Having Visibility Enhancing Feature Patents (Class 301/37.108)
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Patent number: 10710400Abstract: A wheel for displaying images is provided. The wheel includes a wheel body and a dazzling imaging portion, in which the wheel body includes a wheel disc surface, a center flange and a rim, the wheel disc surface includes spokes, one end of each spoke is connected to the center flange and the other end is connected to the rim, the center flange includes a center hole and bolt holes uniformly distributed around the center hole, and the rim is connected to the ends of the spokes and extends in a direction perpendicular to the wheel disc surface; the dazzling imaging portion is composed of a circuit board, connecting wires, an FPC, a battery, a decorative cap and decorative lights; and the decorative cap is composed of a circular cover plate and one or more mounting arms.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTD.Inventors: Chuanqun Li, Weidong Liu, Congshan Jia, Shaoqian Wang
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Patent number: 9902195Abstract: The present invention provides a non-rotating center cap for use with vehicle wheel. The present invention comprises a support, an interlocking device, an ornamental object, and a sealer cap. The support is the part of the non-rotating center cap that affixes to the center bore of a vehicle wheel, the interlocking device is mounted in a depression formed on the support. The interlocking device biases the orientation and prevents the rotation of an ornamental object that is connected to it. The sealer cap is connected to the support, the sealer cap protects the ornamental object from water, dust, debris and oil, the sealer cap prevents movements of the ornamental object that could be caused by winds when the vehicle is in motion. The ornamental object does not rotate when the vehicle is in motion, which allows the ornamental object to be readily visible.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Inventor: Juan Carlos Castro-Villanueva
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Publication number: 20130200683Abstract: An attachment for two-wheeled vehicles and a wheel for a two-wheeled vehicle having these attachments are provided. The wheel includes a hub, a rim and separate spokes connecting the hub and the rim. Portions of the spoke nipples protruding radially inwardly from the rim are covered by cover caps. The cover cap is configured small in structure and aerodynamic in shape. To this end, the length in the peripheral direction is larger than the width.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventor: Morgan Nicol
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Patent number: 8020945Abstract: A wheel for vehicle includes a wheel body, a decorated member, and a visible space. The wheel body has a rim, a hub, and a plurality of spokes connecting the hub and the rim. The decorated member is made from resin, is disposed on a surface of at least one of the spokes, and is retained to the wheel body. The visible space is disposed between the decorated member and the one of the spokes at least, exhibits a height in an axial direction of the wheel body, and is visible from an axial outer side of the wheel body.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Topy Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuo Takeda, Tatsuya Oba, Tetsuya Arakawa, Koji Murakami, Kazuki Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20110210600Abstract: A wheel rim decorative lamp for mounting on the wheel rim of a vehicle comprises a motor assembly, a circuit board, a plurality of light emitting diodes, a light transmissive shell and a cover. The motor assembly includes a motor and a counterweight block, The motor has a rotating shaft and a housing. The light emitting diodes are disposed on one side of the circuit board. The light transmissive shell is disposed on one side of the circuit board. The cover disposed on one side of the circuit board is pivotally connected to the rotating shaft and drives the rotating shaft to relatively rotate with the housing, so as to generate electricity to actuate the light emitting diodes. Hence, the present invention improves safety and provides aesthetic feeling.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicants: JUST AUTO ACCESSORIES CO., LTD., TOYOTA TSUSHO (TAIWAN) CO., LTD., CARMAX CO., LTD.Inventor: YUNG-FA LIN
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Patent number: 7887143Abstract: An apparatus which allows for the counter rotation of a wheel accessory is disclosed. The apparatus is intended for mounting on a wheel of a vehicle. The apparatus has a base plate for attaching to the wheel, a transmission mechanism coupled to the base plate and a rotation prevention mount attached to the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism has an input shaft and an output shaft which extend in opposite directions from the transmission mechanism. The input shaft rotates in the direction of the vehicular wheel. The output shaft rotates counter to the vehicular wheel. A method for using a wheel accessory that rotates counter to the rotation of a vehicular wheel is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Inventors: Andrew C. Taylor, Reid Averill
