A wheel lock key assembly includes a wheel lock key portion configured to engage with keyslot features on a wheel lock. A driving tool coupling portion is connected to the wheel lock key portion and includes a surface structured to be rotationally coupled to a driving tool so as to enable rotation of the wheel lock key portion by the driving tool by a force acting on the surface. The surface extends along a plane extending parallel to the wheel lock key portion rotational axis. A retaining member is deformable to vary a radial distance the exterior surface extends from the rotational axis. A retaining member deformation mechanism is actuatable to deform the retaining member to vary the radial distance, such that the exterior surface extends at least a predetermined distance past the plane prior to rotational coupling of the wheel lock key assembly to the driving tool.

A system for connecting a wheel rim to a hub flange of a motor vehicle, having a fastener such a threaded nut or bolt, and a tool which engages the fastener in a positive-locking manner in order to tighten or release the fastener. To provide improved protection against theft of wheel rims and tires, the fastener has an annular groove extending axially from an end surface of the fastener, the groove having an annular base and inner and outer sidewalls shaped to form an undercut wider than an opening of the groove, a recess extending axially below the base for receiving a projection of a complementally-shaped key on the tool to allow rotation of the fastener. The undercut prevents an unauthorized person using a mold-making material, from being able to make an imprint of the groove and producing a tool therefrom to release the fastener.

The present invention relates to a fastener, such as a bolt or a nut, for fastening a wheel to a vehicle, comprising: a body comprising: a cap receiving portion, a threaded portion and a central axis; and a cap, arranged to be received by and cover said cap receiving portion characterized in that said cap receiving portion comprises a recess or a protrusion against which said cap can be deformed, or has been deformed, such that said cap forms a mutual matching protrusion or recess, wherein said recess or protrusion of said cap receiving portion has a longitudinal extension essentially parallel to said central axis. The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a fastener.

An automobile wheel can include an outer rim, a hub, and a plurality of lug accessories. The hub, which is generally at the center of the automobile wheel, can have a plurality of lug holes. The plurality of lug accessories can be partially disposed in some, but not all, of the lug holes while leaving the remaining lug holes open. The open lug holes can receive a threaded stud from an automobile wheel hub assembly when the automobile wheel is mounted to the automobile wheel hub assembly. Each lug accessory can have a lug stud and a lug cap. The lug stud can have a flange and a linear member, with the linear member attached to the flange and extending to a free end. The flange can contact a rear surface of the hub when the linear member is inserted into a lug hole. The lug cap can extend over and couple to an opposite end of the linear member from the flange.

A system is disclosed. The system includes a lug stud protector and a tire shield. The lug stud protector includes a body portion and a flange portion, and is configured to protect lug studs and corresponding lug nuts which connect a wheel to a hub of a vehicle. The tire shield is removably connected to the lug stud protector.

A locking device for releasable locking with a counter body, having a base body, which is connected together with an add-on element and a connection element, and actuation means. One or more slides are fastened to the actuation means, which exert a relative movement to the locking device, whereby the slides are able to be brought into contact with the locking means and these can be transferred into a counter geometry of the counter body. Here, the actuation means remain in their respective position due to the return springs of the locking means and of the tension resulting therefrom as well as of a frictional resistance between locking means and slides. An automatic securing device is provided as secondary securing, designed as a spring-loaded securing bolt for securing the position of the actuation means and prevents unintentional opening of the locking device.

The present application is directed to an anti-theft lug nut assembly and/or system for vehicular wheel use. A lug nut assembly of this application may be used in connection with each wheel of a particular vehicle. In another instance, multiple lug nut assemblies may be used in connection with a single wheel of a vehicle. In such instances, the lug nut assemblies may incorporate a common key member or distinct key members for use with each distinct lug members. Common wrenches and sockets are unable to engage and turn the lug member of this application as a result of the outer surface configuration of the lug member.

Apparatus for visually indicating a loose wheel nut on a motor vehicle has a first ring for engaging a first wheel nut so as to be rotatable therewith and a second ring for engaging a second wheel nut adjacent to the first wheel nut so as to be rotatable therewith. The first ring has a first pointer for indicating a start position of the first ring, and the second ring has a second pointer for indicating a start position of the second ring. A resiliently flexible elongate member interconnects the first and second rings. The elongate member is configured to curve in at least two directions and has a first end portion connected to the first ring and an opposed second end portion connected to the second ring. In use, any loosening rotation of the first wheel nut will cause the first ring and is pointer to rotate therewith, thereby providing a visual indication of a loosening of the first wheel nut.

A wheel lock key assembly includes a wheel lock key portion configured to engage with keyslot features on a wheel lock. A driving tool coupling portion is connected to the wheel lock key portion and includes a surface structured to be rotationally coupled to a driving tool so as to enable rotation of the wheel lock key portion by the driving tool by a force acting on the surface. The surface extends along a plane extending parallel to the wheel lock key portion rotational axis. A retaining member is deformable to vary a radial distance the exterior surface extends from the rotational axis. A retaining member deformation mechanism is actuatable to deform the retaining member to vary the radial distance, such that the exterior surface extends at least a predetermined distance past the plane prior to rotational coupling of the wheel lock key assembly to the driving tool.

A secure locking hub system for locking a wheel hub of a vehicle in a rotationally fixed position relative to an axle is provided. The system has a locking ring that may be moved between locked and unlocked configurations. When in the locked configuration, the wheel hub will not rotate and the vehicle thus cannot be moved. The system additionally has a security lock that prevents any unauthorized individual from unlocking the wheel hub, thereby preventing theft of the vehicle. The system includes a fastener designed to allow the system to be retrofitted to an existing vehicle axle without requiring replacement or mechanical modification of the axle.