RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/233,720 entitled "Nut and Sleeve Combination," filed August 13, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention provide a caged sleeve assembly configured to minimize angular movement or "clocking" of wheel assemblies.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various vehicles utilize a hub-piloted flat mounting system with respect to a wheel assembly. For a variety of reasons, a wheel end may progressively lose tension. The diametric tolerance between a bolt and a bolt hole of the wheel is relatively large. The tolerance allows angular movement or "clocking" that, in turn, may cause the wheels to wear.

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a top isometric view of a known sleeve nut 10. The sleeve nut 10 includes a nut 12 integrally connected to a sleeve 14. A central threaded channel 16 is formed through the nut 12 and the sleeve 14 and is configured to threadably retain a bolt. A washer 18 is positioned around the sleeve 14 underneath the nut 12. The sleeve nut 10 may be used to minimize wheel movement, for example.

[0005] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a known centering sleeve 20. The centering sleeve 20 includes a main column 22 connected to a collar 24. The collar 24 is configured to support a cage, as noted below. Notably, the sleeve 20 is not integrally formed with or connected to a nut.

[0006] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a known cage 26. The cage 26 includes a main body 28 configured to retain washers (not shown in Figure 3). The main body 28 connects to a flange 30 that is configured to seat on the collar 24 of the sleeve 20 (shown in Figure 2).

[0007] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the cage 26 seats on the collar 24. A bolt is positioned through central passages of the sleeve 20 and the cage 26 to secure the cage 26 and sleeve 20 together. Accordingly, the cage 26 and the sleeve 20 may be used to align outer halves, such as a wheel, of a two-piece wheel assembly. A through-hole of a wheel is urged over the bolt. The main column 22 may also be positioned within the same through-hole and over the same bolt. The cage 26 is then threaded onto the bolt and positioned on top of the collar 24, thereby securing the wheel, sleeve 20, and cage 26 together.

[0008] Additionally, a collared sleeve may be placed into bolt holes and a nut may be positioned on top of the sleeve in order to align inner and outer halves of a two- piece wheel.

[0009] However, the cage 26 and the sleeve 20 may be mis-aligned during initial positioning. Further, a collared sleeve may be mis-aligned with the nut. Therefore, when a bolt is passed therethrough, the components may improperly secure together.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a caged sleeve assembly that includes a cage having a main body defining a washer chamber, at least one washer within the washer chamber, and a centering sleeve secured to the cage. The centering sleeve is configured to center the caged assembly within a through-hole of a wheel component.

[0011] The centering sleeve secures to the cage without the use of a separate and distinct fastener. While the assembly is still configured to receive and retain a bolt, the bolt is not necessary to secure the cage to the sleeve. [0012] The centering sleeve may include an open-ended shaft integrally connected to an out-turned collar. The out-turned collar may be compressively sandwiched between the washer and a base of the cage. Optionally, the out-turned collar may be compressively sandwiched between at least one folded-over tab of the cage and the washer.

[0013] The assembly may also include an annular flange secured to at least a portion of a base of the cage. The annular flange may be integrally formed with the centering sleeve. That is, the annular flange may be molded or otherwise formed as a single, unitary flanged sleeve. At least a portion of the base may secure to an inner ridge or notch formed in the flange.

[0014] The centering sleeve may include a threaded end. The washer may threadably secure to the threaded end. The washer may be compressively sandwiched between a base of the cage and an additional washer within the washer chamber. The washer may have a larger central opening than additional washers within the washer chamber positioned over the washer. Further, the washer may have a first thread pitch, and the additional washers have a thread pitch that differs from the first thread pitch.

[0015] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a caged sleeve assembly that includes a hexagonal cage including a main body having a base at one end and tabs at an opposite end, wherein the main body defines an internal washer chamber; first, second, third and fourth hexagonal washers within the washer chamber, wherein the tabs are folded over the fourth washer to secure the washers within the washer chamber between the tabs and the base; and a centering sleeve secured to the cage, wherein the centering sleeve is configured to center the caged assembly within a through-hole of a wheel component.

[0016] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a caged sleeve assembly that includes a cage having a washer chamber, a plurality of washers within the washer chamber, and a centering sleeve secured to the cage. The centering sleeve secures to the cage without the use of a separate and distinct fastener. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a top isometric view of a known sleeve nut.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a known centering sleeve.

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a known cage.

[0020] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a caged sleeve assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a caged sleeve assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric front view of a flanged sleeve, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 illustrates an isometric top view of a flanged sleeve, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 illustrates a top view of a flanged sleeve, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flanged sleeve through line 9-9 of Figure 8, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a caged sleeve assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a caged sleeve assembly with washers, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 12 illustrates an isometric top view of a sleeve, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 13 illustrates an isometric top view of a washer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0030] Figure 14 illustrates an isometric top view of a washer secured to a sleeve, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 15 illustrates a front view of a caged sleeve assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 16 illustrates a top view of a caged sleeve assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a caged sleeve assembly through line 17-17 of Figure 16, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a caged sleeve assembly 40, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 40 includes an open-ended cylindrical sleeve 42 having an out-turned collar 44. The sleeve 42 includes a central passage 45 formed therethrough. The central passage 45 is configured to receive a bolt shaft.

