Hubcap Lighting System

Abstract

An illumination system for a vehicle wheel. A lighting component is attached to a hubcap, a wheel center hubcap, or both. The lighting component may be externally attached or embedded, or attached to a back side of the hubcap, the wheel center hubcap, or both. The lighting component may be a plurality of LED lights configured to illuminate an area external to the hubcap or wheel center hubcap. The lighting component may emit a single color or multiple colors of light either continuously or in a pattern. The lighting component is solar powered and may employ a battery backup. The illumination system may be controlled via a switch or wirelessly with an external controller or via a mobile application.

Claims

1. A hubcap lighting system for a vehicle wheel, the hubcap lighting system comprising: a wheel hub center cap comprising an attachment component adapted to secure the wheel hub center cap to the vehicle wheel; a lighting component adapted to provide illumination external to the wheel hub center cap; and a solar power component adapted to power the lighting component.

2. The hubcap lighting system of claim 1, wherein the lighting component is embedded within an exterior surface of the wheel hub center cap.

3. The hubcap lighting system of claim 1, wherein the lighting component is attached to an exterior surface of the wheel hub center cap.

4. The hubcap lighting system of claim 1, wherein the lighting component is a plurality of light sources.

5. The hubcap lighting system of claim 1, wherein the lighting component emits light in multiple colors.

6. The hubcap lighting system of claim 1, wherein the lighting component comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

7. The hubcap lighting system of claim 1, wherein the wheel hub center cap is translucent and the lighting component is attached to a back side surface of the wheel hub center cap.

8. The hubcap lighting system of claim 1, wherein the solar power component is embedded within an exterior surface of the wheel hub center cap.

9. A hubcap lighting system for a vehicle wheel, the hubcap lighting system comprising: a hubcap comprising an attachment component adapted to secure the hubcap to the vehicle wheel; a lighting component adapted to provide illumination external to the hubcap; and a solar power component adapted to power the lighting component.

10. The hubcap lighting system of claim 9, wherein the lighting component is a plurality of light sources positioned adjacent to a perimeter of the hubcap.

11. The hubcap lighting system of claim 9, wherein the lighting component is a plurality of light sources arranged in a spoke pattern on the hubcap.

12. The hubcap lighting system of claim 9, wherein the hubcap is translucent and the lighting component is attached to a back side surface of the hubcap.

13. The hubcap lighting system of claim 9, wherein the solar power component comprises a solar cell and a battery.

14. The hubcap lighting system of claim 9 further comprising a control component for activating and deactivating the lighting component.

15. The hubcap lighting system of claim 14, wherein the control component a switch.

16. The hubcap lighting system of claim 14, wherein the control component is RFID enabled.

17. A hubcap lighting system for a vehicle wheel, the hubcap lighting system comprising: a hubcap comprising a center opening and an attachment component adapted to secure the hub cap to the vehicle wheel; a wheel hub center cap positional within the center opening of the hubcap; a lighting component adapted to provide illumination external to the hubcap and the wheel hub center cap; and a solar power component adapted to power the lighting component.

18. The hubcap lighting system of claim 17, wherein the wheel hub center cap magnetically attaches to the hubcap.

19. The hubcap lighting system of claim 17, wherein the solar power component is attached to an external surface of the wheel hub center cap.

20. The hubcap lighting system of claim 17, wherein the lighting component comprises a plurality of light sources positioned on the hubcap and the wheel hub center cap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a hubcap lighting system of the present invention for a vehicle wheel in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a wheel hub center cap of one potential embodiment of the hubcap lighting system of the present invention detached from the vehicle wheel in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the wheel hub center cap of one potential embodiment of the hubcap lighting system of the present invention attached to the vehicle wheel in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a hubcap of one potential embodiment of the hubcap lighting system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the hubcap lighting system of the present invention for a vehicle wheel in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a side sectional view of one potential embodiment of the hubcap lighting system of the present invention for a vehicle wheel in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a control component of one potential embodiment of the hubcap lighting system of the present invention for a vehicle wheel, wherein the hubcap lighting system is activated in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] 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 do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or 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.

[0029] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a lighting or illumination system for vehicle hubcaps that enables users to personalize their vehicle. The lights may be manufactured in a variety of colors and are configured to illuminate an area external to the hubcap continuously or in a pattern. The system includes solar lights that can be placed in the middle or center of the hubcaps and may have a battery backup. The LED lights may also be placed inside or behind the hubcaps of the vehicle. A mobile app or wireless remote controller can be used to control the light options, including colors and patterns.

