AERODYNAMIC WHEEL COVERS AND MOUNTING ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

A wheel cover system comprises a bracket adapted to mount to a hub of a vehicle, an alignment bushing coupled to the bracket, a piston, and a biasing member to bias the piston in an outboard direction. The alignment bushing defines an open area for receiving a tab of a disk assembly. The piston comprises a tab seating area and a rib, where the rib is aligned with the open area. The piston translatable in an inboard direction from a first position with the rib extending into the open area to a second position to create a clearance between the alignment bushing and the rib to allow the tab to be rotated from a position aligned with the rib to a tab position aligned with the tab seating area. The biasing member translates the piston to secure the tab in the tab seating area.

Claims

1. A wheel cover system comprising: a bracket adapted to mount to a hub of a vehicle; an alignment bushing coupled to the bracket, the alignment bushing having an alignment bushing inboard surface and an alignment bushing outboard surface and defining an open area for receiving a tab of a disk assembly; a piston comprising: a tab seating area, the tab seating area comprising a tab seat outboard surface; a rib aligned with the open area, the rib comprising a rib outboard surface that is further outboard than the tab seat outboard surface, the piston translatable in an inboard direction from a first piston position with the rib extending into the open area to a second piston position having a clearance between the alignment bushing inboard surface and the rib outboard surface to allow the tab to be rotated less than a full turn from a first tab position at which the tab is aligned with the rib and the open area to a second tab position aligned with the tab seating area; and a biasing member that biases the piston in an outboard direction.

2. The wheel cover system of claim 1, wherein the tab seating area and the rib are angularly adjacent.

3. The wheel cover system of claim 2, further comprising mounting hardware that couples the alignment bushing to the bracket, wherein the piston defines an aperture through which the mounting hardware passes, wherein the aperture and the mounting hardware are shaped to inhibit rotation of the piston relative to the bracket, wherein the biasing member is disposed between the bracket and the piston.

4. The wheel cover system of claim 1, wherein: the alignment bushing comprises: a first radially extending arm; and a second radially extending arm, wherein the open area is defined as a notch between the first radially extending arm and the second radially extending arm, wherein the first radially extending arm comprises the alignment bushing inboard surface and wherein the piston is movable to the second piston position to create the clearance between the rib outboard surface and the first radially extending arm; and the piston comprises a ring, wherein the ring defines the tab seating area and includes the rib.

5. The wheel cover system of claim 4, further comprising a valve stem extension, the valve stem extension comprising a valve accessible from an outboard side of the wheel cover system.

6. The wheel cover system of claim 5, wherein the valve stem extension is routed through the ring.

7. The wheel cover system of claim 5, wherein the valve stem extension is routed through the alignment bushing.

8. The wheel cover system of claim 4, further comprising a projection that projects radially inward from the ring, wherein the alignment bushing comprises inboard extensions that extend through the ring, the inboard extensions are separated by a channel, wherein the projection projects into the channel between the inboard extensions and is translatable in the channel.

9. The wheel cover system of claim 4, wherein the piston comprises: an inner shaft; and a spoke connecting between the inner shaft and the ring.

10. The wheel cover system of claim 9, wherein the alignment bushing defines a central aperture, wherein when the piston is in the first piston position, the inner shaft extends into the central aperture.

11. The wheel cover system of claim 9, further comprising a base mounted to the bracket, wherein the base defines an area in which the piston is translatable.

12. The wheel cover system of claim 11, wherein the base comprises an outboard extension, wherein the outboard extension is received by the piston.

13. The wheel cover system of claim 1, wherein: the tab seating area is a first tab seating area; the rib is a first rib; the alignment bushing comprises a plurality of radially extending arms and defines a plurality of notches, each of the plurality of notches disposed between an adjacent pair of radially extending arms from the plurality of radially extending arms, wherein the open area comprises a first notch from the plurality of notches; the piston comprises: an inner shaft; an outer ring, the outer ring comprising: a plurality of ribs, the plurality of ribs including the first rib, wherein each of the plurality of ribs is aligned with a respective notch from the plurality of notches; a plurality of tab seating areas, the plurality of tab seating areas including the first tab seating area, wherein each of the plurality of tab seating areas is aligned with a respective radially extending arm from the plurality of radially extending arms; and a plurality of spokes connecting the inner shaft to the outer ring; and a base mounted to the bracket, wherein the base defines an area in which the piston is translatable, wherein the alignment bushing is coupled to the base, and wherein the biasing member is disposed between the base and the piston.

