Mounting Patents (Class 301/132)
  • Patent number: 11225106
    Abstract: A removable spindle assembly improvement comprised of a spindle housing end unit having a threaded cavity. A corresponding threaded removable spindle is torqued into the threaded cavity. The spindle has a tapered section that includes O-rings for creating a seal along the corresponding section of the cavity to prevent corrosion which assists in the elimination of spindle seizure within the spindle housing end unit's cavity. The spindle housing end unit's housing includes at least two threaded apertures that cooperate with sealed set screws for securing the spindle in place during operation. The set screws are placed apart at an odd number of 15 degree increments. This assembly facilitates easy removal and replacement of a spindle on a spring axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventors: Henry T. Dombroski, Anthony Cunningham
  • Patent number: 11072237
    Abstract: A UTV portal axle system is disclosed, including a spindle with a housing for housing input and output drive gears coupled by one or more idler gears. The output drive gear is disposed lower than the input drive gear to provide additional ground clearance to the UTV. The king pin axis angle is substantially the same as that of a stock UTV, while maintaining a scrub radius of substantially one inch or less. This is accomplished by the lower control arm ball joint being located within a recess of the output drive gear. This allows the UTV to be properly controlled when driven at high speeds over rough or uneven terrain. The gears may be interchangeable to allow the gear ratio to be adjusted to be more suitable for use at various driving speeds. A method of changing the gear ratio is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: J & J Holdings and Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Justin Smith
  • Patent number: 10858028
    Abstract: An axle kit apparatus for increasing the mobility of foldable sawhorse stands while allowing the tires used to be customizable. The invention consists of an axle that connects all of the pieces together. It is mounted with two fasteners that pass through the axle. Two spindles thread into the axle to allow them to be removable. Two objects with threaded apertures lock the spindles in place as well as provide the necessary preload to the bearing races of any tire used. The invention allows for any size spindle and tires to be used as long as the spindle can thread into the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Robert James Suhling
  • Patent number: 10850560
    Abstract: An axle end assembly has a wheel brake arrangement and a wheel hub arrangement. The assembly is designed as a preassembled unit with a hollow shaft element on which the wheel brake arrangement and the wheel hub arrangement are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Gruber, Robert Trimpe, Edgar Ruhl, Witold Kolodziejcak
  • Patent number: 10618351
    Abstract: A removable spindle axle improvement using a cap attached to a rim formed along an inside surface of a torsion arm, wherein the cap seals a threaded fastener. The rim used for attachment can be a groove, collar, or a collared washer. In an alternative embodiment, a first O-ring is positioned along an end of a spindle axle tapered body and a second O-ring groove is positioned along an opposite end of the spindle axle tapered body to hermetically seal an area of the spindle axle therebetween. In a further embodiment, a first O-ring is positioned along one end of a spindle axle socket and a second O-ring is positioned along a second end of the spindle axle socket to hermetically seal an area of the spindle axle therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventors: Henry Dombroski, Anthony Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10363962
    Abstract: A spindle sleeve and washer for adjusting the camber, toe, or thrust angle of a vehicle wheel to a desired predetermined angle which allows for use of existing hub and spindle assembly without permanent modification to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventor: Zachary Alexander Merrill
  • Patent number: 10308070
    Abstract: An internally threaded axle tube and spindle assembly, where the spindle can be easily removed for service or replacement. The spindle may have a threaded projection corresponding to the internal threads in the axle tube. The spindle may be screwed into place for use, then unscrewed for service or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: UA Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Carroll
  • Patent number: 10202002
    Abstract: A replacement spindle that can be easily removed for service or replacement. The spindle may have a threaded projection corresponding to a threaded bushing, which may be secured within an axle tube. The spindle may be screwed into place for use, then unscrewed for service or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Axle Tech Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Carroll
  • Patent number: 10118441
    Abstract: A reversible spindle embodiment for a small sailboat dolly axle includes 2 spindle elements, one on each end of the same reversible spindle embodiment connected by a central interconnecting mounting element. Each spindle element is designed to mate with a wheel hub having a different size diameter and/or width. The unused spindle element and the central interconnecting mounting element are inserted into the hollow end of the dolly axle and secured with fasteners through the walls of the axle and mounting element. The desired spindle element is inserted through the wheel hub and secured. To mount a wheel having a different hub size matching the unused spindle element, the fasteners are removed, the reversible spindle is rotated 180 degrees and the fasteners reinstalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventors: James Woodrow Beauchamp, Thomas Lee Beauchamp, Robert Frazier Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 9732797
