WO2007058861A2

WO2007058861A2 - Wheel and hub assembly & methods of manufacture and attachment

Info

Publication number: WO2007058861A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/043530
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Larson
Original assignee: Eric Larson
Priority date: 2005-11-10
Filing date: 2006-11-09
Publication date: 2007-05-24
Also published as: WO2007058861A3

Abstract

A wheel hub assembly includes a bearing carrier member adapted to be mounted on an axle of a wheel. A bearing assembly is attached to the bearing carrier member which comprises an inner annular race and an outer annular race with bearings between the races. A spinner member connected to the outer race to free wheel has radial extending ornamental elements detachably connected thereto.

Description

WHEEL AND HUB ASSEMBLY & METHODS OF

MANUFACTURE AND ATTACHMENT

(Docket No. 9574a)

RELATED APPLICATIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a PCT application which claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/735,550, entitled " WHEEL AND HUB ASSEMBLY & METHOD OF MANUFACTURE," filed November 10, 2005, and U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/805,559, entitled " WHEEL AND HUB ASSEMBLY & METHOD," filed June 22, 2006. These related applications are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application. If any conflict arises between the disclosure of the invention in this PCT application and that in the related provisional applications, the disclosure in this PCT application shall govern. Moreover, the inventor incorporates herein by reference any and all U. S. patents, U. S. patent applications, and other documents, hard copy or electronic, cited or referred to in this application.

DEFINITIONS

The words " comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Vehicles, including motorcycles, bicycles, automobiles, etc., sometimes have a spinner mounted to the hub of the vehicle's wheel to free wheel. In other words, the spinner may continue to rotate after the wheel stops rotating, or the spinner rotates at a different rate than the wheel. Such spinners provide a decorative feature to the wheel. U. S. Patent No. 6,899,400 illustrates such a spinner. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention has one or more features as discussed subsequently herein. After reading the following section entitled "DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION," one will understand how the features of this invention provide its benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to: providing a wheel hub assembly that may be conveniently attached to a conventional motorcycle hub, is easy to install and convenient to mount on the vehicle's axle, and methods of expediently making a wheel hub assembly at minimum costs and enabling different decorative blades to be easily attached and detached to a spinner member.

Without limiting the scope of this invention as expressed by the claims that follow, some, but not necessarily all, of its features are:

One, the wheel hub assembly includes a bearing carrier member adapted to be mounted on an axle of a wheel and a bearing assembly attached to the bearing carrier member which includes an inner annular race and an outer annular race with bearings, ball or roller bearings, for example, between the races. In some embodiments this bearing carrier member may include a cylindrical sleeve and in other embodiments it may include an axle ring.

Two, a spinner member connected to the outer race to free wheel has radial extending ornamental elements detachably connected to the spinner member. All the ornamental elements may be of substantially the same weight so that the spinner member rotates when mounted to a wheel as the wheel revolves. Or, at least one of the ornamental elements may have a weight substantially greater than the weight of the other ornamental elements so that the spinner member remains essentially stationary when mounted to a wheel as the wheel revolves. The ornamental elements each may have essentially the same configuration or different configurations. If of different configurations, they may all have essentially the same weight.

In the embodiments where the bearing carrier member is a cylindrical sleeve, the sleeve may be supported on the axle by a pair of spaced apart bearing elements at opposed ends of the sleeve to enable the sleeve to rotate about the axle. A pair of opposed spoke collars spaced apart and connected to the sleeve may be used in this embodiment and the spinner member may be between the spoke collars and mounted by bearing on the sleeve to free wheel. The spoke collars may be fixedly connected to the sleeve, and at least one of the spoke collars may be detachably connected to the sleeve, The spoke collars may be mounted on a subassembly that is clamped to the sleeve, and the subassembly includes a pair of mounting members having central portions that interlock in a mating relationship.

In the embodiments where the bearing carrier member is an axle ring, the ring may comprise a pair of clamping elements detachably connected to enable these elements to be disconnected and then clamped to the axle in a fixed position upon reconnecting the elements. The spinner member may be carried by axle ring and mounted to engage the bearing members. The spinner member may comprise a plurality of components that are detachably connected to enable the spinner member to be mounted to a perimeter of the axle ring to free wheel upon connecting the spinner components together. The axle ring clamping elements may have essentially a semi-circular configuration. The assembled spinner member may have an annular configuration and each spinner component may have essentially a semi-circular configuration.

This invention also includes a wheel, in particular a spoked motorcycle wheel. This wheel comprises a rim, an axle, and a central hub assembly on the axle having a pair of spaced apart spoke collars and individual spokes extending from the spoke collars to the rim in a radial manner. Means are provided for mounting a spinner member on the hub assembly between the spoke collars. This mounting means includes a bearing carrier member mounted on the axle, a bearing assembly attached to the bearing carrier member, and means for detachably connecting a plurality of radially extending ornamental elements to the spinner member, said ornamental elements located between the spokes. The bearing assembly includes an inner annular race and an outer annular race with bearings between the races to enable the spinner member to free wheel.

These features are not listed in any rank order nor is this list intended to be exhaustive.

This invention also includes (1) a method of attaching ornamental elements to an axle of a wheel having spokes extending from near an axle of the wheel to a rim of the wheel, (2) methods of manufacturing a wheel hub assembly with a spinner mounted to free wheel.

The method of attaching ornamental elements to an axle of a wheel having spokes extending from near an axle of the wheel to a rim of the wheel comprises the steps of (a) detachably connecting to the axle a bearing carrier member comprising a pair of detachably connected elements that are clamped together and to the axle in a fixed position, said bearing carrier member having a perimeter carrying a plurality of bearing members,

(b) detachably mounting a spinner member to the perimeter of the bearing carrier member to engage the bearing members and to free wheel, said spinner member comprising a plurality of components that are assembled to form the spinner member, and

(c) detachably connecting to the spinner member ornamental elements that extend outward radially from the spinner member, said bearing carrier member elements, spinner member components, and ornamental elements being sized to enable them to be positioned between the spokes and assembled in place on the axle without disconnecting the spokes.

