Abstract: A wheel disc adapted for use in a fabricated vehicle wheel includes a steel wheel disc defining an axis and includes a center mounting portion, an outer rim connecting flange, a plurality of radially outwardly extending spokes connecting the center mounting portion to the outer rim connecting flange and a ventilation opening provided between each pair of adjacent spokes. A width defined by a center wall of the spoke is tapered inwardly along a substantial portion of a radial length thereof as the center wall of the spoke extends generally from the center mounting portion to the outer rim connecting flange or wherein a width defined by outer walls of the spoke is tapered inwardly along a substantial portion of a radial length thereof as the outer walls of the spoke extends generally from the center mounting portion to the outer rim connecting flange.

Abstract: An isolator for a wheel hub between a brake rotor and a wheel is described, and includes a disk-shaped annular device including an inner ring, an outer ring, a first face portion, a second face portion, a plurality of apertures, a plurality of drain surface portions, and a plurality of radially-oriented drain channels disposed on the first face portion. Each drain channel is recessed in the first face portion. Each drain surface portion is recessed in the first face portion and is fluidly coupled to one of the drain channels. Each of the drain surface portions includes a continuous surface that is recessed from the first face portion between a drainage curve, a respective drain channel, and an arc that is defined on the inner ring between a first point and the respective drain channel.

Abstract: An automobile wheel is provided with a spoke section and a disk flange section. The spoke section is provided with a central groove section and raised side section disposed on either side of the central groove section. The raised side sections are provided with a peak side section that protrudes to the front and a flange section that extends from the side edge of the peak side section to the back. Meanwhile, the disk flange section is provided with a connector section and front edge sections that curve radially inward from the front edge of the connector section. The front edge sections are depressed toward the back relative to the peak side section of the raised side section. This automobile wheel, by means of the synergy between the shape effects of the spoke section and the disk flange section, improves strength and rigidity for withstanding radial loads and bending/torsional loads.

Abstract: A wheel assembly configured for attachment to a vehicle via a plurality of wheel studs or holes, the wheel assembly including a wheel defining a plurality of wheel openings therethrough, wherein each of the wheel openings has a non-circular shape and is configured to receive a wheel stud or bolt; and a plurality of variable lug inserts, wherein one of the variable lug inserts is within each of the openings and wherein each variable lug insert comprises a body having a longitudinal cross-sectional shape generally corresponding to the non-circular shape of the wheel opening and a variable lug insert opening extending through the body.

Abstract: A hub bearing assembly for a motor vehicle wheel comprises a flanged ring and a set of pin connection elements. The flanged ring defines a central axis of rotation and comprises a tubular core made of steel and an outer flange of light metallic material having axial bores formed therethrough. Each pin connection element includes a head portion and an axial cylindrical shank defining a respective longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation and is accommodated in one of the bores, and a threaded cylindrical surface for connecting the flanged ring to a wheel or to a suspension standard of the vehicle. Each head portion is shaped differently from that of a solid of revolution generated about the longitudinal axis of the shank portion. Each head portion is accommodated in a respective recess of corresponding shape, formed in one of the two radial opposite faces of the flange.

Abstract: A centering system for centering the inner and outer wheels of a dual wheel assembly on a hub includes at least three centering sets. Each centering set has an inner sleeve and a separate outer sleeve. Each inner sleeve fits between a wheel stud on the hub and a bolt hole in the inner wheel to center the inner wheel. Each outer sleeve fits between the wheel stud and a bolt hole in the outer wheel to center the outer wheel. The inner sleeves can also include a section that fits between the wheel stud on the hub and a bolt hole in the brake drum to center the brake drum.

