JP2010018097A - Wheel cover holder and wheel cover - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wheel cover holder that can easily be fixed to and removed from a vehicle wheel by hand without using a tool and enables an easy attachment and an easy removal of a wheel cover. <P>SOLUTION: In a wheel cover assembly that can be attached to and removed from a wheel having a rim part without loosening any fastener that attaches the wheel to a vehicle, the wheel cover holder includes an attaching base that can be attached to the rim part of the wheel in a lockable state, a bearing assembly physically articulated with the attaching base and having a center of gravity, a holder plate physically articulated with the bearing assembly and having a center of gravity deviated from the center of gravity of the bearing assembly, and a stopper mechanism that can be attached to the wheel cover in the lockable state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  This specification mainly relates to a wheel cover holder and a wheel cover of a vehicle.

  The wheel cover can be attached to the vehicle wheel as a protective cover for the wheel, rim portion, and mounted tire. The wheel cover can also provide a surface decoration away from the vehicle, generally in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wheel as it rotates against the ground.

  Conventional wheel covers are generally shown as a rotationally symmetric design around the center of rotation of the vehicle wheel. The wheel cover is generally fixed to the wheel and rotates with the wheel while the vehicle is running. Except for very low speeds, an asymmetrical pattern or design cannot be easily identified by the human eye while the vehicle is running. Depending on the design of the actual wheel cover, a smooth, blurred disc shape may be visible that appears uniform or appears in a plurality of different colors and / or brightness ring rings.

  A wheel cover holder that keeps the wheel cover from rotating may be beneficial. When the vehicle wheel is rotating, if the wheel cover does not rotate with the vehicle wheel, a pictorial design, written message, or other visual image can be easily perceived. Although it becomes possible to display information such as commercial or non-commercial advertisements on the vehicle body, there is a possibility that the overall image and scenery may be damaged in an area where there is no information transmission by the vehicle wheel. The wheel cover may be a medium for expanding the information transmission range or displaying independent information. Advertising can be an attractive means of generating revenue, especially for heavy vehicle operators such as trucks, buses and taxis.

  Furthermore, by employing three-dimensional information for the wheel cover, it is possible to more effectively attract the eyes of people who see the wheel cover, which is useful for creating commercial and / or non-profit advertisements.

  As described in US Pat. No. 6,120,104, weights can be used to prevent the wheel cover from rotating with the wheel. The effect of the weight to prevent undesired rotation of the wheel cover may vary depending on the shape and structure of the weight.

  Whether a wheel cover holder with an advertisement is commercially acceptable depends on how quickly and / or easily it is possible to replace a cover with advertisement with another cover with advertisement. If it is difficult to replace the advertising cover, it will take a considerable amount of time and / or effort to replace the cover, resulting in inefficiency in use on a large number of vehicles, high volume operators and employees who replace old advertisements with new ones Invite members to refuse.

  The wheel cover holder must be securely attached to the vehicle wheel in some way. As taught by US Pat. No. 5,957,542, the wheel cover needs to be difficult to remove to prevent theft. Commercial users of advertising wheels may be interested in how easy it is to attach and remove the wheel cover holder to the vehicle wheel rather than making it difficult to remove the wheel cover. The need for an anti-theft design is not high because a mass-owned commercial vehicle may be parked in a safe place when not in use.

  Of course, advertisements are operated for a certain period. At the end of this period, a new advertisement may be attached to the wheel cover holder. If for some reason there is no new ad placement request, the heavy vehicle operator can decide to use a wheel cover advertisement for his own promotion, or replace it with a conventional wheel cover. For this reason, ease of removal of the wheel cover may be important. In addition, wheel inspection may need to be performed periodically. If it is difficult to remove the wheel cover holder, it may be difficult for the mass vehicle operator to use.

  It would be beneficial to have a wheel cover holder that can be easily secured to and removed from the vehicle wheel manually without the use of tools. It would also be beneficial to have a wheel cover holder that can be easily attached and removed manually without the use of tools. A wheel cover holder that satisfies one or more of these factors is desired.

  This specification relates to a wheel cover holder that can connect a decorative wheel cover without the use of tools. The wheel cover holder itself can be easily attached to the vehicle wheel without the use of tools, substantially reducing but not stopping the movement of the decorative wheel cover while the vehicle is running. This specification also relates to a useful mechanism of the wheel cover holder capable of converting rotational motion into a plurality of radial linear motions. This specification further relates to a wheel cover that can be attached to a wheel cover holder.

  In summary, at least one embodiment is a wheel cover assembly that can be attached to and removed from a wheel with a rim without loosening the fasteners securing the wheel to the vehicle. This wheel cover assembly can be attached and locked to the rim part of the wheel, physically connected to the mounting base, bearing assembly with the center of gravity, physically connected to the bearing assembly, from the center of gravity of the bearing assembly A holder plate having a shifted center of gravity, and a wheel cover holder having a stopper mechanism that is physically connected to the holder plate and can be locked to the wheel cover.

The wheel cover assembly may further include a wheel cover that can be selectively attached to and removed from a tool-free wheel cover holder.
The mounting base can include a wheel snapping mechanism, an adjustment ring, and at least two engagement members. Here, the wheel snapping mechanism includes a spoke ring having a ring portion physically connected to the bearing mechanism, a joint portion of the bearing assembly, and at least two spoke portions physically connected to the center portion of the hub. The adjustment ring is connected to the spoke ring so as to be rotatable and slidable. Further, the engaging member is slidably connected to the spoke ring and is configured to engage with at least a part of the rim portion. The engaging member can be connected to the spoke ring in a rotatable and slidable state.

  The wheel cover assembly may further comprise at least one spring that biasably couples with the spoke ring and the adjustment ring. The spoke ring may further include a spoke ring tab portion, and the adjustment ring may include an adjustment ring tab portion.

  The adjustment ring may have at least one adjustment ring slot, and the spoke ring may have at least one spoke ring slot. The distance between the geometric center of the adjustment ring and the at least one adjustment ring slot may vary depending on the length of the at least one adjustment ring slot. In addition, at least one adjustment ring slot and at least one spoke ring slot are connected to each of the slots, and the spoke ring and the adjustment ring are connected in a rotatable and slidable manner. There can be fasteners. One or more radial spoke ring slots and one or more adjustment rings when the spoke ring tabs and adjustment ring tabs are moved by hand relative to each other, due to the force on at least one spring. Along the slot, there is a tendency to allow the adjustment ring to slide in a rotational direction relative to the spoke ring, and two or more engagement members from the initial position to the engagement release position with respect to the spoke ring and the adjustment ring Tends to be slidable. When the force applied to the at least one spring is reduced by bringing the snapping mechanism closest to the rim and releasing the spoke ring tab and the adjustment ring tab, the at least two engagement members are Locks when sliding relative to the ring and adjustment ring, but not completely from the disengaged position to the initial position, and when at least two engaging members engage at least part of the rim In some cases, the wheel cover holder may be attached to the rim.

  The mounting base is rotatable at a first connecting point to a base hub with at least two arms that reach the outer edge of the rim when the wheel cover holder is attached to the wheel, at least one arm of the base hub And a coupling lever rotatably coupled to a clamping lever at a second coupling point comprising a clamping lever coupled in a state and a tip portion configured to engage the outer edge of the rim when in the clamping state An arm can be provided. The straight line connecting the first connection point and the second connection point is substantially different from 0 degrees from the geometrical center of the mounting base and radially outward along the arm part to which the clamping lever is connected. Form an angle. When the second connection point moves to a location close to the geometric center of the base hub, the tip of the engagement arm physically engages at least a part of the outer edge of the rim so that the wheel cover holder can be locked to the wheel There is a tendency to be connected in a state.

  When attaching the wheel cover holder to the wheel, the mounting base includes at least two arm portions extending toward the outer edge of the rim portion, a ratchet assembly rotatably connected to the base hub, and a ratchet assembly at a first connection point. A base hub comprising an engagement arm comprising a tip portion configured to engage at least a portion of the outer edge of the rim portion when in a pulled state, coupled in a rotatable and slidable state. Good.

  The wheel cover assembly may further include a ratchet hook that is swingably connected to the base hub, the ratchet assembly being connected to the ratchet hub center member, the outer periphery of the ratchet disc that is rotatably connected to the base hub. There may be provided a ratchet disc having a substantially annular plate shape, which has a regular tooth-shaped ratchet portion, and at least one arm fixedly connected to the ratchet disc. The ratchet disk can include at least one slot whose distance from the geometric center of the ratchet disk to the slot varies depending on its length. In doing so, at least one fastener that connects the base hub to the ratchet assembly in a rotatable state and connects the ratchet assembly to the engagement arm in a rotatable and slidable manner extends through at least one slot. When the ratchet assembly is rotated in the first rotational direction via the lever arm, the engagement arm substantially slides along a radial line passing through the geometric center of the base hub, and the tip of the engagement arm When the part engages at least a part of the outer edge of the rim part, the wheel cover holder tends to be coupled to the wheel in a lockable state. The ratchet hook may engage the toothed portion of the ratchet disc and tend to prevent the ratchet disc from rotating in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The distal end of the engagement arm can be substantially planar. The tip of the engagement arm can be substantially hook-shaped.

