Adaptive wheel assembly with interchangeable decorative faces

Abstract

The wheel assembly achieves the appearance of a simulated center-lock wheel and also allows for interchangeable decorative face plates with a center hub attachment device, allowing automobile enthusiasts to easily change the appearance of their automobile's wheels while maintaining the appearance of a center-lock wheel. The assembly includes three components: a base wheel, multiple decorative face plates, and a center hub attachment that extends from either the hub or one of the decorative face plates.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wheels, and more particularly to a wheel system for a vehicle that provides adaptive attachment of a base wheel and an interchangeable decorative wheel surface. [Background technology]

[0002] The automotive wheel industry continues to be an integral part of automotive design, functionality and customization. The idea of ​​the one-piece wheel was born out of the opportunity to fully incorporate a wheel that allows for complete customization by the consumer. The automotive wheel market must meet stricter government standards while balancing changing consumer style trends and demands. Today, the wheel market is a multi-billion dollar industry, dominated by OEM end users compounded by aftermarket end users. Technological innovation in this field is becoming increasingly important given the need to reduce unsprung or rotating mass while retaining desired aesthetic characteristics. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure is directed to a one-piece wheel design and construction that takes full advantage of all aspects of the wheel, allowing for maximization of offset, concavity, diameter, and weight reduction resulting in maximum circular speed in a given application. This disclosure reduces manufacturing costs without sacrificing desired decorative qualities. In fact, it exponentially increases the decorative design possibilities, allowing both OEMs and consumers or end users to keep up with trends without costly reinvestments.

[0004] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-piece wheel assembly is provided that incorporates an adaptive hub attachment that allows for interchangeable decorative surfaces or even the hub itself. This assembly allows automobile enthusiasts to easily change the appearance of the wheels on their automobiles. The adaptive hub attachment can simulate the appearance of a center-lock wheel or can be incorporated into the design of the wheel itself. In one implementation, the assembly has a base wheel designed to support a decorative surface, an interchangeable decorative surface plate, and an attachment assembly for attaching the decorative surface plate to the base wheel.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a three-piece wheel assembly is provided that provides a simulated center lock wheel appearance that also allows for interchangeable decorative center hub attachments, allowing car enthusiasts to easily change the appearance of the wheels on their vehicle while still maintaining the appearance of a center lock wheel.

[0006] The assembly, in one implementation, has a base wheel, a replaceable decorative face plate, and an attachment assembly for attaching the decorative face plate to the base wheel.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a wheel assembly has three components: a base wheel, a center lug conversion, and at least one (and preferably multiple) replaceable center hub attachments, i.e., decorative face plates.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the base wheel has a standard 5-lug attachment, but can also be in a 4-lug or 1-lug configuration. Additionally, the base wheel can have a deep offset in one implementation, providing multiple exterior spaces for various attachments. The base wheel will have as little material as possible to reduce weight. The base wheel can incorporate multiple designs, including but not limited to low-profile spokes and spokes with a more blade-like shape, that are designed for light weight, strength, and stability.

[0009] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the adaptive center lug conversion device is attached rearwardly and extends outwardly from the center hub of the base wheel. The adaptive hub center lug conversion device is for appearance only and does not support the weight of the vehicle.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the center hub attachment or cosmetic face plate is different from hub caps, cosmetic rims, or wheel covers because it departs from the traditional way of creating cosmetic faces and attachment points. The cosmetic face takes advantage of the base wheel and its properties of covering only as much as is needed to achieve the desired design. This allows for designs that maintain the appearance of a true wheel while leaving open areas to expose the brake system. The hub cap or cosmetic rim also seals to the wheel in one plane, which is significantly different from the previously mentioned faces that incorporate designs that cross multiple planes. It also differs from typical wheels that currently use end cosmetic designs as weight bearing surfaces. The new cosmetic face is integrated into the base wheel, providing structure and uniformity to the cosmetic face. Integrating the cosmetic face into the base wheel provides a stable attachment to metal surfaces as well as composite materials. It attaches to the center lug conversion device with a robust locking mechanism. It fits into the base wheel and can utilize existing spaces and structures such as lug nuts as internal stable points.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the center hub attachment or decorative face plate is similar to a decorative hub cap, cosmetic rim, or wheel cover. It is attached to the center lug conversion device with a robust locking mechanism. By allowing the center attachment, the weight and design of the decorative face can be dramatically increased compared to a typical hub cap or cosmetic ring. The base wheel design is essential in providing this support system to support more weight and stabilize the decorative face. The lockable center attachment is a secure attachment with good clamping force. The center hub and base wheel structure is used to prevent movement and support the applied outward centrifugal force. The secure center attachment (along with the change in center offset) keeps the majority of the weight closer to the center of the barrel, reducing weight disturbance on the wheel. In general, the accessibility provided by the center hub allows for interchangeable decorative faces with different designs. The design utilizing the concave surface of the wheel is much easier to achieve than any hub cap or cosmetic ring, providing better aesthetics, quality, and appearance.

[0012] As can be readily appreciated from the above, the various center hub attachments provide the user with options and the ability to change attachments at any time. The combination of the center lug conversion device and center hub attachment provides the appearance of a true center lug wheel assembly by hiding the vehicle's lug nuts if desired, although this is not required and the decorative surface can be designed to expose the lugs.

[0013] The combination of the base wheel and center hub allows for a variety of adjustments to be made which in turn affect the end design; the depth of the decorative surface can be changed by replacing a solid surface or by controlling the center hub to allow for depth and angle changes. The ability to change depth or angle in turn imparts different design characteristics. The center hub's ability to accept different depths allows for axial movement. The addition of a locking nut to the center hub that can accommodate separate decorative surfaces or spokes allows the decorative surface to be moved along the axis of rotation of the center hub, thereby changing the depth and therefore the design.

