Made Of Plural Segments Patents (Class 301/37.106)
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Patent number: 11254160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2021Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Neo Design, LLCInventor: Naje Fattouche
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Patent number: 9724962Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AGInventors: David Pieronek, Axel Grüneklee, Markus Zörnack
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Patent number: 9493031Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stephan Dick, Mike Seidel, Veit Wuerfel
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Publication number: 20150008725Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: CHIAHUA ELEANOR CHOU, CRAIG MASSNER
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Publication number: 20140175858Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gordon M. Platto, David Michael Lechkun, Anthony Lee Meyer, Brad Alan Richards
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Patent number: 8727452Abstract: Improved variable color wheel covers for tractor wheels are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: M Group, Inc.Inventors: David J. Merten, Jay Z. Muchin, Michael Potempa, Brian Potempa
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Patent number: 8579382Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Mark Peschiutta
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Patent number: 8556351Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Inventor: Philip R. Uhlin
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Patent number: 8459752Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Zanini Auto Grup, SAInventor: Martin E. Russell
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Patent number: 8449043Abstract: 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 wType: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.Inventors: Patrick McCorry, Todd Duffield, Thomas E. Heck
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Patent number: 8382211Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Paul W. Renius, Mark A. Voss, Derek L. Patterson
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Publication number: 20120274125Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: Stephan Waldt
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Patent number: 8276992Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Inventor: Greg Smith
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Patent number: 8201894Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Chinavare, Harvey D. Hammond
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Patent number: 8147003Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Big Rapids Products, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Bruce
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Publication number: 20120007415Abstract: 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 wType: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: HAYES LEMMERZ INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Patrick McCorry, Todd Duffield, Thomas E. Heck
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Publication number: 20110163593Abstract: 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 byType: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Thomas E. Heck, Patrick McCorry, Todd Duffield
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Publication number: 20100283312Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: BIG RAPIDS PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Bruce
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Patent number: 7775540Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Inventors: Scott James Young, Mark Eugene Young, Todd Harrison Hutcheson
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Patent number: 7669940Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Inventor: Sulahian Diko
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Patent number: 7651171Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Kenneth A. Kinslow, Jack H. Preston, Trevor L. Enge, Edward G. Bajek, Paul J. Leibold, Dave Slone, Eric Krupitzer
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Publication number: 20080272643Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Scott James Young, Mark Eugene Young, Todd Harrison Hutcheson
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Patent number: 7416260Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.Inventors: Mike Cuevas, Gary Wehrwein, John Hoyle
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Patent number: 7347502Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Inventors: Eric Scott Courtney, Shawn Le-Curt Ian Harris
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Patent number: 7300116Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: McKechnie Vehicle Components (USA), Inc.Inventors: Jeff Bruce, Kent Wellhoff
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Patent number: 7246860Abstract: A wheel insert for removable placement within the apertures of the wheel rim of a vehicle wheel for preventing mud, dirt and debris from entering and blocking the apertures and marring the vehicle wheel includes a tubular body portion insertable into the aperture, a closed end flange engaging the rear surface of the wheel rim, a front flange spaced from the end flange for engaging the front surface of the wheel rim, and a pair of inwardly projecting receiving flanges adjacent the front flange for holding a stiffening and closure member that locks the wheel insert within the aperture and to the wheel rim with the stiffening and closure member having both reflective and decorative elements for enhancing the safety and aesthetic features of the wheel insert by enhancing the visibility of the vehicle wheels at night.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Gary R Seitz
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Publication number: 20060261665Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 7055915Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: ZZYYXX Corp.Inventor: Kevin Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6991299Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Gregory R. Hauler
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Publication number: 20050269864Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2004Publication date: December 8, 2005Inventor: Derek Tong
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Patent number: 6942302Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: DTA, LLCInventors: Paul E. Osterlund, Derek T. Amendola, Dion Amendola
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Patent number: 6860568Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc.Inventor: Mitch Nunes
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Patent number: 6805413Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: KMC Wheel CompanyInventor: Kevin Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6779852Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Lacks Industries, Inc.Inventors: Garry Van Houten, Eldean Weidmayer, Gregory R. Hauler
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Patent number: 6726290Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Huang Tsai Li Yue
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Patent number: 6712432Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventor: John C. Cheng
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Patent number: 6688703Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Chu-Li Wang
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Patent number: 6669305Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Takashi Ichikawa
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Patent number: 6575537Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Inventor: Johnny Wang
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Publication number: 20030038529Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventors: Long-Chuan Hsu, Lung-Hung Hsu, Gary E. Adamson