GB2453742A

GB2453742A - Sacrificial anode for a vehicle wheel

Info

Publication number: GB2453742A
Application number: GB0720209A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Ian Nichols; Roger John
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-16
Filing date: 2007-10-16
Publication date: 2009-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 2027-10-16
Also published as: GB0720209D0; GB2453742B

Abstract

A vehicle wheel includes a sacrificial anode 50 to improve corrosion resistance. The anode 50 comprises a cylinder which is retained upon a fastener such as a wheel nut 10 or bolt and contacts the vehicle wheel.

Description

VEHICLE WHEEL ATTACHMENT

The present invention relates to a vehicle wheel attachment. Embodiments of the present invention relate to an attachment for a vehicle wheel.

Vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, bicycles and the like may be provided with wheels which used to propel the vehicle and which are attached to the vehicle using fasteners. The range of different vehicle wheels and the range of different fasteners which may be used to fasten the vehicle wheels to the vehicle is enormous. Also, there is a large market in after-sales vehicle wheels and fasteners which can be retrofitted to the vehicles in order to give a vehicle a particular visual appearance.

Whilst the range of wheel and fastener options can provide many benefits +I*fl._...*._1..._. ._ _.___._.__1...._J.:_...L1 V L.J IItJL V. JL LI.)11UI Accordingly, it is desired to provide an improved technique for fastening wheels to vehicles.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle wheel attachment comprising: a sacrificial anode.

The present invention recognises that a situation can arise in which a high degree of corrosion can occur once a vehicle wheel is fastened to a vehicle with a fastener. Typically, the corrosion is due to an electrochemical potential being created between the differing metals of the vehicle wheel and the fastener, thereby creating an electrochemical cell. For example, it is common for wheels fitted to a car to be made of an aluminium alloy or a blended alloy of metals, whilst the * : * fasteners may be made out of steel. A consequence of this is that the alloy wheels ****** corrode because the electrochemical potential the alloy is greater than that of steel.

This corrosion is facilitated by the presence of water and road surface impurities *** * such as salt which assists with the ionisation process. Accordingly, where two metals are in contact either directly or through an electrolyte such as water then one metal will take electrons from the other causing ionisation of the more active metal. In particular, the alloy wheel will lose electrons, typically via the moisture and road impurities, and these are then absorbed by the steel fastener.

Whilst attempts can be made to prevent this corrosion occurring, such as by coating areas of the fasteners or the vehicle wheels with particular materials, an electrochemical cell can still be created between the uncoated areas through the medium of any water or other contaminants in contact with both metals. Also, those coatings are often damaged when fastening the wheel onto the vehicle.

Hence, the vehicle wheel attachment comprises a sacrificial anode. The vehicle wheel attachment may be attached to the vehicle wneei. The sacriikiai anode controls the galvanic corrosion of the metal surfaces by making the sacrificial anode the cathode of the electrochemical cell. In this way, the component parts of the fastener and the vehicle wheels can be protected from corrosion. However, the sacrificial anode will continue to corrode, the material of the sacrificial anode being consumed in lieu of the vehicle wheel.

In one embodiment, the vehicle wheel attachment is shaped to engage with a fastener for fastening a vehicle wheel to a vehicle.

Hence, the attachment may be attached to the fastener used to hold the vehicle wheel in place on the vehicle. For example, the attachment may be pushed * S S...

onto or at least partially surround the fastener.

*.....

* In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode is positionable on the fastener to S..... * I

be in electrochemical communication with the fastener and the vehicle wheel. * . * . S * S.

S

Accordingly, the sacrificial anode is located such that it forms part of the electrochemical cell with the fastener and the vehicle wheel. It will be appreciated that the anode need not actually contact the fastener or the vehicle wheel as long as an electrochemical cell is created with the sacrificial anode utilising, for example, any water or other impurity which may be present.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode is positionable on the fastener proximate to an interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

It will be appreciated that the closer that the sacrificial anode is located to the interface of the fastener with the vehicle wheel, the greater the amount of cathodic protection can be provided.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode is positionable on the fastener at an inLerface beiweeii hit; i'aciit;i ijud hv vic wh.

