SE544182C2 - Wheel locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for locking a wheel of a vehicle to the vehicle by the provision of a main module covering nuts or bolts attaching the wheel to the vehicle. The device further comprises an insert structure to be positioned on the inside of the wheel and an outer locking mechanism configured to be releasably lockable to the insert structure for holding the main module in place. The insert structure comprises an upper part and a lower part movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the insert structure is insertable through a central hole of the wheel whilst the wheel is mounted on the vehicle by nuts or bolts. Once inserted on the inside of the wheel, the upper and lower parts are moved to their closed position where they jointly form a body which cannot be removed.

Description

WHEEL LOCKING DEVICE Technical field The present inventive concept relates to a technology for preventingunauthorized removal of vehicle wheels. More specifically, the presentinventive concept relates to a universal comprehensive locking system for carwheels is disclosed.

BackgroundUnauthorized removal of car parts, specifically alloy wheels, is a frequently occurring problem all over the world. Due to their high value, custom wheelsand tire rims are examples of items frequently stolen. Accordingly, there is agreat need for devices and techniques for protecting wheels fromunauthorized removal.

There have been attempts to provide such protection. For example, USpatent numbers US8739585 and US8943865 disclose antitheft devices forcar wheels. These devices can be removed relatively easily by anexperienced thief and thus do not provide a truly reliable wheel lock. USpatent 9,689,180 issued to the inventor of this application provides a devicethat provides secure wheel lock. However, considering the great variety of carmakes and models all over the world, there is a need for an improved wheellock system that fits, without substantial adjustments, to most car wheels.

Summaryln view of the above, an object of the present inventive concept is to provide a technology that addresses at least some of the above concerns.This and other objects, which will become apparent in the following, areaccomplished by a device as defined in the independent claim. Preferableembodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

Hence, according to a first aspect of the present inventive concept,there is provided a device for locking the wheel of a vehicle. The devicecomprises a main module adapted to be attached to the wheel and configured to cover nuts or bolts for attaching the wheel to the vehicle. The device furthercomprises an insert structure comprising an upper part and a lower partwherein the upper part is rotatably joined to the lower part by an axial joint.The insert structure is further transferable from an open position to a closedposition upon rotation of said upper part around said axial joint wherein theinsert structure in said open position is adapted for insertion in the wheelconcentrically to the axis of rotation of the wheel and wherein the insertstructure in said closed position is adapted for fixating the insert structure insaid wheel upon transfer to the closed position after insertion in the wheel.The device further comprises a center bolt adapted to be connected throughthe main module to the lower part of the insert structure by means of athreading as well as a locking mechanism adapted to be arranged in a lockingstate in which the locking mechanism prevents the center bolt from rotatingrelative the main module, and in an open state in which the lockingmechanism allows the center bolt to rotate relative the main module.

The main module may comprise protective elements or blockingmeans adapted to restrict, limit or block access to the bolt heads and/or lugnuts, thereby hindering or at least making it harder for an unauthorizedperson to undo the bolts/lug nuts and remove the wheel. The protectiveelements may form an integral part of the main module, or be attached asseparate items to the same, and may preferably be arranged in a patterncorresponding to the position of the bolts/nuts of the wheel.

The insert structure is arranged to secure the device to the wheel, thismay be achieved by inserting the insert structure in the wheel hub whilst in anopen position to further securely fix the insert structure in the wheel hub bytransferring it to the closed position. ln the closed position the insert structureexerts a force on the inner walls of the wheel hub, preventing it from releasingfrom the wheel even when sustaining significant force in the axial direction ofthe wheel. By the term “wheel hub” it is here meant a cylindrical hallow centralportion of a vehicle wheel concentric to the axis of rotation of said wheel. Bythe term “inner walls of the wheel hub” it is here meant the inner surface(s) ofthe wheel hub. Moreover, the insert structure may be of, but not limited to, a circular or round shape allowing it to be more adaptable to vehicle wheelhubs.

