GB2162478A

GB2162478A - Vehicle wheel axle stand

Info

Publication number: GB2162478A
Application number: GB08419759A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Walter Lowe; Terence Wood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-08-02
Filing date: 1984-08-02
Publication date: 1986-02-05
Also published as: GB8419759D0

Abstract

A stand for a vehicle wheel axle especially of a caravan is provided consisting of a base (1) having an upstanding support plate (2), for securing to the wheel mounting studs (41) of a wheel axle hub assembly (4). For this purpose the upper part of the support plate (2) is provided with a hole (20) for accommodating the outer end (40) of the hub body of the hub assembly (4), the hole (20) being surrounded by radial slots (21) each for receiving a wheel mounting stud (4) in firmly securing the plate (2) to the hub assembly (4) by wheel mounting nuts (42). Where the base (1) is of suitable length stable support of the vehicle axle is obtained against free forward or backward movement of the vehicle so that braking of the wheel axle is not necessary. The support plate (2) is shown braced by a web (3) from the base (1) whilst the complete stand may be produced as a metal pressing. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Vehicle wheel axle stand The object of this invention is to provide a simple form of stand for supporting the wheel axle of a vehicle such as a caravan after wheel removal in a safe and convenient manner.

Practical applications of the stand will be apparent from the following.

According to the invention a stand for a vehicle wheel axle comprises a base adapted to rest on the ground or similar surface and having an upstanding support member formed at its upper part for securing to the wheel mounting studs of a vehicle axle hub assembly and also arranged to accommodate the outer end of the hub body of a said hub assembly.

A practical form of the stand is shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view, and Figure 2 is a front elevation showing the stand in position of use.

In the prototype example shown the stand is constructed from rigid metal plate (e.g. of aluminium) welded together and is of L-section to provide a base 1 for resting on the ground and an upstanding support member or plate 2. For suitable strength and rigidity the support plate 2 is shown braced from the base by a web 3.

The upper part of the support plate 2 is provided with a hole 20 for accommodating the outer end 40 of the hub body of a wheel axle hub assembly 4 and is concentrically surrounded by equi-spaced openings shown in the form of radial slots 21 each for receiving through it a wheel mounting stud 41 of the hub assembly 4. As will be seen in Fig. 2 and after removal of the wheel the upper part of the support plate 2 can be readily and firmly secured to the wheel studs 41 by the usual wheel nuts 42 while the axle is temporarily jacked up for the purpose. The back of the support plate 2 bears flat against the hub flange 44 (or brake drum) after the wheel nuts 42 have been tightened to provide firm and positive attachment and location against any relative movement.

A pair of the stands has particular practical application in supporting the wheel axle of a two wheeled caravan where otherwise prolonged standing of the caravan on its wheels leads to deterioration of the tyres. The length of the base 1 is such as to provide stable support against free forward or backward movement of the caravan when parked so that braking of the wheel axle is not necessary while it is on the stands.

Since it is not usual to carry a spare wheel for a caravan the stand can be used as a temporary support when it is required to remove a wheel e.g. for puncture repair.

Four equi-spaced slots 21 are shown provided to suit the usual four stud mounting of most caravan wheels and medium sized motor vehicles. The slots 21 also cater for some variation in the pitch circle of the wheel studs 41 and generally enable the stand to be adapted for fitting and securing in position of use. Alternative or additional holes or slots can be provided to suit other wheel stud spacing e.g. three or five stud arrangements.

Having regard to the usual tapered ends of wheel nuts 42, washers may be interposed between the nuts 42 and outer face of the support plate 2 or the slots 21 or holes may be dished to provide suitable seating for the nuts 42.

Where a wheel nut or nuts 42 of the locking type is or are employed, anti-theft attachment of the stand to a wheel hub assembly is obtained against unauthorised removal.

The construction of the stand may be varied from that described. Thus it may be produced as a pressing in sheet metal of suitable gauge i.e. in an integral arrangement of the base 1 and support plate 2 and webbing 3 or ribbing between them. Alternatively the base and support member may be of fabricated or frame construction.

Further with a view to providing stable support, the support plate 2 may upstand more or less centrally from the base 1, i.e. in an inverted T-section arrangement.

It is to be understood that the stand or stands may be used for axle support of a motor vehicle especially when it is necessary to lay it up out of use for some time, or to provide safe support for working under the vehicle and again without need for application of the brakes while so supported. For this purpose the support plate 2 can be of a height to provide suitable working clearance under the vehicle, regard being had to the maximum height to which the vehicle can be jacked.

