Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    One significant problem is the close proximity between the hub or drun and the wheel of a machine where the machine includes, but not limited to, an automobile, truck, construction equipment or a trailer. One significant new development is the tighter manufacturing tolerances provided by computer numerically controlled manufacturing machinery, robotics and other computerized manufacturing equipment. One result of this new development is that parts will now fit in a closer relationship to other parts or components in manufactured items. When hubs or drum are made of a different metal than the wheel, galvanic electrolysis can occur to bond the components together. Moreover, rust and oxidation can occur on either the drum or hub and the wheel that will bind these components together. This situation can create significant problems that can make changing a tire next to impossible. The wheeled machine will end-up having to be towed to some shop where heavy power tools have to be utilized to break these components apart. The changing of a tire, even under ideal conditions, can pose safety concerns. Typically, most vehicle jacks are designed to perform under ideal conditions with smooth, level ground. However, these jacks can be problematic when the ground is wet and uneven. If you add the condition that the hub or drum is now physically bonded to the wheel, then a very dangerous condition exists when the owner of the vehicle does not want to call a tow truck or one is not available and this individual must attempt to break this bond in addition to removing the wheel.  
           [0002]    Other problems which can be caused by an improper connection between the poor mating surfaces of the wheel of a machine and the hub or drum of a machine include wheel vibration and static weight balance. These increase wear on the tires. Also, the noise from the road is increased due to this direct physical connection. In addition, there is tremendous heat transfer between the wheel, hub, rotor and spindle of a machine, which decreases the longevity of these components.  
           [0003]    Moreover, the tighter tolerances between the wheel of a machine and the hub or drum of a machine decreases metallic longevity by having these two hard surfaces vibrating together and increases the potential for lug nuts to fail. This vibration can also wreak havoc when the mounting surface is uneven, due to the hardness of these metallic surfaces.  
           [0004]    In addition, improper contact between the hub and rotor has been identified as a contributing factor in rotor runout on wheeled machines. This has been directly linked to a brake pulsation problem on many machines having wheels, especially passenger vehicles. If left uncorrected, damage to the hub and/or bearings may result.  
           [0005]    The present invention is directed to alleviating one or more of the problems set forth above.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    In one aspect of this invention, a laminate wheel protector is disclosed. The laminate wheel protector includes layers of canvas cloth impregnated with synthetic resin that is polymerized through heat and pressure for insulating a hub or drum of a machine from a wheel of the machine.  
           [0007]    In another aspect of this invention, a method for creating a laminate wheel protector is disclosed. The method includes applying pressure to layers of canvas saturated in synthetic resin, applying heat to polymerize and create a laminate, cutting the laminate to form an outer circular circumference, an inner circular opening and a plurality of bolt or stud holes.  
           [0008]    It is another aspect of the present invention that the laminate wheel protector inhibits rust between the wheel and the hub or drum of a machine and prevents repeated seizure of these components when rust is already present.  
           [0009]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is that the laminate wheel protector prevents oxidation between the wheel and the hub or drum of a machine and repeated seizure of these components when oxidation is already present.  
           [0010]    Still another aspect of this present invention is that the laminate wheel protector prevents galvanic electrolysis between the wheel and the hub or drum of a machine.  
           [0011]    Another aspect of the present invention is that the laminate wheel protector reduces heat transfer between the wheel, hub, rotor and spindle of a machine.  
           [0012]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is that the laminate wheel protector is able to correct for poorly manufactured mounting surfaces between the wheel and the hub or drum of a machine.  
           [0013]    In another aspect of the present invention, the laminate wheel protector is able to correct for discrepancies between the mounting surfaces on the hub and the rotor or drum of a machine having wheels.  
           [0014]    Another aspect of the present invention is that the laminate wheel protector is able to reduce the amount of rotor runout associated with hubless-rotors used on a wheeled machine.  
           [0015]    Still another aspect of the present invention is that the laminate wheel protector is able to provide proper alignment for wheel run-out and decreases the potential for cupping of the tires.  