  The mounting base further includes a holding bar that is rotatably connected to the engaging arm, where the engaging arm holding bar rotates so that a part of the holding bar engages at least a part inside the rim part. Can do.

  To summarize at least one embodiment, a wheel cover assembly that allows a wheel cover to be fixedly attached to and removed from a wheel manually without the use of a tool, wherein the wheel cover assembly is locked to the wheel. Mounting base, a bearing assembly coupled to the mounting base, a holder plate coupled to the bearing assembly and having a center of gravity deviating from the center of gravity of the bearing assembly, and coupled to the holder plate and mounted to the wheel cover in a lockable state. Includes a wheel cover holder with a stopper mechanism. The stopper mechanism may be a snap-on mechanism including two engagement rings and a spring that couples the two in a rotatable and slidable manner. Each of these two engagement rings can comprise at least one engagement clamp and at least one portion. The two engagement rings can be placed back to back with a non-zero angular offset. At least one engagement clamp portion of one of the two engagement rings may be located near at least one engagement clamp portion of the other engagement ring, and there may be a non-zero spacing therebetween. When the spring is loaded by moving at least one lever on one of the two engagement rings toward at least one lever on the other engagement ring, the two engagement rings It can slide in the direction of rotation, which can increase the non-zero spacing.

  The wheel cover assembly may further comprise a wheel cover having struts with engagement grooves with lateral dimensions greater than the non-zero spacing. In that case, when the wheel cover is moved to the position closest to the snap-on mechanism and then the force on the springs is reduced by releasing at least one lever of both of the two engagement rings, the two engagement rings The non-zero spacing is reduced until at least one engagement clamp portion in one of the two and at least one engagement clamp portion in the other of the two engagement rings is locked and attached to the column. The stopper mechanism includes a stopper, a stopper link connected to the stopper ring in a rotatable and slidable manner, and at least two engagement links connected to the stopper ring in a rotatable and slidable manner. it can.

  The wheel cover assembly may further comprise a wheel cover having at least two struts each having a hole. In that case, when the wheel cover is attached to the vehicle wheel, the column is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel. The stopper mechanism can include a stopper ring, a rotating means connected to the stopper ring, and a rotating means for rotating the stopper ring, and at least two engagement links connected to the stopper ring in a rotatable and slidable manner.

  The wheel cover assembly may further comprise a wheel cover having at least two struts each having a hole. In that case, when the wheel cover is attached to the vehicle wheel, the column can be arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel. The column may be placed at a position that is easily visible to an operator who attaches the wheel cover to the wheel cover holder. The tip of each of the at least two engagement links has a hole in the strut in at least one strut when the stopper link moves slid substantially in the first direction toward the geometric center of the stopper mechanism. Can be engaged in a slidable state. The tip of each of the at least two engagement links is when the stopper link first moves substantially toward the geometric center of the stopper mechanism and slides in a first direction substantially following a hook-shaped path. , And can be engaged with at least one strut through a hole in the strut in a lockable and slidable state. The hook-shaped path may correspond to a guide path opened in the stopper link. The holder plate opens in the stopper link when the stopper link moves in a second direction substantially different from the first direction and at least two engaging links are slidably engaged with at least one column. There may be a locking projection protruding into the hole. The respective distal ends of the at least two engagement links may be slidably engaged with the at least one column when the rotating means is manually rotated. The respective distal ends of the at least two engagement links can be locked and slidably engaged with the at least one column when the rotation means is rotated to the rotation limit point.

  To summarize at least one embodiment of the invention, a wheel cover that can be coupled to a vehicle wheel with the use of a suitable wheel cover holder is provided with a transmission information surface capable of posting diameter, depth, and at least one transmission information. A substantially dish-shaped member having at least one raised portion integrally formed with the dish-shaped member and substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the vehicle wheel; It comprises at least one strut that is integral with the dish-shaped member and projects from the dish-shaped member. The at least one ridge may exhibit a regular pattern shape. The at least one strut may include a hole. The final strut may include an engagement groove. The dish-shaped member can include a passage.

The wheel cover may further include control blades that protrude from the dish-shaped member in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the vehicle wheel and are integrated with the dish-shaped member.
The wheel cover can further include visible transmission information disposed on the transmission information surface. The transmission information may be three-dimensional transmission information. The transmission information can be selectively removed from the transmission information surface. The transmission information includes a thin curved surface that substantially covers the transmission information surface, and a tertiary projecting from the transmission information surface in at least one direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the vehicle wheel when the wheel rotates in contact with a part of the ground. The root can be included. The three-dimensional portion may include a blister surface that can contact a substantially non-zero surface area of the thin curved portion. The three-dimensional part can be bonded to the transmission information surface using an adhesive.

  In summary, at least one embodiment is configured to engage a member, and converts at least a rotational motion about a point into a substantially linear motion along a plurality of radiation substantially emanating from that point, at least An engagement device including a base with two slots, at least two engagement links coupled to the base via at least two slots by at least one fastener, and rotating about an axis through its geometric center A rotary ring in which at least two engagement links are slidably coupled so that the at least two engagement links are disposed in an engageable relationship with the member. Composed.

  To summarize at least one embodiment, an engagement device for engaging a member that converts a rotational motion about a point into a substantially linear motion along a plurality of rays emanating from that point, respectively. At least two engagement links having one slot, each slidably connected to the base with at least one fastener, and rotating about an axis passing through its geometric center A rotating ring in which at least two engagement links are slidably coupled, the at least two engagement links being arranged to be engageable with the member . During rotation of the ring, the tip of each of the at least two engagement links can slidably engage with at least one of the plurality of holes in the member. When the ring rotates, the respective distal ends of the at least two engagement links can engage with at least one of the plurality of holes of the member in a lockable and slidable state.

  The engagement device may further include a rotating means for rotating the ring.

Detailed Description of the Invention

  The following description includes specific details for a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant arts can recognize that implementation can be performed without one or more of these specific details, or with alternative methods, components, materials, and the like. In other instances, mechanical connections including fasteners, or well-known structures for the housing, have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

  The word “comprise”, such as “comprises” and “comprising”, throughout the following specification and claims, unless otherwise required by context. And variations thereof are interpreted in an unrestricted, comprehensive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to" ("included, but not limited to").

  Throughout this specification, when "one embodiment", "one embodiment", or "an embodiment described separately" is written, the features, structures, and characteristics of a particular subject are at least one embodiment. Means included. Thus, phrases such as “in one embodiment”, “in one embodiment”, or “in another embodiment” appearing in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. I don't mean. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics described above can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

  Where this specification and the appended claims refer to "one" ("a", "an") and "the" ("the"), unless expressly determined from that, It should be noted that it includes multiple objects. Thus, for example, an electricity powered device including “one power source” includes one power source or two or more power sources. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally used in a sense including “and / or” unless it is clearly judged from the content.

  As used herein, the term “wheel cover” means a functional and / or decorative cover that faces the outside of the vehicle to which the wheel is attached and extends over part or all of the surface of the wheel. To do.

  As used herein, the term “vehicle” means a transport device that moves, transports or transports people and things. The vehicle can be powered by a motor, engine, or other means, or can be manually operated by an operator.

  As used herein, the term “holder” refers to a device or instrument that can receive and hold objects in a space around the holder's local area. The holder does not necessarily hold the object in a fixed relationship, and can allow the object to move in the space.

  "Locked", "Locked state", "Can be mounted in a lockable state", "Can be connected in a lockable state", "Can be engaged in a lockable state", "Lockable" The term “slidable and engageable” and variations thereof mean that one element is in a stable positional relationship between two or more elements, with the exception of the small amount of play that may occur with the other elements. Can be engaged so that a certain amount of energy or driving force is required to separate them from each other.

  As used herein, the terms “wheel”, “wheel rim”, “rim” and variations thereof refer to the outer edge, edge trim, edge of the vehicle wheel, often forming the connection between the wheel and the tire to be fitted. , Or edge.

  The terms “attachment”, “attachment”, and their variations, as used here, are usually used in the middle of two objects used as nouns to describe the positional relationship between the two objects used as verbs. When explaining the component located, it means the state which two objects connected.

  As used herein, the term “communication information” and variations thereof are visual representations of text and / or images intended to convey thoughts, opinions, news, views, or other information to the viewer. means. The communication information may also include commercial and / or non-commercial advertisements, information that is not classified as advertisements but beneficial to the viewer, and aesthetic information commonly referred to as art.

  As used herein, the term “visible” and its variations, when used in conjunction with “communication information” as an adjective, usually when a person or viewer moves around, usually outdoors, in a particular place, This means that the transmitted information or other deformed object can be seen by the person without having to see the transmitted information from any angle or by moving the head or body in any way.

  As used herein, the term “three-dimensional” and variations thereof means having or appearing to have a depth dimension in addition to width and height. The minimum depth-to-width ratio or height-to-width ratio is not specified, but when used as visible transmission information for wheel covers, the depth dimension can generally be 1-10 mm, which Even if it is exceeded, it is limited to existing government regulations.

  As used herein, the term “fastener” and variations thereof can fix one component in place relative to one or more other components and connect the components together Means a restraining means. Unless otherwise noted, fasteners are capable of relative motion between two or more connected elements to the extent that the two or more elements cannot separate more than 100% of their maximum representative dimensions. Non-limiting examples of fasteners include screws, bolts, staples, strings, adhesives, epoxy resins, rubber materials, clasps, rivets, and tapes with a variety of different types and / or shapes.

As used herein, the term “wheel” means a wheel attached to a car. “Wheel” and “vehicle wheel” are interchangeable.
The headings provided herein are for convenience and do not explain the scope or meaning of the embodiments of the invention.

  Various embodiments of a wheel holder assembly are described herein that generally include a wheel cover holder that is connectable to a wheel, the wheel cover being connectable or disengageable from the wheel cover holder in a replaceable manner. In some embodiments, the wheel cover holder can be selectively connected to and disconnected from the wheel.

  FIG. 1 shows the relationship between a typical vehicle wheel 180 and a typical wheel cover holder 10. Vehicle wheels are primarily cylindrical in nature. The vehicle wheel 180 includes a rim portion 181 that includes an inner edge that typically faces the geometric center of the vehicle wheel 180 and / or an outer edge that faces the outside of the geometric center of the vehicle wheel 180. Tire 170 is typically attached to vehicle wheel 180.

  The wheel cover holder 10 includes a wheel snap fastening mechanism 20 that can be locked to a vehicle wheel, a bearing assembly 150 coupled to the wheel snap fastening mechanism 20, and a holder plate 160 coupled to the bearing assembly 150. The bearing assembly 150 includes a ball bearing, tapered roller bearing, or other bearing that can hold the holder plate 160 and the mounting base 110 (shown in FIG. 8) in a freely rotatable manner relative to each other. There is. The center of gravity of the holder plate 160 is offset from the center of gravity when coupled to the bearing assembly 150. The holder plate 160 is not limited or limited to a special shape or form as long as it can hold the wheel cover.

  The various components such as the wheel snapping mechanism 20, the bearing assembly 150, and the holder plate 160 can be manufactured using any suitable material. There are no particular material usage restrictions, but properties such as strength, deformation resistance, fatigue resistance, workability, oxidation / reduction resistance, and cost can be taken into account when selecting an appropriate material.

FIG. 2 shows the wheel cover 10 attached to the vehicle wheel 180 in a lockable state.
FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the wheel snap mechanism 20. In one or more embodiments, the wheel snapping mechanism 20 includes a spoke ring 30, an adjustment ring 40 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4), and two or more engagement members (shown in FIG. 1). The spoke ring 30 includes two or more spoke portions 32, a bearing assembly coupling portion 33, and a ring portion 34. The adjustment ring 40 is connected to the spoke ring 30 in a rotatable and slidable state, and the engagement member 50 is connected to the spoke ring 30 in a slidable state. The engaging member 50 may be connected to the spoke ring 30 in a rotatable and slidable state.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the spoke ring 30 and the adjustment ring 40 are usually connected by one or more springs 60 (only one spring is shown in the figure). The spring 60 is helical or coiled as shown in FIG. 4, but other types of springs such as a leaf spring can be used to connect the spoke ring 30 and the adjustment ring 40.

  The spoke ring 30 includes one or more spoke ring slots 35. The adjustment ring 40 includes one or more adjustment ring slots 42. The spoke ring slot 35 is located substantially radially from the geometric center of the spoke ring 30. The distance between the geometric center of the adjustment ring 40 and each of the one or more adjustment ring slots 42 depends on the length of the adjustment ring slot 42.

  The spoke ring 30 and the adjustment ring 40 may further be coupled using one or more fasteners that pass through each one of the spoke ring slot 35 and the adjustment ring slot 42.

  The spoke ring 30 may further include a spoke ring tab portion 31, and the adjustment ring 40 may further include an adjustment ring tab portion 41. When the spoke ring tab portion 31 and the adjustment ring tab portion 41 are moved toward each other, the spoke ring 30 slides and rotates with respect to the adjustment ring 40, and a force is applied to each of the one or more springs 60. The spoke ring 30 and the adjustment ring 40 move from an initial state in which the force on each of the one or more springs 60 is substantially zero to a disengaged state in which the force on each of the one or more springs 60 is not zero. The spring 60 exerts a force to return the spoke ring 30 and the adjustment ring 40 to the initial state. Depending on the location of the adjustment ring slot 42 and / or the position of the springs connected to the adjustment ring 40 and the spoke ring 30, each engagement member 50 may have a geometry of the adjustment ring in the disengaged position relative to the initial state. May be closer to or farther from the academic center.

  The engagement member 50 slides through the spoke ring 30 and connects through the adjustment ring slot 42 using one or more fasteners 70 (only one shown in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 5A, when the spoke ring tab portion 31 and the adjustment ring tab portion 41 move in a direction approaching each other, each fastener 70 includes one of the adjustment ring slots 42 and one of the spoke ring slots 35. Is forced to slide in one of the Each fastener 70 thus moves toward or away from the geometric center of adjustment ring 40 and spoke ring 30. Each engagement member 50 connected by the fastener 70 thus moves toward or away from the geometric center of the adjustment ring 40 and spoke ring 40.

  FIG. 5B shows an embodiment in which three engagement members 50 are connected to the spoke ring 20 and three springs are used. The three engaging members 50 are semicircular arc-shaped members, and are substantially annular when connected together. The left-hand side of FIG. 5B shows the initial state of the spring 60, where the force on the spring is substantially zero. The diagram on the right side of FIG. 5B shows a disengaged state or arrangement in which the spring 60 extends against the movement of the spoke ring 30 and the adjustment ring 40. In the coupled open state, the engaging member 50 is moved toward the geometric center of the spoke ring 30 and the adjustment ring 40.

  In the disengaged state, the wheel snap fastening mechanism 20 is moved to a position closest to the rim portion 181 of the wheel 180, and then the spoke ring tab portion 31 and the adjustment ring tab portion 41 are released to reduce the spring force applied to the spring 60. Then, the engagement member 50 slides in a direction away from the geometric center of the adjustment ring 40 and the spoke ring 30 and engages the inside of the rim portion 181. The wheel cover holder 10 is locked and attached to the rim portion 181 in this way. The semicircular arc shape of the engagement member 50 may be advantageous in that the engagement member 50 engages over a substantial portion of the inner periphery of the rim 181.

  Although there is no special restriction | limiting in the number of the engaging members 50 employ | adopted, It is made to engage at least 2 places. Two or more engaging members 50 may be sufficient to attach the wheel cover holder 10 to the wheel 180 in a lockable state. However, it is desirable to use three or more engaging members 50 for a more secure mounting state.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B show an initial state and an open connection state, respectively, for one embodiment using a disk-shaped engagement member 50. Considering the smooth engagement between the engagement member 50 and the inner surface of the rim 181 when the adjustment ring tab portion 41 and the spoke ring tab portion 31 are released, the engagement member 50 is formed of the rim portion 181. It can rotate with respect to the adjustment ring 40 and the spoke ring 30 while contacting the inner surface of the ring.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B show an initial state and arrangement and an open connection state or arrangement, respectively, for an embodiment in which three hook-type engagement members 50 are used. Contrary to the embodiment in which the engagement member 50 is a semicircular arc-shaped member or a disk-shaped member, the engagement member 50 is connected when it moves away from the geometric center of the adjustment ring 40. It becomes an open state. When the spoke ring tab portion 31 and the adjustment ring 41 are released, the engagement member 50 can be engaged with the outer edge of the rim portion 181.

