Abstract: Location systems and methods for locating paint and other markings on a surface are described. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to smart paint stick devices and methods of use in locating and marking buried utility lines or other buried objects. One system for locating a buried object may include a buried object locator and a paint stick. The locator may include a tracking component configured to detect a location of a buried object. The paint stick may be configured to cause a paint container to dispense paint at a first position associated with the location of the buried object. The paint stick may include a position determination component configured to transmit one or more range vector signals that are detected by the tracking component. Sensors may be used to determine when paint is dispensed from a paint container, and to determine a color of the paint or a type of a marking.

Abstract: This is a cover acting as a solid space of protection to protect the embellished surface of a wheel rim when installing a tire on it. The cover includes a circular structure designed in such way as to be held detachably on a wheel rim, the circular structure being made of two semi-annular sub-structures connected by at least one resilient element bringing the two sub-structures towards each other, a fastening system with motion limiting device, an inwardly curved circular contour and handles fixed to the circular structure for its handling. The elements are configured in order to fasten the circular structure and to be held detachably in an adjustable manner on a wheel rim.

Abstract: A method and polishing device for polishing a vehicle tire. An polishing agent application means is moved in relation to a tire of a stationary vehicle and polishing agent is applied on the side of the vehicle tire as the application means moves in relation to the tire of the stationary vehicle.

Abstract: A kit containing four round, convex, flexible protective covers to shield tire rims from harsh solvents and chemicals used when cleaning and polishing tires, and four drop cloths is provided. Each cover comprises on its outer edge an extended lip and loops for use in easily handling the cover when applying the cover and removing it from the tire rim.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a hub and a collar. The hub extends longitudinally inward from a wheel. The collar is disposed over the hub and is mounted for translation relative to the hub. The vehicle also includes a panel assembly having a support and first and second panels. The support extends radially outward from the collar, and the first and second panels are each pivotally connected to opposing lateral edges of the support. The panels pivot between an expanded position and a collapsed position and translate radially for selectively closing a wheel opening.

Abstract: A wheel masking system for more efficiently and effectively masking vehicle wheels for painting and touch-ups. The wheel masking system generally includes a tire mask and rim shield which may be simultaneously or interchangeably utilized to mask portions of a wheel during paint or touch-up operations. The tire mask includes a disc member which fits the contour of the wheel's side wall and tapers to nest at the tire bead on the inside diameter to protect portions of the wheel and side wall from paint. The rim shield fits over the lug nuts of the wheel to mask the rim of the wheel from paint.

Abstract: A wheel protector is provided. The wheel protector may be a substantially circular panel having a front surface, a rear surface and a rim. The wheel protector may be made plastic, paper, metal or any suitable material. The circumference of the rim is sized to be substantially the same as the circumference of a wheel. Therefore, the wheel protector may cover the wheel while a user is spraying tire dressing onto the tires of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of surface coatings to treated aluminum articles utilized on aircraft, and more particularly to a system for masking portions of aluminum aircraft wheel and brake components for application of surface coatings to reduce or prevent wear and/or corrosion to the aluminum article. The system may be utilized for new aluminum aircraft components as well as aircraft components that have been subjected to non-destructive testing. The masking components are constructed and arranged to cooperate with portions of the aluminum component in a sequential manner to allow for application of multiple layers of primer and/or topcoat without removal of prior masking components so that a coated component complies with the manufacturer's written requirements for that component.

Abstract: A wheel rim guard comprising a resilient circular disc having a gap extending from a central inner opening to a circumferential edge of said disc; said disc is shaped to form a body of frusto-conical or cylindrical shape. The wheel rim guard further includes a guide strap received through the disc. One end of the guide strap is fastened proximate to a first edge of the body, the other end of the guide strap is fastened to the body between the first edge and a second edge. The wheel rim guard further includes a hook assembly having at least one hook and a washer attached by a cord, wherein the hooks are received through the central inner opening of the disc and attached to the wheel rim such that tightening the cord on the fixing member secures the wheel rim guard to the wheel rim.

Abstract: An apparatus for the protection of a wheel of a vehicle when applying a dressing to a tire mounted on the wheel. The apparatus comprises a shield and a gripping portion. The shield is sized and configured to cover the wheel and to permit access to the tire when the shield is placed against a side surface of the wheel. The gripping portion permits the shield to be held against the wheel through the use of one hand of an operator while leaving the operator's second hand free to apply the tire dressing.

