U.S. patent number RE45,101 [Application Number 13/866,850] was granted by the patent office on 2014-09-02 for wheel and hub assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to GEO Plastics. The grantee listed for this patent is GEO Plastics. Invention is credited to Michael Abraham Morris.
United States Patent |
RE45,101 |
Morris |
September 2, 2014 |
Wheel and hub assembly
Abstract
A wheel assembly includes a wheel and a hub assembly. The hub
assembly includes a retainer housing, retaining member, biasing
element, and restraining element. The retainer housing includes a
wheel mounting sleeve and pin sleeve. The wheel mounting sleeve
includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle and configured
to be inserted within a sleeve bore of the wheel. The pin sleeve
includes a first end fluidly communicating with the sleeve bore, a
second end, and a conduit therebetween. The retaining member,
disposed within the conduit, is configured to operatively engage an
axle groove and includes a lip wider than a first end shoulder to
prevent the retaining member from exiting the first end. The
biasing element, disposed within the conduit, is configured to bias
the retaining member towards the axle bore. The restraining element
is configured to prevent the retaining member from exiting the
second end.
Inventors: |
Morris; Michael Abraham (Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GEO Plastics |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GEO Plastics (Los Angeles,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
39462001 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/866,850 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
11944322 |
Nov 21, 2007 |
8147005 |
Apr 3, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
301/64.701;
301/111.01; 301/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B
37/10 (20130101); B60B 27/00 (20130101); B60B
27/02 (20130101); B60B 27/065 (20130101); B60B
2320/10 (20130101); B60B 2320/50 (20130101); B65F
1/1473 (20130101); B60B 2900/212 (20130101); B60B
2320/52 (20130101); B60B 2900/3312 (20130101); Y10T
29/49533 (20150115); Y10T 29/49492 (20150115); B60B
2200/41 (20130101); B60B 2360/32 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60B
5/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;301/64.702,64.701,111.01,111.03,112-114,118-122
;403/378,379.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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3312590 |
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8507012 |
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8628385 |
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DE |
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8704624 |
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May 1987 |
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DE |
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8712211 |
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Nov 1987 |
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DE |
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4411096 |
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Nov 1994 |
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DE |
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4411096 |
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Nov 1994 |
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DE |
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0 508 902 |
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Oct 1992 |
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EP |
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0 726 172 |
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EP |
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EP |
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2 808 243 |
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Nov 2001 |
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FR |
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Other References
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MX/a/2010/005583, dated Jun. 28, 2013. cited by applicant .
Baby Jogger Chariots All Terrain Pushchairs,
URL:http://www.pushchairs.co.uk/acatalog/city.sub.--elite.sub.--wheels.ht-
ml, retrieved from internet Apr. 9, 2012. cited by applicant .
City Elite Assembly Instructions,
<URL:http://www.babyjogger.com/images/document/Instructions/2012.sub.--
-City.sub.--Elite.sub.--Single.sub.--USA.pdf, retrieved from
internet Apr. 9, 2012. cited by applicant .
Intent to Grant issued in European Application No. 08 152 895.2,
dated Jan. 17, 2013. cited by applicant .
Intent to Grant issued is EP Application No. 08152895.2, dated Aug.
22, 2012. cited by applicant .
Notice of Acceptance issued in Australian Application No.
2008329939, dated Jan. 18, 2013. cited by applicant .
Notification To Grant Patent Right isued in Chinese Application No.
200880117583.9, dated Mar. 29, 2013. cited by applicant .
Office Action issued in Chinese Application No. 200880117583.9,
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dated Mar. 8, 2013. cited by applicant .
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2008329939, dated Dec. 24, 2012. cited by applicant .
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08152895.2, dated Aug. 18, 2008. cited by applicant .
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Opinion of the International Searching Authority for International
Application No. PCT/US2008/082518, issued on May 25, 2010, mailed
on Jun. 3, 2010, in 6 pages. cited by applicant .
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No. PCT/US2008/082518, dated Jun. 12, 2009. cited by applicant
.
Office Action issued in Chinese Patent Application No.
200880117583.9 on Dec. 21, 2011. cited by applicant .
Office Action issued in European Application No. 08152895.2, dated
Apr. 19, 2011, in 4 pages. cited by applicant .
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2008. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance from U.S. Appl. No. 29/297,939, dated Sep. 29,
2008. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Bellinger; Jason
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear,
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wheel assembly comprising: a wheel including a sleeve bore;
and a hub assembly mounted in the wheel, the hub assembly
including: a retainer housing including: a wheel mounting sleeve
including an axle bore configured to receive an axle and configured
to be inserted within the sleeve bore of the wheel; and a pin
sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a conduit between
the first end and the second end, the first end in fluid
communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle .Iaddend.bore, the
first end including a shoulder extending into the conduit; a
retaining member disposed within the conduit of the pin sleeve, the
retaining member including a lip wider than the shoulder, the lip
and the shoulder interacting to prevent the retaining member from
exiting the first end of the pin sleeve; a biasing element disposed
within the conduit of the pin sleeve and configured to bias the
retaining member towards the axle bore, the retaining member
configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle; and a
restraining element comprising a plug mechanically coupled to the
second end of the pin sleeve, the restraining element configured to
prevent the retaining member from exiting the second end of the pin
sleeve at least prior to mounting the hub assembly in the
wheel.
2. A hub assembly comprising: a retainer housing including: a wheel
mounting sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive an
axle and configured to be inserted within a sleeve bore of a wheel;
and a pin sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a conduit
between the first end and the second end, the first end in fluid
communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle .Iaddend.bore, the
first end including a shoulder extending into the conduit; a
retaining member disposed within the pin sleeve, the retaining
member including a lip wider than the shoulder, the lip and the
shoulder interacting to prevent the retaining member from exiting
the first end of the pin sleeve; a biasing element disposed within
the conduit of the pin sleeve and configured to bias the retaining
member towards the axle bore, the retaining member configured to
operatively engage a groove in an axle; and a restraining element
comprising a plug mechanically coupled to the second end of the pin
sleeve, the restraining element configured to prevent the retaining
member from exiting the second end of the pin sleeve at least prior
to inserting the wheel mounting sleeve in a sleeve bore of a
wheel.
3. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the retainer housing
includes a tool passageway proximate to the lip of the retaining
member.
4. The hub assembly of claim 3, wherein the retainer housing
includes a tamper-evident membrane over the tool passageway.
5. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the retaining member
comprises a pin.
6. The hub assembly of claim 5, wherein the pin comprises
metal.
7. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the biasing element
comprises a spring.
8. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the biasing element abuts
the restraining element.
9. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the retainer housing
comprises plastic.
10. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the retainer housing
includes a plurality of raised projections.
11. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the retainer housing
includes a spacer extending from the wheel mounting sleeve.
12. The hub assembly of claim 11, wherein the spacer is integrally
formed with the wheel mounting sleeve.
13. A method of manufacturing a wheel assembly, the method
comprising: forming a wheel including a sleeve bore; and forming a
retainer housing including: forming a wheel mounting sleeve
including an axle bore configured to receive an axle and configured
to be inserted within the sleeve bore of the wheel; and forming a
pin sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a conduit
between the first end and the second end, the first end in fluid
communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle .Iaddend.bore, the
first end including a shoulder extending into the conduit;
positioning a retaining member within the pin sleeve, the retaining
member including a lip wider than the shoulder, the lip and the
shoulder interacting to prevent the retaining member from exiting
the first end of the pin sleeve; positioning a biasing element in
the pin sleeve to bias the retaining member towards the axle bore;
occluding the second end of the pin sleeve, wherein occluding the
second end of the pin sleeve includes mechanically coupling a
restraining element comprising a plug proximate to the second end
of the pin sleeve, thereby preventing the retaining member from
exiting the second end of the pin sleeve at least prior to
inserting the wheel mounting sleeve of the retainer housing into
the sleeve bore of the wheel; and inserting the wheel mounting
sleeve of the retainer housing into the sleeve bore of the wheel,
thereby coupling the retainer housing to the wheel.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes ultrasonic welding the plug to the pin
sleeve.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes heat welding the plug to the pin
sleeve.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes mechanically forcing the plug into the
pin sleeve.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes screwing the plug into the pin
sleeve.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the wheel includes blow
molding the wheel.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the wheel includes
injection molding the wheel.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein inserting the wheel mounting
sleeve into the sleeve bore includes aligning the retainer housing
with a vibratory feeder.
21. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein an end of the retaining
member extending into the axle bore is chamfered.
22. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the retaining member
includes a flat surface configured to prevent rotation of the
retaining member within the pin sleeve.
23. A hub assembly configured to be mounted in a wheel, the hub
assembly comprising: a retainer housing including: a wheel mounting
sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive an axle and
configured to be inserted within a sleeve bore of a wheel; and a
pin sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a conduit
between the first end and the second end, the first end in fluid
communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle .Iaddend.bore, the
first end including a shoulder extending into the conduit; a
retaining member at least partially disposed within the conduit of
the pin sleeve, the retaining member including a lip wider than the
shoulder, the lip and the shoulder interacting to prevent the
retaining member from exiting the first end of the pin sleeve, the
retaining member configured to operatively engage a groove in an
axle, the retaining member comprising a chamfered end extending
into the axle bore, the chamfered end shaped to transversely
displace the retaining member upon movement of a non-chamfered axle
into the axle bore, the retaining member shaped to prevent rotation
with respect to the axle bore; and a biasing element disposed
within the conduit of the pin sleeve and configured to bias the
retaining member towards the axle bore.
24. The hub assembly of claim 23, further comprising a restraining
element configured to prevent the retaining member from exiting the
second end of the pin sleeve.
25. The hub assembly of claim 23, wherein the retaining member
includes a flat surface configured to prevent rotation of the
retaining member within the pin sleeve.
26. The hub assembly of claim 23, wherein the retaining member
comprises a pin.
27. The hub assembly of claim 23, wherein the hub assembly is
mounted in a sleeve bore of a wheel.
28. The hub assembly of claim 27, wherein the wheel is secured to
an axle of a refuse cart.
29. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the retaining member is
shaped to transversely displace the retaining member upon movement
of an axle into the axle bore.
30. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the retaining member is
shaped to have a single rotational orientation with respect to the
axle bore.
31. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the plug is mechanically
coupled to the pin sleeve by interaction between a threaded surface
of the plug and a threaded surface of the pin sleeve.
32. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the plug comprises a
shoulder configured to engage the biasing element.
33. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the plug comprises a lip
configured to engage the pin sleeve.
34. The hub assembly of claim 2, wherein the plug comprises a
portion extending into the pin sleeve.
35. The method of claim 13, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes adhering the plug to the pin
sleeve.
36. A method of manufacturing a hub assembly, the method
comprising: forming a retainer housing including: forming a wheel
mounting sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive an
axle and configured to be inserted within the sleeve bore of the
wheel; and forming a pin sleeve including a first end, a second
end, and a conduit between the first end and the second end, the
first end in fluid communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle
.Iaddend.bore, the first end including a shoulder extending into
the conduit; positioning a retaining member within the pin sleeve,
the retaining member including a lip wider than the shoulder, the
lip and the shoulder interacting to prevent the retaining member
from exiting the first end of the pin sleeve; positioning a biasing
element in the pin sleeve to bias the retaining member towards the
axle bore; and occluding the second end of the pin sleeve, wherein
occluding the second end of the pin sleeve includes mechanically
coupling a restraining element comprising a plug proximate to the
second end of the pin sleeve, thereby preventing the retaining
member from exiting the second end of the pin sleeve at least prior
to inserting the wheel mounting sleeve of the retainer housing into
the sleeve bore of the wheel.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes ultrasonic welding the plug to the pin
sleeve.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes heat welding the plug to the pin
sleeve.
39. The method of claim 36, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes mechanically forcing the plug into the
pin sleeve.
40. The method of claim 36, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes screwing the plug into the pin
sleeve.
41. The method of claim 36, wherein mechanically coupling the
restraining element includes adhering the plug to the pin
sleeve.
42. A hub assembly comprising: a retainer housing including: a
wheel mounting sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive
an axle and configured to be inserted within a sleeve bore of a
wheel; and a pin sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a
conduit between the first end and the second end, the first end in
fluid communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle .Iaddend.bore,
the first end including a shoulder extending into the conduit; a
retaining member disposed within the pin sleeve, the retaining
member including a lip wider than the shoulder, the lip and the
shoulder interacting to prevent the retaining member from exiting
the first end of the pin sleeve; a biasing element disposed within
the conduit of the pin sleeve and configured to bias the retaining
member towards the axle bore, the retaining member configured to
operatively engage a groove in an axle; and a restraining element
comprising a deformation in the pin sleeve, the restraining element
configured to prevent the retaining member from exiting the second
end of the pin sleeve at least prior to inserting the wheel
mounting sleeve in a sleeve bore of a wheel.
43. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the deformation is in a
single location.
44. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the deformation is in a
plurality of locations.
45. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the deformation is all
around the pin sleeve.
46. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the retainer housing
includes a tool passageway proximate to the lip of the retaining
member.
47. The hub assembly of claim 46, wherein the retainer housing
includes a tamper-evident membrane over the tool passageway.
48. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the retaining member
comprises a pin.
49. The hub assembly of claim 48, wherein the pin comprises
metal.
50. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the biasing element
comprises a spring.
51. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the biasing element abuts
the restraining element.
52. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the retainer housing
comprises plastic.
53. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the retainer housing
includes a plurality of raised projections.
54. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the retainer housing
includes a spacer extending from the wheel mounting sleeve.
