Wheel trim to be attached to a wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel trim for attachment to a wheel, having a radially inward facing surface, referred to as the "facing surface," extending substantially axially, comprising a body including a mounting portion arranged axially aligned with said facing surface of the wheel (20) and radially inward from said surface; and a retention wire (22) carried by said mounting portion, said retention wire (22) having a projection extending radially outward. When the projection is cut, leaving two ends oriented radially inward toward the wheel (20) in a plane parallel to the longitudinal plane and maintained at a predetermined distance, when the distance falls below the predetermined distance, the retention wire (22) releases the mounting portion connected to the wheel (20) and the wheel trim (21) detaches from the wheel (20). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Wheel trim for attachment to a wheel Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel trim designed to be fixed to a wheel. Previous technique

[0002] Wheel trims are decorative elements that cover the wheels of a car.

[0003] Wheel trims are often attached to the wheel using clips or hooks Metallic clips, while widely used, have some drawbacks. For example, metal clips can corrode, making them difficult to remove after prolonged exposure to the elements. Additionally, these clips can sometimes detach accidentally while driving, resulting in the loss of the hubcap.

[0004] Removing a wheel trim may be necessary for various reasons: the wheel trim must be removed to access the wheel and replace it. Wheel trims can get dirty and must be removed for proper cleaning. If the wheel trim is damaged, it must be removed for repair or replacement.

[0005] Removing a wheel trim can be difficult for several reasons. The clip system can be stiff, and force may be required to remove the trim. Corrosion can seize the trim to the rim, making removal even more difficult. If the trim is deformed, it can become stuck in the rim and be difficult to remove.

[0006] Some earlier fastening devices also use screws or nuts to attach the wheel trims. While these methods may offer better security, they can also be more difficult to install and remove, often requiring the use of special tools. Presentation of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a totally innovative approach.

[0008] More specifically, the invention aims to provide an improved fastening that seeks to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a secure fastening method that is easy to install and remove.

[0009] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, by means of a hubcap to be fixed to a wheel, having a surface facing radially inwards, called the "facing surface", extending substantially axially, comprising a body including a mounting part disposed in axial alignment with said facing surface of the wheel and radially offset towards the interior of said surface; and a retaining wire carried by said mounting part, said retaining wire having a projection extending radially outwards, notable in that the projection being cut and leaving two ends oriented radially towards the interior of the wheel in a plane parallel to the longitudinal plane maintained at a predetermined distance, when the distance is below the predetermined distance, the retaining wire releases the mounting part connected to the wheel and the hubcap detaches from the wheel.

[0010] Thanks to these provisions, the arrangement of the retention wire makes it possible to keep the hubcap in position while allowing it to be easily released by a tool.

[0011] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0012] In one embodiment, each end oriented radially towards the inside of the projection is between 0.5 and 1.5 cm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the mounting part includes circumstantially spaced openings radically aligned at positions that correspond to said projections.

[0014] In one embodiment, each end oriented radially towards the inside of the projection has a through hole.

[0015] In one embodiment, each through hole is configured to work with a Circlips clamp (registered trademark) whose ends are round and correspond to the through hole.

[0016] In one embodiment, anti-rotation means to resist a relative circumferential displacement between said hubcap and said wheel.

[0017] In one embodiment, said mounting part includes retention clips for the retention wire.

[0018] In one embodiment, the diameter of the retention wire is between 0.4 and 1.5 mm.

[0019] In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is between 0.5 and 4 cm.

[0020] In one embodiment, said mounting part includes at least one tab locking the body of the wheel trim onto the wheel. Brief description of the figures

[0021] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes and in no way as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Fig. 1 represents a hubcap on a wheel according to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Fig. 2 represents a perspective view of a hubcap according to the prior art;

[0024] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a hubcap according to an example of realization of invention;

[0025] [Fig.4] represents a cross-sectional view of [Fig.1] with a zoomed view;

[0026] Fig. 5 represents four comparative views of the prior art with the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 6 represents the action of a clamp with the retaining wire of the hubcap. Description of the implementation methods

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a hubcap 21 on a wheel 20 according to an example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] A wheel cover 21, also known as a hubcap or wheel cover, is a part usually made of plastic or metal that covers the central hub and fixing nuts of a car wheel 20.

[0030] Wheel trims 21 are often made of ABS plastic (acronym for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or lightweight metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. These materials are chosen for their lightness, durability, and weather resistance.

[0031] A wheel trim 21 is generally circular in shape to fit the wheel 20, with a central hole to allow the hub to pass through. Its size corresponds to that of the rim, covering all or part of the surface of the wheel 20.

