Made Of Plural Segments Patents (Class 301/37.106)
  • Patent number: 11254160
    Abstract: An improved snap-on automotive wheel cover overlay with extended surround having hook-shaped members for the purpose of securing the wheel cover overlay of the present invention to a damaged manufacturer's wheel cover. The wheel cover overlay of the present invention is further secured by inserting a tension rotation device from the reversed position of a tire into a manufactured in wheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly, and having an extended surround covering the entire rim of a vehicle when installed there on. During manufacturing of the present invention, a three dimensional (3D) scanned imaging of the individual embodiment component parts is generated, after rigorous testing, and is transferred to an injection molding computer to generate the injection molding designed precisely corresponding to each individual component parts of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Neo Design, LLC
    Inventor: Naje Fattouche
  • Patent number: 9724962
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wheel, in particular for vehicles, such as motor vehicles, with a rim ring having an opening defined there through, and with a main support at least partially arranged in the opening in the rim ring. The wheel, despite having a low weight, provides adequate rigidity and strength and can be produced in a simple manner, while maintaining design flexibility. The main support of the wheel has a plurality of spokes, and a plurality of covering parts for at least partially covering the spokes, wherein the main support and the covering parts support the rim ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AG
    Inventors: David Pieronek, Axel Grüneklee, Markus Zörnack
  • Patent number: 9493031
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel has a rim and spokes supporting the rim on a hub section. A clearance is formed between two mutually adjacent spokes and is covered by a flat covering element. In this case, the covering element, which is assigned to only one such clearance, is made of a fiber-reinforced synthetic material and, on an exterior side of the wheel, is glued onto the spokes which, on their mutually facing edges, have a slight step toward the interior side of the wheel, as well as onto the hub section which, in the area of this clearance on its side facing the rim, also has such a slight step. Not all clearances between two mutually adjacent spokes of the vehicle wheel are covered in such a manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Dick, Mike Seidel, Veit Wuerfel
  • Publication number: 20150008725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a configurable wheel cover and to a product thereof. The method comprises: (a) providing a hub cover including a plurality of locking voids and a plurality of knobs; (b) providing an insert kit including a plurality of inserts, and a front end of each insert being connected with a tenon; and (c) configuring each tenon of the insert kit into each locking void from a top or a bottom of the hub cover. In addition, the present invention further provides a novel configurable wheel cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: CHIAHUA ELEANOR CHOU, CRAIG MASSNER
  • Publication number: 20140175858
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a hub and a collar. The hub extends longitudinally inward from a wheel. The collar is disposed over the hub and is mounted for translation relative to the hub. The vehicle also includes a panel assembly having a support and first and second panels. The support extends radially outward from the collar, and the first and second panels are each pivotally connected to opposing lateral edges of the support. The panels pivot between an expanded position and a collapsed position and translate radially for selectively closing a wheel opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon M. Platto, David Michael Lechkun, Anthony Lee Meyer, Brad Alan Richards
  • Patent number: 8727452
    Abstract: Improved variable color wheel covers for tractor wheels are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: M Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Merten, Jay Z. Muchin, Michael Potempa, Brian Potempa
  • Patent number: 8579382
    Abstract: A road wheel includes an outboard surface; an ornament configured to attach to the outboard surface; a post formed with the ornament, configured to fasten to the wheel; and a key formed with the ornament, the key configured to mate with a cavity in the outboard surface. The key includes a semi-circular profile. The key further includes at least one node, protruding therefrom; the outboard surface of the wheel includes a receptacle configured to at least partially fit the node therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Peschiutta
  • Patent number: 8556351
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Philip R. Uhlin
  • Patent number: 8459752
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Zanini Auto Grup, SA
    Inventor: Martin E. Russell
  • Patent number: 8449043