55. The hub assembly of claim 54, wherein the spacer is integrally
formed with the wheel mounting sleeve.
56. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein an end of the retaining
member extending into the axle bore is chamfered.
57. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the retaining member
includes a flat surface configured to prevent rotation of the
retaining member within the pin sleeve.
58. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the retaining member is
shaped to transversely displace the retaining member upon movement
of an axle into the axle bore.
59. The hub assembly of claim 42, wherein the retaining member is
shaped to have a single rotational orientation with respect to the
axle bore.
60. A method of manufacturing a hub assembly, the method
comprising: forming a retainer housing including: forming a wheel
mounting sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive an
axle and configured to be inserted within the sleeve bore of the
wheel; and forming a pin sleeve including a first end, a second
end, and a conduit between the first end and the second end, the
first end in fluid communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle
.Iaddend.bore, the first end including a shoulder extending into
the conduit; positioning a retaining member within the pin sleeve,
the retaining member including a lip wider than the shoulder, the
lip and the shoulder interacting to prevent the retaining member
from exiting the first end of the pin sleeve; positioning a biasing
element in the pin sleeve to bias the retaining member towards the
axle bore; and occluding the second end of the pin sleeve, wherein
occluding the second end of the pin sleeve includes deforming the
pin sleeve, thereby preventing the retaining member from exiting
the second end of the pin sleeve at least prior to inserting the
wheel mounting sleeve of the retainer housing into the sleeve bore
of the wheel.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein deforming the pin sleeve
comprises heat deforming the pin sleeve.
62. The method of claim 60, wherein deforming the pin sleeve
comprises forming a deformation in a single location.
63. The method of claim 60, wherein deforming the pin sleeve
comprises forming a deformation in a plurality of locations.
64. The method of claim 60, wherein deforming the pin sleeve
comprises forming a deformation all around the pin sleeve.
65. A hub assembly comprising: a retainer housing including: a
wheel mounting sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive
an axle and configured to be inserted within a sleeve bore of a
wheel; and a pin sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a
conduit between the first end and the second end, the first end in
fluid communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle .Iaddend.bore,
the first end including a shoulder extending into the conduit; a
retaining member disposed within the pin sleeve, the retaining
member including a lip wider than the shoulder, the lip and the
shoulder interacting to prevent the retaining member from exiting
the first end of the pin sleeve; a biasing element disposed within
the conduit of the pin sleeve and configured to bias the retaining
member towards the axle bore, the retaining member configured to
operatively engage a groove in an axle; and a restraining element
comprising a disc inserted into a slot in the pin sleeve, the
restraining element configured to prevent the retaining member from
exiting the second end of the pin sleeve at least prior to
inserting the wheel mounting sleeve in a sleeve bore of a
wheel.
66. A hub assembly comprising: a retainer housing including: a
wheel mounting sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive
an axle and configured to be inserted within a sleeve bore of a
wheel; and a pin sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a
conduit between the first end and the second end, the first end in
fluid communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle .Iaddend.bore,
the first end including a shoulder extending into the conduit; a
retaining member disposed within the pin sleeve, the retaining
member including a lip wider than the shoulder, the lip and the
shoulder interacting to prevent the retaining member from exiting
the first end of the pin sleeve; a biasing element disposed within
the conduit of the pin sleeve and configured to bias the retaining
member towards the axle bore, the retaining member configured to
operatively engage a groove in an axle; and a restraining element
comprising a plurality of ledges extending into the pin sleeve, the
restraining element configured to prevent the retaining member from
exiting the second end of the pin sleeve at least prior to
inserting the wheel mounting sleeve in a sleeve bore of a wheel.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field
The present invention generally relates to wheel assemblies and the
manner of their mounting to and removal from an axle, and more
particularly, to wheel and hub assemblies used on refuse carts and
the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of plastic wheels on a variety of products has dramatically
increased in recent years. One area where such plastic wheels have
been widely employed is on wheeled refuse or garbage carts or bins
of the type commonly employed by homeowners for their trash. These
carts traditionally have plastic wheels that are mounted on the
ends of a metal axle by a hub member or push-on hat fastener
(sometimes referred to as "pawl nut"). The wheel hub is hammered
onto the end of the axle to hold the wheel in place. Removal of
such plastic wheels in order to replace or repair the wheel or the
cart can be difficult because the hammered push-on hat fasteners or
hubs require special tools for their removal, or essentially must
be destroyed to remove them from the axle. Sometimes this process
also damages the axles. Wheel-mounting sleeve assemblies have been
devised which snap-on to a pre-machined axle to hold the wheel to
the axle. However, these snap-on wheel assemblies have been unduly
complex, visually unappealing, and poorly suited to the shock
loading and vibration commonly encountered.
SUMMARY
The design of certain prior wheel and hub assemblies limits the
extent of automatic assembly of a wheel and hub assembly because
the pin and spring would be expelled from the wheel assembly
without a portion of the wheel to keep them in place. The hub
assembly may be specifically oriented such that the pin and spring
do not fall out until coupling to a wheel. However, manipulation of
the hub assembly such as transporting, dropping, turning, and
especially vibration caused by automating equipment can cause the
pin and spring to become lost before assembly, increasing costs and
slowing assembly due to insertion of replacement parts.
Additionally, foreign debris can enter the open end of a pin sleeve
all the way until assembly with a wheel. Thus, the pin and spring
are generally installed during coupling of the wheel and a hub
assembly. Upon disengagement of the wheel from such hub assemblies,
which may occur when a wheel assembly is broken (e.g., due to
splitting of the wheel from shock loading), the pin and spring can
be expelled from the hub assembly to be lost or damaged.
At least one aspect of the present invention is the realization of
the advantages gained from a restraining element such as a plug
that prevents the pin and spring from being separated from the hub
assembly upon manipulation without being coupled to a wheel. Once
the plug is coupled to the pin sleeve after the pin and spring are
inserted therein, the hub assembly can be fully manipulated without
causing separation of the components because the plug prevents the
pin and spring from coming out of the pin sleeve. The hub assembly
can thus be formed well before it is coupled to the wheel, allowing
resources to be allocated without regard to the quantity of any
component (i.e., more hub assemblies can be made even if there are
no wheels to couple them to because they can be stored without the
fear of losing pieces). The plug also allows fully automated
assembly because the hub assembly can be oriented in any direction
and can be positioned by a vibratory feeder. Moreover, if a wheel
is damaged, the hub assembly, which is typically the more expensive
component, can be coupled to another wheel because all of its
pieces are still in tact and accounted for.