           [0016]    Another aspect of the present invention is the laminate wheel protector is able to reduce the static weight balance requirements for the wheels associated with a machine.  
           [0017]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is the laminate wheel protector is able to eliminate a significant amount of wheel vibration for the wheels associated with a machine.  
           [0018]    In another aspect of the present invention the laminate wheel protector is able to reduce the noise emitting from the road for a machine having wheels.  
           [0019]    It is another aspect of the present invention that the laminate wheel protector is able to reduce tire wear for a machine having wheels.  
           [0020]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is that the laminate wheel protector is able to improve metallic longevity for mounting surfaces between the wheel and the hub or drum of a machine.  
           [0021]    Still another aspect of the present invention is that the laminate wheel protector is able to provide resiliency between the wheel and the hub or drum of a machine to improve initial wheel torqueing when the wheel is attached to the hub or drum.  
           [0022]    Another aspect of the present invention is that the laminate wheel protector can provide resiliency between the wheel and the hub or drum of a machine to limit vibration and decrease lug nut failure.  
           [0023]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is that the laminate wheel protector can significantly reduce seizure of the wheel associated with a wheeled machine.  
           [0024]    In another aspect of the present invention the laminate wheel protector utilizes multiple patterns to fit literally all metric and imperial bolt configurations for wheels associated with, but not limited to, cars, trucks and trailers using four (4), five (5), six (6), eight (8), ten (10), or more studs.  
           [0025]    The above aspects are merely illustrative examples of a few of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing in any manner whatsoever. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a top view of an eight (8) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention with dual sets of eight (8) holes;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a top view of a four (4) and five (5) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a top view of a five (5) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a top view of a six (6) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a top view of a five (5) and six (6) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a top view of an exemplary nesting diagram utilized with a water jet computer numerical controlled cutting process for the laminate wheel protector of the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a hub-piloted mounting system with wheel centers mounted on hub pilots illustrating three (3) possible locations for the laminate wheel protector of the present invention; and  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a stud-piloted mounting system with wheel centers mounted on studs illustrating three (3) possible locations for the laminate wheel protector of the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective of a hubless-rotor mounting system. Wheel centers may be either stud or hub centered. Illustration indicates two (2) possible locations for the laminate wheel protector of the present invention.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 10 is a top view of a version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0037]    In the following detailed description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, the invention is not limited in scope to the particular type of industry application depicted in the figures. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.  
         [0038]    Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, where FIG. 1 is a top view of an eight (8) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention with dual sets of eight (8) holes. The laminate wheel protector is generally indicated by numeral  10 . There are a series of eight (8) circular holes  12  and eight (8) oval holes  14  that alternate around the laminate wheel protector  10 . The center point of the laminate wheel protector  10  is generally indicated by numeral  16 . There is a main inner opening that is generally indicated by numeral  11 . The distance between the center point  16  and the outer edge of the main inner opening  18  is in a range from about 1.5 inches (38.10 millimeters) to about 4.5 inches (114.30 millimeters) and preferably about 2.437 inches (61.8998 millimeters). The distance between the center point  16  and the outer edge  22  of the laminate wheel protector  10  is in a range from about 2.0 inches (50.80 millimeters) to about 6.0 inches (152.40 millimeters) and preferably about 4.063 inches (103.2002 millimeters). The distance between the center point  16  and the center point  26  of a circular hole  12  of the laminate wheel protector  10  is in a range from about 2.25 inches (57.15 millimeters) to about 4.25 inches (107.95 millimeters) and preferably about 3.2500 inches (82.55 millimeters). The distance between the center point  16  and the center point  20  of an oval hole  14  of the laminate wheel protector  10  is in a range from about 2.3465 inches (59.6011 millimeters) to about 4.3465 inches (110.401 millimeters) and preferably about 3.3465 inches (85.0011 millimeters).  
