Abstract: A vehicle body panel kit includes a vehicle body panel and a trim ring. The vehicle body panel includes a wall, a rim extending from the wall, and a peripheral flange extending radially from the rim. The trim ring defines a peripheral sidewall and a projecting flange extending radially from the peripheral sidewall.

Abstract: A wheel rim protective disk having a reinforcement spine continuously disposed from a wheel side to a depth less than a thickness of the protective disk. A first embodiment mounts to a wheel having a channel with a second width substantially conforming to a width of the protective disk, and a second depth less than the thickness of the protective disk. A plurality of receiving apertures is disposed through the channel to align with a plurality of mounting apertures in the protective disk. In an alternative embodiment, the protective disk mounts to a mounting disk that in turn mounts to a second wheel having a second plurality of mounting apertures. The mounting disk has the channel, the lower section and the plurality of receiving apertures. In a second alternative embodiment, the protective disk mounts to a 3D printed, contoured mounting disk that in turn mounts to a standard factory wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle rim comprises a base member, a cover member, and a spoke attachment member. The base member includes a truss structure that defines at least one opening. The cover member at least partly covers the at least one opening of the base member. The spoke attachment member is a separate member from the base member and the cover member. The spoke attachment member is non-rotatably attached to the base member.

Abstract: A wheel rim protector comprising a base comprising an external face and an internal face, the external face comprising a curved profile and a side-wall extending from a first side of the base is disclosed. Also disclosed is a wheel rim protector comprising a base comprising one or more kink and/or curve along a base length, an external face and an internal face and a side-wall extending from a first side of the base. Methods of making the wheel rim protectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: An appliqué for adoring a bicycle wheel rim comprises a series of arced members bearing adhesive on one side, each adapted to partially cover a portion of the wheel rim. The arced members may be reflective, phosphorescent, or may have customized and customizable designs incorporated thereon. The arced members have complimentary ends such that when alighted end-to-end they cover the entire bicycle rim. To apply the arced members, a user first peels off a backer paper to expose the adhesive side of the arced member, applies the arced member to a wheel rim, then uses a smoothing tool to remove any bubbles, subsequent arced members are applied in a similar manner to cover the wheel rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for a wheel rim of a wheel, more particularly for a wheel rim of an alloy wheel for motor vehicles, wherein the wheel rim has a rim inner well, which merges into a rim inner flange that is arranged facing a motor vehicle when the wheel is mounted, and as a result, the wheel rim has an uninterrupted contoured section on the axially inner side. The invention, the rim inner flange can be sealed in the axial direction (a) by means of the cover. The invention further relates to a wheel, particularly having such a cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ring for a wheel rim of a wheel, particularly for motor vehicles, wherein the wheel rim has a rim inner well that merges into a rim inner flange, which, when the wheel is mounted, faces the motor vehicle, and a rim outer well which merges into a rim outer flange, so that the wheel rim has an uninterrupted contoured section on the axially inner side. The ring has a well lip, which extends up to the rim inner well or is designed to at least partially overlap the rim inner well. Ring has a flange lip, which faces away from the lip and is modeled on the shape of the radial inner surface of the rim inner flange. Ring provides or enables at least a partially double-walled in a hollow chamber region between the well lip and the flange lip.

Abstract: A cycle wheel having a rim adapted to receive a tire. The wheel is equipped with a fairing attached on the rim. The fairing is at least partially made from a material having a density less than 120 kg/m3 and a compression set at 25% compression of less than 14%. The material can be an expanded polypropylene foam, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel rim extender device (1) removably mountable on a wheel (3) having a tyre retaining rim (27) for engaging an outer surface of a tyre (5). The device (1) has an annular member (11) for location adjacent a sidewall (7) of a tyre (5) mounted on the wheel (3). The annular member (11) comprises an edge portion (33a, 33b) which defines an outer circumference of the annular member (11) and a support portion (35a, 35b), disposed radially inward of the edge portion (33a, 33b), for mounting on the wheel (3), wherein the edge portion (33a, 33b) has a greater flexibility than the support portion (35a, 35b). The invention also relates to the combination of a wheel rim extender device (1) and a wheel (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle wheel protection device and a method for protecting wheels from curbing. The wheel protection device includes an elongate member or plurality of elongate members capable of being attached using an adhesive to the side wall of a tire, or the front face of a wheel rim or wheel trim.

