FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
None
SEQUENCE LISTING
None
BACKGROUND
This relates to boat dolly wheels and axle spindle sizes. Boat dollies are light weight structures used to portage small boats to and from water, hand launch small boats into water from beaches, ramps or other shores and store boats in boat yards. A number of dolly designs are currently available in the marketplace consisting of an axle, spindle, wheels, light frame, and handle. Most dollies for small sailboats use similar designs modified to fit specific one-design sailboats. Over a hundred thousand of these boats have been sold in the United States.
Most dollies and axles are framed with square (or sometimes round) aluminum tubing. Wheels are usually attached to the axle by means of a short round metal tube called a spindle that extends axially from the axle frame. Various brackets and fasteners are used to attach the spindle to the axle frame (Examples shown in FIGS. 1A through 1C). Normally, these brackets and fasteners securely hold the axle spindle in a stable position either by means of internal ferrules or spacers 36 as shown in the cutaway view FIG. 1B or matching grooves 37 in the bracket shown in FIG. 1C. The close mating of these entities with the spindle limit 3 dimensional movement of the spindle. The spindle inserts through a hub of the wheel and the wheel is secured on the spindle by means of a cotter pin or similar attaching device.
Since small boat dollies are subjected to low load forces (less than 500 pounds), the wheels and tires are usually of low load specification. Typically, the spindle is a hollow tube and therefore cannot be less than a minimum size to accommodate fasteners and still have sufficient residual strength to support the small boat. On commercially available small sailboat dollies, the spindle is not interchangeable with spindles that have smaller sized outside diameters, and therefore cannot accept wheels with smaller wheel hubs. No size adapter systems are commercially available.
The wheels and tires of small sailboat dollies have a limited life span due to deterioration of the rubber tire and/or the plastic wheel rim produced by dolly use, weather, and UV radiation of the sun and are considered replaceable items. For replacement, wheels and tires are typically sold as a unit. Widely available aftermarket wheel and tire combinations meeting tire load specifications of original equipment have hubs requiring spindles with a diameter size smaller than the original equipment. Since the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) wheel hub size on the small sailboat dollies is normally limited to the relatively large manufactured spindle size, the user of the dolly is primarily limited to the choice of replacement wheels supplied by the manufacturer, and has a very limited choice of aftermarket wheel and tire combination.
Many of the aftermarket wheels with small hubs have a variety of desirable characteristics useful for portage of boats over different terrains and ramp conditions. These include tires designed for sandy beaches, tires that will not go flat and tires of different widths and/or diameters to accommodate rough terrain. These aftermarket wheels cannot be used with the original dolly spindle because the original spindle cannot be modified or replaced to fit the aftermarket wheels with smaller diameters. Also wheels with these characteristics are not readably available with hub sizes matching the original equipment at competitive costs. In conclusion, none of the current spindle attachment methods to the axle frame allow the use of different hub sizes available in aftermarket replacement dolly wheels.
SUMMARY
Our spindle size adapter improves current designs by allowing the user the option of substituting a variety of different dolly spindle sizes. The different spindle size options provide the opportunity to use a variety of aftermarket wheels and tires accommodating different utilization requirements by the user. In accordance with the first embodiment, a size adapter for a dolly axle spindle comprises two elements, a proximal element that mates with an existing axle frame and serves to stabilize the adapter, and a distal element that provides a spindle having a variety of spindle sizes that allows using wheels with different hub sizes.
ADVANTAGES
Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to allow the user to replace wheels for boat dollies with replacement wheels that have different hub sizes than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplied wheels. These replacement wheels are relatively inexpensive compared with OEM wheels and are available in a wide variety of styles to meet different terrain conditions. The variety of styles provides the user with the means to optimize the portage of his boat depending on the terrain on which he portages and launches his boat by fitting the needs to the wheel and tire design. Since the adapter provides its own stabilization to the axle frame or tube by the close mating surfaces of the proximal end of the size adapter against the inner sides of the axle frame tubing, the size adapter can be used with or without the OEM existing brackets. The distal end of the adapter (spindle) is rounded to the inside diameter of commonly available wheel hubs. Several embodiments can be used to adjust the outer diameter of the spindle to different sizes to increase the utility and adaptability of the claimed device.
