SE544183C2 - Wheel locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device 100 for locking a wheel of a vehicle by the provision of a main module 102 covering nuts or bolts for attaching the wheel to the vehicle. The device further comprises an insert structure 200 to be positioned on the inside of the wheel and an outer locking mechanism configured to be releasably lockable to the insert structure. The device further comprises a center bolt 104 adapted to be connected through the main module to the second part of the insert structure by means of a threading 116, 117 as well as a locking mechanism 106, 105, 103 adapted to be arranged in a locking state in which the locking mechanism prevents the center bolt from rotating relative the main module, and in an open state in which the locking mechanism allows the center bolt to rotate relative the main module.

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 a first part and a second partwherein the first part engages the second part and wherein the insertstructure is transferable from a first position to a second position uponcompression of a spring. Moreover, the insert structure in said secondposition is adapted for insertion in the wheel concentrically to the axis ofrotation of the wheel and the insert structure in said first position is adaptedfor fixating the insert structure in said wheel upon transfer to the first positionafter insertion in the wheel. The device further comprises a center boltadapted to be connected through the main module to the second part of theinsert structure by means of a threading as well as a locking mechanismadapted to be arranged in a locking state in which the locking mechanismprevents the center bolt from rotating relative the main module, and in anopen state in which the locking mechanism allows the center bolt to rotaterelative 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 may be operated in a first position and in a secondposition and may be transferable from a first position to a second position andvice versa. The second position may be achieved by applying opposite forceson the first part and on the second part of the insert structure permitting thecompression of the spring positioned between said first part and second part.The application of opposing forces results in a translation movement of thefirst part towards the second part. Consequently, the first position may beachieved by releasing said applied opposing forces resulting in a translationmovement of the first part away from the second part due to the resilient forceof the spring decompression. By “translation movement” it is here meant alinear movement of at least one of the upper and second part of the insert structure relative to the other one of the upper and second part, in a directionperpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel of the vehicle on which thedevice is installed. The insert structure is arranged to secure the device to thewheel, this may be achieved by inserting the insert structure in the wheel hubwhilst in a second position to further securely fix the insert structure in thewheel hub by transferring it to the first position. Moreover, in the first positionthe insert structure exerts a force on the inner walls of the wheel hub,preventing it from releasing from the wheel even when sustaining significantforce in the axial direction of the wheel. By the term “wheel hub” it is heremeant a cy|indrica| ha||ow central portion of a vehicle wheel concentric to theaxis of rotation of said wheel. By the term “inner walls of the wheel hub” it ishere meant the inner surface(s) of the wheel hub. Furthermore, the insertstructure may be of, but not limited to, a circular or round shape allowing it tobe more adaptable to vehicle wheel hubs. The spring being positionedbetween the upper and second part of the insert structure may berepresented by, but not limited to, a leaf spring and may provide sufficientresilient force such that the first part and the second part of the insertstructure are normally kept in the first position. The spring may also provideadequate resilient force such that the transfer from the first position to thesecond position may be achieved by human force, in other words, the springmay be compressed by opposing forces applied manually without requiringany specific instrumentation. By “leaf spring” it is here meant a spring havinga slender arc-shaped length providing resilience to linear compressionperpendicular to its arc-shaped length. The insert structure is furtheradvantageous in that it allows the device to be installed on the wheel of avehicle without requiring the removal of said wheel from the vehicle for theinstallation, thus resulting in an improvement of the user utilization. lnaddition, by having the first part engaged in the second part, the insertstructure further reduces to only the insert structure the number ofcomponents required to fix the device to the wheel of the vehicle which in turnresults in a reduction of the complexity of the device.The center bolt comprised in the device may be threaded directly in its material and joined to the insert structure via a corresponding thread directly threaded in the material of the second part of the insert structure. Thethickness of the second part of the insert structure may be similar or largerthan the thickness of the first part thus comprising more material resulting inan efficient thread distance or thread length as well as a stronger and moresecure thread. The strength of the aforementioned thread may also result in astronger connection with the corresponding thread of the center bolt thuspermitting an increase of the strength of fixation of the device to the wheel ofthe vehicle. The corresponding threads may be oriented such that the centerbolt, upon rotation, moves along the axis of rotation of the wheel. The rotationmay for example be achieved by means of a key or a wrench fitting with thecenter bolt or by means of human force. When the main module has beeninstalled and secured, for example by tightening the center bolt as describedabove, the locking mechanism may be brought into its locking state to preventan unauthorized entity from removing the locking means and therebyaccessing the nuts/bolts of the wheel. The locking mechanism may beconfigured to prevent the center bolt from being turned or rotated in the mainmodule. This may be achieved in a number of ways, some of which beingdiscussed in further detail in connection with the detailed description of thedrawings. ln one example, the locking mechanism may comprise a lockingbolt that can be fixed to the center bolt and to the main module to preventrotational movement between the two. The locking bolt of the lockingmechanism may for example have a flat side that engages with acorresponding surface in the center bolt and the main module to keep thelocking bolt from rotating. The locking mechanism may, in the locking state,be axially secured to for example the wheel by means of a washer configuredto engage with a backside of the main module or by engagement ofcorresponding recesses and protrusions between the locking bolt and thecenter bolt. To bring the locking mechanism in the open state, the washer orcorresponding recesses and protrusions may be rotated such that it/they canbe released from engagement with the main module or center bolt and thelocking bolt removed from the center bolt.

