Tire Rim Shield

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rim or hub shield for protecting a rim of a tire from harmful tire cleaning solutions. The rim shield features a round body having a slightly concave contour, an exterior surface and a concave interior surface, and a pair of oval cut-outs around the center of the shield allowing a user to grip the device. The shield includes a pair of pockets for storing cleaning supplies and other accessories. The shield can be placed against the rim using one hand while cleaning can be performed using the other hand. Alternatively, the shield can be securely placed around the rim by securing a protrusion along the periphery of the shield around the rim of the tire.

Claims

1. A protective cover for a wheel rim, the protective cover comprising: a cover having an exterior surface, an interior surface and a periphery, wherein the cover is comprised of a concave shape with the interior surface shaped inwardly and the exterior surface shaped outwardly; a hand hold disposed on the cover; and at least one pocket formed on the exterior surface of the cover, wherein the at least one pocket is sized and configured to hold an accessory.

2. The protective cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the periphery comprises a seal extending around the periphery.

3. The protective cover as recited in claim 1 further comprising a second hand hold.

4. The protective cover as recited in claim 3, wherein each of the first hand hold and the second hand hold has a length of between 4 and 5 inches, and are spaced apart by a distance that is between 1 and 2 inches.

5. The protective cover as recited in claim 1 comprising a first pocket and a second pocket.

6. The protective cover as recited in claim 5, wherein each of the first and second pockets is disposed at either a 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock orientation or a 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock orientation.

7. The protective cover as recited in claim 5, wherein each of the first and second pockets has a length of between 3 and 4 inches, and a width of between 3 and 4 inches.

8. The protective cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the periphery comprises an expansible edge portion.

9. The protective cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the interior surface is comprised of at least one magnet for magnetically holding the cover to a wheel hub or the wheel rim.

10. The protective cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover is comprised of a select one of a corrugated cardboard, a plastic, a recycled plastic or a post-consumer waste material.

11. The protective cover as recited in claim 2, wherein the flexible seal is comprised of a select one of a silicone, a rubber or a polyurethane foam.

12. A rim shield comprising: a concave cover having an interior surface, an exterior surface and a periphery that is sized and configured to fit within a groove between a tire and a rim, wherein the concave cover has a thickness ranging from about 1/32 of an inch to about 1 inch; a first hand hold; a second hand hold, wherein each of the first and second hand holds extend through the concave cover from the exterior surface to the interior surface; a first pocket on the exterior surface; and a second pocket on the exterior surface, wherein each of the first and second pockets are disposed away from the first and second hand holds.

13. The rim shield as recited in claim 12, wherein the periphery comprises a flexible seal made from one of a silicone, a rubber or a polyurethane foam.

14. The rim shield as recited in claim 12, wherein each of the first and second pockets have a length that is between 3 and 4 inches and a width that is between 3 and 4 inches, inclusive.

15. The rim shield as recited in claim 12, wherein the concave cover is comprised of an absorbent material.

16. The rim shield as recited in claim 12, wherein each of the first and second hand holds have a length of between 4 and 5 inches inclusive, and are spaced about 1 to 2 inches apart from one another.

17. The rim shield as recited in claim 12, wherein the first pocket is disposed on one side of the first and second hand holds and the second pocket is disposed on another side of the first and second hand holds.

18. The rim shield as recited in claim 17, wherein each of the first and second pockets is disposed at either a 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock orientation or a 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock orientation.

19. A rim cover and tire combination comprising: a tire having a rim enclosed by the tire, and a groove separating the rim from the tire; a rim cover sized and configured to fully cover the rim, wherein the rim cover comprises a periphery to fit within the groove and hold the rim cover in position over the rim; at least one hand hold positioned on the rim cover to help hold the rim cover to the rim; and at least one pocket positioned on the rim cover to hold an accessory of the user, wherein the rim cover further comprises a concave shape, an interior surface and an exterior surface, and further wherein the at least one hand hold extends through the rim cover from the exterior surface to the interior surface.

20. The rim cover and tire combination as recited in claim 19 further comprising a second hand hold and a second pocket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referenced characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the vehicle rim shield device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of the rim shield device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 2B illustrates a cut away of the periphery of one potential embodiment of the tire shield device of the present invention and showing an accordion configuration and a flexible shield in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the shield device of the present invention being handled and gripped by a user in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an in-use perspective view of one potential embodiment of the vehicle rim shield device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of one potential embodiment of the rim shield or hub device of the present invention secured on the rim of a tire in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0031] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0032] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a tire rim or hub shield device that protects a vehicle's rims or hubs from exposure to abrasive chemicals and other solutions when cleaning tires. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a rim or hub shielding device that can be easily deployed over a rim or hub while cleaning tires or other portions of the vehicle frame where the cleaning solutions may come into contact with the hub or rim. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a rim or hub shield or protective device that does not affect the process of cleaning the tires, wheel wells or vehicle body. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a rim or hub protecting device that provides for the storage of cleaning or other accessories for the cleaning and detailing of tires. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an easily useable vehicle rims or hubs protective device that eliminates the requirement of having to wipe off stains or other material on the rim or hub which was caused due to application of cleaning materials to the tires, wheel wells or surrounding frame areas. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a user-friendly device that will aid car owners and detailers in yielding a more professional, sharp appearance on their vehicles without affecting appearance of rims.