Abstract: An interchangeable wheel cover for a wheel of a piece of luggage, including a center cap assembly and a trim ring assembly. The center cap assembly interchangeable affixes the trim ring assembly to the wheel of the piece of luggage.

Abstract: A device for protecting a rim of a vehicle/conveyance such as a bicycle, a motorcycle, an automobile, etc. is provided. In general, the device includes a ring for abutting and protecting an outside edge (along an outer circumference) of a rim, and a plurality of wings for securing the ring to the rim via insertion of the wings between the rim and a tire mounted on the rim. In one embodiment, the ring and/or each wing may be made of one or more materials such as a rubberized material, a plastic material, a composite material, or any combination thereof. Moreover, each wing typically comprises a wedge shape body having a set of engagement peaks for inserting and securing the wings between the tire and the wheel (e.g., before or after the tire has been mounted on the rim).

Abstract: A wheel-rim protector comprises a flexible elongate body having first and second ends, wherein a lateral extent of the elongate body defines a rim-protection portion seatable on a rim edge of a wheel and a tail portion which extends away from the rim-protection portion seatable on a circumferential outer surface of the wheel rim. A connector which positively engages the first and second ends of the elongate body is also provided, and includes a toothed tongue element and a toothed-engagement element on a radially outer surface of the tail portion at or adjacent to at least one of the first and second ends. Teeth of the tongue element and the toothed-engagement element are interengagable to prevent or limit unintentional longitudinal separation of the first and second ends. The connector further includes an anti-lift element on or adjacent to the toothed-engagement element.

Abstract: The outer bead lock wheel of the present disclosure provides for wheel and tire flexibility between off-road vehicle capability and on-road vehicle capability by securing the tire to the wheel regardless of the change in tire pressure. The outer bead lock wheel of the present disclosure includes a wheel base having a flange which is operatively configured to receive one of a decorative ring or a functional ring. The decorative ring may be mechanically affixed to the wheel base, and the functional ring may also be mechanically affixed to the wheel base.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel, including: a peripheral rim with a radially outboard spoke bed and an apex region radially inboard from the spoke bed portion; a central hub with a hub flange; and a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, with a first portion connected to the spoke bed and a second portion connected to the hub flange. The apex region includes a first apex portion and a second apex portion adjacent the first apex portion and a seam between the first apex portion and the second apex portion. Including a spanning element to span across said seam to retain said first apex portion to said second apex portion.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for use on vehicles in rugged conditions including, without limitation, off-road and trail conditions. A rim assembly having a rim flange is supported by a central hub member. The rim flange has a bead seat and allows a tire—including an under inflated tire—to flex without chaffing or cutting of the tire. A sacrificial abrasion ring is mounted to the outer surface of the rim flange. An optional removable accessory cap can mount to the wheel assembly to prevent mud, snow and/or other debris from collecting in the center of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A system for permanently securing wheel cladding to a wheel having a rim with a rim flange is provided. An annular affixment ring includes an outer periphery which seats within an undercut formed in the rim flange. A plurality of arcuate flanges extend from the inner face of the cladding and abut the inner periphery of the ring to maintain the outer periphery of the ring within the undercut. The ring includes axial apertures and the inner face of the cladding includes retention tabs having enlarged fluked ends which extend into the apertures to anchor the cladding to the ring. The ring can be constructed of one piece or formed of interfitting arcuate segments which are interlocked in end to end relationship.

Abstract: A rim flange trim ring adapted to be attached to a rim flange adapted to support a tire, the rim including a cylindrical body portion including a first end and a second end, the first and second ends each terminating in a radially outward extending rim. The rim flange trim ring includes a generally annular body having a U-shaped cross-section, and the rim flange trim ring is adapted to be placed on and to receive the rim flange.

