Abstract: An arrangement of wheels for a bi-directional vehicle may decrease the drag coefficient for the vehicle regardless of a direction of travel of the vehicle. A pair of wheels, each wheel of the pair having a configuration of fins to promote a desired aerodynamic effect, when located at a leading end of the vehicle promotes airflow laterally outboard of the vehicle body. In contrast, the same pair of wheels, when located at a trailing end of the vehicle promotes airflow laterally inboard of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An information conveying apparatus may include a stick figure structure. The stick figure structure may include an elongated torso member including a first end and a second end, a head member operably joined to the first end of the torso member, a first arm member and a second arm member operably joined to either side of the torso member between the first and second end of the torso member, and a first leg member and a second leg member operably joined to the second end of the torso member. The information conveying apparatus may further include a support structure for maintaining the stick figure structure in a substantially upright position. The support structure and the stick figure structure may be formed as an integral body. The support structure may be separate from the stick figure structure.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for streamlining wheels. In one implementation, a wheel streamlining device includes a cover assembly having a flexible connection extending around a periphery of a ring configured to contact a tapered portion of a wheel. A hook is configured to removably engage the cover assembly, and a bale is configured to releasably engage an inner surface of an opening in a face of the wheel. A springy portion extends between the bale and the hook and is configured to apply a tension force between the ring and the tapered portion of the wheel.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for improving the aesthetic and aerodynamic characteristics of a wheel, while facilitating inspection of one or more components associated with the wheel. In one implementation, a flexible wheel cover assembly includes a flexible wheel cover comprising a sheet of material having an essentially round-shaped outer periphery and a center axis. A bracket physically couples the flexible wheel cover to a wheel hub of a vehicle, such that the center axis of the flexible wheel cover is aligned with a wheel axis. The sheet of material has a flexibility sufficient to bend while the wheel is stationary and flatten against a tire mounted on the wheel when the wheel is turning.

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: An adjustable and expandable shield for a variety of uses and for the rim and the hub of a wheel, to protect them and keep them clean during the detailing process for the tires. Without this shield, the rims and hub which have already been cleaned during the general cleaning of the car become dirty when tire dressing is applied to the tires and would therefore need to be cleaned a second time to remove the tire dressing that sprayed onto the rim and hub. This device covers the rim and hub so that when tire dressing is applied, the rim and hub are shielded from the spray and will not get dirty.

Abstract: An expandable wheel shield is provided for covering a wheel hub to prevent a product from contacting the wheel hub while applying the product to a tire. The shield includes a central member and a handle coupled to the central member. A plurality of overlapping panels is hingedly coupled to the central member. The panels are radially arranged around the central member. The panels are also coupled to the central member such that the panels are urged into a contracted position when not acted upon by an outside force such as being pressed against a wheel.

Abstract: A power wash and overspray wheel protector is disclosed. According to one aspect, an overspray wheel protector is composed of a member having at least one hand hold opening and a plurality of indicia disposed on at least one surface of the member, where the plurality of indicia comprise a plurality of circular arcs that represent a plurality of radii for allowing a user to remove a first portion of the member such that the remainder of the member comprises a wheel protector having a first portion for protecting a wheel of a first radius and a second portion for protecting a wheel of a second radius.

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 adjustable and expandable shield for a variety of uses and for the rim and the hub of a wheel, to protect them and keep them clean during the detailing process for the tires. Without this shield, the rims and hub which have already been cleaned during the general cleaning of the car become dirty when tire dressing is applied to the tires and would therefore need to be cleaned a second time to remove the tire dressing that sprayed onto the rim and hub. This device covers the rim and hub so that when tire dressing is applied, the rim and hub are shielded from the spray and will not get dirty.

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: The removable wheel protector apparatus has a round flat disc with a plurality of spaced apart covered clips affixed to the perimeter. The handle is disposed in the center of the disc. The bottom perimeter of the disc features a rubberized seal. The apparatus is pushed onto and pulled off of a wheel and removably held via the clips. The suction cup further aids in retention of the cover on the wheel. The apparatus provides a hands-free seal against invasion of any foreign substance, including water. Edges of various apparatus components are coated or rounded to ensure against scratching any surface.

Abstract: The wheel shield apparatus provides a selectively folded first panel and second panel, each having a plurality of hingedly adjoined radial segments and also provides clear panels so that wheels and hubcaps can be seen. The optional elastic cord hooks the apparatus to a wheel and tire. The folding radial segments provide for compact storage and transport when desired. The segments are easily folded out and the two panels fastened together to quickly form a shield for wheels and hubcaps, against chemicals, especially sprays which are typically used. Each segment of each panel is doubly hinged to the next to ensure durability.

