IP Library Granted Patent US 7,346,984
Granted Patent B2
US 7,346,984 · App. 10/894,155 · Granted Mar 25, 2008

Light metal wheel

Assignee: BBS Motorsport & Engineering GmbH
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,346,984
App. No.
10/894,155
Granted
Mar 25, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

A wheel, particularly a light metal wheel, for motor vehicles, essentially consists of a spoke wheel center ( 20 ) and a rim ( 10 ). In order to reduce weight and increase the bending strength, which is of great significance in regard to contact with curbstones and potholes, profile segment ( 31 ) in the form of half-shell units, which forms a continuous hollow chamber ( 41 ) in the direction of the circumference, at least in sections, are provided in the area of an external base of the rim ( 14 ).

Claims (12)

1. A wheel, for motor vehicles, comprising:

spoke wheel portion ( 20 ) and a wheel rim ( 10 );

wherein the wheel rim ( 10 ) further comprises an internal bead seat ( 16 ) and an external bead seat ( 14 ) which makes a transition into an internal flange ( 18 ) and an external flange ( 12 );

wherein at least one profile segment ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ) which continuously forms at least one hollow chamber ( 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ) in the direction of the circumference, at least in sections, is provided proximate the internal bead seat ( 16 ) and/or of the external bead seat ( 14 );

and wherein the at least one profile segment ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ) is initially configured as a substantially radially extending flange ( 30 ) emanating from the wheel rim between the inner and outer flanges, and having a radially outwardly disposed free edge ( 51 ), which radially extending flange ( 30 ) is reformed to curve back upon the wheel rim with the free edge ( 51 ) rejoined to the wheel rim, to define a hollow space therebetween,

and further wherein the substantially radially extending flange ( 30 ) emanating from the wheel rim between the inner and outer flanges is bent axially outwardly toward a face of the wheel in a single step to define a hollow chamber.

2. A wheel, for motor vehicles, comprising:

spoke wheel portion ( 20 ) and a wheel rim ( 10 );

wherein the wheel rim ( 10 ) further comprises an internal bead seat ( 16 ) and an external bead seat ( 14 ) which makes a transition into an internal flange ( 18 ) and an external flange ( 12 );

wherein at least one profile segment ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ) which continuously forms at least one hollow chamber ( 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ) in the direction of the circumference, at least in sections, is provided proximate the internal bead seat ( 16 ) and/or of the external bead seat ( 14 );

and wherein the at least one profile segment ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ) is initially configured as a substantially radially extending flange ( 30 ) emanating from the wheel rim between the inner and outer flanges, and having a radially outwardly disposed free edge ( 51 ), which radially extending flange ( 30 ) is reformed to curve back upon the wheel rim with the free edge ( 51 ) rejoined to the wheel rim, to define a hollow space therebetween,

wherein the internal flange ( 18 ) and the external flange ( 12 ) each extend radially outwardly of the at least one hollow chamber.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 9, 2012
From: BBS MOTORSPORT & ENGINEERING GMBH
To: WASHI KOSAN CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 028757/0310 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 19, 2004
From: BAUMGARTNER, HEINRICH
To: BBS MOTORSPORT & ENGINEERING GMBH
Reel/Frame 015600/0117 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 1007057800 · Jul 24, 2002
Related Publication 20040251735A1 · Dec 16, 2004