    Abstract: A method for producing a multi-piece vehicle wheel retention system comprising the steps of: (a) providing a wheel having a wheel disc defining and axis and an outboard facing wheel surface and including an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange; (b) providing a first outer wheel cover formed from a first material, the first outer wheel cover covering at least a portion of outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the wheel disc; (c) providing a second inner wheel cover formed from a second material, the second inner wheel cover covering at least a substantial portion of the outboard facing wheel surface of the wheel disc, the second wheel cover including an outboard surface and an inboard surface; (d) securing the first outer wheel cover and the second inner wheel cover together by at least an interference fit therewith; and (e) non-permanently securing the assembled wheel covers of step (d) and the wheel to one another by a non-permanent mechanical attachment feature to produce the multi-piece vehicle w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick McCorry, Todd Duffield, Thomas E. Heck
  • Patent number: 8382211
    Abstract: An ornamental wheel insert utilizing a snap-fit attachment to a wheel. In a first embodiment, fingers carrying bosses are attached to an insert body, wherein when the insert body is seated the bosses snappingly engage a boss abutment of the wheel. In a second embodiment, a snap ring snappingly engages the insert body from the inside of the wheel to thereby securely seat the insert body at the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Renius, Mark A. Voss, Derek L. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20120274125
    Abstract: A power wash and overspray wheel protector is disclosed. According to one aspect, an overspray wheel protector is composed of a planar material having at least one hand hold opening and a plurality of indicia disposed on at least one surface of the planar material, where the plurality of indicia represent a plurality of diameters for allowing a user to adjust the size of the protector to a desired diameter for use to protect a wheel from overspray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Stephan Waldt
  • Patent number: 8276992
    Abstract: A universal wheel cover assembly for covering a variety of different vehicle's wheels. The universal wheel cover assembly comprises: (a) a covering disc sized to cover the vehicle's wheel, (b) a universal bolt pattern plate, the universal bolt pattern plate including (i) a series of sections, each of the sections having a plurality of engagement members, wherein the sections are adapted for matching a pattern of threaded rods welded on the vehicle's axle hub used for attaching the vehicle's wheel, and (ii) a retaining system for connecting the universal bolt pattern plate to the covering disc, and (c) a spring biasing base comprising of a plurality of coil units, each coil unit for coupling one bolt in the pattern of bolts to the engagement members of the universal bolt pattern plate. The removable wheel cover assembly may be used in a variety of different vehicle tire rims and is aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Greg Smith
  • Patent number: 8201894
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly includes a vehicle wheel having an outer surface, and a wheel cladding having an outer surface, an inner surface facing the outer surface of the wheel, and at least one aperture extending between the outer surface and the inner surface. The vehicle wheel assembly further includes a trim insert assembly that includes a first member that abuts the outer surface of the wheel cladding substantially proximate the at least one aperture of the wheel cladding, and at least one first portion of a coupler, and a second member including an outer surface having an aesthetic outer appearance, and at least one second portion of a coupler, wherein the first portion of the coupler and the second portion of the coupler are coupled with one another, thereby securing the trim insert within the aperture of the wheel cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Chinavare, Harvey D. Hammond
  • Patent number: 8147003
    Abstract: A wheel ornamentation that can fit vehicle wheels having different offset dimensions. According to one embodiment, the wheel ornamentation is a two-piece wheel cover that includes center and outer components and an adjustable overlapping junction therebetween, where the adjustable overlapping junction may be partially concealed by an annular flange on one of the components. An adhesive portion may be disposed between overlapping axial ends of the components and can be modified during assembly of the ornamentation to a vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Big Rapids Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20120007415