The insert structure is further advantageous in that it allows the deviceto be installed on the wheel of a vehicle without requiring the removal of saidwheel from the vehicle for the installation, thus resulting in an improvement ofthe user utilization. Furthermore, by having the upper part joined to the lowerpart by the axial joint, the insert structure further reduces to only the insertstructure the amount of components required to fix the device to the wheel ofthe vehicle which in turn results in a reduction of the complexity of the device.

The center bolt comprised in the device may be threaded directly in itsmaterial and joined to the insert structure via a corresponding thread directlythreaded in the material of the lower part of the insert structure. Thecorresponding threads may be oriented such that the center bolt, uponrotation, moves along the axis of rotation of the wheel. The rotation may forexample be achieved by means of a key or a wrench fitting with the centerbolt or by means of human force. When the main module has been installedand secured, for example by tightening the center bolt as described above,the locking mechanism may be brought into its locking state to prevent anunauthorized entity from removing the locking means and thereby accessingthe nuts/bolts of the wheel. The locking mechanism may be configured toprevent the center bolt from being turned or rotated in the main module. Thismay be achieved in a number of ways, some of which being discussed infurther detail in connection with the detailed description of the drawings. lnone example, the locking mechanism may comprise a locking bolt that can befixed to the center bolt and to the main module to prevent rotationalmovement between the two. The locking bolt of the locking mechanism mayfor example have a flat side that engages with a corresponding surface in thecenter bolt and the main module to keep the locking bolt from rotating. Thelocking mechanism may, in the locking state, be axially secured to forexample the wheel by means of a washer configured to engage with abackside of the main module or by engagement of corresponding recessesand protrusions between the locking bolt and the center bolt. To bring thelocking mechanism in the open state, the washer or corresponding recesses and protrusions may be rotated such that it/they can be released fromengagement with the main module or center bolt and the Iocking bolt removedfrom the center bolt.

The Iocking mechanism may in some examples be a key operatedlock, such as e.g. the Assa Desmo+ or Abloy camlock.

According to an embodiment, the upper part of the insert structure maycomprise an inferior surface and the lower part of the insert structure maycomprise a superior surface such that the inferior surface abuts the superiorsurface when the insert structure is in the closed position. The presentembodiment is advantageous in that the abutment of the inferior surface onthe superior surface acts as a delimiter of the maximum rotation of the upperpart relative to the lower part about the axial joint when the insert structure istransferred to the closed position. The aforementioned delimitation providedby the abutment of the inferior surface on the superior surface allows for boththe upper part and the lower part to be in a plane perpendicular to therotational axis of the wheel of the vehicle when the insert structure is in theclosed position.

According to an embodiment, the upper part of the insert structure mayform an angle with the lower part of the insert structure when said insertstructure is in the open position. The angle formed between the upper partand the lower part may be directly proportional to the rotation of the upperpart relative to the lower part about the axial joint. The present embodiment isadvantageous in that it allows the insert structure to reach a reducedcircumferential or perimetrical dimension permitting and facilitating itsinsertion concentrically within the wheel hub of the vehicle. For certain modelof wheels, the reduced circumferential or perimetrical dimension may besmaller than the dimension of the wheel hub opening. The presentembodiment is further advantageous in that the reduction of thecircumferential or perimetrical dimension of the insert structure is alsoproportional to the angle formed between the upper part and the lower partresulting in the increase of the adaptability of the insert structure to a widerrange of sizes, models and dimensions of wheels on which the device of thepresent invention may be inserted and secured. lt will be furthermore appreciated that, in the closed position, the angle formed by the upper part ofthe insert structure with the lower part of the insert structure may beapproximately or equal to 0° and in the open position such angle may beapproximately or equal to 145°, most preferably approximately or equal to90°. Therefore, the angle herein described may range from 0° to 145°, mostpreferably from 0° to 90°.

Thus, in the closed position, the upper part may be arranged in a firstplane whereas the lower part may be arranged in a second plane, parallel tothe first plane. Upon transfer from the closed position to the open positionaround the axial joint, the angel formed between the upper and lower parts ofthe insert structure may be the angle between the first and second planes.

Consequently, the rotational axis of the axial joint may be arranged inthe second plane or in a plane parallel to the second plane. As an example,the axial joint may comprise a hinge having a hinge pin, and such a hinge pinmay be arranged in the second plane or in a plane parallel to the secondplane.

According to an embodiment, the upper part and the lower part of theinsert structure may comprise a first through hole and a second through holerespectively and the first and second through holes may be adapted toreceive the center bolt. Thus, the upper part comprises the first through holewhereas the lower part comprises the second through hole.

As an example, the upper part may form a first ring-shaped structurearranged in the first plane and around the first through hole, whereas thelower part may form a second ring-shaped structure arranged in the secondplane and around the second through hole.

The first and second through holes may be concentric when the insertstructure is in the closed position. Said through holes may also be concentricwith the axis of rotation of the wheel when the insert structure is in the closedposition and securely inserted in said wheel. Moreover, the inferior surface ofthe upper part of the insert structure and the superior surface of the lower partof the insert structure may define the circumference of the first and secondthrough holes respectively, such that the abutment of said surfaces when theinsert structure is in the closed position ensures concentricity of the first and second through holes. The present embodiment is further advantageous inthat, in the closed position, the first through hole allows the center bolt to passtherethrough and to be secured to the thread formed in the material of theinner surface of the second through hole located on the lower part of theinsert structure. Furthermore, the present embodiment is advantageous inthat receiving the center bolt through the first and second through hole allowsfor any rotation of the upper part relative to the lower part about the axial jointto be completely restricted thus resulting in a secure fixation of the device tothe wheel of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment, the first through hole of the upper partand the second through hole of the lower part may be concentric when theinsert structure is in the closed position and the diameter of first through holemay be larger than the diameter of the second through hole. As mentionedpreviously, the closed position of the insert structure allows the first andsecond through holes to be concentric together as well as concentric with theaxis of rotation of the wheel on which the present device is installed. Thepresent embodiment is advantageous in that the larger diameter of the firstthrough hole allows for the lower part of the insert structure to comprise morematerial resulting in a stronger and more secure thread of the inner wall of thesecond through hole in turn resulting in a stronger connection with thecorresponding thread of the center bolt thus permitting an increase of thestrength of fixation of the device to the wheel of the vehicle. The presentembodiment is further advantageous in that it allows sufficient material andtherefore sufficient space for the axial joint to be positioned offset from thediameter of the second through hole.

According to an embodiment, the lower part of the insert structure maycomprise a first guard and the upper part of the insert structure may comprisea second guard such that the first guard partially surrounds the upper partand the second guard partially surrounds the lower part when the insertstructure is in the closed position. The present embodiment is advantageousin that it allows for the reduction of material required form the insert structuretherefore the reduction of the weight of said insert structure by having theupper part and the lower part engage one another as opposed to superimposition. Furthermore, the present embodiment allows for a greaterresistance to radial and torsion forces applied on the insert structure thusprotecting the axial joint from potentially damaging stresses and strainsgenerated by said forces. The present embodiment is further advantageous inthat the first and second guards also ensure that the first and second throughholes are concentric when the insert structure is in the closed position.

According to an embodiment, the upper part of the insert structure andthe lower part of the insert structure may comprise a first wedge and a secondwedge respectively. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the firstand second wedges represent the components allowing the insert structure tobe securely fixed within the wheel hub of the vehicle. According to anotherembodiment, the first wedge and the second wedge may be arranged onopposite sides of the concentric diameters of the first through hole and thesecond through hole of the upper and lower parts of the insert structure. Thefirst and second wedges are positioned such that the insert structure has aflat bottom surface when in the closed position.

According to an embodiment, the first wedge and the second wedgemay determine an outer diameter of the insert structure wherein said outerdiameter may decrease when the insert structure transfers to the openposition. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the rotation of theupper part of the insert structure relative to the lower part of the insertstructure about its axial joint consequently allows the first wedge to rotatesimilarly thus reducing the outer diameter. The reduction of the outer diameterfurther allows the insert structure to reach a dimension rendering possible anduncomplicated its insertion in the wheel hub. lt will be appreciated that theouter diameter determined by the first and second wedges reaches amaximum when the insert structure is in the closed position and a minimumwhen the insert structure is in the open position and the angle formedbetween the upper part and the lower part is reaches a maximum.

