Abstract: An apparatus and method for a motion activated wheel light for a vehicle wheel having an air valve stem. A housing connects the light to the wheel's air valve stem. A power source is positioned within the housing for energizing a light source. A switch is connected to the power source and to the light source so as to energize the light source responsive to rotational motion of the wheel. The housing comprises a material which allows light from the light source to shine through so that it may be seen by a person observing the moving vehicle. The wheel light may comprise a shape for forming a visually perceptible light image when the light source is energized by the motion of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An automatic wheel-driven generating means mainly includes a base fixedly mounted on a wheel around an axle thereof and provided with a centered hollow column and one or more radially extended hollow pipes for each receiving a light-emitting element therein; a winding reel enclosed between left and right magnetic poles and fixedly mounted on the hollow column; and a magnet holder having a cap screwed into a center thereof and being fixedly mounted on the axle. The magnet holder carries magnets and is associated with the winding reel and the magnetic poles without contact with them. When the wheel rotates, the winding reel and the magnetic poles on the base rotate along with the wheel relative to the magnet holder that is unmovably fixed on the axle, so that an induced current is produced to drive the light-emitting elements to emit light beams.

Abstract: An automatic wheel-driven generating means mainly includes a base fixedly mounted on a wheel around an axle thereof and provided with a centered hollow column and one or more radially extended hollow pipes for each receiving a light-emitting element therein; a winding reel enclosed between left and right magnetic poles and fixedly mounted on the hollow column; and a magnet holder having a cap screwed into a center thereof and being fixedly mounted on the axle. The magnet holder carries magnets and is associated with the winding reel and the magnetic poles without contact with them. When the wheel rotates, the winding reel and the magnetic poles on the base rotate along with the wheel relative to the magnet holder that is unmovably fixed on the axle, so that an induced current is produced to drive the light-emitting elements to emit light beams.

Abstract: A self-illuminating pedal assembly comprises a pedal axle, a pedal rotatably mounted around the pedal axle, a magnet securely mounted to the pedal axle, and a permanent-magnet coil securely mounted to the pedal to rotate therewith. At least one light-emitting diode is mounted to the pedal. The permanent-magnet coil is electrically connected to the light-emitting diode and surrounds the magnet. When pedaling, the permanent-magnet coil is rotated relative to the magnet to thereby generate an alternating magnetic field to cause illumination of the light-emitting diode.

Abstract: A vehicle-wheel light assembly (10) that is attached to a tire valve stem (90) projecting from a vehicle wheel (92). The assembly (10) consists of four elements; a housing (12) having an upper section (14) and a lower section (26), a set of batteries (50), a light emitting diode (LED) (60), and a single-pole, single-contact centrifuge switch (70). The housing (12) is dimensioned to enclose all the elements of the assembly (10) with the LED (60) projecting from an upper end (16) of the upper section (14) and with the lower section (26) having a lower end (32) which includes a set of threads (34) dimensioned to be threaded onto the threads of the tire valve stem (90). When the vehicle wheel rotates a centrifugal force is produced which causes the switch (70) to close. The closed switch allows current from the batteries (58) to be applied to and cause the LED (60) to illuminate. When the centrifugal force drops below a predetermined amount, the switch (70) opens causing the LED (60) to stop illuminating.

Abstract: A motor vehicle comprising a lighting device disposed on a motor vehicle; the lighting device configured to emit light and aim at least a portion of the light in the direction of and illuminate a wheel well of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a motion activated wheel light for a vehicle wheel having an air valve stem. A housing connects the light to the wheel's air valve stem. A power source is positioned within the housing for energizing a light source. A switch is connected to the power source and to the light source so as to energize the light source responsive to rotational motion of the wheel. The housing comprises a material which allows light from the light source to shine through so that it may be seen by a person observing the moving vehicle. The wheel light may comprise a shape for forming a visually perceptible light image when the light source is energized by the motion of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An improved compact generator, a light-emitting wheel adopting the same and a manufacturing method are provided. To make a generator compact and light to smoothly perform electromagnetic induction by crossing the directions of magnetic flux of an armature coil and a permanent magnet, an assembly structure including an armature arm and the armature coil is improved. To prevent damage by impact to the permanent magnet and use a rare-earth based permanent magnet in a ring type having the thickness of 1.2 mm in Lanthanides which has a magnetic force 9-10 times stronger than that of a ferrite based permanent magnet but is weak against impacts, a permanent magnet assembly is provided in which the permanent magnet is arranged on a buffer.

Abstract: A lighting device for attaching to a spoked wheel emits light in the direction of the rim of the wheel, and in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel; and which has a housing in an aerofoil shape.