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

According to an embodiment, the first part of the insert structure maycomprise an inferior surface and the second part of the insert structure maycomprise a superior surface arranged such that the inferior surface is inconstant contact with the superior surface. Thus, the inferior surface and thesuperior surface may be in constant contact even during transfer from the firstto the second position. The present embodiment is advantageous in that theconstant contact prevents any translation movement of the first part relative tothe second part other than the translation movement of the first part towardsthe second part required to transfer the insert structure from a first position toa second position and the anaiogous translation movement of the first partaway from the second part required to transfer from the second position to thefirst position. Furthermore, the aforementioned constant contact of the inferiorsurface on the superior surface allows for both the first part and the secondpart to be in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel of thevehicle.

According to an embodiment, the first part and the second part of theinsert structure may comprise a first through hole and a second through holerespectively and the first and second through holes are adapted to receive thecenter bolt. Thus, the first part comprises the first through hole whereas thesecond part comprises the second through hole.

As an example, the first part may form a first ring-shaped structurearranged in the first plane and around the first through hole, whereas thesecond 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 first position. Said through holes may also be concentricwith the axis of rotation of the wheel when the insert structure is in the firstposition and securely inserted in said wheel. Moreover, the inferior surface ofthe first part of the insert structure and the superior surface of the second partof the insert structure may define the circumference of the first and secondthrough holes respectively. The present embodiment is further advantageousin that, in the first position, the first through hole allows the center bolt to passtherethrough and to be secured to the thread formed in the material of the inner surface of the second through hole located on the second part of theinsert structure. Furthermore, the present embodiment is advantageous inthat receiving the center bolt through the first and second through hole allowsfor any movement or lateral translation of the first part relative to the secondpart to be completely restricted thus resulting in a secure fixation of the deviceto the wheel of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment, the second part of the insert structuremay comprise a first guard and the first part of the insert structure maycomprise a second guard such that the first guard at least partially surroundsthe first part and the second guard at least partially surrounds the second partwhen the insert structure is in the second position. The first and secondguards may thus be rims extending form the surface of the second and firstpart, respectively. As an example, the first guard may form a rim extendingfrom the superior surface of the second part whereas the second guard mayform a rim extending from the inferior surface of the first part. The presentembodiment is advantageous in that the first and second guards surroundingthe upper and second parts of the insert structure restrict said first part andsaid second part from any rotational movement relative to one another andabout the axis of rotation of the wheel in which the insert structure is inserted.ln other words, the first part of the insert structure is restricted from rotatingabout the axis of rotation of the wheel by the first guard and the second partof the insert structure is restricted from rotating about the axis of rotation ofthe wheel by the second guard. Furthermore, the first guard and the secondguard act as delimiters of the translation movement of the first part of theinsert structure relative to the second part when transferring from a firstposition to a second position. The first and second guards will abut oneanother when the insert structure reaches the second position. The presentembodiment is further advantageous in that the first guard permits thecontainment and therefore the compression of the spring positioned such thatit exerts a force on the first guard and on the outer circumference of the firstpart of the insert structure. The positioning of the spring will be describedfurther in relation to the provided figures. 7 According to an embodiment, the first guard may comprise a centralprotrusion forming a channel with a superior surface of the second part of theinsert structure wherein the first part of the insert structure may completelyengage the channel when in the second position and may partially engagethe channel when in the first position. The central protrusion of the first guardis oriented towards the center of the insert structure such that the formedchannel has a dimension similar to the thickness of the first part of said insertstructure defined between the inferior surface and the superior surface of thefirst part. The dimension of the channel therefore allows the first part of theinsert structure to completely engage said channel when the insert structureis transferred to second position. ln addition, as the channel is formed alongthe first guard which at least partially surrounds the first part, said first partthus always at least partially engages said channel. The present embodimentis further advantageous in that it restricts completely the translationmovement of the first part of the insert structure relative to the second part inthe direction of the axis of rotation of the wheel in which said insert structureis fixed in turn ensuring constant contact between the inferior surface of thefirst part and the superior surface of the second part of the insert structure.

