Abstract: Vehicle wheels and methods of making vehicle wheels are provided. A vehicle wheel comprises a generally annular first region, a second region, and a flange extension. The first region comprises an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat. The second region extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The flange extension extends from the first region in a direction away from the second region. The flange extension comprises a first extension end integral with the first region, a second extension end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end. The elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end.

Abstract: Vehicle wheels and methods of use are provided. The vehicle wheel comprises a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is generally annular and comprises a first flange, a second flange opposite the first flange, and a continuous wall comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. A first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat are defined on the outer surface. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle and is offset from the first flange by an offset distance. The third region connects the second region and the third region and extends inwardly towards the longitudinal axis from an attachment location on the first region to the second region. The third region comprises a first thickness and the second region comprises a second thickness. The first thickness is no greater than 75% of the second thickness.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel for mounting at least two tires, an assembly comprising the vehicle wheel, methods of making the vehicle wheel, and methods of using the vehicle wheel. The vehicle wheel comprises a generally cylindrical first region, a generally cylindrical second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first region comprises a first tire mount disposed about a circumference of an outer surface of the first region. The second region comprises a second tire mount disposed about a circumference of an outer surface of the second region. The third region is disposed intermediate and connecting the first region and the second region. The fourth region is integral with and extends radially inward from an inner surface of the third region. The fourth region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The first, second, third, and fourth regions are regions of a monolithic body.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover retention system includes a wheel defining an axis and includes a wheel rim and a wheel disc. The wheel disc has a generally radially outwardly extending retention groove formed in a generally axially extending portion of an inner mounting surface thereof. The cover includes an inner portion having a central opening. The inner portion is provided with at least one wheel cover retention member having at least one tab. A center cap is provided and includes at least one center cap retention member having at least one tab. The at least one tab of the at least one wheel cover retention member and the at least one tab of the center cap retention member are both received in the retention groove to secure both the wheel cover and the center cap to the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover retention system comprises a wheel defining an axis and formed from a suitable material and including a wheel rim and a wheel disc. The wheel disc includes a generally centrally located wheel mounting surface and an outer annular portion which defines an outboard face. The wheel disc has a generally radially outwardly extending retention groove formed in a generally axially extending portion of the inner mounting surface thereof. The wheel cover is formed from a suitable material and includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an inner portion having a central opening. The inner portion is provided with at least one wheel cover retention member. The at least one wheel cover retention member provided with at least one tab. A center cap is provided and is formed from a suitable material and includes at least one center cap retention member. The at least one center cap retention member provided with at least one tab.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle wheel cover retention system for securing a wheel cover to a vehicle wheel using an adhesive. According to one feature of the invention, the wheel cover has a portion which extends to a backside of a window, the portion having a lip formed thereon which is received in a cut provided on the backside of the window in order to retain the wheel cover in place on the wheel for a time sufficient to enable the adhesive to cure in order to permanently secure the wheel cover to the wheel. According to another feature of the invention, the wheel cover has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface provided with a lip formed thereon which is received in a groove formed in an outboard face of the wheel in order to retain the wheel cover in place on the wheel for a time sufficient to enable the adhesive to cure in order to permanently secure the wheel cover to the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel mold is vibrated at a frequency within a range of 0.1 to 10,000 Hz during a casting process. The vibration reduces the solidification time needed to form a wheel casting while improving the tensile strength of the wheel.

Abstract: A process for casting or forging a wheel disc upon the end of a metal hoop. The metal hoop is then formed into a wheel rim. The rim and disc are machined to assure concentric tire bead seats.

Abstract: A mold for casting a vehicle wheel includes a movable top core which cooperates with a base member to define a mold cavity. The mold also includes a plurality of movable segments mounted upon the top core. The movable segments define a central gate which communicates with the mold cavity. The central gate receives a charge of molten metal and feeds the charge into the mold cavity. A porous filter is disposed within the gate.

Abstract: A one piece commercial highway vehicle wheel cast from a light weight metal in mold having a core insert which forms a circumferential lightener recess in the outboard end of the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel mold is vibrated during a casting process. The vibration reduces the solidification time needed to form a wheel casting while improving tensile strength of the wheel.

Abstract: At least one bimetal tab is disposed in a groove between a wheel disc formed from a first metal and a wheel rim formed from a second metal which is different from the first metal. The bimetal tab is formed by roll bonding a layer of the first metal to a layer of the second metal. The first metal layer of the bimetal tab is adjacent to the wheel disc while the second metal layer of the tab is adjacent to the wheel disc. A spot weld which extends through the bimetal tab secures the wheel disc to the wheel rim.