14. The wheel cover system of claim 13, further comprising the disk assembly.

15. The wheel cover system of claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of brackets.

16. A wheel cover system comprising: a disk assembly comprising: a disk portion; an inner portion coupled to the disk portion, the inner portion comprising a tab that projects radially inward at the inner portion, the tab having a thickness; a hub mounting assembly adapted to mount to a hub a vehicle wheel, the hub mounting assembly comprising: a bracket; an alignment bushing coupled to the bracket, the alignment bushing having an alignment bushing inboard surface and an alignment bushing outboard surface, the alignment bushing defining an open area to receive the tab; a piston comprising: a tab seating area, the tab seating area comprising a tab seat outboard surface; a rib aligned with the open area, the rib comprising a rib outboard surface that is further outboard than the tab seat outboard surface, wherein the piston is translatable in an inboard direction from a first piston position at which the rib extends into the open area to a second piston position to create a clearance between the alignment bushing inboard surface and the rib outboard surface of at least the thickness of the tab to allow the tab to be rotated from a first tab position aligned with the rib and the open area to a second tab position aligned with the tab seating area; and a biasing member that biases the piston in an outboard direction.

17. A wheel cover method comprising: positioning a disk assembly in a first position relative to a hub mounting assembly that is mounted to a hub of a vehicle wheel, wherein: the hub mounting assembly comprises: an alignment bushing defining a notch, and having an alignment bushing inboard surface; a piston, the piston comprising: a rib, the rib comprising a rib outboard surface exposed through the notch; and a tab seat, the tab seat having a tab seat outboard surface; and a biasing member to bias the piston in an outboard direction; and the disk assembly comprises: a disk portion; and an inner portion coupled to the disk portion, the inner portion comprising a tab that projects radially inward, wherein in the first position, the tab is aligned with the notch and the rib; pushing the tab against the rib to translate the piston in an inboard direction to create a clearance between the rib outboard surface and the alignment bushing inboard surface sufficient to allow the tab to pass inboard of a portion of the alignment bushing; and rotating the disk assembly less than a full turn to align the tab with the tab seat, wherein the biasing member biases the piston to trap the tab in the tab seat and secure the disk assembly to the vehicle wheel.

18. The wheel cover method of claim 17, further comprising removing the wheel cover from the vehicle wheel, wherein the piston comprises an inner shaft having an outboard end, wherein the alignment bushing defines an aperture through which the outboard end of the inner shaft is accessible, and wherein removing the wheel cover from the wheel comprises: pushing the outboard end of the inner shaft inboard to translate the piston in the inboard direction and create the clearance; rotating the disk assembly to align the tab with the notch; and translating the disk assembly to cause the tab to pass through the notch.

19. The wheel cover method of claim 17, further comprising, while the disk assembly is mounted to the vehicle wheel, monitoring or adjusting an air pressure of a tire of the vehicle wheel through a valve of a valve extension that is accessible while the disk assembly is mounted to the vehicle wheel.

20. The wheel cover method of claim 19, wherein the valve extension is routed through the hub mounting assembly, the valve extension having an outboard end that is accessible while the disk assembly is mounted to the wheel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification are included to depict certain aspects of the invention. A clearer impression of the invention, and of the components and operation of systems provided with the invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore nonlimiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings, wherein identical reference numerals designate the same components. Note that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0021] FIGS. 1A-1B depict perspective and side views of one embodiment of an aerodynamic wheel cover and a system including an aerodynamic wheel cover mounted on a wheel assembly;

[0022] FIGS. 2A-2B depict perspective and side views of one embodiment of an aerodynamic wheel cover and a system including an aerodynamic wheel cover mounted on a wheel assembly;

[0023] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a system for mounting an aerodynamic wheel cover;

[0024] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict top and perspective views of one embodiment of an adjustable bracket for use in mounting an aerodynamic wheel cover;

[0025] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a base assembly for mounting an aerodynamic wheel cover;

[0026] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict views of embodiments of a base assembly;

[0027] FIGS. 8-10 depict perspective views of one embodiment of a base assembly, illustrating one mode of operation;

[0028] FIGS. 11A-11F depict views of one embodiment of an aerodynamic wheel cover and a system for mounting an aerodynamic wheel cover, illustrating one method for installing a wheel cover;

[0029] FIGS. 12A-12C depict views of one embodiment of a wheel cover assembly;