         [0039]    The series of eight (8) circular holes  12  have a diameter in a range from 0.01 inches (0.254 millimeters) to about 1.625 inches (41.275 millimeters) and preferably 0.625 inches (15.875 millimeters). The series of eight (8) oval holes  14  have a diameter in a range from 0.01 inches (0.254 millimeters) to about 1.6815 inches (42.7101 millimeters) and preferably 0.6875 inches (17.4625 millimeters).  
         [0040]    This wheel protector  10  can be preferably utilized with hubs having a bolt circle diameter of 6.5 inches (165.1 millimeters) or 170 millimeters (6.6929 inches). This wheel protector  10  can be preferably utilized with 0.5 inches (12.7 millimeters), 0.625 inches (15.875 millimeters), 0.6875 inches (17.4625 millimeters) and 14 millimeters (0.5512 inches) diameter studs.  
         [0041]    Referring now to FIG. 2, where FIG. 2 is a top view of a four (4) and five (5) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention. The laminate wheel protector is generally indicated by numeral  30 . There are a series of four (4) circular holes  32  and four (4) oval holes  34  that alternate around the laminate wheel protector  30 . The center point of the laminate wheel protector  30  is generally indicated by numeral  36 . There is a main inner opening that is generally indicated by numeral  38 . The distance between the center point  36  and the outer edge  39  of the main inner opening  38  is in a range from about 0.50 inches (12.70 millimeters) to about 3.5 inches (88.90 millimeters) and preferably about 1.4685 inches (37.2999 millimeters). The distance between the center point  36  and the outer edge  40  of the laminate wheel protector  30  is in a range from about 0.75 inches (19.05 millimeters) to about 4.75 inches (120.65 millimeters) and preferably about 2.75 inches (69.85 millimeters). The distance between the center point  36  and the point  42  of an oval hole  34  of the laminate wheel protector  30  is in a range from about 1.25 inches (31.75 millimeters) to about 3.25 inches (82.55 millimeters) and preferably about 2.2500 inches (57.15 millimeters). The distance between the center point  36  and the point  44  of an oval hole  34  and point  46  of a circular hole  32  of the laminate wheel protector  30  is in a range from about 0.9685 inches (24.599 millimeters) to about 2.9685 inches (75.399 millimeters) and preferably about 1.9685 inches (49.999 millimeters).  
         [0042]    This wheel protector  30  can be preferably utilized with hubs having bolt circle diameter sizes with the four (4) hole configuration that are 4 inches (101.6 millimeters), 4.25 inches (107.949 millimeters), 4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters), 100 millimeters (3.937 inches), 108 millimeters (4.2519 inches) or 110 millimeters (4.331 inches) or for bolt circle diameter sizes with the five (5) hole configuration that are 100 millimeters (3.937 inches) and 4 inches (101.6 millimeters). This wheel protector  30  can be preferably utilized with 0.4375 inches (11.112 millimeters) and 0.5 inches (12.7 millimeters) diameter studs.  
         [0043]    Referring now to FIG. 3, where FIG. 3 is a top view of a five (5) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention. The laminate wheel protector is generally indicated by numeral  50 . There are a series of five (4) oval holes  52  located around the laminate wheel protector  50 . The center point of the laminate wheel protector  50  is generally indicated by numeral  54 . There is a main inner opening that is generally indicated by numeral  56 . The distance between the center point  54  and the outer edge  58  of the main inner opening  56  is in a range from about 0.1 inches (2.54 millimeters) to about 3.7 inches (93.98 millimeters) and preferably about 1.7 inches (43.18 millimeters). The distance between the center point  54  and the outer edge  60  of the laminate wheel protector  50  is in a range from about 0.926 inches (23.5204 millimeters) to about 4.926 inches (125.12 millimeters) and preferably about 2.926 inches (74.3204 millimeters). The distance between the center point  54  and the point  62  of an oval hole  52  of the laminate wheel protector  50  is in a range from about 1.126 inches (28.6004 millimeters) to about 3.126 inches (79.4004 millimeters) and preferably about 2.126 inches (54.0004 millimeters). The distance between the center point  54  and the point  64  of an oval hole  52  of the laminate wheel protector  50  is in a range from about 1.5 inches (38.1 millimeters) to about 3.5 inches (88.9 millimeters) and preferably about 2.5 inches (63.5 millimeters).  