    Abstract: A wheel bearing arrangement for a vehicle, comprising at least one roller bearing, wherein at least one of the roller bearings is a ball bearing, which includes an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein both rings have raceways for balls being located between the rings. To ensure a sufficient lifetime of the roller bearings and to minimize the friction in the bearing, the at least one of the rings of the bearing arrangement is made from a ball bearing steel produced by a powder metallurgical process using a powder metallurgy component including 0.5 to 2.0 weight-% C, a maximum of 0.035 weight-% S, 3.0 to 5.0 weight-% Cr, 1.0 to 4.0 weight-% V, 1.0 to 12.0 weight-% W and 2.0 to 12.0 weight-% Mo, wherein at least one raceway has a radius and the balls have a diameter which fulfills the equation: radius/diameter>0.53.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Jeroen Wensing, Ian Peverill, Paul Meaney
  • Patent number: 9586088
    Abstract: An abdomen exerciser includes a connecting element, a first roller, a second roller and a holding component. The connecting element includes two connectors and two roller bearings, each connector has a receiving groove, a plurality of locating pores and a plurality of limiting slots. The connectors are connected with the first roller and the second roller respectively. The holding component is received in the receiving grooves. The holding component includes a plurality of ball bearings and a plurality of limiting elements, the ball bearings are locked in the locating pores, the limiting elements are received in the limiting slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN KANGRUIDE BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Ka Leung Wong
  • Publication number: 20150145320
    Abstract: A process for connecting a non-symmetrical inside diameter vehicle spindle to a stationary housing is provided. Low and high stress areas of the spindle are determined, where correspondingly reduced and increased material cross sections are provided or increased cross sections are located in an orientation relative to a spindle axis. Consequently, the low and high stress areas of the spindle are aligned with corresponding areas of the stationary housing. Then, the spindle and stationary housing are connected by way of friction welding. This in turn results in selecting a section modulus of the connection of the spindle to the stationary housing, thereby achieving the lowest weight to strength ratio for the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Steven T. Byrne, Glen D. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20150108827
    Abstract: One embodiment of a spindle size adapter for dolly axles to provide adaptability to and use of replacement wheels with various axle hub sizes. The spindle size adapter has a proximal end which mates closely into the existing axle frame to stabilize the new axle in the vertical, fore and aft and horizontal position and a distal end that forms the new axle spindle. The size of the adapter spindle is designed to match the most common available hub sizes used in aftermarket dolly wheels but is adapted to different hub sizes by sheathing the spindle with adapter sleeves. The spindle size adapter can be used with or without the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) existing spindle brackets because the manufacture's brackets are not needed to stabilize the spindle adapter. In another embodiment the shape of the middle part of the dolly axle size adapter is modified to be compatible with the form of the OEM axle brackets. Other embodiments allow a variety of spindle sizes and are described and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: James Woodrow Beauchamp, Thomas Lee Beauchamp, Robert Frazier Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 8939518
    Abstract: An improved replacement axle spindle includes a cylindrical wall exhibiting increasing thickness at increasing distances from the inner end which is secured to an axle. The wall thickness increases in correspondence with the load borne by the replacement spindle resulting in no loss of necessary strength and load carrying ability. Several different profiles are embodied in the present invention: a first embodiment utilizes a straight internal taper; a second embodiment utilizes a dual internal taper, first at a small angle and then at a larger angle; another embodiment utilizes a parabolic internal taper and yet another embodiment utilizes a straight external taper. All may be utilized to replace a tractor or a trailer axle spindle. The spindles save weight and facilitate lubricant flow from the tractor differential into the axle roller bearing assemblies after a repair procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20140306512
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure comprises a wheel securing axle and a. wheel securing bolt. The wheel securing axle has a first end and a second end. The wheel securing bolt has a bolt shaft and a bolt head. The bolt shaft is coupled to one of the first and second ends of the wheel securing axle. The wheel securing bolt has a frame engageable surface extending in a peripheral direction of the bolt head and is configured to be non-rotatably engaged with a bicycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Jun NAKAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20140265540
