Flexible wheel cover

Abstract

A method and assembly is described for covering a wheel of a vehicle. The assembly includes an attachment assembly including an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of clips spaced about a circumference of the outer ring, wherein each of the plurality of clips includes at least one retaining tab. The wheel cover secured by rotating the wheel cover relative to the attachment assembly to engage the retaining tabs of the plurality of clips.

Description

FLEXIBLE WHEEL COVERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 632,795 filed on April 11 , 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to covers for motor vehicle wheels, and more particularly to systems and methods for facilitating the mounting of a wheel cover for heavy road trucks and trailers without the use of tools.BACKGROUND

[0003] Wheel covers for vehicles (e.g., heavy trucks, trailers, or the like) are used to improve aesthetics and aerodynamics and keep wheels clean from dirt, rain, or other debris. Typically, wheel covers are installed with brackets that mount from the wheel end hub. These brackets are secured by nuts and require each to be torqued to manufacturers specifications with tools. Brackets also must be to specific dimensions for a myriad of wheel end hubs used in the truck transportation industry worldwide. An example would be the different wheel ends that exist between the truck and the trailer being pulled. Although the wheels are typically identical between truck and trailer, the wheel end at the hub of truck and trailer are different as the axles are different. Such methods necessarily involve one or more tools, increasing the complexity and efficiency of wheel cover bracket installation and removal.

[0004] Further, many conventional wheel covers obstruct a view of the hub of the wheel during routine inspection and maintenance, requiring the wheel cover to be completely removed. Additionally, conventional wheel covers often include aerodynamic inefficiencies and / or include a significant number of components and / or material, resulting in wasted resources due to fuel consumption, manufacturing costs, installation / removal time, and / or the like. As such, conventional wheel covers are neither cost effective nor efficient in use. It is with these issues in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were developed.SUMMARY

[0005] Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoing issues by providing a wheel cover system. The wheel cover system can be purely aesthetic or decorative in nature or designed with a shape to optimize aerodynamic efficiency, thereby reducing fuel costs.

[0006] In one aspect, a wheel cover assembly includes a wheel cover including a plurality of cutouts, and a plurality of retention clips spaced about a circumference of a wheel, wherein the plurality of retention clips apply a force to at least a portion of the wheel cover when the wheel cover is in a secured state, wherein the plurality of cutouts align with the plurality of retention clips in when the wheel cover is in an unsecured state.

[0007] In another aspect, an attachment assembly includes an outer ring and a plurality of retention clips. A plurality of cutouts of a wheel cover are aligned with the plurality of retention clips in an unsecured state, and the plurality of retention clips apply a force to at least a portion of the wheel cover when the wheel cover is in a secured state.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a method for covering a wheel of a vehicle with a wheel cover assembly includes coupling an attachment assembly into an interior space of the wheel, the attachment assembly including a plurality of retention clips, aligning a plurality of cutouts of a wheel cover with the plurality of retention clips, and rotating the wheel cover relative to the attachment assembly to move the wheel cover from an unsecured state to a secured state.

[0009] Other implementations are also described and recited herein. Further, while multiple implementations are disclosed, still other implementations of the presently disclosed technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative implementations of the presently disclosed technology. As will be realized, the presently disclosed technology is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wheel cover system.

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts an attachment assembly within a wheel with the wheel cover removed.

[0012] FIG. 3 depicts the attachment assembly.

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an inner clip of the attachment assembly.

[0014] FIG. 5 depicts an outer clip of the attachment assembly.

[0015] FIG. 6A depicts a wheel cover with the outer clip of the attachment assembly in an unsecured state.

[0016] FIG. 6B depicts a wheel cover attached to the outer clip of the attachment assembly in a secured state.

[0017] FIGs. 7A and 7B illustrate an example wheel cover system.

[0018] FIG. 8 depicts an attachment assembly within a wheel with the wheel cover removed.

[0019] FIG. 9 depicts the attachment assembly.

[0020] FIG. 10 depicts the wheel cover.