Abstract: A lug nut covering device, called a lug ring, for a wheel comprising a circular ring with a convex exterior side, a concave interior side, reinforcement webbing attached to an inner wall of the concave interior side, one or more lug wells strategically placed within the reinforcement webbing wherein the lug wells fit over and onto one or more lug nuts on a wheel. The lug ring is a device to cover the lug nuts and wheel studs for decorative and protective purposes. The convex exterior can be made from any hard material including, aluminum alloys depending on the look that is desired. In the preferred embodiment, the interior portion of the lug ring is made from a high impact plastic, like a polycarbonate (PC). When the lug ring is pressed onto the lug nut, the walls of the lug well compresses upon the hard metal of the lug nuts and firmly attaches the lug ring to the wheel.

Abstract: In this invention ballistic resistant materials are integrated into a wheel for protection of the Tire Bead Bundle, protection of hardware, and protection of hub components. The Tire Bead Bundle can be protected by supplementing the existing rim flange with ballistic resistant material and/or by placing such material between the flange and the bead bundle. Further, for protection of hardware (including Manual Inflation or CTI Valves), ballistic resistant material can be incorporated over or on wheel hardware. Finally, ballistic resistant materials can be incorporated over or on the wheel hub diameter to reduce the risk of damage due to ballistic attacks.

Abstract: A wheel rim protective structure has a closed ring made of a semi-rigid durable plastic material. A plurality of spaced apart durable curved metal clips extend from the inner edge of the ring and are oriented to insert between the tire and rim. Each clip has a number of unidirectional barbs that facilitate installation but resist unwanted extraction by engaging the tire portion. Knurling on the opposite side provides more static friction against the wheel surface. The metal clips also provided a situs for a low profile fastener to allow other structures to be attached to the ring such as decorative panels, lights, flags streamers, or other decorative or counterbalancing structures. The ring and clips can be made from a unitary piece of injection molded material.

Abstract: A wheel rim protector comprising a base comprising an external face and an internal face, the external face comprising a curved profile and a side-wall extending from a first side of the base is disclosed. Also disclosed is a wheel rim protector comprising a base comprising one or more kink and/or curve along a base length, an external face and an internal face and a side-wall extending from a first side of the base. Methods of making the wheel rim protectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel rim protective structure has a closed ring made of a semi-rigid durable plastic material. A plurality of spaced apart durable curved metal clips extend from the inner edge of the ring and are oriented to insert between the tire and rim. Each clip has a number of unidirectional barbs that facilitate installation but resist unwanted extraction by engaging the tire portion. Knurling on the opposite side provides more static friction against the wheel surface. The metal clips also provided a situs for a low profile fastener to allow other structures to be attached to the ring such as decorative panels, lights, flags streamers, or other decorative or counterbalancing structures. The ring and clips can be made from a unitary piece of injection molded material.

Abstract: A wheel protector for shielding the alloy wheel of a vehicle from impact damage includes an outer ring-shaped cover 4 forming a circumferential track, with an optional inner circular disc 1. A number of attachment elements 25 are slidably engaged with a track 4 to attach the cover to the outer tire rim of an alloy wheel by means of an adhesive layer. The attachment elements have a head portion 26 of part-circular cross section which is capable of limited angular movement within the track. The head portions snap-engage in the track 4 and are capable of sliding along the track to allow the wheel protector to rotate relative to the wheel upon impact with an object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle wheel protection device and a method for protecting wheels from curbing. The wheel protection device includes an elongate member or plurality of elongate members capable of being attached using an adhesive to the side wall of a tire, or the front face of a wheel rim or wheel trim.

Abstract: A vehicular wheel includes a wheel having a rim with first and second flanges respectively extending radially outward from first and second ends of the rim. The first flange includes inner and outer faces and an interconnecting face extending between the inner and outer faces. An annular groove extends from the outer face towards but spaced from the inner face and is in communication with a plurality of fixing holes formed in the interconnecting face. A protective ring includes an annular body covering an inner surface of the first end of the rim and the outer face of the first flange. An annular extension extends from an end of the annular body and is received in the annular groove. The annular extension includes a plurality of positioning holes aligned with the fixing holes, respectively. A fastener extends through each fixing hole and one of the positioning holes.

