Wheel warmer

Abstract

To provide a wheel warmer capable of suppressing a radical temperature decrease of a heated tire.SOLUTION: A wheel warmer includes a cover part covering one side surface of a wheel and a heating element disposed inside the over part and heating by electric conduction. The cover part has an annular shape and is provided with a slit which cuts the annular shape from an inner diameter part to an outer diameter part and a connection part uniformly forming an open state and a closed state of the slit. Also, the cover part is configured by sewing the outer diameter part and the inner diameter part together in the state that an inner cover part configuring the inside surface facing the side of the wheel, an outer cover part configuring an outside surface, and a felt cover part put between the inside cover part and the outside cover part are overlapped. The heating element is disposed between the inside cover part and the felt cover part, and a lead wire connecting the heating element and a plug cord is disposed between the outside cover part and the felt cover part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel warmer that assists in warming the tires of a motorcycle.

Background Art

[0002] Since racing tires are highly temperature-dependent, they need to be warmed to an appropriate operating temperature before starting to run. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a tire warmer that warms the tire by covering and attaching to the outer periphery of the tire of a motorcycle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although the tire warmer of Patent Document 1 can warm the tire surface, there is a problem that heat of the tire is easily released through the wheel in low temperature or strong wind conditions.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a wheel warmer that can suppress a temperature drop of a warmed tire by warming the wheel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a first disclosure is applied to a wheel warmer. The wheel warmer includes a cover portion that covers at least a part of one side surface of the wheel, and a heating element that is disposed inside the cover portion and generates heat by energization.

[0007] The second disclosure has the following further features in the first disclosure. The cover part has an annular shape having an outer diameter part forming an outer diameter and an inner diameter part forming an inner diameter. The cover part includes a cut part that divides the annular shape from the inner diameter part toward the outer diameter part, and a connection part that alternatively forms an open state and a closed state of the cut part.

[0008] The third disclosure has the following further features in the second disclosure. The cover part is configured by sewing the outer diameter part and the inner diameter part in a state where an inner cover part constituting an inner surface facing the wheel side, an outer cover part constituting an outer surface on the opposite side of the inner surface, and a felt cover part sandwiched between the inner cover part and the outer cover part are overlapped. The heating element is disposed between the inner cover part and the felt cover part, and a lead wire connecting the heating element and the plug cord is disposed between the outer cover part and the felt cover part.

[0009] The fourth disclosure has the following further features in the third disclosure. The wheel warmer further includes a pilot lamp that always lights up during energization to the plug cord.

[0010] The fifth disclosure has the following further features in the third or fourth disclosure. The heating element is constituted by a heater wire. The cover part includes a plurality of stitching parts that radially stitch the inner cover part and the felt cover part from the inner diameter part toward the outer diameter part in a range where a gap is opened from the inner diameter part and the outer diameter part. The heater wire is configured to meander between the plurality of stitching parts.

[0011] The sixth disclosure has the following further features in any one of the first to fourth disclosures. The heating element is constituted by a planar heating element.

[0012] The seventh disclosure has the following further features in any one of the first to fourth disclosures. The wheel warmer further includes a thermostat that adjusts the temperature of the heating element to a set temperature.

[0013] The eighth disclosure has the following further features in the seventh disclosure. The thermostat includes a thermostat with a temperature adjustment function capable of adjusting the set temperature to any temperature.

[0014] The ninth disclosure has the following further features in the eighth disclosure. The wheel warmer further includes a thermal pilot lamp that lights up during energization of the heating element.

[0015] The tenth disclosure has the following further features in any one of the second to fourth disclosures. The cover part further includes a bag-sewn part sewn along the inner diameter of the annular shape, and an elastic member passed through the inside of the bag-sewn part.

[0016] The eleventh disclosure has the following further features in any one of the second to fourth disclosures. The cover part is provided with locking parts for joining with the tire warmer at a plurality of locations along the outer diameter of the annular shape.

[0017] The twelfth disclosure has the following further features in the third or fourth disclosure. The cover part further includes a heat insulating member attached to the outer surface.

[0018] The thirteenth disclosure is applied to a wheel warmer. The wheel warmer includes a belt-shaped tire cover part that covers the tread surface of the tire, a pair of wheel cover parts joined to both edge parts along the longitudinal direction of the tire cover part, a first heating element arranged inside the tire cover part and generating heat by energization, a second heating element arranged inside the pair of wheel cover parts and generating heat by energization, and a single plug cord that supplies electric power from an external power source to both the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0019] The 14th disclosure has the following further features in the 13th disclosure. The pair of wheel cover parts includes a pair of first wheel cover parts in a semi-circular ring shape and a pair of second wheel cover parts in a semi-circular ring shape that combine with the first wheel cover parts to form an annular shape. The pair of first wheel cover parts and the pair of second wheel cover parts are joined to the tire cover part at positions where an annular shape is formed when the tire cover part is wound around the tire.

