Hub Cap Patents (Class 301/108.1)
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Patent number: 11485168Abstract: A wheel of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has a rim, a hub portion, and at least two spokes connecting the hub portion to the rim. At least two adjoining spokes are connected to each other by at least one connecting web which is arranged in a space between the spokes, is not attached to the rim and the hub portion, and extends at least approximately in the circumferential direction of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Christopher Bourne, Mike Seidel, Kurt Walther
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Patent number: 11285420Abstract: A vent assembly (100) has a vent body (110) defining a first end (104) and a second end (106), a central axis extending from the first end to the second end, and an inner surface defining a cavity. A first retainer extends across the cavity towards the first end of the vent body, and a second retainer (140) extends across the cavity towards the second end of the vent body. The first retainer defines a first retainer opening extending to a first radial distance from the central axis, and the second retainer defines a second retainer opening extending to a second radial distance from the central axis, where the second radial distance is greater than the first radial distance. Coalescing filter media is disposed in the cavity between the first retainer and the second retainer. The coalescing filter media, the cavity, the first retainer, and the second retainer cumulatively define an airflow pathway.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.Inventors: Shannon Lees, Daniel Dotzler, Michael J. Hebert
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Patent number: 11198322Abstract: Implementations disclosed and claimed herein provide a wheel cover system. In one implementation, an inward force exerted against a wheel cover of the wheel cover assembly in an inward direction towards the hub is received. The inward force overcomes a spring bias of a spring of the receiver and translates the wheel cover assembly in the inward direction. A first rotational force rotating the wheel cover assembly in a first direction is received. The first post guides and engages the first hook, and the second post guides and engages the second hook during rotation. A first positive feedback is generated in response to the inward force and the first rotational force. The wheel cover assembly is releaseably locked to the receiver by translating the wheel cover assembly in the outward direction using an outward force generated by the spring bias. The outward force provides a second positive feedback.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: MOOCHOUT LLCInventors: Jonathan E. Fleck, John Thomas Calhoun
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Patent number: 11168737Abstract: Hub bearing assembly for a vehicle wheel, the assembly having an axial tubular appendage capable of being inserted into a central hole of a wheel of the vehicle, and wherein the tubular appendage has a radially outer surface of substantially cylindrical shape; a collar of cylindrical shape being mounted on the tubular appendage so as to cover a second centring section of the radially outer cylindrical surface, and having an insert of metallic material and an inner coating layer which at least partially covers the insert and is formed on the insert by galvanizing.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Inventors: William Finetti, Paolo A Re
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Patent number: 10821776Abstract: An arrangement of wheels for a bi-directional vehicle may decrease the drag coefficient for the vehicle regardless of a direction of travel of the vehicle. A pair of wheels, each wheel of the pair having a configuration of fins to promote a desired aerodynamic effect, when located at a leading end of the vehicle promotes airflow laterally outboard of the vehicle body. In contrast, the same pair of wheels, when located at a trailing end of the vehicle promotes airflow laterally inboard of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Christopher William Labadie, Timothy David Kentley-Klay
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Patent number: 10717382Abstract: The Lummi Rex, is an advanced car tire that displays contrasting colors within the tire by the aid of the shining chromes found on the rims and it is to yield caution to other drivers and pedestrians. The sole purpose of the “Lummi Rex” is to reduce and eliminate road accidents due to poor driving, drunk driving, irresponsible drivers, reckless drivers, car malfunctions, broken taillights, and miscommunication between drivers, pedestrians, and everything in its surroundings. The mission of the “Lummi Rex” is, but not limited to ease the communication process between drivers and pedestrians in a novel manner. Pedestrians will know that when this advanced car tire is illuminating in color “Blue” it means the car ignition is on, color “Red” means the car is in motion and finally, when the entire tire is glowing in color “Green” simply means that the brakes have been applied.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Inventor: Donaldo Rex Mitogo
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Patent number: 10543716Abstract: Systems, apparatus, devices, brackets, assemblies, and methods for a wheel hub with interchangeable caps for changing the appearance of wheels having exposed lug nuts about a center hole. A bracket invention having both a small cap and a large cap can be used on an existing wheel which exposes a center hole and the lug nuts. A smaller cap can be used to cover only the center hole of the wheel. A larger cap can be used to cover both the center hole and the exposed lug nuts on the wheel. An adapter ring can be used for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) wheels to allow for using the base that allows for either a small cap or large cap to be interchangeably used to change the exterior appearance of the wheel. The bracket can be integrated with the wheel, or be attachable onto the wheel. The caps can be mounted and dismounted by pressing and rotating spring biased emblems with either ball bearings or studs from the bases.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Inventor: Demetrios Mavrofrides
