Patent classifications
B60B7/20
MOVABLE WHEEL COVER APPARATUS AND RELATED ACTUATION SYSTEMS FOR AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCIES
The present disclosure relates to apparatus for covering wheel components, and related wheel modules and vehicles. In one or more embodiments, a wheel module includes a wheel component including a plurality of wheel openings, and a cover frame. The cover frame includes a plurality of openings, and a plurality of divider sections at least partially dividing the plurality of openings. The wheel module includes an actuation system configured to rotationally drive the cover frame relative to the wheel component in response to centrifugal force to at least partially cover the wheel opening. The wheel module includes a retraction spring configured to bias the cover frame to rotationally drive the cover frame relative to the wheel component to at least partially uncover the wheel openings.
Image Board for Rotary Wheel and Rotary Wheel Including Same
An image board for a rotary wheel which is mounted on a rotary wheel of a vehicle and displays a stationary image regardless of the rotation of the rotary wheel, the image board including: a base plate which is uprightly arranged on the outer portion or the inside of a wheel frame provided on the rotary wheel and mounted to be independently rotatable with respect to the wheel frame, and on one side or both sides of which a predetermined image is arranged, the base plate including a chamber on which a space is formed to be extended along the circumferential direction with respect to a rotational axis; a main weight which is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the base plate and applies a load to the bottom of the base plate; and a compensation weight which moves within the space as the main weight rotates in any direction and applies a load to the main weight so that the main weight returns to the original position thereof, the compensation weight being arranged within the space.
Image Board for Rotary Wheel and Rotary Wheel Including Same
An image board for a rotary wheel which is mounted on a rotary wheel of a vehicle and displays a stationary image regardless of the rotation of the rotary wheel, the image board including: a base plate which is uprightly arranged on the outer portion or the inside of a wheel frame provided on the rotary wheel and mounted to be independently rotatable with respect to the wheel frame, and on one side or both sides of which a predetermined image is arranged, the base plate including a chamber on which a space is formed to be extended along the circumferential direction with respect to a rotational axis; a main weight which is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the base plate and applies a load to the bottom of the base plate; and a compensation weight which moves within the space as the main weight rotates in any direction and applies a load to the main weight so that the main weight returns to the original position thereof, the compensation weight being arranged within the space.
Bicycle spinner mounting
A bicycle wheel spinner which is quickly and easily released from a hub and has an inner ring formed segments, with blades protruding from each segment. The segments each mount a roller wheel riding in a groove in a supporting hub. The segments are releasably fixed together in the groove. The spinner can be quickly removed by disassembling the inner ring segments. A locking mechanism allows the spinner to be locked to the hub or released to rotate independently.
Bicycle spinner mounting
A bicycle wheel spinner which is quickly and easily released from a hub and has an inner ring formed segments, with blades protruding from each segment. The segments each mount a roller wheel riding in a groove in a supporting hub. The segments are releasably fixed together in the groove. The spinner can be quickly removed by disassembling the inner ring segments. A locking mechanism allows the spinner to be locked to the hub or released to rotate independently.
Non frictional wheel enhancing assembly
A non frictional wheel enhancing assembly that utilizes bolts and lubricated joints to attach to a wheel, remains level and independent of the wheel as the wheel revolves, inhibits friction and heat between the wheel and a wheel cover, and aesthetically enhances the wheel without covering the perimeter of the wheel. The wheel assembly includes an attachment surface with three extending bolts that press outwardly, against an inner circumference of a wheel hub to create pressure and grip for attaching the wheel cover with the wheel. The wheel cover also secures to the wheel through numerous lubricated joints, adapters, and fasteners. The lubricated joints facilitate revolution of the wheel cover to minimize friction between the wheel and the wheel cover, and improve fuel efficiency for the vehicle. The wheel cover displays decorative indicia. A counterweight allows the wheel cover to remain level and revolve independently of the wheel.
Non frictional wheel enhancing assembly
A non frictional wheel enhancing assembly that utilizes bolts and lubricated joints to attach to a wheel, remains level and independent of the wheel as the wheel revolves, inhibits friction and heat between the wheel and a wheel cover, and aesthetically enhances the wheel without covering the perimeter of the wheel. The wheel assembly includes an attachment surface with three extending bolts that press outwardly, against an inner circumference of a wheel hub to create pressure and grip for attaching the wheel cover with the wheel. The wheel cover also secures to the wheel through numerous lubricated joints, adapters, and fasteners. The lubricated joints facilitate revolution of the wheel cover to minimize friction between the wheel and the wheel cover, and improve fuel efficiency for the vehicle. The wheel cover displays decorative indicia. A counterweight allows the wheel cover to remain level and revolve independently of the wheel.
Systems and methods for controlling illumination of center caps in vehicle wheels
A system includes a wheel including a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary. The second portion includes a light source and a power storage module. The system further includes a generator configured to generate power and output the power to at least the power storage module, a power converter coupled between the power storage module and the light source, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive a signal indicative of a key associated with the vehicle being within a defined distance, and in response to receiving the signal, control the power converter to output the power generated by the generator and stored in the power storage module to the light source. Other examples systems and methods for controlling a light source in a wheel of a vehicle are also disclosed.
Systems and methods for controlling illumination of center caps in vehicle wheels
A system includes a wheel including a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary. The second portion includes a light source and a power storage module. The system further includes a generator configured to generate power and output the power to at least the power storage module, a power converter coupled between the power storage module and the light source, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive a signal indicative of a key associated with the vehicle being within a defined distance, and in response to receiving the signal, control the power converter to output the power generated by the generator and stored in the power storage module to the light source. Other examples systems and methods for controlling a light source in a wheel of a vehicle are also disclosed.
Floating centercap for vehicle
A floating centercap assembly for a vehicle includes a cap and a counterweight affixed to the cap. A cup is included having a central bearing affixed to the cap wherein the counterweight travels rotationally within a sidewall of the cup. One of a retainer clip and a bracket affixes the cup to the vehicle wheel cover or axle.