Abstract: Bolt holes 23 are provided for press fitting and securing bolts 5 for mounting a brake rotor 4 to a flange 22 of a hub wheel. Each bolt hole 23 includes widening portions 28a, 28b, which are tapered to widen from the center portion of the bolt hole 23 toward a brake rotor mounting surface 25 of the flange 22. The widening portions 28a, 28b are formed by two tapered surfaces having different taper angles with respect to the axis of the bolt hole 23 from an opening rim of the bolt hole toward the inside. The taper angle of an outer tapered surface connected to the opening rim is greater than the taper angle of an inner tapered surface connected to the outer tapered surface. In machining the hub wheel 2 configured as described above, the brake rotor mounting surface 25 is finished after machining the bolt holes 23.

Abstract: A lug stud and lug nut monitoring system, method, and components for a vehicle may have a lug stud, a lug nut, at least one sensor, and an indicator. The lug stud has a shank. The lug nut is constructed to fasten on the shank. The sensor can be carried by the lug stud, by the lug nut, or by both the lug stud and the lug nut. The sensor takes at least one measurement. The indicator communicates with the sensor in order to determine a value based on the measurement, and to alert an operator of the vehicle if and when the value reaches a predetermined relationship to a reference value.

Abstract: A wheel hub, which has a central section and a radial section that is radially connected to the central section, a bearing section which axially protrudes from the central section and is used to receive a wheel bearing, and an axially opposing receiving section for receiving a brake disk and a wheel rim. Holes for receiving lug bolts are formed in the radial section. In order to produce an especially light wheel hub that can withstand all operating loads and provides a brake disk with a secure abutment surface under all operating conditions, the wheel hub has recesses at least between some holes, which fully penetrate the wall of the radial section of the wheel hub, and at least one reinforcing element is embodied on the radial end of the wheel hub.

Abstract: A hub and drum assembly includes a recess around one or more stud holes in the drum and a shipping nut threaded onto a stud and contained in the recess. The recessed shipping nut securely fastens the hub to the drum during shipping. At a destination facility, the shipping nut does not have to be removed before wheels are installed on the huh and drum assembly. A method of assembling a portion of a drive train including a hub and drum assembly with a recessed shipping nut is also provided.

Abstract: A hub-bearing assembly for the wheel of a motor vehicle includes a rotatable hub (18) having a radial flange (17) with bores (16) formed therethrough. Wheel fastening studs (10) each have a stem (12) inserted non-forcedly through a respective bore (16). The studs (10) are fixed to the flange (17) by an adhesive or cementing material.

Abstract: Bolt holes 23 are provided for press fitting and securing bolts 5 for mounting a brake rotor 4 to a flange 22 of a hub wheel. Each bolt hole 23 includes widening portions 28a, 28b, which are tapered to widen from the center portion of the bolt hole 23 toward a brake rotor mounting surface 25 of the flange 22. The widening portions 28a, 28b are formed by two tapered surfaces having different taper angles with respect to the axis of the bolt hole 23 from an opening rim of the bolt hole toward the inside. The taper angle of an outer tapered surface connected to the opening rim is greater than the taper angle of an inner tapered surface connected to the outer tapered surface. In machining the hub wheel 2 configured as described above, the brake rotor mounting surface 25 is finished after machining the bolt holes 23.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle such as a tractor is disclosed. The assembly comprises a wheel rim (10) for supporting a tire, a nave plate (11) mounted to the rim, and a drive plate (21) mounted to an axle flange (26). A torque ring (18) has first key ways (16, 17) for cooperating with first keys (14, 15) on nave plate (11), and second key ways (19, 20) for cooperating with second keys (22, 23) on drive plate (21). In this way, torque and radial and axial forces are transferred between the drive plate (21) and nave plate (11), but radial or axial forces, tending to remove the assembly from the axle, and exceeding respective predetermined levels, are prevented from being transferred from the nave plate (11) to the axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the reduction of aerodynamic drag for moving ground vehicles; specifically to an improved method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag of ground vehicles by reducing the mass and velocity of the flow interacting with the cavity of a wheel. The flow passing around a ground vehicle imparts a drag force to the vehicle when it interacts with a wheel. The ground vehicle class of particular interest is a tractor-trailer truck system consisting of a motorized lead vehicle pulling one or more non-motorized vehicles. The subject invention is designed to control the flow from entering the cavity of a wheel from the side of a ground vehicle system.

Abstract: A tension control fastener having a cylindrical shank having a pair of adjacent breakaway sections at one end. The outermost breakaway section engages an installation tool and shears off from the fastener at a first lower predetermined amount of torque, while the inner breakaway section shears off from the fastener at a second higher predetermined amount of torque.

Abstract: A wheel bearing having fixed part accommodating the brake caliper. The fixed part of the wheel bearing is connected to the wheel carrier by connecting elements. At least one projection is integrated with the fixed part, the wheel carrier or the connecting element. The projection transmits to the wheel carrier at least the torque acting in the fixed part during braking.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel comprises a rim (172) and a disk section (171) separate from the rim. Since the disk section is separate from the rim, the freedom of designing the disk section is improved. The rim comprises an outer rim (178) and an inner rim (181) separate from the outer rim. The outer and inner rims are attached to the outer periphery of the disk section at the same place by welding.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel adapter system for mounting different wheel hubs with protruding lugs, while allowing for quick assembly and disassembly can comprise a rim having a periphery for supporting a tire, a web plate for mounting on the opposed side of the rim, a plurality of inwardly projecting mounting bolts for placement through the web plate holes, an adapter plate having a first series of spaced apart bores for receiving the lugs, a second series of spaced apart bores for receiving the mounting bolts, and fasteners for fastening the adapter plate to the lugs and the bolts.

Abstract: A wheel locking assembly for preventing theft of wheels and tires. The wheel locking assembly includes a wheel rim assembly including a disc-shaped wheel rim having a first side and a second side, and also having an axle-receiving opening being centrally disposed therethrough, and further having fastener holes being spaced apart and being disposed therethrough, and also having cover-mounting holes being disposed therethrough; and also includes a fastener assembly including fasteners being lockingly disposed in the fastener holes of the disc-shaped wheel rim; and further includes a locking assembly being disposed in the disc-shaped wheel rim for locking the fasteners in the fastener holes; and also includes cover members being fastenably attached to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A replacement wheel, wheel disc or object is adapted to substantially replicate a mounting pad pattern of a wheel, wheel disc or object to be replaced. An annular arrangement of raised mounting pads provides a pattern of mounting pads proximate a circle of a given diameter to substantially replicate the mounting pad pattern of the to-be-replaced wheel disc or objects Mounting pads may be provided on an annular member having an inner diameter less than the given diameter of a circle at which the mounting pad pattern of the to-be-replaced wheel disc or object is located and having an outer diameter greater than the given diameter. Mounting pads may be provided by inserts.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel having a shallow drain slot milled into the inboard surface of the hub and extending from the wheel pilot hole to the edge of the hub.

Abstract: Wheel disc, comprising a radially outer circular assembling part, a radially inner fixing and centering part with a bearing region comprising a given number of fixing apertures and ending radially inwardly with a centering vent, and arms connecting the inner and outer parts, each arm being disposed substantially opposite to one of the fixing apertures and the radially inner free edges of the radially outer circular part defining with the lateral free edges of the arms perforations, in which, in order to reinforce each arm mechanically, a pocket is housed, set back axially inwards relative to the outer face of the disc and in which a yoke connects each arm to the centering vent.

Abstract: Wheel disc, including a radially outer circular mounting part, a radially inner fixing and centering part with a bearing region comprising a specified number of fixing apertures and ending radially inwardly with a centering aperture, and spokes connecting the inner and outer parts. Each spoke is disposed substantially circumferentially between two adjacent fixing apertures and the radially inner free edges of the radially outer circular part defining perforations with the free lateral edges of the spokes. In order to mechanically reinforce each spoke, the central region of each spoke is deformed in order to house a swelling receding axially outwardly relative to the lateral regions of the spokes, including a yoke opening into the centering aperture.