[0030] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a single wheel assembly commonly found on a steer axle;

[0031] FIG. 14 depicts a view of a hub odometer;

[0032] FIG. 15 depicts a view of a type of fluid reservoir commonly found on wheel assembly hubs;

[0033] FIGS. 16A-16D depict views of one embodiment of a wheel cover assembly; and

[0034] FIGS. 17A-17C depict views of alternative embodiments of a portion of a base assembly;

[0035] FIGS. 18A-18B depict cutaway and perspective views of one embodiment of an aerodynamic wheel cover and a system for mounting an aerodynamic wheel cover on a wheel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0037] As used herein, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, product, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, product, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, or refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0038] Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or express definitions of, any term or terms with which they are utilized. Instead these examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being described with respect to one particular embodiment and as illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are utilized encompass other embodiments as well as implementations and adaptations thereof which may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of that term or terms. Language designating such non-limiting examples and illustrations includes, but is not limited to: for example, for instance, e.g., in one embodiment, and the like. Furthermore, any dimensions, materials or other such characteristics are provided by way of example and not limitation.

[0039] Tractor-trailers travel significant distances every year. Consequently, the cumulative effect of even incremental amounts of drag on a tractor-trailer can lead to significant increases in overall operating costs. Such increased transportation costs are typically absorbed by consumers of the products transported. One significant source of drag on tractor-trailers, and hence increased transportation costs, are the wheel assemblies of the tractor-trailers. In general, the aerodynamic drag of a vehicle increases when air flow is affected by a wheel opening, especially deep wheel openings commonly found on tractor-trailer vehicles. Consequently, there is a need for wheel covers that decrease drag. However, as discussed previously, previous solutions for attaching covers to hubs are unsatisfactory for use with tractor trailers. Accordingly, embodiments described herein provide mechanisms and methods for attaching cover assemblies to wheel assemblies (as used herein, the term wheel assembly may refer to a single wheel or a dual wheel assembly, particularly as it relates to a tractor-trailer vehicle).

[0040] According to one embodiment, a wheel cover assembly may include a removable wheel cover or disk assembly coupled with a fixed hub mounting assembly that is mounted or otherwise coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly may be a single wheel or a dual wheel assembly, particularly as it relates to a tractor-trailer vehicle, or other type of wheel assembly. FIGS. 1A-1B depict perspective and side views of one embodiment of aerodynamic wheel cover assembly 100 including disk assembly 300 mounted on a hub mounting assembly 200 which is coupled to wheel assembly 6. In some embodiments, disk assembly 300 may be formed as outer retaining ring 310 coupled with spokes 305 to inner ring 320 and disk 315. Disk 315 may be single piece or may be formed as disk inserts 315. Outer retaining ring 310, spokes 305 and disk 315 may be constructed separately or may be formed as a monolithic disk assembly 300. Disk 315 may be formed generally planar or non-planar. Non-planar disks 315 may have a substantially conical or concave form. In some embodiments, disk 315 may be oriented with a concavity facing inboard and wheel cover assembly 100 may be configured such that installation of disk assembly 300 biases disk 315. Biasing disk 315 may lessen the concavity, may result in an otherwise planar disk having a negative concavity (i.e., disk 315 has a convex shape) or may otherwise change the configuration of the disk from an initial configuration to a second configuration or flexion. In some embodiments, disk assembly 300 provides a substantially continuous surface to facilitate aerodynamic flow around wheels 6. In other embodiments, disk assembly 300 may be configured to facilitate aerodynamic flow through the wheel cover, whereby the wheel cover may act as a fan or radial vent, for example. The size, rigidity, concavity/convexity, surface texture, venting features, or contact area with wheel(s) 6 may be selected to promote a desired air flow around wheel(s) 6. Furthermore, portions of disk assembly 300 may be manufactured with clear material or with openings to allow visual access to components of wheel(s) 6.

[0041] FIGS. 2A-2B depict perspective and side views of an alternate embodiment of an aerodynamic wheel cover assembly 100 including hub mounting assembly 200 mounted on wheel assembly 6. Attachment or coupling hub mounting assembly 200 with hub 50 may involve using hardware 62 to couple bracket 204 to hub 50, while still allowing access to wheel nuts 22. As depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, disk assembly 300 may be formed as an outer retaining ring 310 coupled with spokes 305 to inner ring 320 with disk inserts 315. The inner portion 40 of the rim 8 (e.g., the area encircled by the rim's outboard flange), including the hub 50 may be exposed for increased circulation, to prevent debris from being trapped inside wheel cover assembly 100, to improve cooling, etc.