[0014] The built-in wheel technology disclosed herein integrates the interests of both parties. This is accomplished by simplifying and splitting the current manufacturing process. The core of the base wheel design takes advantage of all aspects of the wheel. Built-in wheel design advances by moving away from the typical limitations imposed on the end trim design. Currently, the end design maintains the weight of the vehicle. The integration of the base wheel will support the weight of the vehicle. This in turn will not restrict the end user from freely modifying the design that is no longer related to the weight bearing element. The base of the integrated wheel incorporates only the material necessary to safely support the weight and forces exerted by the vehicle. This can be accomplished by minimizing the design and apportioning the material that attaches the wheel hub / center to the wheel shell. If the hub / center distance is varied to incorporate a negative offset, this will create more usable surface area on the face of the wheel. By manufacturing multiple attachment points from the center of the wheel, the weight bearing capacity of the wheel is distributed. The attachment points can have multiple designs and variations, such as being slightly angled to create propeller-like spokes to maximize surface area and also hide the rear of the base wheel. Varying amounts of material and center distribution also allow different decorative designs to be applied to the finished product. The base wheels attach to the vehicle hub in a traditional manner using either a multi-lug attachment or a center lug attachment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded axonometric view of a wheel assembly formed in accordance with the present disclosure in combination with an existing brake rotor and wheel bearing hub assembly; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an axonometric view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 1 in an assembled state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the wheel and hub assembly of FIG. 1 without a decorative surface that can be adapted to multiple circumferences to achieve different design looks and qualities in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a wheel and hub assembly showing three different positions of the hub relative to the barrel that allow for varying concavity of the decorative surface in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a wheel and hub assembly showing three different positions of the hub relative to the barrel that allow for varying concavity of the decorative surface in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a wheel and hub assembly showing three different positions of the hub relative to the barrel that allow for varying concavity of the decorative surface in accordance with the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a fully exploded axonometric view of a wheel assembly having a 10-spoke decorative face with five pairs of open-ended spokes, a 10-spoke wheel, and a center lock assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view of the assembled wheel and decorative surface of FIG. 5, along with an exploded view of the locking assembly. [Figure 7] 7 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the assembled wheel and decorative surface of FIG. 6, along with an exploded view of an alternative locking assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is an exploded axonometric view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 5 in combination with an optional ring, existing wheel hub and inner fender. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial assembly view of the wheel, decorative surface, and decorative ring of FIG. 8, along with an exploded view of the lock assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an axonometric view of the assembled base wheel, ring, and decorative surface of FIG. 9, showing a deep-dish decorative ring with a stepped lip positioned below the decorative surface. [Figure 11]FIG. 6 is an axonometric view of the assembled base wheel and decorative surface of FIG. 5 and an alternative implementation of the disassembled center lock assembly using a threaded sleeve. [Figure 12] An exploded view of the 10-spoke base wheel, 20-spoke dished trim, and center lock assembly. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an axonometric exploded cross-sectional view of a concealed male threaded wheel hub that engages with a female threaded hub of a base wheel from the rear with a rear inner set sleeve. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a rear axonometric view of a base wheel with a slide-in center hub and retaining screws. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a base wheel having a spiral coil insert and a center hub sized and shaped to receive the spiral coil insert. [Figure 16] This is an exploded view of a 10 spoke base wheel with a stepped center hub that utilizes a ball pin locking system for decorative surfaces with spokes attached to rings attached to the spoke ends. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an externally threaded collar next to the base wheel hub, with a transverse set screw that engages a hole in the collar wall. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a base wheel in combination with an externally threaded collar and a helical coil insert. [Figure 19] An exploded view of the base wheel, a decorative ring that clips onto the base wheel incorporating tabs to retain the non-reinforced spoke design, and the center key cylinder locking mechanism. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an axonometric view of the assembled base wheel, decorative ring, and lock assembly of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a deep dish base wheel with 10 spokes arranged in 5 pairs of 2 spokes. [Figure 22]FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a deep dish base wheel having ten spokes arranged in five pairs of two, with a stepped annular end lip for surface mounting and an annular decorative ring having a stepped surface attached to the base wheel. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the base wheel of FIG. 22 assembled with the ring and tire to show the enclosed space that houses the weight. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a partial side view of a base wheel with an externally threaded annular lip that may be directional based on the size of the vehicle. [Figure 25A] An exploded view of a base wheel, a decorative face with ten spokes arranged in five pairs, and a decorative ring having alternating tabs and paired slots to accept the spoke ends. [Figure 25B] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an alternative implementation in which three decorative face plates are mounted in series on a single base wheel. [Figure 26] An exploded view of a base wheel, a decorative ring having alternating paired slots and tabs, and a 10-spoke decorative face center configured to receive a second decorative face on top of a first decorative face having spokes attached to the tabs of the ring and received in the paired slots. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a partial side view in cross section of a base wheel with a decorative ring clipped to the annular lip of the base wheel. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a base wheel assembled with a tire and a 20-spoke decorative face in which paired spokes are solid and have a common end that extends partially into the tire. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a base wheel assembled with a tire and a 20-spoke decorative face in which paired spokes have a common end with an opening that extends into a portion of the tire. [Diagram 30] FIG. 1 is an axonometric exploded view of a base wheel with a 5-spoke removable center post located on the center hub of the base wheel. [Diagram 31] FIG. 1 is an axonometric exploded view of a base wheel with a five-spoke decorative face that includes five lug through holes through which the wheel lugs pass for an alternative look. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is an axonometric view of a spacer formed in accordance with the present disclosure that attaches to a vehicle and wheel hub to space a base wheel away from the vehicle creating a center hub independent of the base wheel in an alternative manner. [Figure 33A] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views of another implementation of a base wheel having a depth-adjustable cosmetic assembly at different stages of deployment formed in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 33B] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views of another implementation of a base wheel having a depth-adjustable cosmetic assembly at different stages of deployment formed in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 33C] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views of another implementation of a base wheel having a depth-adjustable cosmetic assembly at different stages of deployment formed in accordance with the present disclosure. [Diagram 34] FIG. 33C is an axonometric view of a portion of the depth-adjustable decorative assembly of FIGS. 33A to 33C. [Diagram 35] FIG. 33B is a general axonometric view of the base wheel and depth-adjustable wheel assembly corresponding to the deployment stage of FIG. 33A. [Diagram 36] FIG. 33C is an overall axonometric view of the base wheel and depth-adjustable wheel assembly corresponding to the deployment stage of FIG. 33B. [Figure 37] FIG. 33D is an overall axonometric view of the base wheel and depth-adjustable wheel assembly corresponding to the deployment stage of FIG. 33C. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is an axonometric view of another embodiment of a base wheel having a two level depth adjustable wheel assembly formed in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of aspects of various implementations disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed implementations can be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures and / or components associated with the environment of the present disclosure are not shown or described to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of these implementations. For example, these well-known structures or components include the structure and design of wheel spindles, axles, etc., on which wheels and associated tires are mounted on vehicles. Similarly, tires mounted on wheel assemblies of the present disclosure are not shown or described herein to provide a clear and unobstructed view of a wheel assembly formed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] Throughout the specification and the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the term "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising," are to be interpreted in their open and inclusive sense, meaning "including, but not limited to." The foregoing applies equally to the terms "including" and "having."

[0018] Reference herein to "one implementation" or "implementation" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that implementation is included in at least one implementation. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one implementation" or "an implementation" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same implementation.