Abstract: A coated center disk wheel produced from sheet metal for a motor vehicle, which has a wheel-center disk (1) provided with a plurality of connecting eyes (3) which are distributed over a hole circle (2) and have in each case a through-hole (4). Around the hole is a countersink (7) against which rests, in the mounted state of the center disk wheel, the head (9) of a wheel bolt (6) projecting through the respective through-hole (4). Fastened to the wheel hub, at least a part (10) of the surface of each countersink (7) is structured by elevations (11) and indentations (12) located side by side. In the mounted state of the center disk wheel, the wheel bolt heads (9) are in contact only with the elevations (11) on those surfaces (13) which are substantially free of paint (14) with which the remaining surface of the center disk wheel is coated. The paint is removed from the contact surfaces (13) of the elevations (11) on tightening the wheel bolts (6).

Abstract: A lug bolt adapted for use on an automobile having at least a double lead to decrease the number turns a lug nut requires to screw the lug nut onto the lug bolt. The lug bolt may comprise a triple or quadruple lead, or even more leads. A racing automobile may be provided having the lug bolt for the mounting of a wheel thereon using a correspondingly-leaded lug nut. The racing automobile may be a NASCAR automobile, in one embodiment.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing rim corrosion on vehicles of all types that have rims and hubs made of dissimilar metal. Rim corrosion occurs because of loss of metal from the rim which acts as an anode in the resulting electrical circuit when water, salt, and other dirt or road contaminants work their way in between the rim and hub surfaces. The invention is a system and method for preventing electrical current to flow between these surfaces. The system can be a gasket or other electrical insulator that is inserted or bonded between the rim and hub surfaces. Because the electrical insulator prevents current from flowing off the anode or rim surface, rim corrosion is greatly reduced or eliminated. The insulator can be made of any electrically insulating material that can withstand the stress of being pressed between the rim and hub of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel assembly for a work machine, the wheel assembly includes a hub defined about a central axis. The hub includes an inboard end, an outboard end and a rim-mounting flange. The rim-mounting flange includes an inboard surface, and outboard surface and an outer edge defined there between. The outer edge includes a groove extending toward the hub. A plurality of bores are disposed about the rim-mounting flange, each of the bores defines a bore diameter. A stud, having a shoulder defining a shoulder diameter is positioned in each of the bores. A retainer is positioned in the groove and holds each stud in its respective bore.

Abstract: For the purpose of facilitating correct fitting of a motor vehicle wheel onto a hub (10) which froms a central axial tubular projection (11) for insertion into a central wheel hole (30), a hub assembly includes an annular cylindrical element (20) to be fitted on the projection (11) and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient portions (21) capable of exerting force in radially outward directions on the wheel hole to support the wheel resiliently in an essentially centered manner relative to the hub.

Abstract: In a hub-piloted wheel mounting assembly, relative movement between a hub and drum, which can cause a wheel and tire to become out of balance, is prevented. The hub has at least one bolt extending from it and the drum has an oversized aperture for receiving the bolt so that an area of space between the bolt and the sides of the aperture is created. A spacing insert having a body with a bore for closely receiving the bolt and which is configured to be closely received within the aperture of the drum is provided to prevent relative movement of the bolt within the aperture. This prevents shifting or slippage of the drum with respect to the hub and keeps the wheel and tire in balance.

