Aerodynamic Wheel Covers and Wheels

Abstract

The wheel cover has a central portion having a flat surface, a first arcuate portion surrounding the central portion and having a first arcuate surface with a first radius of curvature, and a second arcuate portion surrounding the first arcuate portion and having a second arcuate surface with a second radius of curvature, the second radius of curvature being different from the first radius of curvature. The flat surface, the first arcuate surface, and the second arcuate surface form a continuous and uninterrupted outer surface from the center of the wheel cover to the outermost edge of the wheel cover.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 387,402, filed December 14, 2022. [Background technology]

[0002] Wheel covers are used on heavy truck vehicles to reduce negative aerodynamic effects. Aerodynamic wheel covers are useful for reducing wind resistance and improving fuel economy. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] A wheel cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has, among other things, a central portion having a flat surface, a first arcuate portion surrounding the central portion and having a first arcuate surface with a first radius of curvature, and a second arcuate portion surrounding the first arcuate portion and including a second arcuate surface with a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature, wherein the flat surface, the first arcuate surface, and the second arcuate surface form a continuous and uninterrupted outer surface from the center of the wheel cover to the outermost edge of the wheel cover.

[0004] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned wheel cover, the ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is in the range of 1-2.

[0005] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel covers, the ratio is less than or equal to 1.5.

[0006] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel covers, the center of the wheel cover defines a reference line and the plane extends perpendicular to the reference line.

[0007] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel covers, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are measured from a position that is offset from a reference line.

[0008] In further non-limiting embodiments of any of the aforementioned wheel covers, the central portion comprises a first percentage of the surface area, the first arcuate portion comprises a second percentage of the surface area, the second arcuate portion comprises a third percentage of the surface area, the first percentage of the surface area being greater than the second percentage of the surface area, and the first percentage of the surface area being greater than the third percentage of the surface area.

[0009] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel covers, the third percentage of the surface area is greater than the second percentage of the surface area.

[0010] A wheel assembly according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a wheel having a rim configured to support a tire, and a wheel cover positioned to cover a laterally outward-facing surface of the wheel, the wheel cover having a central portion having a planar surface, a first arcuate portion surrounding the central portion and having a first arcuate surface with a first radius of curvature, and a second arcuate portion surrounding the first arcuate portion and having a second arcuate surface with a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature, the planar surface, the first arcuate surface, and the second arcuate surface forming a continuous and uninterrupted outer surface from the center of the wheel cover to the outermost edge of the wheel cover.

[0011] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned wheel assembly, the outermost periphery of the wheel cover is approximately equal to the diameter of the rim.

[0012] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel assemblies, the continuous and uninterrupted outer surface of the wheel cover completely covers the laterally outward facing surface of the wheel.

[0013] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel assemblies, the central portion and at least the first arcuate portion extend laterally outward from the outer edge of the tire.

[0014] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel assemblies, the rim has a standoff surrounding the lug tower region, the central portion and at least the first arcuate portion extending laterally inward of the standoff.

[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel assemblies, the rim comprises the outermost lateral surface of the wheel.

[0016] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel assemblies, the laterally outward-facing surface of the wheel includes an outwardly-facing curved surface that extends outwardly of the rim, the outwardly-facing curved surface having a radius of curvature that matches the second radius of curvature.

[0017] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel assemblies, the outer edge of the second arcuate portion is received immediately adjacent to the outermost edge of the outwardly facing curved surface such that the outermost peripheral edge of the wheel cover is flush with the outwardly facing curved surface.

[0018] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing wheel assemblies, the outwardly facing curved surface has an arcuate length that is greater than the arcuate length of the second arcuate portion.

[0019] In further non-limiting embodiments of any of the foregoing wheel assemblies, the aerodynamic surface collectively established by the continuous and uninterrupted outer surface of the wheel cover and the outwardly facing curved surface of the wheel extends across the entire area within the perimeter of the rim of the wheel.

[0020] In further non-limiting embodiments of any of the aforementioned wheel assemblies, the wheel cover includes one or more of: a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is within the range of 1 to 2; a center of the wheel cover defines a reference line, a plane extends perpendicular to the reference line, and the first and second radii of curvature are measured from a position offset from the reference line; the central portion comprises a first percentage of a surface area, the first arcuate portion comprises a second percentage of a surface area, and the second arcuate portion comprises a third percentage of a surface area, the first percentage of a surface area being greater than the second percentage of a surface area, the first percentage of a surface area being greater than the third percentage of a surface area, and the third percentage of a surface area being greater than the second percentage of a surface area.