         [0044]    The distance between the center point  54  and an outer edge  66  of an oval hole  52  of the laminate wheel protector  50  is in a range from about 1.676 inches (42.5704 millimeters) to about 3.676 inches (93.3704 millimeters) and preferably about 2.676 inches (67.9704 millimeters).  
         [0045]    This wheel protector  50  can be preferably utilized with hubs having bolt circle diameter sizes with the five (5) hole configuration that are 4.25 inches (107.949 millimeters), 4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters), 4.75 inches (120.649 millimeters), 5 inches (127 millimeters), 108 millimeters (4.2519 inches), 112 millimeters (4.4094 inches), 115 millimeters (4.5275 inches) and 120 millimeters (4.7244 inches). This wheel protector  50  can be preferably utilized with 0.4375 inches (11.112 millimeters) and 0.5 inches (12.7 millimeters) diameter studs.  
         [0046]    Referring now to FIG. 4, where FIG. 4 is a top view of a six (6) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention. The laminate wheel protector is generally indicated by numeral  70 . There are a series of six (6) circular holes  72  located around the laminate wheel protector  70 . The center point of the laminate wheel protector  70  is generally indicated by numeral  74 . There is a main inner opening that is generally indicated by numeral  76 . The distance between the center point  74  and the outer edge  78  of the main inner opening  76  is in a range from about 0.80 inches (20.32 millimeters) to about 3.80 inches (96.52 millimeters) and preferably about 1.80 inches (45.72 millimeters). The distance between the center point  74  and the outer edge  80  of the laminate wheel protector  70  is in a range from about 0.70 inches (17.78 millimeters) to about 4.70 inches (119.38 millimeters) and preferably about 2.70 inches (68.58 millimeters). The distance between the center point  74  and the center point  82  of a circular hole  72  of the laminate wheel protector  70  is in a range from about 1.25 inches (31.75 millimeters) to about 3.25 inches (82.55 millimeters) and preferably about 2.25 inches (57.15 millimeters). The distance between the center point  74  and the outer edge  84  of a circular hole  72  of the laminate wheel protector  70  is in a range from about 1.45 inches (36.83 millimeters) to about 4.45 inches (113.03 millimeters) and preferably about 2.45 inches (62.23 millimeters).  
         [0047]    This wheel protector  70  can be preferably utilized with hubs having bolt circle diameter sizes with the six (6) hole configuration that are 4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters). This wheel protector  70  can be preferably utilized with 0.4375 inches (11.112 millimeters) and 0.5 inches (12.7 millimeters) diameter studs.  