According to an embodiment, the first wedge and the second wedge ofmay be configured to secure the insert structure by engaging the wheel of thevehicle when the insert structure is in the closed position. As mentionedabove, the outer diameter of the insert structure determined by the first and second wedges reaches its largest dimension when the insert structure isinserted in the wheel and transferred to the closed position allowing said outerdiameter to be larger than the dimension of the wheel hub entry throughwhich the insert structure was inserted. The present embodiment is thereforeadvantageous in that it permits the surfaces of the first and second wedges toexert a force on the inner walls of the wheel hub resulting in a secure fixationof the device in the wheel of the vehicle and increased resistance againstforces applied in the axial direction of said wheel. ln other words, the forceexerted by the first and second wedge on the inner walls of the wheel hubprevents the device from being released from the wheel due to a pulling orpushing force applied on said device.

According to an embodiment, the first wedge and the second wedgemay be configured to release the wheel of the vehicle when the insertstructure is in the open position. As mentioned in a previous embodiment, theouter diameter of the insert structure determined by the first and secondwedges may be reduced by transferring the insert structure to the openposition therefore allowing said outer diameter to reach a smaller andadequate dimension permitting the insert structure to be released from thewheel of the vehicle. The present embodiment is further advantageous in thatthe rotation of upper part of the insert structure relative to the lower part aboutthe axial joint permits at least one of the first and second wedges to cease theexertion of a force on the inner walls of the wheel hub resulting in the releaseand possible extraction of the insert structure from the wheel of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment, the locking mechanism may comprise alocking protrusion formed in the center bolt, an insert sleeve having a thirdthrough hole and being adapted to be rotationally secured to the main moduleand a detachable locking bolt adapted to be inserted into the main module viathe third through hole and the locking protrusion. The locking protrusion andthe third though hole may further be configured to be aligned with each otherand the locking bolt may be adapted to prevent the center bolt from rotatingrelative the insert structure. The insert sleeve may comprise recesses andprotrusions configured to engage with corresponding recesses andprotrusions of the main module. The device may further comprise a locking cap adapted to be rotationally secured to the main module. The locking capmay comprise a fourth through hole adapted to receive a locking bolt, andrecesses and protrusions configured to engage with corresponding recessesand protrusions of the insert sleeve. The present embodiments permit thereduction of undesired rotational movement of the center bolt which may leadto the release of the device from the wheel of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment, the detachable locking bolt maycomprise a key hole and may be operable by turning a key in the lock andwherein the detachable locking bolt may be configured to be inserted via afront side of the device and secured in the axial direction by engaging thelocking protrusion of the center bolt. The present embodiment isadvantageous in that it allows for simplicity of use of the device by a userrequiring no tooling or assembly instruments other than an assigned key.

Brief description of the drawinqs The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages ofthe present invention, will be better understood through the followingillustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the presentinvention. Reference will be made to the appended drawings, on which: figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a device for locking the wheel ofa vehicle comprising all components according to an embodiment, figure 2a illustrates a perspective view of the insert structure in anopened position according to an embodiment, figure 2b illustrates a perspective view of the insert structure in aclosed position according to an embodiment, figure 3a illustrates a side view of the insert structure in both anopened and a closed position according to an embodiment, figure 3b illustrates a top view of the insert structure in both an openedand a closed position according to an embodiment, figure 4a illustrates the insert structure in an opened position insertedin the wheel hub according to an embodiment, figure 4b illustrates the insert structure in a closed position securelyfixated in the wheel hub according to an embodiment, figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of a wheel of a vehicle in whichcomponents of the device are installed according to an embodiment, figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of a wheel of a vehicle in which theIocking mechanism is installed in the wheel of the vehicle according to anembodiment.