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Patent number: 10513149Abstract: The invention concerns an axle unit comprising a stub axle and a tube unit, wherein the stub axle at least in regions is configured rotationally symmetrically about a stub axis and has a channel which extends substantially parallel to the stub axis, wherein the tube unit is configured as a hollow body and extends substantially along a tube axis, wherein the tube unit has a recess running transversely to the tube axis, wherein a line element is provided which can be brought into fluid-tight connection with the channel and passed through the recess of the tube unit. A method for production of an axle unit is also given.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbHInventors: Armin Christ, Florian Borde
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Patent number: 10486460Abstract: A thermoplastic wheel hub (10) includes a center hub (26) for attachment to a wheel bearing (20) of a vehicle. The center hub (26) has a central shaft aperture (28) extending axially therethough and a plurality of lug apertures (30) spaced radially from and circumferentially about the central shaft aperture (28). The thermoplastic wheel hub (10) also includes a plurality of ribs (40) extending radially outwardly from the center hub (26). The thermoplastic wheel hub (10) further includes a cylindrical tire mount (46) connected to the ribs and extending axially in substantially a plane for mounting a non-pneumatic tire (12) thereon.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: BASF SEInventors: William J. McMaster, Stephen P. Serna, Prasanna Kondapalli
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Patent number: 10232665Abstract: A wheel cover includes: a cover body having an engagement hole and configured to cover a design face of a wheel; and a cover fastener that is inserted through the engagement hole. A primary attachment member of the cover fastener includes: a supporter that supports a periphery of the engagement hole; a cylindrical portion that is inserted in a hub hole formed in the wheel; a coupler that couples the supporter and the cylindrical portion; and a hook extending from the cylindrical portion to an outer circumferential side of the cylindrical portion, the hook being contactable with an inner circumferential portion of the hub hole at a position spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. A secondary attachment member of the cover fastener has an insertion portion that is inserted in a space formed between the hook and the outer circumferential surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomohiko Takeda, Masanobu Mizui, Noriyoshi Matsui, Makoto Nitta, Hiromichi Yamazaki, Yasuo Noji
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Patent number: 10189302Abstract: The wheel trim (1) comprises a base element (2) provided with holes (3) and a cover element (4) placed on said base element (2), the cover element (4) being linked with the base element (2) by a speed activation element (5) and said cover element (4) being movable between a rest position, in which the holes (3) are not covered, and an active position, in which the holes (3) are completely or partially covered, when the rotating speed of the wheel is higher than a preset speed, and it is characterized in that the cover element (4) is also linked with the base element (2) by a temperature activation element (6), so that when the temperature sensed by said temperature activation element (6) is higher than a preset temperature, the temperature activation element (6) moves the cover element (4) to said rest position.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: ZANINI AUTO GRUP, S.A.Inventors: August Mayer Pujadas, Marçal Mascaró Hereza, Juan José Ucher Tena, Guillem Cominguez Santaló
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Patent number: 9969210Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle wheel is disclosed. In some embodiments, the locking device includes a plate having an outer surface and an inner surface and at least one opening extending through the plate, at least one enclosure extending from the inner surface of the plate, at least one retention tab extending from the inner surface of the plate, the retention tab having a lateral locating portion and a radial locating portion having a slot, and at least one lock cylinder extending through the at least one opening, a lock tab connected to the at least one lock cylinder and movable from an unlocked position to a locked position.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Chad P. Fisher
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Patent number: 9908364Abstract: A wheel center cap engagement system is provided to connect center caps of vehicle wheels to the proper position in a central area of the wheel. The center caps are connected to a mounting plate engageable with the wheel lugs and are held in proper positioning relative to the wheel thereby. A bearing can be interfaced between the center cap and its connection to the mounting plate should rotation of the center cap be desirable.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Inventor: Joshua Haynes
