Patent Application
20180015780
This invention is directed to a device for mounting tires to a vehicle and more particularly a dual tire mounting device.
The use of multiple tires on heavy construction equipment is well-known within the art. While useful, current devices for mounting multiple tires present problems. As one example, in part due to the weight and required tire pressure, heavy equipment has a tendency to sink in wet and/or muddy soil conditions. Also, debris can become caught between tires during operation. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a device that addresses these deficiencies.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a tire mounting device that permits equipment to float over wet and muddy soil conditions.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a tire mounting device that reduces ground pressure.
A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a tire mounting device that conserves fuel, increase operational speed, stability, and safety.
A dual tire mounting device having an inner hub mount connected to an axle. Connected to and extending outwardly from the inner hub mount are a plurality of spaced apart fins. Aligned with and connected to the fins are a plurality of ribs that is preferable U-shaped. Connected to the ribs is an outer ring.
Referring to the Figures, a dual tire mounting device 10 has a hollow inner hub mount 12 having an annular flange 14, a first drop rim 16 and a second drop rim 18. Disposed within the inner hub mount 12 adjacent the annular flange 14 is an axle hub that is attached to a drive axle (not shown).
An outer end 22 of the inner hub mount 12 has an annular groove 24 that removably receives a collar 26. Connected to and extending outwardly from the outer end 22 of the inner hub mount 12 are a plurality of spaced apart fins 28. The fins 28 are of any size, shape, and structure and in one example the find 28 have a base portion 30 that is connected to the outer end 22 and that terminate in a tapered portion 32 that tapers inwardly to an apex 34 as the tapered portion 32 extend outwardly.
The fins 28 are connected to an outer ring 36 at or near the apex 34. The outer ring 36 has a cylindrical wall 38 having in inner end 40 and an outer bolt ring 42 at the opposite end. Extending outwardly from the bolt ring studs 44 that are threaded. The outer ring 36 has a smaller diameter than the inner hub 12.
The outer ring 36 is received within the slots 46 of a plurality of spaced U-shaped ribs 48. The ribs 48 align with and are connected to the fins 28.
In operation, the inner hub 12 is connected to the axle by aligning and bolting the axle hub 20 to the axle. A first tire 50 is fitted to the inner hub 12 and collar 26 is positioned to be received within annular groove 24. A second tire 52 is then placed over and attached to the outer ring 36 by placing a hub of tire 52 over bolt ring studs 44 and securing with nuts.
Preferably, tires 50 and 52 aligned slots 54 that receive a separator ring 56. Preferably, the separator ring is made of polyurethane.
Accordingly, a dual tire mounting device has been disclose that, at the very least, meets all the stated objectives.
