Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive wheel balance weight capable of drastically reducing costs from those of conventional ones, and a process for producing the same. In an adhesive wheel balance weight (W) comprising a weight body (P) and an adhesive tape (T) for attaching the weight body (P) to a vehicle wheel, the weight body (P) comprises a folded weight comprising a folded metal plate piece. The folded weight of the present invention can be formed from a relatively inexpensive raw material sheet at a high yield rate. It is preferable that the raw material sheet is a zinc-coated steel sheet, because no rust-proofing aftertreatment is necessary and therefore further cost reduction is achieved, and its environmental burden is small.

Abstract: Wheel weight assemblies are provided in which a weight member (212) is mounted on a clip member (211) for attachment to the rim of a vehicle wheel, with the clip and weight members being substantially encased in an injection moulded housing. The weight member (212) may be composed of a plurality of individual plate elements. Spacing elements such as end caps (250) may be used to hold the plate elements together and locate them in the mould tool to ensure their correct positioning during the moulding process.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight has a mass portion of nonlead material having a first side for juxtaposition against a wheel rim and an opposite second side defining a clip groove. The weight further includes a clip having an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim. The clip further has an attachment portion seated in the clip groove such that the clip is fixed to the mass portion.

Abstract: A plastic wheel-balancing weight adapted to be removably secured to a wheel to correct an unbalanced wheel to prevent undesired vibrations when the wheel is rotating, the plastic wheel-balancing weight comprising a wheel-securing clip sized and designed to be secured to a wheel, and a non-metallic weight assembled to the wheel-securing clip and at least partially covered with overmolding material that includes a shape adapted to substantially match the shape of the wheel when the overmolded wheel-balancing weight is removably secured to the wheel. A kit of wheel-balancing weight and a wheel comprising a wheel-balancing weight is also encompassed by the present application.

Abstract: The wheel weight according to the invention (5) consists of a body (7) consisting of ceramics. It is provided with means for fastening to a rim (3) with material fit and/or positive fit. The body (7) has a cross section that decreases along a prescribed direction, such as the direction normal to its upper surface (9). The ceramic body can have a high specific weight of two or more g/cm3 for example.

Abstract: A method to balance a wheel assembly. In a first aspect, corrective balance weights and position thereof are determined by a balancer and a closest corrective balance weight thereto is chosen, as well as one of higher and one of lower weight increment for each plane; chosen weights are paired to provide minimized residual and then attached to the planes of the wheel assembly. In a second aspect, imbalance weights are determined by a balancer; a pair of corrective balance weights, one at least ½ the determined imbalance weight are chosen, each separated by determined position angles to minimize residual and then respectively attached to the corrective balance plane(s) of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: For compensating unbalance of vehicle wheels, adhesive weight elements (8) are positioned and pressed onto a determined compensation surface (17) on a wheel (7) using a balancing head (1) and a program-controlled handling device (9). The adhesive weight elements (8) in the form of an endless weight strand (5) are fed by a feed device (2) arranged on the balancing head (1) to a following roll-on roller (3) that presses the beginning of the endless weight strand (5) onto the beginning of the compensation surface (17) and thereafter rolls along thereon. A length cut-off device (4) is provided in or before the roll-on roller (3) and cuts-off the endless weight strand (5) of the adhesive weight elements (8) in a determined length.

Abstract: This invention provides a stabilizing system and method for two-wheeled vehicles that affords the rider no restriction on the full range of movements (banks, leans, etc.), while providing greater stability during turns and other maneuvers so that an unintentional bank or tilt (potentially causing a fall) is less likely, even at slow speeds and startup. A rotating mass of predetermined mass-value and radial mass-distribution is provided coaxially with the front axle. The mass is supported on bearings and freewheels with respect to the rotation of the front wheel. It can be induced to spin significantly faster than the front wheel thereby generating a gyroscopic effect at the front wheel about the axle. The gyroscopic effect limits the rider's ability to execute excessive steering, thereby preventing jackknife movements. The mass can be an electric-motor-driven flywheel within a shell housing that includes a drive tire battery, control system and drive motor.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight has a mass portion of nonlead material having a first side for juxtaposition against a wheel rim and an opposite second side, one of which defines a clip groove. The weight further includes a clip having an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim. The clip further has an attachment portion seated in the clip groove such that the clip is fixed to the mass portion. In this regard, the clip groove has an attachment member receiving hole defined therein. The attachment portion of the clip defines at least one securement hole in register with the attachment member receiving hole of the mass portion when the attachment portion of the clip is positioned in the clip groove. An attachment member extends through the securement hole and into the attachment member receiving hole such that the clip is fixed to the mass portion.