[0021] A method according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, supporting a tire on a rim of a wheel; forming a wheel cover having a central portion having a planar surface, a first arcuate portion surrounding the central portion and having a first arcuate surface with a first radius of curvature, and a second arcuate portion surrounding the first arcuate portion and having a second arcuate surface with a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature, wherein the planar surface, the first arcuate surface, and the second arcuate surface form a continuous and uninterrupted outer surface from a center of the wheel cover to an outermost edge of the wheel cover; and attaching the wheel cover to the wheel to provide a continuous and uninterrupted aerodynamic surface from the wheel cover to the wheel.

[0022] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the method includes forming a rim as the laterally outermost surface of the wheel and covering the entire area within the periphery of the rim with a wheel cover to provide a continuous and uninterrupted aerodynamic surface; or forming a laterally outwardly facing surface of the wheel with a wheel cover having an outwardly extending outwardly curved surface of the rim, the outwardly facing curved surface having a radius of curvature that matches the second radius of curvature; and positioning an outer edge of the second arcuate portion immediately adjacent to the outermost edge of the outwardly facing curved surface such that the outermost peripheral edge of the wheel cover is flush with the outwardly facing curved surface to provide a continuous and uninterrupted aerodynamic surface.

[0023] Various features and advantages of at least one disclosed exemplary embodiment will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerodynamic wheel cover designed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the wheel cover shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing a wheel cover in place on a wheel. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment in which the wheel establishes the outer portion of the aerodynamic surface. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a known wheel configuration compared to the wheel configuration also shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Aerodynamic wheel covers having configurations such as those of the disclosed embodiments are useful for reducing wind resistance and improving fuel economy. The disclosed embodiments are particularly useful for heavy truck vehicles and are so described for illustrative purposes. The disclosed exemplary embodiments and other aerodynamic features like them may also be beneficial when used on other types of vehicles.

[0026] Figures 1-4 show an example of an aerodynamic wheel cover 20, and Figures 5-6 show another example of an aerodynamic wheel cover 120. The outer surfaces 22, 122 of the wheel covers 20, 120 are smooth, continuous, and uninterrupted. In some embodiments, the only interruption in the outer surface 22, 122 is an opening for tire valve access. The outer surface 22 has a central portion 24, a first arcuate portion 26 surrounding the central portion 24, and a second arcuate portion 28 surrounding the first arcuate portion 26.

[0027] A central portion 24 of the outer surface 22 is flat or planar. The central portion 24 of the outer surface extends through the center of the wheel cover 20 and is oriented perpendicular to a reference line 30 that corresponds to the axis of the corresponding wheel when the wheel cover 20 is positioned on the wheel. A first arcuate portion 26 is curved and has a first radius of curvature represented by 32. A second arcuate portion 28 has a second, different radius of curvature represented by 34. The radii of curvature are measured from a location offset from the reference line 30 and the central portion 24 of the outer surface 22.

[0028] The ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is in the range of 1 to 2. In some embodiments, the ratio is approximately 1.5. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first radius of curvature is 7.5 inches, the second radius of curvature is 5.3 inches, and the ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is approximately 1.4.

[0029] Dimensions of the exemplary embodiment include an outer diameter of approximately 23 inches. The central portion 24 of this exemplary embodiment has a diameter of approximately 12 inches and occupies approximately 45% of the surface area of ​​the outer surface 22. The diameter of the central portion may be within a range that allows the central portion 24 to overlap a majority of the area occupied by the lug tower of the wheel to which the cover 20 is attached. For example, the central portion 24 may be configured with a diameter ranging from 11 to 16 inches. The diameter of the central portion 24 is at least large enough to reach over the lug tower of the wheel without extending radially outward so that the slope of the arcuate portions 26 and 28 is too steep and the aerodynamic performance of the cover 20 is compromised.

[0030] The first arcuate portion 26 occupies approximately 20% of the surface area of ​​the outer surface 22. The second arcuate portion 28 occupies approximately 35% of the surface area of ​​the outer surface 22.