Abstract: A wheel rim guard comprising a resilient circular disc having a gap extending from a central inner opening to a circumferential edge of said disc; said disc is shaped to form a body of frusto-conical or cylindrical shape. The wheel rim guard further includes a guide strap received through the disc. One end of the guide strap is fastened proximate to a first edge of the body, the other end of the guide strap is fastened to the body between the first edge and a second edge. The wheel rim guard further includes a hook assembly having at least one hook and a washer attached by a cord, wherein the hooks are received through the central inner opening of the disc and attached to the wheel rim such that tightening the cord on the fixing member secures the wheel rim guard to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A rim shield device for covering a rim of a tire featuring a circular base having a raised side along its outer edge; a plurality of channels disposed on the base extending radially from the center to the raised side; a cable disposed in each channel, the second end of each cable extends out of its respective channel; a hook disposed on the second end of each cable; and a tightening system comprising a spring-loaded button disposed in the center of the base, the first ends of each of the cables are engaged in the spring-loaded button, the spring-loaded button can move between an in position and an out position, an inner spring of the spring-loaded button biases the spring-loaded button in the out position, wherein in the out position the cables are effectively shortened in length and in the in position the cables are effectively lengthened.

Abstract: A rim protector having a main body, including a raised strip for guiding a tire iron. Also a rim protector having a main body, including an inclined channel for guiding a tire iron.

Abstract: A rim protection apparatus for protecting rims while cleaning and dressing tires is provided. The rim protection apparatus comprises a plurality of rim covering discs with each rim covering disc having a first side surface and a second side surface and each rim covering disc having a diameter greater than or less than any other rim covering disc. A hub handle is positioned in the approximate center of a rim covering disc having the smallest diameter with the hub handle being sized and shaped for being graspable by a user. A disc attachment mechanism releasably secures each of the rim covering discs to an adjacent rim covering disc. An absorbent material is secured around a perimeter of the second side surface of each of the rim covering discs with the absorbent material absorbing cleaning solutions and dressings.

Abstract: A rim and hubcap protector is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the rim and hubcap protector includes a housing and a plurality of protector sections rotatably carried by the housing. The protector sections are capable of deployment between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A rim covering device for inhibiting contact of a tire cleaning spray with a rim when a tire is being cleaned includes a cover being positionable over a rim to inhibit a tire cleaning spray from being sprayed on the rim. An absorbent band is coupled to the cover. The absorbent band absorbs the tire cleaning spray that is over sprayed onto the cover. A handle is coupled to the cover opposite the forward edge. The handle is gripped to facilitate maneuvering of the cover over the rim.

Abstract: A tire cleaning shield for protecting areas of a vehicle adjacent to a tire includes a panel that has a bottom edge, a top edge, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a first side and a second side. The panel has an opening therein extending into the first side and outwardly of the second side. The opening has a generally same diameter as a diameter of the tire. A drip pan has a front edge, a back edge, and a pair of side edges. The front edge is hingedly coupled to the bottom edge of the panel. The tire is centered in the opening so areas adjacent to the tire are shielded when the tire is sprayed with cleaning chemicals.

Abstract: The wheel rim protector is a concave-convex disk for covering a vehicle wheel rim to protect the wheel rim from the application of fluids that may stain or corrode the wheel rim during detailing of the tires. The wheel rim protector has a pair of crossed ribs forming a cruciform handle to provide a grip for the user, and may have a lower lip for engagement with the wheel rim when the user presses the disk against the wheel rim. The contour of the disk permits multiple wheel rim protectors to be stacked together during transport, display or storage, and accommodates dust caps or ornamentation projecting from the wheel hub.

Abstract: A freestanding automotive tire and wheel cover comprises a shell that is open against the ground and inside the wheel well adjacent to an interior sidewall of a tire. The bottom edge of the shell rests on the ground. The shell protects the outer sidewall and tread from ultraviolet radiation, weather and other damaging elements. The shell may include corner braces or a flared section for extra rigidity and support, or a separate base member may be attached to the shell for the same purpose. A retention strap is secured to the shell by buckles or snaps. An inner wheel shroud provides extra security is attaching to the tire and wheel and protects most of the interior side of the tire and wheel. The shells may be tapered to permit multiple shells to nest together and a planar sidewall cover permits attachment of a decal.