[0030] The hubcap lighting system is useful for personalizing, customizing, or decorating an automobile or any vehicle that may employ hubcaps. The hubcap lighting system can provide adaptable visual display depending on the desire of the user. The hubcap lighting system further provides illumination around the vehicle wheels in dark or low light conditions enhancing user safety. A user can easily see if there is damage to a tire or any other safety hazards in the vicinity without the need for an additional light source.

[0031] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate hubcap lighting system 100. The hubcap lighting system 100 is for use with a vehicle wheel. The hubcap lighting system 100 is configured to attach to a vehicle wheel and conceal part or all of a wheel rim. The vehicle wheel may be any vehicle wheel system or rim that can use a hubcap or wheel hub center cap. A wheel hub center cap is a small metal or plastic disk positional in the middle of a wheel. Wheel center caps are also called center hub caps.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hubcap lighting system 100 comprises a wheel hub center cap 130. The wheel hub center cap 130 is manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and is generally circular is shape. The wheel hub center cap 130 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. The wheel hub center cap 130 comprises an exterior surface 132 and a back side surface 134 as illustrated in FIG. 6. The wheel hub center cap 130 further comprises an attachment component 136. The attachment component 136 is attached to or extends from the back side surface 134 of the wheel hub center cap 130. The attachment component 136 may be prongs, a ring, spring clips, or the like, and is configured to secure the wheel hub center cap 130 to the vehicle wheel. The wheel hub center cap 130 generally covers a center bore of the vehicle wheel when in place as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0033] The hubcap lighting system 100 further comprises a lighting component 140. The lighting component 140 is configured to provide illumination external to the wheel hub center cap 130. The lighting component 140 may be embedded or molded within the exterior surface 132 of the wheel hub center cap 130. The lighting component 140 may also be attached to the exterior surface 132 of the wheel hub center cap 130 with adhesives, magnetically, or with mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the lighting component 140 may be attached to the back side surface 134 of the wheel hub center cap 130. This would allow illumination to show through a translucent or transparent wheel hub center cap 130.

[0034] The lighting component 140 comprises a plurality of light sources 142. The plurality of light sources 142 may emit light in one or more colors. The plurality of light sources 142 may be a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's). The LEDS may be able to emit constant light or intermittent light. The lighting component 140 may further comprise a control switch 144 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The control switch 144 may be located on the exterior surface 132 of the wheel hub center cap 130. The control switch 144 may be configured to turn the lighting component 140 on/off or control the illumination.

[0035] The hubcap lighting system 100 further comprises a solar power component 150. The solar power component 150 is in electrical communication with the lighting component 140 and is adapted power the lighting component 140. The solar power component 150 comprises a solar cell 152. The solar cell 152 is attached to or embedded within the exterior surface 132 of the wheel hub center cap 130. The solar power component 150 may further comprise a battery 154 to store power for low-light conditions.

[0036] The hubcap lighting system 100 may further comprise a control component 160 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The control component 160 may be in wireless communication with the lighting component 140. The control component 160 is configured to control operation of the lighting component 140. The control component 160 may be a wireless remote controller or may be a mobile application useable with a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone.

[0037] In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, a hubcap lighting system 100 comprises a hubcap 110. The hubcap 110 is manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and is generally circular is shape. The hubcap 110 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the hubcap 110 comprises an exterior surface 112 and a backside surface 114. The hubcap 110 further comprises an attachment component 122. The attachment component 122 is attached to or extends from the back side surface 114 of the hubcap 110. The attachment component 122 may be prongs, a ring, spring clips, or the like, and is configured to secure the hubcap 110 to the vehicle wheel. The hubcap 110 generally covers a hub of the vehicle wheel when in place. The hubcap 110 may further comprise a center opening 116, a plurality of spokes 118, and a perimeter 120.

[0038] The hubcap lighting system 100 further comprises a lighting component 140. The lighting component 140 is configured to provide illumination external to the hubcap 110. The lighting component 140 may be embedded or molded within the exterior surface 112 of the hubcap 110. The lighting component 140 may also be attached to the exterior surface 112 of the hubcap 110 with adhesives, magnetically, or with mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the lighting component 140 may be attached to the back side surface 114 of the hubcap 110. This would allow illumination to show through a translucent or transparent hubcap 110.

[0039] The lighting component 140 comprises a plurality of light sources 142. The plurality of light sources 142 may emit light in one or more colors. The plurality of light sources 142 may be a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's). The LEDS may be able to emit constant light or intermittent light. The plurality of light sources 142 may be positioned adjacent to the perimeter 120 or arranged in a spoke pattern along the spokes 118 of the hubcap 110, or in any combination of patterns.

