Abstract: A heat treatable aluminum base alloy is cast in a permanent mold to form an annular preform having an annular disc portion projecting inwardly from first and second annular wing portions extending axially in opposite directions from the disc portion. The preform is mounted on rotatable mandrels having peripheral surfaces spaced inwardly from the corresponding wing portions, and a forming roller presses each wing portion inwardly against the corresponding mandrel surface while the mandrels and preform are rotating to shear-form each wing portion into a substantially thinner and wider rim portion conforming to the contour of the corresponding mandrel surface. In one embodiment, the disc portion of the preform is engaged by a forming roller and a pressure roller both of which move radially inwardly while the disc portion and adjacent mandrel are rotating to shear-form the disc portion inwardly into a thinner and radially wider disc portion.

Abstract: Edge lugged tire carrying rims are locked by fastening assemblies on the spoke members of a vehicle wheel. The rim lugs project radially from a base edge portion carrying a removable bead flange and have an axially inwardly projecting curved body portion with a radially inner lateral surface intersecting a radially directed leg portion. FIGS. 1-3 disclose an outer dual rim mounting on a wheel felloe comprising a radially directed surface and an adjacent radially inner lateral surface using a fastening assembly having a clamp element with dual concentric and segmental axially oriented surfaces and parallel radially directed surfaces. FIGS. 4 and 5 disclose an outer dual rim mounting on a wheel felloe comprising wing portions providing a pair of axially oriented surfaces and a radially directed portion between the wing portions using a fastening assembly having a clamp element with lateral wing portions and parallel radially directed surfaces.

Abstract: Dual tire carrying rims seated and locked on a vehicle wheel by fastening assemblies. A wheel has spoke members with dimensioned fellow surfaces for mating engagement with coacting surfaces on a plurality of radially inwardly projecting clamp lugs. A rim base edge portion is confined and carried by the integrally secured clamp lugs which decrease the effective diameter of a rim.

Abstract: Reusable seal assemblies for heavy duty truck or semi-trailer wheels and axle assemblies. The reusable seal assemblies have an outer metal hub engaging shell formed with an outer generally axial surface which forms a clearance fit with the corresponding seal-receiving surface of the hub. The seals further have an axle engaging inner sheet metal shell formed with an inner surface which forms a clearance fit with the axle spindle. Each of the inner and outer shells are formed with annular recesses. These recesses are proportioned to receive square-cut static sealing rings. In one embodiment the annular recess formed in the outer shell may be provided with a radial inner portion which is tapered with respect to the adjacent surface of the hub, so that when an elastomer seal is received within the annular recess, the compression of the static seal between the recess and the hub causes the seal assembly to be biased inwardly into a seated position within the hub.

Abstract: Landing gears for semi-trailers or the like are disclosed in which the telescoping outer and inner legs of the landing gear are formed as a pair of identical, generally U-shaped sheet metal members which are welded along overlapping seams to form generally box sections. The inner legs are formed with vertical inwardly indented corrugations formed in the end and side walls thereof for added strength. In another embodiment, the outer leg is also formed with corrugations which interfit within the corrugations formed in the inner leg.

Abstract: Tire carrying rims seated and locked on vehicle wheels by fastening assemblies. A wheel has spoke members with dimensioned felloe surfaces for mating engagement with a radially inclined surface on a rim base edge portion and for coaction with a series of clamp lugs having radially inwardly directed leg portions and being integrally secured to a radially directed axially outer rim base surface. Rims may be dual mounted in mating, seating or full surface engagement with coacting felloe surfaces of the rim and wheel by full tightening of the fastening assemblies.

Abstract: A semi-trailer landing gear speed reduction mechanism is provided which includes two horizontally disposed parallel spaced shafts with one shaft being rotated by a manual crank means and the other shaft connected to a mechanism for raising and lowering the landing gear. A two speed ratio for the mechanism is provided by having a fixed pair of gears secured to the driven shaft, a pinion gear fixed to the driving shaft and a gear having both internal and external threads supported on its internal threads on the driving shaft and in engagement with a pinion gear on the driven shaft.