Abstract: A guard for wheel rims comprising a plurality of louvers and elongated shaft members. A housing member receives one end of the shafts and they are slidably received by cooperating track members mounted on one of the surfaces of the louvers. The shaft members are stacked and pivotally mounted to rotate over one common point. A locking assembly locks the relative position of the shaft members with respect to track members in accordance with the rim size. A locking assembly locks the relative angular positions of the louvers so that a user can selectively form a substantial arch to cover a substantial portion of a rim.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit for using with a wheel, to cover the rim of the wheel when one desires to wash or apply a protective finish to the rubber of the tire. Applicant provides a kit. The kith includes a circular, flat base member with a handle extending from the middle of the base member. This base member is dimensioned to cover the rim of smaller diameter wheels. Stubs are provided on the base member to engage holes in a multiplicity of flat disk shaped rings. The disc shaped rings have a greater diameter then the base member and are used for wheels that are too large to be covered by the diameter of the base member. The base member, with any discs attached, is pressed up against the perimeter of the rim of the wheel and will effectively mask the rim of the tire while the liquid can be applied to the rubber of the tire without any splashing under the rim.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a domed covering element sized to cover and protect the entire wheel rim 14 while leaving the tire 16 fully exposed. A handle member 12 is fixedly attached to a central portion of the convex side of the covering element 10 to allow the user 18 to easily and rapidly put the present invention 10 into position and maintain it there with the use of just one hand so the other is free to spray or brush on the tire dressing 20. The domed shape of the covering element 10 keeps the user's hand 18 away from the dressing solution 20 during the application thereof as well as protecting the wheel rim 14 from getting scuffed from contact with the surface of the covering element. The present invention may include a resilient, compressible gasket 24 which encompasses the periphery of the covering element 10 to form an impermeable seal when a slight pressure is applied thereto.

Abstract: A series of disposable spray shields may be used singularly or in combination to shield the tire, wheel, or the floor around the tire individually, or in combination, during a treatment of the tire or the wheel. By including more than one radius in portions of the outer edges of the tire and wheel shields, or by providing an adjustable tire-receiving opening in the floor shield, a single set of shields may fit many different tires, tire inflations, vehicles, and wheels. The preferred shields are made from materials that can be shaped, cut, embossed, stamped or milled to create these radiused edges and openings that, when properly positioned by the user, will prevent undesirable tire and wheel treatment materials, coatings and paints from contacting certain pre-selected surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit for using with a wheel, to cover the rim of the wheel when one desires to wash or apply a protective finish to the rubber of the tire. Applicant provides a kit. The kith includes a circular, flat base member with a handle extending from the middle of the base member. This base member is dimensioned to cover the rim of smaller diameter wheels. Stubs are provided on the base member to engage holes in a multiplicity of flat disk shaped rings. The disc shaped rings have a greater diameter then the base member and are used for wheels that are too large to be covered by the diameter of the base member. The base member, with any discs attached, is pressed up against the perimeter of the rim of the wheel and will effectively mask the rim of the tire while the liquid can be applied to the rubber of the tire without any splashing under the rim.

Abstract: The invention is wheel cover shield apparatus for masking a wheel or a wheel cover during the application of a spray foam cleaner of tire gloss. The apparatus includes a flanged concave round base that has an ergonomic apical non-slip handle and a planar sectional outer flange with an engaging locking means. The apparatus also includes at least one substantially planar ring for a given diameter wheel. Each ring is interchangeable with the base and has a variable width annular plane with an outer fillet edge and a coextensive inner flange. The inner flange has an engagable locking means. The engagable locking means has two to eight receptacles with a raised ridge or depression on the inner flange. The engaging locking means has two to eight sockets with a depression of raised ridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a tire rim or hubcap is provided. A tire rim cover comprising a flexible round body and an elastic ring shaped element coupled to the round shaped body near the outer edge of the round body is provided. One or more clips coupled to the tire rim cover are also provided. The elastic ring shaped element is designed to surround the outer edge of a tire rim or hubcap and the clip is designed to be removably attached to the rim or hubcap to resist dislodging during use. A method for protecting a tire rim or hubcap using such a tire rim cover is also provided.

Abstract: A wheel rim protection device for protecting wheel rims when a user is using sprays to clean the tires on a vehicle. The wheel rim protection device includes a dome-shaped cover member having a wall with a main portion, and also having an opening centrally-disposed through the wall, and further having an enlarged rim portion being adapted to detachably attach to a wheel rim on a vehicle, and also having a first arcuate portion being disposed along a portion of an edge forming the opening and which is angled relative to the main portion of the wall to prevent over-spray from coming into contact with the wheel rim.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative tire sidewall shield cover that provides the tire sidewall (16) with added beauty and protection. The device is a substantially planar ring-like member having a central aperture (42) substantially of the same diameter as the wheel or hub (20) opening of the tire (18). The decorative sidewall shield can also have a centrally disposed flange or lip (30) that will be positioned between the tire rim (18) and wheel rim (20) being held in place by tire air pressure. In addition to an exterior shield for tires such as motor vehicles, the tire shield covers both sides of a tire, such as for a motorcycle. The material used would have abrasion resistance properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a tire rim or hubcap is provided. A tire rim cover comprising a flexible round body and an elastic ring shaped element coupled to the round shaped body near the outer edge of the round body is provided. One or more clips coupled to the tire rim cover are also provided. The elastic ring shaped element is designed to surround the outer edge of a tire rim or hubcap and the clip is designed to be removably attached to the rim or hubcap to resist dislodging during use. A method for protecting a tire rim or hubcap using such a tire rim cover is also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible spray shield disk is combined with a gripping device. The spray shield disk member is a fabric web that is stretched onto a spring wire frame. The disk member normally has an expanded diameter large enough to cover and protect a vehicle wheel rim, but can be collapsed into a smaller diameter that is a fraction of that in the expanded configuration. A gripping device has an adjustable central gripper bar, and hinged end portions that clip onto diametrically opposed locations of the spring wire frame. The gripping device folds together to contain the spray shield when the latter is in its folded-down configuration. The disk member can employ a spray-resistant, film-coated fabric (e.g., vinyl, urethane, etc. on nylon) or a durable plastic film. The bar can be formed of interfitting slides so that its length can be adjusted.

