WO2023023344A1

WO2023023344A1 - Apparatus and method for spreading wheel lock ring

Info

Publication number: WO2023023344A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/040916
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leonard Austin Hensel
Original assignee: Otr Wheel Engineering, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-08-20
Filing date: 2022-08-19
Publication date: 2023-02-23

Abstract

A spreader assembly (100) for maneuvering sections of an encapsulated lock ring includes a spreader bar (102) having a solid longitudinal portion (103) and slotted longitudinal portion (105). A fixed handle (104) is mounted on one end of the spreader bar within the solid longitudinal portion, and a slidable handle (106) is mounted within the slotted longitudinal portion. A hook-shaped latch (110) positioned between the handles is positioned over the region between the sections of the encapsulated lock ring and pins (112) from the handles are inserted into holes in the lock ring to secure the spreader assembly to the encapsulated lock ring. Pulling the two handles apart or pushing them together provides leverage and causes the sections to slide safely with respect to each other, avoiding potential pinching or injury.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SPREADING WHEEL LOCK RING

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/235,623, filed August 20, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] This present disclosure relates to wheel assemblies, lock rings for wheel assemblies, and devices for spreading an encapsulated lock ring for a wheel assembly.

Background

[0003] Wheel assemblies for vehicles often include a metal ring for helping to retain a tire on a wheel rim. For large vehicles, such as those used in the mining industry, the wheel assemblies can exceed several thousand kilograms and the metal ring can be several meters in diameter. Because retaining rings of that size and weight are difficult for a worker to install or remove, the rings may be split into sections that are coupled together.

[0004] One approach to help improve the maneuverability and handling of a split wheel ring is described in IntT Patent App. Pub. No. WO2021/087263 (“the ’263 application”). In the ’263 application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, a lock-ring system includes one or more lock-ring sections configured to at least partially define an annular lock-ring and one or more coupler plates configured to couple a first ring section end of a first lock-ring section to either a second ring section end of the first lock-ring section or to a ring section end of a second lock-ring section. The one or more coupler plates are coupled to the one or more ring section ends by fasteners and are configured to slide relative to the ring recesses when the fasteners are loosened, so that a lock-ring formed by the one or more lock-ring sections may be mounted on, or removed from, a wheel assembly.

[0005] While a handle may be employed for maneuvering the encapsulated lock ring, as described in the ’263 application, the sections of the encapsulated lock ring are generally manipulated by hand when initially separating the sections for removal or finally sliding together the rings for installation around a wheel rim. A risk may arise that fingers or other body parts could be accidentally pinched or otherwise caught between the moving parts. [0006] Examples of the present disclosure are directed to addressing one or more improvements to such systems and devices.

Summary

[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a spreader assembly for a lock ring includes a spreader bar having a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section with at least a top side, a front side, and a rear side. The second longitudinal section has a hollowed track between the front side and the rear side. A first handle is attached to the first longitudinal section, and a second handle is slidably attached to the spreader bar within the hollowed track of the second longitudinal section. The spreader assembly further includes a latch coupled to the first longitudinal section of the spreader bar. The latch has a front portion and a rear portion substantially perpendicular to a top portion. The front portion is coupled to the front side of the spreader bar, the top portion extends laterally across the top side of the spreader bar, and the rear portion extends behind the rear side of the spreader bar.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a combination includes a wheel lock ring having a front surface and a top surface and a spreader bar. The wheel lock ring includes a first ring section, a second ring section, and a coupler plate. The coupler plate extends interior to and between the first ring section and the second ring section. The front surface of the wheel lock ring has a first hole in the first ring section and a second hole in the second ring section. The spreader bar has at least a top side, a front side, and a rear side with a longitudinal cavity between the front side and the rear side. The spreader bar is positioned so that the rear side of the spreader bar is adjacent to the front surface of the wheel lock ring. The combination includes a first handle attached to the spreader bar and a first knob extending from the rear side of the spreader bar. The first knob is removably positioned within the first hole in the first ring section. A second handle is slidably coupled to the spreader bar within the longitudinal cavity, and a second knob extends from the rear side of the spreader bar. The second knob is removably positioned within the second hole in the second ring section, connected to the second handle, and slidably coupled to the spreader bar within the longitudinal cavity.

