The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 27, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 15, 2000
Harvey A. Knell, Yorkville, IL (US);
Eric R. O'Brien, Yorkville, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method of preventing refuse from wrapping around the axle of a work machine is disclosed. A work machine includes a frame, an axle, at least one wheel, an operator compartment, an engine, and an axle protection system. The at least one wheel has a rim extension having an outer portion. The axle protection system includes a roof guard and an axle guard assembly. The axle guard assembly has a plate and a labyrinth guard. A channel is provided by the configuration of the guard assembly, plate, and labyrinth guard such that the outer portion of the rim extension is received by the channel. The plate extends substantially vertically from the perimeter of the axle guard assembly. Preferably, a flexible member is attached to the edge of the plate and extends such that it is urged in contact with the roof guard.