Other advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from a study of the following description and accompanying drawings.
DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A to 1C—Examples of prior art. Perspective views of common spindle brackets and attachment of spindles
FIG. 1A Perspective right-side close-up view axle frame, spindle, and spindle bracket using ferrules to achieve spindle stabilization.
FIG. 1B Perspective right-side cutaway view of spindle and spindle bracket showing details of ferrules to achieve spindle stabilization.
FIG. 1C Perspective partially exploded right-side close-up view of spindle, and spindle bracket showing a groove to achieve spindle stabilization.
FIG. 2A shows a perspective partially exploded right-side view of spindle size adapter showing adapter washers and fasteners of the first embodiment.
FIG. 2B shows a perspective right-side view of the first embodiment of the axle spindle size adapter fitting into a square axle frame and showing adapter washers for bolts to fit manufacturer drilled holes in square axle frame.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective left-side view of the first embodiment of the axle spindle size adapter constructed to fit an existing OEM bracket.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective right-side view of an additional embodiment of the axle spindle size adapter constructed in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective right-side view of the first embodiment of the axle spindle size adapter fitted with a hub adapter sleeve.
FIG. 6 shows a perspective right-side view of an additional embodiment of the axle spindle size adapter with center lumen providing alternate means for fitting axle spindle of different sizes.
FIG. 7 shows a perspective right-side view of an additional embodiment of the axle spindle size adapter machined to fit a round axle frame or an existing OEM spindle bracket.
FIG. 7A shows a perspective right-side view of an alternative embodiment of the axle spindle size adapter in FIG. 7 that allows use of either distal or proximal end as axle spindle.
FIG. 8 shows a perspective front-side view of an additional embodiment of a round axle spindle size adapter stabilized in a square axle frame using stabilizer bushing.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
11, 11A, and 11B Spindle size adapter for dolly
11C and 11D Spindle size adapter modified to match round axle frame or OEM spindle bracket
12 Proximal element of spindle size adapter that fits into square frame of axle tube
12A Proximal element of spindle size adapter that fits into round frame of axle tube or adapted to larger frames or OEM spindle bracket
13 Distal element of spindle size adapter that forms a spindle that fits into wheel hub
13B Proximal extension of proximal element of spindle size adapter that provides different sized distal element of spindle size adapter that forms a spindle that fits into wheel hub when proximal and distal ends are reversed
14 Interconnecting element of spindle size adapter to fit manufacturers preexisting bracket
14A interconnecting element of spindle size adapter that fits into round frame of axle tube or adapted to larger frames or OEM spindle bracket
15 Holes for bolt(s), screws or other fasteners
15A Holes for fasteners in spindle size adapter
17 Hole for cotter pin or other devices to hold wheel on axle
18 Rounded edge to match inner corners of square tube axle frame
19 Sleeve adapter for spindle size adapter manufactured to match other sizes of wheel hubs
20 Adapter washers to adapt bolts to existing OEM oversize holes in square axle frame
21 Fasteners
22 Axle frame
23 Existing OEM bracket for axle spindle
24 Outer retaining washer
25 Cotter pin
26 Existing OEM axle spindle
27 Vertical strut on dolly axle to support boat or retain boat on dolly
28 Wheel hub
29 Lumen of adapter sleeve
30 Axial lumen in proximal element of spindle size adapter
31 Proximal end of distal element of spindle size adapter
32 Nuts to secure fasteners
33 Stabilizer bushing
34 Stabilizer bushing cap
35 Stabilizer bushing ferrule
36 Ferrules or spacers on existing OEM axle spindle bracket
37 Groove to stabilize axle spindle on existing OEM axle spindle bracket
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, AND 5
First Embodiment
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, & 5 show a perspective view of one embodiment of our spindle size adapter 11 that improves an existing manufacturer's axle spindle 26 illustrated in 1A. The composition of spindle size adapter 11 is machined, cast, or extruded aluminum or other metals, molded, machined, or extruded plastics or molded or machined laminated fibrous materials of sufficient strength to support the dolly and boat with all its attachments. Alternatively individual parts or modules of the same materials are securely assembled by attaching devices or welding.
