Cam mechanism for an adjustable wheel mounting assembly
US6371500B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2200/4622
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An adjustable mounting assembly for a steerable wheel assembly. A cam member is rotatably disposed within a recess formed in the lower arm of a yoke assembly. An eccentric cylinder of the cam member extends within a vertically oriented slot formed in a ball joint forging which is in turn adjustable secured to the lower arm of the yoke. By simply rotating the cam member, the eccentric cylinder engages the slot and moves the ball joint forging in a horizontal direction to adjust the caster of the wheel assembly. The vertical slot in the ball joint forging prevents vertical movement to facilitate adjustment of the caster without affecting a camber setting, the distance between the upper and lower ball joints, or ball joint pre-loading. Horizontal slots are formed in the lower arm to align with boltholes formed in the ball joint forging to allow the forging to be bolted to the lower arm over a range of horizontal positions. A method of adjusting the camber of the wheel assembly is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.