[0009] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for using a spreader assembly to maneuver sections of a lock ring for a wheel. The lock ring includes a first ring section coupled circumferentially to a second ring section by a slider plate. The spreader assembly includes a spreader bar, a U-shaped latch, a fixed handle, fixed locator pin projecting from a side of the spreader bar, a moveable handle, and a moveable locator pin. the moveable locator in projects from the side of the spreader bar and is slidable with the moveable handle along a longitudinal groove within the spreader bar. The method includes positioning the spreader assembly aside the lock ring, inserting the fixed locator pin into a first hole in the first ring section, and inserting the moveable locator pin into a second hole in the second ring section. Finally, the method includes positioning a top side of the U-shaped latch over the lock ring, and then sliding the moveable handle along the longitudinal groove relative to the fixed handle.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an apparatus for spreading a lock ring in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 for spreading a lock ring in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an encapsulated lock ring in a first stage of disassembly in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in preparation for spreading the encapsulated lock ring of FIG. 3 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a top isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 being mounted on the encapsulated lock ring of FIG. 3 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of the apparatus of FIG 1 mounted and latched on the encapsulated lock ring of FIG. 3 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 spreading the encapsulated lock ring in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for using a spreader assembly to maneuver sections of a lock ring for a wheel in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0018] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric front view of an apparatus for spreading or extending an encapsulated lock ring used for large wheel assemblies consistent with various examples of the present disclosure. Apparatus 100, also termed spreader assembly 100, is structured to be installed on an encapsulated lock ring described in other figures and used for retaining a tire on a wheel rim, particularly wheels of substantial width. When mounted on the encapsulated lock ring, in a manner generally described below, spreader assembly 100 can help provide an operator with leverage in pulling apart or pulling together arcuate sections of an encapsulated lock ring while protecting the operator from potential pinching or other injury from movement of the lock ring.

[0019] As generally embodied in FIG. 1, spreader assembly 100 includes and is based on spreader bar 102. Spreader bar 102 is a substantially straight beam of lightweight yet rigid material, such as aluminum, composite, or similar materials. As illustrated, spreader bar 102 has a front side 126 and a top side 128. In some examples, one longitudinal portion of spreader bar 102 (at the right in FIG. 1) is solid and designated as solid portion 103. The opposite longitudinal portion (at the left in FIG. 1) is hollowed by a slot or groove that forms a track 108 and is designated as grooved portion 105. In some implementations, spreader bar 102 is a few inches thick (across top side 128) and wide (across front side 126) and a foot or more long when being used on encapsulated lock rings of 57 inches or 63 inches in diameter, for example. The exact dimensions of spreader bar 102 will depend on the diameter, width, and other geometry of the lock ring to be handled and, in general, are within the knowledge and routine experimentation of those of ordinary skill in the field.

[0020] A fixed handle 104 and slidable handle 106 are attached to spreader bar 102. In one example, fixed handle 104 at the right side of spreader assembly 100 in FIG. 1 is fixedly adhered to front side 126 of spreader bar 102 with a pin mechanism to be described below. Slidable handle 106 is loosely adhered to spreader bar 102 using a pin mechanism. Unlike fixed handle 104, slidable handle 106 and its pin mechanism are configured to slide longitudinally along spreader bar 102 within groove or track 108, described below with respect to FIGS. 2 and 7. In FIG. 1, slidable handle 106 is depicted in a retracted position at a far right side of track 108 and may slide from that position longitudinally through track 108 to an extended position near the left side within grooved portion 105 of spreader bar 102 in FIG. 1. While illustrated in FIG. 1 as bicycle-type handles with grips extending perpendicularly from a front face of spreader bar 102, fixed handle 104 and slidable handle 106 could take any shape or form desired for the implementation and enabling a user to exert forces on the handles longitudinally with respect to spreader bar 102. For instance, fixed handle 104 and slidable handle 106 could alternatively have a T-shape with grips arranged parallel to front side 126 or top side 128 of spreader bar 102. Other orientations are also feasible.

[0021] In some examples, an optional rod 122 extends perpendicularly from front side 126 of spreader bar 102. Rod 122 may be any solid and rigid material, such as steel or similar metals. In some examples, rod 122 is welded at one end into front side 126 of spreader bar 102. In other examples, one end of rod 122 is threaded and screwed into a threaded hole (not shown) within front side 126 of spreader bar 102. Rod 122 may have a head on its outer end distal to front side 126 that provides a width at the outer end larger than a width along a shaft of rod 122 between the head and the spreader bar.

