Importance

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Abstract

A centering apparatus for centering a detachable vehicular wheel with a central opening on a hub. The one-piece centering apparatus fits in an annular groove in the hub pilot boss. The one-piece centering apparatus may be in the shape of a ring, with bendable and resilient fingers extending outwardly from the ring at an angle away from the outer end of the pilot boss. As the wheel is mounted over the hub pilot boss, a flange at the wheel central opening presses against the fingers on the ring. This causes the fingers to bend slightly to compensate for any interference fit. The resilient action of the fingers keeps the wheel centered on the hub. The wheel is then bolted to the wheel assembly. In other embodiments, the centering apparatus has a cross-section in the approximate shape of a 'V', 'U', 'N', or 'M', one leg of which serves as the bendable and resilient finger. The fingers may be replaced by a continuous member extending around the circumference of the pilot boss. The centering apparatus may also be a coiled wire in the shape of a toroid. The centering apparatus alternatively can be retained in an annular groove in the margin of the wheel central opening, with the bendable resilient fingers extending inwardly to press fit with the hub pilot boss and center the wheel on the hub. Various materials may be used for the centering apparatus.

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First Claim