GB2557669A

GB2557669A - Wheel cap

Info

Publication number: GB2557669A
Application number: GB1621326.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Woodall Gloria
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-15
Filing date: 2016-12-15
Publication date: 2018-06-27
Also published as: GB201621326D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a means of customising a wheelchair effectively and simply, in a manner that is easy to attach, detach and centre, and provides personalisation and modernity, whilst providing a facility to communicate a message to others. According to the present invention there is provided a wheel cap including a disc, a hub, and a fixing portion, wherein in use the hub may rotate with respect to the disc, said rotation being about a centre common to the disc and hub. The disc may comprises a weighted portion arranged to inhibit rotation of the disc such that any design or decoration present on the wheel cap remains static and visible to an onlooker.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Wheel cap

Abstract Title: A decorative wheel cap for a wheelchair (57) The present invention provides a means of customising a wheelchair effectively and simply, in a manner that is easy to attach, detach and centre, and provides personalisation and modernity, whilst providing a facility to communicate a message to others. According to the present invention there is provided a wheel cap including a disc, a hub, and a fixing portion, wherein in use the hub may rotate with respect to the disc, said rotation being about a centre common to the disc and hub. The disc may comprises a weighted portion arranged to inhibit rotation of the disc such that any design or decoration present on the wheel cap remains static and visible to an onlooker.

FIG. 3

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FIG. 1

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FIG. 2

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FIG. 3

Wheel Cap

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wheel cap, more particularly a decorative wheel cap for use in decorating wheelchairs.

Background to the Invention

It is accepted that there are as many types of wheelchair users as there are non-wheelchair users. However, there are a limited number of types or styles of wheelchairs available to users.

Individualised or customised wheelchairs for performance are known for athletes or other active users. These include creating special wheelchairs for dance, with a centre of gravity that helps a user perform complicated manoeuvres with ease, or rugby players' wheelchairs that can take an impact without damaging the wheelchair or user.

However, despite public or private funding assistance and increased workplace access in progressive societies, many variations or personalisations of wheelchairs available tend to be beyond financial capabilities of many typical users.

For example, temporary wheelchair users, such as those with a temporary decreased motor facility in their legs due to an accident, will often be supplied with standard issue multiple user wheelchairs as are many elderly.

Users therefore may need to subjugate their individuality or personality in respect to their wheelchair.

Wheelchairs typically have spokes which can be hazardous for fingers or clothing snagging. Spoke guards are known such as thin plastic covers or guards that are attached to the wheels of the chair with hook and loop such as VELCRO (Trade Mark). Spoke guards come in assorted designs, sizes and colours or can be designed by the user, and add personality and individuality to a wheelchair once attached.

In contrast the present invention provides a means of customising a wheelchair effectively and simply, in a manner that is easy to attach, detach and centre, and provides personalisation and modernity, whilst providing a facility to communicate a message to others.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a wheel cap including a disc, a hub, and a fixing portion, wherein in use the disc may rotate with respect to the hub and fixing portion, said rotation being about a centre common to the disc, hub and fixing portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the disc is weighted to maintain a position relative to the hub and fixing portion, even when the hub and fixing portion are under rotation.

In preferred embodiments, the hub may be semi-permanently attached to the wheel or spokes. More particularly the hub and fixing portion may be divisible, supplied and/or mountable into, or in, two pieces.

Ideally the method of attachment of the hub is using spoke plugs. In this way in some embodiments the hub may be left in place whilst the fixing portion may be removed at will. The fixing portion preferably interfaces with the hub via a resiliently deformable connection, for example where some of the fixing portion is displaced or the fixing portion is deformed to allow connection of the fixing portion to the hub.

The fixing portion comprises at least one assisting member, arranged to provide leverage during reversible attachment of the fixing portion to the hub. In preferred embodiments, the fixing portion comprises two assisting members. Particularly the reversible attachment of the fixing portion to the hub is performed by accessing the assisting members through the spokes of a wheel. The detachment of the fixing portion from the hub can be performed by similarly accessing the assisting members through the spokes of a wheel.

Embodiments are preferred wherein corresponding male and female locating parts permit a disc to be located on the fixing portion, and furthermore a disc section and/or shaft is contained or included in the connection between the fixing portion and the disc in order that the disc may rotate about the fixing portion and the hub.

Thereby, the disc is enabled to rotate about the wheel centre, and the hub and the fixing portion remain fixed in relation to the disc.