[0022] In some examples, spreader assembly 100 also includes a latch 110 positioned within solid portion 103 roughly equidistant between fixed handle 104 and slidable handle 106 in the retracted position of FIG. 1. Latch 110 has an inverse-U or hook shape that facilitates attachment to or holding of an encapsulated lock ring (not shown in FIG. 1) in a manner discussed further below. Latch 110 includes a front portion 114 arranged vertically in FIG. 1, a top portion 116 extending horizontally in FIG. 1 from vertical portion 114, and a rear portion 118 positioned perpendicular to top portion 116 and substantially parallel to front portion 114. Collectively, front portion 114, top portion 116, and rear portion 118 form an inverse-U or hook shape. In some examples, latch 110 is a solid component molded or machined from a rigid metal. In other examples, latch 110 is a collection of components adhered together, such as with top portion 116 being welded, bolted, or otherwise rigidly attached to front portion 114 and rear portion 118 to form the overall inverse-U or hook shape.

[0023] In some examples, within front portion 114 of latch 110, a slot 120 extends vertically. Slot 120 has a width slightly larger than a width of rod 122, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Referring to the example of FIG. 1, rod 122 of spreader bar 102 passes through slot 120 of latch 110 as part of spreader assembly 100. To help retain latch 110 on spreader bar 102 via rod 122, a retaining ring 124 may be added at the outer end of rod 122. Retaining ring 124 may provide a width or diameter for an outer end of rod 122 in excess of a width of slot 120 to ensure that latch 110 does not become detached from spreader bar 102. In some examples, retaining ring 124 may be an E-clip, E-ring, a washer, a nut, an integrated bolt head, or similar hardware. Accordingly, latch 110 is loosely coupled to spreader bar 102 and can slide in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 upwards and downwards within slot 120. Other mechanisms for loosely and slidingly retaining latch 110 onto spreader bar 102 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the field.

[0024] Latch 110 may further include a bore 402 (FIG. 4) extending longitudinally through front portion 114. Bore 402 provides a passageway for retaining a lock pin 112 to secure latch 110 in different vertical positions. Lock pin 112 is shown in the figures as a lock pin with a detent ball and an extraction ring. Other implementations for a pin, rod, or shaft within bore 402 are possible and will be known to those of ordinary skill in the field without departing from the principles of the present disclosure.

[0025] Lock pin 112 may be used to hold latch 110 in a “down” position. To position latch 110, lock pin 112 may be removed, and latch 110 may be moved vertically downward with rod 122 sliding within slot 120. To retain latch 110 in the “down” position, latch 110 is moved downwardly until bore 402 is vertically lower than rod 122, and lock pin 112 is inserted into bore 402, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The weight of latch 110 will force the latch at the top of slot 120 downwardly against rod 122, and rod 122 within bore 402 will effectively trap latch 110 in this “down” position, preventing upward movement of latch 110.

