Abstract: A system including a pressure accommodating assembly having a body with a first side and a second side. The assembly further includes a gas permeable membrane coupled to the body and configured to allow gases to permeate therethrough to thereby move from the first side to the second side. The assembly also includes a pressure relief valve coupled to the body, wherein the pressure relief valve is biased to a closed position to generally block a flow of gases therethrough and is configured to move to an open position when there is a predetermined pressure differential thereacross to allow gases to flow therethrough to move from the first side to the second side. The pressure accommodating assembly is configured to maintain its structural integrity after being exposed to a temperature of about 500° C.

Abstract: A wheel cover unit for rear wheels of trucks or buses includes: a wheel cover, two attaching members and a cover. The wheel cover is provided with an inner concave portion having a central hole. The inner edge of the central hole is vertically and backwardly provided with a hole ring having two corresponding pairs of slots. Two pairs of lock tabs are extended from the two pairs of slots respectively to the central hole. Each attaching member is provided with a connecting element and an engaging element. The connecting element is formed with a connecting portion for passing through the bolts of the wheel. The engaging element is formed with two connecting pieces. Each connecting piece is locked with the lock tab by a screwed element, so as to assemble the wheel cover to the rear wheel of the truck or bus.

Abstract: A wheel cover unit for front wheels of trucks or buses includes a wheel cover, two attaching members and a cover. The wheel cover is provided with an outer convex platform having a central hole, and the periphery of the central hole is annularly provided with a plurality of nut convex covers and a plurality of through holes. The inner edge of the central hole is vertically and backwardly provided with a hole ring having corresponding two pairs of slots, wherein each slot extends to the central hole with a lock tab. Each attaching member is provided with a connecting portion and two connecting pieces. The connecting portion is locked with the bolt of the wheel and the connecting piece is locked with the lock tab via a screwed element, so as to assemble the wheel cover to the front wheel of the truck or bus.

Abstract: A hybrid wheel including a functional rim, a center disc, and a wheel face insert, wherein the wheel rim and the center disc are made of a specified material, and wherein the wheel face insert is made of a dissimilar material. The wheel face insert can be secured to the center disc by at least one of screws, pins, rivets, or structural adhesive, and/or the wheel face insert can be secured to the functional rim by at least one of screws, pins, rivets, or structural adhesive.

Abstract: A hybrid wheel including a functional rim, a center disc, and a wheel face insert, wherein the wheel rim and the center disc are made of a specified material, and wherein the wheel face insert is made of a dissimilar material. The wheel face insert can be secured to the center disc by at least one of screws, pins, rivets, or structural adhesive, and/or the wheel face insert can be secured to the functional rim by at least one of screws, pins, rivets, or structural adhesive.

Abstract: A wheel lug ring is provided having an annular body with a cavity formed on one side having a plurality of lug wells in a registered positioning to engage around a plurality of lug nuts holding a wheel to an axle. So positioned, the device forms a protective cavity for the lug nuts and lugs from moisture, ice, mud, and other road hazards.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly with a centering device that includes a wheel hub arranged rotatably on an axle body about an axis of rotation. The assembly further includes a centering unit fixed to the wheel hub, wherein the centering unit has a centering portion, and wherein the distance of the centering portion to the axis of rotation is smaller than the distance of the outer periphery of the wheel hub to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A roller for a tracked vehicle has a lubricating oil reservoir and an open end to the lubricating oil reservoir. The open end of the roller is closed by a cap removably coupled to the open end. The cap is a sealing body having an outer side facing away from the open end, an opposed inner side facing toward the open end, and a standoff structure formed in the inner side. A compressible gasket is applied between the inner side of the cap and the open end and is under a compression between the inner side of the cap and the open end of the roller forming a fluid-impervious seal between the cap and the open end of the roller. The standoff structure of the cap interacts between the cap and the open end holding the cap away from the open end limiting the compression of the gasket.

Abstract: The invention relates to wheel bearing that is intended for a utility vehicle and includes a sleeve-shaped carrier shaft, in which an axle of the utility vehicle can be received in a concentric manner; a wheel hub; and a first roller bearing and a second roller bearing for rolling the wheel hub relative to the carrier shaft. In this case the second roller bearing is clamped axially against the first roller bearing on the sleeve-shaped carrier shaft by means of a press ring.

Abstract: A wheel trim adapter adapted to be securely affixed to the wheel of a vehicle without the use of tools, wherein the adapter can be used in a system for affixing a wheel trim or wheel cover to said vehicle, and methods for using same.