    Abstract: A suspension for a two-wheeled vehicle includes first and second fork legs. Each fork leg includes a dropout. Each dropout has an opening therethrough. At least a portion of one of the openings is threaded. Each of the dropouts includes a split-damp pinch bearing defining the opening and operable between an open position and a locked position, and a hand operable actuator pivoted to the bearing for operation thereof. The suspension further includes a one-piece axle. The axle is disposed through the openings. The axle has a threaded first end engaged with the threaded portion. The axle has an ergonomic grip formed at a second end. The bearing tightly engages an outer surface of the axle in the locked position, thereby rotationally coupling the axle to the dropout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew LAIRD
  • Patent number: 8827015
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes an attachment member with a spindle attachment interface and a brake attachment interface. A spindle is attached to the spindle attachment interface and a brake component is attached to the brake attachment interface. The spindle attachment interface is configured to be a detachable connection that allows the spindle to be selectively attached and detached from the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Power, Gregory D. Pavuk, Sunil Shastri
  • Patent number: 8827285
    Abstract: A wheel axle fixing structure of a skateboard is provided for overcoming the drawbacks of a conventional coupling structure between a mounting bracket and a wheel axle of a skateboard and includes a mounting bracket, a wheel axle, and a fixing collar. The mounting bracket has an axle receiving hole that includes two internal threading sections having threads of opposite directions (such as forward thread and backward thread). The wheel axle has an axle external threading section and is fit to the fixing collar that has a collar external threading section. The axle external threading section and a collar external threading section are respectively screwed to the two internal threading sections having threads of opposite directions. The opposite directions of the threads at the two threaded sections provides tightening effects in opposite direction so that one threaded section getting loosened help more securely tighten the other threaded section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Yuche Su
  • Patent number: 8690172
    Abstract: An axle housing assembly for a work vehicle is adapted to be mounted in the work vehicle, and includes an axle housing and a disc-shaped member. The axle housing has a recessed portion for press fitting on an end thereof. The recessed portion is opened to a vehicle outer side, the recessed portion having a constant inner diameter. The disc-shaped member is press-fitted into the recessed portion, an outer peripheral surface of the disc-shaped member having a single reference dimension. A first region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged on an inner side in a press fitting direction and processed at a first tight fit tolerance range with respect to the reference dimension. A second region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged outwards of the first region and processed at a second tight fit tolerance range less than the first tight fit tolerance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ohnogi, Fumiaki Nakada
  • Patent number: 8616566
    Abstract: A vehicle axle is provided with a main body defined by the combination of a channel having an inverted U-shaped configuration and a bottom plate. The ends of the main body are curved upwardly to define a pair of gooseneck portions. Axle head sections are formed at the ends of the axle and are closed off by end extensions extending from the front and rear walls of the channel and a cover flap extension extending from the top wall of the channel. A head plate having a rounded back edge and/or a pocket is inserted within the space between the cover flap and the top edges of the end extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John S. Bubulka, Sammy C. Lumetta, Ashley T. Dudding, Jerry M. Lovett, Robert P. Sellberg
  • Patent number: 8560198
    Abstract: The train braking device includes an air brake controller in which a plurality of friction coefficients corresponding to a brake command and a brake initial velocity are stored, an electropneumatic conversion valve that converts a pressure control signal transmitted from the air brake controller into a pneumatic signal, a relay valve that generates a predetermined brake cylinder pressure corresponding to the pneumatic signal, and a brake cylinder that controls brake shoes according to the brake cylinder pressure, wherein the air brake controller generates the pressure control signal based on the friction coefficients corresponding to the brake command and the brake initial velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuharu Itano
  • Publication number: 20130207450