[0019] The term "wheel" as used herein means a shell having a center hub and at least one rim associated therewith on which a tire, typically a pneumatic tire, is mounted. Details regarding the relationship between the shell, rim and hub, such as spokes, but not limited to the use of intermediate connecting members, are described in more detail below. By way of general explanation, the wheel integration techniques described herein simplify and divide current manufacturing processes. The essence of the base wheel design takes advantage of all aspects of the wheel. The base wheel design advances by moving away from the typical limitations imposed on end face designs. Currently, typical end faces designs support the weight of the vehicle. The base wheel of the present disclosure supports the weight of the vehicle while not restricting the end user from being able to modify the decorative wheel face design at will. The base wheel utilizes only the amount of material required to safely support the weight and forces exerted by the vehicle. This is accomplished by minimizing the design of the base wheel and apportioning the material that attaches the wheel hub or center to the wheel shell. The base wheel provides integral support to the decorative face by using a rear face surface that conforms and supports various portions of the decorative face design. The base wheel and center hub allow for the ability to have unsupported spokes or decorative surfaces. This can greatly reduce the overall end weight of the wheel since the unsupported structure does not carry the weight of the vehicle and only needs to have the desired design. If the hub or center can be moved a distance to achieve a negative offset, this would create more usable surface area on the face of the wheel. This surface area combined with the ability to quickly remove the face or spokes allows the end user to greatly change the overall end design of the decorative surface.

[0020] Manufacturing multiple attachment points from the center of the wheel distributes the weight bearing capacity of the wheel. The attachment points can have multiple designs and variations, such as being slightly angular, creating propeller-like spokes to maximize surface area and hide the rear of the base wheel. Various amounts of material and center distribution also allow different decorative designs to be applied to the finished product. The one-piece wheel attaches to the vehicle's wheel rotor in a conventional manner using either a multi-lug attachment or a center lug attachment.

[0021] The one-piece wheel center uses a unique attachment point that can be built into the initial manufacturing process of the wheel or integrated into the base wheel. This center attachment point creates an integral part of the base wheel. The center attachment point provides a secure method for attaching different cosmetic surfaces to the base wheel. This is accomplished with a fastener type threaded cap and coupling attachment for both safety and quick release and changeability of the cosmetic surface plate. In the case of a multi-lug hub, a low profile lug nut is utilized to attach the base wheel. In this case, the cosmetic surface can be designed to several different specifications.

[0022] Different decorative face plate designs can hide the lugs if desired, creating the appearance of a center lug wheel. Center lug wheels incorporate a center attachment point either from the hub attachment itself (if the vehicle uses a hub type conversion to center lug) or are secured to the center lug creating the same functionality for securing the decorative face plate. The center cap and attachment components provide space for a locking mechanism to protect the decorative face plate and wheel from theft. This also adds an extra layer of security. The decorative face plate will have a backing with minor ridges and end insertion points on the wheel shell that match the base wheel. The end ridges or insertions can be utilized if the decorative face plate needs to be stabilized during high speed or wind interference. This is primarily to secure the end edges of the faces (spokes) in place and will be implemented especially when using more flexible composite materials.

[0023] One aspect of the present disclosure is the ability to vary the depth of the decorative surface and decorative spokes on the interior of the wheel shell. This differs from a typical hubcap or cosmetic ring in that it can traverse different planes in the space of the wheel shell. In addition, none of the previous designs can remain attached if the wheel they are attached to is distorted. The structure of the present disclosure is fixedly attached to the center attachment point of the base wheel, meaning that any distortion of the wheel shell of the base wheel does not affect the attachment of the decorative surface to the base wheel.

[0024] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an exploded axonometric view of a wheel assembly 20 formed in accordance with the present disclosure and positioned adjacent to an existing vehicle bearing hub 22 with a vehicle rotor 23.

[0025] In this implementation, wheel assembly 20 includes a base wheel 24 formed of a body 26 and a wheel hub 28 centrally located within body 26. Wheel hub 28 includes a center attachment point 30 to which one of a number of different decorative face plates 32 can be attached using threaded fasteners 34, which when assembled together form wheel assembly 20.

[0026] The body 26 of the base wheel 24 comprises a cylindrical body 36 having an annular outer rim 38 and an annular inner rim 40 formed around its outer and inner circumferences, respectively. The wheel hub 28 in this implementation is solid from the outer rim 38 to the point where it reaches the center mounting point 30. In other words, it is dished in appearance, has no openings such as slots, and has no spokes or blades. However, it should be understood that other configurations can be utilized for the wheel hub 28, including spokes, blades, slots, and variations thereof for weight reduction (to support the weight of the vehicle and provide windows for visualization and cooling of brake components). The size, shape, and placement of similar features may be determined for consumer appeal based on current styles and trends, with consideration of decorative design. While the weight of the base wheel 24 is preferably as light as possible, material removal to achieve weight reduction may still be utilized, whether or not following appearance, aesthetics, and current decorative trends and consumer preferences.

[0027] The center mounting point 30 may be integrally formed with the wheel hub 28 at the forging stage, or may be welded in place during manufacture, or may be removably attached to the wheel hub 28 using conventional attachment methods that are readily commercially available and will not be described in detail herein. The center mounting point 30 has five openings 42 sized and shaped to accommodate five mounting lugs 44 protruding from the vehicle rotor 23. In a conventional manner, five lug nuts 46 are shown for threadably engaging the five mounting lugs 44 to hold the base wheel 24 in place on the vehicle rotor 23. (Although a five lug configuration is shown, one or more lugs may be used.) Extending from the center mounting point 30 is a threaded post 48 having male threads 50. Depending on the implementation, the post may have a hollow, female-threaded axial bore with a smooth exterior surface, may have a threaded exterior surface with a smooth internal bore, or may have threads formed on the exterior surface in combination with female threads on the internal axial bore. The threads may be right-hand or left-hand threads, depending on the direction of rotation of the wheel assembly 20 when mounted on a vehicle.

[0028] The post is centrally located in the hub and has a purpose-designed structure that allows it to hold various amounts of weight securely and safely - for example, it can hold larger, heavier metal faces - yet will not bend or twist under force like a hubcap can.