[0031] 4 shows the wheel cover 20 positioned on a wheel 40. The outer diameter of the wheel cover 20 (e.g., 23 inches) is approximately equal to the diameter of the wheel's rim 42. Thus, the outer surface 22 of the wheel cover 20 establishes an entire laterally outward-facing surface within the space occupied by the wheel 40.

[0032] The contours of the outer surface 22 provide an aerodynamic advantage over conventional wheel covers. The configuration of the outer surface 22 establishes airflow in the vicinity of the tire 44 that reduces drag or wind resistance. The beneficial airflow dynamics contribute to reduced fuel consumption.

[0033] The central portion 24 and at least the first arcuate portion 26 are located beyond the outer edge of a tire 44 supported on a wheel 40. The lateral position of the central portion 24 is sufficiently spaced relative to the wheel 40 to fit over a lug tower (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, the overall width W (e.g., from right to left in FIG. 3 ) is approximately 3.5 inches. The length of the standoffs 46, which surround the area occupied by the lug tower, is approximately 1.5 inches.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a wheel cover 120. In this example, the wheel cover 120 is constructed as a single piece, although the wheel cover 120 may be constructed from multiple pieces. As shown in FIG. 5 , in this example, the wheel cover 120 sits on a wheel 50 having an outwardly facing curved surface 52 with the same radius of curvature as the second arcuate portion 128, which is the same as the second radius of curvature of the second arcuate portion 28 of the wheel cover 20 described above. The outer edge of the second arcuate portion 128 of this embodiment is received immediately adjacent to the outwardly facing curved surface 52, such that the curved surface 52 establishes a portion of an aerodynamic surface that provides wind resistance or reduces drag. In other words, the second arcuate portion 128 and the curved portion 52 of the wheel cover 120 are identical to the second arcuate portion of the wheel cover 20 described above.

[0035] In this exemplary embodiment, curved surface 52 has an arcuate length that is greater than the arcuate length of second arcuate portion 128 on cover 120. Curved surface 52 extends from rim 54 of wheel 50 to the interface with the outer edge of cover 120. The arcuate length of the curved surface is sufficient to at least occupy the space between rim 54 and a plane containing front mounting surface 56 of wheel 50. In the exemplary embodiment shown, curved surface 52 extends radially inward beyond the minimum required arcuate length.

[0036] The aerodynamic surface collectively established by the outer surface 122 of the wheel cover 120 and the curved surface 52 of the wheel 50 extends over the entire area within the periphery of the rim 54 of the wheel 50 .

[0037] 6 includes a dashed line showing a portion of a known wheel configuration, designated 60. Comparing wheel 50 to such known wheels, it can be seen that curved surface 52 extends laterally outward further than the corresponding section designated by dashed line at 60. The aerodynamic configuration of wheel cover 120 and wheel 50 significantly reduces drag. Additionally, the design of wheel 50 allows for aerodynamic benefits that achieve fuel savings not anticipated by the increased mass of the wheel.

[0038] The foregoing description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this invention. The scope of legal protection given to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 20 Wheel Covers 22 Outer surface 24 Central part 26 First arc-shaped portion 28 Second arc-shaped section 30 Reference Line 40 wheels 42 rims 44 Tires 46 Standoff 50 wheels 52 Outward-facing curved surfaces 54 rims 56 Front mounting surface 120 Wheel Cover 122 External surface 128 Second arc

Claims

1. A wheel cover, a central portion having a planar surface; a first arcuate portion surrounding the central portion and having a first arcuate surface having a first radius of curvature; a second arcuate portion surrounding the first arcuate portion and having a second arcuate surface having a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature; a wheel cover, wherein the plane, the first arcuate surface, and the second arcuate surface form a continuous and uninterrupted outer surface from a center of the wheel cover to an outermost edge of the wheel cover.

2. 2. The wheel cover of claim 1, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is in the range of 1 to 2.

3. 3. The wheel cover of claim 2, wherein the ratio is 1.5 or less.

4. The wheel cover of claim 1 , wherein the center of the wheel cover defines a reference line and the plane extends perpendicular to the reference line.

5. The wheel cover of claim 4 , wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are measured from a position offset from the reference line.