[0020] The 15th disclosure has the following further features in the 2nd disclosure. It has an annular shape with an inner diameter part forming a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the cover part and an outer diameter part forming a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the cover part, and is provided with an auxiliary cover part having a cut part that divides the annular shape from the inner diameter part toward the outer diameter part. The auxiliary cover part is configured to be detachably coupled via a hook-and-loop fastener along the inner diameter part of the cover part.

[0021] The 16th disclosure has the following further features in the 1st disclosure. In a state where each of the pair of cover parts is arranged to cover both side surfaces of the wheel, it further includes one or a plurality of string-like elastic members whose one end side is coupled to the outer surface of one cover part and the other end side is coupled to the outer surface of the other cover part.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the wheel warmer of the 1st disclosure, since the wheel can be heated, it is possible to suppress the degree to which the heat of the tire is dissipated through the wheel. Thereby, it becomes possible to shorten the heating time of the tire and suppress the temperature drop after heating.

[0023] According to the wheel warmer of the second disclosure, the cut portion can be opened and the cover portion of the wheel warmer can be installed inside the brake rotor or inside the swing arm. As a result, the wheel warmer can be installed close to the wheel, improving the heating efficiency. Also, the wheel can be heated while avoiding parts that need to be kept away from heat.

[0024] According to the third disclosure, the inner side of the inner cover portion can be efficiently heated while suppressing overheating of the outer cover portion and the lead wire.

[0025] According to the wheel warmer of the fourth disclosure, it is possible to prevent forgetting to unplug the plug cord inserted into an external power supply.

[0026] According to the wheel warmer of the fifth disclosure, since the heater wire is routed in a meandering shape, the wheel can be heated quickly and evenly.

[0027] According to the wheel warmer of the sixth disclosure, the wheel can also be heated evenly by a planar heating element.

[0028] According to the wheel warmer of the seventh disclosure, the wheel can be heated to a set temperature.

[0029] According to the wheel warmer of the eighth disclosure, the set temperature can be set to any temperature.

[0030] According to the wheel warmer of the ninth disclosure, it is possible to confirm whether the heating is in progress by means of a thermo pilot lamp.

[0031] According to the wheel warmer of the tenth disclosure, the gap between the inner diameter portion and the hub of the wheel can be closed, so that the heating efficiency of the wheel can be enhanced.

[0032] According to the wheel warmer of the eleventh disclosure, the wheel warmer can be joined to the tire warmer, improving the convenience for the user.

[0033] According to the wheel warmer of the 12th disclosure, the cover part can be protected from the overheated brake rotor.

[0034] According to the wheel warmer of the 13th disclosure, the tire and the wheel can be efficiently heated by the wheel warmer in which the tire cover part is integrated with the wheel cover part. Further, since the tire and the wheel can be heated by inserting a single plug cord into an external power source, the usability of the user is improved.

[0035] According to the wheel warmer of the 14th disclosure, since the wheel cover part is halved, the wheel cover part of the wheel warmer can be installed inside the brake rotor or inside the swing arm. Thereby, since the wheel warmer can be installed close to the wheel, the heating efficiency is improved. Further, the wheel can be heated while avoiding the parts that need to be avoided from heating.

[0036] According to the wheel warmer of the 15th disclosure, even when the hub shape of the wheel is different, the wheel warmer can be mounted on the hub shape of the wheel without a gap.

[0037] According to the wheel warmer of the 16th disclosure, the displacement of the attachment of the cover part can be prevented by the string-shaped elastic member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 9

Figure 10

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Figure 12

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Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, when referring to numbers such as the number, quantity, amount, range, etc. of each element in the embodiments shown below, unless otherwise specified or clearly specified to that number in principle, the present invention is not limited to the mentioned number. Also, the structures, steps, etc. described in the embodiments shown below are not necessarily essential to the present invention, unless otherwise specified or clearly specified to that in principle.

[0040] Embodiment 1. 1-1. Overall configuration As one embodiment of the wheel warmer of the present disclosure, a wheel warmer for warming a wheel of a motorcycle equipped with a highly temperature-dependent tire will be described. Note that the wheel warmer described below is not intended to warm only the wheels of a motorcycle, and can also be widely applied to, for example, the wheels of a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of the outer surface of the wheel warmer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of the inner surface of the wheel warmer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the wheel warmer according to Embodiment 1 in a perspective view. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the cross-sectional structure of the wheel warmer.