[0042] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of aerodynamic wheel cover assembly 100 including hub mounting assembly 200 and disk assembly 300. Hub mounting assembly 200 may include bracket assembly 150 and base assembly 250. Bracket assembly 150 may be configured or formed to allow access to components associated with wheel 6, such as hub 50, the rim, a tire inflation valve, a fluid level indicator, lug nuts, or the like. Bracket assembly 150 may be fastenable to hub 50 such that bracket assembly 150 may be removed or installed using tools. Tools used to remove bracket assembly 150 may be standard tools (e.g., sockets) or specialized, and may include hardware and locking mechanisms to prevent accidental or unauthorized removal of bracket assembly 150. In some embodiments, bracket assembly 150 may be connected to hub 50 utilizing studs 52 or some other pre-existing hardware associated with hub 50. In some embodiments, stationary bracket 204 may be coupled to hub 50, such as using hub nuts 53 threaded onto studs 52. Adjustable bracket 125 may be coupled fixedly or pivotally to stationary bracket 204 using hardware 115 or some other mechanical means. Adjustable bracket 125 may be selectively coupled to stationary bracket 204 such that the position of the outboard end of adjustable bracket 125 may be selected. That is, in the embodiment shown, the outboard position of base assembly mounting platform 127 may be adjusted. Selective adjustment of adjustable bracket 125 may be performed utilizing a series of holes, slots, or other means of linear positioning.

[0043] Also depicted in FIG. 3, hub mounting assembly 200 may include base assembly 250. Base assembly 250 may be coupled to hub 50 via bracket assembly 150 to mount disk assembly 300. In some embodiments, base assembly 250 includes base 210, resilient member or spring 212, piston 214 and alignment bushing 220. Base assembly 250 may be coupled with adjustable bracket 125 using hardware or other mechanical, thermal or chemical means, or may be formed integral with adjustable bracket 125.

[0044] FIGS. 4A-4B depict top and perspective views of one embodiment of bracket assembly 150 having adjustable bracket 125 for use with an aerodynamic wheel cover and a system for mounting an aerodynamic wheel cover on a wheel assembly. Bracket assembly 150 may be coupled with hub 50 using nuts 53 on studs 52. In some embodiments, slots 116 and openings 117 may allow adjustments of the height H of adjustable bracket 125 relative to stationary brackets 204 to accommodate hubs of various heights, and openings 350 and 127 allow adjustments to width of bracket 125 to allow adjustments for various diameters of hubs 50, or to accommodate other devices, for example automatic inflators, on hub 50.

[0045] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of components of one embodiment of base assembly 250. In some embodiments, base assembly 250 comprises base 210, piston 214, spring 212, and alignment bushing 220. In some embodiments, inner walls of base 210 have a selected depth and recessed area 211 for retaining spring 212. In some embodiments, inner walls 209 form a cylinder. Inner walls 209 defines a space within which piston 214 is able to translate axially. Piston 214 comprises ring 218 about an inner shaft 215 aligned relative to longitudinal axis A-A. Ring 218 includes notches 216 of arc length D separated by ribs 229 of arc length C. Inner shaft 215 includes a first end 213 for retaining a second end of spring 212 and a second end 222. Inner shaft 215 is joined to ring 218 by a set of radially extending spokes 232 separated by openings of approximately a width or an arc length.

[0046] Alignment bushing 220 includes an outboard area having a set of outwardly extending radial arms 217 having an arc length of approximately D, separated by notches 230 of an arc length of approximately C. A set of extensions 221 extend inboard and have an arc length. An aperture 234 is sized so that second end 222 of inner shaft 215 can pass.

[0047] In operation, extensions 221 can pass through the gaps between spokes 232, with the spokes fitting in channels 231. Alignment bushing 220 can be coupled to base 210. Alignment bushing 220 may be bolted, welded, glued, epoxied, or otherwise mechanically, thermally, or chemically coupled to base 210 to inhibit movement of alignment bushing 220 relative to base 210. In some embodiments, alignment bushing 220 and base 210 comprise apertures 206 that can be aligned such that a pin, screw, rivet or other hardware (not shown) can be inserted to hold alignment bushing 220 relative to base 210.