Accordingly, the sacrificial anode may be in direct contact with both the wheel and the fastener. In this way, the amount of cathodic protection at that interface can be maximised.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode is deformable in response to compressive forces generated on the sacrificial anode by the vehicle wheel as the fastener fastens the vehicle wheel to the vehicle.

By allowing the sacrificial anode to deform on contact with the vehicle wheel it can be ensured that no significant forces are generated in the sacrificial : ... anode which could otherwise lead to a loosening of the fastener as the sacrificial anode dissolves.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode is shaped to engage with the *....

* surface of the vehicle wheel. ** S * S * * I.

S S..

S

Hence, the anode may take any particular form which is suitable to contact with the vehicle wheel.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode comprises an annular sleeve.

Hence, the sacrificial anode may be provided as a simple sleeve for fitting to existing fasteners.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode comprises a bevel-edged conical sleeve.

In one embodiment, the attachment comprises the fastener and a retainer is provided on the fastener which is operable to retain the sacrificial anode in position on the fastener during deformation.

Hence, some means, such as a lip or recess may be provided to retain the sacriflciai anode such mat it remains in contact with the veiiieie wiieei as deforms thereby ensuring that it remains located in place.

In one embodiment, the vehicle wheel attachment is shaped to be retained on an outer surface of the fastener.

Hence, the attachment may be retrofitted to an existing fastener by pushing and/or clipping the attachment onto the fastener.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode is positionable at a distal end of the fastener, away from the vehicle wheel.

Hence, the sacrificial anode may be positioned away from the interface : S.. between the fastener and the wheel in order not to interfere with the mechanical *...

* properties of that interface whilst still retaining electrochemical communication S.....

* * with this interface. S....

*:., In one embodiment, the attachment is shaped to engage with a vehicle * 25 wheel.

Hence, rather than engage with a vehicle wheel fastener, the attachment engages with the vehicle wheel instead. This enables the attachment to be retrofitted to directly to an existing wheel rather than having to engage with the vehicle wheel fasteners.

In one embodiment, the attachment is shaped to be retained by the vehicle wheel.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode positioned to be in electrochemical communication with the vehicle wheel and a vehicle wheel fastener.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode comprises a material having a more negative electrochemical potential than the fastener.

Rv insiirin that he sacrificial anode is more active or less noble by having a lower electrochemical potential than the fastener cathodic protection can be provided.

In one embodiment, the sacrificial anode comprises a material having a more negative electrochemical potential than both the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

Hence, the sacrificial anode may be more active or less noble by having a lower electrochemical potential than the fastener and the vehicle wheel to provide appropriate cathodic protection.

: In one embodiment, the fastener further comprises a non-corrosive plate *...

positioned to couple the sacrificial anode with the vehicle wheel.

* : Providing a non-corrosive plate, such as stainless steel, can enhance the S.....

* electrochemical coupling between the wheel, the fastener and the sacrificial anode.

25 Also, providing a plate can help to provide an instant visual indication of how * much of the sacrificial anode has been corroded thereby informing the user of when the sacrificial anode may need replacing.

In one embodiment, the fastener comprises an insulator positionable on the fastener to increase electrochemical communication through the sacrificial anode between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

Providing an insulator can help to reduce the incidence of any electrochemical corrosion that might otherwise occur despite the presence of the sacrificial anode.

In one embodiment, the insulator is positionable on the fastener to reduce any electrochemical communication between the fastener and the vehicle wheel occurring other than through the sacrificial anode.

In one embodiment, Lne iusuiaiui is pusiiuI14'uk u th fastiici at ai interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

In one embodiment, the insulator is positionable on the fastener along at least part of an interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a nut.

In one embodiment, the nut is a locking nut.

In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a bolt.

In one embodiment, the bolt is a locking bolt.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling corrosion of a vehicle wheel assembly, the method comprising the step of: providing a sacrificial anode.

* According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a * * sacrificial anode for a vehicle wheel fastener. * * * SS * *S

S S'S

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sacrificial anode for a vehicle wheel.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle wheel comprising a sacrificial anode according to the fourth aspect.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising at least one fastener according to the first aspect, a sacrificial anode according to the third aspect and a vehicle wheel of the fifth aspect.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a special wheel nut ideally being a security nut as well which has a sacrificial anodic component within its structure although a conventional securing nut with an anodic component would be quite satisfactory. In the same way an over cover or secured attachment of anodic material lined to the nut would be effective.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a wheel nut where a section of the structure is made of an anodic material.