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Patent number: 9821598Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a wheel cover configured to streamline a wheel of a motor vehicle. In one implementation, the wheel cover includes a unit that mounts and dismounts to the hub of a wheel of a vehicle without brackets, bolts, and assembly kits. The wheel cover system may include a circular cover that covers the center of the wheel hub. An engaging structure may include one or more hooks opposed from each other with small access ports to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the wheel cover on the wheel hub. To cover the wheel hub, the wheel cover system is placed over the wheel hub and the four hooks are engaged to latch onto a back edge of the wheel hub. Through the simple activation of the hooks, the wheel cover system may be easily mounted and dismounted on the wheel hub.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Moochout LLCInventor: Jonathan E. Fleck
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Patent number: 9676230Abstract: A center cap is provided for a motor vehicle wheel. That center cap includes a disc-shaped body having a plurality of radially arrayed mounting projections for engaging in a plurality of cooperating slots in the wheel. Further, a motor vehicle wheel is provided. That motor vehicle wheel includes a body incorporating a wheel hub having a central opening defined within a boundary wall and a center cap received and held in the central opening. The center cap includes a plurality of radially arrayed mounting projections while the body includes a matching plurality of slots and tapering channels sized and shaped to receive the plurality of radially arrayed mounting projections.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gerardo Alejandro Perez Rojo, Laura Imelda Luengo Herrero
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Patent number: 9545817Abstract: A non frictional wheel enhancing assembly that utilizes bolts and lubricated joints to attach to a wheel, remains level and independent of the wheel as the wheel revolves, inhibits friction and heat between the wheel and a wheel cover, and aesthetically enhances the wheel without covering the perimeter of the wheel. The wheel assembly includes an attachment surface with three extending bolts that press outwardly, against an inner circumference of a wheel hub to create pressure and grip for attaching the wheel cover with the wheel. The wheel cover also secures to the wheel through numerous lubricated joints, adapters, and fasteners. The lubricated joints facilitate revolution of the wheel cover to minimize friction between the wheel and the wheel cover, and improve fuel efficiency for the vehicle. The wheel cover displays decorative indicia. A counterweight allows the wheel cover to remain level and revolve independently of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Inventor: Andres Velez
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Patent number: 9375979Abstract: When removing a wheel cover from a wheel, force in an inner peripheral direction is applied to one end portion of an engaging member. The engaging member pivots (including elastically deforms) about the other end portion, such that an engaging protruding portion pivots and comes away from an engagable protruding portion. As a result, a center attaching portion is able to be removed from an ornament receiving hole, thus enabling the wheel cover to be removed from the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, PLAMAC CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuta Karashima, Kenji Abe, Masatsugu Sasagawa, Toshiyuki Tetsuda, Satoru Tsurubuchi, Tomoaki Kume, Yasuo Noji, Yasuhiro Kuraoka
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Patent number: 9328770Abstract: A cap for bearing device is attached to one end portion of an outer race member in a bearing device to block an opening portion, and includes: a cylindrical part that is fitted to the outer race member; a lid part configured to block an end portion of the cylindrical part; an annular seal part configured to, when being fitted to the outer race member, be compressed between the cap for the bearing device and the outer race member; and a ventilation part, which, in the course of fitting the cylindrical part to the outer race member, allows air to pass between inside and outside of a bearing space, and in the state where the cylindrical part is fitted to the outer race member, the ventilation is shut down.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: UCHIYAMA MANUFACTURING CORP.Inventor: Koki Ishida
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Patent number: 9308815Abstract: A fuel cap lock comprising a base plate having a circular opening to accommodate the a diesel fuel tank fill pipe, two steel hinges mounted to vertical hinge supports welded to opposing sides base plate, a two strap hasp lock is hingedly mounted to the vertical hinge supports, wherein the hasp straps overlap, and lock together over a fuel tank's fuel cap, thus securing the cap and preventing its removal.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Inventors: Armando Torres, Juan Carlos Torres
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Patent number: 9272570Abstract: A clamp-hubcap assembly is provided. The assembly may include a clamp, a hubcap, and a retaining device. The retaining device may be any suitable structure capable of coupling the clamp and the hubcap together.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventor: Eric Cahill
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Publication number: 20150035348Abstract: A wheel cover for a rear wheel of a truck includes a body, a hub cap and multiple bolt caps. The body has multiple recesses defined therein and each recess has a through hole defined through the inner end thereof Each recess has a resilient protrusion on the inside thereof The hub cap is mounted to the passage of the body. The bolt caps are respectively located in the recesses of the body and each bolt cap has multiple engaging recesses defined in outside thereof The resilient protrusions of the body are engaged with the engaging recesses to fix the bolt caps in the recesses of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventor: Ming-Cheng WANG
