Retention mechanism for vehicle wheel assembly

US6371268B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Warn Industries, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael L. McMorris · Dickerson, US
• Bryan Averill · Portland, US
• Evan R. Baker · Camas, US
• Kip E. Clohessy · Milwaukie, US
• Fred L. Ewer · Sandy, US
• Mark J. Fogelberg · Loveland, US
• Thomas W. Giacomini · Livonia, US
• Randy C. Karambelas · Milwaukie, US
• Peter A. Lines · Portland, US
• John McCalla · Ferndale, US
• Scott J. Pugliese · Portland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 14, 2000
• Grant date: Apr 16, 2002
• Expiry date: Sep 14, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D11/04
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A wheel end assembly including a live spindle secured to a wheel hub at an outboard end. A bearing surrounding the spindle and abutted against a shoulder on the spindle. Said bearing preloaded by a retention structure that slidably engages the bearing to compress the bearing against the shoulder. A clutch ring slidably engages splines associated with the live spindle and with an axle portion to connect and disconnect the axle to the live spindle and accordingly the wheel hub.