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: A plastic wheel-balancing weight adapted to be removably secured to a wheel to correct an unbalanced wheel to prevent undesired vibrations when the wheel is rotating, the plastic wheel-balancing weight comprising a wheel-securing clip sized and designed to be resiliently secured to a wheel, and a steel weight assembled to the wheel-securing clip and at least partially covered with plastic, at least a portion of the plastic being shaped by the wheel-securing clip. An overmolded wheel-balancing weight comprising a wheel-securing clip adapted to be secured to a wheel, a weight assembled to the wheel-securing clip and overmolding material adapted to at least partially cover the weight to protect the weight, wherein at least a portion of the wheel-securing clip is an overmolding material boundary. A method of manufacturing same and a mold thereof is also provided.

Abstract: A weight applicator for a wheel of a tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The weight applicator includes an arm portion and an applicator portion connected to the arm portion. The applicator includes a radially-extending flange portion. The radially-extending flange portion is connected to the arm portion. A first plunger portion is movably-connected to the radially-extending flange portion by one of more first radial arms. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight has a mass portion of nonlead material having a first side for juxtaposition against a wheel rim and an opposite second side defining a clip groove. The weight further includes a clip having an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim. The clip further has an attachment portion seated in the clip groove such that the clip is fixed to the mass portion.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight for attachment to a wheel rim. The wheel weight comprises a mass portion having, relative to an axis of rotation of the wheel rim when the wheel weight is mounted thereon, an inner axial side for juxtaposition to the wheel rim, an outer axial side, an upper radial side and a lower radial side. The mass portion defines a clip groove having a radial groove portion located in one of the inner axial side and the outer axial side and an axial groove portion located in the bottom radial side. A clip is provided having an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim and an attachment portion fixed to the mass portion. The attachment portion of the clip has a radial portion seated in the radial groove portion of the clip groove and an axial portion seated in the axial groove portion of the clip groove.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight has a mass portion of nonlead material having a first side for juxtaposition against a wheel rim and an opposite second side defining a clip groove. The weight further includes a clip having an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim. The clip further has an attachment portion seated in the clip groove such that the clip is fixed to the mass portion.

Abstract: A wheel balance clip (1) arranged to attach a balance weight to a wheel, the wheel balance clip (1) comprising a spring portion (2) arranged to accommodate and attach to a rim of a wheel, a balance weight mounting portion (4) depending from the spring portion (2), the mounting portion (4) having a first side (10) arranged, in use, to be adjacent to a wheel on which the clip (1) is mounted and a second side (12) arranged to receive a weight, and opposing jaws (14), comprising a clasp and a retaining means, the clasp and retaining means being directed toward one another and being arranged, in use, to positively engage into a groove in a balance weight and retain therebetween a balance weight on the second side (12) of the mounting portion (4).

Abstract: A wheel balance clip (200) comprising: a spring portion (210) arranged to accommodate and attach to a rim (400) of a wheel having an edge region divergent from a parallel to an axis of that wheel in a direction towards the axis; and an attachment portion (220) depending from the spring portion (210), wherein the spring portion (210) comprises at least one rim-edge-region-engaging protrusion (215), arranged such that, when in use, the at least one rim-edge-region-engaging protrusion (215) engages an underside edge region of a rim (400) such that removal of the clip (200) from that rim causes the spring portion (210) to open.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine for balancing a pneumatic tire/wheel assembly and the balanced pneumatic tire. The pneumatic tire comprises an axis of rotation, a belt structure, an innerliner disposed radially inward of the belt structure, and two annular beads for securing the tire to a wheel. The tire includes an annular spacer structure and a thixotropic gel. The annular spacer structure is attached to the innerliner and is disposed radially inward of the belt structure. The annular spacer structure defines two interior circumferential grooves between axially outer sides of the annular spacer structure and portions of the innerliner extending radially inward toward the corresponding beads of the tire. The thixotropic gel is disposed within the circumferential grooves thereby defining two circumferential gel rings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive wheel balance weight capable of drastically reducing costs from those of conventional ones, and a process for producing the same. In an adhesive wheel balance weight (W) comprising a weight body (P) and an adhesive tape (T) for attaching the weight body (P) to a vehicle wheel, the weight body (P) comprises a folded weight comprising a folded metal plate piece. The folded weight of the present invention can be formed from a relatively inexpensive raw material sheet at a high yield rate. It is preferable that the raw material sheet is a zinc-coated steel sheet, because no rust-proofing aftertreatment is necessary and therefore further cost reduction is achieved, and its environmental burden is small.