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Publication number: 20150028661Abstract: A clamp-hubcap assembly is provided. The assembly may include a clamp, a hubcap, and a retaining device. The retaining device may be any suitable structure capable of coupling the clamp and the hubcap together.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Goodrich CorporationInventor: Eric Cahill
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Publication number: 20140361605Abstract: A wheel hub cover arrangement for covering an outwardly directed wheel hub opening of a wheel hub, which has a cover surface element which is connected to the wheel hub via a wall member and a connection member in such a way that the cover surface element and the wall member enclose a cover volume, wherein at least one venting opening for venting and for pressure-equalizing a vehicle shaft connected to the wheel hub is provided, wherein at least one outlet opening for removing splash water from the cover volume is provided in the wall member, wherein provisions are provided which ensure a fluid connection of the outlet opening with the surroundings of the wall member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Friedrich Feicha, Dietmar Becker, Konstantin Kirsch
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Patent number: 8851577Abstract: There is provided a cap attachment structure, including: a cap that is attached to a wheel of a vehicle; a first elastic deformation portion that is provided at the cap, the first elastic deformation portion being elastically deformed and engaging with the wheel while the cap is attached to the wheel; and a second elastic deformation portion that is provided at the cap, the second elastic deformation portion not being elastically deformed while the cap is attached to the wheel, and the second elastic deformation portion being elastically deformed by engaging with the wheel when the cap is detached from the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Satoshi Onishi
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Publication number: 20140175861Abstract: An outboard sealing system cooperates with components of a heavy-duty vehicle wheel end assembly to retain lubricant in the assembly. The sealing system includes a seal that is disposed axially between an outboard bearing and a hubcap of a wheel end assembly. The seal also extends radially between an axle spindle nut and a surface of a bore formed in the hub of the wheel end assembly. The seal forms a barrier between the outboard bearing and the hubcap to reduce a flow of lubricant from a hub cavity into the hubcap. The sealing system retains lubricant in the wheel end assembly, prevents contaminants from entering the wheel end assembly, and retains the relative position of the outboard bearing in the hub during servicing. The sealing system preferably includes an additional barrier that reduces corrosion at the interface of the hubcap and an outboard face of the hub.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: Jay D. White, Dhawal Dharaiya
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Publication number: 20140103701Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventors: Suny Chung, Myles Kovacs
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Patent number: 8608253Abstract: A locking hub that is useful for wheels on small vehicles. Such wheels may use a press fit or integrally cast version of the invention. The locking hub fits over a shaft. The hub has a bore for receiving the end of the shaft. An outer member is connected to and spaced from the hub. A finger is adjacent to the bore and has a protrusion that extends into the bore. The finger is resilient and movable between a first and second position. The first position has the protrusion protruding into the bore and the second position has the protrusion outside of the bore with the finger being bent radially outward. The shaft has a notch or hole that receives the finger. A locking device may selectively be placed between the outer member and the hub to prevent the finger from moving into its second position, thereby locking the hub onto the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Custom Engineered Wheels, Inc.Inventor: Adam Sheefel
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Patent number: 8578984Abstract: A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, John C. McKay
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Patent number: 8544615Abstract: A method and device for capturing particulates produced by a brake shoe of a motorized vehicle are provided. A strip of material is attached to an inner planar race of a wheel rim and is positioned to capture particulates (“brake dust”) caused by the friction braking process. Particulates may be driven toward the strip by centrifugal force, chemical attraction, electrostatic force and/or magnetic force. The strip may be shaped with a plurality of faces to provide a greater surface area than a flat planar strip of material provides. The strip may include cilia, a nappy material, and/or a loop material to attract and retain the brake dust. The strip may be magnetic or include a magnetic substance. An adhesive material is placed upon a second strip surface, whereby the strip is removably coupled to the inner race by the adhesive material.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: Edward L. Martinez