Detailed description of embodiments Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a device 200 for Iocking thewheel of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention,comprising an insert structure 201 shown in a closed position, a main module202, an insert sleeve 203, a center bolt 204, a Iocking cap 205, a detachableIocking bolt 206 and a protective cover 207. The device 200 according to thepresent invention is arranged to be installed on the wheel of a vehicle startingby the insertion of the insert structure 201 within the wheel hub of the wheelto be protected by the device 200. The insert structure 201 may be insertedinto the wheel hub in an opened position to further be securely fixed in saidwheel hub by being transferred to a closed position. Further details regardingthe insert structure 201 will be described in the subsequent figures. Figure 1further shows a main module 202 having a plurality of protective elements210 adapted to restrict, limit or block access to the bolt heads and/or lug nutsof the wheel of the vehicle being protected by the device 200. The protectiveelements 210 are shown in figure 1 as an integral part of the main module202 and forming a pattern corresponding to the of the position of thebolts/nuts on the wheel. The main module 202 further comprises an opening211 in its center allowing components to be joined to the insert structure 201through the main module 202 thus securing the device 200 to the wheel of thevehicle. The main module 202 shown in figure 1 further comprises a recesspattern 212 on the circumference of its opening 211 arranged to be engagedby a corresponding outward protrusion pattern 213 comprised on thecircumference of the insert sleeve 203. The insert sleeve 203 shown in figure1 further comprises the third through hole 214, as described in a previousembodiment, as well as a recess pattern 215 on the circumference of saidthird through hole 214. The insert sleeve 203 is meant to engage the main 11 module 202 in its opening 211 and in turn receive the center bolt 204. Thecenter bolt 204 as shown in figure 1 comprises a cylindrical body with ahollow center and a bottom threading 216 formed directly in the material ofthe outer wall of the inferior portion of the center bolt 204. lt is to be noted thatthe center bolt 204 is not limited to having a hollow center and may alsocomprise a through hole. The center bolt 204 further comprises a lockingprotrusion on the inner wall of its hollow center (not shown in figure 1)adapted to engage and secure the locking mechanism. Figure 1 furtherillustrates a locking cap 205 comprising a fourth through hole 218 adapted toreceive the detachable locking bolt 206 and comprising an outward protrusionpattern 219 arranged to engage the corresponding recess pattern 215 of theinsert sleeve 203. The detachable locking bolt 206 or lock shown in figure 1may comprise a locking recess (not shown) and may be adapted to beinserted into the center bolt 204 and to engage the locking protrusion of saidcenter bolt 204 when a key is rotated in the key hole 208 of the detachablelocking bolt 206. Figure 1 finally shows a protective cover 207 adapted to beattached to the main module 202 e.g. by snapping function and to cover theaforementioned components for further protection of the device 200, morespecifically the key hole 208 and the detachable locking bolt 206. The device200 shown in the exploded view of figure 1 may be installed on the wheel of avehicle by initially inserting the insert structure 201 in the hub of the wheel.The installation further occurs by engaging, via the corresponding recessesand protrusions patterns 212, 213, the insert sleeve 203 in the main module202. The center bolt 204 may then be inserted through the third through hole214 and through the opening 211 of the main module 202 and rotatablysecured by means of its bottom thread 216 to the corresponding thread 217of the insert structure 201. The detachable locking bolt 206 may then beinserted in the center bolt 204 via the fourth through hole 218 of the lockingcap 205 which in turn may be secured in to the insert sleeve 203 byengagement of the corresponding recesses and protrusions patterns 215,219. When installed on the wheel of a vehicle, all components of the device200 shown in figure 1 are aligned with the axis of rotation of the wheel thusrendering all openings and through holes concentric. The device 200 is 12 therefore secured to the wheel of a vehicle by means of threading 216, 217,securing the center bolt 204 to the insert structure 201 which in turn securesthe device 200 and its components to the wheel. When the detachableIocking bolt 206 engages the Iocking recess of the center bolt 204 followingturning a key in the key hole 208, the center bolt is restricted from anyrotational movement which would release it from the insert structure 201. Theun-installment of the device 200 may be done by removing the detachableIocking bolt 206 and rotating the center bolt 204 out of the insert structure 201therefore releasing the main module 202 and other components from thewheel of the vehicle.