[0029] The decorative face plate 32 shown in FIG. 1 is one form of center attachment device and is shown in this implementation to have one of many different decorative configurations. As shown in this example, the decorative face plate 32 has openings 52 formed around a central opening 54 to form five decorative radial spokes 56. The decorative face plate 32 has a disk shape having a circular planar shape sized and shaped to fit within the outer rim 38 of the base wheel 24. The central opening 54 is itself sized and shaped to be slidably received over the threaded post 48 of the center attachment point 30 and is held in place by the threaded fastener 34. A decorative plug or cover 58 can be inserted through the central opening 60 of the threaded fastener 34 to provide the finished appearance. The plug or cover 58 can be held in place with an interference fit or can be more securely threaded onto the post 48. As shown in the assembled view of FIG. 2, when the decorative face plate 32 is mounted to the post 48, it may be preferable to cover the five lug nuts 46 so that they are not visible from the outside.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates the first step in using the wheel assembly 20 of the present disclosure. Here, a base wheel 24 is shown in front elevation being attached in a conventional manner to a vehicle rotor 23 (not shown in this view) using five lug nuts 46. The next step is to mount a decorative face plate 32, such as the decorative face plate 32 described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, to the base wheel 24. The decorative face plate 32 is slid onto the post 48 and held in place by threaded fasteners 34. A cover 58 is then placed onto the threaded fasteners 34. The finished assembly is shown in FIG. 2. It should be understood that this implementation is one of several variations in the structure, function, and appearance of the wheel assembly 20 of the present disclosure. Multiple circumferences can be accommodated if the post 48 is stepped to accept a larger diameter hub, such as found on a large truck, or a smaller circumference to achieve different design qualities.

[0031] 4A-4C are exploded cross-sectional views of wheel and hub assemblies 80a, 80b, 80c, showing three different positions of the center hub 82 and center attachment point 84 relative to the torso 86. In FIG. 4A, the center hub 82 and center attachment point 84 are positioned to the right of the torso 86's center, i.e., toward the outer rim 88, providing a negative offset to the wheel assembly 20. In FIG. 4C, the center hub 82 and center attachment point 84 are positioned to the left of the torso 86's center, i.e., closer to the inner rim 90 than the outer rim 88, providing a positive offset to the wheel assembly. This deep offset provides multiple exterior spaces for various attachments with variable concavity. In FIG. 4B, the center hub 82 and center attachment point 84 are positioned at substantially the midpoint of the torso 86's center.

[0032] In the implementation shown in Figures 4A-4C, the center post 92 has an annular external shoulder 94. Meanwhile, the decorative face plate 32 has an annular internal shoulder 96 that is slidably received on the center post 92 and is sized and shaped to make mating contact with the annular external shoulder 94 of the post 92. This helps to center the decorative face plate 32 on the post 92 and provides a positive sliding engagement to guide the decorative face plate 32 onto the post 92. Additionally, this shoulder mechanism helps to stabilize the decorative face plate 32 on the post 92, especially during high speed rotation of the wheel assemblies 80a, 80b, 80c. It should be appreciated that the post 92, shoulder 94, and annular channel 98 (described below) can all vary in length and circumference to accommodate different variations of the decorative face plate 32.

[0033] Additionally, the center mounting point 84 has an annular channel 98 within the shoulder 94 that is sized and shaped to receive an annular collar 100 extending from the interior side of the decorative face plate 32. When the decorative face plate 32 is installed on the post 92 and slid over the shoulder 94, the annular collar 100 is slidably received within the annular channel 98, providing more stability in positioning the decorative face plate 32 during installation and application.

[0034] As can be readily appreciated from the above, base wheels are easier to manufacture and more easily repeatable than current decorative wheels. This requires only tooling changes for offset, diameter and stiffness specifications, reducing manufacturing costs. It also reduces the environmental footprint of the manufacturing process. There are multiple types of manufacturing processes applied to base wheels, such as forging, casting, multi-piece and flow forming, among others, to achieve the desired structural performance. Different types of materials can be used as well, such as aluminum, magnesium or composite carbon fiber, to create a lightweight structure. Base wheel technology substantially reduces the overall weight of the base wheel, regardless of the material or process utilized. This in turn reduces the unsprung weight of the wheel, improves performance / handling and improves fuel economy. At any given time, the end user only needs to remove the ornament and center attachment cap if they wish to run the wheel at its lightest. Base wheels are the lightest that can be safely manufactured, since they use substantially the least amount of material to support the weight of the vehicle. Base wheels allow for a cosmetically attractive, lightweight end product that still adheres to current designs while allowing for the addition of desired decorative features. Base wheels stand out because they perpetuate these desirable design features, such as making the vehicle's calipers and rotors visible, by spacing the base wheel's attachment points (spokes). This adds beauty in the customization world, as well as allowing for the desired visibility of these components and cooling of the brake system in the performance area.

[0035] The center attachment point of the wheel pushes customization possibilities to a new level. Using the base wheel as a springboard opens up new possibilities for the methodology of using the entire wheel. Changing from a concave (negative) look offset to a more neutral or positive look is made easy by this disclosure. The locking mechanism can be removed, the cap loosened, and the decorative face plate replaced. The ability to change the look of a wheel is a welcome and long overdue innovation in the automotive wheel field. This one-piece wheel technology helps reduce the cost of creating easily interchangeable wheel faces, thereby reducing the amount of waste and product required to manufacture an entirely new wheel. This also leads to the use of different types of materials, such as composites or metals, to provide the wheel faces, which usually require extensive machining to achieve different finishes and shades.

[0036] Wheel integration technology has the potential to revolutionize multiple aspects of the automotive wheel market. The base wheel allows for easy replacement and change of faces and shades, allowing for multiple designs to be placed on the base wheel. This can be accomplished without having a load-bearing surface. Center lugs / caps can also incorporate different designs and colors for customization. Different types of materials add flare to the finish, and composites play a vital role in weight reduction. This concept of interchangeability adds a new dynamic to the wheel industry. This type of customization capability is beneficial for both OEMs and end users.

[0037] 5-6, there is shown a basic, clean design of a wheel assembly 101 formed in accordance with the present disclosure comprising a base wheel 102 and a removable decorative face plate 104 having ten spokes 106 equally spaced around the circumference of the decorative face plate 104 in five pairs 108 of spokes. The wheel 102 has ten matching spokes 110 also equally spaced around the circumference of the wheel 102 in five pairs 112. The desired base spoke width can be varied to accommodate different decorative faces or to allow for different weight tolerances.

[0038] 5 and 6 show an exploded view and a partially exploded view, respectively, of a decorative face plate 104 positioned on a post 114 extending from a center mounting point 116 of the wheel 102. In this implementation, the post 114 includes external threads 118. The face plate 104 has a central opening 120 that is sized and shaped to be slidably received on the post 114 without engaging the external threads 118. The face plate 104 is held in place on the wheel 102 by a center lock assembly 122 such that the spokes 106 of the face plate 104 are aligned with the spokes 110 of the wheel 102.

[0039] In this implementation, the center-lock assembly 122 includes a king nut 124 having internal threads 126 that are sized and shaped to engage the external threads 118 of the wheel post 114. The outer periphery of the nut 124 is keyed with a protrusion 128 to receive a similarly keyed socket (not shown) to provide secure attachment of the face plate 104 to the wheel 102.