[0042] The wheel warmer 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes a cover portion 12, a heater wire 30, and a plug cord 40. The cover portion 12 has an annular shape having an outer diameter portion 12a forming an outer diameter and an inner diameter portion 12b forming an inner diameter. For example, the outer diameter portion 12a has a larger diameter than the rim outer diameter of the target wheel, and the inner diameter portion 12b has a larger diameter than the hub outer diameter of the target wheel. Further, the cover portion 12 has a cut portion 12c that radially divides the annular shape from the outer diameter portion 12a to the inner diameter portion 12b.

[0043] The cover part 12 is formed by overlapping an outer cover part 14 that forms an outer surface, an inner cover part 16 that forms an inner surface, and a felt cover part 18 sandwiched between the outer cover part 14 and the inner cover part 16, and sewing the edges together. Since the outer cover part 14 constitutes the surface exposed to the outside, it is formed of a flame-retardant fabric having water repellency. Examples of such a flame-retardant fabric include Cordura (registered trademark). Since the inner cover part 16 is a surface that contacts the target wheel and becomes hot by the heater wire 30, it is formed of a flame-retardant fabric that is less likely to be damaged and has excellent heat resistance and flame resistance. Examples of such a flame-retardant fabric include meta-aramid fibers typified by Conex (registered trademark). The felt cover part 18 is formed of a felt fabric having excellent heat insulation and heat resistance. Examples of such a felt fabric include carbon felt composed of 100% carbon fiber.

[0044] The cover part 12 includes a connection part 20 that alternatively forms an open state and a closed state of the cut part 12c. The connection part 20 has a rectangular shape and is disposed at a position straddling the cut part 12c. The connection part 20 is sewn to one side of the cut part 12c in the outer cover part 14. Hook-and-loop fasteners 22 as joining members for detachably joining the other side of the cut part 12c and the connection part 20 are respectively attached to the surfaces where they overlap. As the joining member, in addition to the hook-and-loop fastener 22, for example, a known joining means for detachably joining two members such as a snap fastener and a button can be applied.

[0045] The heater wire 30 is a heating element for heating the target wheel. The heater wire 30 is, for example, a nichrome wire. The inner cover part 16 and the felt cover part 18 are sewn together by a plurality of stitching parts 26 that radially extend from the inner diameter part 12b toward the outer diameter part 12a. Note that the plurality of stitching parts 26 are provided in a range where gaps for passing the heater wire 30 are respectively opened from the inner diameter part 12b and the outer diameter part 12a. The heater wire 30 is routed around the entire ring so as to meander between the plurality of stitching parts 26 between the inner cover part 16 and the felt cover part 18.

[0046] The joint portion 34 of the heater wire 30 is connected to one end of the lead wire 32 by a crimping sleeve respectively. The lead wire 32 is routed through between the outer cover portion 14 and the felt cover portion 18 to the vicinity of the wiring lead-out portion 24 provided on the outer cover portion 14. A plug cord 40 for connecting to an external power source is connected to the other end of the lead wire 32. Examples of the external power source include a generator, a mobile battery, etc. The plug cord 40 is led out from the wiring lead-out portion 24 to the outside.

[0047] A pilot lamp 36 is further connected to the connection portion between the lead wire 32 and the plug cord 40. The pilot lamp 36 is constantly lit while the plug cord 40 is connected to the external power source. The pilot lamp 36 is installed so that the light-emitting portion is exposed from the wiring lead-out portion 24.

[0048] The inner diameter portion 12b of the cover portion 12 has a bag-sewn portion formed by bag sewing, and an elastic member 28 is passed through the inside of the bag-sewn portion. The elastic member 28 is exemplified by rubber, for example. The inner diameter portion 12b is configured to be stretchable by the elastic member 28.

[0049] 1-2. Example of installation procedure Next, an example of the installation procedure of the wheel warmer 10 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Note that the installation procedure example shown below is an example and is not limited to this procedure.

[0050] When mounting the wheel warmer 10 on the tire of a motorcycle, first, as a preparation step, put down the stand to lift the tire off the ground. Then, wind and mount the existing tire warmer on the tread surface of the tire.