    Abstract: An improved replacement axle spindle includes a cylindrical wall exhibiting increasing thickness at increasing distances from the inner end which is secured to an axle. The wall thickness increases in correspondence with the load borne by the replacement spindle resulting in no loss of necessary strength and load carrying ability. Several different profiles are embodied in the present invention: a first embodiment utilizes a straight internal taper; a second embodiment utilizes a dual internal taper, first at a small angle and then at a larger angle; another embodiment utilizes a parabolic internal taper and yet another embodiment utilizes a straight external taper. All may be utilized to replace a tractor or a trailer axle spindle. The spindles save weight and facilitate lubricant flow from the tractor differential into the axle roller bearing assemblies after a repair procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20130098697
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes an attachment member with a spindle attachment interface and a brake attachment interface. A spindle is attached to the spindle attachment interface and a brake component is attached to the brake attachment interface. The spindle attachment interface is configured to be a detachable connection that allows the spindle to be selectively attached and detached from the wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Michael A. Power, Gregory D. Pavuk, Sunil Shastri
  • Publication number: 20130049322
    Abstract: A hub for a bicycle, including a hub body, and a torque tube disposed in the hub body. A first mating element is disposed at a first end of the torque tube and a second mating element is disposed at a second end thereof. Each of the first mating element and the second mating element includes an anti-rotation hub feature, and the torque tube transfers torque between the first mating element and the second mating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Russell L. Rose, Jesse Jakomait
  • Patent number: 8282116
    Abstract: The suspension comprises, for each rear wheel, a trailing arm (16), a wheel-carrying structure (18) fixed to a length (24) of the trailing arm (16) and an axle (44) fixed to the wheel-carrying structure (18). The wheel-carrying structure (18) is made as a single piece forming an upper support portion (38) having a seat (42) into which the wheel axle (44) is inserted and fixed, and a lower attachment portion (40) including a pair of vertical flat walls (34) which are parallel to each other, are arranged astride of said arm length (24) and have a plurality of through holes (46) aligned in pairs. The arm length (24) forms a pair of vertical walls (26) to which three spacers, each having a through hole (30), are fixed, and a pair of end flat surfaces (32). The spacers (28) project beyond the vertical walls (26) of the arm length (24) in such a manner that their end flat surfaces (32) form two abutment flat surfaces for the vertical flat walls (34) of the wheel-carrying structure (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sistemi Sospensioni S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guido Borgi
  • Patent number: 8276925
    Abstract: A knuckle includes a spindle to support a wheel and upper and lower bosses extending inwardly of the spindle. The lower boss includes a tie rod arm mount interface. A tie rod arm is received within the tie rod arm mount interface and a steer arm is positioned on an opposite side of the knuckle from the tie rod arm. The steer arm is fixed to the tie rod arm and includes an input mount interface to receive steering input to turn a wheel. The steer arm and tie rod arm are attached to each other with at least one fastener, or can be integrally formed together as a single-piece component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Tomaz D. Varela, Malcolm Green, Xinyu Wen, Kou Yang
  • Patent number: 8246096
    Abstract: A differential action railroad car wheelset axle has two individual stub axles, each having one or more annular rings or grooves on the interior ends, with the interior ends of the individual stub axles being rotatably mounted within a multi-piece sleeve assembly. The axle assembly has provision for safety pins to prevent independent rotation during installation in the railcar truck frame and also a device to permit relocking or unlocking the independent axle rotation after the original safety pins have been removed. Dry lubricant coatings eliminate the need for periodic liquid lubrication or maintenance. The differential action of the wheelset reduces the horsepower requirement by approximately 30 percent while also reducing the maintenance requirements for both wheels and track in locations where horizontal curves are predominant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas W. Blasingame, Robert E. Hord
  • Publication number: 20120181850
    Abstract: A modular portal wheel end system for connection to a plurality of different axles for vehicles. The portal wheel end system includes a housing configure to be selectively coupled with any one of the plurality of different axles. A plurality of input gears are configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing about a first rotational axis. A plurality of output gears are configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing about a second rotational axis offset from the first rotational axis. Each of the gears having a different predetermined width along their respective axis. The housing includes an inner portion at least partially supporting the input and output gears and an outer ring coupled to the inner portion with the outer ring having a width corresponding to the predetermined width of the input and output gears to define a cavity surrounding the input and output gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Armfield
  • Patent number: 8136825
    Abstract: A suspension mount for a vehicle axle includes first and second mount components that are positioned on opposing sides of the axle. A spring is supported by the first and second mount components. The axle is comprised of a tubular beam body that encloses a cavity. The tubular beam body has a fore wall, an aft wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall that bound the cavity. The first mount component is positioned adjacent the fore wall and the second mount component is positioned adjacent the aft wall. At least one fastener extends through the cavity and through the fore and aft walls to secure the first and second mount components to the tubular beam body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Gonzalo Luna
  • Publication number: 20110175434
    Abstract: A wheel spindle assembly including a spindle for mounting a wheel, the spindle including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a perpendicular end surface and a locator protrusion extending outwardly from the end surface. A spindle mounting plate supports the spindle and includes front and back surfaces and a centrally positioned locator opening. The locator opening is sized and shaped to receive the locator protrusion such that engagement of the locator protrusion within the locator opening and abutment of the front surface of the spindle mounting plate with the end surface of the proximal end of the spindle positions the spindle relative to the spindle mounting plate with the spindle extending perpendicularly from the front surface of the spindle mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Charles J. MacKarvich, Timothy J. Prelac
  • Patent number: 7976036
    Abstract: A steering knuckle for adapting a unit bearing front axle of a vehicle using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spindle and wheel hub assembly parts to replace the unit-bearing wheel assembly, wherein the steering knuckle comprises a first side of the steering knuckle that is configured to receive one or more components of the OEM spindle and wheel hub assembly. The steering knuckle includes a boring for receiving a spindle hub on an OEM spindle, and one or more apertures circumferentially spaced around the boring and for alignment with holes on a spindle flange of the OEM spindle. Studs are inserted through the apertures of the steering knuckle for securing the OEM spindle to the steering knuckle. A second side of the steering knuckle is configured to be affixed in pivoting relationship to an axle housing of the vehicle wherein the axle housing is originally manufactured to be linked to a unit-bearing steering knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Reid
  • Patent number: 7878516
    Abstract: Axles and spindle assemblies for wheeled vehicles. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, this invention relates to a substantially curvilinear axle for wheeled vehicles, alone or in combination with a spindle assembly, having a substantially continuous radius of curvature extending from one end of the axle to the other. In at least one additional embodiment, this invention relates to fabricated spindle assemblies having gusset arms for mechanical attachment to axle ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Michael John Gottschalk, Robert Steven Shea
  • Publication number: 20100219677
    Abstract: The suspension comprises, for each rear wheel, a trailing arm (16), a wheel-carrying structure (18) fixed to a length (24) of the trailing arm (16) and an axle (44) fixed to the wheel-carrying structure (18). The wheel-carrying structure (18) is made as a single piece forming an upper support portion (38) having a seat (42) into which the wheel axle (44) is inserted and fixed, and a lower attachment portion (40) including a pair of vertical flat walls (34) which are parallel to each other, are arranged astride of said arm length (24) and have a plurality of through holes (46) aligned in pairs. The arm length (24) forms a pair of vertical walls (26) to which three spacers, each having a through hole (30), are fixed, and a pair of end flat surfaces (32). The spacers (28) project beyond the vertical walls (26) of the arm length (24) in such a manner that their end flat surfaces (32) form two abutment flat surfaces for the vertical flat walls (34) of the wheel-carrying structure (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: SISTEMI SOSPENSIONI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Guido Borgi
  • Publication number: 20100201182
    Abstract: Axles and spindle assemblies for wheeled vehicles. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, this invention relates to a substantially curvilinear axle for wheeled vehicles, alone or in combination with a spindle assembly, having a substantially continuous radius of curvature extending from one end of the axle to the other. In at least one additional embodiment, this invention relates to fabricated spindle assemblies having gusset arms for mechanical attachment to axle ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Michael John Gottschalk, Robert Steven Shea
  • Publication number: 20100133769
    Abstract: A wheel assembly having a connecting jacket for attachment to a body and a wheel having an axle attached to a connecting pin is disclosed. The connecting jacket selectively receives the connecting pin for easy assembly and disassembly of a wheel on a body. A connecting pin having a U-shaped spring enclosed in a rectangular housing is disclosed. A cart having such a wheel assembly is disclosed. A method for removably attaching a wheel using the disclosed wheel assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: The Faucet Queens, Inc.