According to an embodiment, the spring may be arranged to bepositioned in the channel and exert opposing forces on the second part andon the first part such that the insert structure is normally in the first position.As previously mentioned, the spring may represent a leaf spring but may alsorepresent any spring-loaded component providing sufficient resilient forcesuch that the first part and the second part of the insert structure are normallykept in the first position. The present embodiment is advantageous in that thechannel formed by the central protrusion of the first guard and the superiorsurface of the second part of the insert structure allows the protection of thespring by at least partially covering it as well as preventing its translationmovement in the direction of the axis of rotation of the wheel in which theinsert structure is fixated. This restriction of movement allows the forcesexerted by the spring to remain perpendicular to the first guard of the secondpart and to the outer circumference of the first part on which they are applied 8 thus decreasing wear of the insert structure. ln other words, theperpendicularity of the applied forces increases the longevity of the insertstructure in terms of number of transitions between first position and secondposition.

According to an embodiment, the spring may represent a leaf springcomprising an arc-shaped length and at least two legs wherein the arc-shaped length may be arranged to abut the first guard of the second part andthe at least two legs may be arranged to abut the first part. The presentembodiment is advantageous in that the at least two legs allow efficientlydistanced points of contact between the leaf spring and the first part resultingin the prevention of rotational movement of the leaf spring in the channelabout the axis of rotation of the wheel of the vehicle within which the insertstructure may be inserted.

According to an embodiment, the insert structure may comprise astopper inserted through the second part and the first part of the insertstructure and configured to limit the movement of the first part relative to thesecond part such that the first and second through holes may be concentricwhen the insert structure is in the first position. The present embodiment istherefore advantageous in that, in the first position, the insert structure allowsthe first and second through holes to be concentric together as well asconcentric with the axis of rotation of the wheel on which the present device isinstalled. By being inserted through the second part and first part of the insertstructure, the stopper further restricts said first part and said second part fromany rotational movement relative to one another and about the axis of rotationof the wheel in which the insert structure is inserted.

According to an embodiment, the first part of the insert structure and thesecond 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 on opposite sides of the diameters of the first through hole and the secondthrough hole of the upper and second parts of the insert structure.

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 secondposition. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the compression ofthe spring resu|ting in the translation of the first part of the insert structurerelative to the second part of the insert structure towards the first guardconsequently allows the first wedge to move similarly thus reducing the outerdiameter. The reduction of the outer diameter further allows the insertstructure to reach a dimension smaller than the dimension of the diameter ofthe wheel hub rendering possible and uncomplicated the insertion therein ofthe insert structure. lt will be appreciated that the outer diameter determinedby the first and second wedges reaches a maximum when the insert structureis in the first position and a minimum when the insert structure is in thesecond position and the stopper abuts a limiting recess comprised in the firstpart and which will be described further in conjunction with the providedfigures.

According to an embodiment, opposing forces may be applied to thefirst part and to the second part towards the center of the insert structure totransfer from the first position to the second position and released to transferfrom the second position to the first position. ln other words, the insertstructure is transferable from the first position to the second position uponapplication of opposing forces on the first and second part directed towardsone another and towards the center of the insert structure. The opposingforces may be stronger than the resilience of the leaf spring exerting a forceon the first and second part of the insert structure. Consequently, the insertstructure is transferable from the second position to the first position uponrelease of said opposing forces. As previously mentioned, it will beappreciated that the opposing forces may be applied manually by humanforce therefore requiring no further instrumentation.

According to an embodiment, the first part of the insert structure maybe configured to translate towards the second part of the insert structure in a direction parallel to a plane formed by the Contacting inferior surface andsuperior surface when transferring from the first position to the secondposition and to translate away from the second part of the insert structure in adirection parallel to a plane formed by the contacting inferior surface andsuperior surface when transferring from the second position to the firstposition. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the opposingforces applied to the first and second part of the insert structure result in thecompression of the leaf spring and in the translation movement of the firstpart relative to the second part in a direction parallel to the plane formed bythe surfaces of the first and second part i.e. a plane perpendicular to the axisof rotation of the wheel within which the insert structure may be inserted.Oppositely, transferring from the second position to the first position, i.e. whenreleasing the opposing forces and upon decompression of the spring, resultsin the translation movement of the first part relative to the second part also ina direction parallel to the plane formed by the surfaces of the first and secondpart of the insert structure but opposite to the translation movement achievedwhen transferring from the first position to the second position.