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Patent number: 7726746Abstract: A hubcap device for use with a wheel includes a base and a fastener for coupling the base to the wheel. The hubcap device includes a spinner member between the base and the cover, the spinner member having a light element. The hubcap device includes a battery for powering the light element and a processor for actuating the light element. An insert is removably coupled to the cover, the spinner member being positioned between the insert and the base. The hubcap device may include a photocell in communication with the processor, the processor including programming to actuate the light element in predetermined light conditions. The device includes an optical sensor coupled to the spinner member to measure a rotational speed of the spinner member relative to a rotational speed of the base, the optical sensor providing a relative rotational speed measurement to said processor.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventor: Martin C. Berens
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Patent number: 7661766Abstract: A rim assembly comprises a rim including a peripheral rim portion for the mounting of a wheel; a wheel cover affixed to the rim and configured to rotate about an axis of the rim; and an oscillator attached to the wheel cover and configured to move back and forth between a first position and a second position based on rotation of the wheel cover about the axis. The oscillator is configured to protract axially away from the wheel cover when moving from the second position toward the first position and to retract axially toward the wheel cover when moving from the first position toward the second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Inventors: Jon R. Davis, Ian D. Kovacevich, Chris Hoy, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Tom Philpott, Andrew Peeler, Andrew Donati
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Patent number: 7537289Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly comprises a wheel having a central axis, an annular rim portion having outboard and inboard bead seats for mounting a pneumatic tire thereon and disk portion including a central hub portion provided with a plurality of lug mounting apertures. The rim portion defines an annular outboard and inboard rim flanges extending radially outwardly from the outboard and inboard bead seats, respectively. The outboard rim flange has an annular inner peripheral surface facing the inboard rim flange and an annular outer peripheral surface disposed opposite the inner peripheral surface and facing away from the inboard rim flange. The outboard rim flange has an annular retention groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outboard rim flange concentrically to the central axis. The wheel assembly further comprises an annular transition member mounted in the annular retention groove in the outboard rim flange of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventor: Sulahian Diko
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Patent number: 7530644Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a one-piece, wheel that is modified to have the appearance of a multi-piece wheel. In certain embodiments, the interior surface of the wheel barrel may be modified such that it is substantially parallel with the wheels axis of rotation. In some embodiments, a plurality of fastening devices such as bolts may be placed through the wheel center. In various embodiments, a groove may be located on the interior surface of the wheel barrel to give the appearance that the barrel comprises multiple pieces.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Frank J. Hodges
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Publication number: 20090058178Abstract: Photoluminescent material is mated to a wheel using various approaches. The wheel may have a groove in the rim, with a photoluminescent insert in the groove. The groove may be at any location on the rim, with one advantageous location being on the sidewall radially inward from the brake engaging area. The wheel may have a photoluminescent ribbon mounted thereto, not in a protective groove. The ribbon may be mounted to a lateral side of the wheel's spokes and/or mounted in the “plane” of the spokes between the spokes. The wheel may have an attachment secured to one or more spokes, with the attachment having photoluminescent material. The attachment may have a main body with a groove therein, with the main body being bendable to be substantially conformable to a curvature of the rim. The attachment may abut a surface of the rim.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: LUNASEE LLCInventors: Jesse N. Palmer, Barry L. Allen, Joseph Bloomfield
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Publication number: 20090015057Abstract: A video display made by light emitting diodes (LEDS), liquid crystal displays (LCD) or digital light processing displays (DLP) is mounted on the specialty hubcap. The video display is maintained in an up down position as the automobile moves. The device is cooled with vanes, thermoelectric cooler, or radiator plate. The device is powered by wheel generators or from the car battery. Manual or electronic controls manage the video sources which can be VCR, DVD, or ordinary video TV as well as a computer video source.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventor: David W. Groomes