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Publication number: 20130193746Abstract: A flexible cover for an axle hub joint is provided. The flexible cover comprises a tubular member having a first end and a second end. The tubular member is configured to cover the axle hub joint. A first flange is defined at the first end of the tubular member and is rigidly attached to a wheel hub. A portion of the second end of the tubular member is configured to rotatably connect to a bearing groove and is free to rotate within the bearing groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Maroon, Eric R. O'Brien
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Patent number: 8469461Abstract: A hybrid wheel hub for trucks is configured to accept interchangeably a threaded screw-on hubcap or a bolt-on hubcap. The hybrid wheel hub comprises a barrel with an axial bore for receiving an axle along a longitudinal axis of the axial bore and a radial flange for attaching a wheel, the barrel having an inboard end and an outboard end including an outboard bearing cup for retaining an outboard bearing assembly within an inner surface of the axial bore. An annular perimeter of the outboard end includes a plurality of bolt holes positioned to receive cap bolts to retain a bolt-on hub cap over the outboard end. A threaded track protrudes radially inward towards the longitudinal axis of the axial bore and is internally threaded circumferentially around the longitudinal axis in position longitudinally to receive a screw-on hub cap having external threads.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: KIC Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Omar J. Fakhoury, Joseph A. Brotherton, John Schneider
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Patent number: 8449197Abstract: A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus which reduces the weight, size and number of parts and also prevents ingress of rain water or dusts and leakage of differential gear oil has an axle housing supported under a body of a vehicle. A hollow drive shaft is inserted into the axle housing. A wheel bearing is arranged between the drive shaft and an opening of the axle housing and is structured as a unit including a wheel hub and a double row rolling bearing. The wheel bearing includes an inner member with a wheel hub integrally formed with a wheel mounting flange on one end and an axially extending cylindrical portion. At least one inner ring is press-fit onto the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. The inner ring is formed with at least one of the inner raceway surfaces on its outer circumferential surface. An outer member is arranged around the inner member and formed with double row outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumferential surface opposite to the inner raceway surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Kawamura, Kazuhisa Shigeoka, Akira Fujimura, Koji Nishino, Hisashi Ohtuski
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Publication number: 20130106169Abstract: A wheel structure for simulating a big-rig wheel of a big-rig semi truck is provided, and the wheel structure has a disc section which is formed with a central hole, a first annular region, and a second annular region in turn, the first annular region is provided with installation holes to install functional bolts and functional nuts of a hub plate of a transmission axle of an automobile, and the second annular region is provided with simulated bolt-and-nut elements. Furthermore, the central hole and the first annular region are covered by a decorative cap. Thus, the wheel structure can be directly installed on the hub plate of the automobile (such as a regular pick-up truck or SUV), while only one set of functional bolts and functional nuts is needed to install the wheel structure on the hub plate of the transmission axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Primax Wheel Corp.Inventor: Mike Chu
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Patent number: 8353390Abstract: A brake corner assembly includes a steering knuckle fixed against rotation, a rotary member including a outer surface, and a shield secured to the steering knuckle and including a ring including a sealing surface located adjacent to the outer surface, the sealing surface having a first diameter that is substantially equal to a second diameter of a portion of the outer surface that is adjacent to the sealing surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Wenshui Wang, Robert G. Sutherlin
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Publication number: 20120319461Abstract: A protective cap is installed in a wheel hub to protect a wheel speed sensor and bearing assembly from intrusion of dirt. The hub has inner and outer end faces, and a central bore having splines for engagement by a splined driveshaft. The speed sensor system has a segmented disc rotating with the hub and a sensor mounted on a housing and extending into proximity with the segmented disc. The protective cap includes a stem for insertion through the central bore and a head having an under face for engaging with the inner end face of the hub. The head has a distal rim portion overlapping the housing to allow rotation of the protective cap relative the housing to prevent entry of dirt to the speed sensor system and bearing. The stem has yieldable retainers for engaging with the outer end face of the hub to retain the protective cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: AVISSAI ALCANTARA BURGUETE, Ricardo Guerrero Melendez, Marcos Portillo Martinez