[0048] Biasing member 212 can bias piston 214 toward alignment bushing 220 such that ribs 229 fit in notches 230 and radially extending arms 217 fit in notches 216. The second end of inner shaft 215 can be accessible through aperture 234. By pressing on the second end 222 of inner shaft 215, piston may be translated in an inboard direction such that there is clearance between the inboard surfaces 233 of radially extending arms 217 and the outboard surfaces 219 of ribs 229. Consequently, a disk assembly 300 may rotate for installation and removal, as discussed below.

[0049] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict perspective views of another embodiment of base assembly 250. Embodiments disclosed herein may include features for preventing rotation of piston 214 in base assembly 250. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, piston 214 is similar to that depicted in FIG. 5, but base 210 includes extensions 227 that extend outboard, rather than alignment bushing 220 including projections 221 that extend inboard. Although not illustrated, a biasing member, such as depicted in FIG. 5, may bias piston 214 away from base 210. Channels 237 have a width or arc length P to accommodate spokes 232 of arc length O. Channels 237 in base 210 accommodate spokes 232 to ensure alignment of extension 227 through apertures 241. Each extension 227 is sized to extend through apertures 241 between spokes 232. For example, extensions 227 may have a width M sized to fit through aperture 241 having width N. Base 210 has an inner surface 272 for contact with outer surface 273 of outer ring 218 of piston 214. Alignment bushing 220, in the example of FIGS. 6-7 can be a relatively flat sheet piece having radially extending arms 217 separated by notches 230 and having an aperture 234 with diameter Q to accommodate the second end of piston 214. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, alignment bushing 220 and base 210 comprise apertures 206 that can be aligned such that hardware can be inserted to hold alignment bushing 220 relative to base 210.

[0050] Biasing member 212 can bias piston 214 toward alignment bushing 220 such that ribs 220 fit in notches 230 and radially extending arms 217 fit in notches 216. The second end of inner shaft 215 can be accessible through aperture 234. By pressing on the second end of inner shaft 215, piston may be translated in an inboard direction such that there is clearance between the inboard surfaces of radially extending arms 217 and the outboard surfaces of ribs 229. Consequently, a disk assembly 300 may rotate for installation and removal, as discussed below.

[0051] Embodiments disclosed herein include a system that allows tool-free installation and removal of a resilient disk. To reduce binding and to better align the components, the shape of each extensions 221 or 227, the width or arc length of channels 231 or 237, the arc length of spokes 232, the width and arc length of apertures 215, the size of inner shaft 215 and aperture 234 can be selected such that piston 214 is able to translate relative to alignment bushing 220. In operation, piston 214 is able to translate relative to alignment bushing 220 to allow second end 222 to be recessed with, flush with or extended beyond alignment bushing 230 and to allow ribs 229 to be recessed with, flush with or extend axially beyond radial arms 217.

[0052] As discussed below, tabs of a disk assembly 300 are able to be positioned in notches 230 and in contact with ribs 229 and depressed and rotated behind radial arms 217 into notches 216, and may use edge 262 of extensions 221 or 227 as a guide and with channels 231 or 237 small enough such that the tabs of the disk assembly do not bind or hang on axial extensions 221 or 227. In use, spring 212 exerts a force on piston 214 to maintain axial bias of ribs 229 of piston 214 in notches 230 of alignment bushing, thereby trapping the tabs of the disk assembly between the surfaces 243 of notches 216 and the radial arms 217 of the alignment bushing 220.

[0053] Advantageously, embodiments such as those described herein may be manufactured from metal (including alloys) or polymers. In some embodiments, components may be manufactured using CNC techniques. Some embodiments disclosed herein may be formed with CNC techniques on a three axis machine, which may advantageously allow for increasing or decreasing the scale of a device, and which may advantageously reduce production costs.

[0054] FIGS. 8-10 depict perspective views of one embodiment of base assembly 250, illustrating one mode of operation. In a first biased position, ribs 229 and notches 230 may be aligned (and corresponding notches 216 and radial arms 217 may also aligned) such that the force exerted by spring 212 biases piston 214 to a first extended axial position. In other biased positions, forces exerted on piston 214 may depress spring 212 such that a gap G is formed between surface 243 of notch 216 and surface 233 (i.e., back side) of radial arms 217. For example, a second biased position may be defined as a position of piston 214 where the gap G is large enough that the distance between the outboard surfaces 219 of ribs 229 and the inboard surfaces 233 of radial arms 217 is greater than the thickness of corresponding tabs on a disk assembly, thereby allowing the tabs of the disk assembly to be positioned between ribs 229 and radial arms 217. FIG. 9 depicts a partial perspective view of wheel cover assembly 100 in which piston 214 is in a second position such that tabs 207 of a disk assembly 300 are inserted through notches 230 (see e.g., FIG. 6) and able to rotate from a first position aligned with notches 230 to a second position aligned with notches 216 (see e.g., FIG. 6).

