Abstract: The present application discloses a wheel assembly equipment, which includes a lower rotating and lifting system, lower ejection units, a lower supporting and adjusting system, a centering and lifting system, compression units, press-in units, an upper lifting and rotating system. The wheel assembly equipment not only may be used for realizing the function of simultaneously pressing bushings into bolt holes of a wheel having different pitch diameters, but also may be used for simultaneously detecting whether the press-out force of each bushing is qualified, and has the characteristics of high automation degree, advanced process, strong universality and high safety and stability at the same time.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless flexible tire with certain performance characteristics of a pneumatic tire. The rigid wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements removably attached to a radially outer margin of the central portion. The tire is mounted on the wheel and engages the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated radially from the wheel by a space. The tire is configured such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure, thereby minimizing ground penetration and soil disruption. The tire may include one or more tension elements embedded in the tire to increase the tire's strength and resilience.

Abstract: A take-apart vehicle wheel assembly includes an inner wheel part defining an axis and including a generally radially extending annular flange having an outboard surface; an outer wheel part configured to be secured to the inner wheel part, the outer wheel part including a generally radially extending annular flange having an inboard surface; a gap defined between the outboard surface of the inner wheel part and the inboard surface of the outer wheel part in an area adjacently surrounding each of a plurality of stud receiving holes formed in the inner and outer wheel parts; and a seal disposed in the gap; wherein the gap is formed by providing a recess in at least one of the outboard surface of the inner wheel part and the inboard surface of the outer wheel part in at least a portion of the area adjacently surrounding each of the plurality of stud receiving holes formed therein.

Abstract: A method for producing a fabricated vehicle wheel comprising the steps of: (a) providing a rim blank; (b) providing a first tooling fixture for subjecting the rim blank to a preforming operation wherein the cylindrical shape is reshaped to produce a rim preform; (c) providing a second tooling fixture defining a sealed internal chamber and having a tooling member having a predetermined inner surface contour, the sealed internal chamber in fluid communication with a source of high pressurize hydraulic fluid; (d) positioning the rim preform in the internal chamber with an outer surface thereof adjacent the inner surface contour of the tooling member; (e) supplying the high pressure hydraulic fluid to the internal chamber whereby the rim preform is pressed against the adjacent inner surface contour of the tooling member so as to produce a wheel rim having a contour which matches that of the inner surface contour of the tooling member; (f) removing the wheel rim from the second tooling fixture; and (g) securing th

Abstract: A full face fabricated euroflange vehicle wheel comprises a full face wheel disc defining an axis and formed from a suitable material, the wheel disc having an outer end; and a wheel rim formed from a suitable material and having an outer end joined to the outer end of the wheel disc by at least one weld to produce the fabricated euroflange vehicle wheel; wherein the fabricated euroflange vehicle wheel includes only a generally radially outwardly extending outer end formed by a combination of at least a portion of two of the outer end of the wheel disc the outer end of the wheel rim and the at least one weld.

Abstract: An undercarriage system for a track-type machine includes a ground engaging track, and an idler for the ground engaging track having a hub formed of a relatively lower hardness metallic material, and a compound annular rim capping the hub and being formed of a relatively higher hardness metallic material. The hub includes a radially projecting outer spine, which is annular and concentric with an idler mounting bore defined by an inner peripheral surface of the hub. First and second rim components of the compound annular rim abut one another and sandwich the radially projecting outer spine. Each of the first and second abutting rim components includes a stepped profile. The idler may include a remanufactured idler having a reusable hub and replacement compound annular rim.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wheel for a vehicle, in which burrs that are created in forming vent holes do not contact with the inner circumference of rim when disc is combined with rim, such that it is possible to prevent damage to the inside of rim due to burrs. Further, a hub cap is formed for covering a hub hole and separably combined with a cylindrical protrusion of disc, such that it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the weight, and improve the fuel efficiency. Furthermore, a plurality of water discharge holes is formed along the joint of rim and disc, such that the water discharge holes make it possible to prevent water from collecting again at the joint of rim and disc after a process of removing water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle wheel, in particular a hybrid vehicle wheel, composed of a wheel disc, which is fabricated from lightweight metal as a cast part, and a rim ring, which is made from steel, is connected to the wheel disc in a rotationally fixed fashion and has at least one rim horn and a drop base edge, and a method for manufacturing such a hybrid vehicle wheel. In order to be able to manufacture the hybrid vehicle wheel at low cost and to ensure sufficient force flow between the rim ring and the wheel disc, the wheel disc has, on the disc edge, a contour which is matched to the profile of the rim horn and drop base edge and extends over the distance between them and on which the rim ring bears in the mounted state of the wheel disc and rim ring while clamping the wheel disc between a first pressure zone on the drop base edge and a second pressure zone on the rim horn. Fitting is carried out by folding over or rolling over a rim ring blank onto the edge of the disc.