    Abstract: A method for producing a multi-piece vehicle wheel retention system comprising the steps of: (a) providing a wheel having a wheel disc defining and axis and an outboard facing wheel surface and including an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange; (b) providing a first outer wheel cover formed from a first material, the first outer wheel cover covering at least a portion of outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the wheel disc; (c) providing a second inner wheel cover formed from a second material, the second inner wheel cover covering at least a substantial portion of the outboard facing wheel surface of the wheel disc, the second wheel cover including an outboard surface and an inboard surface; (d) securing the first outer wheel cover and the second inner wheel cover together by at least an interference fit therewith; and (e) non-permanently securing the assembled wheel covers of step (d) and the wheel to one another by a non-permanent mechanical attachment feature to produce the multi-piece vehicle w
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: HAYES LEMMERZ INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick McCorry, Todd Duffield, Thomas E. Heck
  • Publication number: 20110163593
    Abstract: A method for producing a multi-piece vehicle wheel retention system comprises the steps of: (a) providing a wheel having a wheel disc defining and axis and an outboard facing wheel surface; (b) providing a first outer wheel cover formed from a metal material, the first outer wheel cover covering at least a portion of the an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the wheel disc; (c) providing a second inner wheel cover formed from a plastic material, the second inner wheel cover covering at least a substantial portion of the outboard facing wheel surface of the wheel disc; (d) providing an insert formed from a foam material and which generally corresponds to at least the shape of a space which formed between the outboard facing wheel surface and the inboard surface of the second wheel cover; (e) securing the first and second inner wheel covers together by at least an interference fit therewith; and (f) permanently securing the assembled wheel covers of step (e), the insert and the wheel to one another by
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas E. Heck, Patrick McCorry, Todd Duffield
  • Publication number: 20100283312
    Abstract: A wheel ornamentation that can fit vehicle wheels having different offset dimensions. According to one embodiment, the wheel ornamentation is a two-piece wheel cover that includes center and outer components and an adjustable overlapping junction therebetween, where the adjustable overlapping junction may be partially concealed by an annular flange on one of the components. An adhesive portion may be disposed between overlapping axial ends of the components and can be modified during assembly of the ornamentation to a vehicle wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: BIG RAPIDS PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7775540
    Abstract: The present invention describes a non-rotating bicycle wheel display assembly that remains absolutely upright in relation to the rotation of a bicycle wheel and in relation to a parked bicycle wheel. The invention consists of a pair of disk assemblies mounted to both sides of a conventional bicycle wheel and in turn, to the front and rear of a bicycle frame. The disk assemblies are manufactured of a light weight inexpensive material that is formed to the convex shape of an outer surface of the bicycle wheel and includes a bearing assembly made of a high density, self lubricating plastic. A plastic retaining mechanism is secured to an outer disk and a bicycle frame member to hold the outer disk in an upright position at all times whether the bicycle is in motion or stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventors: Scott James Young, Mark Eugene Young, Todd Harrison Hutcheson
  • Patent number: 7669940
    Abstract: An adaptable wheel assembly, comprises an integral wheel and a cover member removably attached to the wheel. A disk portion of the wheel is formed without decorative openings therethrough and has an angularly uniform outer surface. The disk portion of the wheel has first threaded holes provided adjacent a rim portion of the wheel, while a hub portion thereof includes at least one second threaded hole provided adjacent a pilot bore of the wheel. The cover member has a plurality of first holes aligned with the first threaded holes and at least one second hole aligned with the at least one second threaded hole. First threaded fasteners extend through the first holes to engage the first threaded holes, while at least one second threaded fastener extends through the at least one second hole to engage the at least one second threaded hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Sulahian Diko
  • Patent number: 7651171