[0040] The center lock assembly 122 includes a center cap 130 sized and shaped to be received in the nut 124, and a sealing ring 132 sized and shaped to be received in a recess 134 in the cap 130. In one aspect of this implementation, the cap 130 has an annular internal collar with male threads, preferably reverse threads (depending on the side of the vehicle), that threadably engage with reverse female threads formed in the hollow interior of the wheel post 114. The recess 134 in the cap 130 is keyed to receive a tool to turn the cap 130 when it is received in the wheel post 114. The sealing ring 132 is preferably formed of a flexible material so that the sealing ring 132 can be inserted into the annular recess 134 for a snug fit.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates the addition of different decorative designs to a base wheel. One advantage is that different designs can be added to the decorative face plate, but only cover the sides necessary to achieve the desired look. This repetition results in open spaces or windows between the spokes, unlike the previous design, which was a solid piece. The decorative face plate 106 can be of any weight, material, or color, and can be unlocked and changed again to provide the ability to dramatically change the look and feel. FIG. 6 illustrates the above in more detail. In the partially assembled structure shown in FIG. 6, the spokes 106 of the decorative face plate 104 are sized and shaped such that they have internal channels that receive the spokes of the wheel 102 in slidable engagement. This is more clearly shown in FIG. 7, which is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the assembled wheel 102 and decorative face plate 104 of FIG. 6. In this implementation, the length of the spokes 106 is sized such that they extend to the wheel 102 without contacting it.

[0042] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of a keyed socket 136 received on the king nut 124 with the king nut's projection 128 engaged with a mating slot (not shown) in the socket 136. The socket 136 also includes a keyed projection 138 to receive a similarly keyed tool (not shown), such as a conventional socket tool. The socket 136 does not remain on the king nut 124, but is used only to install and remove the king nut 124. The king nut can also move up and down the hub to hold various thicknesses of material for decorative surface attachment. The king nut incorporates separate attachment points for separate decorative spokes and can move along the center hub access to vary depth and concavity (described in later figures).

[0043] FIG. 8 is an exploded axonometric view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 5 combined with an optional decorative ring 140, an existing vehicle rotor 142, and an inner fender 144 of a vehicle such as an automobile. The rotor 142 has a conventional five-lug arrangement, and the wheel 102 has five openings (not visible in this view) sized and arranged to slide over the lugs of the rotor 142 and be secured in place by conventional lug nuts (not shown). FIG. 8 is significant in that a corresponding attachment can be added to the top of the ring 40, followed by another ring, which is another form of changing the appearance along the interior inside and the depth of the wheel's body. This allows for the outer rim to look different while keeping the base the same.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a partial assembly view of the wheel 102, decorative face plate 104, and decorative ring 140 of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is an assembly view without the center lock assembly. As shown, the ring 140 is placed on an outer portion of the circumferential rim 146 of the wheel barrel 103, and then the decorative face plate 104 is placed on the wheel post 114, which is secured in place by one of the center lock assemblies described above. The ring 140 has a stepped shoulder 148 that is sized and shaped so that the spokes 106 of the decorative face plate 104 support the ring 140 when the decorative face plate 104 is placed on the wheel center post 114. In one implementation of the present disclosure, the ring 140 is held in place by the spokes 106 of the decorative face plate 104 supporting the shoulder 148.

[0045] In one aspect of the disclosure, the ring 140 may be snapped onto the wheel 102 or may be threadably engaged with the rim of the wheel 102, as described in more detail below.

[0046] In FIG. 11, the wheel assembly 101 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is shown with an alternative center locking system that includes a threaded sleeve 150 that is hollow cylindrical in shape and has external threads 152 and one or more set screw openings 154 formed in a side wall of the sleeve 150. The sleeve 150 is held in place by a set screw (shown in FIG. 17) that threadably engages the opening 154 in the side wall of the sleeve 150. Ideally, a steel sleeve is preferred because of its superior strength over aluminum and other softer metals, which prevents cross-threading by the king nut 124 during installation. The king nut 124 threads onto the external threads 152 of the sleeve 150, and the cap 130 has external threads that engage (preferably counterclockwise depending on the direction of rotation of the wheel) with internal threads formed in the hollow interior 156 of the wheel post 114 (shown in FIG. 18).

[0047] 12, there is shown a wheel assembly 160 utilizing the base wheel 102 and center lock assembly 122 described above in combination with a novel decorative face plate 162 having twenty radial spokes 164 arranged in ten pairs 166. To avoid unnecessary cluttering of the drawing, only three pairs 166 of the spokes 164 are numbered. The face plate 162 includes a central opening 168 that is sized and shaped to be slidably received over the wheel post 114 of the base wheel 102. The face plate 162 includes an integral circumferential ring 170 that connects to the distal ends 172 of each of the spokes 164. The ring 170 and spokes 164 have a deep dish design such that five of the ten pairs 166 of the spokes 164 align with and cover the spokes 110 of the base wheel 102 when the face plate 162 is assembled to the base wheel 102. The remaining five spoke pairs 166 are evenly spaced and scattered around the circumference of the face plate 162. This design allows the face plate 162 and spokes 164 to be used to add over the spaces between the spokes of the base wheel and support the lack of spokes of the base wheel behind it. The spokes can be placed over the lack of spokes of the base wheel below. This adds a design feature that was not originally present on the base wheel and is only supported by the center attachment point. This design feature is independent of the weight of the vehicle. Additionally, the face plate 162 creates a different outer design, lip on the wheel without the need to modify the wheel itself.

[0048] It should be noted that the decorative surface does not support weight, and therefore the design of the decorative surface is not limited by that fact. Current wheel aesthetics are tied to holding weight, as extra material is required to support the wheel design as well as hold the vehicle weight. This is inefficient, while the present design uses less material, resulting in less weight. As seen in FIG. 12, there is nothing behind the decorative spokes, making it more decorative without resulting in a heavier design. Aesthetic appeal comes at a cost in weight in conventional designs.

[0049] FIG. 13 is an axonometric exploded cross-sectional view of a concealed externally threaded wheel post 174 engaging with a wheel hub 176 of a modified base wheel 178. The wheel post 174 has an externally threaded nose 180, which may be hollow and internally threaded. The nose 180 is sized and shaped to accommodate a decorative face plate and center lock assembly as described above. The concealed wheel post 174 also has a larger diameter base 182 with external threads 184 that engage from its rear with internal threads 186 of the wheel hub 176 of the base wheel 178. A shoulder 188 of an internal longitudinal bore 190 engages a shoulder 191 of the concealed wheel hub 176 to stop movement of the wheel hub 176 as it threads into the bore 190. The wheel post 174 can then be adjusted for alignment with the base wheel 178, thereby allowing for adjustment of the alignment of the decorative face plate attached to the wheel post 174 with respect to the base wheel 178. A rear internal set sleeve 192 threadably engages the internal axial bore 190 behind the wheel post 174 to prevent the wheel post 174 from moving relative to the base wheel 178. Essentially, the set sleeve 192 functions as a jam nut when tightened against the wheel post 174.