[0021] FIGs. 11 A and 11 B depict an inner clip of the attachment assembly.

[0022] FIGs. 12A and 12B depict an outer clip of the attachment assembly.

[0023] FIG. 13A depict a wheel cover with the outer clip of the attachment assembly in an unsecured state.

[0024] FIG. 13B depicts a wheel cover attached to the outer clip of the attachment assembly in a secured state.

[0025] FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart of a method of installing the wheel cover system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems and methods facilitating efficient mounting and removal of a wheel cover having optimized aerodynamics to at least a portion of a wheel, such as the hub, tire, and / or axle. As described herein, the presently disclosed technology provides a wheel cover system that is low cost, lightweight, flexible, durable, easily-installed, easily removed, low maintenance, and provides optimized aerodynamics that results in fuel costsavings. More particularly, the wheel cover system provides an aerodynamic shape generating an optimized miles per gallon of fuel savings for a vehicle. Further, the wheel cover system is lightweight and flexible with minimal parts and can be completely installed in a minute or less with routine inspections performable in seconds. Other advantages and features of the presently disclosed technology will be apparent from the present disclosure.

[0027] To begin, a detailed description of an example wheel cover system 100, reference is made to FIGS. 1-3. In one implementation, the wheel cover system 100 includes an attachment assembly 102 and a wheel cover 104. The wheel cover 104 includes apertures 106 which aid in removal of the wheel cover 104. The wheel cover 104 is made of a flexible and durable material. The attachment assembly 102 is configured to be removably installed within a wheel 108. When installed, the attachment assembly 102 provides means for attaching the wheel cover 104 to the wheel 108.

[0028] The attachment assembly 102 includes an inner ring 110, an outer ring 112, and a plurality of straps 114 connecting the inner ring 110 to the outer ring 112. The inner ring 110 and outer ring 112 are essentially the same size and are sized to securely fit within the wheel 108. The straps 114 are constructed from any suitable and durable material, and the straps 114 are able to be adjusted in length to fit the wheel 108. The inner ring 110 is inserted into a cavity 116 of the wheel 108 with the inner ring 110 proximate an inner wall 118 of the wheel 108. The outer ring 112 is inserted into the cavity 116 and is proximate an outer rim 120 of the wheel. Each strap 114 is attached to the inner ring 110 by an inner clip 122 and to the outer ring 112 by an outer clip 124.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, the inner clip 122 is shown in detail. The inner clip 122 includes a groove 130, a first slot 132 and a second slot 134. The first slot 132 receives the strap 114 and the second slot 134 receives a positioning strap 138. The inner ring 110 is inserted to the groove 130. The geometry of the groove 130 is such that the inner clip 122 is retained in place along the inner ring 110.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, the outer clip 124 is shown in detail. The outer clip 124 includes a groove 140 and a tab 142. The tab 142 includes a first side 150 and a second side (not shown). The groove 140 is defined along the second side of the tab 142. The geometry of the groove 140 is such that the outer clip 124 is retained along the outer ring 112. The first side 150 of the tab 142 includes a button 152. A ridge 154 is located along the edge of the outer clip 124 and extendstransversely from the first side 150. A retaining tab 158 extends transversely from a top edge 160 of the ridge 154 and is essentially parallel with the tab 142.

[0031] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the outer clip 124 engaged with the wheel cover 104. FIG. 6A depicts the outer clip 124 and the wheel cover 104 in an unsecured state. FIG. 6B depicts the outer clip 124 and the wheel cover 104 in a secured state. The wheel cover 104 includes a notch 164, a projection 166 and a cutout 168. The cutout 168 is sized to accept the retaining tab 158 of the outer clip 124. The wheel cover 104 is placed on the outer ring 112 and the retaining tabs 158 of each of the outer clips 124 are aligned with the cutouts 168, as shown in FIG. 6A. Once the wheel cover 104 is in place and in the unsecured state, the wheel cover 104 is rotated in a clockwise direction such that the retaining tabs 158 slide over the projections 166, as shown in FIG. 6B. The force of the retaining tabs 158 against the projections 166 secure the wheel cover 104 to the attachment assembly 102. As the wheel cover 104 is rotated, the button 152 snaps into place within the notch 164, indicating that the wheel cover 104 is in place.