Ideally the disc section and/or shaft may be permanently affixed to the disc. Particularly the disc section and/or shaft would be affixed to the disc such that the disc section and/or shaft and the disc each share a common centre.

The at least one assisting member on the fixing portion allows easy detachment of the fixing portion from the hub. With the simple detachment of the fixing portion from the hub, afforded by the assisting member, such a plural arrangement allows the fixing portion to be separated from the wheelchair and/or the disc to be changed cheaply. As a lower cost option however, in some embodiments the hub and the fixing portion; the fixing portion and the disc; or the hub, fixing portion and the disc may be combined.

The fixing between the fixing portion and the disc may include or comprise a shaft and/or friction fitting and/or clip- or resiliently deformable seals or member fitting.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the hub provides in use a central lacuna wherein this lacuna allows a user to view and reach through the lacuna in order to engage, disengage or activate a wheelchair's quick release wheel mechanism, which is typically activated at the axle or wheel centre.

For example, the hub may be attached in use to spokes, wherein the hub constitutes a ring shape attached to individual or groups of spokes in a plurality of situations about the ring circumference; leaving a central lacuna for access to the wheel axle, wheel centre point, or quick release mechanism.

The ring may be circular or other shape as preferred and as disposed to aid centring on the wheel.

It is envisaged in use that this lacuna may be closed or blocked by the disc, and accordingly embodiments are incorporated within the scope of the invention whereby the hub and/or fixing portion includes elements that transgress into the lacuna when the disc is in place, for example sprung arms, members or clasps that may be used to hold the disc in place.

In this way, the wheels may be readily removed for transportation or storage, for example by taxi or minicab drivers.

Other complimentary, additional or other methods may be included to aid or ensure correct centring of the cap over the wheel. These may preferably include or comprise templates or targets.

In the preferred embodiment in use the user would place the hub onto the wheel and over the template or target, through which the centre or mechanism would be visible.

This template may be attached previously to the wheel; such as by an adhesive, or may be removably in place on the hub or hub piece.

Temporary and/or prior attachment of the template to the hub may be achieved by inclusion of adhesive tabs which engage with the hub or hub piece.

Said tabs may be orthogonally disposed to the template's main function or body and likely to fit around or within the lacuna in use, in order that after use for centring, the template may be withdrawn from the lacuna with minimal disturbance.

Further embodiments may for example include helically or spirally arranged projections that allow the hub, to be screwed into the spokes, simultaneously leading to centring as the piece is screwed onto the spokes and the helically disposed projections push the piece or hub towards a centre-point progressively.

Other methods for centring may be envisaged such as splayed fingers or clips, markings, measurements, rulers or gauges - printed, notched or removably written on the hub or hub piece.

Furthermore, in preferred embodiments the disc may also constitute separate, or separable elements, for example in order that a separable element may be replaced as required without replacing the disc itself.

In this way, a wheel cap may be substantially altered by alteration of the disc alone. For example, where the cap is in use in a sporting arena, numbers on a disc or disc section may be replaced quickly and with minimal cost or disturbance.

These elements or discs or shields may be attached by magnets, hook and loop or friction fit.

It may be envisaged in some embodiments that different sections of the disc may be free or enabled to rotate differently or not at all. This may be accomplished by use of multiple bearings and/or further pieces or sections.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Detailed Description

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following figures in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the hub and fixing portion;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the hub, fixing portion and attached disc, wherein the disc surface is transparent and the wheel is not shown; and

Figure 3 shows an isometric exploded view of a preferred embodiment of hub, fixing portion and disc.

Referring to Figure 1, a hub 10 has an annular shape that defines a central aperture 18. A flange 14 extends radially outwardly from one side of the hub 10. A plurality of grooves 16 are disposed around the outer perimeter of the flange 14. On the hub 10 there are also provided a plurality of smaller apertures 12 arranged in circular rows concentrically converging on the central aperture 18 of the hub 10. Each aperture 12 is arranged to receive an engagement portion 44, facilitating reversible fixation of the hub 10 to a wheel (not shown). Preferably the wheel is a spoked wheel, and the engagement portion 44 is a spoke plug. Alternative embodiments will be apparent that include alternate forms of engagement portion including cable ties, magnets, push-push catches.

The flange 14 is adapted to receive a fixing portion 20 comprising resiliency deformable connectors 24 adapted to reversibly engage with the grooves 16 of the flange 14. Further resiliency deformable connectors 24 are arranged to reversibly engage with the outer perimeter of the flange.