[0050] 14 is a rear axonometric cross-sectional view of a base wheel 194 having a smooth central bore 196 that receives a wheel post 198 in sliding engagement that is held in place by a retaining screw 199 that engages the base wheel 194. This is an alternative to the implementation shown in FIG.

[0051] 15, there is shown the aforementioned base wheel 102 and helical wire insert 200 made of steel or similar material and sized and shaped to be inserted into a wheel post 48 having a hollow internal axial bore 202 with smooth sidewalls 204. The insert 200 is a solution to having an aluminum internal thread that is prone to cross threading. Also, the stronger helical coil insert 200 will allow for future replacement of the threaded insert if necessary.

[0052] This implementation can also be utilized with an outer collar, described below with respect to FIG. 18, to provide both female and male threaded center posts.

[0053] 16 is an exploded view of a 10-spoke base wheel 206 with a stepped center post 208 utilizing a ball pin locking system 210 for a decorative face 212. A tire 214 is shown mounted on the base wheel 206, illustrating the relationship of the tire 214 to the distal rim 216 of the base wheel 206. The decorative face 212 has spokes 218 with distal ends 220 attached to rings 222 that are sized and shaped to engage the distal rim 216 of the wheel 206, either by simple support as shown in this implementation, or by a more positive engagement method such as clipping to the rim 216. A spring-loaded ball detent 224 is located on each of two stepped surfaces 226, 228 on the outer surface of the stepped center post 208, which is sized and shaped to engage a matching opening 230 found in a central annular collar 232 of the decorative face plate 212.

[0054] The decorative face plate 212 is attached to the stepped center post 208 by sliding the collar 232 onto the post 208 until the ball detents 224 of the post 208 engage respective openings 230 in the collar 234. The stepped nature of the post 208 limits the axial insertion of the decorative face plate 212 onto the post 208 to provide different insertion depths and accommodate different depth faces. Additionally, the stepped post 208 allows the post 208 to receive decorative face plates having collars of different diameters or to receive two decorative face plates in a stacked relationship on the post 208. Although two stepped surfaces 226, 228 are shown, it should be understood that additional stepped surfaces may be formed on the post 208.

[0055] In FIG. 17, an alternative implementation of a base wheel 230 is shown having a center post 232 modified to accept an externally threaded collar 234 having a transverse set screw 236 for engaging a hole 238 in a collar wall 240. The set screw 236 has a length to ensure that the set screw head 237 is embedded within the collar wall 240. Openings 242 may be formed in the center post 232 to receive the set screw 236. These openings 242 may have internal threads to threadably engage the threaded set screw 236 to ensure that the set screw head 237 is embedded within the collar wall 238 to a degree that does not interfere with objects threaded onto the exterior of the collar 234, or may have a smooth bore to allow the set screw 236 to pass through the opening 242. A nut may also be used to secure the collar 234.

[0056] 18, an externally threaded collar 234 is shown mounted on a post 232 of a base wheel 230 in combination with a spiral wire insert 200 disposed on the inside of the post 232. This provides threads on the exterior and interior of the post 232.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 19, there is shown an exploded view of a base wheel 244, which may be the base wheel 102 described above, with an associated tire 246, a decorative ring 248 that clips to the base wheel 244, and a center locking mechanism 250 for use in attaching a decorative face plate to the base wheel. A cap 253 and ring 255 cooperate with a conventional cylinder key (center) locking mechanism 250 to hold a decorative face (not shown) to the base wheel 244. FIG. 20 is an assembled axonometric view of the base wheel 244, tire 246, and decorative ring 248. This view illustrates that a ring that clips to the wheel can be added, in this case, and then a center-mounted decorative face plate can be added independently to the base wheel 244. The ring 248 provides the structure of the decorative face with a mounting structure to incorporate a design that is held by the ring 248.

[0058] 21 is an axonometric view of a deep-dish base wheel 250 having ten spokes 252 arranged in five equally spaced pairs 254 around the circumference of the wheel 250. The central wheel hub 256 is recessed deeper into the wheel 250, as are the spokes 252, which provides more room for a decorative ring 258 which has a larger, deeper face 260 than in the previously described designs.

[0059] In FIG. 22, the deep bowl base wheel 250 is shown with a decorative ring 262 having a stepped annular surface 264 attached to the base wheel 250. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 23, a tire 266 is added to represent the relationship between the tire 266, the wheel 250, and the decorative ring 262. As shown, the stepped annular surface 264 of the decorative ring 262 forms a space 268 between the decorative ring 262 and the base wheel 250. This space 268 can be utilized to hold or accommodate a weight that is hidden by the decorative ring 262 after balancing the wheel 250 and the tire 266. In this implementation, the decorative ring 262 has two annular steps 270, 272 on the interior of the ring 262, which are best seen in FIG. 23. The size and shape of the decorative ring 262 and the annular steps 270, 272 are design choices that are not dictated by function. It will be appreciated that fewer or more steps can be formed in decorative rings 262 of various sizes to present different appearances.

[0060] 24, there is shown a base wheel 274 having an annular distal rim 276 having external threads 278 formed thereon. These threads 278 are sized and shaped to receive threads formed on an ornamental ring (not shown), which is one method of securing the ornamental ring to the wheel 274. This design eliminates or reduces the gap between the ornamental cosmetic ring and the tire sides. In other words, the threaded rim 276 allows the ornamental ring to be tightened to the wheel 274, closing the gap between the wheel and the tire. Although a minimum number of threads is shown for ease of illustration, any number of threads may be used.

[0061] For example, FIG. 25A shows an exploded view of a base wheel 274 with a decorative ring 280 and a corresponding decorative face plate 282. The decorative face plate 282 has 20 spokes 292 arranged in 10 pairs equidistantly around the circumference of the face plate 282. The ring 280 can clip onto the wheel 274, but it is preferred to attach the decorative ring 280 to the base wheel 274 using screws 278. In this implementation, the ring 280 not only closes the gap between the tire and the wheel 274, but also stabilizes the decorative face 282 on the wheel 274 with two attachment methods. The decorative face can in turn stabilize the outer lip ring and prevent it from rotating.