[0055] In a third biased position, spring 212 may exert a force on piston 214 such that piston 214 is not considered to be in the second biased position but piston 214 may not fully translate to the first biased position. FIG. 10 depicts a partial perspective view of one embodiment of wheel assembly 100 in which gap G is smaller than gap G in FIG. 9, illustrating base assembly 250 being in a third biased position. In this case, the tabs 207 of disk assembly 300 may be fully seated in notches 216 with the piston biasing the tabs 207 against the radial arms 217.

[0056] FIGS. 9 and 10 further depict an embodiment of disk assembly 300 in which disk 315 includes cutouts 920, insets 910, and rails 930. Insets 910, cutouts 920 and rails 930 may be formed or positioned to accommodate wheel balance weights on a rim, valve stems or other hardware, to increase air flow behind disk 315, to provide hand holds to assist in removal and installation of disk assembly 300, to provide a desired rigidity to disk assembly 300, and other advantages.

[0057] In operation, disk assembly 300 may be positioned in base assembly 250 to maintain disk assembly 300 in a desired position. FIGS. 11A-11F depict partial and perspective views of one embodiment of aerodynamic wheel cover assembly 100 and a system for mounting aerodynamic disk assembly 300 on hub mounting assembly 200, illustrating one method for installing a wheel cover on a wheel assembly.

[0058] A first step in the mounting process involves aligning disk assembly 300 with base assembly 250. FIGS. 11A and 11B depict views of wheel cover assembly 100, illustrating a step for aligning disk assembly 300 with base assembly 250. In some embodiments, alignment includes visually checking that tabs 207 on inner ring 202 are positioned in notches 230 of alignment bushing 220. Alignment may be performed visually, such as ensuring tabs 207 cover ribs 229, aligning an arrow or other alignment mark 244 on disk assembly 300 with an arrow or some other alignment mark 245 on base assembly 250, or using a color, material, or other visual information. Alignment may also be performed using auditory or tactile information or cues, such as by selecting a geometry of the parts. For example, contacting tabs 207 on inner ring 202 with radial arms 217 and rotating wheel cover assembly 200 until the operator or mechanic hears or feels a click may indicate tabs 207 of disk assembly 300 are aligned with ribs 229. In one embodiment, alignment of disk assembly 300 to base assembly 250 is possible when piston 214 is in a first biased position, for example when radial arms 217 have a thickness such that ribs 229 appear recessed, flush, or above relative to radial arms 217.

[0059] Once disk assembly 300 is in a desired position relative to notches 230, piston 214 can be depressed to a second biased position at a selected depth or depth range in cylinder 209 of base 210. Depressing piston 214 may be accomplished by applying pressure to actuator 222, (for example using a thumb or finger) or by applying pressure to tabs 207 in contact with ribs 229. FIGS. 11C and 11D depict perspective views of one embodiment of disk assembly 300, illustrating advancement of inner ring 202 axially inward such that tabs 207 are positioned behind radial arms 217 (such as shown in FIG. 11D), indicating compression of spring 212.

[0060] Once piston 214 is depressed a minimum amount, the gap G created between tab 207 and the bottom surface of radial arms 217 allows tabs 207 to be rotated relative to alignment bushing 220 and piston 214. FIGS. 11E and 11F depict perspective views of one embodiment of wheel cover assembly 100 with disk assembly 300. FIG. 11E depicts disk assembly 300 rotated at an angle R relative to base assembly 250 but less than angle L. When tabs 207 are offset from and rotated relative to radial arms 217 some angle R that is less than angle L, tabs 207 contact surfaces 219 of ribs 229 to inhibit ribs 229 (and thus piston 214 or spring 212) from returning to the first biased position such that piston 214 is in a second biased position. Rotation may be either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

[0061] Further rotation of disk assembly 300 some angle L relative to base assembly 250 allows tabs 207 to align with radial arms 217 aligned with notches 216 in ring 218 of piston 214. Alignment of tabs 207 with radial arms 217 in notches 216 allows ribs 229 to translate in notches 230 to allow piston 214 to move from the second biased position into a third biased position. In some embodiments, piston 214 does not translate to the first biased position, but still translates to a biased position that impedes inner ring 202 of disk assembly 300 from rotating. FIG. 11F depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of wheel cover assembly 100 in which disk assembly 300 is rotated angle L to align tabs 207 with radial arms 217, thus allowing ribs 229 to align in notches 230.

