Adjustable ring for universal wheel cover having a surround

Abstract

A wheel cover includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a plurality of tab mechanisms, and a retention ring. Each tab mechanism of the plurality of tab mechanisms extends from the inner surface and includes at least a first tab. The retention ring is configured to extend between each tab mechanism of the plurality of tab mechanisms and adjustably engage between a first position and a second position. The first position corresponding to a location between a bottom surface of an upper hook of at least the first tab, and a top surface of a central hook of each of at least the first tab. The second position corresponding to location between a bottom surface of the central hook of each of at least the first tab, and a top surface of a lower hook of each of at least the first tab.

Description

ADJUSTABLE RING FOR UNIVERSAL WHEEL COVER HAVING ASURROUNDCROSS REFERENCES AND PRIORITIES

[0001] This Application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No.63 / 661,721 filed on 19 June 2024, the teachings of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Aftermarket components are typically used to enhance automobile cosmeticsand / or repair or replace damaged original automotive equipment. One such componentis an automobile wheel cover which fits over the vehicle wheel and provides a customizedappearance. Such wheel covers are sometimes referred to as hub caps or wheel skins.

[0003] Wheel covers are typically custom manufactured to precisely fit over a specificwheel of a specific vehicle. Commonly, aftermarket wheel covers are finished in a chrome,black, or other colored finish, thus providing a new look to the automobile upon whichthe wheel cover overlay is installed.

[0004] Many wheel covers include a tab mechanism with arms extending from an exteriorfacing surface of one or more tabs disposed at or near the wheel cover perimeter. Thesearms engage with a surface of the vehicle wheel to hold the wheel cover securely in placeon the vehicle wheel during operation. A retention ring is often attached to the tabmechanisms on the interior facing surface thereof to apply and maintain a force againstthe tabs to ensure that the arms stay in tight contact with the vehicle wheel surface.

[0005] Wheels for different vehicles often feature different surface features havingdifferent sizes and shapes to which the tab mechanisms and arms must engage.Accordingly, wheel covers are often designed to fit one or a small number of differentvehicle wheels resulting in manufacturers having to make – and dealers having to stock –a large number of different wheel covers to fit different wheels having different surfacefeatures.

[0006] A number of solutions have been suggested for a universal wheel cover which maybe used with a variety of different wheels having different surface features with differentsizes and shapes. One such solution is proposed in United States Patent No. 6,425,640B1 which discloses that the degree of tightness, which a wheel is attached to the wheel ofan automobile, may be varied by selectively engaging the ends of a retention ring in aspecially formed retention tab ring supporter. The retention ring is supported on aplurality of circumferentially spaced ring supports provided on the wheel cover, and endsof the ring are retained by the retention tab ring supporter. The retention tab is providedwith an opening to receive a blunt end of the retaining ring and two adjacent vertical slotsfor receiving a finger end of the retaining ring. Selection of either of the two vertical slotsfor receiving the finger end varies the practical diameter of the retention ring whenengaged with the ring supporters thereby providing and adjustment in tightness betweenthe wheel cover and the wheel.

[0007] In practice, the solution proposed in United States Patent No. 6,425,640 B1 isdifficult to implement. Precision location of the blunt end of the retaining ring and thefinger end of the retaining ring is required to place the retention ring into all of theopenings and vertical slots. This process is time consuming, and can often lead todamaging the wheel cover before it is even installed.

[0008] The need exists, therefore, for a wheel cover having an improved structure forvarying the tightness with which the wheel cover may be attached to the wheel of anautomobile and, in doing so, to accommodate varying wheel types and sizes.SUMMARY

[0009] Described herein is a wheel cover comprising an outer surface and an innersurface, a plurality of tab mechanisms, and a retention ring. The plurality of tabmechanisms each extend from the inner surface. Each tab mechanism includes at least afirst tab. The first tab having a first tab engagement member extending from a first tabouter surface, a first tab upper hook extending from a first tab inner surface at a first tabtop edge, a first tab central hook extending from the first tab inner surface between thefirst tab upper hook and a first tab lower hook, and the first tab lower hook extendingfrom the first tab inner surface. The retention ring being configured to extend betweeneach tab mechanism of the plurality of tab mechanisms. The retention ring beingconfigured to adjustably engage between one of: (a) a first tab upper hook bottom surfaceand a first tab central hook top surface of each first tab, or (b) a first tab central hookbottom surface and a first tab lower hook top surface of each first tab.

