Single locking collar and sprocket hub method

Abstract

An assembly method including a sprocket hub and a locking collar for go kart vehicles and other land vehicles with drive axles is provided to enhance acceleration. The present invention eliminates the need for two locking collars on either side of the sprocket hub. The invention further provides a lightweight sprocket hub with a hub neck portion adapted to receive a single locking collar. The sprocket hub fits loosely on the drive axle. The fin-like sprocket hub arms and sprocket hub extensions each have sprocket connection holes used to connect the sprocket hub to a drive sprocket. The locking collar engages the sprocket hub neck portion by means of two flanges located on the sprocket hub. As assembled, the sprocket hub and locking collar float and oscillate on the drive axle to compensate for chassis flex and chain bind.

1 . A method of enhancing acceleration of a go kart vehicle, comprising the steps of: 
 sliding a sprocket hub over a drive axle to fit loosely thereon;    sliding a locking collar over said drive axle;    loosely engaging said locking collar with said sprocket hub on said drive axle;    attaching a gear sprocket to said sprocket hub;    attaching a drive chain to said gear sprocket; and,    allowing said sprocket hub and said locking collar to float and oscillate on said drive axle to compensate for chassis flex and chain bind as a result of horizontal pivotal movement of said the sprocket hub within said locking collar about said drive axle, whereby such floating and oscillation is caused by the loose fit between said sprocket hub and said locking collar.    
   
   
       2 . A method of enhancing acceleration of a go kart vehicle and compensating for misalignment due to lead or wedge, comprising the steps of: 
 sliding a sprocket hub over a drive axle to fit loosely thereon;    sliding a locking collar over said drive axle;    engaging said locking collar with said sprocket hub on said drive axle;    attaching a gear sprocket to said sprocket hub;    attaching a drive chain to said gear sprocket; and,    allowing said sprocket hub and said locking collar to float and oscillate on said drive axle to compensate for misalignment and allow for enhanced acceleration of said go kart as a result of horizontal pivotal movement of said the sprocket hub within said locking collar, whereby such floating and oscillation is caused by the loose fit between said sprocket hub and said locking collar.