Abstract: A spoked wheel spinner (20) that is used on an automotive wheel (22) that includes an adapter plate (24) that is mounted onto the automotive wheel (22) with a spinner bearing (26) retained within the adapter plate. A spinner shaft (30) is positioned onto the bearing with a bladed spinner (38) attached onto the spinner shaft. This arrangement permits the bladed spinner (38) to freely rotate independent of the automotive wheel. A cap bearing (50) is located on the spinner shaft (30) with a non-rotating cap (52) interfacing with the cap bearing. The non-rotating cap (52) includes a counter-weight (60) on the bottom edge so that when the automotive wheel (22) is rotating, the cap remains in a relatively fixed position without rotating. A cover (64) having indicia is attached to the cap permitting writing, symbols, designs and the like to be displayed.

Abstract: A wheel simulator attaching apparatus (10) for a vehicle and more particularly to a truck wheel (20) that is fastened to the truck wheel with studs (22) and lug nuts (24). A decorative wheel simulator (26) is mounted over the truck wheel with bores (28) that are aligned with the studs and its outer periphery touches the wheel rim. Retaining extensions (30) align with the bores, and are threaded onto the studs. A hex nut (42) or lock ring (44) is attached to the retaining extension that includes external threads, in the preferred embodiment, and holds the simulator against the wheel rim in an adjustable manner. A second embodiment utilizes an integral head (48) on the extension and one or more flat washers (50) height for adjustment.

Abstract: Vehicle wheel inserts adapted to extend into the stud-receiving openings of a vehicle wheel and particularly, a non-ferrous vehicle wheel and lug nut assemblies thereof. The inserts are effectively stamped from sheet metal, and are relatively thin and light in weight. The inserts are uniquely designed so that the inserts can be permanently locked in the stud-receiving openings of the vehicle wheel. The inserts are preferably, although not necessarily, provided with a ring flange and the peripheral edge of this ring flange engages a shoulder-forming wall in the stud-receiving opening to tightly retain the insert within the stud-receiving opening. In accordance with this construction, the inserts may be provided with a depending skirt but which does not provide any locking function for securing the inserts in the stud receiving openings. Further, it is not necessary to provide any depending skirt on the insert whatsoever.

Abstract: Vehicle wheel nut inserts adapted to extend into the stud-receiving openings of a vehicle wheel and particularly, a non-ferrous vehicle wheel and lug nut assemblies thereof. The inserts are uniquely designed so that the inserts can be permanently locked in the stud-receiving openings of the vehicle wheel. In one embodiment, the wheel inserts can be locked by means of an interference fit, and in another mode, the inserts can be locked by swaging and still further, the inserts may be locked by means of staking the inserts in the stud-receiving openings. Not only are the inserts permanently affixed within the stud-receiving openings, they will also operate to bear against the lug nuts. In this way, a spring-type loading is imposed on the lug nut preventing an unauthorized vibrational unwinding of the lug nut. The insert will deflect when tightened against the wheel opening by a lug nut to thereby provide a Belleville spring effect.

Abstract: A security locking system primarily for use in the locking of a threaded retaining member onto a vehicle wheel. In one embodiment, the threaded retaining member may adopt the form of wheel lug nuts which are threaded onto the threaded studs of a vehicle wheel. The locking system comprises a sleeve or so-called "cover" extendable over the retaining member. A locking mechanism is mounted in an end wall of the sleeve. The locking mechanism is provided with a locking element which is extendable radially for engagement with a groove in the wheel lug and provides a positive locking action. The locking mechanism is provided with a cylindrically shaped key slot and has projections in the key slot. A key is provided with certain grooves alignable with the projections in the key slot to receive the key such that only the key having the aligned and properly sized recesses can be used to open and close the locking element. In this way, a conventional tumbler system normally used in most vehice wheel locks can be avoided.

Abstract: A wheel nut asssembly for mounting a non-ferrous wheel, such as a magnesium or aluminum wheel to a wheel hub. The wheel typically has a plurality of openings to receive nut assemblies and each opening has a first section with a first diameter distil to the hub and a second section with a reduced diameter proximate to the hub along with a tapered section extending therebetween. The nut assembly comprises a body section having a plurality of peripherally extending tool engaging walls and with a bore extending through the body section. A skirt is located on the nut body and extends axially with the bore outwardly from the tool engaging walls. An insert formed of a ferrous material is used with the nut and is adapted to extend around the skirt and a portion of the body. The insert has a central opening sized to receive the skirt and an outer wall of the insert is adapted to engage an opening in the wheel.

Abstract: A device for mounting on a wheel cover to conceal an exposed end of the axle on which the wheel is mounted. The wheel cover having a plurality of annularly disposed bores formed in the wheel cover comprises an annular mounting plate having a plurality of openings disposed peripherally. The plate being mountable on the axle so that each of the openings can respectively align with the corresponding bore of the wheel cover.

Abstract: A wheel nut assembly for mounting a non-ferrous wheel, such as a magnesium or aluminum wheel to a wheel hub. The wheel typically has a plurality of openings to receive nut assemblies and each opening has a first section with a first diameter distal to the hub and a second section with a reduced diameter proxmate to the hub along with tapered section extending therebetween. The nut assembly comprises a body section having a plurality of peripherally extending tool engaging walls and with a bore extending through the body section. A skirt is located on the nut body and extends axially with the bore outwardly from the tool engaging walls. An insert formed of a ferrous material is used with the nut and is adapted to extend around the skirt and a portion of the body. The insert has a central opening sized to receive the skirt and an outer wall of the insert is adapted to engage an opening in the wheel.

Abstract: A security locking system primarily for use in the locking of a threaded retaining member onto a vehicle wheel. In one embodiment, the threaded retaining member may adopt the form of wheel lug nuts which are threaded onto the threaded studs of a vehicle wheel. The locking system comprises a sleeve or so-called "cover" extendable over the retaining member. A locking mechanism is mounted in an end wall of the sleeve. The locking mechanism is provided with a locking element which is extendable radially for engagement with a groove in the wheel lug and provides a positive locking action. The locking mechanism is provided with a cylindrically shaped key slot and has projections in the key slot. A key is provided with certain grooves alignable with the projections in the key slot to receive the key such that only the key having the aligned and properly sized recesses can be used to open and close the locking element.

Abstract: The combination of a vehicle wheel lug nut and a wrench engagable with the nut to apply and remove the nut from a lug stud. The lug nut is formed with a hexagonal recess that receives a complimentary hexagonal wrench. A plurality of splines and grooves are interposed between the abutting surfaces of the recess and the wrench to code the wrench to the nut. This arrangement reduces the liklihood of theft of the vehicle wheel.