Abstract: A hubcap for a wheel end assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle seals an outboard end of the wheel end assembly. The wheel end assembly includes a wheel hub formed with a cavity that contains lubricant, and the hubcap positively engages and mounts on the outboard end of the wheel hub to prevent the escape of lubricant and the ingress of contaminants. The integrally-formed hubcap includes a generally cylindrical sidewall and an outboard wall that extends generally perpendicular to the sidewall. A lip extends inboardly from and a shoulder extends radially outwardly from an inboard end of the sidewall, and the lip and shoulder cooperate to positively mechanically engage the outboard end of the wheel hub. An O-ring is disposed between the lip and the wheel hub to provide a seal. The hubcap also is adapted to accommodate components of a tire inflation system and other auxiliary components.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for removing a shaft from a gearbox housing without having to totally disassemble the housing. The gear box has an aperture in the housing. The aperture is used to gain access to the retaining ring that locks the shaft within the housing. Once the retaining ring is removed, the shaft may then slide out of the housing. A plug member is used to cover the aperture when it is not necessary to remove the shaft.

Abstract: A non-drive axle depends from a heavy-duty vehicle. Each one of a pair of wheel end assemblies is mounted on a respective one of the ends of the non-drive axle. Each wheel end assembly includes a pair of bearings mounted on a spindle of the axle, and a wheel hub rotatably mounted on the bearings. A cavity is formed in the wheel end assembly between the bearings. A port is formed in the wheel hub and extends generally parallel to a central axis of the wheel hub, and communicates with the outboard surface of the wheel hub and the cavity. Lubricant for the bearings is introduced into the cavity by means of the port, and the port is tapped to receive a plug to seal it and contain the lubricant in the cavity. The port also receives a bolt that secures a hubcap to the wheel hub.

Abstract: A wheel covering system is disclosed having a first external cover element and a second internal cover element screwed to the first element. The wheel covering system is connected to an hub of a large vehicle such as a truck without relying on lugs provided on the hub for connecting the wheel to the hub. The connection is achieved by relying on bolts used to attach a hub cap (or axle cover) to the axle, without eliminating the hub cap (or axle cover), and at the same time providing a sturdy and robust connection capable of withstanding forces expected to be applied to a wheel cover during its lifetime.

Abstract: An attachment system including an attachment sleeve or attachment arm is provided for attaching a wheel cover, or wheel trim to a vehicle. The attachment sleeve attaches to a nut present on the vehicle. The arm located within the axle housing of the wheel cover provides a compression fitting against parts of the rear hub of a vehicle. It is by compression engagement that the attachment sleeve or arm provides attachment of the wheel cover to the vehicle. Also disclosed is an attachment system kit and method of use thereof.

Abstract: A wheel covering system is disclosed having a first external cover element and a second internal cover element screwed to the first element. The wheel covering system is connected to an hub of a large vehicle such as a truck without relying on lugs provided on the hub for connecting the wheel to the hub. The connection is achieved by relying on bolts used to attach a hub cap (or axle cover) to the axle, without eliminating the hub cap (or axle cover). Provision is made for adjusting the length of the connector or mounting member.

Abstract: A wheel covering system is disclosed having a first external cover element and a second internal cover element screwed to the first element. The wheel covering system is connected to an hub of a large vehicle such as a truck without relying on lugs provided on the hub for connecting the wheel to the hub. The connection is achieved by relying on bolts used to attach a hub cap (or axle cover) to the axle, without eliminating the hub cap (or axle cover), and at the same time providing a sturdy and robust connection capable of withstanding forces expected to be applied to a wheel cover during its lifetime.

Abstract: A non-drive axle depends from a heavy-duty vehicle. Each one of a pair of wheel end assemblies is mounted on a respective one of the ends of the non-drive axle. Each wheel end assembly includes a pair of bearings mounted on a spindle of the axle, and a wheel hub rotatably mounted on the bearings. A cavity is formed in the wheel end assembly between the bearings. A port is formed in the wheel hub and extends generally parallel to a central axis of the wheel hub, and communicates with the outboard surface of the wheel hub and the cavity. Lubricant for the bearings is introduced into the cavity by means of the port, and the port is tapped to receive a plug to seal it and contain the lubricant in the cavity. The port also receives a bolt that secures a hubcap to the wheel hub.

Abstract: An attachment system including an attachment sleeve or attachment arm is provided for attaching a wheel cover, or wheel trim to a vehicle. The attachment sleeve attaches to a nut present on the vehicle. The arm located within the axle housing of the wheel cover provides a compression fitting against parts of the rear hub of a vehicle. It is by compression engagement that the attachment sleeve or arm provides attachment of the wheel cover to the vehicle. Also disclosed is an attachment system kit and method of use thereof.