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 first position and to release thewheel of the vehicle when the insert structure is in the second position. Asmentioned above, the outer diameter of the insert structure determined by thefirst and second wedges reaches its largest dimension when the insertstructure is inserted in the wheel and transferred to the first position allowingsaid outer diameter to be larger than the dimension of the wheel hub entrythrough which the insert structure was inserted. The present embodiment istherefore advantageous in that it permits the surfaces of the first and secondwedges to exert a force on the inner walls of the wheel hub resulting in asecure fixation of the device in the wheel of the vehicle and increasedresistance against forces applied in the axial direction of said wheel. ln otherwords, the force exerted by the first and second wedge on the inner walls ofthe wheel hub prevents the device from being released from the wheel due toa pulling or pushing force applied on said device when the insert structure is 11 in the first position. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the insert structuremay be reduced by transferring the insert structure to the second positiontherefore allowing said outer diameter to reach a dimension smaller than thedimension of the wheel hub entry through which the insert structure wasinserted permitting it to be released from the wheel of the vehicle. Thepresent embodiment is further advantageous in that the translation of the firstpart of the insert structure relative to the second part towards the first guardpermits at least one of the first and second wedges to cease the exertion of aforce on the inner walls of the wheel hub resulting in the release and possibleextraction 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 lockingcap 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. 12 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 wheelof a vehicle comprising all components according to an embodiment, figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the insert structure according toan embodiment, figure 3a illustrates a perspective view of the insert structure in a firstposition according to an embodiment, figure 3b illustrates a perspective view of the insert structure in asecond position according to an embodiment, figure 4a illustrates a side view of the insert structure in both a firstposition and a second position according to an embodiment, figure 4b illustrates a top view of the insert structure in both a firstposition and a second position according to an embodiment, figure 5a illustrates the insert structure in a second position inserted inthe wheel hub according to an embodiment, figure 5b illustrates the insert structure in a first position securelyfixated in the wheel hub according to an embodiment, figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of a wheel of a vehicle in whichcomponents of the device are installed according to an embodiment, and figure 7 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.