[0036] A cage 46 is securely mounted to the sleeve 42. The cage 46 includes upstanding outer walls 48 that define a washer chamber 50. The walls 48 may form a hexagonal shape in order to accommodate hexagonal washers 52 that are contained within the washer chamber 50. However, the walls 48 and the washers 52 may be various other shapes. The angled shapes of the walls 48 and washers 52, however, ensure that the washers 52 do not axially rotate within the washer chamber 50. Further, the cage 46 may be configured to retain more or less washers 52 than shown.

[0037] Tabs 54 extend from upper portions of the walls 48. As shown in Figure 4, the tabs 54 are aligned with the walls 48 in order to allow the washers 52 to be loaded into the washer chamber 50. After the washers 52 are positioned within the washer chamber 50, the tabs 54 may be folded over the top washer 52 in order to securely compress the washers 52 in position.

[0038] A base 56 integrally connects to bottom portions of the walls 48 and is generally perpendicular to the walls 48. However, as shown in Figure 4, the base 56 has a distal end 58 that curves upward with increased distance toward the central axis of the assembly 40. Outer edges 60 of the collar 44 of the sleeve 42 abut into inner surfaces of the walls 48 just above the base 56. The distal ends 58 of the base 56, in turn, abut into an outer surface of the sleeve 42 proximate a junction 62 of the collar 44 and the main shaft of the sleeve 42, thereby wedging the cage 46 to the sleeve 42.

[0039] An annular flange 64 having a central opening is positioned around a hollow post 66 that extends downwardly from the distal ends 58 of the base 56. The flange 64 may be thicker and more robust than either the sleeve 42 or the cage 46, as shown in Figure 4. The thick, robust nature of the flange 64 provides greater clamping force.

[0040] Once the tabs 54 are folded over in order to secure the washers 52 in place, the washers 52 exert a compressive force into the top of the collar 44 of the sleeve 42 in the direction of arrow A. At the same time, the flange 64 compresses the base 56 of the cage 46 into the collar 44 in the direction of arrow A'. Accordingly, the cage 46 and sleeve 42 are securely fastened together.

[0041] The flange 64 includes tapered inner edges 68 that define a central opening that decreases in width from a bottom surface to an upper surface of the flange 64. Accordingly, an upper interior edge 70 compressively urges the distal ends 58 of the base 56 into the junction 62 of the sleeve 42, thereby compressively sandwiching the base 56 into the junction 62 of the sleeve 42. As such, the flange 64 assists in securely fixing the cage 46 to the sleeve 42.

[0042] A bolt (not shown) may be passed through the interior passage defined by the sleeve 42 and the washers 52.

[0043] As explained above, a method to secure the cage 46 to the sleeve 42 includes moving the sleeve 42 into the washer chamber 50 so that the collar 44 of the sleeve 42 rests on the base 56 of the cage 46. The flange 64 may be secured around a portion of the cage 46, thereby urging a portion of the base 56 into the collar 44. The washers 52 may then be loaded into the washer chamber 50, and the tabs 54 may be folded over the washers 52, thereby compressing the collar 44 between the lower washer 52 and the base 56 of the cage 46.

[0044] Optionally, the washers 52 may be loaded into the washer chamber 50 and secured therein by the folded-over tabs 54, before the flange 64 is positioned around a portion of the cage 46. In this manner, the collar 44 of the sleeve 42 is compressively sandwiched between the lower washer 52 and the base 56 of the cage 46.

[0045] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a caged sleeve assembly 72, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 72 is similar to the assembly 40, except that the collar 44 is sandwiched between folded-over tabs 54 and the top washer 52, thereby securing the sleeve 42 to the cage 46. Optionally, the collar 44 and sleeve 42 may be integrally formed as a single piece.

[0046] Thus, a method to secure the cage 46 to the sleeve 42 includes loading the cage 46 with the washers 52. After the washers 52 are within the washer chamber 50, the shaft of the sleeve 42 is urged into the central passage defined by the washers 52 until the collar 44 rests on the top washer 52. At this point, the tabs 54 of the cage 46 are folded over the top surface of the collar 44, thereby compressively sandwiching the collar 44 between the tabs 54 and the top washer 52. Accordingly, the sleeve 42 securely fastens to the cage 46. [0047] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate isometric front and top views, respectively, of a flanged sleeve 74, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flanged sleeve 74 integrally combines a sleeve 76 with an annular flange 78 into a single, unitary piece.

