Method for producing a variable thickness rim for a vehicle wheel
US5832609A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49531
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved method for producing a wheel rim for use in a vehicle wheel. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing at least two individual flat sheets of material having different thicknesses; (b) securing the two flat sheets of material together by welding to form a rim blank; (c) forming the rim blank into a generally cylindrical hoop having a first discrete section defined by one of the two flat sheets of material and a second discrete section defined by the other one of the two flat sheets of material, the first discrete section of the hoop defining a first outer diameter, extending a first axial length, and including a substantially uniform first thickness throughout the entire first axial length thereof, the second discrete section of the hoop defining a second outer diameter, extending a second axial length, and including a substantially uniform second thickness throughout the second axial length thereof; (d) subjecting the hoop to a series of metal forming operations to produce a finished wheel rim having at least one tire bead seat retaining flange and at least one tire bead seat surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.