Detailed description of embodiments Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a device 100 for locking thewheel of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention,comprising an insert structure 101 shown in a first position, a main module102, an insert sleeve 103, a center bolt 104, a locking cap 105, a detachable 13 Iocking bolt 106 and a protective cover 107. The device 100 according to thepresent invention is arranged to be installed on the wheel of a vehicle startingby the insertion of the insert structure 101 within the wheel hub of the wheelto be protected by the device 100. The insert structure 101 may be insertedinto the wheel hub in a second position to further be securely fixed in saidwheel hub by being transferred to a first position. Further details regarding theinsert structure 101 will be described in the subsequent figures. Figure 1further shows a main module 102 having a plurality of protective elements110 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 100. The protectiveelements 110 are shown in figure 1 as an integral part of the main module102 and forming a pattern corresponding to the of the position of thebolts/nuts on the wheel. The main module 102 further comprises an opening111 in its center allowing components to be joined to the insert structure 101through the main module 102 thus securing the device 100 to the wheel of thevehicle. The main module 102 shown in figure 1 further comprises a recesspattern 112 on the circumference of its opening 111 arranged to be engagedby a corresponding outward protrusion pattern 113 comprised on thecircumference of the insert sleeve 103. The insert sleeve 103 shown in figure1 further comprises the third through hole 114, as described in a previousembodiment, as well as a recess pattern 115 on the circumference of saidthird through hole 114. The insert sleeve 103 is meant to engage the mainmodule 102 in its opening 111 and in turn receive the center bolt 104. Thecenter bolt 104 as shown in figure 1 comprises a cylindrical body with ahollow center and a bottom threading 116 formed directly in the material ofthe outer wall of the inferior portion of the center bolt 104. lt is to be noted thatthe center bolt 104 is not limited to having a hollow center and may alsocomprise a through hole. The center bolt 104 further comprises a Iockingprotrusion on the inner wall of its hollow center (not shown in figure 1)adapted to engage and secure the Iocking mechanism. Figure 1 furtherillustrates a Iocking cap 105 comprising a fourth through hole 118 adapted toreceive the detachable Iocking bolt 106 and comprising an outvvard protrusionpattern 119 arranged to engage the corresponding recess pattern 115 of the 14 insert sleeve 103. The detachable locking bolt 106 or lock shown in figure 1may comprise a locking recess (not shown) and may be adapted to beinserted into the center bolt 104 and to engage the locking protrusion of saidcenter bolt 104 when a key is rotated in the key hole 108 of the detachablelocking bolt 106. Figure 1 finally shows a protective cover 107 adapted to beattached to the main module 102 e.g. by snapping function and to cover theaforementioned components for further protection of the device 100, morespecifically the key hole 108 and the detachable locking bolt 106. The device100 shown in the exploded view of figure 1 may be installed on the wheel of avehicle by initially inserting the insert structure 101 in the hub of the wheel.The installation further occurs by engaging, via the corresponding recessesand protrusions patterns 112, 113, the insert sleeve 103 in the main module102. The center bolt 104 may then be inserted through the third through hole114 and through the opening 111 of the main module 102 and rotatablysecured by means of its bottom thread 116 to the corresponding thread 117of the insert structure 101. The detachable locking bolt 106 may then beinserted in the center bolt 104 via the fourth through hole 118 of the lockingcap 105 which in turn may be secured in to the insert sleeve 103 byengagement of the corresponding recesses and protrusions patterns 115,119. When installed on the wheel of a vehicle, all components of the device100 shown in figure 1 are aligned with the axis of rotation of the wheel thusrendering all openings and through holes concentric. The device 100 istherefore secured to the wheel of a vehicle by means of threading 116, 117,securing the center bolt 104 to the insert structure 101 which in turn securesthe device 100 and its components to the wheel. When the detachablelocking bolt 106 engages the locking recess of the center bolt 104 followingturning a key in the key hole 108, the center bolt is restricted from anyrotational movement which would release it from the insert structure 101. Theun-installment of the device 100 may be done by removing the detachablelocking bolt 106 and rotating the center bolt 104 out of the insert structure 101therefore releasing the main module 102 and other components from thewheel of the vehicle.

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the insert structure 200according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising the first part201 and the second part 202. The first part 201 further comprises a firstthrough hole 207 in which a limiting recess 212 is formed in the circumferenceof the first through hole 207 for receiving the stopper 217. The depth of thelimiting recess 212 may be such that when the stopper 217 abuts the bottomof said limiting recess 212, the first through hole 207 is concentric with thesecond through hole 208 and the insert structure 200 once assembled is inthe first position. The first part 201 shown in figure 2 further illustrates asecond guard 218 arranged to at least partially surround the second part 202.The first part 201 further comprises an inferior surface 204 arranged toconstantly be in contact with the superior surface 203 of the second part 202as well as a first wedge 205 and a second wedge 206 configured to exertforces on the inner wall surfaces of the wheel hub when the insert structure200 once assembled is fixed within said wheel hub and in the first position.Figure 2 further depicts anchors 211 formed in the material of the first part201 and positioned on its outer circumference facing the second part 202.The anchors 211 of the first part 201 shown in figure 2 are further adapted toreceive and secure contact with the leaf spring 209 which abuts the anchors211 therefore exerting sufficient forces on said anchors 211 such that theinsert structure 200 remains normally in the first position once assembled.Furthermore, the second part 202 of the insert structure 200 shows a thread210 formed in the material of the inner surface of the second through hole208 which thread distance is defined by the thickness of the second part 202.Figure 2 further shows a first guard 219 arranged to at least partially surroundthe first part 201 of the insert structure 200 once assembled in which a centralprotrusion 214 is positioned in its center and protrudes towards the first part200 in a direction parallel to the superior surface 203. The central protrusion214 shown in figure 2 further forms a channel 215 with the superior surface203 such that the first part 201 of the insert structure 200, once assembled,engages the channel 215 partially when in the first position and fully when inthe second position. During assembly of the insert structure 200 of figure 2,the leaf spring 209 is compressed in the channel 215 between the inner wall 16 of the first guard 219 of the second part 202 and the anchors 211 of the firstpart 201. Once enclosed in the channel 215, the leaf spring 209 is restrictedfrom movements in the direction of the axis of rotation of the wheel of thevehicle by the central protrusion 214 and from rotational movement aboutsaid axis of rotation by the anchors 211. The first part 201 further engages thesecond part 202 such that the first through hole 207 is concentric with thesecond through hole 208 and such that the inferior surface 204 of the first part201 is in contact with the superior surface 203 of the second part 202 and thecentral protrusion 214 is in contact with the superior surface 216 of the firstpart. During assembly of the insert structure 200 shown in figure 2, thestopper 217 is inserted through the insertion hole 213 of the second part 202and into the limiting recess 212 of the first part 201. Upon the resilient forcesapplied by the leaf spring 209 on the first part 201 and the second part 202,the stopper 217 abuts the bottom of the limiting recess 212.