Abstract: A cover for a wheel or hub may be rotationally attached and removed from the hub by hand due to a mounting clip on the cover defining a space for a single lug nut and a tangentially oriented entryway.

Abstract: A hub cap for a wheel hub having a cylindrical housing with a closed first end and an open second end adapted for attachment in an air-tight sealing arrangement to the outer end of a wheel hub to form a closed air system in the interior of the wheel hub. An air pressure gauge in an air flow connection with the closed air system is operable to provide a visual indication of the air pressure in the closed air system. The air pressure gauge includes a dial face and a pressure indicating needle moving relative to the dial face in direct relation to the air pressure within the closed air system. The dial face includes indicia thereon to assist an observer to readily identify a breached seal condition within the wheel hub.

Abstract: A wheel ornamentation assembly is provided for attachment to a wheel secured to a wheel hub with a plurality of lug nuts. The wheel ornamentation assembly includes a wheel ornamentation having an outboard surface and an inboard surface. The wheel ornamentation assembly also includes a plurality of retention legs extending axially from the inboard surface for engaging the lug nuts. The wheel ornamentation also includes a wire retainer cooperating with the retention legs to provide mechanical support to the retention legs and prevent the wheel ornamentation from disengaging the lug nuts.

Abstract: A cover assembly is provided for a wheel hub, which includes a coupler and a cap. The coupler has a forward segment with a coupler forward opening and a coupler rearward segment with a coupler rearward opening. The cap has a cap opening, a cap barrel, and a cap end plate. The coupler rearward segment is configured for connection to a wheel hub, while the cap is configured for connection to the coupler forward segment and for selectively removable coverage of the coupler forward opening. The cap barrel has a first threaded surface and the coupler forward segment has a second threaded surface, which are selectively engagable to enable threadable connection of the cap to the coupler forward segment. The coupler rearward segment has a smooth engagement surface capable of press fitting connection to the wheel hub.

Abstract: The hub cap has first end wall portion, a sidewall portion and a laterally extending mounting flange. There are plural fastener-receiving openings in the flange. A second endwall portion is integrally formed on the flange and is free from engagement with the hold-down ring. The second end wall portion has a plurality of integral retainers of reduced diameter with respect to the remainder of the wall. There is a hold down ring made from a stiff metal material, overlying the flange on the hub cap. The hold down ring has plural fastener-receiving openings therein, and the retainers snugly secure the hold-down ring in its installed position.

Abstract: A wheel ornamentation assembly is provided for attachment to a wheel secured to a wheel hub with a plurality of lug nuts. The wheel ornamentation assembly includes a wheel ornamentation body having an outboard surface and an inboard surface. The wheel ornamentation assembly also includes a first annular wall extending axially from the inboard surface. The wheel ornamentation assembly includes a plurality of first retention legs extending axially from the first annular wall. The wheel ornamentation assembly also includes a second annular wall extending axially from the inboard surface. The second annular wall is spaced radially from the first annular wall. The wheel ornamentation assembly further includes a plurality of second retention legs extending axially from the second annular wall. The first annular wall and the second annular wall of the wheel ornamentation assembly cooperate to define a plurality of lug cavities adapted to receive a lug nut.

Abstract: A hub cap vent plug which is resistant to penetration by water sprayed under high pressure during vehicle washing. The plug includes an axially outer end face portion, sidewall portions adapted to mate in fluid-tight relation with an opening in an associated hub cap, and a small diameter opening terminating at one of its ends in a thin web of the plug material. The plug has a valve cover with an inner surface spaced closely apart from said end face portion, thereby defining a pair of transverse openings. A normally closed valve such as a slit in the web allows pressure and vacuum to vent through the valve.

Abstract: An improved tire step that is capable of mounting to a vehicle wheel's support studs to enable a person to use the step to elevate himself off of the ground to reach a portion of the vehicle. In one form, the tire step comprises a first ring having a plurality of holes positioned in a spaced apart relationship around the ring. A second ring is provided and a plurality of spaced apart bars joins the first ring to the second ring.