In embodiments, the wheel nut acts as a wheel security nut of which a section of the structure is made of an anodic component.

In embodiments, the total structure is made of an anodic material or an alloy of materials where one or more of those components has anodic properties.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a component which is made of an anodic material or a mixture of materials with anodic properties which can be secured to a wheel or axle component to give * S protection to the said assembly to inhibit galvanic action.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out ****** * in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the S. S S * * 5, S..

S

dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention will be described ftirther, by way of example only, with reference to preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a wheel nut according to one embodiment; Figure 2 illustrates a wheel nut according to a second embodiment; Figure 3 illustrates a wheel nut according to a third embodiment; Figure 4 illustrates a range of fasteners and a sacrificial anode according to an embodiment; Figure 5 illustrates in more detail the sacrificial anode of Figure 4; Figure 6 illustrates in more detail a bolt of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the bolt of Figure 6 with the sacrificial anode omitted; Figures 8A to 8C illustrate in more detail a nut of Figure 4 having the sacrificial anode attached; Figure 9 is a section view of the nut shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 illustrates a wheel assembly having the wheel nut illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 11 illustrates a cover for a wheel fastener according to an embodiment; and I...

Figure 12 illustrates an attachment for a vehicle wheel according to an * embodiment.

S.....

* Figure 1 shows a wheel nut, generally 10, according to one embodiment. S. S

The wheel nut comprises a nut portion 20 which is engaged with a spanner or wrench (not shown) when attaching the wheel nut 10 to a vehicle (not shown).

The wheel nut 10 engages with a threaded stub (not shown) using the threaded portion 40. As the wheel nut tightens, the front face 30 of the wheel nut 10 engages with a wheel (not shown) to retain the wheel in place.

The wheel nut 10 comprises a sacrificial anode 50 which is dimensioned to be received on the wheel nut 10 and abut against a retaining ring 60. As can be seen from Figure 1 the sacrificial anode 50 is shaped as an annular cylinder having a bevelled edge. The contact of the front face 30 of the wheel nut 10 with the wheel creates an electrochemjcal cell in which the wheel, the inner core 45 and the sacrificial anode 50 are in electrochemical communication. The effect of the electrochemical cell enhanced during the presence of water and/or road pollutants which assist in the ionisation process. The sacrificial anode 50 is selected to be a material which is more easily oxidised than either the wheel nut core 45 or the wheel. Electrons are then stripped from the sacrificial anode 50 and conducted to the inner core 45 and/or wheel which prevents those metals from corroding. The sacrificial anode 50 will typically comprise zinc, aluminium or magnesium.

Although from the arrangement shown in Figure 1 it can be seen that the sacrificial anode 50 will be in direct physical contact with both the wheel nut core 45 and the wheel, it will be appreciated that this need not be the case and that the sacrificial anode 50 need only be electrochemically coupled with the materials to be protected. This coupling can be made by moisture in the environment or other * I..

* 1 I impurities which provide a conductive path.

I

I.....

* * Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of a wheel nut. The wheel nut 10' ** II II * has a similar arrangement to that shown in Figure 1. However, the thread I* I 40'extends all the way through the inner core 45' and the retaining ring 60' has a Is. I-,

different profile. The sacrificial anode 50' comprises an annular ring which envelops an outer portion of the wheel nut core 45' and is retained against the retaining ring 60'.

A contacting plate 70 in the form of a lipped ring is provided on the facing edge of the sacrificial anode 50'. The contacting plate 70 is an optional element which helps to provide a non-corrosive contact area between the sacrificial anode 50' and the surface of the wheel 90. The facing plate 70 will typically comprise a high-grade stainless steel.

As can also be seen from Figure 2 when the wheel nut 10' is engaged with the wheel stub the sacrificial anode 50' deforms over the retaining ring 60' in the region of the corner 80. The deformation ensures that no residual forces are Raairiu by the sacrificial anode 50 which may otherwise lead to a loosening of the wheel nut 10' as the sacrificial anode 50' corrodes.

Figure 3 illustrates a further embodiment of a wheel nut 10". All the features of the wheel nut 10" are identical to those of that illustrated in Figure 2, with the exception that a different contact plate 70' is utilised and that an insulator is provided.