One method of manufacturing a wheel hub assembly with a spinner mounted to free wheel comprises the step of

(a) providing a steel hub assembly having a sleeve component with a pair of spaced apart spoke collars affixed thereto,

(b) detaching at least one spoke collar using a lathe to cut off one said one spoke collar,

(c) mounting the spinner to the sleeve component to enable said spinner to free wheel,

(d) detachably connecting a plurality of ornamental elements to the spinner,

(e) re-welding the detached spoke collar to the sleeve component with the spinner between the collars.

Another method of manufacturing a wheel hub assembly with a spinner mounted to free wheel comprises the step of

(a) providing a hub assembly having a first component with one of a pair of spoke collars affixed thereto and a second component with the other of said pair of spoke collars affixed thereto,

(b) attaching said first and second components with the spinner between said of spoke collars and mounted to enable said spinner to free wheel, (c) detachably connecting a plurality of ornamental elements to the spinner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Some embodiments of this invention, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious wheel and hub assembly of this invention and its method of manufacture and method of attaching ornamental elements to an axle of a wheel having spokes as shown in the accompanying drawing, which is for illustrative purposes only. This drawing includes the following figures (Figs.), with like numerals indicating like parts:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hub assembly of this invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hub assembly shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a motorcycle wheel of this invention including another embodiment of the hub assembly of this invention.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hub assembly used with the wheel shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the hub assembly shown in Fig. 4 assembled.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the pair of mounting members for detachably connecting ornamental elements to the hub assemblies shown in Figs. 1 and 5.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the mounting member shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the other mounting member of the pair of mounting members for detachably connecting ornamental elements to the hub assemblies shown in Figs. 1 and 5.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the mounting member shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9A-9A of Fig. 9.

Fig. 1OA is a plan view of a flame shaped ornamental element.

Fig. 1OB is a plan view of a skull and cross bones shaped ornamental element.

Fig. 1OC is a plan view of a triangular shaped ornamental element.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view with the spinner member removed showing the attachment structure enabling the spinner member to free wheel. Fig. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the end of spinner member illustrated in Fig. 4 to which a brake mount is connected.

Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the hub assembly of this invention in which spoke collars are detachably mounted.

Fig. 13A is a perspective view of the main shaft looking at its head end.

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the hub assembly of this invention shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a head end view taken along line 15-15 Of Fig. 16 of a main shaft used in the alternate embodiment of the hub assembly of this invention shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the main shaft shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the one of the spoke collars shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the hub assembly of this invention in which one of the spoke collars is detachably mounted.

Fig. 19A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the tail end of the main shaft of the hub assembly shown in Fig. 19.

Fig. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the hub assembly of this invention shown in Fig. 19.

Fig. 21 is a side view of the main shaft shown in Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of Fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the hub assembly of this invention again in which one of the spoke collars is detachably mounted.

Fig. 23A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the showing the tail end of the main shaft of the hub assembly shown in Fig. 23.

Fig. 23B is a plan view of the one of the spoke collars shown in Fig. 23.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the main shaft shown in Fig. 23 looking at its head end.

Fig. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the hub assembly of this invention shown in Fig. 23.

Fig. 26 is a side view of the main shaft shown in Fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of Fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 28-28 of Fig. 26. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a motorcycle wheel of yet another embodiment of the wheel hub assembly of this invention attached to the axle of the wheel.

Fig. 29 A is a side view of still another embodiment of the wheel hub assembly of this invention.

Fig. 29B is a side view of another embodiment of the wheel hub assembly of this invention including detachable blades of different shapes.

Fig. 30 is an end view of an axle ring of the wheel hub assembly shown in Fig. 29 fixedly attached to an axle of a vehicle's wheel.

Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of Fig. 30.

Fig. 32 is an end view, with sections broken away, of the wheel hub assembly shown in Fig. 29A fixedly attached to an axle of a vehicle's wheel.

Fig. 32A is an enlarged fragmentary view taken along line 32A of Fig. 32.

Fig. 33 a side view of the one part of the four-part spinner member shown in Figs. 35 and 36.

Fig. 34 is an end view taken along line 34-34 of Fig. 33.

Fig. 35 a side view of an assembled spinner member.

Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 36-36 of Fig. 35.

Fig. 37 a plan view of one ornamental element used in the wheel hub assembly of this invention.

Fig. 38 is an end view taken along line 38-38 of Fig. 37.

Fig. 39 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the wheel hub assembly of this invention.

Fig. 40 is an enlarged a side elevational view, with sections broken away, similar to that of Fig. 39.

Fig. 41 is a grooved motorcycle axle adapted to use the wheel hub assembly of this invention illustrated in Figs. 39 and 40.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION

Figs. 1 through 12

The wheel hub assembly of this invention, which is attached to a wheel 36. (Fig. 3), may have several embodiments. Figs. 1 and 2 depict one embodiment 10 having detachable ornamental elements 12 of the same configuration, for example, triangular blades 53 as shown in Fig. 1OC. Figs. 3 through 5 depict another embodiment 50, which is essentially the same as the embodiment 10, except it employs detachable ornamental elements of different configurations, for example, a skull and cross-bones 52 (Fig. 10B) and a flame 54 (Fig. 10A).