[0048] Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the flanged sleeve 74, while Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flanged sleeve 74 through line 9-9 of Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, the annular flange 78, which is thicker than the sleeve 76, integrally extends from top edges of the sleeve 76.

[0049] An opening 80 is formed through the flange 78. The diameter of the of the opening 80 decreases toward an angled ledge 82. The diameter of the opening 80 proximate the bottom of the flange 78 is wider than at the level of the angled ledge 82, and may be as wide as the top of the opening 80. A collar ledge 84 is formed at a bottom of the flange 78. Optionally, the opening 80 may simply taper at a constant rate from top to bottom.

[0050] Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a caged sleeve assembly 90, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A cage 92 including a lower base 94 is securely fastened to the flanged sleeve 74. The base 94 is folded or crimped into the opening 80. That is, the base 94 is folded into the opening 80 defined by the flange 78, thereby securely crimping the cage 92 to the flanged sleeve 74.

[0051] Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the caged sleeve assembly 90 with washers 96, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the caged sleeve assembly 90 provides a unitary construction in which the cage 92 is securely fastened to the sleeve 76.

[0052] Thus, a method of securing the cage 92 into the flange 78 of the flanged sleeve 74 includes crimping or otherwise conforming the base 94 onto or into a ridge or notch formed on an interior surface of the flange 78. The base 94 may be folded over, under, or into a ridge or notch of the annular flange 78. [0053] Figure 12 illustrates an isometric top view of a sleeve 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sleeve 100 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. An upper portion 102 of the sleeve 100 is threaded in order to threadably engage a washer.

[0054] Figure 13 illustrates an isometric top view of a washer 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The washer 104 includes a threaded inner annular surface 106 that is configured to threadably engage the upper portion 102 of the sleeve 100.

[0055] Figure 14 illustrates an isometric top view of the washer 104 secured to the sleeve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The washer 104 is threadably secured to the threaded upper portion 102 (hidden from view in Figure 14) of the sleeve 100.

[0056] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate front and top views, respectively, of a caged sleeve assembly 108, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the assembly 108 includes the sleeve 100 secured to the washer 104 (hidden from view in Figures 15 and 16), the cage 46 (shown and discussed with respect to Figure 4), and the flange 64 (shown and discussed with respect to Figure 4).

[0057] Figure 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the caged sleeve assembly 108 through line 17-17 of Figure 16. In order to manufacture the assembly 108, the sleeve 100 is passed through the cage 46 until the washer 104 abuts the base 56, which prevents the washer 104 from passing through. Additional washers 52 are positioned over the washer 104, and the tabs 54 are folded over the top washer 52, thereby securely compressing the washers 52 and 104 in place. Because the washer 104 is lodged in the cage 46 between the base 56 and the adjacent washer 52, the sleeve 100, which is threadably secured to the washer 104, is securely fixed to the cage 46. The flange 64 provides additional fastening, as discussed above with respect to Figure 4. [0058] The thread pitch of the washer 104 may be different than the thread pitch of the washers 52. It has been found that the differing thread pitch assists in securing the sleeve 100 to the cage 46.

[0059] Additionally, as shown in Figure 17, the central opening of the washer 104 is greater than that of the washers 52. This is to ensure that the washer 104 threadably engages around the threaded end of the sleeve 100, while allowing a bolt to pass through the sleeve 100 and engage the washers 52.

[0060] Optionally, the washers 52 and 104 may all be placed in the cage 46 before the sleeve 100 threadably engages the washer 104. After the tabs 54 are folded over the top washer 52, thereby securing the washers 52 and 104 in the washer chamber of the cage 46, the sleeve 100 may be urged into the washer chamber and threadably secured to the washer 104.

[0061] Accordingly, the caged sleeve assembly 108 provides a sleeve 100 securely fixed to a cage 46 before being positioned on components of a wheel assembly.

[0062] Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods of securely fastening a cage to a sleeve.

[0063] Embodiments of the present invention, as described above, provide caged sleeve assemblies that are easily and efficiently formed as a single piece. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide assemblies that minimize mis-alignment during manufacture and use when securing wheel components together.

[0064] Moreover, embodiments of the present invention provide assemblies that secure a cage to a sleeve without the use of separate fasteners or welding, for example. The assemblies secure a cage to a sleeve without an intervening bolt passing therethrough. While the assemblies are still configured to retain and align a bolt, the bolt is not needed to secure the cage to sleeve. [0065] Embodiments of the present invention minimize wheel movement that can occur over time with braking, acceleration, and turning. It has been found that embodiments of the present invention minimize angular movement.

[0066] The external diameters of sleeves of the caged sleeve assemblies shown and described with respect to Figures 4-17 act as centering pilots. Embodiments of the present invention minimize movement between wheel components, thereby maintaining wheel integrity over time.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention minimize angular movement of "clocking" maintains wheel tension over time. The additional time extends the window for detection of a loose wheel joint.

[0068] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may used to describe embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

[0069] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0070] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.