         [0048]    Referring now to FIG. 5, where FIG. 5 is a top view of a five (5) and six (6) hole version of a laminate wheel protector of the present invention. The laminate wheel protector is generally indicated by numeral  90 . There are a series of three (3) circular holes  92 , three (3) oval holes  94  and two (2) dual oval holes  96 , where there are two oval openings together in a traverse (e.g., perpendicular) relationship, located around the laminate wheel protector  90 . The center point of the laminate wheel protector  90  is generally indicated by numeral  98 . There is a main inner opening that is generally indicated by numeral  100 . The distance between the center point  98  and the outer edge  102  of the main inner opening  100  is in a range from about 0.50 inches (12.70 millimeters) to about 4.095 inches (104.013 millimeters) and preferably about 2.095 inches (53.213 millimeters). The distance between the center point  98  and the outer edge  104  of the laminate wheel protector  90  is in a range from about 1.405 inches (35.687 millimeters) to about 5.405 inches (137.287 millimeters) and preferably about 3.405 inches (86.487 millimeters). The distance between the center point  98  and the center point  106  of a circular hole  92  of the laminate wheel protector  90  is in a range from about 1.75 inches (44.45 millimeters) to about 3.75 inches (95.25 millimeters) and preferably about 2.75 inches (69.85 millimeters). The distance between the center point  98  and the outer edge  108  of a circular hole  92  of the laminate wheel protector  90  is in a range from about 1.99 inches (50.546 millimeters) to about 3.99 inches (101.346 millimeters) and preferably about 2.99 inches (75.946 millimeters). The distance between the center point  98  and the point  110  of an oval hole  94  of the laminate wheel protector  90  is in a range from about 1.66 inches (42.164 millimeters) to about 3.66 inches (92.964 millimeters) and preferably about 2.66 inches (67.564 millimeters). The distance between the center point  98  and the point  112  of an oval hole  94  of the laminate wheel protector  90  is in a range from about 1.95 inches (49.53 millimeters) to about 3.95 inches (100.33 millimeters) and preferably about 2.95 inches (74.93 millimeters).  
         [0049]    This wheel protector  90  can be preferably utilized with hubs having bolt circle diameter sizes with the five (5) and six (6) hole configurations that are 5.5 inches (139.7 millimeters), 135 millimeters (5.315 inches), and 150 millimeters (5.906 inches). This wheel protector  90  can be preferably utilized with 0.4375 inches (11.112 millimeters) and 0.5 inches (12.7 millimeters) diameter studs.  
         [0050]    The preferred thickness for wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70  and  90 , is preferably in a range from about 0.001 inches (0.0254 millimeters) to about 2 inches (50.8 millimeters) and is preferably about 0.031 inches (0.7874 millimeters) with preferred tolerances of plus or minus 0.0065 inches (0.1651 millimeters) and a preferred warp percentage of 5.00%. This small thickness overcomes any problems associated with the two percent (2%) water retention aspect that is present with this laminate product.  
         [0051]    The wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  are preferably made of, but not limited to, an industrial laminate that is phenolic mechanical canvas that is manufactured into sheet material. The preferred method for cutting this material is by using a computer numerical controlled (CNC) water jet-cutting machine. However, laser cutting, CNC machining, punch press, routers, or any other cutting technique could also be utilized. The optimal manufacturing technique is to stack as many sheets of this material on top of each other as possible and preferably at one-half (0.5) inches (12.7 millimeters) in depth. A exemplary nesting techniques for maximizing the number of wheel protectors that are cut-out or machined from the stacked sheets are illustrated in FIG. 6 using wheel protector  90 , however any of the wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 , and  180  can also be manufactured using this same method. Illustrative examples of water jet cutting can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,139, which issued on Dec. 22, 1998 and is hereby incorporated by reference, U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,317, which issued on May 28, 1991 and is hereby incorporated by reference and U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,293, which issued on Oct. 10, 1989 and is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0052]    A phenolic sheet is a hard, dense material made by applying heat and pressure to preferably four (4) layers of canvas cloth impregnated with synthetic resin. Although canvas is optimal, a wide variety of fibrous materials can be utilized with this present invention. When heat and pressure are applied to the layers, a chemical reaction (polymerization) transforms the layers into a high-pressure thermosetting industrial laminate plastic. This forms a cloth armor coated with a thermosetting resin obtained by condensation of formaldehyde with melamine with a formula C 3 N 6 H 6 . The canvas fabric gives the structure its tensile strength. The resin gives the material its coherence and its compression resistance. It occupies not only the space between the different layers of cloth, but also the space between the wires of each layer of cloth, so that each wire is more or less coated with resin. In other words, each layer is composed of a cloth impregnated with resin. A stratified structure corresponding to these criteria is marketed by ITEN® Industries, which is an Ohio Corporation, located at 4001 Benefit Avenue Ashtabula Ohio 44004 under the trademark RESITEN® Grade CFSM. These sheets can be in a wide variety of dimensions and preferably is 4 feet (121.92 centimeters) by 4 feet (121.92 centimeters).  
