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:
Mar. 15, 2016
Filed:
Nov. 27, 2013
Dean Cerimeli, Gilbert, AZ (US);
Robert a Dolan, Mesa, AZ (US);
Michael H Dilgard, Tempe, AZ (US);
Javier Nolasco, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Jeremy Donohue, Gilbert, AZ (US);
Dean Cerimeli, Gilbert, AZ (US);
Robert A Dolan, Mesa, AZ (US);
Michael H Dilgard, Tempe, AZ (US);
Javier Nolasco, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Jeremy Donohue, Gilbert, AZ (US);
U-Haul International, Inc., Phoenix, AZ (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for extending the length of a vehicle without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly. The method includes disconnecting the front drive shaft segment from the vehicle transmission, extending the length of the vehicle frame, and inserting a drive shaft extension segment which includes: a rigid tubular shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis; a universal joint mounted at the tubular shaft front end and having a front flange configured for mounting to the transmission; and a bearing assembly mounted to the tubular shaft. The extension segment rear end includes a rearward facing flange configured for mounting to a forward facing flange of the front drive shaft segment that was disconnected from the vehicle transmission. The extension segment is installed in the vehicle between the vehicle transmission and the front drive shaft segment without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly.