisle
  • Patent number: 9457852
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a pin that has a lubricant channel therein. The pin is accommodated in an inner bushing that also has a channel extending therethrough for accommodating the pin. The pin extends beyond either end of the inner bushing. The pin and inner bushing are partially disposed in an outer bushing that also has a channel for accommodating the pin in inner bushing. The ends of the inner bushing and pin extend beyond the ends of the outer bushing. First and second inserts are disposed at either end of the inner bushing. The first and second inserts are disposed between the outer bushing and a pair of opposing collars which are disposed on the ends of the pin beyond the inserts and beyond the ends of the inner bushing. The inserts and collars each include seals. The seals of the collars are supported by one or more thrust rings as opposed to the inserts or partially by the inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Johannsen, Roger Recker, Jason Sebright, Mark S. Diekevers
  • Patent number: 9434207
    Abstract: A wheel design which includes: a rectangular display positioned at the center of the wheel; a diamond display centered within the rectangular display; crossbars including a horizontal mounting bar and a vertical mounting bar, where the crossbars support the rectangular display and cross at the center of the wheel, wherein the crossbars extend beyond the rectangular display; a first rectangular display at a top end of the vertical mounting bar; a second rectangular display at a bottom end of the vertical mounting bar; a third rectangular display at a left end of the horizontal mounting bar; and a fourth rectangular display at a right end of the horizontal mounting bar. Each respective rectangular display includes a diamond display centered therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Sharon McKay
  • Patent number: 9434208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an omnidirectional wheel including a central hub; and a tread peripherally mounted on the central hub. The tread includes the juxtaposition of wheels or sleeves arranged along radial planes. The wheel also includes spokes connected, two-by-two, via a shaft section. The shaft section is coaxial to the hub, which has a round cross-section, and onto which freely rotatable rings are fitted. The shaft section includes struts inserted between each ring and shaped such that rings remain in a radial position. The shaft section also includes a series of a plurality of abutting tubular segments. The invention further relates to a module for assembling an omnidirectional wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: NEW LIVE
    Inventor: Michel Ohruh
  • Patent number: 9428004
    Abstract: A cap configured to be connected to a wheel having a hub and a series of openings configured to receive fasteners attaching the wheel to a vehicle. The cap includes a disc defining a series of openings. The number of openings in the cap is less than the number of openings in the wheel. Each opening in the cap is configured to align with a corresponding opening in the wheel. Additionally, the cap is configured to conceal a remainder of the openings in the wheel that are not aligned with the openings in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: DESIGN INFINI, INC.
    Inventors: Suny Chung, Myles Kovacs
  • Patent number: 9428006
    Abstract: A wheel, (1) particularly for a cycle, includes a circular rim (2), a hub (3) concentric with the rim, and spokes (4) connecting the hub (3) to the rim (2). The rim, the hub, and the spokes are made of a polymerized composite material. The spokes (4) are paired two by two on either side of the bond plane of the wheel and are attached without tension at their ends onto the hub (3) and onto the rim (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: CORIMA
    Inventors: Pierre-Jean Martin, Thomas Dupont
  • Patent number: 9421818
    Abstract: A bicycle hub includes a hub shell body and a plurality of spoke mounting projections. The spoke mounting projections are disposed at one end portion of the hub shell body. Each of the spoke mounting projections includes a first circumferential side and a second circumferential side. The first circumferential side has a first spoke outlet for a first spoke and a second spoke outlet for a second spoke. The second circumferential side is opposite to the first circumferential side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuki Koshiyama
  • Patent number: 9415628
    Abstract: Application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer structures to metal vehicle wheels is effective in reducing the mass of the wheel while retaining suitable stiffness in the wheel structure. For maximum effect the reinforced polymer structure and the metal wheel must operate cooperatively. Because of the wide range of operating temperatures experienced by wheels and the large difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between metals and carbon fiber reinforced composites attachment of the polymer structure to the wheel by adhesive alone is problematical. However a wheel with an effective and durable reinforcement may be fabricated by confining, through mechanical interference, the reinforced polymer in a cavity in or on the spoke and by preheating the wheel before curing the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hamid G. Kia, Michael J. Irwin
  • Patent number: 9400032
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight for attachment to a wheel rim comprises a mass portion formed of nonlead material and configured to be juxtaposed against a wheel rim when attached to a wheel. The mass portion defines a clip groove on an exterior side thereof, with the clip groove being defined by opposed first and second sidewalls. The wheel weight also includes a clip having an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim and an attachment portion seated in the clip groove. A self-locking arrangement is provided on the clip and the mass portion for interconnecting the attachment portion of the clip with the mass portion such that when the attachment portion is seated in the clip groove the self-locking arrangement secures the clip to the mass portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J. Ford, Andrew Freeman
  • Patent number: 9399237
    Abstract: A wheel masking system for more efficiently and effectively masking vehicle wheels for painting and touch-ups. The wheel masking system generally includes a tire mask and rim shield which may be simultaneously or interchangeably utilized to mask portions of a wheel during paint or touch-up operations. The tire mask includes a disc member which fits the contour of the wheel's side wall and tapers to nest at the tire bead on the inside diameter to protect portions of the wheel and side wall from paint. The rim shield fits over the lug nuts of the wheel to mask the rim of the wheel from paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Aaron D. Dauner
  • Patent number: 9365076
    Abstract: Provided is an omni-directional wheel including a substantially cylindrical hub provided so as to be rotatable around an axle; a plurality of rollers which have axes extending in a direction intersecting a radial direction of the hub and of each of which an outline has a curvature equal to a curvature of a circle centered at the axle; a support part which allows the rollers to be mounted so as to be rotatable around the respective axes, which supports the rollers such that the outlines are arranged on a single circumference; and rubber tubes which are held between and in contact between the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical part of the hub and the inner circumferential surface of the support part in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: WHILL, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Bando, Junpei Naito
  • Patent number: 9365250
    Abstract: An attachable track overlay apparatus that includes a parallelepiped member sized appropriate to fit into a track bed of an extant track machine track, said parallelepiped member securable therein by hooked engagement of a first end around an interior side of said track, and rotational engagement of a lock member disposed at a second end of said parallelepiped member for selective engagement around an outer side of said track, whereby a rubberlike pad disposed atop the parallelepiped member is secured in a plane parallel with the track bed and elevated relative each of a pair of extant grouters disposed upon the track, whereby a tractable surface is installable covering a track for operation of a particular track machine over ground surfaces otherwise susceptible to damage by operation of the track machine thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: John Somers
  • Patent number: 9358848
    Abstract: A device for adapting actual tire pressure of a tire of a wheel of a vehicle axle to a current setpoint tire pressure during travel includes a chassis-side central device and a wheel-related pneumatic pressure-control device. The pressure control device includes a second connection which is at the actual tire pressure. A control valve with an open position connects a first connection to the second connection, and with a blocking position blocks this connection. A pilot control valve performs pilot control of the control valve. The pressure control device also has a bypass line, which bypasses the control valve and the pilot control valve, connects the first connection to the second connection, and has a non-return valve which opens in the inflation direction of the tire and blocks in the deflation direction of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Andras Voith, Janos Toth, Attila Mihalyi, Kornel Kantor