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Publication number: 20080315672Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly comprises a wheel having a central axis, an annular rim portion having outboard and inboard bead seats for mounting a pneumatic tire thereon and disk portion including a central hub portion provided with a plurality of lug mounting apertures. The rim portion defines an annular outboard and inboard rim flanges extending radially outwardly from the outboard and inboard bead seats, respectively. The outboard rim flange has an annular inner peripheral surface facing the inboard rim flange and an annular outer peripheral surface disposed opposite the inner peripheral surface and facing away from the inboard rim flange. The outboard rim flange has an annular retention groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outboard rim flange concentrically to the central axis. The wheel assembly further comprises an annular transition member mounted in the annular retention groove in the outboard rim flange of the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Sulahian Diko
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Patent number: 7452036Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly comprises a wheel having a central axis, an annular rim portion having outboard and inboard bead seats for mounting a pneumatic tire thereon and disk portion including a central hub portion provided with a plurality of lug mounting apertures. The rim portion defines an annular outboard and inboard rim flanges extending radially outwardly from the outboard and inboard bead seats, respectively. The outboard rim flange has an annular inner peripheral surface facing the inboard rim flange and an annular outer peripheral surface disposed opposite the inner peripheral surface and facing away from the inboard rim flange. The outboard rim flange has an annular retention groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outboard rim flange concentrically to the central axis. The wheel assembly further comprises an annular transition member mounted in the annular retention groove in the outboard rim flange of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventor: Diko Sulahian
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Patent number: 7413260Abstract: A motorized wheel spinner having a spinning wheel cover that is attached to a bushing on a shaft of an electric motor. The axis of the wheel, and thus also of the wheel axle, is coincident with the axis of the motor shaft and spinning cover. The motor can be disposed within a tubular axle, within the end of a solid axle, or, alternately, the case of the motor can comprise a surface upon which the wheel itself rotates. The motorized wheel spinner can be selectively rotated or stopped via a remote control.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Inventor: Rick A. Gabriel
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Patent number: 7314254Abstract: A decorative wheel apparatus for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of a rotatable wheel having an axle with a rotational axis. The decorative wheel apparatus provides a friction drive engageable with and driven by the axle of the wheel about the rotational axis. A shaft is supportable by the wheel and rotatably driven by the friction drive. At least one decorative figure is coupled to the shaft for rotation of the at least one decorative figure for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Inventor: Chris Salow
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Publication number: 20070246996Abstract: The wheel of the present invention features a central hub enclosing recessed appendages. The appendages are preferable fin shaped or blade shaped. As the rotation of the wheel increases in speed, the appendages will extend out of the central hub due to centrifugal force. When fully extended, the appendages will extend to the outer-diameter of the tire. As the rotation of the wheel decreases in speed, the appendages will retract back into the hub. Tension from a spring or similar mechanism may be used to maintain the appendages in the recessed position when the wheel in not in motion. The present invention may also be in the form of wheel cover, such as a hubcap, wherein the recessed appendages are enclosed within the central portion of the wheel cover. The wheel cover is intended to be fastened to the wheel of an automobile in the same manner as hubcaps of the prior art. As the rotation of the wheel increases in speed, the appendages will extend out of the wheel cover due to centrifugal force.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2006Publication date: October 25, 2007Inventor: Paul F. Footit
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Patent number: 7246860Abstract: A wheel insert for removable placement within the apertures of the wheel rim of a vehicle wheel for preventing mud, dirt and debris from entering and blocking the apertures and marring the vehicle wheel includes a tubular body portion insertable into the aperture, a closed end flange engaging the rear surface of the wheel rim, a front flange spaced from the end flange for engaging the front surface of the wheel rim, and a pair of inwardly projecting receiving flanges adjacent the front flange for holding a stiffening and closure member that locks the wheel insert within the aperture and to the wheel rim with the stiffening and closure member having both reflective and decorative elements for enhancing the safety and aesthetic features of the wheel insert by enhancing the visibility of the vehicle wheels at night.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Gary R Seitz