As best illustrated in Figs. 4 and 11, each embodiment 10 and 50 comprises a wheel hub assembly having a cylindrical sleeve 14 through which a stationary axle 16 extends. A pair of spaced apart roller bearing assemblies 18a and 18b at opposite ends of the axle 16 support the sleeve 14. The bearing assemblies 18a and 18b have inner and outer races enabling the wheel hub assembly to rotate about the axle. A pair of seals 13a and 13b is mounted on the axle 16. The seals extend between the axle 16 and an inner wall of the sleeve 14. A pair of opposed, spaced apart spoke collars 20a and 20b are fixedly connected to the exterior of the sleeve 14 to rotate with the sleeve as the sleeve rotates with the rotation of the wheel 36.

Each of the embodiments 10 and 50 includes a spinner member 22 attached to the sleeve 14 in a manner enabling the sleeve to free wheel. Except for the differences in the ornamental elements 12 in embodiment 10, and the ornamental elements 52 and 54 in embodiment 50, the spinner member 22 is essentially identical in both embodiments. As best illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4 the spinner member 22 includes a bearing assembly 24 having an enlarged, circular central hole 25 and concentric outer and inner annular race elements 24a and 24b (Figs. 11 and 12) respectively holding between them a plurality of balls bearings 23. As best shown in Fig. 11, a pair of annular tracks 26a and 26b respectively on an inner side of each annular race elements 24a and 24b face each other with the tracks in registration. The ball bearings 23 are positioned to ride in the tracks 26a and 26b.

On opposite sides of the ball bearing assembly 24 are the carrier rings 27a and 27b, which hold the inner race element 24b securely between them to prevent the inner race from rotating relative to the sleeve 14. Opposite ends of the sleeve 14 is forced into the open center of each individual carrier ring 27a and 27b to hold these rings securely to the sleeve, preventing the sleeve and rings from rotating relative to each other. As discussed subsequently in greater detail, one of the spoke collars 20a or 20b is removed prior to attaching the carrier rings 27a and 27b and this collar is later reattached. As shown best in Fig. 2, each carrier ring 27a and 27b has a step 27e and 27f respectively forming central annular portions 27a' and 27b' respectively projecting from opposed sides into the enlarged central hole 25 of the bearing assembly 24. Outer portions 27c and 27d of the carrier rings 27a and 27b extend outward from the bearing assembly 24 on each side of the inner race element 24b. As shown in Fig. 11, upon assembly, the annular portions 27a' and 27b' fit snug within the central hole 25, with their inward ends El abutting each other, and the steps 27e and 27f abutting opposite sides of the inner race element 24a to prevent the inner race element from rotating relative to the sleeve 14. This leaves the outer portions 27c and 27d of the carrier rings 27a and 27b free to support a pair of mounting members 28a and 28b for the ornamental elements 12.

As best shown in Figs. 6 through 9 and Fig. 12, each mounting member 28a and 28b has a generally circular configuration with a plurality of radial fingers 29a and 29b respectively along its perimeter. Each finger 29a and 29b has an opening 30a and 30b respectively therein. The mounting members 28a and 28b each have a central aperture 31a and 31b respectively. These central apertures 31a and 31b each have essentially diameters of the same dimensions, substantially between 3.9 and 3.94 inches, which are larger than the combined diameters of the sleeve 14 and inner annular race element 24b. As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, the mounting member 28a has a circular rim 33 with an inside diameter dl that is offset outward to form an annular land 37a surrounding and concentric with the aperture 31a. As illustrated in Figs. 9 and 9A, the mounting member 28b has a cylindrical cavity 35 with an inside diameter d2. The cylindrical cavity 35 is concentric with the aperture 31b and forms an annular land 37b surrounding the aperture 31b. The diameters dl and dl are substantially equal, allowing the rim 33 to fit within the cavity 35 with the lands 37a and 37b each on opposite sides of the outer race element 24a, pressing this outer race element between them.

The openings 30a and 30b along the perimeters of each mounting member 28a and 28b are arranged in a series and equally spaced apart. In other words, the distance between adjacent openings 30a or 30b is the same in each mounting member 28a and 28b. Also the number of openings in each mounting member 28a and 28b is equal and the openings 30a in the mounting member 28a are aligned with the openings 30b in the other mounting member 28b to provide aligned pairs of openings 30a, 30b upon assembly. The openings 30a do not need to pass through the fingers but may have a threaded interior tl (Fig. 12) that receives a removable fastener 34 as discussed subsequently herein.

The mounting member 28a is seated on the carrier ring 27a and the mounting member 28b is seated on the carrier ring 28b, with the outer portions 27c and 27d of each ring inserted into the central aperture 31a or 31b as the case may be of the mounting member mounted thereon. The mounting members 28a and 28b are spaced apart at the perimeters where the aligned fingers 29a and 29b and aligned openings therein are positioned opposite each other to form a narrow gap G (Fig. 12) between of the mounting members. This gap G is essentially equal to the thickness of the ornamental elements 12, which are all of the same thickness.

A common characteristic of the different embodiments of the ornamental elements 12 is that each has at its inner end an orifice 32 therein to enable the ornamental element to be attached to the mounting members 28a and 28b when these mounting members are inserted into the gap G. The number of the ornamental elements is equal to the number of openings in one of the mounting members, for example an even number of openings, namely eight (8) openings 30a or 30b. Each of the individual ornamental elements 12 has its inner end disposed between the mounting members 28a and 28b, with each of the individual orifices 32 in the inner ends of each of the ornamental elements aligned with one pair of the aligned pairs of openings 30a, 30b. As best shown in Fig. 12, Individual removable fasteners, for example Allen screws 34, extend through the individual orifices 32 in each of the ornamental elements aligned with individual pairs of aligned openings 30a, 30b to connect detachably the ornamental elements to the mounting members 28a and 28b.