  The shape or structure of the two or more engaging members 50 is not limited to a semicircular arc shape, a disk shape, or a hook shape. Other shapes may be used as long as they can engage with the rim 181 of the vehicle wheel 180. In addition, the two or more engagement members 50 may use different shapes. For example, the disk-type and hook-type engaging members 50 may be used in the same wheel snap-on mechanism 20 so as to engage both the inner surface and the outer surface of the rim portion 181.

  FIG. 8 shows the relationship between a representative vehicle wheel 180 and another representative wheel cover holder 100. Some structures and operations are similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and are identified with a common reference number. For the sake of brevity, only major structural and / or operational differences will be described. The wheel cover holder 100 includes a mounting base 110 that can be locked to a vehicle wheel, a bearing assembly 150 coupled to the mounting base 110, and a holder plate 160 coupled to the bearing assembly 150.

  The various components such as mounting base 110, bearing assembly 150, and holder plate 160 can be manufactured using any suitable material. There are no particular material usage restrictions, but properties such as strength, deformation resistance, fatigue resistance, workability, oxidation / reduction resistance, and cost can be taken into account when selecting an appropriate material.

  In one or more embodiments, the mounting base 110 includes two or more arms 121 that extend outward from the geometric center of the base hub toward the edge of the vehicle wheel when the wheel cover holder 100 is mounted to the vehicle wheel. Including a base hub 120, a tightening lever 130 that is pivotably coupled to one or more arms 121 of the base hub 120 at a first coupling point 131, and a pivotable lever 130 that is pivotable at a second coupling point 132. The engagement arm 140 is connected in a state.

  The engagement arm 140 includes a tip 141 having an engagement portion configured to physically engage the vehicle wheel 180 at the outer edge of the rim 181 when the engagement arm 140 is in tension. In order to facilitate engagement with the rim portion 181, the distal end portion 141 of the engagement arm 140 can be substantially flat or hook-shaped. Either one or both can easily engage the rim 181 of the vehicle wheel 180 when the engagement arm 140 is pulled.

  The shape of the tip 141 is not particularly limited, and other shapes that can physically engage a particular outer edge shape with a vehicle wheel can be selected appropriately. In order to increase the stability of the engagement between the vehicle wheel 180 and the mounting base 110, the tip 141 preferably has an overall shape designed to engage the outer edge of the vehicle wheel over as much surface area as possible.

  FIG. 9 shows the wheel cover holder 100 of FIG. 8 attached to the rim portion 181 of the wheel 180. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the three arm portions 140 includes one tip portion 141, but the number of arm portions including the tip portion associated therewith is not limited. Two or more arm portions 140 may be sufficient to attach the wheel cover holder 100 to the wheel 180 in a lockable state. However, it is desirable to use three or more arm portions 140 for a more secure mounting state.

  FIG. 10 shows an exemplary connection configuration between the base hub 120, the clamping lever 130, and the engagement arm 140 in the unlocked state when the wheel cover holder 100 is separated from the vehicle wheel 180. FIG. The base hub 120 and the tightening lever 130 can freely rotate at the connection point 131, and the tightening lever 130 and the engagement arm 140 can freely rotate at the connection point 132. It may be advantageous to arrange the connecting point 132 at a position away from one end of the clamping lever 130. By doing so, the tightening lever can be manually rotated more easily.

  FIG. 11 shows that the wheel cover holder 100 is attached to the wheel 180 and the second connection point 132 is moved to a position closer to the geometric center O of the base hub 120 than the first connection point 131 and is in a locked state. The typical connection structure of is shown. Generally, in this state, the engagement arm 140, the tightening lever 130, and the base hub 120 are in a tension state.

12A is a partially enlarged view of a cross section taken along the cutting line AA of FIG.
12B is a partially enlarged view of a cross section taken along a cutting line BB in FIG. At a position where the base hub 120, the tightening lever 130, and the engagement arm 140 are connected, a straight line L1 connecting the first connection point 131 and the second connection point 132, and an outer side along the arm portion from the geometric center of the mounting base 110. And an angle θ that is substantially non-zero with the straight line L2 that radiates to.

  Due to the non-zero angle between L1 and L2, the locked state can be maintained when the mounting base 110 is mounted to the wheel 180. In a state where the distal end portion 141 of the engagement arm 140 is in contact with the rim portion 181 of the wheel 180, the engagement arm 140 has an elastic coefficient and a deformation amount necessary for the engagement arm 140 to be locked with elasticity. When the first connection point 131 and the second connection point 132 that tend to be pulled correspondingly form a straight line passing through the geometric center O of the base hub 120, the engagement arm 140 tends to be subjected to the maximum tension, Maximum elastic deformation occurs. However, since there is a non-zero angle θ in the locked state, the mounting base 110 tends to be in a stable state beyond the maximum elastic deformation point, that is, the maximum tension point, so that the lock cannot be released naturally.

  FIGS. 13A to 13D show side views of a series of states in which the mounting base 110 (FIGS. 10 and 11) goes from opening to locking. In FIG. 13A, the attachment base 110 is in an open state, and the engagement arm 140 is not tensioned and is not elastically deformed. In FIG. 13B, the first connecting point 131 is rotated around the second connecting point, and the tightening lever 130 is rotated or pivoted with respect to the engaging arm 140. As a result, the tip 141 of the engaging arm 140 is moved. The engagement arm 140 is brought into a tension state by contacting the rim portion 181 of the wheel 180.

  In FIG. 13C, the tightening lever 130 has been further rotated or pivoted with respect to the engagement arm 140, and the tension of the engagement arm is increased. Finally, FIG. 13D shows the locked state where the clamping lever 130 has rotated or turned beyond the maximum tension point. The locked state means a stable state in which a certain force is required to rotate or turn the clamping lever 130 toward the fully opened state in FIG. 13A.

  FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of the engagement arm 140 further comprising an optional retaining bar 142 that includes a compression portion 143. The holding bar 142 is connected to the engagement arm 140 via the bracket 144 in a state where it can rotate or pivot. When the holding bar 142 is rotated around the point 145 after the mounting base 100 is locked to the wheel 180, the compression unit 143 is brought into contact with the rim 181 (FIG. 8 and FIG. 9) of the wheel 180. Contact on the other side. This contact may increase the stability of the locked state.

  FIG. 15 shows the relationship between a representative vehicle wheel 180 and another representative wheel cover holder 200. Some structures and operations are similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and / or 8 and are identified with a common reference number. For the sake of brevity, only major structural and / or operational differences will be described.

  The wheel cover holder 200 includes an attachment base 210 that can be attached to the vehicle wheel 100, a bearing assembly 150 that is connected to the attachment base 210, and a holder plate 160 that is connected to the bearing assembly 150.

  The mounting base 210 can be manufactured using any suitable material. There are no particular material usage restrictions, but properties such as strength, deformation resistance, fatigue resistance, workability, oxidation / reduction resistance, and cost can be taken into account when selecting an appropriate material.

  The mounting base 210 includes: When the wheel cover holder 200 is attached to the vehicle wheel, the base hub 220 includes two or more arms 221 extending from the geometric center of the wheel cover holder 200 toward the edge of the vehicle wheel. A ratchet assembly 230 to be engaged, and an engagement arm 240 slidably and rotatably coupled to the ratchet assembly component.

  The engagement arm 240 includes a tip 241 configured to engage the vehicle wheel 180 at the outer edge of the rim 181 when in the tensioned state. In order to facilitate engagement with the rim portion 181, the distal end portion 241 of the engagement arm 240 can be substantially flat or hook-shaped. Either one or both can easily engage the rim 181 of the vehicle wheel 180 when the engagement arm 140 is pulled.

  The shape of the tip 241 is not particularly limited, and other shapes that can engage a specific outer edge shape with a certain vehicle wheel can be appropriately selected. In order to increase the stability of the engagement between the vehicle wheel 180 and the mounting base 210, the tip 241 preferably has an overall shape designed to engage the outer edge of the vehicle wheel over as much surface area as possible.

  FIG. 16 shows the wheel cover holder 200 of FIG. 15 attached to the outer edge of the rim portion 181 of the wheel 180. As shown in FIG. 16, each of the three arm portions 240 includes one tip portion 241, but the number of the arm portions including the tip portion associated therewith is not limited. Two or more arm portions 240 may be sufficient to attach the wheel cover holder 200 to the wheel 180 in a lockable state. However, it is desirable to use three or more arm portions 240 for a more secure mounting state.

  FIG. 17A shows a connection configuration of the base hub 220 and the ratchet assembly 230 when the wheel cover holder 200 is in the initial state. The ratchet assembly 230 comprises: A ratchet hub center member 231, a ratchet disk 232 coupled to the ratchet hub center member 231, coupled to the base hub 220 in a rotatable or pivotable state, and one or more ratchet arms 235 coupled to the ratchet disk 232 in a fixed state (Only one is shown in the figure). The ratchet disk 232 is substantially in the shape of an annular plate and includes a ratchet portion having a regular tooth shape on the outer periphery thereof.

