Vehicle wheel balance weights

Abstract

A vehicle wheel weight comprises a mass portion cold-formed of nonlead material and a heat-treated spring clip. The mass portion has a front and a back, with the back adapted to be juxtaposed against a wheel rim. The mass portion further defines at least one chamfer on the back thereof. The mass portion also defines a clip securement pocket in which an attachment portion of the spring clip is inserted such that the clip is fixed to the mass portion. The clip further has an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim.

1 . A vehicle wheel weight comprising:
 a mass portion cold-formed of nonlead material, said mass portion having a front and a back, said back of said mass portion adapted to be juxtaposed against a wheel rim;   said mass portion defining a clip securement pocket formed therein;   said mass portion further defining at least one chamfer on said back thereof; and   a heat-treated spring clip having an attachment portion inserted into and retained in said clip securement pocket such that said clip is fixed to said mass portion, said clip further having an extended portion for engaging said wheel rim.   
   
   
       2 . A vehicle wheel weight as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one chamfer comprises a top chamfer formed as a sloped surface extending axially along said mass portion. 
   
   
       3 . A vehicle wheel weight as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said mass portion includes indicia located on said back thereof. 
   
   
       4 . A vehicle wheel weight as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said indicia indicates mass. 
   
   
       5 . A vehicle wheel weight as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said nonlead material is low carbon steel. 
   
   
       6 . A vehicle wheel weight as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said nonlead material is iron. 
   
   
       7 . A vehicle wheel weight as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said nonlead material is copper. 
   
   
       8 . A vehicle wheel weight as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said attachment portion of said spring clip defines at least one surface irregularity so as to facilitate retention of said attachment portion in said clip securement cavity. 
   
   
       9 . A vehicle wheel weight as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said at least one surface irregularity comprises a transverse groove defined in said attachment portion of said spring clip. 
   
   
       10 . A vehicle wheel weight as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said at least one surface irregularity comprises a plurality of spaced apart louvers defined in said attachment portion of said spring clip.