Abstract: A vehicular wheel includes a wheel having a rim with first and second flanges respectively extending radially outward from first and second ends of the rim. The first flange includes inner and outer faces and an interconnecting face extending between the inner and outer faces. An annular groove extends from the outer face towards but spaced from the inner face and is in communication with a plurality of fixing holes formed in the interconnecting face. A protective ring includes an annular body covering an inner surface of the first end of the rim and the outer face of the first flange. An annular extension extends from an end of the annular body and is received in the annular groove. The annular extension includes a plurality of positioning holes aligned with the fixing holes, respectively. A fastener extends through each fixing hole and one of the positioning holes.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a wheel component covering. The wheel component covering can attach to an outboard rim flange of a wheel, and a lip portion of the wheel component covering can extend in the inboard direction. In some embodiments, the wheel component covering can attach to the inboard or outboard side of a register of the wheel using bolts or screws. In some embodiments, the wheel component covering can attach to the wheel barrel using bolts or screws, and a covering can be positioned to conceal the bolts or screws. Some wheel component coverings can have gaps configured to receive the spokes of the wheel. The wheel component covering can be used to give a one-piece wheel the appearance of being a multi-piece wheel (e.g., a two- or three-piece wheel).

Abstract: A wheel and trim assembly having a central wheel portion, a outer rim and a plurality of spokes connecting said central portion with said outer rim. The wheel may be spokeless or may be designed as a solid wheel. The wheel assembly also includes one or more removable, replaceable, interchangeable lip trim pieces configured for attachment to the outer rim of the wheel in a close matching relation to the outer rim so as to provide decorative trim which doe snot easily separate from the wheel. The trim rings can optionally be permanently attached to said wheel, in which event they are reselectable, not interchangeable.

Abstract: A dual decorative assembly for a vehicle wheel combines an outer member and an inner member that are rotatably mounted on a rotatable wheel hub. Bearings carried on the inner and outer members support the members on the hub whereby the inner member may rotate in a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction while the outer member employs weights so that the outer member remains stationary by gravitational force to downwardly depend from the bearings. The inner member includes a flared edging over-hanging the peripheral edge of the outer member. The outer member includes a variety of cut-outs and edge scalloping for decorative purposes.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel, including a peripheral rim with a radially outboard spoke bed and an apex region radially inboard from the spoke bed portion; a central hub with a hub flange; a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, with a first portion connected to the spoke bed and a second portion connected to the hub flange. The apex region includes a first apex portion and a second apex portion axially adjacent the first apex portion and a circumferential seam between the first apex portion and the second apex portion.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel (1), in particular a light-alloy wheel for motor vehicles, consisting essentially of a rim (2) and wheel spokes (3), the entire periphery of the outer rim flange (15) being provided with a rim-flange protection ring (10). A cavity (71) is formed between the outer rim flange (15) or the outer rim base (9) and the rim-flange protection ring (10), said cavity being suitable for receiving additional engineered elements. The rim-flange protection ring (10) also acts as a protective element in a collision.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wheel rim cover comprises an arc-shaped member sized and shaped to fit at least over a portion of the outer rim edge, the cover extending at least from the edge over an outer most portion of the rim which, in use, is exposed; and the cover further comprises a bend around the edge to secure the cover onto the rim edge.

Abstract: A dual decorative assembly for a vehicle wheel combines an outer member and an inner member that are rotatably mounted on a rotatable wheel hub. Bearings carried on the inner and outer members support the members on the hub whereby the inner member may rotate in a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction while the outer member employs weights so that the outer member remains stationary by gravitational force to downwardly depend from the bearings. The inner member includes a flared edging over-hanging the peripheral edge of the outer member. The outer member includes a variety of cut-outs and edge scalloping for decorative purposes.

Abstract: An automobile rim edge protector is mounted to the outer surface of the rim in the range of the rim flange. The protector may be an extruded shape that is applied by adhesive, as well as a molded shape held on by other means. The protector is mounted on the outer side of the rim flange such that it does not interfere with the rim/tire interface.