The insulator 100 extends from the facing edge of the sacrificial anode 50' along the facing surface of the inner core 45' in the region where this facing surface contacts with the vehicle wheel. Providing the insulator 100 helps to improve the effect of the sacrificial anode 50' by reducing any direct S...

electrochemical coupling between the wheel and the inner core 45', thereby enhancing the coupling between these materials via the sacrificial anode 50'. The *5.s..

* 1 insulator 100 may extend along the whole or part of the contacting surface. S. S * S.

IS

S *5*

S

Figures 4 to 9 illustrate a standard design sacrificial anode 50" which is operable to be received by any of a number of different fixings. In this example, there are shown two different types of fixing bolts 130, 140 and two different types of fixing nuts 110, 120. However, it will be appreciated that any configuration of fixing could be used. In each case, the fixing is provided with a sacrificial anode receiving region X which receives the sacrificial anode 50". As can be seen, tapered splines circumferentially spaced around the outer surface of the receiving region X engage with complimentary slots circumferentially located around the inner surface of the sacrificial anode 50".

As can best be seen in Figure 9, the tapered splines and the complimentary slots engage and facing edges on the sacrificial anode 50' and the nuts 110 abut to prcvi.c,vvd iiic.imiIkai i.oupiing and retention ox me sacnticial anode 50".

Figure 10 illustrates a vehicle wheel assembly utilising the wheel nut 10 illustrated in Figure 1. Shown in partial cross-section, there is provided a vehicle wheel 90 on which a tyre 95 is provided. The vehicle wheel 90 is retained on bolts and fastened in place using the wheel nut 10. Although each of the wheel nuts fastening the wheel 90 may be provided with a sacrificial anode 50, it will be appreciated that this need not be the case and that fewer than all of the wheel nuts need be provided with a sacrificial anode. However, it will be appreciated that the greater the number of wheel nuts with a sacrificial anode, less corrosion will be experienced. S...

* **.. Although in each of the embodiments shown the wheel nuts and wheel * * bolts have specific shapes, it will be appreciated that any suitable shape nut, bolt or * **.* * * other fastening device could be provided. Also, these may be provided versions *: . 25 which may be locked to prevent unauthorised removal. * S.. S 11

The weight of the total component needs to be similar to the other wheel nuts to ensure no wheel balance problems occur.

This anodic component is only a part of the wheel nut and has no structural function in securing the wheel to the vehicle its only function to the wheel nut is to be the primary component to be the preferential point of galvanic action within the wheel and axle assembly.

It is assumed that as with common practice of wheel security that one special nut is used per wheel that the same could apply with the described embodiments and one per wheel is adequate but more could be fitted if the circumstances of high corrosion existed.

Accordingly, there is provided a means of preventing galvanic action attacking aluminium or alloy wheels by the fitting of a wheel nut or nuts where a section of the said wheel nut is of an anodic material thereby acting as a sacrificial component to a wheel or wheel axle assembly.

Although the illustrated embodiments show the sacrificial anode positioned on the vehicle wheel fastener, it will be appreciated that the sacrificial anode may be positioned elsewhere, such as on the vehicle wheel or on the vehicle axle assembly.

Figure 11 illustrates a cover for a vehicle wheel fastener according to one embodiment. The cover 200 is shaped to be push-fitted onto any of a range of different vehicle wheel fasteners, such as bolts or nuts, and retained thereon. The cover comprises a sheath 210 and a sacrificial anode 220. The sheath 210 is a *: * . made of a non-corrosive material, such as a high-grade stainless steel. The sheath fits over the vehicle wheel fastener and is retained by friction fit and/or the * * 25 engagement of a recess 215 with a corresponding protrusion on the vehicle wheel * S..

fastener. The sheath 200 retains the sacrificial anode 220 at a distal end, away from the interface with the vehicle wheel. The sheath 200 enables the sacrificial anode 220 to be in electrochemical communication with the vehicle wheel and the vehicle wheel fastener. This electrochemical communication is enhanced by the presence of any moisture in the environment or other impurities which provide a conductive path.

Providing the cover 200 enables the function of the sacrificial anode 220 to be provided to an existing vehicle without the need to replace the existing vehicle wheel fasteners. Also, fixing the cover 200 over any existing vehicle wheel fasteners ensures that there is no interference with the mechanical integrity of the vehicle wheel fasteners.