6. 2. The wheel cover of claim 1, wherein the central portion comprises a first percentage of a surface area, the first arcuate portion comprises a second percentage of a surface area, the second arcuate portion comprises a third percentage of a surface area, the first percentage of a surface area being greater than the second percentage of a surface area, and the first percentage of a surface area being greater than the third percentage of a surface area.

7. The wheel cover of claim 6 , wherein the third percentage of the surface area is greater than the second percentage of the surface area.

8. 1. A wheel assembly comprising: a wheel having a rim configured to support a tire; a wheel cover positioned to cover a laterally outwardly facing surface of the wheel, a central portion having a planar surface; a first arcuate portion surrounding the central portion and having a first arcuate surface having a first radius of curvature; a second arcuate portion surrounding the first arcuate portion and having a second arcuate surface having a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature; a wheel cover, wherein the plane, the first arcuate surface, and the second arcuate surface form a continuous and uninterrupted outer surface from a center of the wheel cover to an outermost edge of the wheel cover.

9. The wheel assembly of claim 8 , wherein the outermost periphery of the wheel cover is approximately equal to the diameter of the rim.

10. The wheel assembly of claim 8 , wherein the continuous, uninterrupted outer surface of the wheel cover completely covers the laterally outwardly facing surface of the wheel.

11. The wheel assembly of claim 8 , wherein the central portion and at least the first arcuate portion extend laterally outward from an outer edge of the tire.

12. The wheel assembly of claim 8 , wherein the rim has a standoff surrounding a lug tower area, the central portion and at least the first arcuate portion extending laterally inward of the standoff.

13. The wheel assembly of claim 8 , wherein the rim defines the outermost lateral surface of the wheel.

14. 9. The wheel assembly of claim 8, wherein the laterally outwardly facing surface of the wheel includes an outwardly facing curved surface extending outwardly of the rim, the outwardly facing curved surface having a radius of curvature that matches the second radius of curvature.

15. 15. The wheel assembly of claim 14, wherein an outer edge of the second arcuate portion is received immediately adjacent an outermost edge of the outwardly facing curved surface such that the outermost edge of the wheel cover is flush with the outwardly facing curved surface.

16. The wheel assembly of claim 14 , wherein the outwardly facing curved surface has an arcuate length that is greater than an arcuate length of the second arcuate portion.

17. 15. The wheel assembly of claim 14, wherein the aerodynamic surface collectively established by the continuous and uninterrupted outer surface of the wheel cover and the outwardly facing curved surface of the wheel extends across an entire area within the periphery of the rim of the wheel.

18. The wheel cover is a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is in the range of 1 to 2; the center of the wheel cover defines a reference line, the plane extends perpendicular to the reference line, and the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are measured from a position offset from the reference line; 9. The wheel assembly of claim 8, comprising one or more of: the central portion comprising a first percentage of a surface area; the first arcuate portion comprising a second percentage of a surface area; the second arcuate portion comprising a third percentage of a surface area; the first percentage of a surface area being greater than the second percentage of a surface area; the first percentage of a surface area being greater than the third percentage of a surface area; and the third percentage of a surface area being greater than the second percentage of a surface area.

19. 1. A method comprising: supporting a tire on a wheel rim; A wheel cover, a central portion having a planar surface; a first arcuate portion surrounding the central portion and having a first arcuate surface having a first radius of curvature; a second arcuate portion surrounding the first arcuate portion and having a second arcuate surface having a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature; forming a wheel cover, wherein the planar surface, the first arcuate surface, and the second arcuate surface form a continuous and uninterrupted outer surface from a center of the wheel cover to an outermost edge of the wheel cover; and attaching the wheel cover to the wheel to provide a continuous and uninterrupted aerodynamic surface from the wheel cover to the wheel.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, forming the rim as the laterally outermost surface of the wheel, and the wheel cover covering the entire area of ​​the wheel within the periphery of the rim to provide the continuous, uninterrupted aerodynamic surface; or forming a laterally outward-facing surface of the wheel to include an outwardly-facing curved surface extending outwardly of the rim, the outwardly-facing curved surface having a radius of curvature that matches the second radius of curvature, and disposing an outer edge of the second arcuate portion immediately adjacent to an outermost edge of the outwardly-facing curved surface such that the outermost peripheral edge of the wheel cover is flush with the outwardly-facing curved surface to provide the continuous and uninterrupted aerodynamic surface.

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