Abstract: A wheel rim protector is described. Embodiments of the rim protector comprise a main component that provides wheel rim protection, and one or more clamping assemblies for affixing the rim protector to the wheel rim. The rim protector specifically protects the interface between the rim bead and the tire bead, and need not cover a large portion of the wheel rim or tire sidewall in order to be effective. Preferred embodiments of the rim protector are therefore relatively small and light weight, and are well suited for use on ATV wheels. Variations of the adjustable clamping assemblies in embodiments of the rim protector are well suited for use with wheels of various compositions, including, but not limited to, steel or aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A rim protection apparatus fitted around a periphery of a rim of a motor vehicle wheel is provided. The rim protection apparatus covers the circumferential edge of the rim. The apparatus has a substantially planar circular protective ring and means for fitting the protective ring around the periphery of the rim. The protective ring has a front surface and a back surface, the back surface being coupled with the rim of the wheel when the apparatus is fitted around the periphery of the rim of the wheel, the front surface being a decorative surface accenting the color and appearance of the wheel. The protective ring is fitted around thin periphery of the rim with an adhesive layer disposed on the back surface of the protective ring.

Abstract: A shield for wheel assemblies formed of a metal band that is inserted into wheels so as to cover and protect the inner surface of the wheels. The shields can be made from stainless steel and used to protect the inner surfaces of aluminum from damage caused by debris that contact a vehicle braking assembly. The shields are secured in the wheels by a mechanical locking arrangement in which the outer ends of the shields snap-fit along outboard rim flanges of the wheels. Adhesives or sealants can be used to secure the shields to the wheels and to prevent moisture and debris from becoming trapped between the shields and inner surfaces of the wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel (1) comprising a rim (2), a disc (3), a protective ring (4) with an outer surface (4a) and an inner surface (4b), and means (5) for fixing the ring (4) to the rim (2). To facilitate separation of the ring (4) from the rim (2), the protective ring (4) can be accessed from the inner surface (4b) through holes (8) made in the lip (2a) of the rim (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel (1) comprising a rim (2), a disc (3), a protective ring (4) with an outer surface (4a) and an inner surface (4b), and means (5) for fixing the ring (4) to the rim (2). To facilitate separation of the ring (4) from the rim (2), the protective ring (4) can be accessed from the inner surface (4b) through holes (8) made in the lip (2a) of the rim (2).

Abstract: In a tire-wheel assembly, in which a pneumatic tire is installed to a rim of a wheel, an auxiliary ring or auxiliary plate of which dynamic balance has been adjusted is attached coaxially with the wheel onto a rim flange on an outside of the wheel when the tire-wheel assembly is attached onto a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is a vehicle wheel with a removable vehicle wheel ring and vehicle wheel sized and shaped to simulate the look of a bead-lock vehicle wheel. It has the same appearance as an off road bead lock vehicle wheel. This vehicle wheel can be fabricated without modifying an existing wheel and is street legal wheel and capable of mass-production. The wheel is capable of production at a fraction of the cost of an actual bead lock wheel. The wheel can be produced with a matching or contrasting color for the simulated outer bead lock ring. The simulated outer bead lock ring can have a light reflective surface so that the ring will become much more distinguishable when a light source strikes it. The simulated outer bead lock ring has a far greater ease of interchangeability than a conventional bead lock vehicle wheel.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An assembly including a deformable, inextensible tread-bearing support S, which can be slipped on to a suitable rim bearing surface (11). The bearing surface (11) extends axially towards the inside of a first rim seat (13′), which is in turn extended to the outside by a protrusion or hump (15′) of low height. The first rim seat (13′) is inclined towards the outside. A second rim seat (13″) having, viewed in meridian section, a generatrix, the axially inner end of which is located on a circle of diameter D″A greater than the diameter of the circle on which is located the axially inner end D′A of the first rim seat (13′). The two seats being, axially to the inside, extended by frustoconical portions (17, 14) of a height at least equal to 0.01 times the minimum diameter of the bearing surface (11), and the generatrices of which form with the axis of rotation angles &agr; at least equal to 45°.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing safety wheel includes a rim, a hub at the center of the rim and connected by a plurality of spring plates and radial support, and a solid tire slidably mounted on the outer periphery of the rim and secured by a pair of rim shields. It is characterized that the spring plates provide shock-absorbing function to the wheel and the tire is made of solid rubber which will not become flat, which eliminates the need to carry a spare wheel.