Lubrication – Bearing packer
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-21
2001-11-27
Fenstermacher, David (Department: 3682)
Lubrication
Bearing packer
C184S105200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321875
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a device for lubricating wheel bearings for motor vehicles, and will be particularly useful in lubricating wheel bearings In racing car applications.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many automobiles and light trucks are constructed using an axle and wheel hub assembly for mounting the wheels of the vehide. Typically, the wheel hub includes two Interior sets of roller bearings to receive the axle and allow the wheel hub to freely rotate about the axle. The two sets of bearings, one outer and one inner, are housed in a bore within the hub. The outer bearings are those located on the side of the hub on which the wheel is mounted, while the inner bearings are on the opposing side of the hub. The bearing sets are packed with grease and then covered with a seal to keep unwanted foreign material out. Periodically, the bearing sets need to be repacked with grease to facilitate optimal performance. In racing applications the high demand placed on the bearings makes it even more rtnt that frequent repacking be done.
There have been numerous inventions related to devices to aid in lubricating or repacking grease into these types of wheel bearings. Some examples include those found at U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,058,185; 4,106,826; 4,932,499; 5,080,198; 5,109,955; 5,307,901; and 5,584,359.
The present invention is directed specifically to the inner set of bearings on a typical wheel hub assembly. A good example of this type of hub is the wilwood Starilght V, which is often used in racecars. The inner bearings of the wheel hub present particular problems with respect to the grease packing process. To pack the inner bearings with grease, the usual procedure Is to take the hub off the vehicle, remove the bearing seal and manually press grease into the bearings until they can take no more. When that has been done a new bearing seal must then be installed.
This procedure has a number of drawbacks. First, it is tedious and time-consuming. Second, it is a messy job. Third, the need to replace the bearing seal each time the bearings are repacked leads to extra costs.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a wheel bearing lubricator sleeve for lubricating inner wheel bearings which overcomes the drawbacks described above.
Another object of the invention is to provide a detachable wheel bearing lubricator sleeve that allows the bearings to be quickly and thoroughly repacked with grease without the need to remove the bearings from the hub or to remove the bearing seal from the hub.
Another object of the invention is to provide a wheel bearing lubricator sleeve that can be used in conjunction with an ordinary grease gun, thereby avoiding the need to pack the bearings by hand.
Another object of the invention is to provide a wheel bearing lubricator sleeve which can function with the bearing seal left in place, thereby avoiding the need to remove the seal or to use a new seal each time the bearings are repacked.
Another object of the invention is to describe a wheel bearing lubricator sleeve which requires no moving parts or complicated arrangements and which can be constructed inexpensively and function indefinitely.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises a wheel bearing lubricator which is inserted into the inner bore of a wheel hub after it has been removed from the vehicle. A guide shaft on the device is dimensioned to have a diameter the same or slightly smaller than the axle shaft, thereby promoting a snug but rotatable fit. The guide shaft diameter may be slightly tapered to facilitate insertion of the device. A shoulder on the device allows it to be inserted into the inner bore of the wheel hub until it seats against the bearing seal. A sealing ring on the device is intermediate the shoulder and guide shaft. The device includes an angled passageway with a grease gun fitting at one end. After the device has been seated within the hub bore, a grease gun can be attached to the fitting and grease pumped into the passageway, the grease thereby flowing through the passage and into the bearings. The sealing ring and guide shaft prevent the grease from flowing to areas where it is not wanted. A handle on the device allows it to be inserted and removed easily, and to be rotated during the lubrication process to ensure that the grease is well distributed through the bearings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2369178 (1945-02-01), Richmond et al.
patent: 4928794 (1990-05-01), Bangerger
patent: 4932499 (1990-06-01), Covert
patent: 5080198 (1992-01-01), Rice
patent: 5109955 (1992-05-01), Clark
patent: 5232069 (1993-08-01), Siegrist
patent: 5307901 (1994-05-01), Stromberg
patent: 5584359 (1996-12-01), Reinersman
patent: 5782318 (1998-07-01), NG
Fenstermacher David
Wargo Kenneth W.
LandOfFree
Wheel bearing lubricator sleeve 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 bearing lubricator sleeve, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Wheel bearing lubricator sleeve will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2573247