The fixing portion 20 comprises a central aperture dissected by a plurality of rigid support members 28 arranged to support a central ring member 26, the central ring member 26 also comprises a central aperture. The fixing portion further comprises assisting members 22 arranged to provide reversible manual fixation of the fixing portion 20 to the hub 10.

In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, the fixing portion 20 is rotatably attached to a disc, transparent in Figure 2, by way of a shaft 34 engaging with the central ring member 26 or preferably the central aperture therein. The fixing portion preferably further comprises a plurality of furrows 25 at or on the distal end of one or both faces of the assisting members 22 to provide frictional purchase and user grip when actuating the fixing portion 20. Preferably the manner of reversible attachment of the fixing portion 20 to the hub 10 is nonrotational. Further embodiments will be apparent involving a disc that is not transparent.

In the preferred embodiment described in Figure 3, the shaft 34 is attached to the fixing portion 20 by way of a rotational attachment configuration that preferably comprises a mushroom insert 38 and circlip 36. Further embodiments will be apparent involving alternate rotational attachment configurations that alter the properties of the connection of the shaft 34 to the fixing portion 20 in relation to the preferred embodiment described. Apparent alternate embodiments will increase or reduce the permanence or the rotational properties of the connection of the shaft 34 to the fixing portion 20.

The shaft 34 is arranged to be attached to a disc 30 in a non-rotational manner, wherein the attachment configuration preferably further comprises a disc section 32 permanently affixed to the disc 30. Preferably the shaft 34 resists detachment from the disc section 32 or the disc 30 through friction. Alternate embodiments are apparent wherein the shaft 34 is more permanently affixed to the disc section 32 or disc 30, by adhesive or other means including a snap-fit configuration.

The fixing portion 20 and disc 30 are then reversibly attached to the hub 10 by actuating the assisting members 22. The complete arrangement preferably involves the hub 10, fixing portion 20, shaft 34, disc section 32, and disc 30, all having a common central axis R. The preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3 includes a weighted portion 40 attached to the disc 30, preferably through the use of an adhesive layer 42. The weighted portion 40 has the function of inhibiting rotation of the disc. Alternative embodiments are apparent including a weighted portion 40 that is semi-permanently affixed to the disc 30, potentially through the use of magnets. Further embodiments are also apparent wherein the weighted portion 10 comprises a portion of the disc 30.

In use, the hub 10 is attached to a spoked wheel (not shown), using spoke plugs 44. A decorative disc 30 is selected and rotatably attached to the fixing portion 20 through the connection arrangement comprising a disc section 32, a shaft 34, a circlip 36 and a mushroom insert 38. The fixing portion 20 is attached to the hub 10 by accessing, and actuating, two diametrically opposed assisting members 22 of the fixing portion 20, through the spokes of the wheel. The disc 30 comprises a weighted portion 40 arranged to inhibit the rotation of the disc 30 relative to the wheel so that a decorative design on the disc is on display and visible to a viewer in a preferred, predetermined substantially fixed orientation whilst on the wheel.

Claims

1. A decorative wheel cap comprising, a hub, a disc, and a fixing portion; wherein the hub is arranged to be affixed to a wheel;

characterised in that, the disc is arranged to be rotatably attached to the fixing portion;

wherein the fixing portion comprises at least one assisting member arranged to provide manual reversible attachment of the disc to the hub.

2. A decorative wheel cap according to claim 1, further comprising a disc section disposed against the disc and arranged to rotatably attach the disc to the fixing portion.

3. A decorative wheel cap according to claim 2, wherein the disc section is affixed to the disc.

4. A decorative wheel cap according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein the disc is rotatably attached to the fixing portion by a shaft.

5. A decorative wheel cap according to any preceding claim, wherein the manual reversible attachment of the disc to the hub by the fixing portion comprises one selected from the range of; snap-fit, magnets, push-push catches, tie wraps, clip arrangement.

6. A decorative wheel cap according to any preceding claim, wherein the hub is affixed to the wheel using one selected from the range of; spoke plugs, cable ties.

7. A decorative wheel cap according to any preceding claim, wherein the disc further comprises a weighted portion arranged to inhibit rotation of the disc.

8. A decorative wheel cap according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing portion comprises two assisting members diametrically disposed opposite one another.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1621326.6