    Abstract: A cap assembly for a wheel including a cup-shaped cap member having a plurality of annular ridges disposed around a circumference thereof, and a retainer ring having a plurality of axially extending flange portions disposed around a circumference thereof. The retainer ring is slidably coupled to the cup-shaped member, the axially extending flange portions are angled relative to a position normal to the ring, and the plurality of axially extending flange portions correspond to the plurality of annular ridges. When the cap assembly is inserted into the wheel, the retainer ring slides along the cup-shaped member and the annular ridges force the axially extending flange portions to the position normal to the ring to attach the flange portions to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Kinslow, Jack H. Preston, Trevor L. Enge, Edward G. Bajek, Paul J. Leibold, Dave Slone, Eric Krupitzer
  • Publication number: 20080272643
    Abstract: The present invention describes a non-rotating display bicycle wheel cover assembly that remains absolutely upright in relation to the rotation of the bicycle wheel and in relation to a parked bicycle wheel. The invention consists of twin disk assemblies mounted to both sides of a conventional bicycle wheel and inturn to the front and rear of a bicycle frame. The disk assemblies are manufactured of lightweight inexpensive material that is formed to the convex shape of the outer surface of a bicycle wheel and includes an overmolded, captive friction bearing made of a high density, self lubricating plastic. A plastic retaining mechanism is secured to the outer disk fascia and a bicycle frame member to hold the disk in an upright position at all times whether the bicycle is in motion or in repose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Scott James Young, Mark Eugene Young, Todd Harrison Hutcheson
  • Patent number: 7416260
    Abstract: The vehicle wheel cover retention system comprises a wheel formed from a suitable material and including a first hub hole provided therein. The first hub hole has a retention member formed in a generally axially extending portion thereof. The wheel cover is formed from a suitable material and includes a second hub hole provided therein. The second hub hole includes an annular axially extending segmented projection. The segmented projection includes a plurality of first tabs and a plurality of second tabs. The plurality of second tabs include a chamfered outer circumferential surface and a shoulder provided thereon. During assembly, the chamfered outer circumferential surface of the plurality of second tabs deflect radially inwardly as the wheel cover is initially installed and moved toward the retention member and then as the wheel cover is further advanced the second tabs move radially outward to enable the shoulder to engage the retention member to thereby secure the wheel cover to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Cuevas, Gary Wehrwein, John Hoyle
  • Patent number: 7347502
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel, a wheel cover, and a shaft for connecting the wheel cover to the wheel. The wheel defines a rotational axis. The wheel includes a central hub and a rim connected to and radially spaced from the central hub. The wheel cover includes a central portion that defines central opening and a plurality of spokes radiating from the central portion. Each spoke curves toward the rim of the wheel so that a portion of each spoke is spaced from the central hub of the wheel in a direction that is parallel to the rotational axis. A shaft connects the wheel to the wheel cover. The central opening of the wheel cover receives the shaft and the wheel cover is adapted to cooperate with one of the shaft and the wheel such that the wheel cover is fixed to the wheel so that the wheel cover does not rotate independently of the shaft and the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventors: Eric Scott Courtney, Shawn Le-Curt Ian Harris
  • Patent number: 7300116
    Abstract: A center lock for a wheel cover of a wheel assembly that includes a wheel cover and a wheel. The wheel includes a recessed hub area that is surrounded by an annular wall having a protrusion formed therein. The wheel cover is configured to engage the protrusion and thereby lock the center of the wheel cover onto the wheel. The wheel assembly may also include a rim lock by providing a recess in the outer periphery of the wheel and a lip in the outer periphery of the wheel cover that is configured to engage the recess in the outer periphery of the wheel. The wheel assembly can include a central cap that includes clasp elements which engage the protrusion formed in the annular wall of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: McKechnie Vehicle Components (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Bruce, Kent Wellhoff
  • Patent number: 7246860
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Gary R Seitz
  • Publication number: 20060261665