[0026] Conversely, to position latch 110 in an “up” position, lock pin 112 may be removed and latch 110 may be moved vertically upward with rod 122 sliding within slot 120. To retain latch 110 in the “up” position, latch 110 is moved upwardly until bore 402 is vertically higher than rod 122, and lock pin 112 is inserted into bore 402 (see FIG. 4). The weight of latch 110 will force lock pin 112 downwardly against rod 122, and rod 122 will effectively trap latch 110 in the “up” position.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of spreader assembly 100 from a rear perspective. As shown in FIG. 2, fixed handle 104 is attached to spreader bar 102 by means of fixed locator pin 204. In some examples, fixed locator pin 204 includes a stud or rod (not shown) extending from fixed handle 104 and through a hole within spreader bar 102. A cap, knob, or other structure at the end of the stud extends from the back surface or rear side 210 of spreader bar 102 as an exposed portion of fixed locator pin 204, which is shown in FIG. 2. In other examples, fixed locator pin 204 is not part of, or an extension of, fixed handle 104 and may be located elsewhere within solid portion 103 of spreader bar 102. Slidable handle 106, which may slide along track 108, is coupled to spreader bar 102 by means of moveable locator pin 206. As with fixed handle 104, slidable handle 106 may include a stud or rod (not shown) extending from slidable handle 106 and through track 108 within spreader bar 102. A cap, knob, or other structure at the end of the stud extends from rear side 210 of spreader bar 102 as an exposed portion of slidable locator pin 206, which is shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] In some examples, spreader bar 102 may include a spreader lug 208, as depicted in FIG. 2. Spreader lug 208 is generally a hump or a region of increased height within solid portion 103 of spreader bar 102. As discussed further below, optional spreader lug 208 may coincide with an optional coupler lug 322 within a coupler plate 312 when operating spreader assembly 100. In some examples, rod 122 is positioned within or near to spreader lug 208, thereby positioning top portion 116 of latch 110 over spreader lug 208. FIG. 2 shows the hook shape of latch 110, including a rear portion 118 extending behind and below a top surface of spreader bar 102. Rear portion 118 helps stabilize spreader assembly 100 when mounted on an encapsulated lock ring, as discussed below.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an encapsulated lock ring 300 in an initial stage of disassembly on which spreader assembly 100 may be used. Although not shown, encapsulated lock ring 300 would normally be installed on a wheel assembly of a large vehicle, such as a mining truck, from which encapsulated lock ring 300 needs to be expanded and then removed. Encapsulated lock ring 300 includes at least a first ring section 302 and a second ring section 304. Additional ring sections may be included within encapsulated lock ring 300. For the example of FIG. 3, first ring section 302 includes a top surface 314 and a front surface 316, while second ring section similarly has a top surface 318 and a front surface 320. One or more coupler plates, such as coupler plate 312, are configured to be received in recesses of the lock ring sections, such as within first ring section 302 and second ring section 304.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, coupler plate 312 may in some examples include a coupler lug 322. Similar to spreader lug 208 discussed above, coupler lug 322 is generally a hump or a region of increased height within coupler plate 312. Optional coupler lug 322 is configured to be positioned between the ends of first ring section 302 and second ring section 304 and generally flush with top surface 314 and top surface 318. Coupler lug 322 provides an abutment structure for these ends when encapsulated lock ring 300 is closed, providing better alignment of holes in the lock ring and corresponding openings within coupler plate 312 for easier insertion of screws.

[0031] As a first step in the disassembly of encapsulated lock ring 300, screws 306 securing the lock rings to coupler plate 312 are removed from encapsulated lock ring 300. These screws may be any type of attachment mechanism, such as 8 mm cap screws. The removal of screws 306 reveal hole 308 within front surface 316 of first ring section 302 and hole 310 within front surface 320 of second ring section 304.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a state of preparation for spreader assembly 100 before being joined with encapsulated lock ring 300. In particular, either before or after the removal of screws 306, latch 110 is placed into the “up” position. As discussed above, latch 110 has a hookshaped structure at its top, defined by front portion 114, top portion 116, and rear portion 118. In some examples, front portion 114 of latch 110 includes slot 120 in which rod 122 or similar structure integral with spreader bar 102 passes. Rod 122 through slot 120 in latch 110 is positioned essentially transversely to the length of spreader bar 102. Latch 110 also includes bore 402 that passes through its front portion and intersecting with slot 120, essentially in parallel with the length of spreader bar 102. In the state of preparation shown in FIG. 4, a user is typically positioned on front side 126 of spreader assembly 100. The user lifts latch 110 to its “up” position such that latch 110 is moved to where rod 122 is at the bottom of slot 120 in front portion 114 of latch 110. As a result, latch 110 is lifted above spreader bar 102. Thereafter, lock pin 112 is inserted into bore 402 to trap or hold latch 112 in the “up” position. In this situation, as illustrated in FIG. 4, rod 122, which is integral with and transverse to spreader bar 102, and lock pin 112 may be orthogonal to each other, and lock pin 112 is vertically above rod 122.