         [0053]    Illustrative examples on how to make this phenolic laminate can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,236, which issued on Apr. 17, 2001 and is hereby incorporated by reference, U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,331, which issued on Dec. 12, 2000 and is hereby incorporated by reference and U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,486, which issued on Mar. 10, 1981 and is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0054]    The phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  not only protect the drum or hub from friction with the wheel, but also provide insulation for temperature, vibration and electricity. In addition, the phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  can also provide a perfect seating area on the hub or drum that can compensate for manufacturing flaws and inconsistencies, e.g., burrs, embedded filings, corrosive scale, dirt, washer, as well as for misuse, neglect and exposure to the environment. Moreover, the phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  protect the drum or hub from exposure to chemicals such as salts, chemical road spills, brake fluid, transmission fluid, fuel propellants, brake cleaners, degreasers, solvents, paint thinners, aluminum brake dust cleaner, and so forth.  
         [0055]    The phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  also provide protection found in “antiseize” chemicals that are applied to wheel studs. Although “antiseize” formulas can allow nut removal from damaged threaded surfaces caused by overtorqueing and excessive physical exertion, it can be transmitted to brake surface areas, which can cause grabbing, slipping and heat retention. The phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  provide all of the benefits of an “antiseize” chemical without these serious drawbacks.  
         [0056]    The phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  also provide benefits regarding wheel run-out and cupping since having this invention compensates for problems in the mounting surfaces of the drum or hub and the wheel of a vehicle. This reduces improper tire wear and reduces the required amount of static weight balancing for the wheels.  
         [0057]    The wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  reduce brake rotor/drum and brake pad wear by properly aligning the brake components. This is accomplished by compensating for uneven mounting surfaces on the hub and/or brake rotor/drum. An additional benefit of this is the minimization of rotor runout which has been linked to brake pulsation problems. By allowing the rotor or drum to seat properly on the hub, damage to the hub and/or bearings from incorrect positioning is eliminated.  
         [0058]    There are a number of locations where the phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  can be utilized. Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8, and  9 , the phenolic laminate wheel protectors  90  are used in these specific examples, however, phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 , and  180  can also be used in these applications.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 7 illustrates a hub-piloted mounting system for a typical dual assembly with wheel centers located on hub pilots, which is generally indicated by numeral  120 . There are a series of studs  134  that are extend through openings  131  in a hub  130  and then through openings  127  in a outboard brake drum  128  and then though openings  125  in an inner dual  126  and then though openings  123  in an outer dual  124 . The hub pilot is identified by numeral  131 . The studs  134  are secured to the outer dual  124  by a series of two-piece flange nuts  122 . The phenolic laminate wheel protector  90  can be inserted either between the hub  130  and the outboard brake drum  128 , between the outboard brake drum  128  and the inner dual  126  or between the inner dual  126  and the outer dual  124 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 8 illustrates a stud-piloted mounting system for a typical dual assembly with wheel centers located on studs, which is generally indicated by numeral  140 . There are a series of studs  156  that are extend through openings  155  in a hub  154  and then through openings  151  in a outboard brake drum  152  and then though openings  147  in an inner dual  148  and then though openings  143  in an outer dual  144 . The studs  156  are secured to the inner dual  148  by a series of inner cap nuts  146  and to the outer dual  144  by a series of outer cap nuts  142 . The phenolic laminate wheel protector can be inserted either between the hub  154  and the outboard brake drum  152 , between the outboard brake drum  152  and the inner dual  148  or between the inner dual  148  and the outer dual  144 .  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 9 illustrates a hubless-rotor mounting system for a typical single wheel assembly with centers either stud or hub centered, which is generally indicated by numeral  160 . There are a series of studs  168  which are mounted to a hub  162  and extend through openings  170  in a rotor  164  and then through openings  172  in a rim  166 . The studs  168  are secured to the rim  166  by a series of one-piece flange nuts  174 . The phenolic laminate wheel protector can be inserted between the hub  162  and the rotor  164 , and/or the rotor  164  and the rim  166 .  