[0032] Wheel trims are available in a variety of designs and finishes to match the car's style and the owner's preferences. Some wheel trims have geometric patterns, brand logos, or chrome finishes, while others may be simpler and more discreet.

[0033] To hold the trim 21 in place, it is generally equipped with clips, with a retaining wire 22.

[0034] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a hubcap 21 according to the prior art.

[0036] This figure shows the rear of the trim piece 21 with a wire retention system 22.

[0037] This is a simple but effective mechanism for locking the hubcap 21 on wheel 20.

[0038] The retention wire 22 is generally made of a flexible, corrosion-resistant metal wire.

[0039] It is fixed to the periphery of the trim 21 and terminates with a locking or releasing device.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a hubcap 21 according to an example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] The hubcap shown has a surface facing radially inwards, referred to as the "facing surface". The hubcap comprises a body including a mounting part arranged in axial alignment with said facing surface of the wheel 20 and radially inwards from said surface.

[0042] A retention wire 22 is carried by said mounting part.

[0043] The retention wire 22 has a projection extending radially outwards. The projection is cut and leaves two ends oriented radially towards the inside of wheel 20 in a plane parallel to the longitudinal plane maintained at a predetermined distance.

[0044] When the distance is below the predetermined distance, the retaining wire 22 releases the mounting part connected to the wheel 20 and the hubcap 21 detaches from the wheel 20.

[0045] The retaining wire 22 provides a quick, secure and tool-free method of fixing the wheel trim 21.

[0046] The retention wire 22 is elastic and allows for a constant force during installation to ensure that the hubcap 21 is held on the wheel 20.

[0047] It reduces the risk of accidental loss of the hubcap 21 while driving, thus ensuring a constant aesthetic appearance.

[0048] The use of the retaining wire 22 simplifies the process of mounting and dismounting the trim 21, which can be carried out easily by any user, even without prior experience.

[0049] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of Fig. 1 with a zoomed view.

[0050] This figure incorporates the elements described above.

[0051] It shows the fixing tab of the wheel trim 21 on the wheel 20. The retaining wire 22 holds the tab.

[0052] The retention wire 22 exerts a force of on the leg which is locked in this position.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows four comparative views of the prior art with the present invention.

[0054] This figure shows the difference between the prior art and the present invention.

[0055] The ends of the retention wire 22 each have a through hole for operate with the clamp shown in the following figure.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows the action of a clamp with the retaining wire 22 of the trim piece 21.

[0057] To install the wheel trim 21, the user simply aligns the notches of the wheel trim 21 with the corresponding slots on the wheel 20.

[0058] By firmly pushing the hubcap 21 against the wheel 20, the retention wire 22 automatically locks itself in place by tabs, thus ensuring a secure attachment.

[0059] To remove the trim 21, the user uses a supplied tool with visible pliers to actuate the release device for the retaining wire 22. Arrow F shows the direction of the pliers force.

[0060] By releasing the retaining wire 22, the hubcap 21 can be removed effortlessly, thus facilitating access to the wheel components 20 for maintenance or replacement.

[0061] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached features, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Demands

1. Wheel trim (21) for being fixed to a wheel (20), having a radially inwardly facing surface called the "facing surface", extending substantially axially, comprising a body including a mounting part disposed to be in axial alignment with said facing surface of the wheel (20) and radially inwardly away from said surface;and a retention wire (22) carried by said mounting part, said retention wire (22) having a projection extending axially outwards, characterized in that the projection is cut and leaves two ends oriented radially inwards towards the wheel (20) in a plane parallel to the longitudinal plane maintained at a predetermined distance, each end oriented radially inwards towards the projection has a through hole, each through hole being configured to work with a Circlips (registered trademark) clip whose ends are round and correspond to the through hole, and in that when the distance is below the predetermined distance, the retention wire (22) is configured to release the mounting part connected to the wheel (20) and the hubcap (21) is configured to detach from the wheel (20).

2. Trim (21) according to claim 1, wherein each end oriented radially towards the inside of the projection is between 0.5 and 1.5 cm.

3. Trim (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mounting part comprises circumferentially spaced and radially aligned openings at positions which correspond to said projections.

4. Wheel trim (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wheel trim (21) includes anti-rotation means to resist relative circumferential displacement between said wheel trim (21) and said wheel (20).

5. Trim (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said mounting part includes retaining clips for the retaining wire (22).

6. Trim (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the diameter of the retaining wire (22) is between 0.4 and 1.5 mm.

7. Wheel trim (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined distance is between 0.5 and 4 cm.

8. Wheel trim (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said mounting part comprises at least one tab locking the body of the wheel trim (21) onto the wheel (20).

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