    Abstract: A decorated wheel is depicted having a permanent stylized cover comprising: a base wheel; an intermediate coat made from a low-density polymer attached on the outer face of the base wheel; and a stylized cover permanently attached on the intermediate layer; the stylized cover has a shape, color, and brightness according to a previously established design, is made from a thermoformable polymer such as bisphenol A polycarbonate o the copolymers thereof, or is made from stainless steel; if the stylized cover is made from bisphenol A polycarbonate or the copolymers thereof, it has a class “A” finish on its surface; also, a process to manufacture the decorated wheel with a stylized permanent cover is depicted and, in the process, the stylized cover and the base wheel form a closed chamber where the intermediate layer made from the low-density polymer is encapsulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: CID, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION Y DESARROLLO TECNOLOGICO, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Ivan Gomora-Camargo, Isidro Gomez-Tellez, Jose Cendejas-Maciel, Luis Mille-Loera, Edgar Espinoza-Rodriguez, Alfonso Gonzalez-Montiel
  • Patent number: 7055915
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: ZZYYXX Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 6991299
    Abstract: A wheel cladding assembly includes a wheel having a disk and a rim complementary to the disk, wherein the disk and the rim include and outer surface, and wherein the rim includes an outer edge extending circumferentially about the rim. The wheel assembly also includes a ring-shaped flange member, and a wheel cladding member having a central portion and an outer periphery complementary to the central portion, wherein the outer periphery includes a circumferentially-extending channel that receives the flange member therein. The channel member is operably coupled to the wheel such that the central portion of the cladding member is aligned with at least a portion of the disk of the wheel, the periphery of the cladding member is aligned with at least a portion of the rim of the wheel, and the channel of the wheel cladding is located substantially proximate the outer edge of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory R. Hauler
  • Publication number: 20050269864
    Abstract: The Wheel and Rim Bumper is an attachable accessory to a vehicle for purposes of protecting and decoration the wheels of the vehicle. The invention is designed to be a cost effective solution to protect the vehicle?s value and enhance the vehicle?s look.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventor: Derek Tong
  • Patent number: 6942302
    Abstract: Wheel covers are removably attached to a spoked wheel vehicle to provide, identity, protection, illumination and audible sound for safety and pride of ownership. The wheel covers are shaped as disks placed on opposite sides of a wheel. Fasteners on each disk engage the spokes of the wheel to secure the wheel covers in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: DTA, LLC
    Inventors: Paul E. Osterlund, Derek T. Amendola, Dion Amendola
  • Patent number: 6860568
    Abstract: A wheel cover is constructed to include an inner cap for covering a vehicle wheel, the inner cap having back mounting lugs for fastening to a wheel rim. The inner cap has a plurality of through holes and a plurality of stub barrels around the through holes protruding inwardly. An outer cap is adapted to cover the inner cap, the outer cap having a plurality of cylindrical mounting rods protruding inwardly and inserted into the through holes of the inner cap. A plurality of screws equipped with a washer is fastened to the mounting rods of the outer cap and a compression spring surrounds each mounting rod and is mounted in each stub barrel between the inner cap back wall and the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitch Nunes
  • Patent number: 6805413
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: KMC Wheel Company
    Inventor: Kevin Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 6779852
    Abstract: A composite wheel assembly includes a wheel having a trim ring, a cladding, and a hubcap attached to the wheel. The wheel includes a disc and a rim flange circumscribing the disc with the disc and rim flange defining an outboard surface of the wheel. A trim ring mounts to and radially locates with respect to the rim flange and radially extends inward toward the disc. The cladding mounts to and radially locates with respect to the disc and radially extends outward toward the rim flange. The cladding overlaps the trim ring so that a continuous bright appearance extends across the entire outboard surface of the composite wheel assembly and so that any radial dimensional variation in the trim ring and cladding is taken up by the overlapping relationship therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lacks Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry Van Houten, Eldean Weidmayer, Gregory R. Hauler
  • Patent number: 6726290
    Abstract: A wheel cover in the invention has a wheel cover body including fixing bases fixed thereon and each having at least one first hook hole; securing members connected to the fixing bases and each having at least one second hook hole; springs each having both ends for respectively hooking into each of the first hook holes and each of the corresponding second hook holes, whereby the securing members can be connected to the fixing bases and moved to and fro under the resilience of the springs so that in case that a tire of an automobile is forcedly deformed to jostle against the wheel cover while the automobile is driven on a rough road or runs over hard objects, the wheel cover body can follow the resilient to-and-fro movements of the securing members to prevent the wheel cover from coming off or being burst out of a wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Huang Tsai Li Yue