Figure 2a and 2b illustrate a perspective view of the insert structure inan opened position 300 and an insert structure in a closed position 310according to embodiments of the present invention. The insert structure 300illustrated in figure 2a is shown in an opened position and comprises an upperpart 303 and a lower part 301 rotatably joined together by an axial joint 302(hidden by the structure of the upper part 303 in figure 2a, but illustrated moreclearly in figures 5 and 6) being positioned offset from the second throughhole 309 and allowing the upper part 303 to rotate freely relative to the lowerpart 301 about the axis of said axial joint 302,. The upper part 303 of theinsert structure 300 shown in figure 2a further comprises a first through hole308 and an inferior surface 305 represented by the bottom circumferentialsurface of said first through hole 308. Figure 2a further shows the secondthrough hole 309 comprised in the lower part 301 as well as a superiorsurface 304 represented by the top circumferential surface of the secondthrough hole 309. The lower part 301 and the upper part 303 respectivelycomprise a first guard 321 and a second guard 320 arranged to partiallysurround the upper part 303 and the lower part 301 respectively. Figure 2afurther illustrates a first wedge 307 comprised on the upper part 303 of theinsert structure 300 and a second wedge 306 comprised on the lower part301 of the insert structure 300. The first and second wedges 307, 306 form anintegral part of the upper and lower parts 303, 301 of the insert structure 300and are positioned opposite to one another around the diameters of thethrough holes 308, 309. The insert structure 300 shown in figure 2a in the 13 opened position further illustrates the upper part 303 forming an angle withthe lower part 301 when said upper part 303 is rotated relative to the lowerpart 301 about the axis of rotation of the axial joint 302. Regarding figure 2bthere is shown an insert structure 310 in the closed position. Figure 2b showsthe upper part 312 engaging the lower part 311 such that the inferior surfaceof the upper part 312 abuts the superior surface 314 of the lower part 311 ofthe insert structure 310 therefore limiting the rotation of the upper part 312towards the lower part 311. Figure 2b further illustrates the function of the firstand second guards containing the upper and lower parts 312, 311 as toprevent damages induced to the insert structure 310 by radial and torsionforces. The insert structure 310 further comprises a thread 318 in the materialof the inner wall of the second through hole of the lower part 311, arranged toreceive the corresponding bottom thread of the center bolt (described in figure1) such that said center bolt may be securely fixed to the insert structure 310.Figure 2b further shows the larger diameter of the first though hole relative tothe second through hole and consequently the larger superior surface 314 ofthe lower part 311. The insert structure 310 illustrated in figure 2b furthercomprises a first and a second wedge 317, 316 which extremities determinethe outer diameter of the insert structure 310. The insert structure 310 offigure 2b shown in the closed position illustrates the first through hole of theupper part 312 positioned concentrically with the second through hole of thelower part 311.

Figure 3a and 3b illustrate a side view and a top view of the insertstructure in both an opened and a closed position according to anembodiment of the present invention. With regards to figure 3a, there isshown a side view of an insert structure in an opened position 400 and aninsert structure in a closed position 410. The opened insert structure 400illustrates an angle 401 formed by the upper part 404 with the lower part 405when said upper part 404 is rotated relative to the lower part 405 about theaxial joint. The angle 401 may reach a maximum of 145°at full rotation of theupper part 404 when the insert structure is in the opened position 400. Therotation of the upper part 404 relative to the lower part 405 when the insertstructure is transferred to the open position may be limited by the contact or 14 abutment of a first rotation limiting surface of the upper part 404 with asecond rotation Iimiting surface of the lower part 405 of the insert structure400 (not shown). Figure 3a further shows the reduced outer diameter 402 ofthe opened insert structure 400 determined by the extremities of the first andsecond wedges 403, 406. Regarding the insert structure 410 presented in aclosed position in figure 3a, there is shown the concentricity of the first andsecond through ho|es of the upper part 403 and the lower part 405 about theaxis 411. When installed in the wheel of a vehicle, the concentric axis 411may represents the axis of rotation of the wheel. Furthermore, the closedinsert structure 410 shows no rotation of the upper part 404 relative to thelower part 405 about the axial joint, therefore forming no angle (0°) betweenthe inferior surface of the upper part 404 and the superior surface of the lowerpart 405. Figure 3a further shows the maximum outer diameter 412 reachedby the insert structure in a closed position 410. The reduced outer diameter402 is therefore shown as smaller than the maximum outer diameter 412 infigure 3a. Regarding figure 3b, there is shown the equivalent top view of theopened insert structure 400 and closed insert structure 410 illustrated infigure 3a. The dimensional difference between the reduced outer diameter402 and the maximum outer diameter 412 is further observable in figure 3b.The concentricity of the first and second through ho|es as well as thedifference between the diameter of the first through hole 413 and thediameter of the second through hole 414 is further evident in the top view ofthe closed insert structure presented in figure 3b.