Figure 3a and 3b illustrate a perspective view of the insert structure ina first position 300 and an insert structure in a second position 310 accordingto embodiments of the present invention. The insert structure 300 shown infigure 3a is shown in the first position wherein the spring (not visible in figure3a but located between the first part 301 and the second part 302 in thechannel formed by the central protrusion 304 and the superior surface of thesecond part 302 of the insert structure 300) exerts opposing forces on thesecond part 302 and on the first part 301 in a direction perpendicular to theaxis of rotation of the wheel within which the insert structure 300 is inserted.The opposing forces applied by the spring are such that the stopper 307,inserted through the insertion hole of the second part 302 abuts the bottom ofthe limiting recess 303 of the first part 301. The depth of the limiting recess303 shown in figure 3a may be of a dimension ensuring that the first throughhole of the first part 301 and second through hole of the second part 302 areconcentric when the stopper 307 abuts the bottom of said limiting recess 303.Furthermore, figure 3a shows a first wedge 307 comprised on the first part301 of the insert structure 300 and a second wedge 306 comprised on thesecond part 302 of the insert structure 300. The first and second wedges 307,306 form an integral part of the upper and second parts 301, 302 of the insert 17 structure 300 and are positioned opposite to one another around thediameters of the first and second through holes. The insert structure 300shown in the first position in figure 3a depicts the first part 301 at leastpartially engaging the channel formed by the central protrusion 304 and thesuperior surface of the second part of the insert structure 300. The centralprotrusion 304 is further shown comprising a f|ap 308 extending from thecentral protrusion 304 towards the stopper 307 in a direction parallel to thesuperior surface of the first part 301. The f|ap 308 is arranged to partiallycover the section of the first part 301 which does not engage the channel ofthe second part 302 when the insert structure 300 is in the first position. Theconcentric first and second through holes shown in figure 3a permit the insertstructure 300 to receive the center bolt by means of threading or the thread305 with the corresponding thread of the center bolt while simultaneouslyexerting forces on the inner walls of the wheel hub by means of the first andsecond wedges 307, 306. Regarding figure 3b there is shown an insertstructure 310 in the second position. Figure 3b shows the first part 311completely engaging the second part 312 as a result of opposite forces (notshown) being applied to said first part and second part 311, 312 such that thespring (not visible in figure 3b) is compressed in the channel formed by thecentral protrusion 314 and the superior surface 316 of the second part 312.Figure 3b further shows the first and second through holes being non-concentric as a result of the translation movement of the first part 311 relativeto the second part 312 when transferring from the first position to the secondposition. Furthermore, the edge surfaces 319, 320 of the second part 312 andfirst part 311 are shown in figure 3b abutting one another therefore limitingsaid translation movement of the first part 311 relative to the second part 311.The insert structure 310 shown in figure 3b illustrates the stopper 318disengaged from the limiting recess of the first part 311.