[0062] In the first attachment scheme, the ring 280 has tabs 284 with a central opening 286, each of which is sized and shaped to be slidably received in an opening 288 formed between the distal ends 290 of the spokes 292 of the decorative face plate 282. U-shaped terminations 294 are formed at the distal ends 290 to connect each pair of spokes 292 to one another. The terminations 294 are sized and shaped to extend on and support an annular surface 296 of the ring 280. The second attachment scheme uses two female slots 298 formed in the annular surface 296 of the ring 280 that are sized and shaped to receive side walls 299 depending from the spokes 292 of the face plate 282.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 25A, these two methods are alternated, but each method may be used alone. For example, in FIG. 26, only the pair of slots 298 of the decorative ring 280 is used in conjunction with a decorative face 300 having ten spokes 302 arranged in five pairs 304. This leaves the tabs 284 available to support a second decorative face that can be stacked on top of the first decorative face 300, as described below in connection with FIG. 25B. The tabs 284 and slots 298 also provide support for the spokes 292 in the event that the base wheel does not have underlying spokes to provide support. It should be understood that the face plate 282 may extend beyond the edge of the rim or ring 280. This is a unique aspect that can only be achieved by the design of the present disclosure, and would otherwise be impossible to mount the tire on.

[0064] FIG. 25B illustrates how multiple decorative face plates can be arranged in a series or stacked relationship. In this implementation, three face plates 283, 285, 287 are attached to the base wheel 274 and held in place by king nuts 289. A number of openings are shown in the center mounting point, in a stacked relationship along the axis of rotation of the wheel, to allow for mounting of one or more face plates at different depths within the wheel barrel. Detents on face plate 283 can be used to snap into the openings in the center mounting point.

[0065] 26 shows wheel 274 and ring 280 used in conjunction with decorative face plate 300 having only ten spokes 302 arranged in five pairs 304 evenly spaced around the circumference of face plate 300, where spokes 302 have sidewalls sized and shaped to be received within slots 298 in ring 280. Slots 298 are used as receiving points for use with longer spoke designs such as spokes 282 and 294 shown in FIG. 25A. The underside of spoke 282 receives spoke 298.

[0066] 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a base wheel 306 having an annular distal rim 308 with a slot 310 sized and shaped to receive a tab 312 formed on the outer edge of the ring 314. This provides a secure form of attachment of the ring 314 to the wheel 306. This is an alternative to the threaded attachment described above.

[0067] FIG. 28 shows a 20-spoke decorative surface 316 disposed on a base wheel 318 with a mounted tire 320. In this implementation, the decorative surface has spokes 322 arranged in ten pairs 324, each pair 324 connected to one another at its distal end by a terminal connector 326. The connector 326 is sized and shaped to overlay the tire 320 beyond the rim 328 of the wheel 318. This illustrates how the decorative surface can be modified in terms of size, number of spokes, spoke placement, length, design, and even color (not shown). This also illustrates that the decorative surface can protrude beyond the rim into the tire, considering it is added after the tire is mounted.

[0068] FIG. 29 shows the wheel 318 and tire 320 of FIG. 28 with a new decorative surface 330, which again has 20 spokes 332 arranged in 10 pairs 334 equally spaced around the circumference of the decorative surface 330. Connecting the tips of each pair of spokes is an open hoop connector 336 that can extend beyond the wheel 318 overlying the tire 320, with an open space 338 of the connector 336 at least partially overlying the tire 320, allowing a portion of the tire 320 to be visible through the connector 336. This presents a different visual effect when all the elements are attached together and held in place with a center lock assembly 340. It should be understood that this implementation can be used with a ring, such as the ring 314 described above.

[0069] In FIG. 30, an alternative implementation of the disclosure is shown in which a base wheel 342 is presented without a center post on the center hub 344 of the wheel 342. A removable center post 346 is provided that includes a post 348 and a number of legs 350 sized and shaped to attach to the center hub 344. More specifically, there are five legs 350 (alternatively, one leg attachment per vehicle lug), each having a foot 352 with an opening 354 sized and shaped to receive a fastener 356 that attaches the removable center post 346 to the center hub 344 of the wheel 342. Alternatively, the center post 346 can be attached to a rotor lug that extends through the base wheel 342 to simultaneously attach both the base wheel 342 and the removable center post 346 to a rotor (not shown).

[0070] The various implementations described above can be combined to provide further implementations. For example, the ring can have a channel sized and shaped to accommodate a wheel component, where the ring can be turned and secured in place on the wheel. FIG. 31 shows another alternative embodiment of a base wheel 400 having a five-spoke decorative surface 402 with five lug through holes 404 through which wheel lugs (not shown) pass for an alternative appearance. FIG. 32 shows yet another alternative embodiment in which a spacer 420 is provided for mounting to a vehicle, providing an attachment for the base wheel of the present disclosure. This allows the base wheel and any attachments to be spaced further away from the vehicle, providing a different appearance and handling for the vehicle. The concepts of the various patents, applications and publications can be adopted and aspects of the implementations modified as necessary to provide still further implementations.

[0071] For example, the decorative face plate 32 can be implemented as one piece with a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks it in place on the post, thereby allowing for a snap-on version for easy installation and removal.

[0072] 33A-33C are cross-sectional views of another implementation of a wheel assembly 450 having a base wheel 452 with an adjustable depth decorative assembly attached at different stages of deployment. In this implementation, the decorative assembly can be moved axially relative to the base wheel 452 to change the concavity between the base wheel 452 and the decorative assembly, as described in more detail below.

[0073] As shown in Figures 33A-33C and corresponding Figures 35-37, the base wheel 452 has five radial spokes 454, although more or fewer spokes may be used, which are fixedly attached to or integrally formed with a body 456 at one end of the spokes 454 and a centrally located wheel hub 458 at the other end of the spokes 454 in a manner similar or identical to the base wheels previously described. The wheel hub 458 has a center mounting point configured to engage an upholstery assembly and allow the upholstery assembly to move axially along the axis of rotation XX of the base wheel 452.

[0074] The body 456 of the base wheel 452 has a cylindrical body 460 with an annular outer rim 462 and an annular inner rim 464 formed around the outer and inner circumferences of the body 460, respectively. The wheel hub 458 in this implementation is not solid from the outer rim 462, but has the spokes 454 described above. However, it should be understood that other configurations can be used, including solid dished, bladed, slotted, and variations thereof for weight reduction (to support the weight of the vehicle). The size, shape, and placement of these features are also determined by decorative design considerations and consumer appealing appearances based on current styles and trends. While the weight of the base wheel 452 is preferably as light as possible, material removal to achieve weight reduction may still be used, whether or not following appearance, aesthetics, and current decorative trends and consumer preferences.

[0075] The wheel hub 458 has a center mounting point 466 which may be integrally formed with the wheel hub 458, such as by a forging operation, or may be welded in place during manufacture, or may be removably attached to the wheel hub 458 using conventional attachment methods which are readily commercially available and will not be described in detail herein. The center mounting point 466 has five openings 468 sized and shaped to accommodate the five mounting lugs protruding from the vehicle rotor, as described above with respect to Figures 1-4.