In certain embodiments, a wheel assembly comprises a wheel and a
hub assembly mounted in the wheel. The wheel includes a sleeve
bore. The hub assembly includes a retainer housing, a retaining
member, a biasing element, and a restraining element. The retainer
housing includes a wheel mounting sleeve and a pin sleeve. The
wheel mounting sleeve includes an axle bore configured to receive
an axle and configured to be inserted within the sleeve bore of the
wheel. The pin sleeve includes a first end, a second end, and a
conduit between the first end and the second end. The first end is
in fluid communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle
.Iaddend.bore. The first end includes a shoulder extending into the
conduit. The retaining member is disposed within the conduit of the
pin sleeve. The retaining member includes a lip wider than the
shoulder. The lip and the shoulder interact to prevent the
retaining member from exiting the first end of the pin sleeve. The
biasing element is disposed within the conduit of the pin sleeve
and is configured to bias the retaining member towards the axle
bore. The retaining member is configured to operatively engage a
groove in an axle. The restraining element is configured to prevent
the retaining member from exiting the second end of the pin
sleeve.
In certain embodiments, a hub assembly comprises a retainer
housing, a retaining member, a biasing element, and a restraining
element. The retainer housing includes a wheel mounting sleeve and
a pin sleeve. The wheel mounting sleeve includes an axle bore
configured to receive an axle and configured to be inserted within
a sleeve bore of a wheel. The pin sleeve includes a first end, a
second end, and a conduit between the first end and the second end.
The first end is in fluid communication with the .[.sleeve.].
.Iadd.axle .Iaddend.bore. The first end includes a shoulder
extending into the conduit. The retaining member is disposed within
the conduit of the pin sleeve. The retaining member includes a lip
wider than the shoulder. The lip and the shoulder interact to
prevent the retaining member from exiting the first end of the pin
sleeve. The biasing element is disposed within the conduit of the
pin sleeve and is configured to bias the retaining member towards
the axle bore. The retaining member is configured to operatively
engage a groove in an axle. The restraining element is configured
to prevent the retaining member from exiting the second end of the
pin sleeve.
In certain embodiments, a method of manufacturing a wheel assembly
comprises forming a wheel and forming a retainer housing. The wheel
includes a sleeve bore. Forming the retainer housing includes
forming a wheel mounting sleeve and forming a pin sleeve. The wheel
mounting sleeve includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle
and configured to be inserted within the sleeve bore of the wheel.
The pin sleeve includes a first end, a second end, and a conduit
between the first end and the second end. The first end is in fluid
communication with the .[.sleeve.]. .Iadd.axle .Iaddend.bore. The
first end includes a shoulder extending into the conduit. The
method further comprises positioning a retaining member within the
pin sleeve. The retaining member includes a lip wider than the
shoulder. The lip and the shoulder interact to prevent the
retaining member from exiting the first end of the pin sleeve. The
method further comprises positioning a biasing element in the pin
sleeve to bias the retaining member towards the axle bore. The
method further comprises occluding the second end of the pin
sleeve, thereby preventing the retaining member from exiting the
second end of the pin sleeve. The method further comprises
inserting the wheel mounting sleeve of the retainer housing into
the sleeve bore of the wheel, thereby coupling the retainer housing
to the wheel.
For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the
invention have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be
understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may
be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the
invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a
manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of
advantages as taught or suggested herein without necessarily
achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested
herein.
All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the
invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments will become
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference
to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any
particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention
disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings
of preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not
to limit the invention.
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a refuse cart including a wheel
assembly mounted thereto.
FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a side of an example
embodiment of a wheel assembly.
FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of another side of the wheel
assembly of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a side of another example
embodiment of a wheel assembly.
FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of another side of the wheel
assembly of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3C is a top perspective cross sectional view of the wheel of
the wheel assembly of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a side of an example
embodiment of a hub assembly.
FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of another side of the hub
assembly of FIG. 4A.
FIG. 4C is a cutaway top perspective view of the hub assembly of
FIG. 4A.
FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the hub assembly of FIG. 4A
engaged with an axle.
FIG. 5A is a cutaway top perspective view of the wheel assembly of
FIG. 2A.
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 2A
engaged with an axle.
FIG. 5C is a cutaway top perspective view of the wheel assembly of
FIG. 3A.
FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 3A
engaged with an axle.
FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a
wheel assembly engaged with an axle and a cart body.
FIG. 6A is a cutaway top perspective view of a side of an example
embodiment of a retainer housing.
FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of another side of the retainer
housing of FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an example embodiment of a
retaining member.
FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of another example embodiment of
a retaining member.
FIG. 7B is a top plan view of another example embodiment of a
retaining member.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an example embodiment of a
biasing element.
FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of an example embodiment of a
restraining element.
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the restraining element of
FIG. 9A.
FIG. 10A is a top perspective cross-sectional view of another
example embodiment of a hub assembly.
FIG. 10B is a top perspective cross-sectional view of still another
example embodiment of a hub assembly.
FIG. 10C is a top perspective cross-sectional view of yet another
example embodiment of a hub assembly.
FIG. 10D is a top perspective cross-sectional view of yet still
another example embodiment of a hub assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Although certain preferred embodiments and examples are disclosed
below, it will be understood by those in the art that the invention
extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses
of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.
Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention herein
disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed
embodiments described below.
The wheel assemblies described herein can be used in connection
with numerous wheeled devices. FIG. 1 illustrates an example
embodiment of a refuse cart comprising plurality of wheel
assemblies 110 mounted on an axle 150 to the lower end of the cart
body 102. A hinged lid 104 optionally can be provided, and the cart
100 can be tilted or tipped about the wheel assemblies 200 using
handle 106 so as to enable rolling of the cart 100 for the
transport of refuse, for example between a location for filling the
cart 100 and a location for pickup by a refuse disposal company.
The lower end of the cart body 102 optionally includes a wheel well
or recess area 108 configured to receive wheel assemblies 110, for
example to protect the wheel assemblies 110 and as a cosmetic
structure. As described in detail below, the wheel assemblies 110
are secured on the axle 150 by a hub assembly 400. The wheel
assemblies described herein are also suitable for use with other
wheeled products such as wagons, wheeled food and beverage coolers,
barbecues, wheeled toys, small refuse containers, and the like.
FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a side of an example
embodiment of a wheel assembly 200 (e.g., an "outer" side when the
wheel assembly is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 150). FIG. 2B
is a bottom perspective view of another side of the wheel assembly
200 of FIG. 2A (e.g., an "inner" side when the wheel assembly is
mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 150). When viewing a cart 100
comprising a wheel assembly 200, a user can generally see the
entire outer side of the wheel assembly 200, but a portion of the
inner side of the wheel assembly 200 can be at least partially
obscured by the lower end of the cart body 102 (e.g., as depicted
in FIG. 1). The wheel assembly 200 comprises a wheel 202 and a hub
assembly 400 (described below) coupled to (e.g., mounted on) the
wheel 202.
