US 12,240,318 B2
Multi-gear portal
Quinn Pultz, Encinitas, CA (US)
Assigned to 74 WELD, INC., El Cajon, CA (US)
Filed by 74 Weld Inc., El Cajon, CA (US)
Filed on Apr. 18, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/723,268.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/176,159, filed on Apr. 16, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0332185 A1, Oct. 20, 2022
Int. Cl. B60K 17/04 (2006.01); B60K 7/00 (2006.01)
CPC B60K 17/046 (2013.01) [B60K 7/0015 (2013.01); B60K 2007/0038 (2013.01); B60K 2007/0061 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/221 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A portal assembly for a vehicle axle having a rotatable axle shaft, the portal assembly comprising:
a housing configured for attachment to the vehicle axle;
a gear assembly disposed within the housing, the gear assembly comprising:
an input gear linked to the axle shaft, the input gear configured to rotate around a first rotational axis in response to a rotational force from the axle shaft;
an output gear having a proximal side disposed on a rotational support along a second rotational axis spaced at a distance lower than the first rotational axis, the output gear configured to convert rotation of the input gear to rotation of the output gear;
an output gear bearing coaxially disposed between the proximal side of the output gear and the rotational support, the output gear bearing configured to support the proximal side of the output gear;
an output axle shaft configured to be driven by the output gear, the output axle shaft having a proximal end configured to be received within a distal side of the output gear and a distal end configured to extend through an opening in the housing; and
a unit bearing comprising a fixed portion attached to the housing and a rotating portion, the rotating portion configured to mate with the distal end of the output axle shaft so that the distal side of the output gear is fully supported by the unit bearing, wherein the unit bearing has fasteners extending therefrom for attachment to a wheel hub.