Figure 4a and 4b illustrate a side view and a top view of the insertstructure in both a first and second position according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. With regards to figure 4a, there is shown a side view ofan insert structure in a first position 400 comprising a first part 401 and asecond part 402 and in which the constant contact between the inferior 18 surface 411 of the first part and the superior surface 409 of the second part402 is illustrated. Figure 4a further shows the concentricity of the first andsecond through ho|es of the first part 401 and the second part 402 about theaxis 407. When installed in the wheel of a vehicle, the concentric axis 407may represents the axis of rotation of the wheel. The insert structure 400depicted in Figure 4a further shows the maximum outer diameter 406determined by the extremities of the first and second wedges 403, 404 whichis reached by the insert structure 400 in the first position. Figure 4a furtheri||ustrates holding elements 408 built in the profile of the first part 402 andsecond part 401 adapted to hold the insert structure 400 in place in wheninserted in the wheel hub. The thickness 405 of the second part 402 is alsoshown in figure 4a as extending below the bottom surface f the insertstructure 400, 410. As previously mentioned, the difference in thicknessbetween the first part 401 and the second part 402 is dependent on thethread distance required in the inner surface of the second through hole of thesecond part 402 in order to ensure a secure fixation of the center bolt in saidsecond through hole. Figure 4a further shows the insert structure 410 in asecond position in which there is shown the edge surfaces 414 and 413 lncontact as well as the reduced outer diameter 412 determined by the first andsecond wedges 403, 404 following the translation movement of the first part401 relative to the second part 402 in the direction of the first guard of thesecond part 402. The reduced outer diameter 412 is therefore shown assmaller than the maximum outer diameter 406 in figure 4a. Regarding figure4b, there is shown the equivalent top view of the insert structure 400 in thefirst position and the insert structure 410 in the second position illustrated infigure 4a. The dimensional difference between the reduced outer diameter412 and the maximum outer diameter 406 is further observable in figure 4b.The concentricity of the first and second through ho|es in the first position aswell as their non-concentricity when the insert structure is in the secondposition is further evident in the top views presented in figure 4b as well asthe abutment of the spring 420 on the anchors of the first part of the insertstructure 400 arranged to secure said spring 420. As previously discussed inconjunction with figure 3b, the first and second through ho|es of the upper and 19 second parts of the insert structure presented in the second position in figure4b are shown evidently non-concentric.

Figure 5a illustrates the insert structure in a second position inserted inthe wheel hub according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theinsert structure 500 is shown in the second position well inserted in the wheelhub 508 and a|igned with the axis of rotation of the wheel such that thesecond through hole of the second part 504 of the insert structure 500 may beconcentric with said axis of rotation of the wheel. Figure 5a further illustratesthe first and second wedges 501, 502 being free of contact from the inner wallsurfaces 503 of the wheel hub 508 as the outer diameter defined by theextremities of the first a second wedges 501, 502 reaches a minimum whichis of a smaller dimension than the diameter of the wheel hub 508. The insertstructure 500 in the second position shown in figure 4a may therefore bereleased from the wheel hub 508 if kept in said second position.Correspondingly, figure 5b illustrates the insert structure 510 in a first positionsecurely fixed in the wheel hub 518 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The insert structure 510 in the first position is shown infigure 4b a|igned with the axis of rotation of the wheel such that the first andsecond through holes of the upper and second parts of the insert structure510 may be concentric together and with said axis of rotation of the wheel.Figure 5b further illustrates the maximum outer diameter 511 reached by theinsert structure 510 in the first position being significantly larger than thediameter 512 of the wheel hub 518 allowing the first and second wedges 514,515 to enter in contact with and exert a force on the inner wall surfaces 513 ofthe wheel hub 518 resulting in a secure fixation of the insert structure 510 inthe wheel hub 518 and resistance against forces applied on the insertstructure 510 in the axial direction of the wheel of the vehicle. Figure 5bfurther depicts the abutment of the stopper 520 inserted through the secondpart of the insert structure 510 with the bottom of the limiting recess 521 ofthe first part of the insert structure 510.

Figure 6 illustrates 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 622 is shown in figure 6 in the first position and securely fixed in the wheel hub 620 such that its first and secondwedges exert a force on the inner wall surfaces of said wheel hub 620. Figure6 further shows the center bolt 624 joined by corresponding threads to thesecond part of the insert structure 622 through the first and second throughholes of said insert structure 622. The center bolt 624 is further showninserted through the third through hole of the insert sleeve 623 which in turnsecurely engages the main module 621 via corresponding recesses andprotrusions patterns described in figure 1. Therefore, the center bolt 624securely attaches the main module 621 and the insert sleeve 623 to the insertstructure 622 thus enabling the protective elements to limit or block access tothe bolt heads and/or lug nuts of the wheel of the vehicle. Figure 6 furtherdepicts a locking cap 626 securely fixed to the insert sleeve 623 byengagement of the corresponding recesses and protrusions patterns, alsodescribed in figure 1, and superimposed over the center bolt 624 as to restrictor limit access to the center bolt 624 as well as to limit the rotation of saidcenter bolt 624 which may result in its release from the insert structure 622.Figure 6 further illustrates a locking protrusion 625 positioned on the innerwall of the hollow center of the center bolt 624 arranged to engage thecomponents of the locking mechanism (not shown).