         [0062]    Referring now to FIG. 10, where FIG. 10 is a top view of a version of the laminate wheel protector of the present invention. The laminate wheel protector is generally indicated by the numeral  180 . There are a series of openings  190  located around the laminate wheel protector  180 . The number, size, shape, and placement of the openings  190  may vary to fit any mounting configuration. The center point of the laminate wheel protector  180  is generally indicated by the numeral  182 . There is a main opening generally indicated by the numeral  188 . The distance between the center point  182  and the outer edge  186  of the main opening  188  may vary to fit any mounting configuration. The distance between the center point  182  and the outer edge  184  of the laminate wheel protector  180  may vary to fit any mounting configuration. Certain applications may include an alignment pin opening  192 . Due to the extensive and ever-changing number of mounting configurations used, it is impossible to document every configuration for the present invention.  
       Industrial Applicability  
       [0063]    The present invention in the form of phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  is advantageously applicable in preventing rust from forming with steel to steel components and galvanic corrosive electrolysis and/or oxidation from occurring between dissimilar metals such as steel and aluminum, which are contact components. Furthermore, the phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  prevent repeat seizure between contact components that are already rusted or oxidized.  
         [0064]    A significant advantage of the present invention is that the six (6) sizes of phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  will fit all metric and imperial bolt configurations using four(4)to ten(10) studs for cars, trucks, and trailers.  
         [0065]    Moreover, the phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  with the canvas layers absorb harmonic vibration and do not shrink due to the presence of heat. The phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  also provide a surface that allows metal surfaces to seat and provides a non-friction surface between two metallic mounting surfaces that are supposed to be torqued in sequence as well as re-torqueing until the requisite amount of torque is present and loosening does not occur. The phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90  and  180  also eliminate friction and wear between the two metallic mounting surfaces. The accuracy of the initial torqueing process is vastly improved. This also helps prevent lug nut failure.  
         [0066]    The present invention in the form of phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  is also advantageously applicable in eliminating wheel vibration and reduces the amount of noise perceived coming from the road by decreasing the hard metal to metal contact, currently present, with a laminate that decreases the transfer of vibration between these components.  
         [0067]    Typically, fleet vehicles replace the original equipment manufacturer&#39;s wheels in an attempt to alleviate the problem of a stuck or loose wheel. Hub piloted mountings are especially prone to this problem due to contamination and inaccuracies in the metallic mounting surfaces. This will save significant amount of time, expense, labor, upkeep, inventory storage and so forth in not having to replace the wheel for fear of seizure on the road. It will provide additional safety by preventing possible injury due to this wheel replacement process over an entire fleet of vehicles.  
         [0068]    Although this phenolic laminate wheel protector will not affect the sale and replacement of rims, it will allow for enhanced warranty protection and decrease the percentage of product failure.  
         [0069]    A major advantage associated with the phenolic laminate wheel protectors  10 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90 , and  180  is that it keeps the wheel from locking itself to the hub or drum and allows for the problem-free removal of the wheel when required. This will help keep people from going under jacked vehicles and attempting to pry apart or striking the seized components. A person must be reasonably careful with jacking devices under ideal conditions with a readily detachable wheel. If a seized wheel is present that requires detachment, a very serious situation can develop that can result in injury or overexertion that can require professional medical assistance. This invention can help reduce the presence of unsafe, irresponsible, and perhaps intentional actions that can be involved in prying apart seized components due to the high level of physical and/or mechanical force required.  
         [0070]    In addition, by striking a seized mounted split rim when a wheel is stuck in an effort to unseize the wheel can result in serious damage to the suspension and/or braking system of the machine.  
         [0071]    Although a preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description of the Invention, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit for the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Technology Category: 7