Abstract: A wheel cover is disclosed. The wheel cover reduces the drag and operating temperatures of a tire/wheel arrangement. The wheel cover includes an exhaust port, a bridge section located over the exhaust port, and a pressure sensor arrangement disposed on the bridge section.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly is provided that allows venting of pressurized air from a chamber defined by the hubcap, but prevents entry of contaminants into the chamber. The wheel end assembly includes a hubcap that is configured to be coupled to a wheel and defines a chamber for retaining lubricant for wheel bearings for the wheel. One wall of the hubcap has an aperture in fluid communication with the chamber and a plug is disposed within the aperture. The plug defines a valve for releasing pressurized air from the chamber. The assembly finally includes a cap that is supported on the body of the plug and extends in an outboard direction. The cap is disposed over an outlet of the valve and defines a first fluid chamber in fluid communication with both the outlet of the valve and ambient air. The cap and plug can be inserted into and removed from the aperture as a unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an accessory that is attached to vehicles and it rotates on its axis as the force of the wind drives it. The rotation of the accessory is independent of the rotation of the wheel. It contains two or more air driven surfaces. The ratio of the drag coefficients of the leading surface to the trailing surface is equal to or greater than 1.01. The accessory spins either clockwise or counter clockwise as the vehicle picks up speed creating an extremely attractive view.

Abstract: A hubcap for a wheel hub. The hub is threaded and preferably includes several notches in its otherwise smooth radially outer end face. The hubcap has an open end terminating in a threaded end portion, a closed end and a discontinuous radial flange between the ends. One or more latching tabs fit into the discontinuities in the flange, and each tab contains a projection which fits into the notch. The tab can be manually lifted to disengage the tab from the notch, but the hubcap cannot otherwise be unscrewed.

Abstract: A hubcap having a circular contoured wall with a number of openings; and at least two connecting members carried by the contoured wall, each at a respective opening, for connecting the hubcap stably to a wheel rim. At each opening fitted with a connecting member, the contoured wall forms two integral facing connecting flanges extending from opposite sides of the opening in a direction crosswise to the contoured wall. Each connecting member is C-shaped and has a central portion and two wings crosswise to the central portion; and each wing is welded stably to a respective connecting flange.

Abstract: An automotive wheel incorporating a selectively retractable foot step. The wheel has a wheel opening defined by a wheel opening periphery. Located at the opening is a pedestal having a disk, the periphery of which is rotatably interfaced with the wheel opening periphery. A step is pivotally mounted to the pedestal. The disk has a disk cut-out configured for receiving therein the step. The step is pivotal from a retracted position whereat the step is parallel to the disk and received in the disk cut-out, to a deployed position whereat the step is perpendicular to the disk. A retainer is used to selectively hold the step at the retracted position.

Abstract: A wheel covering apparatus for a heavy-duty vehicle is provided. The wheel covering apparatus includes a bracket that attaches to a wheel of the vehicle. The bracket has extending therefrom a guiding rod and a guiding barrel. The apparatus further includes a wheel cover and a wheel axle cover coupled thereto. The wheel cover is formed with an engagement hole and a guiding hole disposed in open communication with one another, such that the guiding hole may receive and transversely guide the guiding rod into engagement with the engagement hole. The wheel cover and wheel axle cover are secured to the bracket by a bolt passing therethrough to engage a threaded hole formed in the bracket.

Abstract: A wheel ornamentation assembly is provided for attachment to a wheel secured to a wheel hub with a plurality of lug nuts. The wheel ornamentation assembly includes a wheel ornamentation having an outboard surface and an inboard surface. The wheel ornamentation assembly also includes a plurality of retention legs extending axially from the inboard surface for engaging the lug nuts. The wheel ornamentation also includes a wire retainer cooperating with the retention legs to provide mechanical support to the retention legs and prevent the wheel ornamentation from disengaging the lug nuts.

Abstract: A hubcap having a circular contoured wall with a number of openings; and at least two connecting members carried by the contoured wall, each at a respective opening, for connecting the hubcap stably to a wheel rim. At each opening fitted with a connecting member, the contoured wall forms two integral facing connecting flanges extending from opposite sides of the opening in a direction crosswise to the contoured wall. Each connecting member is C-shaped and has a central portion and two wings crosswise to the central portion; and each wing is welded stably to a respective connecting flange.

Abstract: A wheel cover snap fastens to stylized lug nuts of a wheel using resilient retainers that are integrally fastened to the wheel cover. The stylized lug nuts correspond and axially extend through apertures in the wheel cover when the wheel cover is assembled to the wheel. The retainers are secured to an inboard face of the wheel cover and correspondingly engage the stylized lug nuts to retain the wheel trim assembly to the wheel such that retainers are not visible when the wheel trim assembly is viewed from a direction normal to the outboard face of the wheel cover. The apertures are sized in relation to annular flanges on the lug nuts and to the resilient tabs of the retainers such that the wheel cover and/or annular flanges of the lug nuts conceal the retainers from view, and thereby provide an uninterrupted chrome appearance.

