Brian Leo Simon

US Patent:

6439672, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Sep 11, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/658725

Inventors:

Brian A. Simon - Grosse Pointe Park MI

Assignee:

U.S. Manufacturing Corporation - Fraser MI

International Classification:

B60B 3500

US Classification:

3011241, 301131

Abstract:

A vehicle dead axle is formed of a hollow tube that extends substantially the width of the vehicle and has wheel supporting spindle portions welded upon the opposite ends of the tube. The exterior surface of the tube is generally circular in cross-section. The cross-sectional shape of the opening in the tube is asymmetrically curved relative to the central axis of the tube to form the tube into integral, longitudinally extending, circumferential wall segments of varying wall thicknesses. The axle is oriented so that its thicker wall segments receive the greater of anticipated forces imposed upon the axle during use. The axle is formed by placing a tubular blank within an open die having a die throat and pushing the blank through the die throat by means of a moving ram that engages and pushes against the end of the blank. The ram has an extension that is fitted within the blank as the ram pushes the blank through the space between the extension and the die throat. The extension is asymmetrically shaped in cross section relative to the axis of the throat so as to form the varying thickness circumferential wall segments.

US Patent:

20150285295, Oct 8, 2015

Filed:

Apr 8, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/247702

Inventors:

- Warren MI, US
Brian Anthony Simon - Bloomfield Hills MI, US

International Classification:

F16C 3/02

Abstract:

A lightweight drive axle includes an elongate, tubular body having a first longitudinal end configured for coupling to a side gear in a differential and a second longitudinal end configured to support a vehicle wheel. The shaft further includes a screw disposed at the first longitudinal end of the body. The screw comprise a shank configured to be received within a bore in the body and a head having first and second portions. The first portion is disposed at one longitudinal end of the screw, has a first diameter and is spaced from the first longitudinal end of the body. The second portion is disposed between the first portion and the shank and has a second diameter less than the first diameter such that the first longitudinal end of the body and the first and second portions of the head define a groove configured to receive a shaft retainer.