Patent Publication Number: US-9835077-B2

Title: Emergency portable adjustable engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) lock-in device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1: Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an emergency engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) lock-in device. More specifically, present invention relates to locking-keys that lock in engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) to engine hub, for continuous operation, when engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) fails. 
     2: Prior Art 
     In the trucking industry many trucks equipped with certain engine-fan assemblies (fan clutch) would welcome the fact that they can be assured that when engine-fan assemblies (fan clutch) fails, present invention can be easily installed, thus acting as a safety, and cost-saving device. This gives responsible persons having the device aboard the vehicle/semi-truck combination(s) in storage for possible use in case of engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) failure confidence, and peace of mind in knowing, device can be installed, and safely driven to safe-haven or nearest repair facility. No device is known that accomplishes in design, or objective, what this invention does in its design and objective. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     1: The principal object of the present invention is to provide an emergency portable, adjustable engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) lock-in device with means to lock-in the engine-fan assembly (fan clutch), with locking-keys installed to engine hub for continuous operation, when engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) fails due to worn out clutch lining, worn out cage housing, etc., thus not maintaining proper/safe engine oil or coolant temperature, forcing vehicle/semi-truck trailer(s) combination(s) not to move on its own power. As saying goes “dead in the water”, or be subject to severe costly engine damage, due to overheating. 
     2: It is also an object of the present invention to provide an emergency portable adjustable engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) lock-in device that can be easily installed, and move vehicles such as huge semi-truck trailer(s) combination(s) with own power from very dangerous situations such as, side of busy two-lane road, blind spot in road, busy city traffic, mountain highway with severe weather conditions, etc. to safely drive to safe-haven or nearest repair facility, possibly preventing an accident, saving lives, and damages to vehicles due to collision(s). 
     3: Another object of present invention is to provide means to save thousands of dollars in down-time, and tow truck charges. 
     4: Another further object is to provide a device which is of simple, inexpensive construction. 
     5: A final object is to provide confidence and peace of mind, to operator of vehicle, semi-truck and trailer(s) combination(s) that they have the means to be in control, in a period of time, where operator has very little control over equipment. 
     The foregoing objects can be accomplished by providing an Emergency Portable Adjustable Engine-fan Assembly (fan clutch) Lock-in Device, where locking keys are sturdily installed. 
     In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the device is formed by fitting the devices three (3) locking-keys on the engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) in directed places, thus locking in the engine-fan assembly (fan clutch), for continuous operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 -A: Front perspective of the drawings. 
         FIG. 1 -B: Back perspective of locking-key. 
         FIG. 1 -C: Left-side perspective of locking-key. 
         FIG. 1 -D: Left-side section perspective of locking-key. 
         FIG. 2 : Assembled view. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in drawings, the preferred Emergency Portable Adjustable Engine-fan Assembly (fan clutch) Lock-in Device in accordance with present invention is a accomplished by three (3) locking keys ( 1 ) that are identical. Each is put into place, with the engine shut off, key removed from ignition key switch for safety, vehicle hood open, position self at back of engine-fan assembly (fan clutch), use hand to turn engine-fan ( 11 ) until two screws, bolts, fasteners, etc. ( 10 ), on compression disc friction ring plate cover ( 8 ) are over raised hump of engine hub ( 9 ), loosen screws, bolts, fasteners, etc. ( 10 ). Do not take completely out, pull compression disc friction ring plate cover ( 8 ) from housing, then take a locking-key ( 1 ) with arrows ( 3 ) directly facing self, pointing upward, slide and fit under and between loosened compression disc friction ring plate cover ( 8 ) screws, bolts, fasteners, etc. ( 10 ), the opposite end of locking-key ( 1 ) having proper alignment of slotted circular fork ( 4 ) over raised hump of engine hub ( 9 ), the apply an adequate amount of thread locker to threads of screws, bolts, fasteners, etc. ( 10 ), then tighten, repeat the same procedure with locking-keys ( 1 )  2  and  3  on the engine-fan assembly (fan clutch). 
     Note: Alignment for locking keys ( 1 )  2  and  3  is made after the first locking-key is installed. 
     Note: All three (3) locking-keys must be installed properly for proper operation. By hand turn engine fan ( 11 ) to make sure engine-fan assembly (fan clutch) is locked with engine-hub ( 9 ) after appropriate time for thread locker to cure, start engine, then shut off, check the device for proper fit; once satisfied device is properly installed and secure, re-start engine, drive, monitoring engine oil and coolant temperatures to nearest safe-haven, or repair facility. The device can be removed and stored for next use. 
     Note: This device is for emergency use only to reach safe-haven or nearest repair facility.