[0051] Next, peel off the surface fastener 22 of the connection part 20 of the wheel warmer 10 to open the gap of the cut part 12c. Then, pass the wheel hub through the gap of the cut part 12c to the inner diameter part 12b so that the inner cover part 16 of the wheel warmer 10 faces the wheel and the outer cover part 14 faces the inside of the brake rotor or the swing arm, and attach the surface fastener 22 of the connection part 20. Finally, sandwich the outer diameter part 12a of the wheel warmer 10 in the gap between the edge of the tire warmer and the tire. At this time, in order to prevent overheating, ensure that the heater wire 30 of the wheel warmer 10 does not overlap the heater wire of the tire warmer. The above mounting operation is performed on both side surfaces of the wheel respectively.

[0052] According to such a mounting procedure, since the entire wheel is covered by the wheel warmer 10, the wheel can be heated efficiently. Also, by mounting in combination with the tire warmer, the tire and the wheel can be completely covered by the tire warmer and the wheel warmer 10.

[0053] 1-3. Modification The wheel warmer 10 of the present embodiment may adopt the following modified embodiments. Note that the following modifications can also be applied to the wheel warmers of other embodiments described later.

[0054] 1-3-1. Cover part 12 The cover part 12 is not limited to an annular shape as long as it can cover the rim of the target wheel, and may be a polygonal shape such as a square or an equilateral triangle. According to such a configuration, by using the wheel warmer 10 having a shape suitable for the external shape of the motorcycle, for example, the workability when connecting the left and right wheel warmers 10 to each other can be improved, and the gap between the wheel warmer 10 and the tire warmer can be avoided. Also, in the case of a wheel mounted on a single-sided swing arm, the inner diameter part 12b may not be provided, and the cut part 12c may not be provided either as long as it is for mounting on the wheel surface on the side opposite to the swing arm.

[0055] Alternatively, the cover part 12 may have an outer shape that can cover at least the periphery of the hub in the area inside the rim of the target wheel. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to intensively heat at least the hub of the target wheel.

[0056] In addition, the inner cover part 16 of the wheel warmer 10 may be mounted so as to cover the front fork, brake caliper, and brake disc and face the wheel. According to such an example of mounting, it becomes possible to heat not only the wheel but also the front fork, brake caliper, and brake disc simultaneously.

[0057] The outer diameter part 12a of the cover part 12 may be provided with locking parts for fixing to the tire warmer at a plurality of locations within a range overlapping with the tire warmer. Examples of such locking parts include button holes, snap fasteners, surface fasteners, etc. According to such a configuration of the locking part, the wheel warmer 10 can be fixed without being sandwiched between the tire warmer and the tire.

[0058] Immediately after traveling, the brake rotor may be overheated to a high temperature. Therefore, the cover part 12 may have a heat insulating member attached to the outer surface of the outer cover part 14 in preparation for the situation of mounting the wheel warmer 10 immediately after traveling. FIG. 5 is a view of the outer surface of the wheel warmer as a modified example. In the example shown in this figure, partial annular heat insulating members 60 are attached at a plurality of locations along the brake rotor. There is no limitation on the shape and quantity of the heat insulating members 60. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to protect the outer cover part 14 of the wheel warmer 10 from high temperatures.

[0059] 1-3-2. Heater wire 30 The wheel warmer 10 uses a heater wire 30 as a heating element, but a planar heating element may also be used. As the planar heating element, for example, a silicon rubber heater configured by arranging heating wires such as nichrome wires in a spiral shape and covering them with a silicon rubber sheet can be used. When a planar heating element is used for the wheel warmer 10, the planar heating element is arranged so as to be spread over, for example, the entire ring shape between the inner cover portion 16 and the felt cover portion 18. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent local overheating and heat the wheel evenly.

[0060] 1-3-3. Thermostat The wheel warmer 10 may further include a thermostat. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a modified wheel warmer in a perspective view. In the example shown in this figure, a thermostat 50 is arranged in the middle of the lead wire 32. The thermostat 50 is configured such that the power supply is cut off when the set temperature determined by the product specifications is reached. The set temperature is, for example, 80°C. There is no limitation on the type of the thermostat 50. Also, like the wheel warmer 10 of the modified example shown in this figure, a thermal pilot lamp 52 that lights up in conjunction with the energization by the thermostat 50 may be further provided. In this case, the thermal pilot lamp 52 is connected in series with the thermostat 50 in the middle of the lead wire 32. The thermal pilot lamp 52 is installed, for example, so that the light emitting portion is exposed from the wiring lead-out portion 24. According to the wheel warmer 10 having such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the target wheel from being overheated beyond the set temperature.