As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the hub assembly of the embodiment 50 is connected to the wheel 36. A rim 39 of the wheel 36 has individual spokes 38 connected in a radial manner between the rim and to alternate spoke holes in the spoke collars 20a and 20b. Allen screws 41 attach a brake mount 40 to the exterior of the spoke collar 20a. At each of the exposed ends of the axle 16 are fork mounts or spacers 42a and 42b (Fig. 11) respectively. In accordance with one way of manufacturing the hub assembly of this invention, a conventional Harley-Davidson chrome plated steel hub identified as Part #: DS-380023 is partially disassembled by using a lathe to cut off one of its spoke collars 20a or 20b. The components of the spinner member 22 are then attached to a sleeve of the Harley-Davidson hub as discussed above and then the detached spoke collar is reattached by welding it to the sleeve 14.

Figs. 13 through 18

The embodiment 60 of the hub assembly of this invention depicted in Figs. 13 through 18 employs a pair of detachable spoke collars 62a and 62b. As best depicted in Fig. 18, the detachable spoke collars 62a and 62b are essentially identical and each includes a central circular opening 61, a notch 61a along the perimeter of the opening 61, and equally spaced apart apertures 63. The spoke collars 62a and 62b are clamped to a maim spinner or shaft 14a by a pair of clamps 64a and 64b, each having a series of holes 65 therein that are aligned with the hole of the other clamp during assembly. Annular inner recesses Rl and R2 (Fig. 14) in the clamps 64a and 64b provide a space to hold the bearing assembly 24 as illustrated in Fig. 14. A spinner member 22a similar to the spinner member 22 is mounted on the bearing assembly 24 between a pair of mounting members 66a and 66b.

The main shaft 14a replaces the cylindrical sleeve 14 of the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 through 12. The stationary axle 16 extends through a cylindrical interior passageway Pl (Figs. 14 and 17) in the main shaft 14a. The dimensions of the diameters of the axle 16 and the passageway Pl are about equal with sufficient clearance so the main shaft 14a revolves about the axle. The mounting members 66a and 66b differ essentially only from the mounting members 28a and 28b in that they have flat surfaces facing each other and do not have a rim on one that is inserted into a cavity in the other. The fasteners 34 extend through the individual orifices 32 in each of the ornamental elements 12 aligned with individual pairs of aligned openings 30a, 30b in the mounting members 66a and 66b to connect detachably the ornamental elements to the mounting members.

As best shown in Fig. 13A and Figs. 15 through 18, the main shaft 14a has an enlarged cylindrical head 70 integral with a reduced diameter cylindrical mounting shaft 70a. A wall 71 (Figs. 13 and 16) connects the head 70 and the cylindrical mounting shaft 70a. As illustrated in Figs. 14 and 17, the opposed ends E2 and E3 of the main shaft 14a each have bores Bl and B2 therein that receive respectively the seals 13a and 13b and bearing assemblies 18a and 18b. On the outer side of the head 70 as depicted in Figs. 13A and 15 are a series of spaced equally apart threaded receptacles 72, and in the wall 71 on the head's inner side as depicted in Figs. 13 and 17 are another series of spaced equally apart threaded receptacles 74. A keyway 78 extending longitudinally along the exterior of the mounting shaft 70a terminates at one end in a notch 78a in the inside of the head 70. A key 80 fits snug in the keyway 78 with its one end fitting into the notch 78a upon assembly.

To assemble this embodiment 60, the components are aligned as illustrated in Fig. 13. The Allen screws 41 that extend through holes in the brake mount 40 attach the brake mount to the exterior of the head 70 by screwing the threaded tips of the Allen screws into the threaded receptacles 72. The spoke collar 62a is placed on the main shaft with the outer side of the spoke collar pressing against the wall 71. The clamps 64a and 64b, each having a series of holes 65 therein that are aligned with the holes of the other clamp, are positioned on the main shaft 14a with the clamps' recesses Rl and R2 holding bearing assembly 24 between them. The key 80 is pushed into the keyway 78 and into though notch 61a in the spoke collar 62a aligned with the notch 78a in the head 70 and then into this notch 78a. The spoke collar 62b with its notch 61a aligned with the keyway 78 is slide over the key 80. Bolts 82 (Figs. 13 and 14) with threaded ends are then passed through the aligned apertures 63 in the spoke collars 62a and 62b and the aligned holes 65 in the clamps 64a and 64b. The threaded ends of these bolts 82 are finally screwed into the receptacles 74 in the wall 71 on the inner side of the head 70. Tightening the bolts 82 pulls the components of the embodiment 60 securely together.

Figs. 19 through 22

The embodiment 90 of the hub assembly of this invention depicted in Figs. 19 through 22 employs only a single detachable spoke collar 92a, with a pair of orifices 108 (only one shown) in the collar 92a. Its other spoke collar 92b is integral with a main sleeve or shaft 94 having a passageway therein that receives the axle 16 and the inner sleeve 14. A pair of spacers 96 are carried by the inner sleeve 14 and the substantially same mounting members 28a and 28b as used in the embodiments illustrated in Figs 1 through 12 are detachably connected to the bearing assembly 24 in essentially the same manner as discussed above.

As best illustrated in Fig. 19A, the main shaft 94 includes a cylindrical passageway P2 therein and has its tail end E4 opposite the spoke collar 92b. A reduced diameter cylindrical shaft segment 94a extends from the end E4 to abut a wall 98 forming an end E5 of a larger, intermediate cylindrical segment 94b of the main shaft 94. The wall 98 that has a pair of cavities 100 therein adapted to receive individual pins 102 for securing the spoke collar 92a to the main shaft 94. The intermediate cylindrical segment 94b has an inner end 104 forming a wall that functions as a stop for the bearing assembly 24 upon assembling the components of this embodiment 90 (Fig. 20).