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Patent number: 7213888Abstract: A wheel assembly comprising: (1) a first rotating member, such as a wheel; (2) a visual element such as a logo or other visual indicia affixed to, or mounted adjacent, an exterior surface of the first rotating member; and (3) a second member, such as a wheel spinner, mounted to rotate adjacent the first rotating member. The second member defines various openings and is configured for movement into an “aligned” angular orientation such that the various visual indicia are viewable through the openings thereby producing a themed visual effect.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Inventor: David T. Simpson
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Patent number: 7121631Abstract: A spinner hub assembly for attachment to a rim of a vehicle tire. The spinner hub assembly includes a rim attachment plate that can be removably attached in a substantially central area of the rim of the vehicle tire. The spinner hub assembly also includes a housing element with a rear housing surface connected to a front housing surface that defines an interior cavity, and the housing element is rotatably attached to the rim attachment plate, such that the housing element rotates independently of the rim of the vehicle tire. The front housing surface of the housing element includes indicia in the form of cut-out portions extending through at least a portion of the front housing surface, such that the interior cavity of the housing element is visible through the cut-out portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Justin C. Strzelczyk
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Patent number: 7063391Abstract: An improved luminescence wheel assembly has a latch base coupled to a plastic optical fiber structure installed on both sides of a wheel axle, such that the improved luminescence wheel assembly is easy to install, easy to remove, and aesthetically pleasing. The improved luminescence wheel assembly is capable of adjusting the size of its structure according to the size of the wheel axle.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Inventor: Chi-Tsung Peng
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Publication number: 20050212348Abstract: The present invention concerns a rim cover structure with glittering lights which provides glittering lights on the rim cover during the spinning, adding safety and prettiness. It mainly has light-emitting components installed on the adorning surface of the rim cover, inside the installed concaves or behind the penetrating openings, so that when the tire is in motion and vibrates, it will activate the Light Emitting Diode of the light-emitting component, in turn becoming a product with true effectiveness and promote the utility value of the said product.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2004Publication date: September 29, 2005Inventor: Chiang Cheng
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Patent number: 6936980Abstract: A wheel rim device with patterned light capable of automatically generating electric power has a wheel rim, an automatic generating assembly, a rectifier/filter circuit, a circuit board, a programmable chip and several light emitting components. The automatic generating assembly is accommodated on an end face of a wheel axle of the wheel rim. The circuit board is disposed on a wheel spoke of the wheel rim. The rectifier/filter circuit, the programmable chip and the light emitting components are disposed on the circuit board. Input terminals of the rectifier/filter circuit are connected to lead out wires of the automatic generating assembly. The programmable chip has a power source terminal, a trigger terminal and several I/O terminals. The power source terminal is connected with the output terminal of the rectifier/filter circuit. Each of the I/O terminals is connected with one of the light emitting components.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Inventor: Chu-Li Wang
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Publication number: 20050140201Abstract: A wheel cover for an automobile wheel cover includes a main body having a plurality of light emitting members, and a generating device mounted in the main body and including a housing, a shaft, a rotor, a counterweight having a sensing body, a coil set, and a circuit board having a sensing body that is movable to align with the sensing body of the counterweight. Thus, the light emitting members of the wheel cover blinks intermittently during movement of the automobile to indicate patterns having a fixed shape, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the wheel cover, and thereby providing a warning effect to other person on the road.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2003Publication date: June 30, 2005Inventor: Wen-Chang Wang
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Publication number: 20040124693Abstract: A wheel upon which interchangeable components may be mounted to the change the appearance thereof, is provided. The wheel may include a base wheel skeleton including a rim, a hub and spokes. Each spoke may include threaded holes adjacent the rim. Additional threaded holes may be disposed generally around a periphery of the hub. A hub cap may be attachable to the wheel on a first side of the wheel and include mounting extensions for attachment of the hub cap to the threaded holes around hub. Skin elements may be attachable to the wheel and include holes for attachment of one end of the skin element to one of the threaded holes adjacent the connection of the spokes to the rim. The skin elements may further include an extension disposable under a portion of the hub cap for retention of another end of the skin element by the hub cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventor: Kevin Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6702396Abstract: A wheel cover. The wheel cover includes engraved holes with special shapes on a circular disc of the wheel cover, latch members on the backside of the wheel cover, and the latch members define a diameter of an area on the wheel cover for embedding the steel wheel. A turning disc is disposed on the wheel cover. An axle is disposed on the axle and pivotally coupled to a bearing on the wheel cover. A wing plate is defined on the turning disc, and the wing plate rotates independently from the wheel cover when the vehicle is moving.