  The ratchet hook 234 is swingably connected to the base hub 220. When the ratchet disk 233 is rotated in the direction of arrow T in FIG. 17A using the ratchet arm 235, the ratchet hook 234 engages the ratchet assembly 230 at the ratchet portion 233 having a regular tooth shape. It can be prevented from rotating in the opposite direction.

  One or more slots 237 can be opened in the ratchet disc 232 such that the distance from the geometric center of the ratchet disc 232 varies along the longitudinal direction from the distance S1 to the distance S2. One or more fasteners may be threaded through the slot 237 and the ratchet assembly 230 may be slidably and rotatably coupled to the engagement arm 240.

  When the ratchet arm 235 is moved to rotate the ratchet assembly in the direction of arrow T, the engagement arm slides substantially radially along a straight line passing through the geometric center of the base hub and the distal end of the engagement arm 240. As 241 moves toward the geometric center of the mounting base 210, the engagement arm 240 can engage the rim 181 of the wheel 180.

  17B shows an intermediate state rotated in the direction of arrow T from the initial state of the ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 17A. Fastener 238 is located at an intermediate point along slot 237 and tip 241 of engagement arm 240 has moved closer to the geometric center of base hub 220.

  FIG. 17C shows the locked state after the ratchet assembly has been rotated or pivoted from the intermediate position in the direction of arrow T in FIG. 17B. Fastener 238 is located at one end of slot 237 and tip 241 of engagement arm 240 has moved to a location closest to the geometric center of base hub 220.

  Engagement of the ratchet hook 234 with the ratchet portion 233 prevents the ratchet assembly from rotating substantially in the opposite direction of the arrow T. When the ratchet hook 234 is removed from the ratchet portion 233, the ratchet assembly can be rotated in the direction of arrow T.

  Further, an optional holding bar assembly similar to the holding bar 142 in FIG. 6 is connected to the engagement arm 240 in a rotatable state, so that the wheel cover holder 200 can be equipped to further improve the stability.

  FIG. 18 shows an exemplary wheel cover 300 that can be coupled to an exemplary vehicle wheel 180 using a suitable wheel cover holder. The wheel cover 300 includes a substantially dish-shaped member having a diameter D and a height H. The wheel cover 300 can be manufactured using any suitable material. In selecting an appropriate material, consideration can be given to strength, deformation resistance, fatigue resistance, workability, oxidation / reduction resistance, cost, and suitability for mass production. The wheel cover 300 includes one or more integrally formed ridges 310. The raised portion 310 protrudes from the substantially dish-shaped member in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of traveling when the vehicle wheel 180 rotates in contact with the ground (for example, parallel to the rotation axis of the vehicle wheel 180). Yes. The ridge 310 allows the wheel cover 300 to be thin over many surfaces, increasing the strength and flex resistance of the wheel cover 300 while allowing for a lower material cost during manufacture.

  By integrally molding the raised portion 310 with the other wheel cover 300, the need for one or more independent reinforcing members and fasteners for fastening it to the wheel cover 300 can be eliminated.

  One or more integrally formed ridges 310 can take the form of a regular pattern. When the raised portions 310 are randomly formed on the surface of the wheel cover 300, there may be a tendency that a region where a relatively large stress is applied and a region where a small stress is applied are generated on the surface of the wheel cover 300. By using the raised portions 310 having a regular pattern shape, the lift applied to the surface of the wheel cover 300 can be dispersed on average.

  FIG. 19 shows the wheel cover 300 attached to the vehicle wheel 180. The transmission information surface 301 of the wheel cover 300 serves as a base or foundation for posting advertisements or other works including photographs, text, computers or hand-drawn figures, or any composite work of these. The advertisement or other work is drawn or printed directly on the transmission information surface 301 using one or more dyes, pigments, paints, inks, or other drawing means, or deposited and / or eaten on the transmission information surface 301 Can be engraved. When the transmission information surface 301 has a non-flat three-dimensional shape, automatic printing can be effectively performed using a three-dimensional printing machine such as an HP Seitex FB6100 model manufactured by Hewlett Packard.

  The wheel cover 300 may be advantageous by including one or more integrally formed struts 320 as shown in FIG. The strut 320 is effective to connect the wheel cover 300 to a stopper mechanism attached to the vehicle wheel 180 and / or to a mounting base such as the wheel snap-on mechanism 20, the mounting base 110, or the mounting base 210. There is. By integrally forming the post 320 with the other wheel cover 300, the need for one or more independent joints and fasteners for fastening it to the wheel cover 300 can be eliminated. The strut 320 may include one or more openings 321 for receiving a connection member intended to connect the wheel cover 300 to the stopper mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a part of the wheel cover 300 is cut or otherwise formed to increase the air flow rate between the surface having the raised portion 310 and the outer surface 301, and the both sides of the wheel cover 300. Can help level out the air pressure. Further, when the wheel cover of the vehicle wheel 180 is arranged so that the road 330 is away from the traveling direction of the vehicle on which the vehicle wheel 180 is mounted when traveling with the vehicle wheel rotating in contact with the ground, Furthermore, rotational stability can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the wheel cover 300 may include one or more integrally formed control vanes 340. The control vanes 340 can help direct the air flow toward the path 330 as the vehicle travels with the vehicle wheel 180 rotating against the ground.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the transmission information 350 can be adhered to the transmission information surface 301. The transmission information 350 can be applied directly to the transmission information surface 301 by etching, printing, painting, gluing, gluing, or otherwise. As another method, the transmission information 350 can be embedded in the transmission information surface 301 or integrally formed. The transmission information 350 may also take the form of a separate medium such as a print medium (eg, sticker, placard, transfer). The transmission information 350 can be removed from the transmission information surface 301.

  Adhesives such as glues, pastes, mastics, rubber glue, tapes, epoxy resins, gums, or similar materials, and / or elements that provide sufficient molecular force between transmission information 350 and transmission information surface 380. It can be used to paste the transmission information 350 on the transmission information surface 380.

  The transmission information 350 may include a thin curved medium 380 that substantially conforms to the transmission information surface 301 when attached to the transmission information surface 301 as shown in FIG. The transmission information 350 is initially formed as a flat member and may be adapted to the transmission information surface 301 by heat, force, or other means when applied.

  The transmission information 350 may also comprise a combination of different parts. FIG. 25 shows, as an example, a thin curved surface portion 380 that can substantially cover the transmission information surface and a three-dimensional portion 381 that is connected to the thin curved surface portion 380 using an adhesive. The three-dimensional portion is essentially a plastic, foam, or blister surface (eg, Mylar®) that covers the thin curved portion 380 in contact with a substantially non-zero surface area. It is possible to take the form of a typical solid. The blister surface cover foam not only reduces the material cost of the three-dimensional part 381, but can also be effective in limiting the mass. An optional mounting seat 382 provides a substantially non-zero surface area where the three-dimensional portion 381 is coupled to the thin curved portion 380.

  Alternatively, the thin curved surface portion 380 as shown in FIG. 26 can be configured to have an opening 383, and the three-dimensional portion 382 is directly bonded to the transmission information surface 301 at the opening 383. You can also.

FIG. 27 shows that only the three-dimensional part 381 can be bonded to the transmission information surface 301 without using the curved surface part 380 together.
The curved surface portion 380 and the three-dimensional portion 381 can be used independently. Each can be from a small size that can be seen by a person as the vehicle passes through to a size that is large enough to cover substantially all of the transmission information surface 301.

  28, 29A and 29B show another exemplary wheel cover holder 400 for an exemplary vehicle wheel 180 and exemplary wheel cover 450. FIG. The wheel cover holder 400 includes a mounting base 410 that can be locked to the vehicle wheel, a bearing assembly 150 that is coupled to the mounting base 410, and a bearing assembly 150 that has a center of gravity shifted from the center of gravity of the bearing assembly 150. And a snap-fastening mechanism 420 connected to the holder plate 430 as a stopper mechanism.

  Various components such as the mounting base 410, the snap-on mechanism 420, the holder plate 430, and the wheel cover 450 can be manufactured using any suitable material. Although there are no particular material usage restrictions, properties such as strength, deformation resistance, fatigue resistance, workability, oxidation / reduction resistance, and cost can be taken into account when selecting an appropriate material.

  In one or more embodiments, the snap-on mechanism 420 includes two engagement rings 421 and one or more springs 422 that engage the two engagement rings. Each engagement ring 421 may include one engagement clamp portion 423 (shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B) and one or more lever portions 424.