Abstract: Base flanged tire carrying rims are locked by fastening assemblies on the spoke members of a vehicle wheel. The rim mounting flanges project radially from a base portion between dual bead flanges and have a medial portion with a radially inclined surface and an axially oriented surface and a radially directed leg portion. FIGS. 1-3 disclose an outer dual rim mounting on a wheel feeloe comprising a radially directed surface and an adjacent radially inner lateral surface using a fastening assembly having a clamp element with dual concentric and segmental axially oriented surfaces and parallel radially directed surfaces. FIGS. 4 and 5 disclose an outer dual rim mounting on a wheel felloe comprising wing portions providing a pair of axially oriented surfaces and a radially directed surface between the wing portions using a fastening assembly having a clamp element with lateral wing portions and parallel radially directed surfaces. FIG. 6 discloses an outer dual rim mounting on the wheel felloe of FIG.

Abstract: Two-piece rim for mounting tires, single or dual, on a wheel. The removable bead ring has an axial projection intended for engagement by restraining means mounted on the wheel in the event a tire on said rim is unintentionally deflated. Various forms of restraining means are provided.

Abstract: Tire carrying rims seated and locked on vehicle wheels by fastening assemblies or means. A wheel has spoke members with dimensioned felloe surfaces for mating engagement with coacting surfaces on radially inwardly projecting mounting flanges integrally attached to and mounted beneath a base portion of the rims between the bead flanges. Rims may be single or dual mounted in mating, seating or full surface engagement with coacting felloe surfaces of the rim and wheel by full tightening of the fastening assemblies or fastening means.

Abstract: A sandshoe for a semi-trailer landing gear is formed with an inverted V-shaped support member, the depending legs of which are attached to a bottom platform. The apex of the support member is received within a generally conforming, transversely oriented yoke carried on the bottom of the landing gear, and is attached thereto by bolts as well as by auxiliary retainer clips. The improved sandshoe is relatively light in weight yet provides high strength as compared to conventional sandshoes, in that the arrangement of the support member places the bottom platform in tension in the region between the legs of the support member.

Abstract: Tire carrying rims seated and locked on vehicle wheels by fastening assemblies. A wheel has spoke members with dimensioned felloe surfaces for mating engagement with coacting surfaces on the base edge portion of a rim having an annular lock ring formed integrally with mounting flanges having a radially inwardly projecting terminal portion. Rims may be dual mounted in mating, seating or full surface engagement with coacting felloe surfaces of the rim and wheel by full tightening of the fastening assemblies.

Abstract: A wide base drop center rim seated and locked by fastening assemblies on a vehicle wheel. A wheel has two series of spoke members with dimensioned felloe surfaces for mating engagement with coacting surfaces on two axially spaced-apart radially inwardly projecting mounting flanges integrally attached to and mounted beneath a base portion of the rim. A rim is mounted in mating, seating or full surface engagement with coacting felloe surfaces of the rim and wheel by full tightening of the fastening assemblies.

Abstract: A rim, wheel and fastening assembly. The rim has radially outwardly directed bead flanges and a radially inwardly projecting mounting flange with an axially extending portion attached to the rim between the bead flanges. The rim mounting flange has a radially inclined portion and a radially directed portion with inwardly facing surfaces. The wheel has a felloe portion with outwardly facing radially inclined and radially directed surfaces for mating engagement with the conforming rim flange surfaces. The fastening assembly includes a shank component projecting axially from a radially directed wheel felloe surface and through a radially directed rim flange portion and a rotatable component with a radially oriented surface for fastening a rim flange on a wheel felloe. The fastening assembly also includes a clamp element with radially inclined and radially directed surfaces for mating engagement with conforming rim flange surfaces.

Abstract: A non-compressible spacer for use in mounting dual rims on a wheel. Spacer has an annular medial portion with radially outwardly directed uniformly spaced undulations. The undulations are marquise-shaped areas alternating with .[.apexly opposed cone-shaped.]. .Iadd.opposed colinearly aligned radially outwardly concave .Iaddend.areas. The ends of the marquise-shaped areas and the space between the .[.cone-shaped.]. .Iadd.opposed colinearly aligned radially outwardly concave .Iaddend.areas seat on the wheel felloe.