Abstract: An enclosure for encapsulating a wheel, where the wheel includes a tire and wheel rim. The enclosure has a cylindrical shape with a cylindrical side wall and circular end closures whose inner diameter and inner height are greater than the size of the wheel, thus forming a cavity within which the wheel may be placed. The enclosure is separated into two parts on the cylindrical side wall along an elliptical parting line, including: front and rear container halves. The elliptical parting line of the rear container half forms a mounting shelf in the lowermost cylindrical side wall upon which the wheel may rest, and also forms a wheel accessible opening in the upper-most cylindrical side wall for easy removal of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention shows a soft cover for a tire formed from a molded, hard, hat-shaped core which mounts between the tire mounting bracket and the tire. The hat-shaped core has a brim to which is attached a first soft, hat-shaped cover. A second soft, hat-shaped cover is permanently attached to the first soft hat-shaped cover over a portion of its periphery. The remaining portion of the periphery between the two soft, hat-shaped covers is closed by a zipper. The core maintains the orientation of the two soft covers and, in combination therewith, fully encloses the tire.