  If the two engagement rings 421 are placed back to back at a non-zero angle offset before the two or more springs 422 are connected, a plurality of engagement clamps 423 on the two engagement rings 421 are arranged. The plurality of lever portions 424 are arranged so as to be shifted by a certain angle.

  The angular misalignment may be such that at least one engagement clamp portion 423 on the two engagement rings 421 is near the at least one engagement clamp portion or another one of the two engagement rings 421. Can be set so that the distance between the opposite jaws 423 is not zero. The non-zero spacing can be used for a snap-on mechanism that can be locked to the wheel cover.

FIG. 30 shows a wheel cover 450 that includes one or more struts 451 that include engagement grooves 452. The width of the engaging groove 452 of the support column 451 is indicated by Dp.
One or more springs when at least one lever portion 424 of one of the two engagement rings 421 is moved toward at least one lever portion 424 of the other two engagement rings 421 A force is applied to 422 and the two engagement rings rotate while sliding against each other, resulting in an open state.

  FIG. 29A shows an initial state where substantially no force is applied to the spring 422 and an open state after the two engagement rings 421 rotate while sliding relative to each other. FIG. 29B shows the same thing as FIG. 29A, but is a top view. The distance between the engagement clamp portions 423 corresponding to each other increases from Di in the initial state to Do in the open state. The following conditions are necessary for the two engagement clamp portions 423 to function as clamps that lock and engage with the column 441. The distance Do in the open state must be larger than the width Dp of the engaging groove portion of the support column 451, and the distance Di in the initial state must be smaller than the width Dp. A reference angle α shown in FIG. 29B indicates a relative movement angle of the two engagement rings 421.

  With the engagement clamp portion 423 opened, the wheel cover 450 is brought closest to the stopper mechanism 420, and the lever portion 424 is opened with the groove 452 of the support column 451 interposed between the engagement clamp portions 423. When the force applied to the one or more springs 422 is reduced, the engagement clamp portion 423 is engaged with the support column 451 by the groove portion 452. Since the distance Di in the initial state is narrower than the width Dp, the force applied to the one or more springs 422 remains, and as a result, the engagement clamp portion 423 continues to engage the column 451 in the locked state.

  FIG. 31 shows the relationship of another representative wheel cover holder 500, a representative vehicle wheel 180, and a representative wheel cover 550. The wheel cover holder 500 includes a mounting base 410 that can be locked to the vehicle wheel, a bearing assembly 150 that is coupled to the mounting base 410, and a bearing assembly 150 that has a center of gravity shifted from the center of gravity of the bearing assembly 150. A holder plate 430 connected to the holder plate 430 and a stopper mechanism 520 connected to the holder plate 430.

  The various components such as the mounting base, wheel cover 550, stopper mechanism 520, etc. can be manufactured using any suitable material. There are no particular material usage restrictions, but properties such as strength, deformation resistance, fatigue resistance, workability, oxidation / reduction resistance, and cost can be taken into account when selecting an appropriate material.

  32, in one or more embodiments, the stopper mechanism 520 includes a stopper ring 521, a stopper link 522 that is rotatably and slidably coupled to the stopper ring 521, and the stopper ring. At least two engagement links 523 connected in a rotatable and slidable state are provided.

The stopper mechanism 520 is capable of converting a substantially linear motion in one direction into a motion in a plurality of directions substantially along the radial direction from the geometric center of the stopper ring 521.
FIG. 33A shows the stopper mechanism 520 in an open state. FIG. 33B shows the stopper mechanism in the locked state. Each engagement link 523 includes a tip 525 that is preferably tapered. The slots 524 respectively opened in the engagement links 523 cause the engagement links 523 to slide with respect to the holder plate 430 substantially radially from the geometric center of the stopper ring 521.

  The slot 526 is opened in the stopper link 522, and a fastener 527 passes through the slot 526 to connect the stopper link 522 and the holder plate 430. The slot 526 is preferably configured in a hook shape or other shape substantially according to at least two linear directions.

  When the stopper link 522 moves relative to the holder plate 430 while being constrained by the connection in the slot 527, the tip end portion 525 of the engagement link 523 moves substantially along the radial direction of the stopper ring 521. FIG. 33A shows an open state in which the distal end 525 of the engagement link 523 is at the shortest distance from the geometric center of the stopper ring 521. The tip portion 525 in the locked state of FIG. 33B is at a position that is substantially the longest distance from the geometric center of the stopper ring 521.

  FIG. 34 shows an exemplary wheel cover 550 suitable for use with the wheel cover holder 500. The wheel cover 550 includes two or more struts 552 each having a hole 551 drilled therein. When the stopper mechanism 520 is in the locked state, these holes can receive the distal end portion 525 of the engagement link 523. When the operator attaches the wheel cover 550 to the wheel cover holder 500 via the stopper mechanism 520, the support column protrudes sufficiently so that the operator can easily see.

  FIG. 35 shows an enlarged view of the slot 526 and the fastener 527 when the stopper mechanism 520 moves from the open state to the locked state. The stopper link 522 moves in the first direction D1, and then moves in the second direction D2. To obtain a stable locked state, the slot 526 can be further designed so that the stopper link 522 returns in the opposite direction of D1.

  FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the slot 526 and the fastener 527 showing that the stopper link 522 first moves in the first direction D1 along the hook-shaped path to move the stopper mechanism 520 from the open state to the locked state. .

  As shown in FIG. 37, in order to make the locked state more stable, the holding bar 430 further includes a locking projection 431, and a hole 529 can be formed in the stopper link 522 (see FIG. 33A). When the stopper link 522 moves so that the stopper mechanism 520 is locked, the protrusion 431 enters the hole 529. FIG. 38 shows the locking protrusion 431 of the holding bar 431.

  In another embodiment, a rotating structure may be used in place of the stopper link 522 to move the engagement link 523 substantially radially from the geometric center of the stopper ring 521 as the stopper ring 521 rotates. The rotating structure can be incorporated into the stopper mechanism 520 or can be attached to the stopper mechanism 520 in a removable state. The rotating structure includes a ratchet, a lock rotating body, or a manual device such as a rotating base, a structure, and a mechanism, and a ratchet mechanism can be employed to move in only one direction. The rotating structure can also include a power source such as an automatic device, an engine, and a motor, an elastic power source, and a combustion power source. Automatic devices can be controlled manually, electrically, or physically.

  The various embodiments described above can be further combined into another embodiment. All US patents, US patent application publications, US patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referenced in this patent specification are incorporated herein in their entirety as reference documents.

  Various embodiments may be modified as necessary to adopt the concepts of devices, instruments, and various patents, patent applications and patent publications, including patents, applications, and patent applications described in this patent specification. Can be created.

  These and other changes can be made in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but refer to all systems, devices, and / or methods that function in accordance with the claims. It shall be interpreted as including. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by this specification, but the scope of the invention shall be determined solely by the following claims.