The wheel 202 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B is blow molded. In
certain embodiments, blow molding includes coupling two female mold
cavities, extruding molten material (called a "parison"), and
expanding the material by blowing air into the parison. After the
material has sufficiently hardened, the wheel 202 is removed from
the molds. In certain embodiments, treads 204 and spokes 206 are
integrally formed during the molding process. The treads 204 can
help the wheel 202 to frictionally engage a surface during rolling
movement and can enhance the appearance of the wheel 202. The
spokes 206 can help evenly distribute forces acting on the wheel
202. Other features of the wheel 202 may also be integrally formed
by modifying the mold. The blow molding process forms hollow
interior surfaces (see FIG. 5A) that can reduce the amount of
material used in creation of the wheel 202, but also provide
strength by creating certain shapes. In some embodiments, forming
the wheel 202 includes trimming or "deflashing" the wheel 202. In
certain such embodiments, the wheel 202 is deflashed while in a
mold cavity. In certain embodiments, the wheel 202 comprises
plastic (e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE) (e.g., high
molecular weight HDPE)).
FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a side of another example
embodiment of a wheel assembly 300 (e.g., an "outer" side when the
wheel assembly is mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 150). FIG. 3B
is a bottom perspective view of another side of the wheel assembly
300 of FIG. 3A (e.g., an "inner" side when the wheel assembly is
mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 150). When viewing a cart 100
comprising a wheel assembly 300, a user can generally see the
entire outer side of the wheel assembly 300, but a portion of the
inner side of the wheel assembly 300 can be at least partially
obscured by the lower end of the cart body 102 (e.g., as depicted
in FIG. 1). The wheel assembly 300 comprises a wheel 302 and a hub
assembly 400 (described below) coupled to (e.g., mounted on) the
wheel 302.
The wheel 302 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B is injection molded.
In certain embodiments, injection molding includes coupling a male
mold and a female mold and injecting molten material therebetween.
After the material has sufficiently hardened, the wheel 302 is
removed from the molds. In certain embodiments, treads 304 and
spokes 306 are integrally formed during the molding process. The
treads 304 can help the wheel 302 to frictionally engage a surface
during rolling movement and can enhance the appearance of the wheel
302. The spokes 306 can help evenly distribute forces acting on the
wheel 302. Other features of the wheel 302 may also be integrally
formed by modifying the mold. The injection molding process can
form corrugated and hollow interior surfaces (see FIG. 3C) that can
reduce the amount of material used in creation of the wheel 302,
but also provide strength by creating certain shapes. In certain
embodiments, the wheel 302 comprises plastic (e.g., high density
polyethylene (HDPE) (e.g., high molecular weight HDPE)). FIG. 3B
also shows that cavities 308 may be formed under the treads 304,
and in some embodiments exposed (e.g., on the inner side of the
wheel 302).
FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wheel 302 of the
wheel assembly 300. The wheel 302 includes a sleeve bore 310. In
some embodiments, the sleeve bore 310 includes a first end, a
second end, and a conduit therebetween. In certain embodiments, one
of the ends may be closed. The sleeve bore 310 may be centered
within the wheel 302 such that an axle 150 inserted into the sleeve
bore 310 (e.g., into a hub assembly 400 at least partially disposed
within the sleeve bore 310) can uniformly rotate. In certain
embodiments, the sleeve bore 310 is configured to receive a wheel
mounting sleeve of a hub assembly (e.g., the wheel mounting sleeve
302 of the hub assembly 400). Referring to FIG. 2B, the wheel 202
also includes a sleeve bore 210.
It will be appreciated that wheel assemblies described herein may
comprise wheels manufactured using other processes (e.g.,
rotational or compression molding) and/or having other features.
For example, the wheel may have a separate tread attached to the
outer surface. For another example, the wheel may comprise
materials such as wood, metal, rubber, combinations thereof,
etc.
FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a side of an example
embodiment of a hub assembly 400 (e.g., an "outer" side when the
hub assembly 400 is mounted to a wheel that is mounted to a cart
100 via an axle 150). FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of
another side of the hub assembly 400 of FIG. 4A (e.g., an "inner"
side when the hub assembly 400 is mounted to a wheel that is
mounted to a cart 100 via an axle 150). FIG. 4C is a cutaway top
perspective view of the hub assembly 400 of FIG. 4A, which
illustrates some of the inner components of the hub assembly
400.
The hub assembly 400 comprises a retainer housing 600, a retaining
member 700, a biasing element 800, and a restraining element 900.
Each of the components of the hub assembly 400 is described in
detail below. The retainer housing 600 includes a wheel mounting
sleeve 602 including an axle bore 606 configured to receive an axle
150 and configured to be inserted within the sleeve bore 310 of a
wheel 202, 302. The retainer housing 600 also includes a pin sleeve
604 including a first end 607, a second end 608, and a conduit 610
between the first end 607 and the second end 608 (FIGS. 6A and 6B).
The first end 607 includes a shoulder 612 extending into the
conduit 610. The retaining member 700 is disposed within the
conduit 610 of the pin sleeve 604. The retaining member 700
includes a lip 704 that is wider than the shoulder 612. The lip 704
and the shoulder 612 interact to prevent the retaining member 700
from exiting the first end 607 of the pin sleeve 604. In hub
assemblies without a lip 704 or a shoulder 612, the retaining
member 700 may be pushed by the biasing element 800 into the axle
bore 606, where it may become lost (e.g., by becoming displaced
from the hub assembly) or damaged (e.g., by being crushed by the
axle 150). The biasing element 800 is disposed within the conduit
610 of the pin sleeve 604. The biasing element 800 is configured to
bias the retaining member 700 towards the axle bore 606 and is
configured to operatively engage a groove 152 in an axle 150. The
restraining element 900 is configured to prevent the retaining
member 700 from exiting the second end 608 of the pin sleeve
604.
FIG. 4C is a cutaway top perspective view of the hub assembly 400,
which shows the interaction between the elements. In some
embodiments, the biasing element 800 within the pin sleeve 604 is
in a relaxed position (i.e., the biasing element 800 only applies
force to the retaining member 700 and the restraining element 900
upon being compressed). In certain embodiments, the biasing element
800 within the pin sleeve 604 is in a compressed state such that
the biasing element 800 applies force to the retaining member 700
and the restraining element 900 regardless of the position of the
retaining member 700. The restraining element 900 is stationary,
but the retaining member 700 can move longitudinally within the pin
sleeve 604 and compress the biasing element 800. A portion of the
retaining member 700 protrudes through the first end 607 of the pin
sleeve 604 and through the wheel mounting sleeve 602 and into the
axle bore 606, where it can interact with a groove 152 in an axle
150. As an axle 150 is inserted into the axle bore 606, the axle
150 pushes the retaining member 700 into the pin sleeve 604. Once
the axle 150 is extended until the groove 152 is aligned with the
retaining member 700, the retaining member 700, acted upon by the
biasing element 800, extends out of the pin sleeve 604 and into the
groove 152.