[0061] 1-3-4. Thermostat with Temperature Adjustment The thermostat applied to the wheel warmer 10 may be a thermostat with temperature adjustment that can be adjusted to any temperature by the user. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a wheel warmer of another modification in perspective. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the cross-sectional structure of a wheel warmer of another modification. In the example shown in this figure, a thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment is arranged in the middle of the lead wire 32. The thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment is arranged to be exposed on the surface of the outer cover portion 14 and is connected to the plug cord 40. The thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment includes a temperature sensor 56 arranged between the felt cover portion 18 and the inner cover portion 16. The thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment is configured to cut off the power supply when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 56 reaches the user's set temperature. Note that the structure of the thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment is not limited. According to the wheel warmer 10 having such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the target wheel from being overheated beyond an arbitrary set temperature.

[0062] Embodiment 2. Next, the wheel warmer according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0063] 2-1. Features of the wheel warmer according to Embodiment 2 The wheel warmer 10 according to Embodiment 2 is characterized by a structure integrated with a tire warmer. FIG. 9 is a schematic external view of the inner surface of the tire warmer integrated wheel warmer according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic external view of the outer surface of the tire warmer integrated wheel warmer according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the tire warmer integrated wheel warmer according to Embodiment 2 in perspective.

[0064] The tire warmer integrated wheel warmer 10 of Embodiment 2 includes a strip-shaped tire cover portion 70, a pair of wheel cover portions 80, heater wires 30a and 30b, a single plug cord 40, and a thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment. The tire cover portion 70 has a length such that the longitudinal ends overlap when wound around the tread surface of the tire. Surface fasteners 72 for detachably fixing the ends to each other are attached to both longitudinal ends of the tire cover portion 70.

[0065] Similar to the cover portion 12 of Embodiment 1, the tire cover portion 70 has a three-layer structure in which an outer cover portion, a felt cover portion, and an inner cover portion are overlapped. The felt cover portion and the inner cover portion of the tire cover portion 70 are stitched together by a plurality of stitching portions 74 parallel to the short direction. The heater wire 30a as the first heating element is routed throughout the tire cover portion 70 so as to meander between the plurality of stitching portions 74 between the felt cover portion and the inner cover portion.

[0066] The wheel cover portion 80 includes a first wheel cover portion 80a and a second wheel cover portion 80b which are formed by dividing the cover portion 12 of Embodiment 1 in half into a semi-annular shape. The first wheel cover portion 80a and the second wheel cover portion 80b form an annular shape when combined. The pair of wheel cover portions 80 are respectively connected to both longitudinal edges of the strip-shaped tire cover portion 70 by a connecting member 82. There is no limitation on the shape of the connecting member 82. At this time, the respective first wheel cover portion 80a and second wheel cover portion 80b are connected at intervals such that an annular shape is formed when the tire cover portion 70 is wound around the tire.

[0067] Rectangular connecting portions 84 extending toward the second wheel cover portion 80b when the tire cover portion 70 is wound around the tire are stitched to both ends of the first wheel cover portion 80a. Surface fasteners 86 for detachably fixing the connecting portion 84 and the second wheel cover portion 80b are attached to the surface where the connecting portion 84 and the second wheel cover portion 80b overlap.

[0068] The wheel cover part 80 has a three-layer structure in which an outer cover part, a felt cover part, and an inner cover part are overlapped, similar to the cover part 12 of the first embodiment. The felt cover part and the inner cover part of the wheel cover part 80 are stitched together by a plurality of stitching parts 26 extending radially along the radial direction. The heater wire 30b as the second heating element is routed through the entire wheel cover part 80 so as to meander between the plurality of stitching parts 26 between the felt cover part and the inner cover part.

[0069] The heater wire 30a routed through the tire cover part 70 has five joint parts 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e arranged at equal intervals. The joint parts 34a, 34c, 34e are respectively connected to a common lead wire 32a. Also, the joint parts 34b, 34d are respectively connected to a common lead wire 32b. The lead wires 32a, 32b are connected to the thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment through between the outer cover part and the felt cover part. Also, the lead wires 32a, 32b are respectively connected to the ends of the heater wire 30b of the first wheel cover part 80a and the second wheel cover part 80b. The thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment is connected to the plug cord 40 and the temperature sensor 56, similar to the thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment of the first embodiment. The plug cord 40 supplies the power of an external power source to the heater wires 30a, 30b.

[0070] According to the wheel warmer 10 configured as described above, by supplying power from a single plug cord 40 to the heater wires 30a, 30b, the tire and the wheel of the motorcycle can be heated simultaneously. Thereby, a plurality of plug cords are not required, and the usability of the user is improved.

[0071] 2-2. Other Modification Examples The wheel warmer 10 of the second embodiment may adopt a modified mode as follows.

