Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Wheel
Patent
1995-10-03
1998-08-25
Bennett, G. Bradley
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Wheel
3320315, G01B 5255
Patent
active
057971900
ABSTRACT:
A wheel alignment system that uses the sidewall of the tire to define a measurement surface. The measurement surface is established by a wheel fixture that includes a pair of slide channels having flat faces that engage the sidewall of the tire and a base structure defining a planar measurement surface parallel to the sidewall that slides back and forth on the slide channels. A flexible strap is passed around the tire and attaches to the base structure at opposite sides to hold the fixture against the sidewall. A method is described for measuring the caster and steering axis inclination while the vehicle is jacked up. Another form of apparatus used for checking wheel straightness and for making toe measurements includes a cross member long enough to extend at least across the tire and engage the sidewall on opposite sides of the wheel. The cross member is supported on a pair of parallel rods that extend perpendicular to the cross member. This apparatus is used to observe deviations in the trueness as the tire is rotated. A wheel spreader apparatus includes a long shaft, a retractable tip for engaging a wall of a tire, and a spring biasing arrangement at one end of the shaft for urging the tip against the tire wall. The shaft carries a movable stop member that may be positioned at any point along the shaft, and the stop member carries a second tip for engaging an inner wall of an opposing tire. The wheel spreader reaches across the vehicle and extends beyond the opposite side so that it may be installed from the side of the vehicle.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2737728 (1956-03-01), Taber
patent: 2799094 (1957-07-01), Taber
patent: 3758958 (1973-09-01), Jordan
patent: 3805399 (1974-04-01), Price
patent: 4800651 (1989-01-01), Hanlon
patent: 4939848 (1990-07-01), Armstrong
patent: 4958439 (1990-09-01), Dehn
patent: 5179784 (1993-01-01), Kowis
patent: 5408755 (1995-04-01), Russell
"Total Wheel Alignment Sourcebook," Specialty Products Company, Feb. 1992, pp. 4-5, 78-81.
"Wheel Alignment Instructions," Instructional pamphlet, Specialty Products Company, Undated.
"The A/T-4 Four Wheel Alignment Sustem," Altech Industries advertisement, in Bodyshop Expo '95, Feb./Mar. 1995.
"The Right Track (4-Wheel Alignment)," in Motor Age, Feb. 1995, p. 18 et seq.
"Wheel Alignment," in Petersen's Basic Chassis, Suspension & Brakes No. 2, 1971, pp. 48-59 no month.
Aronson Elliot B.
Bennett G. Bradley
LandOfFree
Wheel alignment method and apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Wheel alignment method and apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Wheel alignment method and apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-29229