[0033] In a next step for attaching spreader assembly 100 to encapsulated lock ring 300, a user inserts fixed locator pin 204 and moveable locator pin 206 respectively into holes 310 and 308 on encapsulated lock ring 300, as shown in FIG. 5. In some examples, the connections of fixed locator pin 204 and slidable locator pin 206 into holes 310 and 308 are slip fit connections. That is, the shape and size of fixed locator pin 204 may be selected to enable a secure or even slightly loose connection with hole 310 by pressing fixed handle 104 against second ring section 304. Likewise, the shape and size of slidable locator pin 206 may be selected to enable a secure or even slightly loose connection with hole 308 by pressing slidable handle 106 against first ring section 302. Alternatively, fixed locator pin 204 and hole 310 and moveable locator pin 206 and hole 308 may have corresponding threads. Slip fit connections without threads may avoid complications from dirt entering into holes 308 and 310 and blocking threads in those holes when encapsulated lock ring 300 is used in a high- debris environment, such as a mining site. [0034] As fixed locator pin 204 and moveable locator pin 206 are inserted in the respective holes in encapsulated lock ring 300, spreader assembly 100 is positioned over coupler plate 312 at the intersection of first ring section 302 and second ring section 304. With latch 110 in its “up” position, the structure of latch 110 is elevated enough to clear the top surface of coupler lug 322 within coupler plate 312, as shown in FIG. 5. When fixed locator pin 204 and moveable locator pin 206 are inserted into holes 310 and 308, respectively, rear portion 118 of latch 110 is positioned laterally behind coupler plate 312 and coupler lug 322. At this stage, lock pin 112 may be removed to release the pin from its “up” position. Latch 110 then slides vertically downward into its “down” position, as shown in FIG. 6. In doing so, rear portion 118 extends behind the back side of coupler lug 322 and coupler plate 312.

[0035] To secure latch 110 in place, lock pin 112 is then reinserted into bore 402, as shown in FIG. 6. Due to the arrangement of bore 402 and slot 120 in the front of latch 110, lock pin 112 locks latch 110 in the “down” position. In this situation, lock pin 112 and rod 122 are again orthogonal to each other, but this time lock pin 112 is vertically below rod 122. Accordingly, front portion 114 and rear portion 118 of latch 110 essentially secure latch 110 in the lateral direction around coupler plate 312. This position, combined with the slip fit of fixed locator pin 204 in hole 310 and moveable locator pin 206 in hole 308, may provide a secure lateral attachment for spreader assembly 100 on encapsulated lock ring 300.

[0036] In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6, spreader assembly 100 is securely attached to encapsulated lock ring 300. While the dimensions for latch 110 are within the knowledge and experimentation of those of ordinary skill in the field, the lengths of top portion 116 and rear portion 118 may be selected so that rear portion 118 firmly and securely fits behind coupler plate 312 when latch 110 is dropped into its “down” position. The combination of fixed locator pin 204 and moveable locator pin 206 within holes 310 and 308, the dimensional impingement of rear portion 118 of latch 110 and top portion 116 of latch 110 against coupler plate 312, and the locking of latch 110 by means of lock pin 112 and rod 122 all keep spreader assembly 100 and encapsulated lock ring 300 movably secured together.

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a final step in the separation or expansion process for encapsulated lock ring 300. In particular, a user positioned generally adjacent front surface 316 of first ring section 302 and front surface 318 of second ring section 304 will pull fixed handle 104 and moveable handle 106 away from each other, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 7. In doing so, moveable handle 106, which is slidably attached to spreader bar 102 using moveable locator pin 206, will slide within track 108 of spreader bar 102 as first ring section 302 is pulled away from second ring section 304, as shown. Additionally or alternatively, fixed handle 104 attached to second ring section 304 will move longitudinally (to the right in FIG. 7) relative to moveable handle 106 as spreader bar 102 and track 108 slide around enclosed moveable locator pin 206. In being expanded to open encapsulated lock ring 300, spreader bar 102 acts as a chord across the arc of encapsulated lock ring 300. Although not shown, it is intended that spreader assembly 100 be used at each location in which sections of the lock ring come together.

[0038] Thus, spreader assembly 100 enables the separation of first ring section 302 from second ring section 304 with improved leverage and without the direct handling of encapsulated lock ring 300, avoiding potential risks of pinching or other injury at the junction of the ring sections. With the separation of section 302 from section 304 and overall expansion of the diameter for encapsulated lock ring 300 compared with the diameter of the wheel rim on which it is mounted, encapsulated lock ring 300 can then be removed or disassembled.

[0039] Removal of spreader assembly 100 from its installed position on encapsulated lock ring 300 can occur in the reverse order. In short, from the general arrangement illustrated in FIG. 7, lock ring 112 would first be removed from latch 110, latch 110 would be lifted to its “up” position (FIG. 4). Then, fixed handle 104 and moveable handle 106 would be removed from holes 308 and 310 as spreader assembly 100 is lifted away from encapsulated lock ring 300 to separate the two assemblies.