In these drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements and operations. In these drawings, element sizes and relative positions are not necessarily drawn to scale. By way of example, the shapes and angles of the various elements are not to scale and some of these elements have been arbitrarily expanded and arranged so that they can be easily identified. Further, the shape of the specific element depicted in the drawing is not described for the purpose of transmitting information on the actual shape of the specific element, but is selected solely to facilitate recognition in the drawing. Yes.
FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view showing the association of a wheel cover holder with a vehicle wheel according to one described embodiment. FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the wheel cover holder of FIG. 1 attached to a vehicle wheel. FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the wheel snap-on mechanism of the wheel cover holder of FIG. 1 including a spoke ring, an adjustment ring, and a semi-circular engagement member. FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a spoke ring and an adjustment ring and a partial enlarged view of a spring connecting the spoke ring and the adjustment ring of FIG. 3. An isometric view of the wheel snapping mechanism, and an enlarged view showing a portion of the wheel snapping mechanism, showing the state before and after the adjustment ring and spoke ring move together and the spring extends by rotating the tabs Part. It is a top view of a wheel snap fastening mechanism which shows operation of a semicircular engagement member before and after an adjustment ring and a spoke ring rotate mutually. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a wheel snapping mechanism with a circular engagement member. It is a top view of the wheel snap fastening mechanism which shows operation | movement of the circular engagement member before and behind which an adjustment ring and a spoke ring rotate mutually. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a wheel snapping mechanism having a hook-shaped engagement member. FIG. 7B is a plan view of the wheel snap-fastening mechanism of FIG. 7A showing the operation of the hook-type engaging member before and after the adjustment ring and the spoke ring rotate with respect to each other. FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view showing the association of a wheel cover holder with a vehicle wheel according to a further described embodiment. FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the wheel cover holder of FIG. 8 attached to a vehicle wheel. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the wheel cover holder mounting base portion of FIG. 8 in an initial state, and an enlarged view of a first connection point and a second connection point in a state where the arm portion, the tightening lever, and the engagement arm are connected. It is the top view of the locked state of the attachment base of FIG. 10, and the enlarged view of the part. It is sectional drawing along the AA line of FIG. It is sectional drawing along the BB line of FIG. It is a side view which shows the positional relationship of the arm part of an attachment base of FIG. 10, a clamping lever, and an engagement arm in an initial state. It is a side view which shows the positional relationship of an arm part, a fastening lever, and an engagement arm when a 2nd connection point moves with respect to a 1st connection point, while an engagement arm moves toward an arm part. It is a side view which shows the positional relationship of an arm part, a fastening lever, and an engagement arm when a 2nd connection point moves further with respect to a 1st connection point, further moving an engagement arm toward an arm part. . It is a side view which shows the positional relationship of the arm part of the attachment base part of FIG. 10, a clamping lever, and an engagement arm in a locked state. FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an optional holding bar that couples to the engagement arm tip of the mounting base of FIG. 10. FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view showing the association of a wheel cover holder with a vehicle wheel according to one embodiment described elsewhere; FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the wheel cover holder of FIG. 15 attached to a vehicle wheel. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a mounting base portion of a wheel cover holder including the ratchet assembly of FIG. 15 and shows an initial state. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a mounting base portion of a wheel cover holder including the ratchet assembly of FIG. 15 and shows an intermediate state. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a mounting base portion of a wheel cover holder including the ratchet assembly of FIG. 15 and shows a locked state. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a wheel cover according to another embodiment described elsewhere. FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the wheel cover of FIG. 18 attached to a vehicle wheel. It is an isometric view of the wheel cover with a support based on one Example described another. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a wheel cover with a notched region according to another embodiment described elsewhere; FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a wheel cover with a notch area and control vanes according to another embodiment described elsewhere; FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a wheel cover including visible transmission information attached to a vehicle wheel. It is an isometric view of the curve transmission information part which can be attached to the wheel cover attached to the wheel. It is an isometric view of the three-dimensional transmission information that can be attached to the curve transmission information part already attached to the wheel cover attached to the wheel. It is an isometric view of a three-dimensional transmission information section that can be attached to the inside of a curved transmission information section that is already attached to a wheel cover that is attached to a wheel. It is an isometric view of a three-dimensional transmission information part that can be attached to a wheel cover attached to a vehicle. FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view showing the association of a wheel cover holder with a vehicle wheel according to one embodiment described elsewhere; FIG. 29 is an isometric view showing the disengaged and locked states of the stopper mechanism of FIG. 28, respectively. It is a top view which shows the engagement releasing and locked state of the stopper mechanism of FIG. 28, respectively. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a wheel cover including a grooved integrally formed post. FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view showing the association of a wheel cover holder with a vehicle wheel according to one embodiment described elsewhere; FIG. 32 is an exploded isometric view of the stopper mechanism of the wheel cover holder of FIG. 31. FIG. 32 is a plan view of an open state of a stopper mechanism of the wheel cover holder of FIG. 31 coupled to a bearing assembly and a holder plate. FIG. 32 is a plan view in a locked state of the stopper mechanism of the wheel cover holder of FIG. 31 coupled to the bearing assembly and the holder plate. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a wheel cover including a hole-integrated column. A plane showing the positional relationship between the fastener of the stopper mechanism and the sliding path of FIG. 32 when the stopper mechanism moves from the initial state to the locked state by moving in the second direction after the stopper link moves in the first direction. FIG. FIG. 33 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the fastener of the stopper mechanism of FIG. 32 and the sliding path when the stopper mechanism moves from the initial state to the locked state by the first movement of the stopper link in the first direction. It is the top view of the holder plate of the stopper mechanism containing the protrusion part for locking based on one Example explained separately, and the enlarged view of a protrusion part. FIG. 38 is an isometric view of the holder plate and protrusion of FIG. 37.

Claims (55)