Abstract: A light emitting unit of one or more kinds selected from light sources such as, neon lamp, cold cathode fluorescent lamp, electro luminescence (EL), and light emitting diode (LED) accommodated in a protecting enclosure together with a rectifier circuit, is mounted on a rotating body of an automobile such as a wheel or a tire. Power for illumination is supplied from an extra miniature generator installed on the rotating body converting its rotating kinetic energy into electrical energy by means of a specially designed vane, an eccentric swing block, and a bearing disc with associated transmission gear wheel to continuously supply electricity to the light emitting unit. Both sides of the automobile are therefore well illuminated in a dark environment so as to achieve traffic security and contribute to beautiful night scenery.

Abstract: An illuminating novelty device for a hubcap that includes a primary housing, illuminators, and a generator. The illuminators include a strip of LEDs that extends diametrically across the primary housing.

Abstract: A wheel having an illuminating device includes an illuminating assembly with a ring-shaped magnet located in a center of the illuminating assembly. The ring-shaped magnet has a central hole and two flexible bushes are respectively engaged with the central hole from two sides of the ring-shaped magnet. The ring-shaped magnet is located between two bearings. Two wheel frames clamp the illuminating assembly positioned and a shaft extends through the two flexible bushes. Each of the wheel frames has apertures for receiving the illuminating items.

Abstract: A lighting assembly is detachably mounted in an opening in the wheel well panel of an vehicle. The lighting assembly has a base member with flexible sidewalls and end walls. The base member defines an opening near the first end wall forming a finger pull. A lamp holder is mounted on the base member near the second end wall. A clear lens covers a lamp in the lamp. An extensible power cable is attached to the lamp holder. The lighting assembly detaches from the wheel well to illuminate the wheel when changing a tire.

Abstract: A ground effect light system for roller blade, roller skate, or the like including a power source in the from of a battery pack mounted onto the roller blade or skate boot platform within a removal cartridge. A plurality of lights are mounted in a cartridge insertable within an existing wheel well upon removal of a skate wheel. Lights are emitted from a bulb or preferably LED's contained within a cartridge suspended within the wheel well of the skate platform frame illuminating the skate surface thereunder showing a design, one or more lines, rectangle, or other shapes from inbetween the wheels with light beams of selected colored lights. Upon activation, the lights shine upon the ground below the skater to indicate, highlight, and accent the presence of the roller blade skater.

Abstract: A lighted wheel rim system is provided for illuminating the wheel of a vehicle by projecting visible light through decorative openings disposed within the rim of a tire. The lighted wheel rim system includes a plurality of individual lights or lamps, which, together, form an arrangement which is stimulating and aesthetically pleasing to the human eye. The lighted wheel rim system has two major parts, including a light housing assembly and a lighting assembly. Flange portions on the light housing assembly are configured for mounting to the brake rotor splash guards or brake shield of a vehicle. The flange portions are dimensioned to correspond to the outer curvature, shape, and size of the brake shield and to hold the light housing assembly in spaced apart relation therefrom. Each wheel of a vehicle is configured with a ring of individual lights as an integrated electrical system.

Abstract: A lighted steering wheel for illuminating the steering wheel of a vehicle. The lighted steering wheel includes an outer ring defining a central space has a center. A hub for mounting to a steering column of a vehicle is located in the central space. A plurality of elongate spokes radially extend between the outer ring and the hub in the central space. The outer ring and the spokes comprise a translucent material for permitting the passage of light therethrough. An outer light source is provided in the outer ring. The outer light source has an elongate portion extending into a first of the spokes. A pair of elongate light sources. One of the elongate light sources is provided in a second of the spokes and another of the elongate light sources is provided in a third of the spokes. The outer light source and the elongate light sources are electrically connected together.

Abstract: An activating device for light-emitting wheel comprises a wheel, a sound and light generating circuit, a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of conductive wires. The wheel has a hub at the center of the wheel, a plurality of spokes radially arranged around the hub and a rim arranged around the outer contour of the plurality of spokes. An interspace chamber is formed between two adjacent spokes. The sound and light generating circuit is arranged within one of the interspace chambers. The sound and light generating circuit has a housing case, two conductive plates, an activating element and a top cover on the housing case. The two conductive plates are of the same structure and have slantingly bent bottom portions. The two conductive plates are such mounted on the housing case that a predetermined separation is kept between the two slantingly bent bottom portions thereof.

Abstract: A light system for a vehicle wheel comprising at least one light source, at least one reflective body and an electrical power source operably coupled to the light source. The light source directs light toward the reflective body. In a preferred embodiment several spokes of a spoked wheel are replaced with reflective bodies, and a plurality of LEDs mounted in the inner hub of the spoked wheel direct light toward each reflective body spoke.

Abstract: A wheel lighting system for illuminating a wheel of a vehicle such as an automobile from behind the wheel. The wheel lighting system includes an annular light source and a tubular cover substantially covering the light source. The cover comprises a pair of separable arcuate tubular portions each having a pair of opposite ends and a longitudinal window extending therealong between the ends of the respective tubular portion. A plurality of mounting brackets each having a tubular mounting sleeve at a first end through which the cover is extended to connect the mounting brackets to the cover and light source and such that the longitudinal axes of the mounting brackets extend radially inwards from the cover.

