초록 ▼

A wheel centering adapter for being applied to an elongated mounting shaft designed for extending through a center hole of a vehicle wheel. The centering adapter cooperates with a clamping assembly to align and center the wheel relative to the shaft. The centering adapter includes an adapter body de

A wheel centering adapter for being applied to an elongated mounting shaft designed for extending through a center hole of a vehicle wheel. The centering adapter cooperates with a clamping assembly to align and center the wheel relative to the shaft. The centering adapter includes an adapter body defining a cylindrical through-bore designed to receive the mounting shaft. A protective liner is formed adjacent the through-bore of the adapter body and has a non-abrasive surface for protecting the mounting shaft from wear upon application and removal of the centering adapter.

대표청구항 ▼

1. In combination with a wheel servicing machine comprising an elongated mounting shaft designed for extending through a center hole of a vehicle wheel, a wheel centering adapter applied to the elongated mounting shaft to align and center the wheel relative to the shaft, said centering adapter compr

1. In combination with a wheel servicing machine comprising an elongated mounting shaft designed for extending through a center hole of a vehicle wheel, a wheel centering adapter applied to the elongated mounting shaft to align and center the wheel relative to the shaft, said centering adapter comprising:(a) an adapter body defining a cylindrical through-bore designed to receive the mounting shaft; and (b) a protective liner formed adjacent the through-bore of said adapter body and comprising a non-abrasive surface for protecting the mounting shaft from wear upon application and removal of said centering adapter. 2. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 1, wherein said protective liner is formed separately from said adapter body.3. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 2, wherein said protective liner is formed of an integrally molded polymer.4. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 3, wherein said adapter body is formed of metal.5. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 4, and comprising means for securing the protective liner to the metal adapter body.6. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 5, wherein said means for securing the protective liner comprises opposing annular beveled edges formed at respective opposite ends of said through-bore and engaging complementary outwardly flared ends of the protective liner.7. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 1, wherein said adapter body comprises a centering cone.8. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 1, wherein said adapter body comprises a centering disc.9. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 1, wherein said adapter body comprises a centering sleeve.10. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 1, wherein said adapter body comprises a centering collet.11. In combination with a wheel servicing machine comprising an elongated mounting shaft designed for extending through a center hole of a vehicle wheel, a wheel centering adapter applied to the elongated mounting shaft to align and center the wheel relative to the shaft, said centering adapter comprising:(a) an adapter body defining a cylindrical through-bore designed to receive the mounting shaft; (b) a protective liner formed adjacent the through-bore of said adapter body and comprising a non-abrasive surface for protecting the mounting shaft from wear upon application and removal of said centering adapter; and (c) a visual wear indicator formed with said protective liner and adapted for readily indicating a worn condition of said liner. 12. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 11, wherein said protective liner is formed separately from said adapter body.13. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 12, wherein said protective liner is formed of an integrally molded polymer.14. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 13, wherein said adapter body is formed of metal.15. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 14, and comprising means for securing the polymer protective liner to the metal adapter body.16. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 15, wherein said means for securing the protective liner comprises opposing annular beveled edges formed at respective opposite ends of said through-bore and engaging complementary outwardly flared ends of the protective liner.17. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 11, wherein said adapter body comprises a centering cone.18. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 11, wherein said adapter body comprises a centering disc.19. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 11, wherein said adapter body comprises a centering sleeve.20. A wheel centering adapter according to claim 11, wherein said adapter body comprises a centering collet.