Abstract: A spoked bicycle wheel is presented having at least one intraspoke zone with a reduced average wall thickness to reduce or eliminate the dynamic imbalance of the wheel resulting from localized mass increases at the valve and at a possible joint.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wheel balance assembly (500) from a clip and weight, the method comprising the following steps: 1. annealing at least a portion of the clip; 2. positioning the clip and weight adjacent one another; and 3. welding the clip and weight to one another.

Abstract: A wheel rim with a circumferential area on a inner surface of the wheel rim. The circumferential area coinciding with the intersection of the inner surface with the lateral balance plane of the wheel rim, the circumferential area being visibly distinguishable from the rest of the inner surface and where the circumferential area is made visibly distinguishable from the rest of the inner surface during the manufacturing of the wheel rim.

Abstract: A method for producing alloy wheels for motor vehicles in which each wheel is provided with a hub and a rim contemplates realizing a finishing operation with a cutting machine tool, measuring the unbalance of the wheel, checking whether the unbalance falls within the predetermined acceptability values by means of a control unit and issuing a signal related to the acceptability of the unbalance.

Abstract: A sized spoke weight has a partially cylindrical body with a longitudinal slot, and a first end and an opposite second end. The first end locates towards the hub of a wheel when installed and the second end locates towards the nipple of a spoke, that is, towards the rim of a wheel. The slot extends from the first end to the second end and allows the sized spoke weight to fit over an existing spoke and nipple. Proximate the second end, the slot has a greater diameter to accommodate an existing nipple during installation. The length and diameters of the sized spoke may be adjusted to provide various weights for users. The sized spoke weight is generally made of brass and has various sizes with corresponding weights for wheel balancing. The present invention minimizes environmental contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of adhesive weighted tape includes a controller adapted to receive a request for a desired amount of adhesive weighted tape and an elongated track member adapted to receive a supply of the adhesive weighted tape. A sensor is mounted adjacent a second end of the track member. The sensor in communication with the controller is operable to transmit a signal to the controller corresponding to a measured amount of weighted tape passing thereby. A motive apparatus in communication with the controller is adapted to move the weighted tape from a first end to the second end of the track member in response to the signal from the sensor. A cutting member disposed adjacent the second end of the track member is in communication with the controller and is adapted to cut the weighted tape in response to the signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A wheel balancing weight has a body for providing mass and a clip attached to the body to securely grip a flange of a wheel. The clip defines a compartment within which is received the flange, and includes a hump projecting toward and into the defined compartment to contact a generally radially inward surface of the received flange such that the received flange contacts the clip at relatively smooth medial contact points on the hump. The weight may be formed as a unitary member from a sheet of steel and have a unitary sheet steel body and sheet steel clip.

Abstract: A wheel balancer utilizing a novel calibration technique in which the operator must only measure and enter one dimension of the tire. By requiring the operator to measure only one dimension of the tire, the probability of introducing measurement error into the system is reduced.

Abstract: A wheel balancer for balancing a wheel having a rim and tire. The wheel balancer comprises a chassis and a driven shaft extending away from the chassis for rotating the wheel. An A&D arm, pivotal and axially extendible with respect to the chassis, is also provided. A first laser device is operable to produce a laser spot at a desired weight placement location on an inner surface of the rim. The first laser device is manipulable by an operator to move the laser spot to the desired weight placement location. A second laser device is attached to the A&D arm and movable therewith. The second laser device produces a visible marker on the inner surface of the rim for determining when the A&D arm is in a plane of the desired weight placement location.

Abstract: A wheel balancing weight has a body for providing mass and a clip attached to the body to securely grip a flange of a wheel. The clip defines a compartment within which is received the flange, and includes a hump projecting toward and into the defined compartment to contact a generally radially inward surface of the received flange such that the received flange contacts the clip at relatively smooth medial contact points on the hump. The weight may be formed as a unitary member from a sheet of steel and have a unitary sheet steel body and sheet steel clip.

Abstract: To provide a wheel balance weight in which a release coated paper is likely to be detached when assembling it with a wheel. A wheel balance weight according to the present invention is such that, in a wheel balance weight including: a substantially-strip-shaped weight; an adhesive-tape portion whose tape front surface is fixed to a weight rear surface; and a release coated paper covering a tape rear surface, it makes the release coated paper likely to be pinched by adjusting the widths of the adhesive-tape portion and release coated paper. Since the wheel balance weight according to the present invention is such that the release coated paper is less likely to be detached before the assembly operation and the release coated paper is likely to be pinched upon assemblage, the handling becomes easy and additionally the workability when assembling the wheel balance weight with a wheel has improved.