With the axle 16 and inner sleeve 14 extending through the passageway P2, the brake mount 40 attached and the seals 13a and 13b and bearing assemblies 18a and 18b lodged in bores Bl and 132, the mounting members holding the ornamental elements 12 in the gap G as depicted in Fig. 20, the inner race 24b of the bearing assembly 24 is pushed against the wall 104. An annular spacer 106 having an inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the shaft segment 94b is positioned along the shaft segment 94b between an outer side of the race 24b and the inside of the detachable spoke collar 92a. The detachable spoke collar 92a is pushed against the outer edge of the annular spacer 106 and the wall 98 as illustrated in Fig. 20 and the pins 102 are inserted through the orifices 108 in the collar 92a and into the cavities 100 in the wall 98. A washer 110 and nut 112 are then attached to the threaded end E4 of the main shaft 94 and the nut is tightened to secure the components in position.

Figs. 23 through 28

The embodiment 150 of the hub assembly of this invention depicted in Figs. 23 through 28 also employs only a single spoke collar 152a (Fig. 23B) detachably connected to a main outer sleeve or shaft 160 having another spoke collar 152b integral therewith. In addition to its spoke holes, the spoke collar 152a has in its face plate a plurality of spaced apart holes 161. The main shaft 160 has a passageway P2, which receives the axle 16, sleeve 14, spacers 96, and the bearing assemblies 18a and 18b and seals 13a and 13b as discussed above. The bearing assembly 24 is mounted to on the main shaft 160 and the ornamental elements 12 are positioned in a gap G between the mounting members 28a and 28b in essentially the same manner as discussed above in connection with the embodiments 10 and 50.

As best illustrated in Figs. 23A and 24, the main shaft 160 has a plurality of cylindrical segments of decreasing diameters from its head end E6 to its tail end E7 aligned along a common centerline Cl. The one segment 160a has the smallest diameter and the segment 160b has the largest diameter and the segment 160c has a diameter of dimensions intermediate the segments 160a and 160b. A wall 164 joining the rear of the segment 160a with the forward end of the segment 160c has a series of spaced apart internally threaded cavities 166 that receive Allen screws 168 upon assembly of the components. An annular cylindrical spacer 170 having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the segment 160c fits over this segment 160c between the inner race element 24b and the spoke collar 152b. The width of the segment 160c is substantially equal to the distance between the one edge E8 (Fig. 25) of the inner race element 24b and the wall 164. The head end E6 serves as a flange to which the brake mount 40 is attached.

Upon assembly, the spacer 170 slides over the tail end E7 onto the segment 160c, with the spacer's inner end abutting the edge E8 of the inner race element 24b, holding this race element 24b immovable to allow the spinner member 22 to free wheel. The spoke collar 152b is next slid over the tail end E7 and the holes lόltherein are aligned with the cavities 166 in the wall 164. The Allen screws 168 are then past through the aligned holes and screwed into the cavities 166.

Manufacturing Methods

This invention also includes methods of manufacturing a wheel hub assembly with a spinner mounted to free wheel. In one embodiment, a steel hub assembly having a sleeve component with a pair of spaced apart spoke collars affixed thereto is provided, for example, a Harley-Davidson chrome plated steel hub identified as Part #DS-380023. At least one spoke collar is detached using a lathe to cut off one spoke collar. A spinner is mounted to the sleeve component to enable it to free wheel. A plurality of ornamental elements are detachably connected to the spinner either before or after the spinner is mounted to the sleeve. The detached spoke collar is re-welded to the sleeve with the spinner between the collars.

In another embodiment, a hub assembly is provided having a first component with one of a pair of spoke collars affixed thereto and a second component with the other of the pair of spoke collars affixed thereto. These first and second components are attached together with the spinner between the spoke collars and mounted to enable the spinner to free wheel, A plurality of ornamental elements are detachably connected to the spinner either before or after the spinner is mounted.

Figs. 29 through 38

Another embodiment of the wheel hub assembly of this invention, identified in Fig. 29 by the numeral 210, has a number of pieces that are assembled in place on the axle 212 of a spoked wheel 214. The spokes 215 are spaced apart and extend from near the axle 212 outward radially, terminating at the rim 217 of the wheel 214. The individual pieces of the wheel hub assembly of this invention are sized so that they may be inserted between the spokes 215 and assembled together and attached to the axle 212. Specifically, these pieces form (1) a two-element axle ring 220 mounted concentrically with the axle 12, (2) a four-component spinner member 222 mounted concentrically with the axle ring to free wheel on the axle ring, and (3) a plurality of radially extending, ornamental elements or blades 224 detachably connected to the spinner member. Typical dimensions of individual pieces are: An individual element of the ring 220 has a length substantially from 5 to 6 inches, thickness substantially from 3/4 to 1 1/8 inches, and width substantially from 2 1/2 to 6 inches. An individual component of the spinner member 222 has a length substantially from 6 to 7 inches, thickness substantially from 1/2 to 3/4 inch, and width substantially from 3 to 3 1/2 inches. An individual blade has a length substantially from 2 to 5 inches, thickness substantially from 1/8 to 1/4 inch, and width substantially from 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 29A and identified by the numeral 210a, and the embodiment shown in Fig. 29B and identified by the numeral 210b, are essentially the same as the embodiment shown in Fig. 29 except for the shape and weight of the blades. In the wheel hub assembly 210 the blades 224 are all shaped the same and weigh the same. In the wheel hub assembly 210a, the blades 224 have all been replaced with the blades 224a, having a different shape and weight than the blades 224, with all these blades 224a being identical. In the wheel hub assembly 210b, the blades 224 have all been replaced with the blades 224a and 224b. The blades 224a and 224b have different shapes and weights than the blades 224, and they are different from each other and are located in alternating positions. The replacement of the blades 224 with the blades 224a, or blades 224a and 224b, as the case may be, is accomplished without disconnecting the spokes 215 or disconnecting the axle 212 from the wheel 214. Moreover, as will be better understood after reading the following disclosure, the axle ring 220 and spinner member 222 are assembled in place on the axle 212 without disconnecting the spokes 215 or disconnecting the axle from the wheel 214.