Abstract: The Rim Cover is a specially designed protective shield, specifically intended to protect valuable tire rims from the variety of chemicals typically used when detailing tires. The present invention can be manufactured of coated paperboard or heavy duty plastic material, or of any other suitable material. The Rim Cover can be produced in a variety of sizes appropriate for use with the various size rims available on the market and are a circular, convex unit.

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 shield assembly for dressing a tire mounted on a wheel rim includes a disc member and at least one holding device, the disc member being dimensioned to overlie, and thereby protect, at least the rim of the wheel during application of a tire dressing material. The holding device is of adjustable length, and may include other variable features so as to enable use with virtually any common style and size of motor vehicle wheel.

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 wheel rim cover with a dome shaped shield with an open end, closed end and predetermined radius. The shield a circumferential rim at the open end and a generally right angle shaped handle at the closed end. The handle has a cavity of predetermined radius to accommodate a hook or peg for storage of the cover. In the preferred embodiment the handle is attached at the center of the closed end of the shield and the dome shape is a spherical cap.

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: A tire sidewall protecting cover configured to protect the sidewalls of a vehicle tire. The tire cover comprises a cover body having an exterior surface that defines a front panel, side panel and rear panel. The cover body is sized and configured to extend generally over the sides and the front of the tire and at least partially down the rear of the tire. Attached to the cover body is a securing flap that is placed under the tire by moving the vehicle slightly forward or backward on top of the securing flap. In a preferred embodiment, the securing flap attaches to the front panel and extends inwardly under the tire to prevent the tire cover from blowing off or being stolen. A strengthening means, such as a stronger seam, wires or wire mesh, interconnects the securing flap and front panel to further prevent unauthorized removal of the tire cover.

Abstract: A tire rim shield to protect a tire rim while cleaning a rubber tire attached to such tire rim. The tire rim protector includes a predetermined shaped member. Such dome shaped member having a predetermined diameter and extends upwardly a predetermined distance. There is a handle member disposed on an outer surface of such dome shaped member substantially at a center thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is for a rim cover that protects an automobile wheel from cleaning products designed to clean tires. Additionally, the present invention helps protects brake systems while cleaning tires. In an embodiment, snaps are provided around a circular shaped cover that lows the cover to snap in place to protect the wheel. Another embodiment provides a pair of securing arms that are ratcheted in place and push against the inner circumference of a wheel and thereby securing the cover. A ratchet release mechanism allows for removal. In yet another embodiment, a cover is provided that has a rotatable hook that may be inserted in any opening in a wheel and then pulled tight against the wheel. In still another embodiment of the present invention includes snap hook grippers that are displaced then released against a wheel to secure the cover.

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 wheel cover has a main body, several connecting elements spaced on an inward side of the main body, and coupling pieces used for securing the wheel cover to a wheel; each connecting element has first and second connecting parts, which have different dimensions; each coupling piece has a curved protrusion, which is fitted into an annular groove of a wheel so as to secure the wheel cover to the wheel; the distance between the curved protrusions and the main body of the wheel cover can be adjusted according to a size of a wheel by means of relocating each and every one of the coupling pieces to the other one of the connecting parts of a corresponding connecting element; therefore, the distance between the curved protrusions and the main body of the wheel cover can be increased such that contact of the wheel cover with the tire is prevented.

Abstract: A selectively configurable tire dressing cover adapted to be juxtaposed over a wheel rim to protect it during the application of tire dressing substances, such as sprays, foams and other solutions. The cover comprises a handle portion, and a plurality of interchangeable protective members each having a different outer diameter commensurate with the diameter of the respective wheel rim. Each removable protective cover is adapted to be juxtaposed to the wheel rim outer edge of like diameter so as to cover and protect the wheel rim during application of the tire dressing.

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: The rim cover is designed as a simple tool to be used in the automobile detailing sector. Specifically when applying a chemical protectant to the tires. The rim cover is placed over the tire rim to impede excessive spray and mist when applied by low-pressure devices from settling on the rim. The intended effect of the rim cover is to aid in keeping the rim cleaner longer and to reduce work and time spent on the rim by not having to reclean it after having sprayed the tire.

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: 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: 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: The invention is a simple, inexpensive, disposable wheel shield suitable for protecting an automobile wheel during the application of a tire cleaner or dressing. The diameter of the shield may be adjusted by removing one or more of the five outer perforated concentric circles. A perforated circle in the center of the shield may be removed to accommodate a protruding four-wheel-drive front axle. The shield is held in place against the wheel by holding a push-out tab with one hand while applying cleaner to the tire with the other hand.