[0010] In certain embodiments, each tab mechanism may include a second tab. Whenpresent, the second tab having a second tab engagement member extending from a secondtab outer surface, a second tab upper hook extending from a second tab inner surface ata second tab top edge, a second tab central hook extending from a second tab innersurface between the second tab upper hook and a second tab lower hook, and the secondtab lower hook extending from the second tab inner surface. In embodiments where thesecond tab is present, the retention ring may be configured to adjustably engage between(c) a second tab upper hook bottom surface and a second tab central hook top surface ofeach tab, or (d) a second tab central hook bottom surface and a second tab lower hooktop surface of each second tab.

[0011] In some embodiments, the wheel cover may also include a plurality of primaryopenings passing from the outer surface through the inner surface to form a plurality ofspokes. In certain such embodiments, the wheel cover may also include a plurality ofsecondary openings passing from the outer surface through the inner surface to form aplurality of secondary spokes.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the wheel cover may also include a surround attached toand extending from a peripheral boundary of the wheel cover. When present, thesurround may be configured to extend past a circumferential edge of a wheel when thewheel cover is attached to said wheel. The surround may be configured such that no spaceis left between the wheel cover with the surround and the wheel. Alternatively, thesurround may be configured such that less than 2.5 mm in width of space is left betweenthe wheel cover with the surround and the wheel. In some embodiments, the surroundmay have a first portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the peripheral boundaryand a second portion extending downwardly from the first portion towards the wheelcover central axis.

[0013] The wheel cover may be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments,the wheel cover excluding the retention ring may be comprised of a plastic materialselected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene(PE), and nylon.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a wheel cover.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of a wheel cover.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of a tab mechanism for a wheel cover viewed from the wheelcover central axis.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a first end view of a tab mechanism for a wheel cover.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a second end view of a tab mechanism for a wheel cover.

[0019] FIG.6 is a perspective rear view of a portion of a wheel cover with a retention ringin a first position.

[0020] FIG.7 is a perspective rear view of a portion of a wheel cover with a retention ringin a second position.

[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a wheel cover to be attached to a vehiclewheel.

[0022] FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of a wheel cover attached to a vehiclewheel.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross section view of a wheel cover attached to a vehicle wheel with aretention ring in a first position.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross section view of a wheel cover attached to a vehicle wheel with aretention ring in a second position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Disclosed herein is a wheel cover. As described herein, the following numbersrefer to the following structures as noted in the Figures.

[0026] 10 refers to a wheel cover.

[0027] 11 refers to a surround.

[0028] 12 refers to an outer surface.

[0029] 13 refers to a peripheral boundary.

[0030] 14 refers to an inner surface.

[0031] 16 refers to a primary opening.

[0032] 17 refers to a primary spoke.

[0033] 50 refers to a vehicle.

[0034] 55 refers to a vehicle wheel.

[0035] 100 refers to a tab mechanism.

[0036] 110 refers to a first tab.

[0037] 111 refers to a first tab engagement member.

[0038] 112 refers to a first tab outer surface.

[0039] 113 refers to a first tab upper hook.

[0040] 114 refers to a first tab inner surface.

[0041] 115 refers to a first tab top edge.

[0042] 116 refers to a first tab central hook.

[0043] 117 refers to a first tab lower hook.

[0044] 120 refers to a second tab.

[0045] 121 refers to a second tab engagement member.

[0046] 122 refers to a second tab outer surface.

[0047] 123 refers to a second tab upper hook.

[0048] 124 refers to a second tab inner surface.

[0049] 125 refers to a second tab top edge.

[0050] 126 refers to a second tab central hook.

[0051] 127 refers to a second tab lower hook.