Abstract: A series of disposable spray shields may be used singularly or in combination to shield the tire, wheel, or the floor around the tire individually, or in combination, during a treatment of the tire or the wheel. By including more than one radius in portions of the outer edges of the tire and wheel shields, or by providing an adjustable tire-receiving opening in the floor shield, a single set of shields may fit many different tires, tire inflations, vehicles, and wheels. The preferred shields are made from materials that can be shaped, cut, embossed, stamped or milled to create these radiused edges and openings that, when properly positioned by the user, will prevent undesirable tire and wheel treatment materials, coatings and paints from contacting certain pre-selected surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel can be protected against surface damage during a tire cleaning operation by providing a mask over the outer surface of the wheel. The mask can include a circular disk formed out of paper or cardboard. Temporary attachment of the disk to the vehicle wheel can be accomplished by permanent magnets embedded in the disk or by an annular band of pressure sensitive adhesive on one face of the disk.

Abstract: The rim guard is a hollow, thin plastic generally bowl-shaped body, having a large diameter open end and a handgrip that is centrally located along with thumb rest on the incline at the small diameter closed end. The rim guard can be made in different sizes to fit accurately over all rims with two locking clamp-like mechanisms located on the periphery right and left side. When the rim guard is secured over the outer flange portion of the wheel, it will rigidly abut the sidewall of the tire with the two clamps closed and locked in place into the crevice formed between the rim portion of the wheel and the inner sidewall of the tire. The rim guard is thereby held detachably on the wheel to prevent detailing solution from draining downward onto the wheel.

Abstract: The rim guard is a hollow, thin plastic generally bowl-shaped body, having a large diameter open end and a handgrip that is centrally located along with thumb rest on the incline at the small diameter closed end. The rim guard can be made in different sizes to fit accurately over all rims with two locking clamp-like mechanisms located on the periphery right and left side. When the rim guard is secured over the outer flange portion of the wheel, it will rigidly abut the sidewall of the tire with the two clamps closed and locked in place into the crevice formed between the rim portion of the wheel and the inner sidewall of the tire. The rim guard is thereby held detachably on the wheel to prevent detailing solution from draining downward onto the wheel.

Abstract: Size-adjustable wheel rim protective masks for protecting a wheel rim from overspray during application of tire dressing to the surrounding tire. A generally flat, circular disk is provided having a radial gap, such as a slit, so as to be reconfigurable into a plurality of cone-shaped configurations corresponding in size to a wheel rim to be protected. An adjustment locking mechanism is provided for locking the circular disk into a desired cone shaped configuration. The locking mechanism may comprise mateable male and female snaps, a tab and recess system, a hook and loop system, adhesive tape, a belt and buckle system, a ratchet band and clasp system, or other locking mechanisms known in the art. A pair of finger holes or a handle structure facilitates gripping of the protective mask during use. The disk is preferably made from a water and chemical resistant material such as plastic.

Abstract: A shield is of concavo-convex molded construction and overlies at least part of an automobile wheel to protect the wheel during washing of a tire sidewall. Shield wall thickness tapers in a radial direction to provide a flexible marginal area capable of permitting the rim of the shield to be manually displaced to enable shield use with wheels of different diameters. A hand grip is provided by elongate openings in the shield.

Abstract: A tire isolation device has a cylindrical body with a closed end having a number of different length concentric tire sealing elements mounted at different diameters on an inner surface. An outer surface of the closed end has a handle and a number of pull strips mounted concentrically and at equivalent diameters to the concentric sealing elements to enable a user to remove the pull strips to adjust the diameter of the tire isolation device to cover selected diameter wheels or wheel covers to protect the same during cleaning or chemical treatment.