FIG. 4D is a side cross-sectional view of the hub assembly 400
operatively engaged with the groove 152 of an axle 150. Once
engaged, the retaining element 700 interacts with the groove 152 to
prevent the hub assembly 400 from becoming detached from the axle
150. If a user wishes to detach the hub assembly 400 from the axle
150, a tool may be inserted into the tool passageway 630. A tool
inserted through the tool passageway 630 may act on the retaining
element 700 to extend it towards the second end 608 of the pin
sleeve 604 and out of the axle bore 606, at which point the axle
150 may be slid out of the axle bore 606. In some embodiments, a
tool may act on the lip 704 of the retaining element 700 (e.g.,
acting as a wedge or lever to cause the retaining element 700 to
move). In some embodiments, a tool may pierce or puncture the
retaining element 700 such that movement of the tool causes a
corresponding movement of the retaining element 700. Other
interactions between a tool and the retaining element 700 are also
possible (e.g., a tool may fit into a slot of a retaining element
700).
In certain embodiments, a membrane (or "puncture skin") 632 may at
least partially cover the tool passageway 630. The membrane 632 is
preferably thin enough to be punctured by the tool prior to
engagement with the retaining member 700 (e.g., about 0.01 inch
thick). The membrane 632 can provide evidence of tampering with the
hub assembly 400. The membrane 632 may also disguise access to the
retaining member 700, such that only a person having knowledge of
the hub assembly 400 is able to detach the hub assembly 400 from
the axle 150. Although illustrated as being in a portion of the
tool passageway 630 proximate to the conduit 610, the membrane 632
may be flush with the end wall 614 or elsewhere. The tool
passageway 630 may be raised with respect to the end wall 614
(e.g., by the lip 634) to identify the tool passageway 630 if
covered by a membrane 632 and/or to aid in positioning of the hub
assembly 400 into the wheel 202, 302. Additionally, the components
of the hub assembly 400 remain together upon intentional or
unintentional detachment from a wheel 202, 302, which can prevent
the retaining element 700 and/or the biasing element 800 from
becoming lost or damaged.
Certain hub assemblies known in the art leave the second end of the
pin sleeve open, which allows the retaining member and/or the
biasing element to exit the second end of the pin sleeve when the
hub assembly is not coupled to a wheel. Such wheel assemblies thus
require simultaneous assembly of the components of the hub assembly
and attachment of the hub assembly to the wheel. Similarly, damage
to the wheel assembly resulting in detachment of the hub assembly
from the wheel can cause the components of the hub assembly to exit
the pin sleeve, whereupon they may be lost and/or damaged. By
contrast, the restraining element 900 of certain embodiments of the
present invention can prevent the retaining member 700 and/or the
biasing element 800 from exiting the second end 608 of the pin
sleeve 604. Accordingly, the components of the hub assembly 400 may
be assembled at a first point in time, and later mechanically
coupled to a wheel 202, 302. This allows for more modular assembly
of the wheel assemblies 200, 300. For example, a factory may
produce a plurality of wheels 202, 302 one day and a plurality of
hub assemblies 400 another day, and then couple the wheels 202, 302
and the hub assemblies 400 at a later time. Such flexibility allows
formation of the components in various orders and based on
particular supplies or demands at certain periods of time.
Because hub assemblies known in the art that leave the second end
of the pin sleeve open allow the retaining member and/or the
biasing element to exit the second end of the pin sleeve when the
hub assembly is not coupled to a wheel, automation of the coupling
of the hub assembly to a wheel is limited. By contrast, the
restraining element 900 of certain embodiments of the present
invention can prevent the retaining member 700 and/or the biasing
element 800 from exiting the second end 608 of the pin sleeve 604.
Accordingly, the hub assembly 400 will not separate into its
components upon manipulation by certain automating equipment (e.g.,
a vibratory feeder). Moreover, the hub assembly 400 can be
transported, dropped, or otherwise manipulated without requiring
reassembly.
FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate cutaway and cross-sectional views of
the wheel assemblies 200, 300. In certain embodiments, a method of
manufacturing the wheel assemblies 200, 300 comprises forming a
wheel 202, 302, forming a retainer housing 600, positioning a
retaining member 700 within the pin sleeve 604, positioning a
biasing element 800 in the pin sleeve 604, occluding the second end
608 of the pin sleeve 604 (e.g., with a restraining element 900),
and inserting the wheel mounting sleeve 602 into the sleeve bore
210, 310. As described above, occlusion of the second end 608 of
the pin sleeve 604 prevents the retaining member 700 from exiting
the second end 608 of the pin sleeve 604, even when the hub
assembly 400 is not coupled to the wheel 202, 302. Accordingly,
formation of the retainer housing 600, positioning the retaining
member 700, positioning the biasing element 800, and occluding the
second end 608 of the pin sleeve 604 may be performed before or
after forming the wheel 202, 302. Coupling the hub assembly 400 and
the wheel 202, 302 may be while either or both of the pieces is/are
warm or cold, depending on the relative deformability of the
components (e.g., due to thickness or configuration), the desired
post-assembly expansion characteristics, etc. In some embodiment,
the wheel 202 is deflashed prior to being coupled to the hub
assembly 400.
The modularity of the hub assembly 400 described above also
advantageously can allow the restraining element 900 to be separate
and distinct from any portions of the wheel 202, 302 (e.g., a wall
220, 320 of the wheel 202, 302, respectively). The biasing element
800 may therefore be displaced from the wall 220, 320 by at least a
space or gap 402. In certain alternative embodiments, the
restraining element 900 is positioned to touch the wall 220, 320.
In certain alternative embodiments, the biasing element 800 is
positioned to touch the wall 220, 320 (e.g., by occluding the
second end 608 of the pin sleeve 604 at a position in a middle
portion of the biasing element 800).
FIG. 5E illustrates a cross-sectional view of a wheel assembly 300
engaged with an axle 150 and a cart body 102, although it will be
appreciated that the wheel assembly 200 or other wheel assemblies
would look similar. In certain embodiments, the inner side of the
wheel assemblies 300 described herein can rub against the cart body
102. Friction from such rubbing can increase the force needed to
move the refuse cart 100, can cause damage to the wheel assembly
300 and/or the cart body 102, and other problems. In some
embodiments, a spacer (e.g., comprising a pipe) is placed between
the wheel assembly 300 and the cart body 102 to space the wheel
assembly 300 from the cart body 102 by a distance d. In certain
embodiments, the retainer housing 600 comprises a spacer 640
extending from the wheel mounting sleeve 602. The spacer 640 is
configured to space the wheel assembly 300 from the cart body 102
by a distance d. In certain such embodiments, the spacer 640 is
integrally formed with the retainer housing 600. Such integral
forming can increase the strength of the junction or interface
between the spacer 640 and the wheel mounting sleeve 602 versus
embodiments in which the spacer 640 is coupled (e.g., welded) to
the wheel mounting sleeve 602. Integral forming can also ensure
correct sizing of the spacer 640, for example to have a suitable
interface with the wheel mounting sleeve 602 and/or the desired
distance d from the cart body 102. Spacers can also be positioned
elsewhere between the wheel assembly 300 and the cart body 102
(e.g., integrated with the wheel 302).
FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment
of a retainer housing 600. The retainer housing 600 includes a
wheel mounting sleeve 602 and a pin sleeve 604. In certain
embodiments, the wheel mounting sleeve 602 is substantially
cylindrical. In some embodiments, the pin sleeve 604 is
substantially cylindrical. The wheel mounting sleeve 602 includes
an axle bore 606 configured to receive an axle 150 and configured
to be inserted within the sleeve bore 210, 310 of a wheel 202, 302.
The pin sleeve 604 includes a first end 607, a second end 608, and
a conduit 610 therebetween. In certain embodiments, the conduit 610
is substantially cylindrical. When assembled, the first end 607 is
in fluid communication with the .[.sleeve bore 210, 310.].
.Iadd.axle bore 606.Iaddend.. The first end 607 includes a shoulder
612 extending into the conduit 610. In some embodiments, the
shoulder 612 may prevent the retaining member 700 from exiting the
first end 607 of the pin sleeve 604 (e.g., in conjunction with a
lip 704 of a retaining member 700). In the illustrated embodiment,
the wheel mounting sleeve 602 is closed at one end such that an
axle 150 inserted into the axle bore 606 is not visible on the
outer surface of a wheel assembly 200, 300 comprising the hub
assembly 400 and an axle 150.
In certain embodiments, the retainer housing 600 includes an end
wall 614. The side illustrated in FIG. 6A is on the outer side of a
wheel assembly 200, 300 (FIGS. 2A and 3A). In some embodiments, the
end wall 614 includes text or a logo (e.g., indicative of a
manufacturer of the wheel, wheel assembly, and/or hub assembly,
indicative of a type of wheel and/or hub assembly, etc.). In some
embodiments, the end wall 614 is shaped to appear integral with a
wheel 200, 300 (e.g., including similarly shaped spokes). In some
embodiments, the end wall 614 disguises the location of the pin
sleeve 604. In certain embodiments, after the hub assembly 400 has
been mechanically coupled to the wheel 202, 302, the end wall 614
provides substantially equal distribution of side-shifted loads
because the force can be applied substantially all the way around
the wheel 202, 302, as opposed to being concentrated, for example,
at the junction between the wheel mounting sleeve 602 and the pin
sleeve 604.
FIG. 6B illustrates the opposite side of the retainer housing 600,
which illustrates that the end wall 614 may include a plurality of
raised projections 616. The raised projections 616 can provide a
number of advantages. In certain embodiments, the raised
projections 616 may increase an amount of surface area that makes
contact with the wheel 202, 302. In certain embodiments, the raised
projections 616 may properly orient the retainer housing 600 with
the wheel 202, 302. In some embodiments, the raised projections 616
allow the retainer housing 600 to be properly aligned (e.g., in a
vibratory feeder) for assembly (e.g., automated assembly) with
other components of the hub assembly 400. In certain such
embodiments, at least some of the plurality of projections 616 may
have a common endpoint (e.g., as illustrated by the dotted line
618). In some embodiments, the raised projections 616 allow the hub
assembly 400 to be properly aligned (e.g., in a vibratory feeder)
for assembly (e.g., automated assembly) with other components of
the wheel assembly 200, 300 (e.g., the wheel 202, 302). In certain
such embodiments, the assembled hub assembly 400 and the wheel 202,
302 may be automatically assembled (e.g., substantially without
human interaction). In some embodiments, the raised projections 616
reinforce a junction or interface between the end wall 614 and the
wheel mounting sleeve, which can enhance the distribution of loads
(e.g., transverse torque caused by movement of the wheel assembly
110 generally along the longitudinal axis of the axle 150).
In certain embodiments, the retainer housing 600 is injection
molded. Injection molding may allow high stricter tolerances than
blow molding because the thicknesses of the components may be
controlled based on the spacing between the male and female molds.
In some embodiments, the end wall 614, the wheel mounting sleeve
602, and the pin sleeve 604 are integrally formed, although the
pieces may also be separately formed and coupled (e.g., welded). In
certain such embodiments in which the elements are integrally
formed, injection molding can increase throughput by reducing the
number of downstream steps (e.g., eliminating trimming steps
because the bores 604, 606 may be formed open at both ends). Other
features of the retainer housing 600 may also be integrally formed
(e.g., the raised projections 616). In certain embodiments, the
retainer housing 600 comprises plastic (e.g., high density
polyethylene (HDPE) (e.g., high molecular weight HDPE)).
In some embodiments, the wheel mounting sleeve 602 comprises an
annular rib 620 configured to engage a sidewall 230, 330 of a wheel
202, 302, respectively (FIGS. 5B and 5D). The rib 316 has a width
that is wider than the width of the sleeve bore 402. In certain
embodiments, the wheel mounting sleeve 602 is press-fit into the
sleeve bore 210, 310 of a wheel 202, 302 until the annular rib 620
resiliently snaps out from the sleeve bore 210, 310. In certain
such embodiments, the wheel mounting sleeve 602 does not comprise
slots. In certain alternative embodiments, the annular rib 620
comprises at least one axial slot 622 that can facilitate passage
of the annular rib 620 through the sleeve bore 210, 310. The at
least one axial slot 622 can also extend into the wheel mounting
sleeve 602, although there may be a tradeoff between the
flexibility and strength of and the wheel mounting sleeve 602. In
certain embodiments. the annular rib 620 comprises two axial slots
622 and a tooth 624 between the axial slots 622. In a relaxed
position, the tooth 624 has a width that is wider than the sleeve
bore 210, 310. The axial slots 622 thus can assist in radially
inward flexing of the tooth 624 as it is urged through the sleeve
bore 210, 310.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a retaining member 700.
In some embodiments, the retaining member 700 comprises a pin. The
retaining member 700 is configured to operatively engage a groove
152 in an axle 150. In certain embodiments, an axle 150 has a
chamfered end such that the retaining member 700 is transversely
displaced relative to the movement of the axle 150. In certain
alternative embodiments, the retaining member 700 is shaped (e.g.,
chamfered) such that it is transversely displaced relative to the
movement of an axle 150 (e.g., without a chamfered end). In some
embodiments, the retaining member 700 is configured (e.g.,
dimensioned) to reduce (e.g., decrease, minimize, prevent) rubbing
of the sides of the groove 152 in the axle 150 by the sides of the
retaining member 700.
In some embodiments, the retaining member 700 comprises metal
(e.g., stainless steel), which is may be more resistant to damage
from typical usage of the wheel assembly 200, 300 than plastic.