[0062] A partial release of compressive forces on spring 212 allows spring 212 to extend to maintain ribs 229 in notches 230. Maintaining ribs 229 in notches 230 provides security to wheel cover assembly 100 in that piston 214 is further unable to rotate and disk assembly 300 is securely coupled with base assembly 250. Using steps such as those depicted in FIGS. 11A-11F, disk assembly 300 with tabs 207 may be engaged with ribs 229 on piston 214 such that disk assembly 300 is secured to base assembly 250, effectively locking disk assembly 300 yet allowing some motion to accommodate curbs and other objects or users that might contact outer ring 310, spoke 305, inserts 315 or other components of disk assembly 300.

[0063] Removal of disk assembly 300 may be accomplished by performing these steps in reverse order such that piston 214 is depressed to the second biased position, disk assembly 300 is rotated to align tabs 207 with notches 230 and piston 214 such that tabs 207 can be withdrawn from base assembly 250.

[0064] In some embodiments, common hardware or machine elements may be utilized, which may reduce overall complexity, reduce manufacturing costs, or other advantages. FIG. 12A depicts an exploded view of one embodiment in which common machine elements are used instead of custom-made hardware. FIGS. 12B and 12C depict embodiments in an assembled position ready to receive a disk assembly. In some embodiments, spring 1212 and hardware 1208 and 1220 may be common, off-the-shelf parts. In some embodiments, bracket 1213 or hardware 1215 may be able to replace portions of base assembly 250. In some embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 12A, piston 1214 may include a single rib 1229 and a single notch 1216, alignment bushing 1220 may include a single radial arm 1217 and a single notch 1230, and disk assembly 300 may include tab 1207. Piston 1214 includes an aperture 1231 to accommodate hardware 1215. Hardware 1240 may be used to couple portions together or to bracket 1213.

[0065] As those skilled in the art will appreciate after reading this disclosure, embodiments described herein provide many variations of elements but a common push and turn functionality, in which one or more tabs on the disk assembly may be captured by the base assembly to secure the disk assembly to the wheel.

[0066] In addition to wheel assemblies discussed above (and shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), large vehicles may also have wheels mounted on a steer axle. FIG. 13 depicts a view of a single wheel assembly, such as found on steer axle 70. In this situation, mounting an aerodynamic wheel cover may differ due to the different depth or geometry of steer axle 70. FIGS. 14 and 15 further show hub odometer 1410 and oil level indicator 1510 which may be mounted on a wheel assembly and require further accommodation from wheel cover assembly 100.

[0067] FIGS. 16A-16D depict views of one embodiment of aerodynamic wheel cover assembly 100 useful for accommodating components mounted to hub 50 or for mounting to steer axle 70. An inner opening diameter of inner ring 202 may be selected to accommodate maintenance or inspection of components mounted to a hub without removal of the inner ring 202. An inner opening diameter of inner ring 202 may also attach to components typically mounted to the hub 50, such as a hub odometer. An advantage of mounting a hub odometer or other component to the inner opening diameter of the inner ring may allow embodiments to utilize all of the benefits disclosed herein. For example, embodiments may utilize a quick release mechanism for easier removal or access for inspections and maintenance.

[0068] FIG. 16B depicts a side view of one embodiment of wheel cover assembly 100 mounted on wheel 6 having a component (e.g., steer axle 70) that obstructs positioning on a hub. Inner ring 202 may have a diameter sized to accommodate steer axle 70, hub odometer 1410, oil level indicator 1510, etc.