Fiiirc 2 llii1 auvs dii auachment for a vehicle wheel according to one embodiment. The attachment 300 is shaped to be retained within a central boss of a vehicle wheel 90. The attachment 300 is fitted into the central boss when the vehicle wheel 90 is removed from the vehicle and is retained in place by the vehicle wheel 90 when reattached to the vehicle. The attachment 300 comprises a sheath 310 and a sacrificial anode 320. The sheath 310 is a made of a non-corrosive material, such as a high-grade stainless steel. The sheath 300 retains the sacrificial anode 320 at a distal end, away from the interface with the vehicle wheel. The sheath 300 enables the sacrificial anode 320 to be in electrochemical : communication with the vehicle wheel 90 and any vehicle wheel fasteners. This S..

* .. electrochemical communication is enhanced by the presence of any moisture in the * : environment or other impurities which provide a conductive path.

* Providing the attachment 300 enables the function of the sacrificial anode 320 to be provided to an existing vehicle without the need to replace the existing

S S.. * 13

vehicle wheel fasteners. Also, fixing the cover 300 to an existing vehicle wheel ensures that there is no interference with the mechanical integrity of the vehicle wheel fasteners.

Although particular embodiments have been described herein, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto and that many modifications and additions thereto may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. * S * S.. S... * .

S

*5S5 S* * * *SSSSS * * S. S S S * S 55

S S..

Claims

1. A vehicle wheel attachment, comprising: a sacrificial anode.

2. The vehicle wheel attachment of claim 1, wherein the vehicle wheel attachment is shaped to engage with a fastener for fastening a vehicle wheel to a vehicle.

3. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sacrificial anode is positionable on the fastener to be in electrochemical communication with f1i,...4 +1... . -... s"-. V WY &L1.

4. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sacrificial anode is positionable on the fastener proximate to an interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

5. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sacrificial anode is positionable on the fastener at an interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel. * * * I*S S...

*.

6. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein * : * * the sacrificial anode is deformable in response to compressive forces generated on * : the sacrificial anode by the vehicle wheel as the fastener fastens the vehicle wheel 25 to the vehicle.

S 5. * 15

7. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sacrificial anode is shaped to engage with the surface of the vehicle wheel.

8. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sacrificial anode comprises an annular sleeve.

9. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sacrificial anode comprises a bevel-edged conical sleeve.

I 0. Th vhjç whei attact iaimed in any preceding claim, comprising: the fastener and a retainer provided on the fastener operable to retain the sacrificial anode in position on the fastener during deformation.

11. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle wheel attachment is shaped to be retained on an outer surface of the fastener. * * * S.. S...

12. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sacrificial anode is positionable at a distal end of the fastener, away from the * . vehicle wheel.

S S.. * 16

13. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment is shaped to engage with a vehicle wheel.

14. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in claim 13, wherein the attachment is shaped to be retained by the vehicle wheel.

15. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the sacrificial anode positioned to be in electrochemical communication with the vehicle wheel and a vehicle wheel fastener.

16. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein th crfica! cic Cic 4 itiieriai having a more negative electrochemical potential than the fastener.

17. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sacrificial anode comprises a material having a more negative electrochemical potential than both the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

18. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: a non-corrosive plate positioned to couple the sacrificial anode with the S...

vehicle wheel.

e.....

19. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising:

S S 17

an insulator positionable on the fastener to increase electrochemical communication through the sacrificial anode between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

20. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in claim 19, wherein the insulator is positionable on the fastener to reduce any electrochemical communication between the fastener and the vehicle wheel occurring other than through the sacrificial anode.

21. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the insulator is positionable on the fastener at an interface between the tástener and the vehicle wheel.

22. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the insulator is positionable on the fastener along at least part of an interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

23. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastener comprises a nut.

24. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in claim 23, wherein the nut is a S...

locking nut. *.. * S

S.....

* *

25. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the fastener comprises a bolt. *S. * 18

26. The vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in claim 25, wherein the bolt is a locking bolt.

27. A method of controlling corrosion of a vehicle wheel assembly, the method comprising the step of: providing a sacrificial anode.