[0033] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel rim or hub shield for protecting rims and hubs from the overspray or application of harmful and corrosive tire cleaning solutions to the tire or surrounding areas. The rim shield is made from corrugated cardboard or other inexpensive material such as plastic, recycled plastics, post-consumer waste materials or other combinations of material and includes at least one and preferably two strategically-placed oval cut-outs used for gripping and holding the shield in position. At least one, and in other embodiments, first and second shallow and collapsible pockets are positioned at different areas on the exterior face of the shield such as at the 9 and 3 o'clock position, the 6 and 12 o'clock position or other suitable configurations on either side of the cut-outs for storing cleaning and other accessories, the rim and hub shield is held in one hand against the rim while performing cleaning with the other hand. In other embodiments, the periphery may have a flexible edge so as to form a seal between the shield and the rim. In a further embodiment, the periphery may have an expansible portion to allow the operator to expand the perimeter to cover different sized tires.

[0034] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the vehicle rim or hub shield or protective cover of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The vehicle rim or hub shield or protective cover 100 of the present invention is designed as a round protective shield made of corrugated cardboard or other inexpensive material which may have absorbent or wicking properties to pull fluids away from the hub or rims and is configured to protect and preserve rims of vehicles by shielding them against harmful cleaning chemicals and other solutions. More specifically, the shield device 100 is used by professionals and vehicle owners for covering and protecting rims from harmful and corrosive chemicals and sprays while cleaning and detailing vehicles, tires and surrounding areas. The cover has a thickness ranging from 1/32″ to about 1 inch and a density of about 30-90 km/m3.

[0035] The rim or hub shield device 100 is a circular and slightly concave shield having an exterior surface 102 curving outwardly and an interior surface 104 curving inwardly. The device 100 is dimensioned having rim or hub sizes of conventional vehicles and can be customized to fit rims of all international vehicles. The interior surface 104 is slightly concave inwardly, therefore, allowing the shield device 100 to easily fit around the periphery of a rim or hub. The circular edge 118 of the device 100 fits in a groove positioned between the tire and the rim of a vehicle allowing the device 100 to securely cover the rim while the tire of the vehicle is sprayed with a cleaning solution. The circular edge 118 or periphery may have a flexible ring 227 (see FIG. 2A) so that the edge creates a seal with the tire and prevents the cleaning solution from seeping in around the edge. The exterior surface 102 faces away from the rim (and is visually exposed to a user and extends outwardly) when the shield device 100 is positioned on a rim or hub. The shield device 100 has at least one, and in one embodiment, first and second of vertical oval cut-outs 106, 108 positioned around the center of the device 100. The cut-outs or hand holds 106, 108 are about 4″-5″ in length and are positioned 1″-2″ apart to allow easy holding of the shield and are configured to function as a handle for gripping the device 100 by a user as illustrated in FIG. 3. The hand holds 106, 108 and 107 extend from the exterior surface to the interior surface and through the thickness of the cover. In alternative embodiments, a hand hold 107 may be positioned near the top of the shield 100 so that the user can hold the shield at the top of the tire while cleaning the lower portion of the tire.

[0036] The exterior surface 102 has at least one pocket and in one embodiment has first and second pockets 110, 112 positioned thereon and preferably on either side of the handles 106, 108 or below the handle 107. The pockets 110, 112 are used for accommodating cleaning supplies such as sponges, clothes and other accessories. The left pocket 110 has a top opening 114 and is sewn, fused, adhered or closed from the sides and bottom forming a pocket. Similarly, the right pocket 112 has a top opening 116 and is sewn or closed from the sides and bottom. The pockets 110, 112 have a length of about 3″-4″ and has a width of about 3″-4″, thereby providing an adequate space for storing conventional cleaning supplies required by a user for performing cleaning of a vehicle and other accessories such as protective glasses, sunglasses, cell phones or other items. The protective cover 100 may also be provided with graphics, indicia, or other marketing information 119 which can be used as part of a promotional offering by cleaning solutions company, tire companies or other companies which may benefit from marketing the tire cover of the present invention.

[0037] The shield device 100 is preferably made of a soft, lightweight, and flexible material like a corrugated cardboard, plastic, recycled plastics, post-consumer waste or combinations thereof. The shield device 100 may be absorbent and absorbs any spray accidentally sprayed thereon and therefore eliminates chemical being dripped from the shield device 100 onto the hub or rim. Further, the device 100 is easy to carry and store and can be used by both professional and novice users while cleaning vehicles and especially during spraying tires with chemicals and other cleaning solutions.