Abstract: The disclosed safety light (15) is designed to provide automatic operation for safety lights placed on rotating assemblies such as wheels, flying disks, and etc. Safety light (15) comprises a battery (20), acceleration/motion sensor (22), photo sensor (24), and illumination device (26) placed substantially in series with one other. Battery(20) provides electromotive power to operate all circuitry. The acceleration/motion sensor(22) is designed to conduct current when a specific acceleration or motion is detected. The photo sensor (24) conducts current when photo detector(25) detects a sufficiently low level of light. When both acceleration sensor(22) and photo sensor(24) are conducting, current will flow and illuminate illumination device(26).

Abstract: A system for illuminating a wheel on a vehicle, the wheel having a concave area adapted for mounting around a wheel hub attached to stationary structure on the vehicle, the vehicle having an electrical power source. The system includes a contact ring that includes a circular backing ring of an electrically insulating material and a layer of electrically conductive material over the backing ring. The contact ring is flexibly supported from the concave area of the wheel where a contact brush mounted from the stationary structure of the vehicle makes contact with the layer of electrically conductive material on the contact ring. At least one electrical light emitting device is electrically connected to the layer of electrically conductive material on the contact ring, so that electrical power from the power source reaches the light emitting device through the contact brush and through the contact ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating rotating wheels are described. The device requires no external power and relies on the rotation of the wheeled power generator located in the hub cap or other mounting area of the wheel. Construction comprises a coil having an axis of rotation, the coil being substantially on the axis of the wheel so that when the wheel rotates, the coil rotates similarly. A magnet is mounted around the coil in such a manner that it is self orienting. This is achieved by means of an asymmetric weight which is of sufficient dimensions and weight so as to counteract the rotational tendencies of the structure to which it is rotatably mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the weight is attached to the magnet by one or more elongated members incorporating compression means which absorb transitory vibrations experienced by the weight during the vehicle's movement.

Abstract: A hubcap assembly having a hubcap for installation onto a wheel. The hubcap having an exterior surface provided with a central recess having first and second grooves on opposite sides of the central recess. The hubcap is also provided with openings with lights positioned thereunder. The plurality of lights are electrically connected to the first and second grooves. A battery pack engagable with and removable from the central recess is provided for supplying power to the plurality of lights. The battery pack has a housing provided with a first and second opening on opposite sides of the housing. First and second open cavities are formed on a top surface of the housing. A battery is secured inside of the housing. First and second electrodes are electrically connected to the battery. The first electrode extending through the first opening and the second electrode extending through the second opening.

Abstract: A wheel carrier 10 for a spare wheel 56 is mounted on the rear door 50 of a motor vehicle. The carrier includes an upwardly extending arm having a stop lamp 14 mounted on its free end. The arm 18 is offset from the rear door 50 so that a wiper arm 54a can pass between the arm 18 and a rear window 52 of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A symmetrical safety light for wheeled vehicles is turned on by relative rotation of a removable plug in a housing that pushes a battery in the housing against the resistance of a spring. The light is turned off by relative rotation of the components in the opposite direction, which allows the spring to push the battery out of contact with a conductor from the light.

Abstract: An illumination device mounted on a wheel powered by a pair of batteries. The device includes first and second containers which are angularly disposed relative to one another. An interconnection exists between the containers to permit electrical contact between the pair of batteries. The first and second containers fit snugly around the axle of the wheel and illuminate a lamp to project light.

Abstract: A lighting device for vehicle wheels for illuminating the inner portion of a wheel. The lighting device includes a generally translucent annular tube that is filled with neon gas for producing light when an electrical charge is introduced. The tube and extends around an outer perimeter of a brake drum such that the light emitted from the tube is visible through the spokes of the rim of a wheel. A plurality of brackets are coupled to the brake drum towards the outer perimeter of the brake drum. Each of the brackets has first and second flange ends. Each of the brackets is bent to form a generally annular eye between the flange ends of the brackets, through which the tube extends. A power source is electrically connected to the tube.

Abstract: A lighting assembly is mounted to a vehicular wheel in such a manner that a plurality of lamps are positioned on the side of the wheel attached to the wheel rim. Wires connect the lamps to a power source mounted onto the wheel rim inside of the tire. A hand-held, or panel mounted remote control device is used to communicate with the power source, which also has a receiver and control circuit. Through this control means, the lights may be made to blink in unison, sequentially or in any manner desired and to change the light output magnitude. An important aspect of the invention is that the apparatus may be fitted to existing vehicles such as cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Abstract: A rotating object such as a wheel, wheel cover, or hubcap includes a lighting arrangement in the form of a super-thin lighting element such as an electro-luminescent or photo-luminescent strip or panel. In the case of an electro-luminescent strip or panel, the power supply is positioned on the rotating object so as not to interfere with rotation of the object, and may include a specially designed spring-based motion sensitive switch which can be deactivated by inserting a straw-like member between the poles of the switch.