[0076] The depth-adjustable decorative assembly includes a center post 470 configured to mount to a center mounting point 468 and move axially along the XX axis of rotation of the base wheel 452. In one implementation, the center post 470 has a hollow cylindrical interior with female threads sized and shaped to engage the male threads of the center mounting point 468. A set screw (not shown) can threadably engage a sidewall of the center post 470 to support the center mounting point 468 and prevent rotation of the center post 470 relative to the center mounting point 468. Screwing the center post 470 clockwise into the center mounting point 468 changes the position of the center post 470 relative to the base wheel 452 by moving it deeper inside the base wheel 452 (and vice versa, unless reverse threads are used). Similarly, rotating the center post counterclockwise moves the center post in the opposite direction, moving it shallower inside the base wheel 452.

[0077] Attached to the radially spaced exterior attachment points of the center post 470 are arms 472, each having a yoke 474 formed at a distal end thereof. Pivotally attached to each yoke 474 is a spoke cover 476 sized and shaped to cover the exterior surfaces of the base wheel spokes 454 and provide a decorative appearance to the base wheel spokes 454. Each spoke cover 476 includes a ball 478 at a proximal end of the spoke cover 476 that mates with the yoke 474 and may be held in place by a fastener. FIG. 34 shows a slightly different implementation in which the yoke 474 extends from a ring 478 attached to the center post 470. It can be seen that the ball 478 is disposed between two legs 482 of each yoke 474 and is held in place by a fastener 484 that also serves as an axis about which the spoke cover 476 pivots (see also ring 478 in FIGS. 33A and 33B).

[0078] The underside of each spoke cover 476 includes an alignment rib 486 disposed along the longitudinal axis of the spoke cover 476 and extending generally along the central portion of the spoke cover. The rib 486 includes a plurality of axially spaced semi-circular slots 488 that are sized and shaped to fit over corresponding alignment protrusions 490 on the surface of each of the base wheel spokes 454. As shown in Figures 33A-33C, there are three slots 490 and three protrusions 488, although it should be understood that more or less than three may be used.

[0079] In Figures 33A and 35, the decorative assembly is disposed at a shallow depth within the interior of the base wheel 452. In Figures 33B and 36, the decorative assembly is disposed at an intermediate depth, and in Figures 33C and 37, the decorative assembly is at the deepest depth within the interior of the base wheel 452.

[0080] 38 is an axonometric view of another embodiment of a base wheel having a two level depth adjustable wheel assembly 492. In this implementation, another set of decorative spokes 494 can be used along with a center post 470 having an additional ring 480 to which the second set of decorative spokes 494 can be pivotally attached.

[0081] Another feature and advantage of the present disclosure is that, with or without the use of decorative face plates as described herein, an open window or space can be left in the body of the base wheel to allow for visualization and cooling of brake components, or simply cooling of vehicle components.

[0082] These and other changes can be made to the present implementations in light of the description set forth above. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification and claims, but rather to include all possible implementations along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Thus, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A wheel assembly for use on a vehicle having multiple components, comprising: a plurality of decorative face plates having a plurality of decorative spokes, each decorative spoke having an interior side; a shell having a sidewall enclosing an interior having a first end and a second end; a plurality of body spokes attached to the body and extending radially inward within the interior of the body, each of the plurality of body spokes having an upper end and an opposing side, each body spoke configured to receive a corresponding decorative spoke from the decorative face plate such that the inner side of each decorative spoke from the decorative face plate can be snapped onto and removably attached to cover the upper end and the opposing side of each body spoke; a hub disposed within the interior of the trunk and connectable to the vehicle to support at least a portion of a vehicle weight, the hub connected to the trunk by attachments to the plurality of trunk spokes that form windows or spaces in the trunk to allow one or more of cooling of vehicle components and visualization of components on the vehicle, the hub further having at least one threaded attachment point formed along a longitudinal axis of the hub to accommodate at least one decorative face plate of the plurality of decorative face plates without the attachment point or the decorative face plate supporting any vehicle weight and to allow for varying a depth of concavity between the decorative face plate and a sidewall of the trunk; the hub is offset along the longitudinal axis closer to the first end of the barrel than to the second end of the barrel; the threaded mounting point comprises a post extending from the hub, the post having an exterior and an internal axial bore and means for fastening one or more decorative face plates to the post, and further comprising an externally threaded collar; The externally threaded collar includes a wheel assembly having a wall sized and shaped to be received on the exterior of the post, a plurality of lateral openings in the wall, and a plurality of set screws engaging each of the lateral openings in the wall.

2. The wheel assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of decorative face plates comprises at least one decorative face plate having a number of decorative spokes greater than a number of body spokes.

3. the barrel includes a distal rim portion; The wheel assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an annular ring sized and shaped for attachment to the distal rim portion of the torso.

4. 4. The wheel assembly of claim 3, wherein the distal rim portion of the barrel includes external threads and the annular ring includes internal threads sized and shaped to threadably engage the external threads of the barrel to threadably attach the annular ring to the barrel.

5. the decorative spokes have distal ends, the decorative spokes are connected to one another in pairs by U-shaped terminals formed at the distal ends of each pair of decorative spokes to connect each pair of decorative spokes to one another, each U-shaped terminal having an opening; 4. The wheel assembly of claim 3, wherein the annular ring has a plurality of tabs disposed about its circumference and extending therefrom, each tab being sized and shaped to be slidably received in the opening of a corresponding U-shaped terminus at the distal end of one of the decorative spokes of the decorative face plate.

6. 4. The wheel assembly of claim 3, wherein the decorative spokes have distal ends, and wherein the annular ring further comprises a plurality of radial slots formed around the circumference of the annular ring, each radial slot being sized and shaped to receive a distal end of each decorative spoke.

7. The wheel assembly of claim 3 , wherein said decorative spokes of said decorative face plate are sized and shaped to extend radially beyond said annular ring and said distal rim portion of said barrel.

8. 4. The wheel assembly of claim 3, wherein the annular ring has a stepped annular surface that defines a space between the annular ring and the base wheel that is sized and shaped to cover and conceal weights mounted on the base wheel.

9. 10. The wheel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a king nut sized and shaped to be threadably received in said at least one threaded mounting point to retain a decorative face plate on said at least one threaded mounting point.

10. 10. The wheel assembly of claim 9, wherein the king nut is secured in place by a keyed locking arrangement.

11. 2. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of decorative surface plates includes two or more decorative surface plates, the two or more decorative surface plates having a different height of concavity of an overall shape of the two or more decorative surface plates relative to other decorative surface plates of the two or more decorative surface plates.

12. 2. The wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of set screws has a head configured to be recessed within the wall, and the post has a plurality of openings sized, shaped and arranged to receive the plurality of set screws that pass through the plurality of lateral openings in the wall, thereby attaching the collar to the post.

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