As best illustrated in Figs. 30, 31 and 32A, the axle ring 220 comprises a pair of substantially semicircular elements 220a and 220b, each having essentially identical inside and outside radii. These semicircular elements 220a and 220b may be detachably connected together by pinch bolts 221a and 221b. As best shown in Fig. 31, the semi-circular element 220a has along its semicircular perimeter Pl a pair of opposed end cutout sections CSl and CS2 and a cutout section CS3 centrally positioned between the cutout sections CSl and CS2. The cutout sections CSl and CS2 terminate in substantially flat ends El and E2 with a semicircular internal edge EDl between these flat ends. The semicircular element 220b has along its semicircular perimeter P2 a pair of opposed cutout sections CS4 and CS5 that are inward of opposed ends E3 and E4 of the semicircular element 220b. The opposed ends E3 and E4 are substantially flat and a semicircular internal edge ED2 extends between these flat ends E3 and E4. Each end E3 and E4 has, respectively, a threaded receptacle 25a and 25b penetrating the body of the semicircular element 220b substantially at a right angle to the end E3 or E4, as the case may be.

Upon assembly of the semi-circular elements 220a and 220b, the receptacles 225a and 225b are aligned with the flat ends El and E2 so that these ends El and E2 respectively abut the ends E3 and E4. Each of the cutout sections CSl and CS2 have a flat wall 31 at a right angle to the ends El and E2, and a shelf 31a protrudes from the wall. Upon assembly of the semicircular elements 220a and 220b, a head 228a of each bolt 228 engages one shelf 231a as the bolt advances into the threaded receptacle 225a or 225b, as the case may be. With bolts 228 fastening together the assembled semi-circular elements 220a and 220b, the axle ring 220 is formed in place and clamped to the axle 212 in a fixed position until the bolts are loosened. The diameter dl of the circular opening 230 formed upon connecting the semi-circular elements 220a and 220b with the pinch bolts 228 completely threaded into the receptacles 225a and2 25b as shown in Fig. 31 is substantially equal to the smallest diameter axle on which the wheel hub assembly 210 is mounted. The semi-circular elements 220a and 220b may be attached to larger diameter axles, and in that case, the heads 228a of the pinch bolts do not engage the shelves 231a.

Upon connecting the ring elements 220a and 220b, the cutout sections CS3, CS4, and CS5 are at 12220 degrees with respect to each other. Mounted within each of these three cutout sections CS3, CS4, and CS5 is a conventional bearing assembly 232; the three roller bearing assemblies being substantially equally spaced apart. As illustrated best in Fig. 32A, each bearing assembly 232 has an inner, circular track or race 232a fixedly attached to a stationary pin 232d, an outer circular track or race 232b, and a ball 232c between these races, thereby enabling the outer race to revolve with respect to the inner race. The outer races 232b project outward slightly from the perimeter of the axle ring 220 and are received within an inner annular channel 234 (Fig. 36) of the spinner member 222. Preferably, the ring elements 220a and 220b are first assembled to form in place the axle ring 220 and then the spinner member 222 is mounted on the perimeter of the axle ring 220, engaging the ball bearing assemblies 232 to free wheel about the assembled axle ring. The radially extending ornamental blades 224 may be detachably connected to the spinner member after it is mounted in place on the axle ring 220.

The spinner member 222 comprises four components 222a, 222b, 222c, and 222d that are detachably connected to enable the spinner member to be assembled in place on the perimeter of the ' axle ring 220 after the axle ring has been fixedly attached to the axle 12. Each of the components 222a, 222b, 222c, and 222d have a substantially semicircular configuration and each terminates in opposed ends E6 and E7. As best shown in Figs. 35 and 36, the components 222a and 222c are mirror images of each other comprising one matched set Sl forming a half of the spinner member 222. The components 222b and 222d are mirror images of each other comprising another matched set S2 forming the other half of the spinner member. The ends E6 of the one matched set Sl interlock or mate with the ends E7 of the other matched set S2 when the two matched sets are assembled to form the spinner member 222. Specifically, the ends E6 are curved outward and the ends E7 are curved inward having essentially the same curvature as the ends E6 so when the ends E6 of the set Sl abut the ends E7 of set S2, and vice versa, they come together in a mating relationship as best illustrated in Fig. 35.

Each of the pairs of spinner components, components 222a and 222c, and components 222b and 222d, have apertures 238 therein that are aligned when the sets Sl and S2 are formed. The apertures 238 provide a plurality of circumferential attachment cites equally spaced apart along an outer section of the spinner member 222 that enable an ornamental element, the blade 224 for example, to be detachably connected thereat to extend outward radially from the spinner member 222. As illustrated in Fig. 32, a threaded screw 240 with a head 240a thereon is threaded into aligned apertures 238 in the sets Sl and S2.

An individual spinner component, for example the component 222a depicted in Figs. 33 and 34, includes an inner substantially semicircular step 36 having one side providing an inner substantially semicircular ledge Ll adjacent an inner recess Rl and an opposed side providing an outer substantially semicircular ledge L2 adjacent an outer recess R2. As illustrated in Fig. 36, when the mirror image components 222a and 222c are placed in registration with each other, the opposed steps 36 of these components abut, forming the set Sl, or one half of the spinner member 222. The recesses R2 face each other to provide between these recesses one half of an outer annular channel 234a, and the recesses Rl face each other to provide between these recesses one half of the inner annular channel 234. The assembly of the other spinner components 222b and 222d in a similar manner forms the remaining halves of the inner and outer channels 234 and 34a. As best depicted in Fig. 32A, the inner channel 234 is slightly wider than the outer channel 234a and its width is essentially equal to the thickness t2 of the outer race 232b. Thus, the outer portions of the bearing members 232 are received within the inner channel 234. The width of the outer channel 234a is essentially equal to the thickness tl (Rg. 32A) of the blade 224. When the spinner components 222a, 222b, 222c and 222d are connected together, a portion of each of the outer races 232b is clamped in place in the inner channel 34, enabling the spinner member 222 to revolve with respect to the axle ring 220. The attachment cites or apertures 38 are outboard of the outer annular channel 234a, and the individual blades 224 are also clamped in position at these cites when the spinner components 222a, 222b, 222c and 222d are connected together.