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Publication number: 20120074663Abstract: A wheel assembly that may be installed on, and removed from, an axle without the need for tools. The wheel assembly includes a wheel, at least one clip supported by the wheel, and a cover securing the clip in position. The wheel assembly is mountable on an axle including a circumferential groove and is retained on the axle by the extension of the clip into the groove. The clip includes an actuator arm extending away from the plane of the wheel so as to be readily accessible for actuation by one's fingers. Actuation of the arm withdraws the clip from the groove to release the wheel from the axle. Preferably two clips are provided diametrically opposite one another, enabling both arms to be actuated simultaneously in a pinching operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: CASCADE ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Brian G. Parker, Michael R. Featherstone, Linda R. Umlor
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Patent number: 8118372Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel hub arrangement (1) having at least one wheel hub (2) which is mounted rotatably via at least one wheel bearing (3) on a bearing journal (4) of an axle body (5) which is mounted on a vehicle chassis. Furthermore, the wheel hub arrangement (1) can have a brake system (6). The bearing journal (4) is assigned a display device for displaying critical temperature loading of the wheel bearing (3) and/or the brake system (6), wherein this display device has a display element which responds when critical temperature loading is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, GmbHInventor: Hubert Koschinat
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Publication number: 20110181101Abstract: A bearing cap for a wheel assembly includes a bearing cap seal for sealing against an annular bore of a knuckle. The bearing cap is coupled to an outer ring, which is disposed within an annular bore of a knuckle. The bearing cap includes a face and a collar extending along a longitudinal axis into the annular bore. The bearing cap seal is disposed annularly about the collar, within the annular bore. The bearing cap seal prevents contamination of an engagement interface between the knuckle and the outer ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Vincent R. Sicilia, Todd D. Albertson, Robert G. Sutherlin
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Publication number: 20110062771Abstract: The present invention relates to a hub cap (1) for a vehicle wheel. The hub cap comprises a base (2), a first group of coupling teeth (12), suitable for making a snap-wise coupling with the wall of the hub opening and a second group of abutment teeth (14) suitable for abutting against the wall of the hub opening and shaped so as to not snap-wise engage with said wall of the hub opening. The hub cap allows easy mounting and removal from the wheel and strongly limits the onset of vibrations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: LUPINI TARGHE S.P.A.Inventor: Angiolino Capuzzi
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Patent number: 7891743Abstract: The present disclosure provides a locking hub cap having at least one locking feature that engages at least one locking feature on a vehicle hub assembly to prevent a spin-on nut from being removed while the locking hub cap is in place.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventor: Claudio R. Ballard
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Patent number: 7740036Abstract: A system for pressurizing wheel hub formed from an air-tight sealing arrangement located on each end of a wheel hub to form a closed air system in the interior of the wheel hub. The closed air system fluidly coupled to a DC power air compressor or pressurized air tank for receiving pressurized air. A pressure gauge provides a visual indication of the air pressure in the closed air system whereby a breached seal condition within the wheel hub can be detected.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Air Tight, LLCInventors: Henry Dombroski, Anthony Cunningham
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Patent number: 7731300Abstract: A hubcap for a wheel end assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle seals an outboard end of the wheel end assembly. The wheel end assembly includes a wheel hub formed with a cavity that contains lubricant, and the hubcap positively engages and mounts on the outboard end of the wheel hub to prevent the escape of lubricant and the ingress of contaminants. The integrally-formed hubcap includes a generally cylindrical sidewall and an outboard wall that extends generally perpendicular to the sidewall. A lip extends inboardly from and a shoulder extends radially outwardly from an inboard end of the sidewall, and the lip and shoulder cooperate to positively mechanically engage the outboard end of the wheel hub. An O-ring is disposed between the lip and the wheel hub to provide a seal. The hubcap also is adapted to accommodate components of a tire inflation system and other auxiliary components.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: Gary E. Gerstenslager, Jay D. White, Jeff Morris, Donald R. Hester
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Patent number: 7712842Abstract: A method of mounting a hubcap on a wheel that involves providing a wheel having an annular hub surrounding an axis of rotation, the hub including a first periphery extending along the circumference of a circle surrounding the axis of rotation and a second periphery spaced from the circumference of the circle, providing a hubcap having a top wall and a cylindrical sidewall extending from the top wall, the cylindrical sidewall having an end edge spaced from the top wall and a circumferential flange projecting from the cylindrical side wall, the circumferential flange having a sidewall and an alignment tab projecting from the sidewall, aligning the hubcap alignment tab with the second periphery, placing the hubcap sidewall against the hub and the alignment tab over the second periphery, and clamping the hubcap to the wheel. Also a wheel (10, 80) including a hubcap (30, 90) and a clamp (50).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Charles A. Parker, Matthew D. Spray, David D. McAfee, Andrew S. Haynes, Todd R. Auel, Steve Hodge