[0072] The wheel cover part 80 is not limited in its shape and configuration as long as it is joined to the tire cover part 70. For example, the wheel cover part 80 may be divided into three or more parts, not limited to being divided into two parts, or it may not be divided at all.

[0073] The thermostat applicable to the wheel warmer 10 of the second embodiment is not limited to the thermostat 54 with temperature adjustment, and a thermostat 50 without a temperature adjustment function may also be used. Further, in the wheel warmer 10 of the second embodiment, as long as it is provided with a single plug cord 40, the thermostat is not an essential component.

[0074] Embodiment 3. Next, the wheel warmer of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0075] 3-1. Features of the wheel warmer of Embodiment 3 The wheel warmer of Embodiment 3 is characterized by a structure capable of corresponding to wheels with different hub shapes. FIG. 12 is a schematic external view of the outer surface of the wheel warmer of Embodiment 3. In the wheel warmer shown in FIG. 12, components common to the wheel warmer of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. The wheel warmer 10 of Embodiment 3 includes a cover part 12 and an auxiliary cover part 13. In the cover part 12, a hook-and-loop fastener 12d is attached along the inner diameter part 12b on the side of the outer cover part 14. Also, in the cover part 12, a cord 42 electrically connected to the plug cord 40 is drawn out from the wiring lead-out part 24 to the outside.

[0076] The auxiliary cover part 13 has an annular shape having an outer diameter part 13a forming an outer diameter and an inner diameter part 13b forming an inner diameter. For example, the outer diameter part 13a is made larger in diameter than the inner diameter part 12b of the cover part 12, and the inner diameter part 13b is made smaller in diameter than the inner diameter part 12b of the cover part 12 and larger in diameter than the hub outer diameter of the target wheel. Further, the auxiliary cover part 13 has a cut part 13c that radially divides the annular shape from the outer diameter part 13a to the inner diameter part 13b.

[0077] The auxiliary cover portion 13 is formed by overlapping an outer cover portion that forms an outer surface, an inner cover portion that forms an inner surface, and a felt cover portion sandwiched between the outer cover portion and the inner cover portion, and sewing the edges together. Between the inner cover portion and the felt cover portion, the heater wire 13e as an auxiliary heating element is routed around the entire ring so as to meander between a plurality of stitching portions (not shown). The end of the heater wire 13e is connected to one end side of the cord 13g via a lead wire (not shown). The other end side of the cord 13g is drawn out to the outside. The outer cover portion, the inner cover portion, the felt cover portion, the plurality of stitching portions, the lead wire, and the heater wire 13e of the auxiliary cover portion 13 can be applied with the same materials and structures as, for example, the outer cover portion 14, the inner cover portion 16, the felt cover portion 18, the plurality of stitching portions 26, the lead wire 32, and the heater wire 30 of the cover portion 12.

[0078] An inner diameter portion 13b of the auxiliary cover portion 13 has a bag stitch portion formed by bag sewing, and an elastic member 13f is passed through the inside of the bag stitch portion. The elastic member 13f is exemplified by, for example, heat-resistant rubber.

[0079] Also, a hook-and-loop fastener 13d is attached along the outer diameter portion 13a on the side of the inner cover portion of the auxiliary cover portion 13. The hook-and-loop fastener 13d is connectable to the hook-and-loop fastener 12d of the cover portion 12 and is arranged corresponding to the position of the hook-and-loop fastener 12d of the cover portion 12. FIG. 13 is an external schematic view showing a state in which the auxiliary cover portion is coupled and integrated with the cover portion in the wheel warmer of Embodiment 3. The auxiliary cover portion 13 is detachably coupled to the cover portion 12 by coupling the hook-and-loop fastener 13d to the hook-and-loop fastener 12d of the cover portion 12. Also, the tip of the cord 42 of the cover portion 12 is detachably coupled to the tip of the cord 13g of the auxiliary cover portion 13 via a connector.

[0080] The wheel warmer 10 with the auxiliary cover part 13 integrated with the cover part 12 has an annular shape having an outer diameter part 12a forming an outer diameter and an inner diameter part 13b forming an inner diameter. According to the wheel warmer 10 having such a configuration, it can be used for a hub-shaped wheel corresponding to the inner diameter part 13b having a smaller diameter than the inner diameter part 12b of the cover part 12.

[0081] Further, since the auxiliary cover part 13 is configured to be detachable from the cover part 12, by preparing a plurality of types of auxiliary cover parts 13 having different diameters of the inner diameter part 13b, it is possible to select the auxiliary cover part 13 corresponding to the hub shape of the wheel and couple it to the cover part 12. Thereby, even when the hub shapes of the wheels are different, it is possible to mount the wheel warmer 10 on the hub shape of the wheel without a gap.

