Methods and systems of an active aerodynamic wheel cap device are provided. The active aerodynamic wheel cap device can be mounted to a vehicle wheel and configured to actuate from a flap-open to a flap-closed state. The flap-open state provides an air vent path from an outer portion of a wheel to an internal component of the wheel, especially at low speeds or during braking. The flap-closed state provides a substantially gapless aerodynamic cap for the wheel of the vehicle at highway speeds or during acceleration. The actuation of the active aerodynamic wheel cap device may be based on an all-mechanical controlled centripetal force movement mechanism.

A hub cap assembly with a retaining device (100), and at least one housing portion (34) with an annular recess (98) in an inner surface with a sight glass (12) disposed in the annular recess and positioned axially between the retaining device and the housing portion. The hub cap assembly can be part of a wheel end assembly for use with a central tire inflation system (CTIS).

A vent plug for a hub cap is provided. The vent plug includes a cover and base forming a chamber. A vent plug body extends from the base and forms a cavity. A shield is coupled to the vent plug body. The shield comprises an annularly extending disc that traverses the cavity. The shield includes a connecting surface to connect the shield to the vent plug body. The shield provides a lubrication/liquid barrier to inhibit lubrication (or other liquid) from entering the cavity formed by the vent plug body and the chamber. The connection between the shield and the vent plug body allows a gas (typically air) to vent past the shield into the cavity and, when pressure is sufficiently high, to the chamber and eventually atmosphere.

A hub cap assembly includes a disc having a top surface and a bottom surface. A rim extends from the bottom surface. The hub cap assembly also includes at least one tire stem port disposed on the disc. Moreover, the rim comprises a cavity that receives balance media. In some embodiments, the hub cap assembly further comprises cooling fins, e.g., disposed about a circumference of the top surface. The cooling fins can direct cooling air to a corresponding tire, e.g., to cool a bead of the tire.

A fastener retainer includes at least one fastener cap and a hub. Each fastener cap can include a stop channel that encircles a bottom portion of a housing of the fastener cap, a base with cog members that encircle the housing, or a combination thereof. The hub has at least one port therein, where each port is associated with a corresponding fastener cap. At least one locking member is positioned on the hub. For instance, a locking member can be provided adjacent to each port. In use, each locking member constrains radial movement of a corresponding fastener cap inserted into the associated port, by disposing a projecting member into a space between adjacent cog members on the base of the corresponding fastener cap.

The invention relates to a wheel rim for a vehicle wheel with cover elements.

A vent plug for a hub cap is provided. The vent plug includes a cover and base forming a chamber. A vent plug body extends from the base and forms a cavity. A shield is coupled to the vent plug body. The shield comprises an annularly extending disc that traverses the cavity. The shield includes a connecting surface to connect the shield to the vent plug body. The shield provides a lubrication/liquid barrier to inhibit lubrication (or other liquid) from entering the cavity formed by the vent plug body and the chamber. The connection between the shield and the vent plug body allows a gas (typically air) to vent past the shield into the cavity and, when pressure is sufficiently high, to the chamber and eventually atmosphere.

A method of making a work piece without the use of an auxiliary anode and a work piece created using the method are provided. The work piece includes a main face being generally planar. The work piece also includes a first area comprising a plateable resin configured to be plated using the plating process without the auxiliary anode and having a first current density during the plating process. Additionally, the work piece includes a second area comprising a non-plateable resin configured to not be plated using the plating process without the auxiliary anode. The first area and the second area are determined by a process referencing a predetermined minimum current density value with the first current density being greater than the predetermined minimum current density value.

A vent for a hub cap may include a screen and fluid channels for release of pressurized fluid in a hub cap.

A plug for a hubcap includes a base configured to fit into and obstruct a port of a hubcap. The base at least partially defines a cavity therein. The plug also includes a cap extending radially outward from the base. The cap defines an opening therein, the opening extending at least partially radially, and a passage extending axially between the opening and the cavity. The opening is in fluid communication with the cavity via the passage.