[0040] The lighting component 140 may further comprise a control switch 144. The control switch 144 may be located on the exterior surface 112 of the hubcap 110. The control switch 144 may be configured to turn the lighting component 140 on/off or control the illumination.

[0041] The hubcap lighting system 100 further comprises a solar power component 150. The solar power component 150 is in electrical communication with the lighting component 140 and is adapted power the lighting component 140. The solar power component 150 comprises a solar cell 152. The solar cell 152 is attached to or embedded within the exterior surface 112 of the hubcap 110. The solar power component 150 may further comprise a battery 154 to store power for use during low-light conditions or at night.

[0042] The hubcap lighting system 100 may further comprise a control component 160 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The control component 160 may be in wireless communication with the lighting component 140. The control component 160 may be RFID enabled and is configured to control operation of the lighting component 140. The control component 160 may be a wireless remote controller or may be a mobile application useable with a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone.

[0043] In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, a hubcap lighting system 100 comprises a hubcap 110. The hubcap 110 is manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and is generally circular is shape. The hubcap 110 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the hubcap 110 comprises an exterior surface 112 and a backside surface 114. The hubcap 110 further comprises an attachment component 122. The attachment component 122 is attached to or extends from the back side surface 114 of the hubcap 110. The attachment component 122 may be prongs, a ring, spring clips, or the like, and is configured to secure the hubcap 110 to the vehicle wheel. The hubcap 110 generally covers a hub of the vehicle wheel when in place. The hubcap 110 may further comprise a center opening 116, a plurality of spokes 118, and a perimeter 120.

[0044] The hubcap lighting system 100 further comprises a wheel hub center cap 130. The wheel hub center cap 130 is manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and is generally circular is shape. The wheel hub center cap 130 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. The wheel hub center cap 130 comprises an exterior surface 132 and a back side surface 134. The wheel hub center cap 130 further comprises an attachment component 136. The attachment component 136 is attached to or extends from the back side surface 134 of the wheel hub center cap 130. The attachment component 136 may be prongs, a ring, spring clips, a magnetic attachment, or the like, and is configured to secure the wheel hub center cap 130 to the hubcap 110. The wheel hub center cap 130 fits into and is retained within the center opening 116 of the hubcap 110.

[0045] The hubcap lighting system 100 further comprises a lighting component 140. The lighting component 140 is configured to provide illumination external to the hubcap 110 and the wheel hub center cap 130. The lighting component 140 may be embedded or molded within the exterior surface 112 of the hubcap 110 or the exterior surface 132 of the wheel hub center cap 130. The lighting component 140 may also be attached to the exterior surface 112 of the hubcap 110 or the exterior surface 132 of the wheel hub center cap 130 with adhesives, magnetically, or with mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the lighting component 140 may be attached to the back side surface 114 of the hubcap 110 or the back side surface 134 of the wheel hub center cap 130. This would allow illumination to show through a translucent or transparent hubcap 110 or wheel hub center cap 130.

[0046] The lighting component 140 comprises a plurality of light sources 142. The plurality of light sources 142 may emit light in one or more colors. The plurality of light sources 142 may be a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's). The LEDS may be able to emit constant light or intermittent light. The lighting component 140 may further comprise a control switch 144 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The control switch 144 may be located on the exterior surface 112 of the hubcap 110 or the exterior surface 132 of the wheel hub center cap 130. The control switch 144 may be configured to turn the lighting component 140 on/off or control the illumination.

[0047] The hubcap lighting system 100 further comprises a solar power component 150. The solar power component 150 is in electrical communication with the lighting component 140 and is adapted power the lighting component 140. The solar power component 150 comprises a solar cell 152. The solar cell 152 is attached to or embedded within the exterior surface 112 of the hubcap 110 or the exterior surface 132 of the wheel hub center cap 130. The solar power component 150 may further comprise a battery 154 to store power for low-light conditions.

[0048] The hubcap lighting system 100 may further comprise a control component 160 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The control component 160 may be in wireless communication with the lighting component 140. The control component 160 may be RFID enabled and is configured to control operation of the lighting component 140. The control component 160 may be a wireless remote controller or may be a mobile application useable with a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone.

[0049] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the hubcap lighting system 100 can be any suitable size, shape, 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 shape and size of the hubcap lighting system 100 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the hubcap lighting system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the hubcap lighting system 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the hubcap lighting system 100 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the hubcap lighting system 100 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the hubcap lighting system 100 is designed to be applied.

[0050] 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.