[0040] In some examples, spreader assembly 100 can be used similarly to pull first ring section 302 and second ring section 304 together, likewise providing enhanced leverage and avoiding potential injury to workers. For instance, when installing encapsulated lock ring 300 on a wheel of mining equipment, a sequence may begin with encapsulated lock ring 300 and spreader assembly 100 in an arrangement as generally depicted in FIG. 7. In contrast to the opening operation, in closing first ring section 302 and second ring section 304 together, a user would pull fixed handle 104 and moveable handle 106 toward each other in the opposite manner to what is depicted in FIG. 7. In response to the pulling forces, moveable locator pin 206 as part of moveable handle 106 would slide within track 108, drawing first ring section 302 and second ring section 304 toward each other until their ends mate with optional coupler lug 322. Removal of spreader assembly 100 from its installed position on encapsulated lock ring 300 could then occur in the manner described above, followed by installation of cap screws 306 into holes 308 and 310 of encapsulated lock ring 300 (FIG. 3).

[0041] FIG. 8 is a flowchart summarizing a representative method for maneuvering sections of a wheel lock ring. Generally embodied as 800 in FIG. 8, the method begins with step 802 in which a spreader assembly is positioned aside a lock ring. As explained above and illustrated in FIGS. 3-7, encapsulated lock ring 300 may include a first ring section coupled circumferentially to a second ring section by a coupler plate, also called a slider plate. As also explained above and illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-7, spreader assembly 100 may include a spreader bar, a U-shaped latch, a fixed handle, a fixed locator pin projecting from a side of the spreader bar, a moveable handle, and a moveable locator pin projecting from the side of the spreader bar and being slidable with the moveable handle along a longitudinal groove within the spreader bar.

[0042] In a second step 804 in FIG. 8, the fixed locator pin is inserted into a first hole in the first ring section of the encapsulated lock ring. FIG. 5 provides an example of this action, with fixed locator pin 204 being inserted into hole 310. Similarly, in a third step 806 in FIG. 8, a moveable locator pin is inserted into a second hole in the second ring section. Referring to FIG. 5, moveable locator pin 206 is shown being inserted into hole 308 within the encapsulated lock ring 300.

[0043] For the method 800 in FIG. 8, a next step 808 in the process is positioning a top side of the U-shaped latch over the lock ring. FIGS. 5 and 6, for example, show options for this step. In particular, the U-shaped latch 110 in these figures is positioned so that a top portion 116 is located over the lock ring 300. More specifically, in these examples, the top portion 116 is positioned over coupler plate 312 and, if applicable, over coupler lug 322. Additional steps of locking and unlocking a slidable latch between up and down positions are detailed above.

[0044] Finally, method 800 concludes in step 810 with moveable handle sliding along the longitudinal groove in the spreader bar relative to the fixed handle. As illustrated in FIG. 7, in one example, moveable handle 106 and fixed handle 104 are pulled apart from each other, causing first ring section 302 and second ring section 304 to become separated while fixed locator pin 204 and moveable locator pin 206 remain inserted within holes 308 and 310 within encapsulated lock ring 300. Alternatively, fixed handle 104 and moveable handle 106 could be moved closer together to help bring together first ring section 302 and second ring section 304 about coupler plate 312.

[0045] Those of ordinary skill in the field will appreciate that the principles of this disclosure are not limited to the specific examples discussed or illustrated in the figures. For example, while a hook-shaped or U-shaped latch is disclosed, the principles of this disclosure for spreader bar 102 may be applied without a latch or to other structures for securing spreader bar 102 to encapsulated lock ring 300. Moreover, while the present disclosure addresses usages with a coupler plate having a coupler lug to keep apart sections of encapsulated lock ring 300, implementations without a coupler lug are contemplated. In addition, the principles disclosed are not limited to implementation on an encapsulated lock ring for wheels of mining equipment. Any wheel having a split ring could benefit from the examples and techniques disclosed and claimed.

[0046] Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. As used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

[0047] Terms of approximation are meant to include ranges of values that do not change the function or result of the disclosed structure or process. For instance, the term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree, and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. As an example, “substantially parallel” need not be exactly 180 degrees, but may also encompass slight variations of a few degrees based on the context.

[0048] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A spreader assembly for a lock ring, comprising: a spreader bar having a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section with at least a top side, a front side, and a rear side, the second longitudinal section having a hollowed track between the front side and the rear side; a first handle attached to the first longitudinal section; a second handle slidably attached to the spreader bar within the hollowed track of the second longitudinal section; and a latch coupled to the first longitudinal section of the spreader bar, the latch having a front portion and a rear portion substantially perpendicular to a top portion, the front portion being coupled to the front side of the spreader bar, the top portion extending laterally across the top side of the spreader bar, and the rear portion extending behind the rear side of the spreader bar.

