Patent · US Expired

Wheel and overlay assembly to accommodate balance weights

US5564791A · kind A · utility

17Cited by
6References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 6, 1995
Grant dateOct 15, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 6, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16F15/324
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A wheel and overlay assembly having an overlay that extends to the perimeter of the wheel in order to maximize the aesthetic effect of the overlay, while also accommodating balance weights at the perimeter in order to permit proper balancing of the assembly. The result is a wheel and overlay assembly having a fully integrated appearance in which the two-piece construction of the assembly is more fully concealed. The wheel and overlay assembly is an improvement over prior art assemblies which use an overlay of the type formed separately from the wheel, and particularly overlays formed as a solid plastic panel member that is directly attached to the outboard surface of a wheel. Furthermore, the invention is applicable to both aluminum and steel wheels of the type currently existing in the industry, as well as standardized balance weights utilized in the industry.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.