Figure 4a illustrates the insert structure in an opened position insertedin the wheel hub according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theinsert structure 500 is shown in the opened position well inserted in the wheelhub 508 and aligned with the axis of rotation of the wheel such that thesecond through hole of the lower part 504 of the insert structure 500 may beconcentric with said axis of rotation of the wheel. Figure 4a further illustratesthe first wedges 501 being abutted on the inner wall surface 503 of the wheelhub 508 whereas the second wedge 502 is shown free of contact as theupper part 505 is rotating about the axial joint 509 towards the closedposition. lt is to be noted that the insert structure 505 is shown in figure 4a with an outer diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the wheel hub 508which may e.g. require for the insert structure 500 to be inserted in the wheelhub 508 at an angle and then aligned with the axis of rotation of the wheel.The insert structure 500 in the opened position shown in figure 4a maytherefore be released from the wheel hub 508 if kept in the opened position.Figure 4a further i||ustrates the first rotation Iimiting surface 507 of the upperpart 505 and the second rotation Iimiting surface 506 of the lower part 504Iimiting the maximum rotation of the upper part 505 relative to the lower part504 when abutted together. Correspondingly, figure 4b i||ustrates the insertstructure 510 in a closed position securely fixed in the wheel hub 518according to an embodiment of the present invention. The closed insertstructure 510 is shown in figure 4b aligned with the axis of rotation of thewheel such that the first and second through holes of the upper and lowerparts of the insert structure 510 may be concentric together and with said axisof rotation of the wheel. Figure 4b further i||ustrates the maximum outerdiameter 511 reached by the insert structure 510 in the closed position beingsignificantly larger than the diameter 512 of the wheel hub 518 allowing thefirst and second wedges 514, 515 to enter in contact with and exert a force onthe inner walls 513 of the wheel hub 518 resulting in a secure fixation of theinsert structure 510 in the wheel hub 518 and resistance against forcesapplied on the insert structure 510 in the axial direction of the wheel of thevehicle. Figure 4b further depicts the abutment of the inferior surface 516 ofthe upper part of the insert structure 510 with the superior surface 517 of thelower part of the insert structure 510.

Figure 5 i||ustrates a sectional view of a wheel of a vehicle in whichcomponents of the device are installed according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The insert structure 522 is shown in figure 5 in the closedposition and securely fixed in the wheel hub 520 such that its first and secondwedges exert a force on the inner walls of said wheel hub 520. Figure 5further shows the center bolt 524 joined by corresponding threads to thelower part of the insert structure 522 through the first and second throughholes of said insert structure 522. The center bolt 524 is further showninserted through the third through hole of the insert sleeve 523 which in turn 16 securely engages the main module 521 via corresponding recesses andprotrusions patterns described in figure 1. Therefore, the center bolt 524securely attaches the main module 521 and the insert sleeve 523 to the insertstructure 522 thus enabling the protective elements to limit or block access tothe bolt heads and/or lug nuts of the wheel of the vehicle. Figure 5 furtherdepicts a locking cap 526 securely fixed to the insert sleeve 523 byengagement of the corresponding recesses and protrusions patterns, alsodescribed in figure 1, and superimposed over the center bolt 524 as to restrictor limit access to the center bolt 524 as well as to limit the rotation of saidcenter bolt 524 which may result in its release from the insert structure 522.Figure 5 further illustrates a locking protrusion 525 positioned on the innerwall of the hollow center of the center bolt 524 arranged to engage thecomponents of the locking mechanism (not shown).

Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of a wheel of a vehicle in which thelocking mechanism is installed in the wheel of the vehicle according to anembodiment of the present invention. Similarly to the description of figure 5,figure 6 shows an insert structure 670 in the closed position and securelyfixed in the wheel hub 630 such that its first and second wedges exert a forceon the inner walls of said wheel hub 630 as well as a center bolt 640, aninsert sleeve 660, a main module 600, protective elements 650 and a lockingcap 680 according to the description of their homologous components offigure 5. Figure 6 further illustrates a detachable locking bolt 610, comprisinga key hole (not shown), inserted through the fourth through hole of the lockingcap 680 into the center bolt 640. The detachable locking bolt 610 shown infigure 6 further comprises a locking recess 620 permitting such insertion ofthe detachable locking bolt 610 in the hollow center of center bolt 640 whensaid locking mechanism is in the open state. Therefore, upon rotation of thedetachable locking bolt 610 i.e. upon transfer of the locking mechanism to thelocking state, the locking recess 620 engages the locking protrusion 690 ofthe center bolt 640 restricting access or rotation of the components of thedevice of the present invention thus securely locking said device onto thewheel of the vehicle. 17 The device may be manufactured from various types of materials;however, aluminum and steel are the preferred materials.Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood andeffected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a5 study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. ln the claims,the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and theindefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact thatcertain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does notindicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.10 Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting thescope.

Claims (11)

1. A device (200, 600) for Iocking a wheel of a vehicle to the vehicle,comprising: a main module (202, 521) adapted to be attached to the wheel, andconfigured to cover nuts or bolts for attaching the wheel to the vehicle; an insert structure (201, 300, 310, 400, 410, 500, 510, 522, 670)comprising an upper part (303, 312, 404, 505) and a lower part (301, 311, 405, 504) wherein the upper part is rotatably joined to the lower part by anaxial joint (302, 509) wherein the insert structure is transferable from an openposition to a closed position upon rotation of said upper part around said axialjoint; wherein the insert structure in said open position is adapted for insertionin the wheel concentrically to axis of rotation of the wheel (411) andwherein the insert structure in said closed position is adapted for fixating theinsert structure in said wheel upon transfer to the closed position afterinsertion in the wheel, wherein the axial joint (302, 509) extends transverselyto the axis of rotation (411) ofthe wheel when the insert structure is in theclosed position after insertion in the wheel, a center bolt (204, 524, 640) adapted to be connected through themain module to the lower part of the insert structure by means of a threading(217, 318), and a Iocking mechanism (206, 205, 203) adapted to be arranged in aIocking state in which the Iocking mechanism prevents the center bolt fromrotating relative the main module, and in an open state in which the Iocking mechanism allows the center bolt to rotate relative the main module.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper part comprises aninferior surface (305) and the lower part comprises a superior surface (304)such that the inferior surface abuts the superior surface when the insertstructure is in the closed position. 19

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper part of theinsert structure forms an angle (401) with the lower part of the insert structurewhen in the open position.

4. The device according to any previous claim, wherein the upper partand the lower part of the insert structure comprise a first through hole (308)and a second through hole (309) respectively and wherein the first andsecond through holes are adapted to receive the center bolt.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first through hole of theupper part and the second through hole of the lower part are concentric whenthe insert structure is in the closed position and wherein a diameter (413) offirst through hole is larger than a diameter (414) of the second through hole.

6. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lowerpart comprises a first guard (321) and the upper part comprises a secondguard (320) such that the first guard partially surrounds the upper part and thesecond guard partially surrounds the lower part when the insert structure is inthe closed position.

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein theupper part of the insert structure and the lower part of the insert structurecomprise a first wedge (307) and a second wedge (306) respectively.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the first wedge and thesecond wedge are arranged on opposite sides of concentric diameters ofthe first through hole and the second through hole of the upper and lower parts of the insert structure.

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first wedge and thesecond wedge determine an outer diameter (402, 412) of the insert structureand wherein said outer diameter decreases when the insert structuretransfers to the open position.

10. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the firstwedge and the second wedge are configured to secure the insert structure by engaging the wheel of the vehicle when the insert structure is in the closed position.

11. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the firstwedge and the second wedge are configured to disengage from the wheel of the vehicle when the insert structure is in the open position.