Howmet Aerospace Inc.

Spencer Wallace

Douglas P Mason

Mateusz Kowalski

Logan Klink

Matt Brest

Gabriele F Ciccola

Kellen M Finn

Vehicle wheels and methods of making vehicle wheels are provided. A vehicle wheel comprises a generally annular first region, a second region, and a flange extension. The first region comprises an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat. The second region extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The flange extension extends from the first region in a direction away from the second region. The flange extension comprises a first extension end integral with the first region, a second extension end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end. The elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end.

Vehicle wheels and methods of making vehicle wheels

Wheel

A wheel cover assembly for a vehicle wheel may include a cover body having a cover body outer surface, a cover body inner surface, and a cover body outer edge having an outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of a stiffener rib extending inward from an inner surface of the wheel rim and less than an inner diameter of an open end flange of the wheel rim. The wheel cover assembly may further include a cover mounting mechanism operatively connected to the cover body and having a locking position wherein the cover mounting mechanism engages the stiffener rib when the cover body inner surface is facing and engaging the stiffener rib and a cover locking position wherein the cover mounting mechanism engages the stiffener rib to secure the wheel cover assembly to the vehicle wheel.

Aerodynamic wheel cover mounting design

Vehicle wheel hub cover

Vehicle wheel cover

Vehicle wheels, methods of making vehicle wheels, and dual wheel assemblies are provided. The vehicle wheel includes a generally cylindrical first region and a second region extending radially inwardly from the first region. The second region includes a first surface, a second surface, an opening, and a hub surface. A distance from the first surface to the second surface defines a thickness. The opening is configured to receive at least a portion of a hub of the vehicle axle. The hub surface is adjacent to and surrounds the opening and extends from the first surface to the second surface. The hub surface includes a generally flat portion and a relief portion adjacent to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The relief portion surrounds the opening and extends along the hub surface for a distance of at least 25% of the thickness.

Vehicle wheels, methods of making vehicle wheels, and dual wheel assemblies

A wheel cover assembly for a vehicle wheel may include a wheel rib that is attachable to a rim inner surface of a wheel rim of the vehicle wheel, a cover body having a cover body outer surface, a cover body inner surface, and a cover body outer edge having an outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the wheel rib and less than an inner diameter of an open end flange of the wheel rim. A cover mounting mechanism operatively connected to the cover body has a cover locking position wherein the cover mounting mechanism engages the wheel rib to retain the wheel rib between the cover mounting mechanism and the cover body and secure the wheel cover assembly to the vehicle wheel when the wheel rib is attached to the rim inner surface.

Growing community of inventors

Broadview Heights, OH, United States of America

Spencer Wallace