2. The spreader assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first locator pin extending from the first longitudinal section on the rear side of the spreader bar.

3. The spreader assembly of claim 2, further comprising a second locator pin extending from the second longitudinal section on the rear side of the spreader bar through the hollowed track, wherein the second locator pin is coupled to the second handle.

4. The spreader assembly of claim 1, further comprising a rod extending from the front side of the spreader bar.

5. The spreader assembly of claim 4, further comprising a slot extending through the front portion of the latch, wherein the rod passes through slot.

6. The spreader assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a bore extending longitudinally through the front portion of the latch and intersecting with the slot; and a lock pin disposed within the bore and passing through the slot.

7. The spreader assembly of claim 6, wherein, in an up position for the latch, the lock pin within the slot is vertically above the rod.

8. The spreader assembly of claim 6, wherein, in a down position for the latch, the lock pin within the slot is vertically below the rod.

9. The spreader assembly of claim 4, further comprising a ring positioned on an exterior end of the rod to retain the latch on the rod.

10. The spreader assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spreader lug on the top side of the spreader bar underneath the top portion of the latch.

11. A combination, comprising: a wheel lock ring having a front surface and a top surface, the wheel lock ring comprising a first ring section, a second ring section, and a coupler plate extending interior to and between the first ring section and the second ring section, wherein the front surface has a first hole in the first ring section and a second hole in the second ring section; a spreader bar with at least a top side, a front side, and a rear side, the spreader bar having a longitudinal cavity between the front side and the rear side, wherein the rear side of the spreader bar is adjacent the front surface of the wheel lock ring; a first handle attached to the spreader bar; a first knob extending from the rear side of the spreader bar and being removably positioned within the first hole in the first ring section; a second handle slidably coupled to the spreader bar within the longitudinal cavity; and a second knob extending from the rear side of the spreader bar and being removably positioned within the second hole in the second ring section, wherein the second knob is connected to the second handle and is slidably coupled to the spreader bar within the longitudinal cavity.

12. The combination of claim 11, further comprising a hook-shaped latch coupled to the spreader bar and having a front portion, a rear portion, and a top portion, the front portion being coupled to the front side of the spreader bar, the top portion extending laterally across the top surface of the wheel lock ring, the rear portion being substantially parallel to the front portion. 16

13. The combination of claim 12, further comprising a vertical slot within the front portion of the hook-shaped latch, and a rod extending from the front side of the spreader bar and through the vertical slot.

14. The combination of claim 13, further comprising a bore extending longitudinally through the front portion of the hook-shaped latch and intersecting with the slot, and a lock pin disposed within the bore and passing through the vertical slot.

15. The combination of claim 12, wherein the coupler plate includes a coupler lug separating a first end of the first ring section from a second end of the second ring section, and wherein the rear portion of the hook-shaped latch is adjacent the coupler lug.

16. A method for using a spreader assembly to maneuver sections of a lock ring for a wheel, comprising: positioning the spreader assembly aside the lock ring, the lock ring comprising a first ring section coupled circumferentially to a second ring section by a slider plate, the spreader assembly comprising a spreader bar, a U-shaped latch, a fixed handle, fixed locator pin projecting from a side of the spreader bar, a moveable handle, and a moveable locator pin projecting from the side of the spreader bar and being slidable with the moveable handle along a longitudinal groove within the spreader bar; inserting the fixed locator pin into a first hole in the first ring section; inserting the moveable locator pin into a second hole in the second ring section; positioning a top side of the U-shaped latch over the lock ring; and sliding the moveable handle along the longitudinal groove relative to the fixed handle.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising, before positioning the top side of the U- shaped latch over the lock ring, securing the U-shaped latch in a vertically up position relative to the spreader bar using a lock pin.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising, after positioning the top side of the U- shaped latch over the lock ring, releasing the U-shaped latch from the vertically up position and securing the U-shaped latch in a vertically down position relative to the spreader bar using the lock pin.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising, before inserting the fixed locator pin into a first hole in the first ring section, removing a first cap screw from the first hole. 17

20. The method of claim 16, wherein sliding the moveable handle along the longitudinal groove relative to the fixed handle comprises sliding the moveable handle and the fixed handle farther apart.