Wheel balance weight and process for manufacturing the same

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a wheel balance weight. In particular, it relates to a wheel balance weight which is installed to an inner peripheral surface of a rim in a wheel of a vehicle.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of its advantages will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed specification, all of which forms a part of the disclosure:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view for illustrating a strip-shaped weight in a wheel balance weight of Example No. 1 according to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a drawing for illustrating a cross section of the weight which is provided with a groove in the wheel balance weight of Example No. 1;

#Having generally described the present invention, a further understanding can be obtained by reference to the specific preferred embodiments which are provided herein for the purpose of illustration only and not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

#A wheel balance weight according to the present invention comprises a weight and installation means. The weight is composed of at least one member selected from the group consisting of zinc and a zinc-based alloy, is formed as a substantially strip shape having a substantially uniform thickness, and has opposite surfaces and at least a groove. The groove is formed in at least one of the opposite surfaces of the weight, and crosses in the width-wise direction of the weight. The installation means is adapted for installing the weight to a rim in a wheel. In the present wheel balance weight, the weight is composed of zinc or a zinc-based alloy which puts a less load onto environment. Therefore, even when the present wheel balance weight is abolished, the surrounding environments are inhibited from being polluted. Moreover, zinc or a zinc-based alloy exhibits a relatively low temperature so that it can be readily processed. Hence, it is possible to manufacture the present wheel balance weight at reduced costs and install it to wheels with ease.

#In the present wheel balance weight, zinc or a zinc-based alloy constitutes the weight. Zinc herein refers to pure zinc. The zinc-based alloy herein refers to alloys in which zinc makes a major component substantially. Specifically, the zinc-based alloy refers to zinc alloys whose zinc content is 39.5% by weight or more when the entirety is taken as 100% by weight. The zinc content can further preferably be 45% by weight or more, furthermore preferably be 50% by weight or more, moreover preferably be 90% by weight or more.