Balancing Weights with Multi Layer Adhesive Tape

Abstract

Balancing weights for cars have an adhesive tape with at least a first tape layer and a second tape layer, for attaching the balancing weights to a rim. The first tape layer is held in close proximity to a rim by a first adhesive layer. The second tape layer is held in close proximity to the balancing weights by a second adhesive layer. The first tape layer is stiffer and less flexible than the second tape layer, the second tape layer is softer and more flexible than the first tape layer. This allows easy removal of the balancing weights from the rim by pushing a wedge shaped tool between the first tape layer and the rim.

Claims

1. Balancing weight for wheels, comprising an adhesive tape for attaching the balancing weight to a rim, the adhesive tape further comprising: a first tape layer configured to be held in close proximity to the rim by a first adhesive layer; and a second tape layer held in close proximity to the balancing weight by a second adhesive layer; wherein the first tape layer is stiffer and less flexible than the second tape layer, and the second tape layer is softer and more flexible than the first tape layer; and wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer have the same adhesive strength.

2. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the balancing weight comprises a plurality of individual weight segments interconnected by connecting elements.

3. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the first tape layer comprises a film and the second tape layer comprises a foam.

4. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the first tape layer comprises a Polyethylene foam.

5. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are of the same material.

6. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the second tape layer comprises a Polyurethane foam.

7. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the second tape layer bears at least a visible marking.

8. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the second adhesive layer is transparent.

9. The balancing weight according to claim 1, wherein the second tape layer bears magnetic particles or parts.

10. Balancing weight, comprising an adhesive tape for attaching the balancing weight to a rim, the adhesive tape comprising: a second tape layer that bears at least a visible marking; and a first adhesive layer on top of the second tape layer; where the first adhesive layer is transparent and configured to hold the adhesive tape to the rim.

11. Method for removing a balancing weight according to claim 1 from a rim, the method comprising the steps of: pressing a wedge-shaped tool under the first tape layer, ripping the first tape layer, together with at least the second tape layer and the balancing weight, off the rim, removing the tape layers and balancing weight in one piece.

12. Method for removing a balancing weight according to claim 1 from a rim, the method comprising the steps of: pressing a wedge-shaped tool between the balancing weight and the first tape layer, splitting the second tape layer or ripping the second tape layer off the balancing weight, removing the balancing weight, and removing the first tape layer in one piece.

13. The balancing weight according to claim 12, wherein the balancing weight is removed in one piece

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In the following, the invention will be described by way of example, without limitation of the general inventive concept, on examples of embodiment and with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a balancing weight.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows the balancing weights in a side view.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows balancing weight tape layers.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a first method of removing balancing weights

[0030] FIG. 5 shows the first step of a second method of removing balancing weights

[0031] FIG. 6 shows the second step of a second method of removing balancing weights

[0032] FIG. 7 shows a different set of layers in detail.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a different set of layers with a base film.

[0034] FIG. 9 shows a different set of layers with a further base film.

[0035] FIG. 10 shows a preferred embodiment with adhesive layers in detail.

[0036] FIG. 11 shows further embodiment with visible marking.

[0037] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] In FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment is shown. A balancing weight 10 may comprise a plurality of individual weights segments 18, which are preferably into connected by connecting elements 31. According to the actual required weight, a number of connected weight segments may be applied to the rim of a wheel.

[0039] In FIG. 2, the previous balancing weight is shown in a side view. Here, the balancing weight is supported by second tape layer 20, first tape layer 21 and liner 22. The liner has to be removed before applying the balancing weight to a rim. The first tape layer 21 preferably acts as support layer and preferably is a rigid or semi-rigid layer. Preferably this layer comprises foam having higher stiffness and shear force compared to the second tape layer. Most preferably this layer comprises PE (Polyethylene) foam or film. The second tape layer 20 preferably acts as leveling layer and therefore preferably comprises foam having lower stiffness than the first tape layer. Most preferably this layer comprises PU (Polyurethane) foam. There may be a further support layer (not shown here) between the second tape layer 20 and the first tape layer 21. Depending on the requirements the properties of second tape layer 20 and first tape layer 21 may also be exchanged. There may also be a softer layer above and another softer layer below a stiffer layer stabilizing the assembly, while the softer layers are leveling and compensation for tolerances of the balancing weight and the rim.

[0040] In FIG. 3, a balancing weight is shown on the tape layers in detail. The balancing weight 10 is attached to the second tape layer 20. Below this second tape layer 20 is first tape layer 21. This is furthermore protected by liner 22.