1. A stand for a vehicle wheel axle comprising a base adapted to rest on the ground or similar surface and having an upstanding support member formed at its upper part for securing to the wheel mounting studs of a vehicle axle hub assembly and also arranged to accommodate the outer end of the hub body of a said hub assembly.

2. A stand according to claim 1 wherein the upper part of the upstanding support member is provided with a hole for accommodating the outer end of a hub body of a said hub assembly, the hole being concentrically surrounded by openings each for receiving through it a wheel mounting stud of the hub assembly for securing the support member to the latter by wheel nuts screwed onto the studs.

3. A stand according to claim 2 wherein

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Vehicle wheel axle stand The object of this invention is to provide a simple form of stand for supporting the wheel axle of a vehicle such as a caravan after wheel removal in a safe and convenient manner. Practical applications of the stand will be apparent from the following. According to the invention a stand for a vehicle wheel axle comprises a base adapted to rest on the ground or similar surface and having an upstanding support member formed at its upper part for securing to the wheel mounting studs of a vehicle axle hub assembly and also arranged to accommodate the outer end of the hub body of a said hub assembly. A practical form of the stand is shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view, and Figure 2 is a front elevation showing the stand in position of use. In the prototype example shown the stand is constructed from rigid metal plate (e.g. of aluminium) welded together and is of L-section to provide a base 1 for resting on the ground and an upstanding support member or plate 2. For suitable strength and rigidity the support plate 2 is shown braced from the base by a web 3. The upper part of the support plate 2 is provided with a hole 20 for accommodating the outer end 40 of the hub body of a wheel axle hub assembly 4 and is concentrically surrounded by equi-spaced openings shown in the form of radial slots 21 each for receiving through it a wheel mounting stud 41 of the hub assembly 4. As will be seen in Fig. 2 and after removal of the wheel the upper part of the support plate 2 can be readily and firmly secured to the wheel studs 41 by the usual wheel nuts 42 while the axle is temporarily jacked up for the purpose. The back of the support plate 2 bears flat against the hub flange 44 (or brake drum) after the wheel nuts 42 have been tightened to provide firm and positive attachment and location against any relative movement. A pair of the stands has particular practical application in supporting the wheel axle of a two wheeled caravan where otherwise prolonged standing of the caravan on its wheels leads to deterioration of the tyres. The length of the base 1 is such as to provide stable support against free forward or backward movement of the caravan when parked so that braking of the wheel axle is not necessary while it is on the stands. Since it is not usual to carry a spare wheel for a caravan the stand can be used as a temporary support when it is required to remove a wheel e.g. for puncture repair. Four equi-spaced slots 21 are shown provided to suit the usual four stud mounting of most caravan wheels and medium sized motor vehicles. The slots 21 also cater for some variation in the pitch circle of the wheel studs 41 and generally enable the stand to be adapted for fitting and securing in position of use. Alternative or additional holes or slots can be provided to suit other wheel stud spacing e.g. three or five stud arrangements. Having regard to the usual tapered ends of wheel nuts 42, washers may be interposed between the nuts 42 and outer face of the support plate 2 or the slots 21 or holes may be dished to provide suitable seating for the nuts 42. Where a wheel nut or nuts 42 of the locking type is or are employed, anti-theft attachment of the stand to a wheel hub assembly is obtained against unauthorised removal. The construction of the stand may be varied from that described. Thus it may be produced as a pressing in sheet metal of suitable gauge i.e. in an integral arrangement of the base 1 and support plate 2 and webbing 3 or ribbing between them. Alternatively the base and support member may be of fabricated or frame construction. Further with a view to providing stable support, the support plate 2 may upstand more or less centrally from the base 1, i.e. in an inverted T-section arrangement. It is to be understood that the stand or stands may be used for axle support of a motor vehicle especially when it is necessary to lay it up out of use for some time, or to provide safe support for working under the vehicle and again without need for application of the brakes while so supported. For this purpose the support plate 2 can be of a height to provide suitable working clearance under the vehicle, regard being had to the maximum height to which the vehicle can be jacked. CLAIMS

3. A stand according to claim 2 wherein the openings each for receiving a wheel mounting stud, consist of slots radially directed from the centre of the hub body outer end accommodation hole.

4. A stand according to claim 2 or 3 wherein each opening or slot is dished to provide a seating for the usual tapered end of a wheel mounting nut.

5. A stand according to any of the preceding claims wherein the base and upstanding support member are arranged in L-form or inverted T-form in cross section.

6. A stand according to any of the preceding claims wherein the upstanding support member is braced from the base by webbing or ribbing between them.

7. A stand for a vehicle wheel axle when substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.