Metal may also be better suited to shock loading and vibration than
plastic. However, other materials (e.g., plastic) are also
possible. In some embodiments, the retaining member 700 includes a
central body 702 and a lip 704 extending outwardly from the central
body 702. In certain such embodiments, the lip 704 is wider than
the shoulder 612 of the first end 607 of the pin sleeve 604 and
narrower than the conduit 610, and is longitudinally positioned
along the central body 702 such that only a portion of the
retaining member 700 extends into the axle bore 606. The shoulder
612 may prevent the retaining member 700 from exiting the first end
607 of the pin sleeve 604 by interacting with the lip 704 in such
embodiments. Other shapes and types of retaining members 700 are
also possible. For example, the retaining member 700 may be shaped
to always have a certain orientation within the conduit 610 (e.g.,
having a flat side 750 that prevents rotation of the retaining
member 700 within the conduit 610, as illustrated in FIG. 7B). Such
an embodiment may be useful for proper engagement of a chamfered
retaining member 700, as illustrated by the portion 752 in FIG. 7,
with a non-chamfered axle 150. For another example, the lip 704 may
be longitudinally thicker, which can stabilize the retaining member
700, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, by reducing the chance of the
retaining member 700 pivoting within the conduit 610. Other
possible shapes include those that aid in engaging the retaining
member 700 with the biasing element 800.
FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of a biasing element 800.
The biasing element 800 is configured to bias the retaining member
700 towards the axle bore 606. In some embodiments, the biasing
element 800 comprises a spring. In some embodiments in which the
biasing element 800 comprises a spring, a first end 802
mechanically engages the lip 704 of the retaining member 700 and
the second end 804 mechanically engages the shoulder 902 of the
restraining element 900 to bias the retaining member 700 towards
the axle bore 606. In some embodiments, the biasing element 800
comprises metal (e.g., stainless steel), which is may be more
resistant to damage from typical usage of the wheel assembly 200,
300 than plastic and which may be better suited to shock loading
and vibration than plastic. However, other materials (e.g.,
plastic) are also possible. Other shapes and types of biasing
elements 800 are also possible. In certain embodiments, the
retaining member 700 and the biasing element 800 are disposed in a
cartridge that can be disposed in the pin sleeve 604. However, it
will be appreciated that adding non-essential layers such as the
cartridge body would not depart from the invention disclosed
herein.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example embodiment of a restraining
element 900. The restraining element 900 is configured to prevent
the retaining member 700 from exiting the second end 608 of the pin
sleeve 604. In some embodiments, the restraining element 900
comprises a plug (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5D). In some
embodiments in which the restraining element 900 comprises a plug,
the plug is mechanically coupled to the second end 608 of the pin
sleeve 604. The illustrated plug 900 comprises a shoulder 902 and a
lip 904. The shoulder 902 is configured to mechanically engage the
second end 804 of a biasing element 800. The lip 904 is configured
to mechanically engage the pin sleeve 604. After the retaining
member 700 and the biasing element 800 are disposed in the pin
sleeve 604, the plug 900 may be welded (e.g., heat welded,
ultrasonic welded) or otherwise affixed (e.g., adhered,
mechanically forced, etc.) to the pin sleeve 604. In some
embodiments, the retaining element 900 comprises molded (e.g., blow
molded or injection molded) plastic, although other materials are
also possible. Other shapes and types of restraining elements 900
are also possible. For example, the restraining element 900 may be
mechanically coupled (e.g., welded) to the biasing element 800
prior to assembly in the hub assembly 400. FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate
further example embodiments of hub assemblies comprising different
types of restraining elements 900.
FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment of a hub assembly 1002 in which
the restraining element 900 comprises an indentation in the second
end 608 of the pin sleeve 604. After the retaining member 700 and
the biasing element 800 are disposed in the pin sleeve 604, the
second end 608 of the pin sleeve 604 is deformed (e.g., heat
deformed). The deformation 900 is configured to prevent the
retaining member 700 from exiting the second end 608 of the pin
sleeve 604 (e.g., by being narrower than the biasing element 800
such that the second end 804 of the biasing element 800 is
mechanically engaged therewith). The deformation may be all around
the pin sleeve 604, in a single location, in a plurality of
locations, etc.
FIG. 10B illustrates an embodiment of a hub assembly 1004 in which
the restraining element 900 comprises a disc configured to be
inserted proximate to the second end 608 of the pin sleeve 604.
After the retaining member 700 and the biasing element 800 are
disposed in the pin sleeve 604, the disc 900 is inserted (e.g.,
into a pin sleeve window 630). The disc 900 may be welded (e.g.,
heat welded, ultrasonic welded) or otherwise affixed (e.g.,
adhered, mechanically forced, etc.) to the pin sleeve 604. The disc
900 is configured to prevent the retaining member 700 from exiting
the second end 608 of the pin sleeve 604 (e.g., by blocking the
second end 608 of the pin sleeve 604 such that the second end 804
of the biasing element 800 is mechanically engaged therewith).
FIG. 10C illustrates an embodiment of a hub assembly 1006 in which
the restraining element 900 comprises a plurality of ledges 900
extending into the pin bore 610. The ledges 900 may be formed
before or after the retaining member 700 and biasing element 800
are disposed in the pin sleeve 604. For example, if formed before
(e.g., by being integrally molded with the retainer housing 600, as
illustrated in FIG. 10C), they may be pliable to the insertion of
the retaining member 700 and biasing element 800, but rigid against
the removal of the retaining member 700 and biasing element 800.
The ledges 900 are configured to prevent the retaining member 700
from exiting the second end 608 of the pin sleeve (e.g., by
extending into the pin bore 610 wider than the biasing element 800
such that the second end 804 of the biasing element 800 is
mechanically engaged therewith).
FIG. 10D illustrates an embodiment of a hub assembly 1008 in which
the restraining element 900 comprises a plug 900 including threads
906. In such an embodiment, the second end 608 of the pin sleeve
604 may also comprise threads (e.g., complementary threads). As
described above with respect to the plug 900 of FIGS. 9A and 9B,
the plug 900 comprises a shoulder 902 configured to mechanically
engage the second end 804 of the biasing element 800 and a lip 904
configured to mechanically engage the second end 608 of the pin
sleeve 604. After the retaining member 700 and the biasing element
800 are disposed in the pin sleeve 604, the plug 900 is threaded
into the pin sleeve 604. In certain embodiments, the plug 900
comprises a fastening device 908 (e.g., a hexagonal hole as
illustrated in FIG. 10D, a screwdriver slot, etc.) in which
transverse force on the plug 900 causes it to be screwed into the
pin sleeve 604. It will be appreciated that the restraining
elements 900 illustrated herein are for example purposes only, and
that a variety of other restraining elements are also possible.
Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the
specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments
and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and
equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the
invention have been shown and described in detail, other
modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will
be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this
disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or
sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the
embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the
invention. It should be understood that various features and
aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or
substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the
disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the
present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the
particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be
determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
* * * * *
References