28. The method of claim 27, comprising the step of: engaging the sacrificial anode with a fastener for fastening a vehicle wheel to a vehicle.

29. The method of claim 28, comprising the step of: positioning the sacrificial anode to be in electrochemical communication with the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

30. The method of claim 28 or 29, comprising the step of: positioning the sacrificial anode proximate to an interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

31. The method of claim 28 or 29, comprising the step of: a...

a....' positioning the sacrificial anode at an interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

a...'. a a

* 25

32. The method of any one of claims 28 to 31, comprising the step of: a..

deforming the sacrificial anode in response to compressive forces generated on the sacrificial anode by the vehicle wheel as the fastener fastens the vehicle wheel to the vehicle.

33. The method of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the sacrificial anode is shaped to engage with the surface of the vehicle wheel.

34. The method of any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the sacrificial anode comprises an annular sleeve.

35. The method of any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein the sacrificial anode comnnces i heve1-pda'1,-rit'1

36. The method of any one of claims 32 to 34, comprising the step of: retaining the sacrificial anode in position on the fastener during deformation.

37. The method of any one of claims 28 to 36, comprising the step of: retaining the sacrificial anode on an outer surface of the fastener.

38. The method as claimed in claim 37, comprising the step of: *..,.

positioning the sacrificial anode at a distal end of the fastener, away from the vehicle wheel.

* *...

39. The method as claimed in claim 27, comprising the steps of: *S* * 20 providing an attachment having the sacrificial anode and engaging the attachment with the vehicle wheel.

40. The method as claimed in claim 39, comprising the step of: retaining the attachment by the vehicle wheel.

41. The method as claimed in claim 39 or 40, comprising the step of: positioning the sacrificial anode to be in electrochemical communication with the vehicle wheel and a vehicle wheel fastener.

42. The method of any one of claims 28 to 41, wherein the sacrificial anode CCfiipiiv a III4IVII4I hdviug iuoie uegauve eieeLrucilerriicai potenua! than the fastener,

43. The method of any one of claims 28 to 42, wherein the sacrificial anode comprises a material having a more negative electrochemical potential than both the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

44. The method of any one of claims 28 to 43, comprising the step of: positioning a non-corrosive plate to couple the sacrificial anode with the vehicle wheel. *... * *

r *

45. The method of any one of claims 28 to 44, comprising the step of: * *.S*S. . . . . . . . * positioning an insulator to increase electrochemical communication * . 25 through the sacrificial anode between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

S S..

46. The method of claim 45, comprising the step of: positioning the insulator to reduce any electrochemical communication between the fastener and the vehicle wheel occurring other than through the sacrificial anode.

47. The method of claim 45 or 46, comprising the step of: positioning the insulator on the fastener at the interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

48. The method of any one of claims 45 to 47, comprising the step of: positioning the insulator on the fastener along at least part of the interface between the fastener and the vehicle wheel.

49. A sacrificial anode for a vehicle wheel fastener.

50. A sacrificial anode for a vehicle wheel.

51. The sacrificial anode as claimed in claim 50, wherein the sacrificial anode is positioned on the vehicle wheel to be in electrochemical communication with a fastener for fastening the vehicle wheel to a vehicle and the vehicle wheel. * S

52. The sacrificial anode as claimed in claim 50 or 51, wherein the sacrificial anode is positioned on the wheel proximate to an interface between the vehicle *"* : 25 wheel and the fastener. * S.

S *

53. The sacrificial anode as claimed in claim 50 or 51, wherein the sacrificial anode is positioned on the wheel at an interface between the vehicle wheel and the fastener.

54. A vehicle wheel comprising a sacrificial anode as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 53.

55. A vehicle comprising at least one of a vehicle wheel attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26, a sacrificial anode as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 53 and a vehicle wheel as claimed in claim 54.

56. A vehicle wheel attachment as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

57. A method of controlling corrosion of a vehicle wheel assembly as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

58. A sacrificial anode for a vehicle wheel fastener as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * * S.. *...

59. A sacrificial anode for a vehicle wheel as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

S

**S*.S * S ** . * S * * .*

S *.S * 23

60. A vehicle wheel comprising a sacrificial anode as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * * S.. *5** * S

* . ..

S..... * S

*S.S.S * . S. S

S SS S 55 . 24