[0052] 200 refers to a retention ring.

[0053] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a perspective view of a wheel cover (10) with FIG. 1showing the wheel cover from the front and FIG. 2 showing the wheel cover from therear. As shown in the Figures, the wheel cover includes an outer surface (12) and an innersurface (14) with the outer surface referring generally to the surface which is visible to aperson facing the vehicle when the wheel cover is installed on a vehicle wheel ((55) asshown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9) and the inner surface referring generally to the surfaceopposite the outer surface.

[0054] In some embodiments, the wheel cover (10) may include a plurality of primaryopenings (16). When present, each primary opening of the plurality of primary openingswill pass from the outer surface (12) through the inner surface (14) to form a plurality ofprimary spokes (17) as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0055] Certain embodiments of the wheel cover (10) may also include a plurality ofsecondary openings (not shown). When present, each secondary opening of the pluralityof secondary openings will pass from the outer surface (12) through the inner surface (14)to form a plurality of secondary spokes (not shown).

[0056] Some embodiments of the wheel cover (10) may also include a surround (11).When present, the surround will be attached to and extend from a peripheral boundary(13) of the wheel cover. The surround – when present – may function to ensure that theentirety of the outer periphery of the vehicle wheel ((55) as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9)is covered by the wheel cover (10) when the wheel cover is attached to the vehicle wheel.When the wheel cover is attached to a vehicle wheel as described herein, the wheel coverand the surround portion preferably covers the entire surface of the vehicle wheelincluding the circumferential edge thereof as described herein and shown in the Figures.

[0057] The surround (11) can be of any length; however, it is anticipated that themaximum length of the surround may be such that the wheel cover– when installed –covers the entire circumferential edge of the vehicle wheel ((55) as shown in FIG. 8 andFIG. 9). Preferably, no space is left between the circumferential edge of the wheel coverwith the surround and the vehicle wheel when the former is installed over the later tocover an existing vehicle wheel. However, in some embodiments, a small amount of space– preferably less than 2.5 mm in width, with less than 1.0 mm in width being morepreferred, and 0.5 mm in width being still more preferred – may be left between the wheelcover with the surround and the circumferential edge of the vehicle wheel when theformer is installed over the later. In some embodiments, the surround (11) may includea first portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the peripheral boundary (13) of thewheel cover and a second portion extending downwardly from the first portion towardsa central axis of the wheel cover.

[0058] FIG. 2 further illustrates a plurality of tab mechanisms (100) extending from theinner surface (14) of the wheel cover (10) and a retention ring (200) extending betweeneach of the tab mechanisms with FIG. 3 being a side view illustrating further details of anexemplary embodiment of a tab mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3, each tab mechanism ofthe plurality of tab mechanisms may include a first tab (110) and a second tab (120).However, embodiments may exist in which each tab mechanism includes only a singletab, and still other embodiments may exist in which each tab mechanism includes morethan two tabs. Accordingly, the number of tabs present in each tab mechanism may bean integer in the range of between 1 and 5.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a first end view of a wheel cover (10) showing additional details of thefirst tab (110). In the illustration shown in FIG. 4, the viewer is looking directly at theend of the first tab. As shown in FIG. 4, the first tab includes a first tab outer surface(112) and a first tab inner surface (114). A first engagement member (111) extends fromthe first tab outer surface at or about a first tab top edge (115). Extending from the firsttab inner surface at or about the first tab top edge is a first tab upper hook (113). The firsttab upper hook includes a first tab upper hook bottom surface (113B). Preferably, at leasta portion of the first tab upper hook bottom surface will form an acute angle with thefirst tab inner surface. In some embodiments, the first tab upper hook bottom surfacemay be convex.

[0060] A first tab central hook (116) extends from the first tab inner surface (114) locatedbetween the first tab upper hook (113) and a first tab lower hook (117). The first tabcentral hook includes a first tab central hook top surface (116T) and a first tab centralhook bottom surface (116B). Preferably, at least a portion of the first tab central hook topsurface will form a right angle or an acute angle with the first tab inner surface. It is alsopreferable that at least a portion of the first tab central hook bottom surface forms a rightangle or an acute angle with the first tab inner surface. In some embodiments, one orboth of the first tab central hook top surface and the first tab central hook bottom surfacemay be convex.