Abstract: A fabricated bead seat attached vehicle wheel includes a wheel rim and wheel disc joined together. The wheel rim includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange, an inner tire bead seat, a well, an outer tire bead seat, and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange. The wheel defines a wheel axis and includes a generally centrally located wheel mounting portion and an outer annular portion which defines a wheel disc outer flange The wheel disc outer annular flange is segmented around a circumference thereof and includes at least a first plurality of segments and a second plurality of segments. The first plurality of segments extending a first axial distance relative to an adjacent outer surface of the wheel disc and the second plurality of segments extending a second axial distance relative to the adjacent outer surface of the wheel disc which is less than the first axial distance.

Abstract: To provide a manufacturing method of wheels which can easily and beautifully remove plating at the welding planned portion and which can manufacture wheels with rims plated at low price and efficiently. A method for manufacturing two-piece type wheels having a rim 2 and a disk, in which after providing a chromium plating to the rim 2 as a wheel component member, a welding planned portion RW with respect to the disk on the inner circumferential surface of the rim is ground by a grinding belt 29, removing plating at the welding planned portion RW, thereafter the disk is fitted and fixed to the rim 2 so that the disk and the rim are welded and joined along the welding planned portion RW.

Abstract: A method for producing a fabricated vehicle wheel comprising the steps of: (a) providing a rim blank; (b) providing a first tooling fixture for subjecting the rim blank to a preforming operation wherein the cylindrical shape is reshaped to produce a rim preform; (c) providing a second tooling fixture defining a sealed internal chamber and having a tooling member having a predetermined inner surface contour, the sealed internal chamber in fluid communication with a source of high pressurize hydraulic fluid; (d) positioning the rim preform in the internal chamber with an outer surface thereof adjacent the inner surface contour of the tooling member; (e) supplying the high pressure hydraulic fluid to the internal chamber whereby the rim preform is pressed against the adjacent inner surface contour of the tooling member so as to produce a wheel rim having a contour which matches that of the inner surface contour of the tooling member; (f) removing the wheel rim from the second tooling fixture; and (g) securing th

Abstract: Attachment holes are formed in a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the attachment flange of a wheel bearing unit. The amount “h” of projection from an attachment surface in the axial direction of the opening edge peripheral portion of the respective attachment holes is limited under the condition that studs are press-fitted and fixed into the respective attachment holes.

Abstract: A wheel (11) having a wheel rim (13) and a centre portion configured as a central disc (15). A tyre (17) is mounted on the rim (13). The wheel rim (13) comprises a generally annular body (21) incorporating a rim well (25). The rim well (25) defines a radially inner portion (27) which presents a radially inner face (29). The radially inner face (29) is of an annular configuration centred about the axis of rotation of the wheel. The centre disc (15) comprises a generally circular plate (31) having an outer periphery (35). The plate (31) incorporates a centre hole (37) and circumferentially spaced mounting holes (39) for receiving wheel studs. The outer periphery (35) is of a diameter which allows the plate (31) to be snugly received within the confines of the annular face (29) of the rim (13).The annular inner face (29) of the rim (13) has an axial extent (in the direction of rotation of the wheel) which is significantly greater than the thickness of the plate (31).

Abstract: One embodiment includes a wheel including a first portion including magnesium, the first portion including at least a rim; a second portion including aluminum; and an interface where the first portion and the second portion contact each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wheel, particularly for use on automotive vehicles. The wheel has a wheel rim and a wheel disc connectable to each other. The method includes shaping the wheel disc, shaping the wheel rim, manufacturing the wheel disc to form a first centering element and manufacturing the wheel rim to form a second centering element. The centering elements allow the wheel disc and the wheel rim to be connectable to each other via the first and second centering elements in a centered or concentric way.

Abstract: A full face fabricated euroflange vehicle wheel comprises a full face wheel disc defining an axis and formed from a suitable material, the wheel disc having an outer end; and a wheel rim formed from a suitable material and having an outer end joined to the outer end of the wheel disc by at least one weld to produce the fabricated euroflange vehicle wheel; wherein the fabricated euroflange vehicle wheel includes only a generally radially outwardly extending outer end formed by a combination of at least a portion of two of the outer end of the wheel disc, the outer end of the wheel rim and the at least one weld.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wheel rim by bringing end faces of a workpiece into abutment against each other to form a hollow cylindrical body and forming a circumferential recess which is depressed from an outer circumferential wall of said hollow cylindrical body toward an inner circumferential wall thereof, including providing protrusions disposed near ends of a joined area of the hollow cylindrical body and extending in a joining direction, and then pressing the outer circumferential wall of the hollow cylindrical body to form the recess.

Abstract: A method for molding a wheel rim hump part, comprising the steps of stopping a fist claw (30) and a second claw (32) holding a work (wheel rim for vehicle) (W) at specified positions and allowing an annular support member (160) to abut on the end surface of the curl part (C1) of the work (W), closing a right side first mold (16b) to support the curl part (C1) and the outer peripheral wall surface of the work by the support mold (106) of the right side first mold (16b), also closing a left side first mold (16a) to support the curl part (C1) and the outer peripheral wall surface of the work by the support mold (106) of the left side first mold (16a), moving forward a long rod (136) to allow a roller metal mold (124) to abut on the inner peripheral wall surface of the work (W), and turning the roller metal mold (124) along the circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: A mounting device for a rim disk of a full face wheel for a vehicle has a disk disposed on a rotating table rotated by a rotating device about the center axis (X) of a full face wheel and radially positioned by a hub hole fitting piece and a rim disposed on the disk and radially positioned by arresting a rim drop part by a rim position arresting means, with the disk and rim being pressingly held between a disk support piece and a rim support piece by upwardly pulling an aligning rod connected to the rotating table through a rod connection means along the center axis (X) of the full face wheel while downwardly pressing a rim flange part by the rim support piece to bring the disk and the rim into a pressed state. By the rim disk mounting device, the disk and the rim radially positioned with high accuracy can be brought into pressed state with a strong holding pressure, and both the disk and the rim can be stably rotated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a full face vehicle wheel having a high durability performance, in which the back surface of a wheel disk is provided in advance with an annular joining groove. A peripheral joining end of a wheel rim is provided in advance with an inside slope end surface. The peripheral joining end is seated and positioned on the bottom surface of the annular joining groove. A welding heat confining annular region is produced between the inside groove wall of the annular joining groove and the inside slope end surface. The annular joining groove and the peripheral joining end are joined by welding.

Abstract: A metal mold for electromagnetic forming, with the inner peripheral face thereof, serving as a forming face, is disposed on the outer peripheral side of a columnar workpiece, and a coil for electromagnetic forming is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the columnar workpiece. In a state of a configuration as described, electric energy is thrown into the coil for the electromagnetic forming, and the columnar workpiece is caused to undergo flaring to be thereby pressed against the forming face of the metal mold for the electromagnetic forming, so as to be turned into a shape corresponding to the forming face by means of the electromagnetic forming, thus obtaining a wheel rim. A disc is welded to the wheel rim obtained, and curling is applied to outer edges of the wheel rim. With the adoption of a method of manufacturing an automotive wheel, a manufacturing process as a whole is enhanced in efficiency.

Abstract: Process (20) for manufacturing a wheel rim (1) in light alloy including the following operations: providing (21) a rough wheel rim in light ally, comprising a wheel disc (2) and an annular portion (3), the annular portion (3) including a first (4I) and a second (4e) bead defining a drop well (C) having a first profile; processing (23) the rough wheel rim, modifying the first profile in order to obtain a second profile being of a lower thickness than the first profile, at least at an intermediate portion (C1) of the drop well (C), characterised by including a finishing operation (25) of a surface of the second profile intermediate portion by means of a compression action of said surface, the finishing operation leaving the low thickness substantially unchanged.

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: The invention concerns a method for mounting a wheel on an axle housing in the form of an axle tube for vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles. The wheel is fixed with, for example, wheel bolts to a wheel hub, pivoting on the axle stub of the axle tube, and the axle stub is clamped on to an end section of the axle tube as a separate component. For simplicity of manufacture and assembly combined with functional durability, it is proposed that the end section of the axle tube is cylindrical on the inside and has at least one longitudinal slit, that the axle stub fits into the end section of the axle tube with an externally corresponding cylindrical connecting section, and that the end section of the axle tube is radially clamped on to the connecting section of the axle stub by means of at least one longitudinally continuously split clamping ring positioned on the end section of the axle tube.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a full face vehicle wheel having a high durability performance, in which the back surface of a wheel disk is provided in advance with an annular joining groove. A peripheral joining end of a wheel rim is provided in advance with an inside slope end surface. The peripheral joining end is seated and positioned on the bottom surface of the annular joining groove. A welding heat confining annular region is produced between the inside groove wall of the annular joining groove and the inside slope end surface. The annular joining groove and the peripheral joining end are joined by welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wheel, particularly for use on automotive vehicles. The wheel has a wheel rim and a wheel disc connectable to each other. The method includes shaping the wheel disc, shaping the wheel rim, manufacturing the wheel disc to form a first centering element and manufacturing the wheel rim to form a second centering element. The centering elements allow the wheel disc and the wheel rim to be connectable to each other via the first and second centering elements in a centered or concentric way.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle wheel which can be manufactured at low cost, exhibits superior design characteristics, and with which mechanical strength can be adequately ensured. The vehicle wheel has a construction that is split into an outer-rim member that constitutes an outer-rim part, and a wheel-constituting member comprising an integral molding that constitutes an inner-rim part and disk part, wherein the outer-rim member end portion on the attachment face side is formed so as to be capable of fitting over the wheel-constituting member; an annular groove is formed in the engaging face of the wheel-constituting member which engages with the outer-rim member; and the outer-rim member is integrally fastened to the wheel-constituting member by press-fitting the outer-rim member end portion on the attachment face side inside the annular groove.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprises a generally frustoconical wheel having an upper wall defining a recessed area and a lateral wall with a tapered outer surface; a generally frustoconical rim having a top wall defining a central hole and a side wall with an outer surface and a tapered inner surface complementary with the outer surface of the wheel; and a solid tire attached to the outer surface of the rim. The recessed area is partially covered by the top wall of the rim when the rim is installed on the wheel. To install, the rim is slid over the wheel, and the rim and tire are bolted to the wheel. To remove, the bolts are removed, a pry bar is inserted in the recessed area of the wheel, and the rim is pried away from the wheel.

Abstract: Both ends of a metal cylindrical member are formed with rectangular cross section normal curls which are doubly bent in the radial direction of the cylindrical member by plastic working. With this, it is possible to form a rim directly from the cylindrical member and to easily produce a two-piece wheel. A barrel of the metal cylindrical member (2) is subjected to drop center portion working. Then, both ends (3) of the cylindrical member (2) are expanded by plastic working, and the expanded ends (3) are formed into normal curls (4) having rectangular cross sections by normal curl working (method 1). Alternatively, the expanded ends (3) are formed into curls (4) having circular cross sections by curl working, and the curls (4) are finished to a normal shape having a rectangular cross section by shaping and precision-enhancing working (method 2).

Abstract: A two-piece wheel is formed by joining a center part to a rim part by a friction stir welding. The weld joints are prepared so that at least a portion of a first circumferential weld joint is not parallel to at least a portion of a second circumferential weld joint. Thus, a cast alloy center part may be securely and efficiently attached to a wrought alloy rim part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an alloy wheel for automobiles, the alloy wheel including a rim part having a portion running in and out from a rim flange to a drop center, and a disc part fitted in the rim part is disclosed. The method comprising forging of an alloy billet to obtain a cup-shaped preform, flowforming of the preform to obtain a seamless tube, cutting of the seamless tube into unit tubes, primary roll forming of the unit tube to obtain a preliminarily shaped unit tube, secondary roll forming of the preliminarily shaped unit to obtain a final shaped rim part, and attaching a disc part to the rim part.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved vehicle wheel idle station tooling apparatus. The vehicle wheel idle station tooling apparatus includes a center pilot and at least one rim block. The center pilot is adapted to be secured to a component of the vehicle wheel idle station tooling apparatus and defines an outer diameter which is slightly less than an inner diameter defined by a pilot hole of a vehicle wheel so as to pilot the vehicle wheel on the center pilot. The rim block is adapted to be secured to a component of the vehicle wheel idle station tooling apparatus and includes a surface which is operative to engage an outer surface of a flange of the vehicle wheel so as to support the vehicle wheel thereon.

Abstract: An improved automotive vehicle wheel plated with an overcoating, such as chrome, is constructed in such a manner as to be free of the blistering effects of residual acidic and caustic chemicals employed in the chrome-plating process. Like conventional automotive vehicle wheels of this type, the wheel of the invention is comprised of an outer rim into which a wheel center is set. However, unlike conventional wheels, the center of the wheel of the invention is provided with a radially inwardly directed groove into its rim-contacting surface near the outboard extremities of the contacting surfaces of the wheel rim and wheel center. A resilient O-ring is seated in the groove prior to setting the wheel center within the wheel rim. The outer rim is then heated so as to thermally expand it to receive the wheel center. When the rim cools it shrinks into tight, intimate contact with the radially outwardly facing surface of the wheel center.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an alloy wheel for automobiles, the alloy wheel including a rim part having a portion running in and out from a rim flange to a drop center, and a disc part fitted in the rim part is disclosed. The method comprising forging of an alloy billet to obtain a cup-shaped preform, flowforming of the preform to obtain a seamless tube, cutting of the seamless tube into unit tubes, primary roll forming of the unit tube to obtain a preliminarily shaped unit tube, secondary roll forming of the preliminarily shaped unit to obtain a final shaped rim part, and attaching a disc part to the rim part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly. The method includes the step of providing a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and a rigidifying flange. The rim blank includes first and second edge portions. At least one of the first and second edge portions of the rim blank is shaped. After the shaping step, the one-piece wheel form is cut to separate the shaped wheel rim from the rigidifying flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a full face wheel comprising a full face wheel disc and a partial wheel rim. The wheel disc has an annular inboard portion. The wheel rim has an annular outboard end. A chemical bond is formed between the outboard end of the wheel rim and the inboard portion of the wheel disc to secure the wheel rim to the wheel disc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing a full face vehicle wheel and comprises the steps of: (a) providing a rim including an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange, an inboard tire bead seat, a well portion, an outboard tire bead seat, the inboard tire bead seat retaining flange including an outer surface, the inboard tire bead seat including an outer surface, an the outboard tire bead seat including an outer surface; (b) providing a disc including a generally centrally located inner wheel mounting portion and an outer annular portion, the outer annular portion including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner wheel mounting portion including at least one of a fully formed center pilot hole and a plurality of fully formed lug bolt mounting holes, the center pilot hole defining a pilot hole axis and each of the lug bolt holes defining a lug bolt hole axis; (c) providing a wheel fixture tooling assembly for supporting the rim and the disc relative to one another, the wheel fixture tooling a

Abstract: A method for assembling a wheel rim and a wheel disc together to produce a vehicle wheel includes the steps of: (a) providing a rim defining an axis and including an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange, an inboard tire bead seat, a well portion, an outboard tire bead seat, and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange, the inboard tire bead seat retaining flange including a radially extending first inner surface, the well portion including a radially extending second inner surface, the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange including a radially extending third inner surface; (b) providing a disc having a centrally located inner wheel mounting portion and an outer annular portion which terminates in an axially extending outer annular flange, the inner wheel mounting portion including an inboard mounting surface and an outboard mounting surface, the outer annular portion including an inner surface; (c) supporting the rim at the first inner and at least one of the second inner surface and the third inner

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of joining forged, machined, formed or cast components with a metal tube. In another aspect, it concerns a metal object constructed according to the method. The tube is heated to expand its diameter, but not sufficiently to anneal it, or otherwise adversely affect its mechanical properties. Then, while the tube is still hot, it is pushed over part of the central component so that part of the tube overlies a circumferential groove in the central component. Then, while still hot, the circumferential part of the tube which overlies the groove, is rolled into the groove, so that when cooled the rolled part of the tube is clamped into the groove. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the construction of vehicle wheels having a forged, machined, formed or cast hub or center and a metal rim.

Abstract: A method for assembling a rim and a disc together to produce a wheel comprising the steps of: (a) providing a rim including an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange, an inboard tire bead seat, a well portion, an outboard tire bead seat, and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange, the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange including a first inner surface, the outboard tire bead seat including a second inner surface, the well portion including a third inner surface, a fourth inner surface, a fifth inner surface, and a sixth inner surface, the inboard tire bead seat retaining flange including a seventh inner surface; (b) providing a disc having a generally centrally located inner wheel mounting portion and an outer annular portion which terminates in an outer annular flange including an endmost surface; (c) supporting the rim between at least a portion of the third inner surface and at least a portion of one of the fifth and seventh inner surfaces; (d) supporting the disc between the inboard mounting su

Abstract: An improved method for forming a vehicle wheel includes the steps of steps of: (a) providing a wheel rim defining a rim axis and including a generally axially extending well portion and a pair of opposed ends, one of the ends including an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange and an inboard tire bead seat, and the other end including an outboard tire bead seat; (b) providing a generally circular wheel disc blank defining a disc axis, the disc blank including an inner annular wheel mounting portion and an outer annular portion; (c) subjecting the wheel disc blank to a series of metal forming operations to produce a finished disc having a final profile, the finished wheel disc having an outer annular portion, an inner annular wheel mounting portion, and an intermediate portion having a generally convex profile; and (d) joining the finished wheel disc to the wheel rim to produce a fabricated vehicle 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: This invention relates to a method for producing a full face vehicle wheel and comprises the steps of: (a) providing a rim including an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange, an inboard tire bead seat, a well portion, an outboard tire bead seat, the inboard tire bead seat retaining flange including an outer surface, the inboard tire bead seat including an outer surface, an the outboard tire bead seat including an outer surface; (b) providing a disc including a generally centrally located inner wheel mounting portion and an outer annular portion, the outer annular portion including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner wheel mounting portion including at least one of a fully formed center pilot hole and a plurality of fully formed lug bolt mounting holes, the center pilot hole defining a pilot hole axis and each of the lug bolt holes defining a lug bolt hole axis; (c) providing a wheel fixture tooling assembly for supporting the rim and the disc relative to one another, the wheel fixture tooling a

Abstract: The present invention relates to a full face wheel comprising a full face wheel disc and a partial wheel rim. The wheel disc includes an inboard portion having an annular groove formed therein. The wheel rim includes an annular tapered outboard end. The tapered outboard end of the wheel rim is received in the groove in a slip fit. A bond such as a weld is formed between the outboard end of the wheel rim and the inboard portion of the wheel disc to secure the wheel rim to the wheel disc.

Abstract: A two-piece tire rim is prepared from a molded, one-piece wheel casting which is generally cup-shaped in configuration. The casting, which is open at one end and closed at its opposite end, has an inner annular recess formed coaxially in the inner surface of its closed end, and has formed coaxially in its outer peripheral surface an external annular recess radially spaced from, and in axial registry with an internal annular recess. The casting is separated into two separate sections by cutting through the casting in a circular path extending from the external annular recess to the internal annular recess, thereby producing a generally annular shaped inner rim section, and a generally disc-shaped outer rim section. The two rim sections are then machined to final form, and are secured together to form the desired two-piece tire rim.

Abstract: A method for producing a full face vehicle wheel wherein at least the inboard tire bead seat is precisely oriented and located relative to all axis of the associated vehicle wheel includes the steps of: (a) providing a vehicle wheel assembly having a wheel rim and a wheel disc joined together and defining a horizontal wheel axis, the wheel rim including an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange, an inboard tire bead seat, a well and an outboard tire bead seat, the wheel disc including a wheel mounting portion and an outer annular portion which defines an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the vehicle wheel; (b) supporting the vehicle wheel assembly on a vehicle wheel fixturing and press apparatus including a wheel fixturing member and a wheel press member; and (c) selectively moving at least one of the wheel fixturing member and the wheel press member toward one another so as to engage and squeeze the inboard tire bead seat radially so as to expand the inboard tire bead seat in the radial direction

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a wheel disc into a wheel rim to manufacture a vehicle wheel includes upper and lower disc engaging members, which are clamped against opposite sides of the disc, and upper and lower rim engaging members, which engage upper and lower edges of the rim. The disc is first separated from the rim to assure proper alignment between the disc and rim and then forced into frictional engagement with the rim, while a compressive force is applied axially along the rim to relieve stresses and facilitate installation of the disc into the rim.

Abstract: This invention relates to an full face vehicle wheel including a wheel rim joined to a wheel disc. The wheel disc defines an axis and includes a body having a centrally located wheel mounting surface and an outer annular portion. The outer annular portion defines an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the full face vehicle wheel, and includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the outer annular portion defines an inner fit up surface of the wheel disc. The wheel rim includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange, an inboard tire bead seat, an axially extending well, and an outboard tire bead seat. The outboard tire bead seat terminates at a generally circular shaped outer having a substantially full radius outer diameter along the entire periphery thereof. The circular shaped outer end defines a non-flat point of contact surface.

Abstract: A method for assembling a wheel rim and a wheel disc together to produce a vehicle wheel includes the steps of: (a) providing a rim defining an axis and including an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange, an inboard tire bead seat, a well portion, an outboard tire bead seat, and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange, the inboard tire bead seat retaining flange including a radially extending first inner surface, the well portion including a radially extending second inner surface, the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange including a radially extending third inner surface; (b) providing a disc having a centrally located inner wheel mounting portion and an outer annular portion which terminates in an axially extending outer annular flange, the inner wheel mounting portion including an inboard mounting surface and an outboard mounting surface, the outer annular portion including an inner surface; (c) supporting the rim at the first inner and at least one of the second inner surface and the third inner

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel and method for producing the same includes a wheel rim and a wheel disc joined together by a weld. The wheel disc includes a generally centrally located wheel mounting portion which defines a vertical axis and an outer annular flange. The outer annular flange of the wheel disc defines an outer surface which is inverted at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical axis. The outer annular flange further includes a plurality of arches formed therein.