[0082] Also, according to the configuration of the wheel warmer 10 of Embodiment 2, by supplying power from the cord 13g to the heater wire 13e disposed inside the auxiliary cover part 13, it is possible to warm the periphery of the hub of the wheel. Further, since the cord 13g is connected to the cord 42 of the cover part 12, power can be supplied from a single plug cord 40 to the heater wire 30 and the heater wire 13e. Thereby, a plurality of plug cords are not required, and the usability of the user is improved.

[0083] 3-2. Modification The wheel warmer 10 of Embodiment 3 may adopt a modified mode as follows.

[0084] The cord 13g drawn out from the auxiliary cover part 13 may be configured as a plug cord connected to an external power source.

[0085] The auxiliary cover part 13 may not be provided with a heating structure using the heater wire 13e. Even in this case, the heat insulation property around the hub can be enhanced by the heat insulation structure of the auxiliary cover part 13.

[0086] Embodiment 4. Next, the wheel warmer of Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0087] 4-1. Features of the wheel warmer of Embodiment 4 The wheel warmer 10 of Embodiment 2 is characterized by an additional fixing structure when mounting the wheel warmer on the wheel. FIG. 14 is a schematic external view of the outer surface of the wheel warmer of Embodiment 4. In the wheel warmer shown in FIG. 14, components common to the wheel warmer of Embodiment 1 are denoted by common reference numerals and their description is omitted. The wheel warmer 10 of Embodiment 4 further includes a string-shaped elastic member 90 in addition to the cover portion 12. The string-shaped elastic member 90 is a flat string-shaped elastic member, and for example, heat-resistant flat rubber is exemplified. Hook-and-loop fasteners 92 are attached to both ends of the string-shaped elastic member 90, respectively.

[0088] Hook-and-loop fasteners 12e for detachably coupling the hook-and-loop fasteners 92 of the string-shaped elastic member 90 are attached to the outer cover portion 14 that constitutes the outer surface of the cover portion 12. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the hook-and-loop fasteners 12e are installed at three equally spaced positions on the same circumference at equal distances from the outer diameter portion 12a toward the center direction.

[0089] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of mounting the wheel warmer of Embodiment 4. FIG. 15 illustrates a state in which the wheel warmer 10 is mounted on a motorcycle 100 with an existing tire warmer 102 mounted on the tire. When mounting the wheel warmer 10 on the tire of a motorcycle, first, as a preparation step, the stand is applied to lift the tire off the ground, and the existing tire warmer 102 is wound around the tread surface of the tire and mounted. Next, a pair of cover portions 12 are respectively mounted on both side surfaces of the wheel according to the procedure described in the wheel warmer 10 of Embodiment 1. At this time, in order to prevent overheating, the heater wire 30 of the wheel warmer 10 is prevented from overlapping the heater wire of the tire warmer 102.

[0090] Next, both ends of the string-like elastic member 90 are coupled to the hook-and-loop fasteners 12e of the pair of cover portions 12, respectively. Typically, the hook-and-loop fastener 92 attached to one end side of the string-like elastic member 90 is coupled to the hook-and-loop fastener 12e of one cover portion 12. After the tire warmer 102 is wound around the outside, the hook-and-loop fastener 92 attached to the other end side is coupled to the hook-and-loop fastener 12e of the other cover portion 12. The string-like elastic member 90 is set to a length that closely adheres to the cover portion 12 and the tire warmer 102 in such a mounting configuration. Such a mounting operation of the string-like elastic member 90 is performed for each of the three hook-and-loop fasteners 12e using three string-like elastic members 90.

[0091] According to the wheel warmer 10 configured as described above, displacement in the mounting of the cover portion 12 can be prevented by the string-like elastic member 90.

[0092] 4-2. Modification The wheel warmer 10 of the fourth embodiment may adopt the following modified aspects.