[0061] The first tab lower hook (117) includes a first tab lower hook top surface (117T).Preferably, at least a portion of the first tab lower hook top surface will form a right angleor an acute angle with the first tab inner surface (114). In some embodiments, the firsttab lower hook top surface may be convex.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a second end view of a wheel cover (10) showing additional details ofthe second tab (120). In the illustration shown in FIG. 5, the viewer is looking directly atthe end of the second tab. As shown in FIG.5, the second tab includes a second tab outersurface (122) and a second tab inner surface (124). A second engagement member (121)extends from the second tab outer surface at or about a second tab top edge (125).Extending from the second tab inner surface at or about the second tab top edge is asecond tab upper hook (123). The second tab upper hook includes a second tab upperhook bottom surface (123B). Preferably, at least a portion of the second tab upper hookbottom surface will form an acute angle with the second tab inner surface. In someembodiments, the second tab upper hook bottom surface may be convex.

[0063] A second tab central hook (126) extends from the second tab inner surface (124)located between the second tab upper hook (123) and the second tab lower hook (127).The second tab central hook includes a second tab central hook top surface (126T) anda second tab central hook bottom surface (126B). Preferably, at least a portion of thesecond tab central hook top surface will form a right angle or an acute angle with thesecond tab inner surface. It is also preferable that at least a portion of the second tabcentral hook bottom surface forms a right angle or an acute angle with the second tabinner surface. In some embodiments, one or both of the second tab central hook topsurface and the second tab central hook bottom surface may be convex.

[0064] The second tab lower hook (127) includes a second tab lower hook top surface(127T). Preferably, at least a portion of the second tab lower hook top surface will form aright angle or an acute angle with the second tab inner surface (124). In someembodiments, the second tab lower hook top surface may be convex.

[0065] Adjustably engaging the retention ring (200) between the tab mechanisms isfurther shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 6, the retention ring is engaged ina first position between the first tab upper hook bottom surface (113B) and the first tabcentral hook top surface (116T) of each first tab, as well as between the second tab upperhook bottom surface (123B) and the second tab central hook top surface (126T) of eachsecond tab.

[0066] To adjust the position of the retention ring (200), one removes the retention ringfrom its first position engagement (shown in FIG. 6) by hand – with or without theassistance of tools such as screw driver(s) and pry bar(s) – and positions the retention ringin a second position between the first tab central hook bottom surface (116B) and thefirst tab lower hook top surface (117T) of each first tab, as well as between the second tabcentral hook bottom surface (126B) and the second tab lower hook top surface (127T) ofeach second tab as shown in FIG. 7.

[0067] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate a wheel cover (10) before being installed to a vehiclewheel (55) of a vehicle (50) (FIG. 8) and after installation to the vehicle wheel (FIG. 9).As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, one connects the wheel cover to the vehicle wheel bysimply aligning the wheel cover with the vehicle wheel and applying a force at the outersurface ((12) as shown in FIG. 1) of the wheel cover until the wheel cover snaps into placeon the vehicle wheel.

[0068] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show cross sections of the wheel cover (10) installed on thevehicle wheel (55) with FIG. 10 showing the retention ring (200) in the first position, andFIG.11 showing the retention ring in the second position. The wheel cover is held to thevehicle wheel by frictionally engaging the first tab engagement member(s) (111) and thesecond tab engagement member(s) (121) to a surface adjacent to corresponding voids ofthe vehicle wheel. The retention ring (200) provides an opposing force opposite the forceapplied by the surface of the vehicle wheel to ensure that the first tab engagementmember(s) and the second tab engagement member(s) maintain tight contact with thevehicle wheel surface so that the wheel cover does not become loose, rattle, and / orbecome disengaged from the vehicle wheel all together. Adjusting the retention ring fromthe first position shown in FIG.10 to the second position shown in FIG. 11 increases theamount of opposing force applied by the retaining ring opposite the force applied by thesurface of the vehicle wheel resulting in a tighter, more secure, fit.