[0038] FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of the rim shield 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The interior surface 104 is slightly concave inwardly allowing the protective cover 100 to easily cover and protect a rim or hub of a vehicle. More specifically, the device 100 has a thin protrusion 202 along the periphery 118. The protrusion 202 runs along the periphery 118 and extends from the interior surface 104. The protrusion 202 is secured and positioned along the rim for covering the rim by the device 100. The periphery may have a flexible ring attached to the periphery in order to create a seal on the hub and tire. The flexible ring may be made from silicone, rubber, urethane foam or other inexpensive material. The device 100 can be pulled easily by gripping the device 100 using the handles 106, 108 thereby releasing the protrusion 202. The interior surface 104 may be provided with one or more magnets 115, 117, 119 and 121 positioned around the periphery of the surface to aid in magnetically holding the cover to the rim or hub of the tire. Suitable magnets include neodymium, alnico and samarium magnets with neodymium being preferred.

[0039] In alternative embodiment, the shield device 100 can come without the protrusion 202. Accordingly, the shield or cover 100 is held against the rim of a tire using one hand of the user and cleaning of the tire is performed using the other hand. This is useful in cases where spraying or cleaning is performed on the tire.

[0040] FIG. 2B shows a cut away of a portion of the protective cover 100 showing the outer cover 225 having a periphery 229 and outer sealing edge 227. The cover 225 has an accordion or expansible portion 223 which allows the periphery to expand to cover tires of different sizes and diameters.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the shield device 100 being handled and gripped by a user in accordance with the disclosed specification. As illustrated, the rim shield or protective cover 100 is dimensioned according to the rim or hub 302 size of the vehicle 300 and more specifically, the peripheral edge 118 and the protrusion 202 (shown in FIG.2) covers the periphery 304 of the rim 302. A user inserts at least one finger 306 in an oval cut-out 106 and inserts thumb 308 in the other oval cut-out 108 for easily handling the device 100 and further, the cleaning and other supplies 310 are stored in the pockets 110, 112 for easy access during a cleaning process.

[0042] FIGS. 4-5 illustrate in-use perspective views of the vehicle rim shield or protective cover 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. As illustrated in FIG. 4, for protecting rim or cover of the tire 404 from accidental chemical spills while spraying or cleaning the tire with corrosive or other chemicals 402 on tire 404 from a sprayer or applicator 406. The rim shield or protective cover 100 is positioned and secured against the rim of the tire 404 by one hand 408 of the user. The shield 100 does not cover any portion of the tire 404 and therefore does not affect the cleaning and detailing process of the tire. Further, the shield or cover 100 is securely placed onto the rim or hub and therefore allows a user to use the other hand 410 for the cleaning process and spraying cleaning material.

[0043] When a user wishes to place the shield or cover 100 to the rim 302, the user grabs the cover 100 using the handles or hand holds 106, 108 or in other embodiments 107, and positions on the rim 302 on the tire. Then the user can perform the cleaning process without requiring spending additional energy and resources cleaning off accidental overspray, chemical spills or leakage from the tire.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of the rim shield or cover 100 secured on the rim of a tire in accordance with the disclosed description. In the present embodiment, the shield or cover 100 is secured around the rim by securing the protrusion 202 around the rim 302. The flexible seal 227 (see FIG. 2B) then seals the area between the periphery of the cover 100 and the hub. The periphery of the shield 100 may be extended by the expandable portion 223 (see FIG. 2B) to cover different dimensions of tires. Therefore, when the user is finished hooking the shield device 100 onto the rim 302, the user can perform the cleaning process using both hands and without requiring spending additional energy and resources cleaning off accidental chemical spills, overspray or leakage from the rim. The rim shield device 100 absorbs the accidental spills and can be removed by pulling the device 100 from the rim 302.

[0045] The rim shield device 100 of various embodiments of the present invention includes a variety of colors, sizes, and designs and can be used at home, garages, and service areas of vehicles. Any conventional manufacturing and printing techniques can be implemented to manufacture the rim shield device. The rim shield device 100 eliminates the requirement to spend additional energy and resources cleaning off accidental chemical spills, overspray, or spreads from the rims and aid car owners and detailers in yielding a more professional and sharp appearance on their vehicles. Installation and removal of the shield device 100 is extremely easy and does not require any mechanical fasteners. Further, no changes or modifications are required in the rim, hub or the tire for using the shield or protection cover 100 of the present invention.

[0046] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “rim shield device”, “shield device”, “device”, “vehicle rim shield device” and “tire rim shield device” are interchangeable and refer to the vehicle rim shield device 100 of the present invention.

[0047] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the vehicle rim shield device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the vehicle rim shield device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the vehicle rim shield device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the vehicle rim shield device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the vehicle rim shield device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0048] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0049] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.