Abstract: A wheel cover structure for a vehicle of a large scale includes a wheel cover, an outer cap, and a plurality of protective caps. The wheel cover includes an annular fixing rim defining multiple through holes each provided with a locking section, and a mounting barrel extending from the fixing rim and defining two opposite cavities each provided with a resting plate. The outer cap is removably secured on the mounting barrel of the wheel cover and includes two opposite snap sections each secured in the cavity, and an annular locking rib secured in the locking groove defined in the mounting barrel so that the outer cap is secured on the mounting barrel. Each of the protective caps is secured in a respective through hole of the wheel cover and has a first side defining a plurality of positioning recesses in one of which the locking section of the through hole of the wheel cover is secured, and a second side provided with a decorative protruding section extending outward from the fixing rim of the wheel cover.

Abstract: A hub cap (10) is fitted to the outer end of a wheel hub (11) containing a wheel bearing (14) to seal the outer end of the hub (11). The hub cap (10) has a cylindrical housing (16) which is provided with a transparent outer end wall (17) to permit the level of lubrication around the bearing (14) to be ascertained visually. The cylindrical housing (16) has an aperture within which a plug (22) is fitted. The plug (22) has a flexible diaphragm (21) which deforms to accommodate pressure changes within the hub cap (10). The hub cap (10) is particularly suitable for wheel bearings of trailers, such as boat trailers.

Abstract: To retain a decorative tubular cover having a given inner diameter over the axle hub of a wheel, a strap having a plurality of radially extending arms thereon is tightened around the circumference of the axle hub. The ends of the arms define a circle having a diameter a little larger than the given inner diameter of the tubular cover. The tubular cover is pushed over the arms until the open end thereof rests against the web of the wheel where it is retained by the outwardly directed forces applied by the arms.

Abstract: A custom wheel assembly that reduces and/or eliminates vibration of vehicles that utilize custom wheels. This is accomplished through the use of a hub ring that is placed over the center hub of a wheel hub, but behind the wheel. This renders the wheel hub-centric to reduce and/or eliminate the vibration. The hub ring is held in place by a center cap that fits over the center hub and attaches to the hub ring.

Abstract: An axle cover for covering a wheel axle of an automobile comprises a lock frame, seating elements, and a cover. The lock frame has at least one through hole in which the seating element is inserted and extends therefrom. The cover has at least one settling hole whose position is adapted to correspond to the through hole of the lock frame. After securing the lock frame to the wheel axle, the cover can be easily sleeved on to the wheel axle and have it blocked by settling blocks on the seating element. The seating element is further designed to be a flexible structure so that the cover can be easily sleeved on and easily moved off the wheel axle just by pushing the flexibly mounted settling blocks inside the lock frame.

Abstract: A wheel cover assembly includes a cover and a plurality of lug wells. The cover is manufactured from a first material that is capable of being decorated with paint and/or plating. The lug wells are fabricated from a second material. The second material is chosen for its high thermal resistive characteristics. The second material insulates the first material from the thermal energy generated by the wheel hub assembly and, in particular, the brake systems of the wheel hub assembly. Each of the lug wells includes a wall having an annular recess circumscribing the interior surface of the wall and an exterior ridge extending around the periphery of the wall. The annular recess and the exterior ridge prevent the first material from flowing therepast creating a barrier of the second material used to manufacture the lug wells to the lug nuts, the conductors of the thermal energy created by the brake systems. Protrusions and elongated holes aid in the bonding of the first material to the second material.

Abstract: An oil hub cup includes a cylindrical body mounted to a wheel axle defining an interior space for preserving lubricant oil. The cylindrical body has a top face defining a central bore with a circumferential shoulder formed around the central bore for receiving and retaining an observing lens to seal the central bore. A cavity is defined in a top face of the observing lens with first and second holes defined in the observing lens exposed to a bottom of the cavity. The second hole is in communication with the interior space of cylindrical body for releasing excessive inside pressure inside the hub cup. A resilient vent check valve includes a disk received in the cavity and a plug extending from the disk for being received in the first hole to secure the vent check valve in position. A circumferential flange is formed on the disk to sealingly engage the bottom of the cavity for sealing the second hole thereby preventing water from entering the interior space of the cylindrical body through the second hole.

Abstract: A system for locking a hubcap to a wheel comprising a wheel, said wheel having a plurality of bolts extending outwardly therefrom, a hubcap cover having a plurality of holes adapted to fit over said bolts, and a plurality of nutcovers to fasten over said bolts and lock said hubcap to the wheel.