[0069] The wheel cover – excluding the retaining ring – may be manufactured of anynumber of materials using any number of manufacturing techniques. Preferably, thewheel cover will comprise a plastic material selected from the group consisting ofacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE), nylon, and the like. In certainembodiments, the plastic material may include fibers such as glass fibers or carbon fibers.When the wheel cover is manufactured of a plastic material, the preferred manufacturingmethod is injection molding. The tab mechanisms may be integrally connected to theinner surface – such as during the injection molding process – or may be connected tothe inner surface by way of an adhesive and / or a fastener such as a screw, a rivet, a clip, aclamp, or the like. The retaining ring is preferably manufactured of a rigid metal materialsuch as steel, brass, aluminum, copper, or the like.

[0070] The wheel cover disclosed herein with its adjustable retention ring allows a userto quickly and easily adjust the tightness with which the wheel cover may be attached tothe wheel of an automobile and thus is capable of accommodating a variety of differentwheels with varying sizes and shapes. This is achieved by changing the retention ringbetween the first position (corresponding to the first hook and the third hook) and thesecond position (corresponding to the second hook and the fourth hook) and vice versa.

[0071] While the wheel cover has been described as having one or more exemplarydesigns, the present wheel cover may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, oradaptations of the wheel cover disclosed herein using their general principles.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A wheel cover (10) comprising:an outer surface (12) and an inner surface (14);a plurality of tab mechanisms (100) extending from the inner surface,each tab mechanism of the plurality comprising at least a first tab (110)having a first tab engagement member (111) extending from a first tabouter surface (112), a first tab upper hook (113) extending from a first tabinner surface (114) at a first tab top edge (115), and a first tab central hook(116) extending from the first tab inner surface between the first tab upperhook and a first tab lower hook (117), said first tab lower hook extendingfrom the first tab inner surface; anda retention ring (200) configured to extend between each tabmechanism of the plurality of tab mechanisms and adjustably engagebetween one of:a first tab upper hook bottom surface (113B) and a first tabcentral hook top surface (116T) of each first tab, ora first tab central hook bottom surface (116B) and a first tablower hook top surface (117T) of each first tab.

2. The wheel cover of claim 1, wherein each tab mechanism of the plurality of tabmechanisms further comprises a second tab (120) having a second tab engagementmember (121) extending from a second tab outer surface (122), a second tab upperhook (123) extending from a second tab inner surface (124) at a second tab topedge (125), and a second tab central hook (126) extending from a second tab innersurface between the second tab upper hook and a second tab lower hook (127),said second tab lower hook extending from the second tab inner surface, andwherein the retention ring is configured to adjustably engage between one of asecond tab upper hook bottom surface (123B) and a second tab central hook topsurface (126T) of each second tab, or a second tab central hook bottom surface(126B) and a second tab lower hook top surface (127T) of each second tab.

3. The wheel cover of any of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a plurality of primaryopenings (16) passing from the outer surface through the inner surface to form aplurality of primary spokes (17).

4. The wheel cover of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of secondary openingspassing from the outer surface through the inner surface to form a plurality ofsecondary spokes.

5. The wheel cover of any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a surround (11)attached to and extending from a peripheral boundary (13) of the wheel cover.

6. The wheel cover of claim 5, wherein the surround is configured to extend past acircumferential edge of a wheel when the wheel cover is attached to said wheel.

7. The wheel cover of claim 6, wherein no space is left between the wheel cover withthe surround and the wheel.

8. The wheel cover of claim 6, wherein less than 2.5 mm in width of space is leftbetween the wheel cover with the surround and the wheel.

9. The wheel cover of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the surround has a first portionextending upwardly and inwardly from the peripheral boundary and a secondportion extending downwardly from the first portion towards a wheel covercentral axis.

10. The wheel cover of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the wheel cover excluding theretention ring is comprised of a plastic material selected from the group consistingof acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE), and nylon.

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