Abstract: An axle extension device includes a circular extender plate having a plurality of bores adapted to receive the mounting studs of a vehicle hub therethrough. A number of stud bolts equal to the number of mounting studs extend outwardly from the extender plate for receiving corresponding holes of a hub of a vehicle tire/wheel combination. The extender plate has a thickness such that a tire/wheel combination attached thereto is displaced from the vehicle's wheel hub so the vehicle's wheel base is broadened. Another embodiment includes a first extender plate for mounting to the mounting studs of a vehicle hub, the first extender plate having a threaded exterior side surface. A second extender plate includes a threaded interior surface and may be rotatably mounted to the first extender plate for adjusting the amount of axle extension. The second extender plate includes stud bolts for receiving a tire/wheel combination.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel stud and a vehicle wheel bearing including a wheel stud. The vehicle wheel stud includes a vehicle-wheel-stud body. A first portion of the body has wheel-bearing-engaging first external threads, and a second portion of the body has wheel-nut-engaging second external threads. The wheel bearing includes a rotatable section and a wheel stud. The rotatable section includes a hole having internal threads. A first portion of the wheel stud has first external threads threadably attached to the internal threads of the hole. A second portion of the wheel stud has wheel-nut-engaging second external threads.

Abstract: In a hub-piloted wheel mounting assembly, relative movement between a hub and drum, which can cause a wheel and tire to become out of balance, is prevented. The hub has at least one bolt extending from it and the drum has an oversized aperture for receiving the bolt so that an area of space between the bolt and the sides of the aperture is created. A spacing insert having a body with a bore for closely receiving the bolt and which is configured to be closely received within the aperture of the drum is provided to prevent relative movement of the bolt within the aperture. This prevents shifting or slippage of the drum with respect to the hub and keeps the wheel and tire in balance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a wheel to an axle. The apparatus comprises a wheel with a hub for insertion into an indentation in the end of the axle and a single bolt that is offset from the axis of rotation of the wheel and axle and that attaches the wheel to the axle.

Abstract: A wheel spindle flange (and the like) has stud holes with soft surface hardness formed therein which permit non-rotational splines, studs and the like to be press-fitted therein with minimal press force at a centered press zone established between intentionally formed and dimensioned counterbores within the flange to minimize flange distortion and lateral run out of the spindle.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing rim corrosion on vehicles of all types that have rims and hubs made of dissimilar metal. Rim corrosion occurs because of loss of metal from the rim which acts as an anode in the resulting electrical circuit when water, salt, and other dirt or road contaminants work their way in between the rim and hub surfaces. The invention is a system and method for preventing electrical current to flow between these surfaces. The system can be a gasket or other electrical insulator that is inserted or bonded between the rim and hub surfaces. Because the electrical insulator prevents current from flowing off the anode or rim surface, rim corrosion is greatly reduced or eliminated. The insulator can be made of any electrically insulating material that can withstand the stress of being pressed between the rim and hub of a vehicle.

Abstract: A hub for use in and as part of a wheel support assembly adapted to bolt to the endplate of an axle of a vehicle for supporting a tire is disclosed herein along with the wheel support assembly itself. The hub is configured as a plurality of bars which are connected together to form a hub body. This hub body defines a common center point and a contact face. The contact face is where the hub is in contact with the axle endplate when the device is mounted to a vehicle. Each of the bars has on one side a contact surface, and a through hole for receiving an axle lug bolt. The contact surface on each of the bars has a curved shape on its outwardly most extending end, the curvature of which is defined by a radius less than the distance between the common center point of the hub body and the outwardly most extending end of the bars.

Abstract: A knuckle hub assembly (10) and a method for manufacturing same whereby brake run out is produced includes a knuckle (12), a bearing (28) press fit into the knuckle (12), and a wheel hub (14) coupled to the bearing (28) and rotateable with respect to the knuckle (12). The wheel hub (14) has a flange surface (34) having a relief channel (60) formed therein. A plurality of wheel studs (44) are press fit into bolt opening (42) formed in the relief channel (60). This arrangement provides a flat flange surface (34) for mating with a rotor (42) to minimize brake run out. The knuckle hub assembly (10) is mounted into a floating tool for finish turning of the flange surface (34) to provide minimal run out and maximum flatness.

Abstract: A wheel spindle flange (and the like) has stud holes with soft surface hardness formed therein which permit non-rotational splines, studs and the like to be press-fitted therein with minimal press force at a centered press zone established between intentionally formed and dimensioned counterbores within the flange to minimize flange distortion and lateral run out of the spindle.