Wheel cover simulating a high profile automotive wheel and tire
US6712432B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60B7/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wheel cover (20) that simulates a high profile automotive wheel and tire. The wheel cover (20) includes a base mounting plate (26) that is removably attached to a wheel (22) using conventional methods. A face plate (38), which is configured to partially cover the tire sidewall as well as a central portion of a wheel, is positioned on top of the base mounting plate (26). The mounting plate (26) is attached to the face plate (38) in a spring-loaded manner, which continually urges the face plate (38) to be in contact with the side wall of the tire (24). The spring-loading arrangement permits the face plate (38) to yield when the tire bulges due to weight induced distortion or road hazard impact. The face plate (38) gives way at the tire bulge and yet retains contiguous engagement with the tire. When attached, the face plate (38) extends outward from the wheel's outer perimeter and over a portion of the tire's sidewall, thus producing the appearance of a high profile wheel and tire.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.