    Inventor: ChangLing Wu
  • Patent number: 7717526
    Abstract: A suspension system having an axle, at least a portion of which is made of a composite material. In a described embodiment, a suspension system includes an axle assembly which has a composite axle portion. Metal spindles are attached at each end of the axle for mounting wheels thereto. Two beams may be attached directly to the composite axle portion, to a sleeve overlying the composite axle portion, or to an axle seat attached to the sleeve or directly to the composite axle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Chalin, Cully B. Dodd, Herbert D. Hudson
  • Patent number: 7717525
    Abstract: A spindle and hub assembly for a vehicle wheel is constructed so that, in the event of a failure of the bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the hub on the spindle, separation of the hub from the spindle will not immediately occur but will be prevented for a period of time sufficient for the operator of the vehicle to safely continue to advance the vehicle to a location where corrective action may be taken. An annulus supported on the spindle is secured to the spindle by a nut separate from the annulus, and the annulus has an outside diameter large enough such that a shoulder located within the opening in the hub through which the spindle extends is capable of engaging the annulus in the absence of the bearing arrangement, thereby preventing the hub from separating from the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Conveyor & Equipment Company
    Inventors: David Richard White, Robert H. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20100109264
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing different vehicle models in which in a comfort-oriented version a vehicle wheel is pivoted in a wheel guiding element of a wheel suspension. According to the invention, in a model with enhanced dynamics of vehicle motion, between the wheel guiding element and the vehicle wheel in the axial direction, an actuator is interposed for adjusting the camber and/or track of the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Christoph Kossira, Hugo Mueller, Wilfried Michel, Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Wolfgang Schmid
  • Patent number: 7699531
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes a carrier and a wheel bearing assembly, and an outside inner race is integrally formed with a spindle of the wheel bearing assembly. The wheel end assembly includes: a carrier having a cylindrical member on its one side and a second through pipe on its other side; and a wheel bearing assembly comprising a spindle integrally formed with an outside inner race on its one side and having an insert groove on its other side, a hub having an outer race having ball receiving members receiving balls, an inside inner race provided on the inner side of the outer race by pressurization, and a seal member sealing a gap between the inside inner race and the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Iljin Bearing
    Inventor: Ki Ho Han
  • Publication number: 20100007198
    Abstract: A modular portal wheel end system allows for connection of a portal wheel end to any of a plurality of differently configured axles for vehicles. The portal wheel end includes a housing that houses an input gear and an output gear. The input gear is coupled to the axle to which the portal wheel end is connected. A wheel hub is coupled to the output gear. A plurality of adapter brackets are each configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing and the axle. Each adapter bracket has a different predetermined configuration for connection to a separate one of the differently configured axles. The portal wheel end system allows the same housing, input gear, output gear, and wheel hub to be connected to any of the differently configured axles with the use of the appropriate adapter bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Armfield
  • Patent number: 7628457
    Abstract: An axle assembly (10) for a wheeled vehicle includes a cylindrical housing (12a) defining a pair of spindle mounting flanges (30). A pair of spindles (16) is secured to the flanges. A plurality of tension rods (60) extend between the spindles at the bottom side of the cylindrical housing and apply clamping forces to the spindles urging the spindles into mounting contact with the spindle mounting flanges and also concurrently couple the flanges to each other. The coupling of the flanges to each other generates a tension force in each tension rod, whereby bending loads exerted by the spindles are shared between the housing and the tension rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul David Pochatila, Mark Richard Knight
  • Publication number: 20090152939
    Abstract: A spindle bracket for a torsion beam axle includes a main body and first and second flanges. The main body defines an assembly hole for a spindle to be disposed therein. Two first flanges extend from either side of the main body, and are configured to be seated on and attached to a trailer arm. At least one second flange extends from the center of the main body, and is also configured to be attached to the trailing arm. The first and second flanges are parallel to one another, and perpendicular to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Wonjae LEE
  • Publication number: 20090072613
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes a bicycle fork, an adapter and a holding member. The bicycle fork has two axle support portions that are spaced apart for receiving a bicycle hub therebetween. The adapter is disposed in an adapter receiving bore in one of the axle support portions. The adapter includes a threaded axle mounting opening. The holding member is operatively coupled between the adapter and the one of the axle support portions with the adapter. The holding member prevents both rotational movement of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork and axial movement of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork along an axis of the axle mounting opening when the holding member is in a retaining position. The adapter is rotatable within the adapter receiving bore without moving axially with respect to the bicycle fork when the holding member is in a releasing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Jun INOUE, Takanori KANEHISA