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Publication number: 20100033007Abstract: A hubcap for an aircraft wheel comprises a generally cup-like body for covering, in use, a free end of an axle. The cup-like body has an end wall, a side wall and an open end opposite the end wall. The hubcap further comprises one or more elongate formations protruding from an outer surface of the side wall and extending from close to the end wall towards the open end of the body, wherein the height of the or each elongate formation varies or tapers continuously or discontinuously from a maximum to a minimum along at least a portion of its length in a direction towards or away from the closed end of the cup-like body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: MEGGITT AEROSPACE LIMITEDInventor: Martin James Fisher
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Patent number: 7651171Abstract: A cap assembly for a wheel including a cup-shaped cap member having a plurality of annular ridges disposed around a circumference thereof, and a retainer ring having a plurality of axially extending flange portions disposed around a circumference thereof. The retainer ring is slidably coupled to the cup-shaped member, the axially extending flange portions are angled relative to a position normal to the ring, and the plurality of axially extending flange portions correspond to the plurality of annular ridges. When the cap assembly is inserted into the wheel, the retainer ring slides along the cup-shaped member and the annular ridges force the axially extending flange portions to the position normal to the ring to attach the flange portions to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Kenneth A. Kinslow, Jack H. Preston, Trevor L. Enge, Edward G. Bajek, Paul J. Leibold, Dave Slone, Eric Krupitzer
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Publication number: 20090309411Abstract: A motorcycle wheel assembly having a wheel with a central hub and an axle extending centrally through the hub with interior wheel bearings and at least one brake disc in abutment with the outside surface of the hub is provided with at least a wheel cover fitted onto a spacer surrounding the axle between the brake disc and the lower extremity of an adjacent fork in order to protect the wheel bearings and the mounting bolts from sand and grit. The wheel cover includes a shoulder portion on one side through which a spacer and an axle extend and an outer lip overlying the brake disc and mounting bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventor: David C. Perry
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Publication number: 20090278400Abstract: A truck wheel central cover includes a main body provided with plural projecting holders spaced apart equidistantly and respectively formed inside with a recessed chamber disposed with an annular base at its lower side. Each annular base is cut with plural notches, and has its interior fixed with plural resisting members and its inner side formed with an engage edge. Plural coupling members are respectively received in the annular bases of the main body, respectively having a hexagonal accommodating chamber with an insert hole communicating with the outside and having projecting members respectively fixed at its inner end corners. Each coupling member is cut with plural notches, having its outer wall bored with an annular engage groove. By mutual engagement, the central cover can conveniently and quickly be assembled on a truck wheel rim.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventor: Ming-Cheng WANG
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Publication number: 20090267405Abstract: The present disclosure provides a locking hub cap having at least one locking feature that engages at least one locking feature on a vehicle hub assembly to prevent a spin-on nut from being removed while the locking hub cap is in place.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventor: CLAUDIO R. BALLARD
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Patent number: 7547077Abstract: Wheel and other bearing restraint jam nuts and early warning visual warning indicators for use with bearing hubs including driven and non-driven wheel bearing hubs wherein each jam nut is adapted to be received on either a threaded drive axle tube spindle or an axle spindle by use of a convention tool and such that the jam nut is of a size to obstruct wheel bearing hub separation in the event of a bearing failure and wherein a portion of the jam nut is engageable to force an indicator outwardly of the wheel bearing hub whenever the wheel bearing hub is not properly rotating about it's axis of rotation to thereby provide a visual indication of a potential problem with the bearings or other components within the wheel or other bearing hub.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Inventors: Nels Melberg, John M. Ekman
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Publication number: 20090127924Abstract: A gas vent plug is mounted in an aperture communicating with a bearing cavity, and includes a metal annular body, and an elastic tubular body constituted of an elastic member in tube form, integral with the metal annular body, and having a vents at one end face of the tube, protruding outwards in the axial direction of the tube. A circular groove is provided at one end face of the elastic tubular body so as to encircle the vent. Accordingly, variation in the working pressure is eliminated even in the case where the interference is increased when the gas vent plug is mounted in the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2006Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Yasuhiko Shimizu, Yukihiro Takeda, Hirofumi Yoshida