As shown in Figs. 37 and 38, each blade 224 has an inner, terminal edge ED 2 and a hole 44 near this inner blade edge. Each individual hole 244 of an individual blade 224 is aligned with aligned pairs of apertures 238 of the assembled sets Sl and S2 prior to insertion of the screws 240. The inner edge ED 2 is curved, being a segment of a circle with a predetermined radius of curvature. The annular ledge L2 has a radius of curvature substantially identical to the radius of curvature of the curved terminal edge ED2 of the individual ornamental elements or blades 224. The blades 224 are spaced apart and received within the outer annular channel 234a with the inner curved terminal edges ED2 thereof bearing against the ledge L2.

As the spinner components 222a, 222b, 222c and 222d are assembled into the sets Sl and S2 and attached to the axle ring 220, the blades 224 are connected to the spinner member 222. The blade 224 may have several different shapes and weights as discussed above. The hole 244 is aligned with aligned pairs of apertures 238 during assembly of sets Sl and S2 prior to insertion of the screw 240. As the screws 240 advance through the aligned apertures 238, they pass through the holes 244 aligned with the apertures, pulling the pairs of spinner components 222a and 222c and 222b and 222d snugly together to hold the blades 224 in position. The blades 224 may all be of substantially the same weight so that the spinner member 222 rotates when mounted to a wheel as the wheel revolves. Or, at least one of the blades 224 has a weight substantially greater than the weight of the blades so that the spinner member 222 remains essentially stationary when mounted to a wheel as the wheel revolves.

Figs. 39 through 41

Another embodiment of the wheel hub assembly of this invention, identified in Fig. 39 by the numeral 310, is like that depicted in Figs. 29 through 38, using a four-component spinner member 322 similar to the spinner member 222 comprising four components that are detachably connected to enable the spinner member to be assembled in place on the perimeter of a motorcycle axle hub 380 depicted in Fig. 41 having an annular groove 390 in its perimeter to accommodate the assembled spinner member components. Bearing assemblies 332 similar to the bearing assemblies 232 are mounted between the spinner components with a portion adjacent or in the groove 390. The ornamental elements 370 are detachably connected to the spinner member 322 as discussed above.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The above presents a description of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the present invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use this invention. This invention is, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that discussed above which are fully equivalent. Consequently, it is not the intention to limit this invention to the particular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the invention as generally expressed by the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention:

Claims

1. A wheel hub assembly including a bearing carrier member adapted to be mounted on an axle of a wheel, a bearing assembly attached to the bearing carrier member, said bearing assembly including an inner annular race and an outer annular race with bearings between the races, and a spinner member connected to the outer race to free wheel, said spinner member having radial extending ornamental elements detachably connected to the spinner member.

2. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 1 where all the ornamental elements are of substantially the same weight so that the spinner member rotates when mounted to a wheel as the wheel revolves.

3. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 1 where at least one of the ornamental elements has a weight substantially greater than the weight of the other ornamental elements so that the spinner member remains essentially stationary when mounted to a wheel as the wheel revolves.

4. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 1 where the ornamental elements each have essentially the same configuration.

5. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 1 where the ornamental elements have different configurations.

6. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 5 where the ornamental elements all have essentially the same weight.

7. A wheel hub assembly including a bearing carrier member comprising an axle sleeve adapted to be mounted on an axle of a wheel, said sleeve supported on the axle by a pair of spaced apart bearing elements at opposed ends of the sleeve to enable the sleeve to rotate about the axle, a pair of opposed spoke collars spaced apart and connected to the sleeve, and a spinner member between the spoke collars mounted by bearing on the sleeve to free wheel, said spinner member having radial extending, ornamental elements detachably connected to the spinner member.

8. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 7 where the spoke collars are fixedly connected to the sleeve.

9. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 7 where at least one of the spoke collars is detachably connected to the sleeve.

10. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 7 where the spoke collars are mounted on a subassembly that is clamped to the sleeve.

11. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 10 where the subassembly includes a pair of mounting members having central portions that interlock in a mating relationship.

12. A wheel hub assembly including a cylindrical sleeve through which an axle extends, said sleeve supported on the axle to enable the sleeve to rotate about the axle, a pair of opposed spoke collars spaced apart and connected to the sleeve to rotate with the sleeve as said sleeve rotates, and a spinner member comprising a bearing assembly having concentric inner and outer annular race elements, each said race element having opposite sides and an annular track on an inner side with said tracks in registration facing each other, a plurality of bearing members positioned to ride in the tracks, a pair of carrier rings on opposite sides of the inner and outer annular race elements, each ring having a central portion projecting into the inner annular race element from opposite sides of the inner annular race element and a peripheral portion extending beyond the bearing assembly on each side of the race elements, a pair of mounting members each having a central opening, each said mounting members seated on one of the carrier rings with the peripheral portion of each ring inserted into the central opening of the mounting member mounted thereon, said mounting members being spaced apart at their perimeters to form a narrow gap between of the mounting members, each perimeter having a series of equally spaced apart openings therein, the number of openings in each mounting member being equal and said openings in each mounting member being aligned with the openings in the other mounting member to provide aligned pairs of openings, a plurality of radial extending, ornamental elements, the number of the elements being equal to the number of openings in one mounting member, each element having an inner end with an orifice therein, each individual element having its inner end disposed between the pair of mounting members with the individual orifices in the inner ends of each of the elements aligned with one pair of aligned openings, a removable fastener extending through the aligned individual orifice in each of the elements aligned with individual pairs of aligned openings to connect detachably the elements to the mounting members.

13. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 12 where the mounting members include central portions that interlock in a mating relationship.

14. A wheel hub assembly including a bearing carrier member mounting a plurality of bearing members and configured to enable an axle to extend therethrough, said bearing carrier member comprising a pair of clamping elements detachably connected to enable said elements to be disconnected and then clamped to the axle in a fixed position upon reconnecting said elements, a spinner member carried by the bearing carrier member and mounted to engage the bearing members, said spinner member comprising a plurality of components that are detachably connected to enable the spinner member to be mounted to a perimeter of the bearing carrier member to free wheel upon connecting the spinner components together, and radial extending ornamental elements detachably connected to the spinner member.

15. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 14 where the clamping elements each comprise an axle ring element having essentially a semi-circular configuration.

16. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 14 where the assembled spinner member has an annular configuration and each spinner component has essentially a semicircular configuration.

17. A wheel hub assembly including an axle ring comprising a pair of substantially semi-circular elements that are detachably connected to enable the axle ring to be clamped to an axle of a wheel in a fixed position upon connecting the ring elements together, said axle ring including a plurality of bearing members along a perimeter of the ring substantially equally spaced apart, each bearing member having an outer portion that projects outwardly from the perimeter, a spinner member carried by the axle ring comprising a pair of substantially semi-circular components that are detachably connected together to enable the spinner member as a unit to be mounted concentrically with the axle ring and on the perimeter of the axle ring to free wheel about the axle ring, each said semi-circular spinner component having an inside channel that upon said pinner components being connected together forms a circular track that receives the outer portions of the bearing members, said spinner member including a plurality of attachment cites equally spaced apart along an outer section thereof that enable an ornamental element to be detachably connected thereat to extend outward radially from the spinner member, and a plurality of ornamental elements, each ornamental element having an inner end detachably connected to an individual attachment cite and extending radially outward.

18. A wheel hub assembly including a plurality of ornamental elements, each ornamental element having an outer end and an inner curved terminal edge with a predetermined radius of curvature, an axle ring comprising a pair of substantially semi-circular elements that are detachably connected to enable the axle ring to be clamped to an axle of a wheel in a fixed position concentric with the axle upon connecting the ring elements together, said axle ring including a plurality bearing members along a perimeter of the axle ring, each bearing member having an outer portion that projects outwardly from the perimeter of the axle ring, a spinner member carried by the axle ring comprising a pair of substantially semi-circular components that are detachably connected together to enable the spinner member to be mounted concentrically with the axle ring on said perimeter to free wheel as a unit about the axle ring, each said semi-circular component of the spinner member having a pair of mating members that upon said spinner components being connected together form an inside annular channel within the spinner member and outside annular channel within the spinner member, said outer channel including an annular ledge having a radius of curvature substantially identical to the radius of curvature of the curved terminal edge of the individual ornamental elements, said outer portions of the bearing members being received within the inside annular channel and said individual ornamental elements spaced apart and received within the outer annular channel with the inner curved terminal edges thereof bearing against the ledge.

19. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 18 where said spinner member includes a plurality of attachment cites outboard of the outside annular channel that equally spaced apart along an outer section of the spinner member that enable each individual ornamental element to be detachably connected thereat to extend outward radially from the spinner member.

20. The wheel hub assembly of Claim 18 where said the bearing members are substantially equally spaced apart circumferentially.

21. A wheel comprising a rim, an axle, a central hub assembly on the axle having a pair of spaced apart spoke collars and individual spokes extending from the spoke collars to the rim in a radial manner. means for mounting on the hub assembly between the spoke collars a spinner member, said mounting means including a bearing carrier member mounted on the axle, a bearing assembly attached to the bearing carrier member, said bearing assembly including an inner annular race and an outer annular race with bearings between the races to enable said spinner member to free wheel, and means for detachably connecting a plurality of radially extending ornamental elements to the spinner member, said ornamental elements located between the spokes.

22. A method of attaching ornamental elements to an axle of a wheel having spokes extending from near an axle of the wheel to a rim of the wheel, comprising the steps of

(a) detachably connecting to the axle a bearing carrier member comprising a pair of detachably connected elements that are clamped together and to the axle in a fixed position, said bearing carrier member having a perimeter carrying a plurality of bearing members,

23. The method of Claim 22 where each axle ring element has essentially a semicircular configuration.

24. The method of Claim 22 where the bearing members are substantially equally spaced apart drcumferentially.

25. The method of Claim 22 where the assembled spinner member has an annular configuration and each spinner component has essentially a semi-circular configuration.

26. The method of Claim 25 where each said semi-circular component of the spinner member has a pair of mating members that upon said spinner components being connected together form an inside annular channel within the spinner member and outside annular channel within the spinner member, a portion of said bearing members being received within the inside annular channel and said individual ornamental elements spaced apart and received within the outer annular channel.

27. The method of Claim 26 where said spinner member includes a plurality of attachment cites outboard of the outside annular channel that equally spaced apart along an outer section of the spinner member that enable each individual ornamental element to be detachably connected thereat to extend outward radially from the spinner member.

28. A method of manufacturing a wheel hub assembly with a spinner mounted to free wheel, said method comprising the step of

(d) detachably connecting a plurality of ornamental elements to the spinner, (e) re-welding the detached spoke collar to the sleeve component with the spinner between the collars.

29. A method of manufacturing a wheel hub assembly with a spinner mounted to free wheel, said method comprising the step of

(b) attaching said first and second components with the spinner between said of spoke collars and mounted to enable said spinner to free wheel,

(c) detachably connecting a plurality of ornamental elements to the spinner.