[0032] FIGs. 7A and 7B, which depict a wheel cover system 200 in a perspective and side view. The wheel cover system 200 may be substantially similar to the wheel cover system 100 described above and may include the features of wheel cover system 100. In one implementation, the wheel cover system 200 includes an attachment assembly 202 and a wheel cover 204. The attachment assembly 202 is configured to be removably installed within a wheel 208. The attachment assembly 202 removably attaches the wheel cover 204 to the wheel 208.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7B, the wheel 208 includes an inner rim 207, an outer rim 209, an inner sloped surface 212, an outer sloped surface 214, and a drop center 216. The drop center 216 has a lesser diameter than the inner rim 207 and the outer rim 209. The inner sloped surface 212 and the outer sloped surface 214 are located on either side of the drop center 216.

[0034] FIG. 8 depicts the wheel cover system 200 installed with the wheel cover 204 removed. The attachment assembly 202 includes an inner ring 220, an outer ring 222, and a plurality of straps 224 connecting the inner ring 220 to the outer ring 222. The inner ring 220 and outer ring 222 are essentially the same size and are sized to securely fit within an interior space 226 defined by the wheel 208. The inner ring 220 includes a notch 228, which is triangular in shape in one implementation. However, the disclosure is not limited to triangular shape and any suitable shape may be used. The notch 228 allows for the inner ring 220 to be inserted past the drop center 216and into an interior space 226 of the wheel well. The notch 228 allows the inner ring 220 to be adjustable and to compress in order to fit past the drop center 216 of the wheel 208.

[0035] The inner ring 220 is inserted into the interior space 226 of the wheel 208 with the inner ring 220 proximate the inner rim 207 of the wheel 208. The outer ring 222 is inserted into the interior space 226 and is proximate the outer rim 209 of the wheel. Each strap 224 is attached to the inner ring 220 by an anchor clip 240 and to the outer ring 222 by a cover retention clip 262.

[0036] The straps 224 are constructed from any suitable and durable material, and the straps 224 are able to be adjusted in length to fit the wheel 208. In this aspect, the wheel cover system 200 can be adjusted for various different wheel sizes. In some instances, the straps 224 are constructed from a rubberized material. In other instances, the straps 224 may be a nylon material. When the plurality of straps 224 are tightened, the anchor clips 240 contact the inner sloped surface 212 and the cover retention clips 262 contact the outer sloped surface 214. The tightening of the plurality of straps 224 introduces a tension on the plurality of straps 224, securing the inner ring 220 and the outer ring 222 into a secure position against the inner sloped surface 212 and the outer sloped surface 214 respectively. The attachment assembly 202 is shown isolated from the wheel 208 in FIG. 9.

[0037] The wheel cover 204 is shown isolated from the wheel cover assembly 202 in FIG. 10. The wheel cover 204 includes a plurality of cutouts 205 disposed along a periphery of the wheel cover 204 and a pair of apertures 206, which can be used by a user to aid in removal of the wheel cover 204. Although two apertures are shown, the disclosure is not limited as such and any suitable number of apertures may be used. The plurality of cutouts 205 interface with the cover retention clips 262, as is described in additional detail below. In an implementation, the wheel cover 204 is made of a flexible and durable material, such as, for example plastic or metal.