The spindle size adapter 11 shown in FIG. 2A comprises a proximal element 12 and a distal element 13. Element 12 is manufactured to mate closely into the inside of an existing axle frame 22 (either square or round). The longitudinal edges 18 shown in FIG. 5 of proximal element 12 are rounded or shaped as necessary to match the inside channel of existing axle frame 22. Adapter 11 is held in place by means of fastener(s) 21 placed into existing axle frame 22 holes 15 and adapter 11 holes 15A perpendicular to the axis of axle frame 22 and element 12. Proximal element 12 serves to stabilize the spindle adapter 11 in the vertical, fore and aft and horizontal position as shown in FIG. 2B by locking adapter 11 to the axle frame 22. This function is independent of any existing manufacturer's spindle bracket 23 in FIG. 1A.
Element 13 of axle size adapter 11 shown in FIGS. 2A and 3 forms a new axle spindle. Element (or spindle) 13 of adapter 11 is manufactured or machined as a rod or tube to fit the inside diameter of commonly available wheel hubs illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a hole 17 is placed at the outer or distal end of element 13 to accept a cotter pin 25 or similar devices and secure the wheel hub 28 shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 illustrates one means to vary the size of adapter spindle 13 to fit a variety of wheel hubs 28 shown in FIG. 3 that have different sized inside diameter. Sleeves 19 of different outside diameters are manufactured to contain a round axial lumen 29 that is equal in size to the spindle diameter of element 13 of spindle adapter 11. When adapter spindle 13 is inserted into the lumen 29, sleeve 19 effectively changes adapter spindle 13 size to a new diameter.
Operation—FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B, 3, and 5
In operating this embodiment (Fids. 2A, 2B, 3, 5), one uses the axle spindle size adapter 11 to allow replacement of the existing wheel and tire with another wheel and tire having a different hub size. By using a sleeve adapter 19 on the axle spindle size adapter shown in FIG. 5, the user will have a choice of multiple hub sizes. The use consists of the following steps:
1. To install the axle spindle adapter, the fasteners 21 shown in FIG. 1A holding the manufacturer's brackets 23 and the dolly axle spindle 26 are removed freeing the existing axle spindle 26.
2. The proximal end of the spindle size adapter 12 is inserted into the square (or other geometric shape) axle frame tube 22 and the existing bolt holes or screw holes 15A aligned with those of the axle spindle size adapter 15 as shown in FIG. 2A.
3. If the manufacturer's brackets 23 in FIG. 1A are to be reused, these are mated to the axle frame and the fasteners 21 inserted through the holes 15 in the brackets 23, the axle frame 22 and the spindle size adapter 11 holes 15A and tightened.
4. If the manufacturer's brackets 23 in FIG. 1A were not to be reused, appropriately designed adapter washers 20 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B are used to adapt holes 15, if over sized, existing in the axle frame to fasteners 21. Fasteners 21 are inserted through the holes in the washers 20, the axle frame 22 holes 15 and the axle spindle size adapter 11 holes 15A and tightened.
5.The adapter's axle spindle 13 is inserted into the hub of a new wheel 28 in FIG. 3 and the retaining washer 24 and cotter pin (or other device) 25 is inserted through the hole 17 in the outer end of the spindle adapter 11.
6. Or if needed the outer axle spindle 13 is inserted into a axle adapter sleeve 19 and the process step 5 is repeated.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
Additional Embodiments
FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of our spindle size adapter 11A that provides an interconnecting element 14 between the proximal element 12 and the distal element 13. Interconnecting element 14 is manufactured to mate with the structural shape of any existing manufacturer's spindle bracket 23 illustrated in FIG. 1B external to the axle frame 22. This embodiment provides the means to use spindle size adapter 11A without interference caused by existing spindle bracket 23 due to geometric configuration of size, shape or length. When necessary, interconnecting element 14 contains hole(s) 15A to match the location of existing manufacturer's fasteners 21 shown in FIG. 1B.
FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment 11B that provides an optional means to vary the size of adapter's spindle 13. Proximal element 12 is manufactured as that in the first embodiment 11 but contains an axial lumen 30. Distal element 13 is manufactured with a proximal end 31 rounded to equal the size of the lumen 30. Mating of the proximal element 31 of element 11B with element 30 of proximal element 12 stabilizes adapter's spindle 13 in the vertical, horizontal and fore and aft direction. Element 13 of axle adapter 11B will be manufactured to different sizes or use adapter sleeves shown in element 19 of FIG. 5 adding the ability to vary spindle size.
FIG. 7 shows an additional embodiment 11C designed to provide a means to stabilize the axle size adapter 11C when using a round axle frame. To manufacture this embodiment, the proximal element 12A of adapter 11C is rounded to mate with the lumen of a round axle frame and fixed in position with fasteners. Similar to other embodiments, this embodiment offers the option of variable spindle sizes. This embodiment may be substituted for a manufacturer's existing spindle if the diameter of proximal element 12A is sized to match that of the manufacturer's existing axle spindle 26 shown in FIG. 1C. To accomplish this, embodiment 11C is manufactured with holes 15A that line up with holes 15 in OEM spindle brackets 23 shown in FIG. 1A to accept stabilizing fasteners 21 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
FIG. 7A shows an alternative embodiment 11D to embodiment 11C from FIG. 7, designed to provide two possible spindle sizes on the same embodiment of spindle size adapter 11D. The proximal element 13B of spindle size adapter 11D is extended to a length equal length of distal element 13 of spindle size adapter 11D forming interconnecting element 14A. Element 13B is manufactured to a provide a different diameter than element 13 whereby when the relative positions of element 13 and element 13B are reversed, the spindle size adapter will mate closely with a different size of wheel hub 28 shown in FIG. 3. Proximal element 13B may or may not be the same diameter as interconnecting element 14A.
FIG. 8 shows a stabilizer bushing 33 designed to stabilize adapter 11C from FIG. 7 when adapter 11C is used with square axle frame 22. Stabilizer bushing 33 is comprised of machined or cast aluminum or other metals, molded, machined or extruded plastics, or molded or machined laminated fibrous materials. Stabilizer bushing 33 is comprised of a widened cap 34 that functions as a washer with an extended ferrule 35 that extends into axle frame 22 and comes into contact with spindle adapter 11C thereby preventing the fore and aft movement along the longitudinal axis of the dolly by the spindle adapter 11C. Fasteners 21 prevent vertical and horizontal movement of spindle adapter 11C.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
Thus the reader can see that various embodiments of the spindle size adapter for dolly axles provides a useful, easily installed, and economical method of varying the dolly spindle size so that the user can use aftermarket wheels and tires that have different hub sizes. These replacement wheels are relatively inexpensive compared with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplied wheels and are available in a wide variety of styles to meet different user needs, including use on different terrains. Furthermore, the spindle adapter has the additional advantages in that:
- The ease of removal and installation of wheels on this adapter and the ability to use a range of spindle sizes with the same adapter provides the user with an option of substituting a variety of wheels when he portages his dolly under different conditions and on different terrains.
- The adapter provides its own stabilization to the axle frame and thus can be used without the OEM existing spindle bracket to provide the stabilization. The ability to function without the OEM spindle bracket enhances its flexibility and adaptability to a wide range of dolly axles.
- The adapter is easily modified to function with axle frames of different styles by modifying the proximal end of the spindle adapter, adding a interconnecting element between the proximal and distal end of the spindle adapter, and/or providing adapter stabilizer bushing.
- Spindle sleeves may be color coded to provide easy recognition of sizes which would be useful for sailing clubs for refitting wheels.
While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, a spindle adapter can be constructed so that the proximal element, either square or round in cross section, possesses an axial lumen that encompasses a tube forming a spindle whose distal end is the desired spindle size and which is held in the lumen by means of a fastener.
Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Patent Application
20150108827