[0069] FIGS. 16C and 16D depict an exploded view of one embodiment of a base assembly showing bracket assembly 1210, base 1209, springs 1222, piston 1214 and alignment bushing 1220, along with attachment hardware 1205. In some embodiments, piston 1214 may not include any central spokes to accommodate steer axle 70. Instead, piston 1214 may include partial spoke projections 1232 projecting radially inward some distance, leaving a large enough opening for components to pass. Spokes 1232 may be aligned with and positioned in channels 1233 to inhibit rotational movement of piston 1214. In such embodiments, a plurality of springs 1222 or other resilient members may be positioned to contact piston 1214 and used to maintain an outward bias on piston 1214 and avoid binding by piston 1214 in base 1209 or alignment bushing 1220. Operation of base assembly 250 may be similar to operation of base assembly 250 described above, in that tabs on disk assembly 1300 may contact ribs 1229 on piston 1214, piston 1214 may be depressed from a first biased position to a second biased position such that tabs may be rotated some angle until the tabs align with notches 1216 in piston 1214 and are positioned behind radial arms 1217, and tension on springs 1222 may be released to allow piston 1214 to translate into a third biased position, locking the tabs (and thus disk assembly 1300) relative to wheel assembly 6.

[0070] An advantage to embodiments described herein may be the ability for the outer portion or edge of a disk assembly to maintain contact with a wheel. As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 16A and 16B, an outer edge or portion of disk assembly 300 or 1300 is maintained in contact with a rim of wheel assembly 6. Maintaining contact at an outer edge may prevent undesirable effects associated with vehicle vibration and air streams in contact with disk 315, such as noise or undue vibration, which may lessen any aerodynamic effect or undesirably wear components of the disk assembly 300. An outer edge or portion of the disk may be reinforced or provided with pads, or otherwise configured to dampen vibration and reduce wear associated with contact with a rim of wheel assembly 6.

[0071] Variations of various components may be possible without varying from the scope of the disclosure. For example, FIGS. 17A-17C depict views of alternative embodiments of base 210. FIG. 17A depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of base 210 having one extension 227a with edge 262a and having channel 237 formed therein. FIG. 17B depicts a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of base 210 having a plurality of various shaped extensions 227b having edges 262b. Having different shaped extensions 227 may ensure that wheel cover assembly 100 is aligned in a particular orientation, enables locking, or some other advantage. FIG. 17C depicts a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of base 210 with an extension 227c having an edge 262c. Base 210 of FIG. 17C has an inner wall 272 having multiple sides. As shown in FIG. 17C, inner wall 272 may have six sides. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or fewer sides may be possible.

[0072] FIGS. 18A-18B depict cutaway and perspective views of one embodiment of an aerodynamic wheel cover and a system for mounting an aerodynamic wheel cover on a wheel assembly. A wheel cover assembly comprises a disk assembly 300 (disk 315 is not shown so as to not obscure other details) mounted on a hub mounting assembly 1800 which is coupled to hub 50 of wheel assembly 6. A valve stem extension comprises an air hose extension 1875 that extends from the tire to a valve end 1880 for inspecting or maintaining tire pressure.

[0073] Hub mounting assembly 1800 comprises a bracket 1804 that mounts to hub 50 such as using hub nuts 53. Compressible bracket 1802 couples to bracket 1804, such as by hardware or some other mechanical, chemical or thermal process. In some embodiments, compressible bracket 1802 may include inner bushing 1806 coupled to outer bushing 1808, such as by retaining hardware. Inner bushing 1806 may be rigidly attached to bracket 1804, such as by fasteners or some other mechanical, chemical or thermal process, or may be formed integrally with bracket 1804. Outer bushing 1808 may be advanced onto inner bushing 1806, such as by rotating outer bushing 1808 to engage threads with inner bushing 1806. By rotating outer bushing 1808 along threads of inner bushing 1806, embodiments allow for quick adjustments and settings. A slot in inner bushing 1806 may be aligned with a fastener opening in outer bushing 1808 and fastener 1821 may be tightened to secure outer bushing 1808 to prevent further rotation. Although the embodiment shown has threads and slots for positioning inner bushing 1806 relative to outer bushing 1808, the position may also be adjusted and secured without threads, such as with a series of holes, slots, or other means of linear positioning.

[0074] Alignment bushing 1820 is fixedly coupled to outer bushing 1808. Piston 1814 is slidably coupled to alignment bushing 1820 and biased by one or more centrally or concentrically placed springs relative to alignment bushing 1820 (e.g., spring 1816). Disk assembly 300 may be mounted to hub mounting assembly 1800 in a push and turn manner as discussed above.

[0075] FIG. 18B illustrates one embodiment for routing extension 1875 through opening 1842 in hub bracket 1804, channel 1843 in outer bushing 1808 and alignment bushing 1820 such that valve end 1880 extends to an accessible position. An advantage is that valve end 1880 is at the center of the wheel assembly, such that servicing the tire pressure may be easier to perform.

[0076] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.

[0077] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.