[0038] Referring to FIGs. 11A and 11 B, the anchor clip 240 is shown in detail. The anchor clip 240 includes a body portion 242. A first projection 244 extends from the body portion 242 proximate a first side 246 and a first tab 248, a second tab 250 and a third tab 252 extend from the body portion 242 proximate to a second side 254 of the body portion, the second side 254 substantially parallel to first side 246. A groove 256 is collectively formed between the first projection 244, the first tab 248, the second tab 250 and the third tab 252. A second projection 258 extends out from the first projection 244, the second projection 258 including a slot 260 defined in the second projection 258 and a protrusion 261 , such as, for example a pin, extendingfrom the second projection 258. The slot 260 receives the strap 224. The inner ring 220 is inserted into and received by the groove 256. In an implementation, the geometry of the groove 256 is such that the anchor clip 240 is slidably coupled to the inner ring 220. In an implementation, a force is exerted by the groove 256 against the inner ring 220 to restrict sliding until the force is overcome to position the anchor clip 240 in a desired position along the inner ring 220.

[0039] As shown in FIGs. 11A and 11 B, each of the plurality of straps 224 include a plurality of strap adjustment apertures 230 which allow for the straps 224 to be selectively shortened or lengthened at discrete intervals by inserting the protrusion 261 into one of the plurality of strap adjustment apertures 230. The adjustable length of the plurality of straps 224 allows for the wheel cover system 200 to be used with a variety of wheels, including wheels of varying width.

[0040] Referring to FIGs. 12A and 12B, the cover retention clip 262 is shown in detail. The cover retention clip 262 includes a body portion 264 and an extended surface 268 extending from the body portion 264. The cover retention clip 262 further includes a retention tab 270 extending outwardly from the body portion 264 and essentially parallel to the extended surface 268. The extended surface 268 includes a first side 272, a second side 273, recessed section 274, a first cutout 276 and a second cutout 278. A first tab 280, a second tab 282, and a third tab 284 extend out from the body portion 264, such that the outer ring 222 can be inserted between the second side 273 of the extended surface 268 and the first tab 280, the second tab 282, and the third tab 284. In an implementation, the cover retention clip 262 is slidably coupled to the outer ring 222. In an implementation, a force is exerted by the first tab 280, the second tab 282, and the third tab 284 against the outer ring 222 to restrict sliding until the force is overcome to position the cover retention clip 262 in a desired position along the outer ring 222. Each of the plurality of straps is coupled to one of the plurality of retention clips. In an implementation, an end of one of the straps is fed through an opening formed in the retention clip (not shown) and coupled to a remaining portion of the strap to secure the strap to the cover retention clip 262. In some instances, the anchor clips 240 and the cover retention clips 262 may also include a gasket, rubber grip or adhesive element along the surface contacting the wheel 208 to prevent slippage.

[0041] FIGS. 13A and 13B depict the cover retention clip 262 engaged with the wheel cover 204. FIG. 13A depicts the cover retention clip 262 and the wheel cover 204 in an unsecured state. FIG. 13B depicts the cover retention clip 262 and the wheel cover 204 in a secured state. In the unsecured state, each of the cutouts 205 of the wheel cover 204 are aligned with the corresponding retention tab 270 of the cover retention clips 262. Each of the cutouts 205 is sizedto fit over the retention tab 270 of the cover retention clip 262, and the number of cutouts 205 in the wheel cover 204 correspond to the number of cover retention clips 262. The wheel cover 204 is placed against the outer ring (not shown in FIG. 13A).

[0042] Once the wheel cover 204 is in place and in the unsecured state, the wheel cover 204 is rotated relative to the attachment assembly 202 in a direction, such as, for example a clockwise direction, such the retention tabs 270 slide over a portion of the wheel cover 204, as shown in FIG. 13B. The force of the retention tabs 270 against the portion of the wheel cover 204 secures the wheel cover 204 to the attachment assembly 202. In some instances, the retention tab 270 snaps into place within a notch (not shown) of the wheel cover 204, indicating that the wheel cover 204 is in place.

[0043] FIG. 14 depicts a method 1400 for covering a wheel of a vehicle with a wheel cover assembly using the systems 100-200. The method includes a step 1402 of coupling an attachment assembly to an interior space of the wheel cover assembly, the attachment assembly including a plurality of retention clips. The method further includes a step 1404 of aligning a plurality of cutouts of awheel cover with the plurality of retention clips. Finally, the method includes a step 1406 of rotating the wheel cover relative to the attachment assembly from an unsecured state to a secured state.