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Kuan Hsings Enterprise Corp.Inventor: Ming-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 6702395Abstract: A steel wheel with a retaining base. The steel wheel includes a bearing, a turning disc, an axle disposed on the turning disc and pivotally coupled to the bearing on the retaining base. A wing plate is defined on the turning disc so that the wing plate rotates independently from the wheel cover when the vehicle is moving.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Kuan Hsings Enterprise Corp.Inventor: Ming-Fang Wang
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Patent number: 6672676Abstract: A wheel overmask for a vechicle having a wheel made of aluminium or alminium alloy. The overmask includes a body of the same material as the wheel and is conformed to the same shape as the contact surface of the wheel to which it is applied.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Lupini Targhe S.r.l.Inventor: Giovanni Zaniboni
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Patent number: 6663187Abstract: A free wheeling spinner is mounted on a wheel by means of an adapter for accommodating wheels with similar bolt patterns and varying diameters. The spinner is mounted to the adapter by means of a bearing of inner and outer races secured respectively to the adapter and the spinner. Elongated lug nuts having a threaded free end receive bolts for securing the adapter to the automobile wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: KMC Products, Inc.Inventor: Kevin Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6637829Abstract: An improved wheel is provided wherein decorative items such as gem stones are embedded in either the wheel surface, a special mounting section attached to the wheel surface, or to a spoke strap that wraps around each spoke and positions embedded gem stones on the outside surface of the spoke. The improvement and related devices are symmetrically attached for positional correspondence of the decorative items among the spokes. Spokes or spoke-like features of wheel covers are similarly improved.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Vernon Jenkins
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Patent number: 6554370Abstract: A wheel spinner assembly mountable onto a corresponding wheel of a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a wheel mount supportable by the wheel. A spinner mount is connected to the wheel mount. A bearing assembly is supported by the spinner mount. A spinner is supported by the bearing assembly, wherein the bearing assembly allows the spinner to rotate independently relative to the corresponding wheel as the vehicle is in motion.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: David Fowlkes
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Patent number: 6517166Abstract: A wheel rim includes a transparent adhesive layer provided on the surface of the wheel rim, a light-reflective particle layer which is substantially free of any superimposed or overlapping particles and which is formed by spreading solely and uniformly dry light-reflective particles on the transparent adhesive layer and contacting directly the particles with the transparent adhesive layer, the particles having dimensions larger than the thickness of the transparent adhesive layer so that some of the dry light-reflective particles which do not contact the transparent adhesive layer can be allowed to fall off the transparent adhesive layer by gravity, and a transparent protective layer provided on the light-reflective particle layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jeff Chen
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Publication number: 20020145330Abstract: A light carrying ring or ring segment is mounted onto a cover used over the rotor of a disc brake on a front wheel of a motorcycle. The ring has a plurality of windows or apertures there through, and has a flange adjacent the wheel. The flange carries a flexible circuit board with a pair of LEDs adjacent each of the windows, such that the LEDs closest to the windows can be a street legal color, and the LEDs spaced from the windows can be a variant color for reflecting light off the wheel of the motorcycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: David C. Abbe, Thomas H. Rudd
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Publication number: 20020113485Abstract: A reflector device for attachment to the wheel rim of an automobile includes a main body which may be rigid and formed in a circular shape or, alternatively, of a flexible material adapted to be easily configured to the circular shape of the wheel rim. The main body includes an exposed first side, an opposite second side, and a light reflective surface visible on the exposed first side. The second side of the main body is provided with an adhesive for attaching the device to an annular surface on the wheel rim.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Cedric Ketter, Harly Pierre