A wheel cover assembly that can be attached to and removed from a wheel having a rim without loosening any fasteners that attach the wheel to the vehicle, comprising a wheel cover holder, the wheel cover holder comprising:
An attachment base that can be attached to the rim of the wheel in a lockable state;
A bearing assembly physically coupled to the mounting base and having a center of gravity;
A holder plate physically coupled to the bearing assembly and having a center of gravity offset from the center of gravity of the bearing assembly;
A wheel cover assembly, comprising: a stopper mechanism physically connected to the holder plate and lockable to the wheel cover.   The wheel cover assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a wheel cover that can be selectively attached to and removed from the wheel cover holder without using a tool. The mounting base includes a wheel snap fastening mechanism, and the wheel snap fastening mechanism includes:
A spoke ring physically coupled to the bearing mechanism, comprising a ring portion, a bearing assembly coupling portion, and at least two spoke portions that physically couple the ring portion to the hub center portion;
An adjustment ring that is rotatably and slidably coupled to the spoke ring;
At least two engagement members coupled slidably to the spoke ring and configured to engage at least a portion of the rim portion;
The wheel cover assembly of claim 1, comprising:   4. The wheel cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein the engaging member is connected to the spoke ring in a rotatable and slidable state.   The wheel cover assembly according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising at least one spring for biasingly connecting the spoke ring and the adjustment ring.   6. The wheel cover assembly of claim 5, wherein the spoke ring further comprises a spoke ring tab portion and the adjustment ring comprises an adjustment ring tab portion.   The adjustment ring comprises at least one adjustment ring slot, the spoke ring comprises at least one spoke ring slot, and the distance between the geometric center of the adjustment ring and the at least one adjustment ring slot is Varying along the length of at least one adjustment ring slot, the wheel cover assembly further comprises at least one fastener, the at least one fastener being rotatable and slidable. 7. The wheel cover assembly of claim 6, wherein the spoke ring and the adjustment ring are coupled together and pass through each one of the at least one adjustment ring slot and the at least one spoke ring slot.   When the spoke ring tab portion and the adjustment ring tab portion are manually moved relative to each other, the force applied to the at least one spring is such that the one or more radial spoke ring slots and the one Along the adjustment ring slot, the adjustment ring tends to slide relative to the spoke ring, and the two or more engagement members slide relative to the spoke ring and the adjustment ring. 8. The wheel cover assembly of claim 7, wherein the wheel cover assembly has a tendency to move from an initial position to a disengaged position.   When the force applied to the at least one spring is reduced by releasing the spoke ring tab portion and the adjustment ring tab portion after the snap fastening mechanism is brought close to the rim portion, the at least two engagement portions are released. A mating member slides relative to the spoke ring and the adjustment ring and moves, if not completely, from the engaged release position to the initial position, wherein the at least two engaging members are at least of the rim portion; 9. The wheel cover assembly according to claim 8, wherein the wheel cover holder is fixedly attached to the rim portion when engaged with a part. The mounting base is
A base hub including at least two arm portions extending toward an outer edge of the rim portion when the wheel cover holder is attached to the wheel;
A clamping lever that is rotatably coupled to at least one of the arm portions of the base hub at a first coupling point;
An engagement arm rotatably connected to the clamping lever at a second connection point, the end configured to engage the outer edge of the rim portion when the engagement arm is in tension. The wheel cover assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an engagement arm including a portion.   A straight line connecting the first connection point and the second connection point is a straight line radially outward from the geometric center of the mounting base along the arm part to which the clamping lever is connected, and 0 degrees. 11. The wheel cover assembly of claim 10, wherein the angle forms substantially different angles.   By moving the second connection point to a position near the geometric center of the base hub, the end of the engagement arm physically engages at least a portion of the outer edge of the rim; 12. A wheel cover assembly according to claim 11, wherein the wheel cover holder tends to be coupled to the wheel in a lockable state. The mounting base is
A base hub including at least two arm portions extending toward an outer edge of the rim portion when the wheel cover holder is attached to the wheel;
A ratchet assembly rotatably coupled to the base hub;
An engagement arm rotatably and slidably coupled to the ratchet assembly at a first coupling point, wherein the engagement arm is in tension with at least a portion of the outer edge of the rim portion; The wheel cover assembly of claim 1, comprising: an engagement arm including an end configured to engage. A ratchet hook coupled to the base hub in a swingable manner; and the ratchet assembly comprises:
A ratchet hub center member;
A ratchet disk coupled to the base hub in a rotatable state, the ratchet disk having a substantially annular plate shape including a ratchet portion having a regular tooth shape on an outer periphery of the ratchet disk;
The wheel cover assembly of claim 13, comprising: at least one arm fixedly coupled to the ratchet disk.   The ratchet disk includes at least one slot, the distance from the geometric center of the ratchet disk to the slot varies along the length of the slot, and at least one fastener is the at least one slot. Passing through the slot, the at least one fastener connects the base hub to the ratchet assembly in a rotatable state and connects the ratchet assembly to the engaging arm in a slidable and rotatable state. 15. A wheel cover assembly according to claim 14, wherein:   By rotating the ratchet assembly in the first rotational direction via the lever arm, the engagement arm slides substantially along a radial straight line passing through the geometric center of the base hub, and 16. The end of a mating arm tends to engage at least a portion of the outer edge of the rim and be connected to the wheel in a lockable state with the wheel cover holder. Wheel cover assembly.   17. The ratchet hook is engaged with a tooth-shaped portion of the ratchet disc, and the ratchet disc tends to prevent the ratchet disc from rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Wheel cover assembly.   18. A wheel cover assembly according to claim 12 or claim 17, wherein the end of the engagement arm has a substantially planar shape.   18. A wheel cover assembly according to claim 12 or claim 17, wherein the end of the engagement arm has a substantially hook shape.   The mounting base further includes a holding bar connected to the engagement arm in a rotatable state, and by rotating the holding bar, a part of the holding bar is at least a part of an inner edge of the rim part. The wheel cover assembly according to claim 12 or 17, wherein the wheel cover assembly is engaged. A wheel cover assembly that allows a fixed attachment to and removal from a wheel manually without the use of a tool, the wheel cover assembly comprising:
A mounting base that can be mounted in a lockable state on the wheel;
A bearing assembly coupled to the mounting base;
A holder plate coupled to the bearing assembly and having a center of gravity that is offset from a center of gravity of the bearing assembly;
A wheel cover assembly, comprising: a wheel cover holder that includes a stopper mechanism that is coupled to the holder plate and is lockable to the wheel cover. The stopper mechanism is
Two engagement rings;
22. The wheel cover assembly of claim 21, wherein the wheel cover assembly is a snap-on mechanism comprising springs that engage the two engagement rings in a slidable and rotatable state.   23. The wheel cover assembly of claim 22, wherein each of the two engagement rings comprises at least one engagement clamp portion and at least one portion.   24. The wheel cover assembly of claim 23, wherein the two engagement rings are arranged back to back with a non-zero angular misalignment.   At least one engagement clamp portion of one of the two engagement rings is located in the vicinity of at least one engagement clamp portion of the other of the two engagement rings, and there is a non-zero distance therebetween. 25. The wheel cover assembly of claim 24, wherein:   The two engagement rings when a force is applied to the spring by moving at least one lever of one of the two engagement rings toward at least one other lever of the two engagement rings. 26. The wheel cover assembly of claim 25, wherein the two slide relative to each other to widen the non-zero spacing.   Further comprising a wheel cover with a strut having an engagement groove having a lateral dimension greater than the non-zero spacing, and moving the wheel cover to a position near the snap-on mechanism and then the two engagements When the force on the spring is reduced by releasing at least one lever of both of the rings, the at least one engagement clamp portion of one of the two engagement rings and the two engagement rings 27. The wheel cover assembly of claim 26, wherein the non-zero spacing is reduced until the other of the at least one engagement clamp portion is lockably attached to the post. The stopper mechanism is
Stopper ring,
A stopper link coupled to the stopper ring in a rotatable and slidable state;
The wheel cover assembly according to claim 21, further comprising at least two engagement links rotatably and slidably coupled to the stopper ring.   A wheel cover, the wheel cover including at least two struts, each of the struts having at least one hole, the strut being attached to the vehicle wheel. 29. The wheel cover assembly of claim 28, wherein the wheel cover assembly is oriented to be substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel. The stopper mechanism is
Stopper ring,
Rotating means connected to the stopper ring and rotating the stopper ring;
The wheel cover assembly according to claim 21, further comprising at least two engaging links rotatably and slidably coupled to the stopper ring.   A wheel cover, the wheel cover comprising at least two struts, each of the struts having a hole, wherein the struts when the wheel cover is attached to the vehicle wheel; 32. The wheel cover assembly of claim 30, wherein the wheel cover assembly is oriented substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel cover.   32. The wheel cover assembly according to claim 29 or 31, wherein the support column is disposed at a position that is easily visible to an operator who attaches the wheel cover to the wheel cover holder.   When the stopper link slides in a first direction, substantially toward the geometric center of the stopper mechanism, each end of the at least two engagement links passes through the hole in the post. 30. The wheel cover assembly of claim 29, wherein the wheel cover assembly is slidably engageable with at least one of the struts.   The at least two engaging links when the stopper link first slides and moves along a substantially hook-shaped path in a first direction, substantially toward the geometric center of the stopper mechanism. 30. The wheel cover assembly of claim 29, wherein each end of the wheel is lockably and slidably engageable with at least one of the struts through the hole in the strut.   35. The wheel cover assembly of claim 34, wherein the hook-shaped path is a guide path opened in the stopper link.   The holder plate includes a locking projection, the stopper link moves in a second direction substantially different from the first direction, and the at least two engagement links are connected to at least one of the columns. 35. The wheel cover assembly according to claim 33 or claim 34, wherein, when engaged in a slidable state, the locking projection protrudes into a hole formed in the stopper link.   The end of each of the at least two engaging links is slidably engaged with at least one of the struts when the rotating means is manually rotated. Wheel cover assembly.   When the rotation means is rotated to the rotation limit point, the respective ends of the at least two engagement links are engaged with at least one of the columns in a lockable and slidable state. 38. The wheel cover assembly of claim 37. A wheel cover that can be connected to a vehicle wheel using a suitable wheel cover holder,
A substantially dish-shaped member comprising at least one transmission information surface that can have diameter, depth, and transmission information;
At least one ridge projecting from the dish-shaped member substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel and being integral with the dish-shaped member;
A wheel cover comprising: at least one strut that is integrally formed with the dish-shaped member and protrudes from the dish-shaped member substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the vehicle wheel.   40. The wheel cover of claim 39, wherein the at least one ridge is present in a regular pattern shape.   41. The wheel cover of claim 40, wherein the at least one strut has a hole.   41. The wheel cover according to claim 40, wherein the final strut has an engaging groove.   The wheel cover according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein the dish-shaped member has a passage.   44. The apparatus according to claim 43, further comprising at least one control blade that projects from the dish-shaped member in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the vehicle wheel and is integrally formed with the dish-shaped member. Wheel cover.   40. The wheel cover of claim 39, further comprising visible transmission information disposed on the transmission information surface.   46. The wheel cover according to claim 45, wherein the transmission information is three-dimensional transmission information.   47. A wheel cover according to claim 45 or claim 46, wherein the transmission information is selectively removable from the transmission information surface.   40. The wheel cover according to claim 39, wherein the transmission information includes at least a travel of the vehicle wheel when the vehicle wheel rotates in contact with a part of the ground and a thin curved surface portion substantially covering the transmission information surface. A wheel cover comprising a three-dimensional portion protruding from the transmission information surface in a direction orthogonal to the direction.   49. The wheel cover of claim 48, wherein the three-dimensional portion comprises a blister cover capable of contacting the thin curved portion at a substantially non-zero surface area.   The wheel cover according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the three-dimensional part is adhered to the transmission information surface using an adhesive. An engagement device configured to engage a member that translates rotational motion about a point into substantially linear motion along a plurality of radially extending lines resulting from the point,
A base having at least two slots;
At least two engagement links slidably coupled to the base with at least one fastener via the at least two slots;
A rotating ring connected in a swingable manner with the at least two engagement links, the rotating ring being rotatable about an axis passing through the geometric center of the rotating ring, An engagement device, wherein the two engagement links are arranged to be engageable with the member. An engagement device for engaging a member that converts a rotational movement about a point into a substantially linear movement along a plurality of radially extending lines substantially resulting from the point,
The base,
At least two engagement links, each of the engagement links having a slot and slidably coupled to the base with at least one fastener through the slot. An engagement link;
A rotating ring connected in a swingable manner to the at least two engagement links, the rotating ring being rotatable about an axis passing through the geometric center of the rotating ring, An engagement device characterized in that two engagement links are arranged to be engageable with the member.   52. Each end of the at least two engagement links can be slidably engaged with at least one of the plurality of holes of the member when the ring is rotated. 53. The engagement device of claim 52.   Each of the at least two engagement links can be engaged with at least one of the plurality of holes in the member in a lockable and slidable manner when the ring is rotated. 53. The engagement device according to Item 51 or 52.   53. The engagement device according to claim 51 or 52, further comprising a rotation means for rotating the ring.

Images