[0044] Generally, the wheel cover system described provides various advantages over conventional assembly including ease of use and installation. The cover assembly allows for quick installation of the wheel cover onto the hub without tools by simply pressing down and rotating the wheel cover onto the attachment assembly. The wheel cover is flexible can be removed simply and efficiently by applying an outward force via the apertures of the wheel cover. Furthermore, the total parts count for the wheel cover quick mount is less than conventional assemblies. Having fewer parts allows for quicker and simpler installation of the assembly. Moreover the wheel cover quick mount is agnostic to the issues relating to wheel end hubs and brackets. Because of its adjustable straps it can fit both aluminum and steel wheels and wheels with differing widths and contours. As illustrated, the cover assembly can be easily and quickly installed or removed without special tools. The method of installation is unique as the method completely conceals the confines of the wheel cover system. Furthermore, the function of installation does not hinder aerodynamics of the wheel cover.

[0045] The description above includes example systems, methods, techniques, and / or instruction sequences that embody techniques of the present disclosure. However, it is understood that the described disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

[0046] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various implementations, it will be understood that these implementations are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, implementations in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular implementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various implementations of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A wheel cover assembly comprising: a wheel cover comprising a plurality of cutouts; and a plurality of retention clips configured to engage a wheel, wherein the plurality of retention clips apply a force to at least a portion of the wheel cover when the wheel cover is in a secured state, wherein the plurality of cutouts align with the plurality of retention clips when the wheel cover is in an unsecured state.

2. The wheel cover assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: an outer ring coupled to the plurality of retention clips.

3. The wheel cover assembly of claim 2, further comprising: an inner ring coupled to a plurality of anchor clips.

4. The wheel cover assembly of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of straps, each of the plurality of straps is coupled between one of the plurality of retention clips and one of the plurality of anchor clips.

5. The wheel cover assembly of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of straps includes a plurality of strap adjustment apertures.

6. The wheel cover assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of retention clips includes a retention tab.

7. The wheel cover assembly of claim 6, wherein the retention tab applies the force when the wheel cover is the secured state.

8. The wheel cover assembly of claim 1 , wherein the wheel cover includes one or more apertures formed in the wheel cover.

9. An attachment assembly comprising: an outer ring;a plurality of retention clips coupled to the outer ring and configured to apply a force to at least a portion of a wheel cover when the wheel cover is in a secured state; an inner ring; a plurality of anchor clips coupled to the inner ring; and a plurality of straps, each of the plurality of straps extending between one of the plurality of retention clips and one of the plurality of anchor clips.

10. The attachment assembly of claim 9, wherein a length of each of the plurality of straps is adjustable.

11. The attachment assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of retention clips includes a groove that receives the outer ring.

12. The attachment assembly of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of anchor clips includes a groove that receives the inner ring.

13. The attachment assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of straps includes a plurality of strap adjustment apertures.

14. The attachment assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of retention clips includes a retention tab configured to apply the force.

15. A method for covering a wheel of a vehicle with a wheel cover assembly, the method comprising: coupling an attachment assembly into an interior space of the wheel, the attachment assembly including a plurality of retention clips; aligning a plurality of cutouts of a wheel cover with the plurality of retention clips; and rotating the wheel cover relative to the attachment assembly to transition the wheel cover from an unsecured state to a secured state.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the attachment assembly includes a plurality of anchor clips, an inner ring coupled to the plurality of anchor clips, an outer ring coupled to theplurality of retention clips, and a plurality of straps, each of the plurality of straps extending between one of the plurality of retention clips and one of the plurality of anchor clips.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of retention clips are slidably coupled to the outer ring.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of retention clips each include a retention tab.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the retention tab applies a force onto a portion of the wheel cover when the wheel cover is in the secured state.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the wheel cover includes one or more apertures formed in the wheel cover.

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