Method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly
OwnerLarry C. Smythinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly. The method includes the step of providing a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and a rigidifying flange. The rim blank includes first and second edge portions. At least one of the first and second edge portions of the rim blank is shaped. After the shaping step, the one-piece wheel form is cut to separate the shaped wheel rim from the rigidifying flange.
Claims20
A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and a rigidifying flange, the rim blank including first and second edge portions;
- (b) shaping at least one of the first and second edge portions of the rim blank;
- and
- (c) after the shaping step of (b), cutting the one-piece wheel form to separate the shaped wheel rim from the rigidifying flange.
A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly, comprising the steps of:
- (a) casting a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and a rigidifying flange, the rim blank including first and second annular edge portions;
- (b) machining the first annular edge portion of the rim blank;
- (c) machining the second annular edge portion of the rim blank;
- and
- (d) after the machining steps of (b) and (c), cutting the one-piece wheel form to separate the machined wheel rim from the rigidifying flange.
A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and supporting center, the rim blank including first and second annular edge portions;
- (b) shaping at least one of the first and second edge portions of the rim blank;
- and
- (c) after the shaping step of (b), cutting the one-piece wheel form to separate the shaped wheel rim from the supporting center.
A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an alloy wheel form comprising an annular rim blank and supporting center, the rim blank including first and second edge portions;
- (b) shaping at least one of the first and second edge portions of the rim blank;
- and
- (c) after the shaping step of (b), cutting the one-piece wheel form to separate the shaped wheel rim from the supporting center.
A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and supporting center, the rim blank including first and second annular edge portions;
- (b) clamping the second annular edge portion of the rim blank to secure the rim blank in position while exposing the first annular edge portion;
- (c) machining the first annular edge portion of the rim blank;
- (d) turning the wheel form over after machining the first annular edge portion of the rim blank to expose the second annular edge portion for machining;
- (e) clamping the first annular edge portion of the rim blank to secure the rim blank in position;
- (f) machining the second annular edge portion of the rim blank;
- and
- (g) after the machining step of (f), cutting the one-piece wheel form to separate the machined wheel rim from the supporting center.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.