Abstract: A wheel balancing weight has a body for providing mass and a clip attached to the body to securely grip a flange of a wheel. The clip defines a compartment within which is received the flange, and includes a hump projecting toward and into the defined compartment to contact a generally radially inward surface of the received flange such that the received flange contacts the clip at relatively smooth medial contact points on the hump. The weight may be formed as a unitary member from a sheet of steel and have a unitary sheet steel body and sheet steel clip.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight has a mass portion of nonlead material having a first side for juxtaposition against a wheel rim and an opposite second side defining a clip groove. The weight further includes a clip having an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim. The clip further has an attachment portion seated in the clip groove such that the clip is fixed to the mass portion.

Abstract: The upgraded balancing machine for vehicle wheels comprise a supporting frame for gripping and rotation means for gripping and rotating a wheel to be balanced around a rotation axis, a first sensor for detecting the unbalance of the wheel with respect to the rotation axis suitable for generating a first analog signal, a second sensor for detecting at least one portion of the profile of the wheel suitable for generating a second analog signal, at least one analog to digital converter associated with at least one of the first and the second detection sensors and suitable for converting at least one of the first and the second analog signals into a corresponding digital signal, a processing and control unit associated with the conversion device and suitable for processing the digital signal, and an adjustment unit for adjusting the sampling frequency of at least one of the first and the second analog signals associated with the conversion device.

Abstract: A lateral balance plane, defined as a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel rim, and upon which the wheel rim is laterally balanced; an outer surface, the outer surface facing away from the axis of rotation of the wheel rim; an inner surface, facing towards the axis of rotation of the wheel rim; and a circumferential area located on the inner surface, the circumferential area coinciding with the intersection of the inner surface with the lateral balance plane of the wheel rim, the circumferential area being visibly distinguishable from the rest of the inner surface.

Abstract: A wheel balance weight for an automobile is provided. The wheel balance weight for an automobile includes a weight holder 10 having a hook part 12 press-fitted between a rim 7 of an automobile wheel 5 and a tire bead part 9 and an arcuate gripping part 14 provided at the other end of the hook part 12, and a weight element 20 detachably gripped by an inner periphery of the gripping part 14 of the weight holder 10, wherein the gripping part 14 of the weight holder 10 has a cut-out part 14a formed at a center part thereof to a certain length in a circumferential direction thereof, and the weight element 20 has a fixing protrusion 22 projecting from an outer periphery thereof through the cut-out part 14a of the gripping part 14 to the exterior and fixedly hooked by the gripping part 14.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel balance clip (200) comprising: a spring portion (210) arranged to accommodate and attach to the rim of a wheel; and an attachment portion (220) depending from the spring portion (210), the attachment portion (220) having a face (250) wherein the face (250) is provided with at least one protrusion (260), arranged such that, when in use, the at least one protrusion (260) interacts with the rim of a wheel on which it is fitted so as to aid the retention of the clip (200) such that the protrusion causes the face of the clip to move away from the rim.

Abstract: A uniformity and stabilizing system comprising a stabilizing ring used in conjunction with a balanced tire wheel assembly wherein the stabilizing ring destroys, absorbs, and dampens vibrations including those caused by non-uniformities in the tire. The stabilizing ring comprises either a solid ring or a cartridge having at least one interior chamber, the interior chamber filled with a flowable media. The stabilizing ring may be used in combination with balance weights.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing imbalance in a wheel assembly are provided. The method includes determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a first plane, determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a second plane, and translating a component of the imbalance characteristic from the first plane to the second plane.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating weight placement on a vehicle wheel assembly that includes a tire and a wheel are provided. The method includes determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a plane of the vehicle wheel, determining a correction weight placement position associated with the determined imbalance characteristic, and directing a line of visible light at the determined weight placement position.

Abstract: There is described a shaped object adapted for being connected with a rim at a point located inside the rim well (7), having a contact surface (2) intended to rest on the rim well. It is provided according to the invention that the contact surface (2) intersects each of a set of mutually parallel first planes (3) along a curved curve (5), which is not merely an arc of a circle and whose distance from a second plane (6), that subdivides the contact surface (2) and that extends perpendicularly to the first planes (3) increases with a decreasing growth rate, at least in average, at least on one side of the second plane (6).

Abstract: Based upon rigidity classifications of wheels and radial runout classifications of the wheels, the lower the rigidity classification or the lower the radial runout classification, the more likely a methodology (heavy point-light point alignment) is selected in which a light point of static imbalance of the tire and a heavy point of static imbalance of the wheel are aligned with each other, than another methodology (radial force variation alignment) in which a peak position of a primary component of radial force variation of the tire and a bottom position of a primary component of radial runout of the wheel are aligned with each other, so as to assemble a tire and a wheel together.