[0041] In FIG. 4, removal of a balancing weight is shown. A tool 81, which preferably is wedge shaped is pushed under the balancing weight 10, therefore ripping the segments of the balancing weight off the rim 80. It is preferred to have a sharp tool, which may penetrate under the first tape layer 21. Preferably the tool it comprises a plastic material or at least a material which is softer than the rim to prevent damages of the rim or its surface. Due to the properties of the first tape layer 21 and the connecting elements 31 connecting individual balancing weight segments, the balancing weight 10 may be removed in one piece. Removing of balancing weights in one piece simplifies cleaning and discarding of the balancing weights.

[0042] In FIG. 5, a second method of removing a balancing weight is shown. Here, the tool 81 is inserted under the balancing weight 10, either splitting the second tape layer 20 or separating the second tape layer 20 from the individual balancing weight segments. Due to the connecting elements 31 between the balancing weight segments, the balancing weight may be removed in one piece. After the step at least parts of the adhesive tape remains at the rim.

[0043] In FIG. 6, the second step of the second method is shown. Here, the remaining layers of the adhesive tape is pulled off, preferably by applying force into a direction 82. Due to the properties of the first tape layer, this may be pulled off in one piece further holding remaining parts of other layers of the adhesive tape.

[0044] In FIG. 7, a different set of layers is shown in detail. A balancing weight 10 is attached to second tape layer 20. Below this layer is support layer 23 which comprises of a comparatively stiff material. Below this layer is first tape layer 21, which preferably comprises a comparatively soft material for leveling. This is furthermore protected by liner 22.

[0045] In FIG. 8 a different set of layers with a base film is shown. Here a base film 40 is arranged below second tape layer 20. Preferably second tape layer 20 comprises a comparatively soft material which is protected by the base film 40. Preferably the base film has a mechanical strength and most preferably a tensile strength which is sufficient to pull the base film together with the other layers and preferably with at least one balancing weight off the rim. This allows for easy removal of the balancing weight and the adhesive tape without damaging and without leaving adhesive tape residues at the rim surface. Without such a base film, in most cases, at least one of the foam layers breaks during removal, often causing pieces of the foam layer and other layers remaining at the rim. The base film protects the softer foam layers from getting torn. The base film may be used in any combination with the layers disclosed herein.

[0046] In FIG. 9, an embodiment with a further base film 40 is shown. The base film 40 is connected to the second tape layer 20 by means of fourth adhesive layer 53.

[0047] In FIG. 10, a preferred embodiment is shown in detail together with adhesive layers. This figure refers to the assembly of FIG. 3. Here in addition adhesive layers 50, 51, 52 are shown. The second adhesive layer 50 fixes a balancing weight 10 to the second tape layer 20. Furthermore first adhesive layer 52 is used to hold the first tape layer 21 and therefore, the whole assembly including all layers and the balancing weight to a rim. This adhesive layer is protected by liner 22. Herein for simplicity the term adhesive layer is used. These adhesive layers are different from the further layers like second tape layer 20, first tape layer 21 or support layer 23. The main function is to connect neighboring layers, or to hold the assembly to a rim. Generally an adhesive layer may comprise of a thin film of adhesive, preferably of an acrylate. Some of the layers, preferably second tape layer 20 and first tape layer 21 may be connected by other means like melting or laminating to neighboring layers or balancing weights.

[0048] In FIG. 11 an embodiment similar to FIG. 10 is shown. Here the first tape layer 21 has some marking like a text 60 identifying the manufacturer or a bar code 61. In this preferred embodiment the first adhesive layer 52 and the liner 22 are transparent. In the case of a non-transparent liner, the marking will become visible after the liner has been removed.

[0049] It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this invention is believed to provide balancing weights for vehicles and methods for removing such balancing weights from the rim of a wheel. Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0050] 10 balancing weight [0051] 11 trapezoidal balancing weight [0052] 17 bending direction [0053] 18 individual balancing weights [0054] 20 second tape layer [0055] 21 first tape layer [0056] 22 liner [0057] 23 support layer [0058] 31 connecting element [0059] 40 base film [0060] 50 second adhesive layer [0061] 51 third adhesive layer [0062] 52 first adhesive layer [0063] 53 fourth adhesive layer [0064] 60 marking [0065] 61 barcode [0066] 80 rim of a wheel [0067] 81 tool [0068] 82 direction of force