[0093] There is no limitation on the arrangement and quantity of the hook-and-loop fasteners 12e attached to the cover portion 12. For example, the hook-and-loop fastener 12e may be attached to the outer cover portion 14 constituting the outer surface of the cover portion 12 so as to form an annular shape. Also, there is no limitation on the number of string-like elastic members 90 to be used. Further, one end of the string-like elastic member 90 may be fixed to one of the pair of cover portions 12.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 10 Wheel warmer 12 Cover portion 12a Outer diameter portion 12b Inner diameter portion 12c Notch portion 12d Hook-and-loop fastener 12e Hook-and-loop fastener 13 Auxiliary cover portion 13a Outer diameter portion 13b Inner diameter portion 13c Notch portion 13d surface fastener 13e heater wire 13f telescopic member 13g cord 14 outer cover part 16 inner cover part 18 felt cover part 20 connection part 22 surface fastener 24 wiring lead-out part 26 stitching part 28 telescopic member 30, 30a, 30b heater wire 32, 32a, 32b lead wire 34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e joint part 36 pilot lamp 40 plug cord 42 cord 50 thermostat 52 thermo pilot lamp 54 thermostat with temperature adjustment 56 temperature sensor 60 heat insulation member 70 tire cover part 72 surface fastener 74 stitching part 80 wheel cover part 80a first wheel cover part 80b second wheel cover part 82 connecting member 84 connection part 86 surface fastener 90 string-like telescopic member 92 surface fastener 100 motorcycle 102 tire warmer

Claims

1. A cover portion that covers at least a part of one side surface of the wheel, A heating element that is disposed inside the cover portion and generates heat when energized, A wheel warmer comprising:

2. The cover portion has an annular shape having an outer diameter portion that forms an outer diameter and an inner diameter portion that forms an inner diameter, A cut portion that divides the annular shape from the inner diameter portion toward the outer diameter portion, The wheel warmer according to claim 1, further comprising a connection portion that alternatively forms an open state and a closed state of the cut portion.

3. The cover portion An inner cover portion that constitutes an inner surface facing the side of the wheel, An outer cover portion that constitutes an outer surface on the opposite side of the inner surface, A felt cover portion sandwiched between the inner cover portion and the outer cover portion, The outer diameter portion and the inner diameter portion are sewn together in a stacked state, The heating element is disposed between the inner cover portion and the felt cover portion, A lead wire that connects the heating element and the plug cord is disposed between the outer cover portion and the felt cover portion, The wheel warmer according to claim 2, configured as described above.

4. Further comprising a pilot lamp that always lights up during energization to the plug cord The wheel warmer according to claim 3.

5. The heating element is constituted by a heater wire, The cover portion In a range where a gap is provided from the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion, a plurality of stitching portions are provided that radially stitch the inner cover portion and the felt cover portion from the inner diameter portion toward the outer diameter portion, The heater wire is configured to meander between the plurality of stitching portions. The wheel warmer according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The wheel warmer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating element is constituted by a planar heating element.

7. The wheel warmer further includes a thermostat that adjusts the temperature of the heating element to a set temperature. The wheel warmer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The thermostat includes a thermostat with a temperature adjustment function capable of adjusting the set temperature to an arbitrary temperature. The wheel warmer according to claim 7.

9. The wheel warmer further includes a thermal pilot lamp that lights up during energization of the heating element. The wheel warmer according to claim 8.

10. The cover part includes a bag-sewn portion sewn along the inner diameter of the annular shape, an elastic member passed through the inside of the bag-sewn portion, The wheel warmer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising.

11. The cover part is provided with locking portions for joining with the tire warmer at a plurality of locations along the outer diameter of the annular shape. The wheel warmer according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

12. The cover part further includes a heat insulating member attached to the outer surface. The wheel warmer according to claim 3 or claim 4.

13. A strip-shaped tire cover part that covers the tread surface of the tire, A pair of wheel cover parts respectively joined to both edge parts along the longitudinal direction of the tire cover part; A first heating element disposed inside the tire cover part and generating heat by energization; A second heating element disposed inside the pair of wheel cover parts and generating heat by energization; A single plug cord for supplying power from an external power source to both the first heating element and the second heating element; A wheel warmer comprising the above.

14. The pair of wheel cover parts includes: A pair of first wheel cover parts having a semi-annular shape; A pair of second wheel cover parts having a semi-annular shape that forms an annular shape in combination with the first wheel cover parts, and the pair of first wheel cover parts and the pair of second wheel cover parts are joined to the tire cover part at positions where the annular shape is formed when the tire cover part is wound around the tire. The wheel warmer according to claim 13.

15. An auxiliary cover part having an annular shape with an inner diameter part forming a smaller inner diameter than the inner diameter of the cover part and an outer diameter part forming a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the cover part, and having a cut part that divides the annular shape from the inner diameter part toward the outer diameter part, The wheel warmer according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary cover part is configured to be detachably coupled along the inner diameter part of the cover part via a hook-and-loop fastener.

16. The wheel warmer according to claim 1, further comprising one or more string-like elastic members, one end side of which is coupled to the outer surface of one of the cover parts and the other end side of which is coupled to the outer surface of the other cover part, in a state where each of the pair of cover parts is arranged so as to cover both side surfaces of the wheel.

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