Figure 7 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 7,figure 7 shows an insert structure 770 in the closed position and securelyfixed in the wheel hub 730 such that its first and second wedges exert a forceon the inner walls of said wheel hub 730 as well as a center bolt 740, aninsert sleeve 760, a main module 700, protective elements 750 and a lockingcap 780 according to the description of their homologous components offigure 7. Figure 7 further illustrates a detachable locking bolt 710, comprisinga key hole (not shown), inserted through the fourth through hole of the lockingcap 780 into the center bolt 740. The detachable locking bolt 710 shown infigure 7 further comprises a locking recess 720 permitting such insertion ofthe detachable locking bolt 710 in the hollow center of center bolt 740 whensaid locking mechanism is in the open state. Therefore, upon rotation of the 21 detachable Iocking bolt 710 i.e. upon transfer of the Iocking mechanism to theIocking state, the Iocking recess 720 engages the Iocking protrusion 790 ofthe center bolt 740 restricting access or rotation of the components of thedevice of the present invention thus securely Iocking said device onto thewheel of the vehicle.

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 astudy 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.Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting thescope.

Claims (15)

1. A device (100) for Iocking the wheel of a vehicle, comprising: a main module (102) adapted to be attached to the wheel, andconfigured to cover nuts or bolts for attaching the wheel to the vehicle; an insert structure (200) comprising a first part (201) and a second part(202) wherein the first part engages the second part, wherein the insertstructure is transferable from a first position to a second position uponcompression of a spring (209); wherein the insert structure in said secondposition is adapted for insertion in the wheel concentrically to the axis ofrotation of the wheel and wherein the insert structure in said first position isadapted for fixating the insert structure in said wheel upon transfer to the firstposition after insertion in the wheel, a center bolt (104) adapted to be connected through the main moduleto the second part of the insert structure by means of a threading (116, 117),and a Iocking mechanism (106, 105, 103) 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 first part comprises aninferior surface (204) and the second part comprises a superior surface (203)arranged such that the inferior surface is in constant contact with the superior surface.

3. The device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the first part and thesecond part of the insert structure comprise a first through hole (207) and asecond through hole (208) respectively and wherein the first and second through holes are adapted to receive the center bolt.

4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein thesecond part comprises a first guard (219) and the first part comprises a second guard (218) such that the first guard at least partially surrounds thefirst part and the second guard at least partially surrounds the second partwhen the insert structure is in the second position.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first guard comprises acentral protrusion (214) forming a channel with a superior surface of thesecond part of the insert structure wherein the first part of the insert structurecompletely engages the channel when in the second position and partially engages the channel when in the first position.

6. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein thespring is arranged to be positioned in the channel and exert opposing forceson the second part and on the first part such that the insert structure isnormally in the first position.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the spring represents a leafspring comprising an arc-shaped length and at least two legs wherein the arc-shaped length is arranged to abut the first guard of the second part and the atleast two legs are arranged to abut the first part.

8. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insertstructure comprises a stopper (217) inserted through the second part and thefirst part and configured to limit the movement of the first part relative to thesecond part such that the first and second through holes are concentric whenin the first position.

9. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the firstpart of the insert structure and the second part of the insert structurecomprise a first wedge (205) and a second wedge (206) respectively.

10.second wedge are arranged on opposite sides of the diameters of the first The device according to claim 9, wherein the first wedge and the through hole and the second through hole of the upper and second parts of the insert structure.

11. the second wedge determine an outer diameter of the insert structure and The device according to claim 9 and 10, wherein the first wedge and wherein said outer diameter decreases when the insert structure transfers tothe second position.

12. forces are applied to the first part and to the second part towards the center of The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein opposing the insert structure to transfer from the first position to the second position and released to transfer from the second position to the first position.

13.structure is configured to translate towards the second part of the insert The device according to claims 12, wherein the first part of the insert structure in a direction parallel to a plane formed by the contacting inferiorsurface and superior surface when transferring from the first position to thesecond position and to translate away from the second part of the insertstructure in a direction parallel to a plane formed by the contacting inferiorsurface and superior surface when transferring from the second position to the first position.

14. wedge and the second wedge are configured to secure the insert structure by The device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first engaging the wheel of the vehicle when the insert structure is in the firstposition and to release the wheel of the vehicle when the insert structure is inthe second position.

15. mechanism comprises: The device according to any previous claim, wherein the locking a locking protrusion (790) formed in the center bolt; an insert sleeve (103) having a third through hole (114) and beingadapted to be rotationally secured to the main module; and a detachable Iocking bolt (106) adapted to be inserted into the mainmodule via the third through hole and the looking protrusion; wherein the Iocking protrusion and the third though hole are configuredto be aligned with each other; and the detachable Iocking bolt is adapted to prevent the center bolt fromrotating relative the insert structure.