SECURE LOCKING HUB SYSTEM
First Claim
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1. A locking hub system comprising:
- a hub coupled to an axle;
a locking ring configured to mate with the axle in a locked configuration and to decouple from the axle in an unlocked configuration, wherein the hub is rotationally fixed relative to the axle in the locked configuration and free to rotate about the axle in the unlocked configuration;
an actuator operably connected to the locking ring and configured to move the locking ring in an axial direction between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration; and
a lock configured to selectively limit operation of the actuator.
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Abstract
A secure locking hub system for locking a wheel hub of a vehicle to an axle is provided. The system has a locking ring that may be moved between locked and unlocked configurations. When locked, the hub is in a rotationally fixed position relative to the axle on which the hub is mounted. With the hub locked to the axle, the wheel will not rotate and the vehicle thus cannot be moved. The system additionally has a security lock that prevents any unauthorized individual from unlocking the wheel hub, thereby preventing theft of the vehicle.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A locking hub system comprising:
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a hub coupled to an axle; a locking ring configured to mate with the axle in a locked configuration and to decouple from the axle in an unlocked configuration, wherein the hub is rotationally fixed relative to the axle in the locked configuration and free to rotate about the axle in the unlocked configuration; an actuator operably connected to the locking ring and configured to move the locking ring in an axial direction between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration; and a lock configured to selectively limit operation of the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A locking hub system comprising:
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a hub coupled to an axle, wherein the axle has an exterior splined surface positioned around a circumference of the axle; a locking ring having an interior splined surface configured to mate with the exterior splined surface of the axle in a locked configuration and to decouple from the exterior splined surface of the axle in an unlocked configuration, wherein the hub is rotationally fixed relative to the axle in the locked configuration and free to rotate about the axle in the unlocked configuration; and a cap assembly comprising a keyed lock, a lock pawl, and a dial that is operably connected to the locking ring and configured to move the locking ring in an axial direction between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration in response to rotational movement of the dial, and wherein the pawl is configured to lock the dial in a rotationally fixed position in response to input from a key configured to operate the lock. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A conveyance vehicle having at least one wheel mounted on a locking hub system comprising:
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a hub coupled to an axle; a locking ring configured to mate with the axle in a locked configuration and to decouple from the axle in an unlocked configuration, wherein the hub is rotationally fixed relative to the axle in the locked configuration and free to rotate about the axle in the unlocked configuration; an actuator operably connected to the locking ring and configured to move the locking ring in an axial direction between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration; and a lock configured to selectively limit operation of the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification