Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rim, a rib surrounding and radially spaced apart from the rim, and a resilient member that engages the rib. The resilient member is tied to the rim, such that the rim is resiliently held in relation to the round rib at least in part by tension in the resilient member.

Abstract: A method is directed to a production of a bearing device for a wheel including an inner member and an outer member rotatable relative to each other through a plurality of rolling elements, in which a component part forming one of the inner member and the outer member is a hot forged product. In the practice of this method, during or at the end of a hot forging step for hot forging the component part, a portion of the component part is cooled by spraying a coolant or by controlling an atmospheric temperature, to thereby render a matrix of the component part to represent a standard structure and render a surface portion of the component part to represent a non-standard structure.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight for attachment to a wheel rim comprises a mass portion formed of nonlead material and a clip. The clip has an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim and an attachment portion juxtaposed to the mass portion. In addition, an injection molded outer casing surrounds the mass portion. The mass portion and the attachment portion of the clip are embedded in the casing, but the extended portion of the clip extends outwardly from and is external to the casing.

Abstract: Relative rotation between an inboard and an outboard wheel component of an aircraft wheel assembly is inhibited by an interlocking tongue and groove interface. In one example, an aircraft wheel includes a first annular component, a second annular component separable from the first annular component, and at least one tongue and groove interface between the first component and the second component. The second annular component is connected to and aligned with the first component about an axis of rotation of the wheel. The at least one tongue and groove interface is configured to inhibit relative rotation between the first component and the second component about the axis of rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A wheel assembly, for use on an off-highway vehicle, includes a generally cylindrical wheel hub extending axially from a first end to a second end around an inner volume. A hub adapter is secured to the second end of the wheel hub, the hub adapter including a peripheral shoulder, which has a first shoulder surface axially facing in a direction extending from the second end towards the first end. A first wheel rim is mounted to the peripheral shoulder of the hub adapter at the first shoulder surface.

Abstract: A run-flat support system and method for installing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the run-flat support system includes a torque assembly removably coupled to a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel. Support segments are adapted for attachment to the torque assembly in order to support the pneumatic tired wheel in a flat condition such as an under-inflated condition or deflated condition. Lateral support structures, which may include the form of a wedge, are secured to the support segments to provide a bead lock between beads of the interior side walls of the pneumatic tired wheel and the split wheel rim.

Abstract: A method of repairing a tire includes providing a tire for repair having an exterior with a tread, a mounting bead, and a sidewall therebetween, an interior including an inner layer having a desired inner layer thickness, and an elastomeric underlying tire layer beneath the inner layer, the inner layer comprising a plurality of ridges extending outwardly a desired height from the inner layer surface generally defining a plurality of inner layer segments, a portion of the underlying tire layer extending outwardly along the ridges, and may extend at least to the depth of the inner layer surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat-running device intended for being fitted on an assembly mounted on a tubeless one-piece rim for an automobile, said mounted assembly including said device, and to a method for mounting and/or removing said mounted assembly. The device according to the invention (1) includes a ring (2) with a radially internal mounting surface for the device, intended to closely match the hollow section of the rim (11), the ring having an open structure with two ends held closely facing one another by a means (5) for clamping the ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated toe adjustment apparatus and method that includes a power nut runner, a vision machine, a robot, and a floating mechanism. More particularly, the power nut runner adjusts a toe by adjusting an adjusting bolt of the tie-rod assembly. The vision machine photographs the power nut runner to verify position information of the power nut runner. The robot engages the power nut runner with the adjusting bolt of the tie-rod assembly and rotates the power nut runner. The floating mechanism absorbs a shock between the power nut runner and the robot as the vehicle is shaken by the overall process.

Abstract: A method for making positioning structures of a bicycle hub comprises the steps of: A. bicycle hub clamping step; B. bicycle hub press forming step; and C. bicycle hub loading step. By such arrangements, the positioning structures of the bicycle hub can be obtained by the quick press forming without affecting the structure strength.

Abstract: A gauge wheel is formed from a peripheral rubber tire, a rim portion defined by first and second metal portions with flanges defining an inner edge spaced inwardly of the rim section and outwardly of the axis, a hub portion defined by third and fourth metal portions each shaped to define a bearing carrying inner section and a mounting flange with the mounting flanges bolted together the inner sections define a bearing support for receiving a bearing together with a metal plate member lying in a radial plane and having an outer ring portion bolted to one side of the mounting flanges of the rim portions, an inner ring portion bolted to one side of the mounting flanges of the hub portions and a plurality of spokes connecting the outer ring portion to the inner ring portion leaving mud discharge holes between the spokes.

Abstract: A sign assembly includes a panel and a base. The base is configured to be attached to the panel via a resilient member. The bottom surface of the base defines a pair of cavities. The cavities are positioned substantially adjacent to a forward edge of the bottom surface. A pair of wheel assemblies is secured within respective cavities on the bottom surface. Each wheel assembly includes a housing that houses an axle and wheel.

Abstract: A method of producing shafts such as shafts used in a transmission, particularly for a motor vehicle, is provided. A shaft base body and at least one gearwheel, which is at least substantially finished separately from the shaft and subsequently is fixed to the shaft in such a way as to transmit torque available at the shaft or input torque by the gearwheel having a hollow hub body and being axially pressed onto a seat on the shaft base body so as to form a frictional connection which transmits the torque from the shaft to the gearwheel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vehicle road wheels with attachable ornaments. The ornaments can have a different surface finish or treatment than the outboard surface of the wheel.

Abstract: A wheel stud installing and removing system includes a C-frame; a forcing screw configured to communicate with the C-frame to move laterally through the C-frame; a swivel mounted on an end on the forcing screw; an adapter receiver mounted on an opposite end of the C-frame from the forcing screw, and configured to receive at least one of either a stud installing adapter and a stud removing adapter. A method of moving a stud includes: inserting one of either an installing adapter or a removing adapter into an adapter receiver on a C-frame; aligning a longitudinal axis of the adapter with a longitudinal axis of the stud; aligning the longitudinal axis of the stud with a longitudinal axis of a forcing screw; and turning the forcing screw.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tank wheel assembly systems, methods, and apparatus. In one embodiment, a tank wheel assembly includes a first wheel and a second wheel. A first face of the first wheel faces a second face of the second wheel. A guide tunnel is defined by at least a portion of the first face and at least a portion of the second face. The guide tunnel has outer surfaces and is configured to receive a center guide of a tank tread. The guide tunnel and center guide at least partially maintain the tank tread of the tank wheel assembly. A wear resistant coating is located on at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, restricts the center guide of the tank tread from abrading the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, and has a thickness of at least about 0.025 inch.

Abstract: A loose terrain traction assist device for wheeled vehicles includes a generally frusto-conical structure having a proximal portion with a diameter smaller than an overall diameter of a tire of a vehicle, a distal portion that extends outwardly from the wheel, and an outer surface defined between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The traction assist device also includes an attachment arrangement for releasably coupling the frusto-conical structure to a wheel assembly of the vehicle, such that at least part of the frusto-conical structure is adapted to engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle in loose terrain and to not engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle on normal terrain.

Abstract: A method of attaching an object to a tire includes providing a tire and providing a mechanical two-piece fastening system having a first portion and a second portion. The method further includes attaching a first portion of a mechanical two-piece fastening system to the tire and positioning an object to be attached to the tire on one of the first portion and the second portion of the mechanical two-piece fastening system. The method also includes attaching the second portion of the mechanical two-piece fastening system to the first portion of the mechanical two-piece fastening system.

Abstract: A carcass ply is applied around an outer surface of a building drum according to an application diameter larger than the fitting diameter of a tyre. Coaxially engaged around each of the end flaps is an annular anchoring structure defining the fitting diameter. A pair of sidewalls is manufactured by laying of a continuous elongated element in the form of approached coils on the carcass sleeve. An outer sleeve, including at least one belt structure possibly associated with a tread band, is coaxially centered around the carcass sleeve. Through axial approaching of two halves forming the building drum, the carcass sleeve is shaped into a toroidal configuration to determine application of same against a radially internal surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain with a wheel and an inside-out motor. The wheel includes a hub and a rim that is disposed about the hub. The rim includes a sealing bead that is configured to sealingly engage the opposite sidewalls of an inflatable tire. The inside-out motor includes a rotor that is at least partially disposed in the rim.

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: 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: A method comprising: a step of preforming a plurality of bulging portions on a substantially circular plate blank, the bulging portions being located concentrically and circumferentially outward of a bolt hole, each of the bulging portions being a base of a reinforcing portion of a spoke; a step of forming a plurality of prototypical decorative holes on the respective bulging portions to form a prototypically-shaped spoke between the adjacent prototypical decorative holes; a step of forming a disk flange by bending an outer circumferential portion of the plate blank, on which the prototypical decorative holes are formed, at a right angle to be substantially parallel to a wheel axial direction, so that an outer periphery of a resultant decorative hole forms an upper end edge of the disk flange; and a step of forming the spoke by providing the prototypically-shaped spoke with the reinforcing portion.

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 process is provided for manufacturing aluminum vehicle wheels by a casting process that is followed by processing including flow forming and heat treatment steps while one or more risers remain on the cast wheel blank. The process can include directing cooling fluid onto an exposed surface of the casting mold to enhance wheel strength. One-by-one transfer of wheel blanks can be practiced to avoid negative aspects of batch processing.

Abstract: A design and method for making a one-piece composite wheel with a reinforced core is disclosed. The composite wheel incorporates a disc core embedded in the disc region and an optional rim core embedded in the rim region. The material for the core pieces may be a honeycomb structure that is reinforced in three dimensions. The disc and rim of the composite wheel are formed integrally as one piece, such as by resin infusion molding.

Abstract: A puncture free tire tube to be fitted under compressive deformation into a tube housing space of an annular tire outer wall, which is detachably fitted to an annular rim, the puncture free tire tube contains a long member extrusion-molded with an elastomer as a raw material, and has a cross sectional area of from 1 to 1.3 times a cross sectional area of the tube housing space of the tire outer wall and a length corresponding to a circumferential length at a center of the cross section of the tire outer wall.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel assembly having a number of spokes that extends between a hub and a rim. The wheel assembly includes a drive side that faces a chain and a non-drive side that is laterally spaced from the drive side. The spokes that extend between the hub and the rim on the drive side of the wheel assembly are oriented in a series of radial spokes and one-cross spoke pairs. Preferably, the drive side spokes are oriented in a repeating pattern. The non-drive side spokes are oriented in a repeating pattern wherein each spoke crosses more than one other non-drive side spoke. A wheel having such a spoke lacing pattern is lightweight and robust.

Abstract: An axle beam includes a hollow beam body with at least first and second apertures formed in opposing wall portions of the hollow beam body. A stiffener is received within the first and second apertures and is fixed to the hollow beam body at an attachment interface.

Abstract: Methods for forming a soft lip for a wheel rim are disclosed herein. The wheel rim may be a cold-formed, spun-formed, or rolled-formed cylindrical blank, wherein the blank includes an upturned outer edge. As the blank is spun, a blunting roller lowered to contact the upturned outer edge to blunt the outer edge into a work-strengthened annular bead, and finish off the external surface of the annular bead to form a soft lip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a castor for a shopping cart. The apparatus includes a first wheel member and a second wheel member arranged in a side-by-side configuration on either side of a central wheel housing, each of the first and second wheel members is arranged to rotate about a common axis. The apparatus also includes an elongate sleeve member extending through the housing and connecting the first and second wheels together whereby the wheels rotate together.

Abstract: A method of forming a wheel disc starts with a flat blank. A plurality of windows are formed in the wheel disc, wherein each window has a respective outer edge proximate with a continuous outer band around a periphery of the wheel disc. The windows define a plurality of spokes between adjacent windows, and the angular size of each of the windows along the outer band is preferably greater than the angular size of each of the spokes. The outer band is partially closed toward a cylindrical shape by engaging a cam die against at least a portion of the outer band. The outer band is substantially fully closed into a cylindrical shape by axially wiping the outer band using a cylindrical die. The intermediate camming operation achieves the desired final shape after wiping without introducing stresses that would weaken or distort the wheel disc.

Abstract: A method of forming a wheel disc starts with a flat blank. A plurality of windows are formed in the wheel disc, wherein each window has a respective outer edge proximate with a continuous outer band around a periphery of the wheel disc. The windows define a plurality of spokes between adjacent windows, and the angular size of each of the windows along the outer band is preferably greater than the angular size of each of the spokes. The outer band is partially closed toward a cylindrical shape by engaging a cam die against at least a portion of the outer band. The outer band is substantially fully closed into a cylindrical shape by axially wiping the outer band using a cylindrical die. The intermediate camming operation achieves the desired final shape after wiping without introducing stresses that would weaken or distort the wheel disc.

Abstract: A wheel puller assembly for forcibly removing a road wheel from a hub and axle associated with a tracked vehicle. The road wheel further includes outer and inner wheel components bolted to a circular array of lugs extending from the vehicle hub. The assembly includes a substantially flattened and plate-shaped base, a leg extending upwardly from the base and which is typically pivotally connected thereto. A powered cylinder secures to an upper end location of the leg and includes first and second telescoping components terminating in a clamp exhibiting a plurality of radially outwardly extending claws. The claws terminate in inwardly directed fingers for engaging respective locations along an annular rim associated with at least one of the outer and inner road wheel components. The clamp is adapted to engaging a location associated with the road wheel and in order to apply at least one of a pulling and twisting force to forcibly remove the road wheel from the hub.

Abstract: A method and assembly for mounting an auto rim and either motorcycle or auto tire as a motorcycle rear wheel. The assembly allows tires of different widths and diameters to be used on the rear of motorcycles that have single side swing arms and standard swing arms. The method and assembly allows a left side or right side drive which can be a belt or chain. A hub with bearings and spacers are mounted with a brake rotor disk and a drive pulley in tandem to produce a hub assembly.

Abstract: A method of processing a vehicle wheel/rim preform with a centersection/spider and an annular wall extending around a first rotational axis and having an annular surface defining axially spaced, annular inboard and outboard bead seats. The method includes the steps of: providing a workpiece support having a chuck assembly that is rotatable around a second axis and at least one rim wall support assembly; engaging the chuck assembly with the centersection/spider to maintain the vehicle wheel/rim preform in a processing position; engaging the at least one rim wall support assembly with the annular wall to exert thereon a force with a radial component to thereby stabilize the wheel/rim preform; and processing the vehicle wheel/rim preform at the annular surface fully axially between the inboard and outboard bead seats.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel 1 having a plurality of subsidiary air chambers 3, which is annularly incorporated on a rim outer peripheral surface 4, a cover member 13 having a lug part extended over the entire periphery and a stepped part extended over its periphery along the inside of the lug part 16, and a bottom plate member 14 being superimposed with each other through a seal member made of an elastic member and interposed therebetween in an airtight manner, and the cover member 13 and the rim outer peripheral surface 4 being joined to each other in a joint part 10, wherein the cover member 13 and the rim outer peripheral surface 4 are made into contact with each other so as to form a subsidiary air chamber 3 having air-tightness.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing aluminum vehicle wheels by a casting process that is followed by processing including flow forming and heat treatment steps while one or more risers remain on the cast wheel blank. The process can include directing cooling fluid onto an exposed surface of the casting mold to enhance wheel strength.

Abstract: A valve stem puller which comprises a length of flexible elongated member which is connected at one end to a ring and at an opposite end to an externally threaded plug. The valve stem puller is to be utilized by inserting such through a fastener nut and then through a valve stem mounting hole in a tire rim and then threadably connecting the externally threaded plug onto a valve stem of an inflating tube and then inserting the inflating tube about the tire rim and within the confines of the tire, pulling on the flexible elongated member to cause the valve stem to connect with the valve stem mounting hole in a close conforming manner. A fastening nut is then threadably mounted about the valve stem to secure such in position. The tire is then completely installed on the tire rim and the externally threaded plug is then removed from the valve stem.

Abstract: A multi-wheel assembly includes an outer wheel having an outer wheel assembly for an outer tire. The outer wheel assembly includes an outer wheel rim, a removable front bead seat band such that the outer tire may be removed from the outer wheel rim. A removable rear bead seat band is also provided. The multi-wheel assembly also includes an inner wheel having an inner wheel assembly including an inner wheel rim and a removable front bead seat band which is radially expandable and able to pass over the outer wheel rim. The dimensions of the outer wheel rim are such that the inner tube is able to pass over the outer wheel rim. A radially expandable bead seat band is also disclosed. A method of removing a tire is disclosed as well as a method of modifying a wheel assembly.

Abstract: A machine for presenting a tire with the axis horizontal, allowing access to the inside of the tire, which has a frame bearing an upright on which a support for the tire is mounted for vertical translation, the support ensuring on its own the holding and rotation of the tire about its axis by being in contact with the latter solely via a toric section of the tire, this section being arranged substantially vertically when the tire is installed on the machine.

Abstract: A reliable brake rotor and wheel bearing assembly are proposed which make unnecessary adjustment of runout of brake rotor at the customer's factory. For runout of each of the mounting surface and back of the brake rotor itself, and runout of the side of the wheel mounting flange of the inner member to which is mounted the brake rotor, the maximum difference between the peaks of crests and troughs in each period of surface runout is restricted within a standard value, and the brake rotor is mounted to the wheel mounting flange, thereby eliminating the necessity of mounting of the brake rotor and adjustment of runout after mounting at the customer's factory to provide a reliable automotive wheel bearing assembly.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a corner assembly for a vehicle. A wheel hub is partially machined to define a journal section and a radial mounting flange on an out-board surface of the hub. Bolts are pressed into axial openings in the mounting flange and the hub further machining to produce a concentric wheel pilot, rotor pilot and bearing journal surfaces that are perpendicular to radial faces on an out-board surface of the mounting flange. The hub is pressed into a bearing retained of a support member and a rotor is placed on the rotor pilot surface such that the bolts extend through openings located on the inner peripheral surface of the rotor. The hub is rotated to gage lateral deflection with respect to its axis. If the deflection is less than 0.06 mm, the wheel hub and rotor are accepted for installation on a vehicle and rejected if greater that 0.06 mm.

Abstract: A method intended for manufacturing a bicycle spoked wheel, a spoked wheel product for a bicycle and a kit of parts intended for cooperation with the product are described. By inserting the nipples or barrels for the attachment of the spokes in the spoke attachment seats from the inside of the spoke attachment chamber instead of from the outside, after having inserted them in the chamber from a suitably sized opening, the rim of the bicycle wheel can be manufactured even without additional openings, still using conventional nipples or barrels.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for production of a single-piece type aluminum alloy wheel. Specifically, the method includes one-piece casting by a casting means to form a disk part and a pre-rim part from a certain aluminum alloy, and spinning the pre-rim part formed from the aluminum alloy by the one-piece casting step to form a rim part of a specified shape. Preferably, the method uses gravity-type casting as the casting method by the casting step. The casting step is carried out such that the disk part is set-established horizontally in a lower part of a mold, such that thereafter the pre-rim part is set-established approximately vertically above and circumferentially centered with respect to the pre-disk part. A plurality of gates-risers are thereafter disposed circumferentially or radially on the pre-rim part. Thus, an overall high strength aluminum alloy wheel is produced with good efficiency.

Abstract: A method of refurbishing a wheel is disclosed. The method provides a standardized efficient and effective way of repairing a damaged or deformed wheel. The method includes cleaning the wheel, inspecting the wheel for damage, welding damaged areas of the wheel, straightening the wheel, machining the beat seat of the wheel, determining a finish to apply to the wheel surface, and applying a finish to the wheel.

Abstract: An interior splined member is a hollow cylinder with an interior cylindrical surface defining a through hole. A major portion of the axial length of the interior cylindrical surface is splined to provide alternating axially extending ribs and troughs disposed between the ribs. A ring-shaped residual portion is an unsplined portion, i.e., a minor portion of the axial length of the interior cylindrical surface and is substantially circular with a diameter that is equal to or smaller than that of a circle on which the distal ends (tips) of the ribs lie. The trough portions are open at one end of the cylindrical member, while closed by the ring-shaped residual portion at the other end of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: The present invention involves a wheel end and a method of making the wheel end of a vehicle for reduced lateral runout. The method includes assembling a hub and components with bearing surfaces to define an assembled module configured to be mounted to the vehicle. The method further comprises preloading the bearing surfaces of the assembled module and mounting the assembled module on a holding fixture. The method further comprises rotating the assembled module on the holding fixture. Furthermore, the method includes machining a final cut on an open face of the hub on inner and outer portions of the face to a flange depth, while rotating, after assembling and preloading the assembled module to define the wheel end of the vehicle. After machining the final cut, the wheel end remains assembled and preloaded to be installed on a vehicle for reduced lateral runout.

Abstract: The present invention involves a wheel end and a method of making a wheel end to be installed on a vehicle for reduced lateral runout. The method includes assembling a rotor and components with bearing surfaces to define an assembled module configured to be mounted to the vehicle and preloading the bearing surfaces of the assembled module. The method further includes mounting the assembled module on a holding fixture and rotating the assembled module on the holding fixture. The method further comprises machining a final cut on the rotor to a rotor width while rotating, after assembling and preloading the assembled module to define the wheel end of the vehicle. After machining, the wheel end remains assembled and preloaded when the assembled module is installed on the vehicle for reduced lateral runout.

Abstract: A caulked portion is formed by plastic deformation of a cylindrical portion which is formed at the inner end of a shaft member and is reduced in thickness toward the leading end in a diametrical outward direction. The force required to form the caulked portion is reduced, and the caulked portion is less susceptible to damage. Further, the force of the caulked portion for supporting the inner ring is ensured.