Patent ID: 6401338
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: A63C,B23P,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of removing a bearing insert from a hub of a skate wheel having a central axis, the method comprising the steps of:a) providing a tool comprising a cylindrical hollow shaft with a first and second end, a set of retractable nipples located within the hollow shaft second end extending transversely therethrough, a means for retracting the set of nipples transversely into the cylindrical hollow shaft and a means for activating the means for retracting; b) providing a proximal and distal bearing insert axially mounted at opposed cylindrical end portions of a spacer element within the skate wheel hub central axis, the spacer element having a central cylindrical portion disposed between the opposed cylindrical end portions, the central cylindrical portion having a larger diameter than that of each opposed cylindrical end portion on which each bearing insert is mounted; c) providing a pair of transverse bores formed through the spacer element central cylindrical portion, the pair of transverse bores adapted to receive the set of nipples from the tool; d) applying force to the means for activating the means for retracting causing the set of nipples to retract transversely into the tool cylindrical hollow shaft; e) inserting the tool cylindrical hollow shaft through a central axial bore of the proximal bearing insert and into the spacer element; f) releasing the force from the means for activating the means for retracting thereby causing the set of nipples to transversely extend through the pair of transverse bores and engage a side wall of each transverse bore; g) applying axial force towards the skate wheel hub thereby pushing the distal bearing insert thereout; and h) applying axial force away from the skate wheel hub thereby pulling the proximal bearing insert and spacer element therefromout.