  • Patent number: 6712432
    Abstract: A wheel cover (20) that simulates a high profile automotive wheel and tire. The wheel cover (20) includes a base mounting plate (26) that is removably attached to a wheel (22) using conventional methods. A face plate (38), which is configured to partially cover the tire sidewall as well as a central portion of a wheel, is positioned on top of the base mounting plate (26). The mounting plate (26) is attached to the face plate (38) in a spring-loaded manner, which continually urges the face plate (38) to be in contact with the side wall of the tire (24). The spring-loading arrangement permits the face plate (38) to yield when the tire bulges due to weight induced distortion or road hazard impact. The face plate (38) gives way at the tire bulge and yet retains contiguous engagement with the tire. When attached, the face plate (38) extends outward from the wheel's outer perimeter and over a portion of the tire's sidewall, thus producing the appearance of a high profile wheel and tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: John C. Cheng
  • Patent number: 6688703
    Abstract: A wheel rim cover includes a cover body and a decorative cover combined at an outer side of the cover body. The cover body has a plurality of fixing members protruding sidewise on an inner surface spaced apart equidistantly in a circle and fixed with a circular ring. The cover body has a plurality of hollow tubes, and a coil spring fitting around each hollow tube. The decorative cover has a diameter larger than that of the cover body, and a plurality of threaded rods standing sidewise on an inner surface with a washer and a nut. The threaded rods directly extend through the hollow tubes and the coil springs, engaging the nuts to press the coil springs. Thus the wheel cover has an elevated effect of visual appearance and a shock-absorbing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Chu-Li Wang
  • Patent number: 6669305
    Abstract: In a wheel cap structure of the present invention, a wheel cap is formed by, for example, a wheel cap main body and concealing portion pieces. The concealing portion pieces are engaged with and mounted to reverse surface sides of design holes formed in the wheel cap main body, and function to conceal a wheel portion, which includes punched holes of a steel wheel, such that the wheel portion cannot be seen from an exterior. Further, the concealing portion pieces are mounted such that gaps for cooling are formed between the concealing portion pieces and the wheel cap main body. Accordingly, a performance of cooling the steel wheel is ensured. Namely, the present invention provides the wheel cap structure in which, even if the design holes are made large, appearance of a vehicle is not deteriorated, and further, the performance for cooling the wheel is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Takashi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6575537
    Abstract: A double deck wheel cover includes an inner part, and an outer part. The inner part is detachably fitted on a central portion of a wheel. The outer part has spaced connecting plates projecting from the inner side through corresponding slots of the inner part. Tension springs are connected to the connecting plates at outer ends. Inner ends of the springs are connected to a steel ring secured to the inner part. The outer part has a larger diameter than the outer part so that an outer edge thereof covers a portion of a lateral side of a tire joined to the wheel, thus reducing thickness of visible portion of the tire lateral side to make the tire to look like a sport tire that has a relatively low aspect ratio, i.e. the proportion of the thickness of the lateral portion to the width of the tread of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Johnny Wang
  • Publication number: 20030038529
    Abstract: A fixing holder for a wheel cover, relates to a curved plate having an arch at its middle section, two fixing plates extending from both lower ends of the arch, a screw eye provided in the top of the arch, and two insertion holes each respectively provided in the fixing plates at a distance equal to that of two neighboring genuine bolts supplied with the genuine wheel shaft. At least two fixing holders are used for each having its two insertion holes to meet two genuine bolts at symmetrical extremes that penetrate through the wheel shaft to lock up the wheel to the wheel shaft, and the two fixing holders being locked up to genuine bolts by means of thin nuts so that two penetration holes each provided in the wheel cover in relation to the screw eye in the top of the arch of the fixing holder for the wheel cover to be directed fixed into the wheel with a bolting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Long-Chuan Hsu, Lung-Hung Hsu, Gary E. Adamson