Abstract: A wheel balancing weight has a body for providing mass and a clip attached to the body to securely grip a flange of a wheel. The clip defines a compartment within which is received the flange, and includes a hump projecting toward and into the defined compartment to contact a generally radially inward surface of the received flange such that the received flange contacts the clip at relatively smooth medial contact points on the hump. The weight may be formed as a unitary member from a sheet of steel and have a unitary sheet steel body and sheet steel clip.

Abstract: A wheel balancing weight has a body for providing mass and a clip attached to the body to securely grip a flange of a wheel. The clip defines a compartment within which is received the flange, and includes a hump projecting toward and into the defined compartment to contact a generally radially inward surface of the received flange such that the received flange contacts the clip at relatively smooth medial contact points on the hump. The weight may be formed as a unitary member from a sheet of steel and have a unitary sheet steel body and sheet steel clip.

Abstract: A wheel balancing weight has a body for providing mass and a clip attached to the body to securely grip a flange of a wheel. The clip defines a compartment within which is received the flange, and includes a hump projecting toward and into the defined compartment to contact a generally radially inward surface of the received flange such that the received flange contacts the clip at relatively smooth medial contact points on the hump. The weight may be formed as a unitary member from a sheet of steel and have a unitary sheet steel body and sheet steel clip.

Abstract: A wheel balancing system determines a type of corrective weight for application to an edge of a rim of a wheel for correcting imbalance of the wheel. One or more corrective weights are identified from a varied inventory of corrective weights. An inventory database is incremented or decremented for each identified corrective weight. Database reports can be generated that specify weight usage and inventory status. One or more wheel balancers may be coupled to a network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wheel rim that is able to accommodate both clip-on balancing weights and stick-on balancing weights are disclosed involving a wheel rim having a wheel rim area comprising an outboard tire bead retaining flange, an outboard bead seat, a rounded axial protuberance, an outboard deep well side wall, a deep well, an inboard deep well side wall, an inboard bead seat, and an inboard tire bead retaining flange. The length of the outboard bead seat is equal to twice the length of the outboard bead-retaining flange. In addition, the length of the inboard bead seat is equal to twice the length of the inboard bead-retaining flange. Clip-on balancing weights are affixed to outboard tire bead retaining flange and/or the inboard tire bead-retaining flange. In addition, stick-on balancing weights are affixed to the outboard bead seat and/or the inboard bead seat.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight comprises a mass portion cold-formed of nonlead material and a heat-treated spring clip. The mass portion has a front and a back, with the back adapted to be juxtaposed against a wheel rim. The mass portion further defines at least one chamfer on the back thereof. The mass portion also defines a clip securement pocket in which an attachment portion of the spring clip is inserted such that the clip is fixed to the mass portion. The clip further has an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim.

Abstract: A wheel weight segment for use on a wheel including a rim, having a body with a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side and a second side disposed opposite the first side. A top lip portion with a top surface extends outwardly from the first side of the body and a bottom lip portion with a bottom surface extends outwardly from the second side of the body. The top surface of the body and the top surface of the top lip portion lie in a first plane, and the bottom surface of the body and the bottom surface of the bottom lip portion lie in a second plane.

Abstract: A machine for balancing vehicle wheels, such wheels including a rim with a pair of axially spaced, ring-shaped or annular, flanges, and a tire seated up on the rim. The machine includes a frame with motor driven devices for gripping the vehicle wheel to be balanced and rotating same about a horizontal axis. A mechanical feeler, or probe, determines the position of the first of the pair of , flanges on the rim. A contact-less, or remotely spaced, sensor, such as a laser, ascertains the profile of the tire by taking a series of discrete measurements without touching the tire. The mechanical feeler, or probe, and the contact-less sensor, are connected to a control unit in the machine. The control unit interpolates the values provided by the mechanical feeler and the contact-less sensor, and determines the location of the second flange on the wheel rim.

Abstract: A wheel balancing device of this invention comprising a wheel balancing body having a wheel rim engaging bar made of iron metal or iron-based metal component to be formed in any shape as required. Being provided on one side of the wheel balancing body is an engaging part fixed thereto. The engaging part is composed of an engaging plate having one end engaged and fixed to one end of the wheel rim engaging bar by a locking means and the other end is bent as an upper curve to be locked and fixed to a wheel rim of an automobile. The wheel rim engaging bar and a part of engaging plate are enwrapped by the outer cover plate made of plastic or plastic-contained composition.