Vehicle axle vent tube
US6725743B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2188
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vent tube for hollow axles of heavy-duty vehicles such as semi-trailers releases built-up air pressure from the wheel hub and axle while preventing ingress of contaminants into the axle and hub. The vent tube includes a tubular portion preformed from a flexible material into a generally coiled configuration. The tubular portion is biased to the coiled state so that when stretched about the axle and released, it firmly grips the axle without the need for fasteners. One end of the tubular portion includes a fitting for plumbing into the axle and the opposite end includes a one-way check valve such as a duck bill. The vent tube is disposed in a protected location within the hollow beam of the vehicle suspension assembly, and on a relatively stress-free location of the axle within a window of an axle sleeve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.