  • Patent number: 7484813
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for mounting a wheel on an axle housing in the form of an axle tube (1) for vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles, whereby the wheel is fixed e.g. with wheel bolts to a wheel hub, rotating on the axle journal (2) of the axle tube (1). The axle journal (2) is clamped on to an end section (3) of the axle tube (1) as a separate component. For simplicity of manufacture and assembly combined with functional durability it is proposed that the end section (3) of the axle tube (1) is cylindrical on the inside and that the axle stub (2) fits into the end section (3) of the axle tube (1) with an externally corresponding cylindrical connecting section (5). Further, the end section (3) of the axle tube (1) is radially clamped on to the connecting section (5) of the axle stub (2) by at least one clamping piece (6) that is adjustable in an axial direction to the end (12) of the axle tube (1) by a threaded bolt (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik Keilberg
    Inventor: Johann Dantele
  • Publication number: 20080277999
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an axle assembly of a wheel where a hub and a brake disk are integrally formed. An axle assembly of a wheel according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include: a wheel bearing assembly provided with a bearing inner shaft having a first inner raceway at an inner side thereof, an inner ring mounted at an outer side of the bearing inner shaft and having a second inner raceway, an outer ring having first and second outer raceways respectively corresponding to the first and second inner raceways and engaged to a knuckle, and bearings disposed between the first and second inner raceways and the first and second outer raceways; a hub for mounting the wheel, the hub being mounted at the outer side of the bearing inner shaft; and a brake disk integrally formed with the hub, wherein the bearing inner shaft is provided with a first stepped surface for mounting the inner ring and a second stepped surface for mounting the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: IL JIN GLOBAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Myoung Song, Hyung Joo Lee
  • Publication number: 20080143175
    Abstract: An axle system and method of assembling the same includes a center tube and two cast ends for receiving the center tube within a cavity of each cast end. Suspension mounting portions are integrally formed with the cast ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Chambers, Fernando Ledesma, James F. Ziech
  • Patent number: 7334805
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wheel angle adjustment apparatus for automobile suspension systems. The wheel angle adjustment apparatus of the present invention has a structure such that upper, lower, left and right gaps between a spindle bracket and a wheel bracket are changed by tightening or loosening a plurality of locking bolts that couples the spindle bracket and the wheel bracket together. Therefore, toe and camber angles of each wheel are easily adjusted by tightening or loosening the locking bolts. In particular, when the present invention is used in a suspension system such as a torsion beam suspension system which has a structure such that a wheel alignment using a connection part provided between the automobile body and wheels is impossible, the wheels are easily aligned merely by adjusting the gap between the spindle bracket and the wheel bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Donghee Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Duk-Woo Nam
  • Patent number: 7328908
    Abstract: A steer axle for a vehicle and a method of making the same involves forming portions of a steer axle to have a three sided design. Spring seats that wrap around two of the three sides are secured to the steer axle. Plates are secured to the spring seats. The plates extend over the third surface of the steer axle. Angled spring pads are located over the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Sean J. Barber, Dennis D. Dauber, David G. Moses, Gregory A. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7309109
    Abstract: An axle extension assembly for extending an axle having a longitudinal axle bore. The axle extension assembly includes a shaft having an axle bore insert portion that is adapted for insertion in the longitudinal axle bore. The axle bore insert portion includes a bore engaging element cooperative between the axle bore insert portion and the longitudinal axle bore for securing axle bore insert portion within the longitudinal axle bore. The shaft also includes an extension portion connected to and extending from the axle bore insert portion of the shaft. The extension portion includes an accessory engaging element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: True Lock, LLC
    Inventors: Leslie J. Weinstein, Erik R. Meinikheim
  • Patent number: 7260879
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for mounting a wheel on an axle housing in the form of an axle tube for vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles. The wheel is fixed with, for example, wheel bolts to a wheel hub, pivoting on the axle stub of the axle tube, and the axle stub is clamped on to an end section of the axle tube as a separate component. For simplicity of manufacture and assembly combined with functional durability, it is proposed that the end section of the axle tube is cylindrical on the inside and has at least one longitudinal slit, that the axle stub fits into the end section of the axle tube with an externally corresponding cylindrical connecting section, and that the end section of the axle tube is radially clamped on to the connecting section of the axle stub by means of at least one longitudinally continuously split clamping ring positioned on the end section of the axle tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Otto Sauer
    Inventor: Hubert B. Koschinat