Abstract:
An improved wheel is provided wherein decorative items such as gem stones are embedded in either the wheel surface, a special mounting section attached to the wheel surface, or to a spoke strap that wraps around each spoke and positions embedded gem stones on the outside surface of the spoke. The improvement and related devices are symmetrically attached for positional correspondence of the decorative items among the spokes. Spokes or spoke-like features of wheel covers are similarly improved.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to wheels and wheel covers and, more specifically, to a means for enhancing the appearance and value of a motor vehicle by improving the appearance of the wheels and/or wheel covers. The appearance of wheels and wheel covers can be enhanced by embedding decorative items, such as gem stones, into the wheel covers of said vehicle by providing recesses within the wheel or wheel cover, and adhesively attaching means of creating settings for the decorative items by creating recesses within the wheel or wheel cover and adhesively attaching the decorative items within the recesses. 
     Alternately, the appearance can be enhanced by setting the decorative items either frictionally or adhesively within a mounting having holding means such as recesses or adhesives for the inserted decorative items, the mounting having a decor section with a surface for applying an adhesive, such that the mounting can be selectively positioned upon said wheel cover, thereby creating a personalized appearance to said wheel cover. 
     An additional element is provided in the form of a strap having a generally planar element with decorative items imbedded therein. The planar element has elastic straps extending from opposite sides of the planar element. At the distal ends of the elastic straps are mating members of hook and loop material whereby the strap can be wrapped around one of the wheel spokes and fastened thereto by selectively engaging the mating hook and loop elements of the strap. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are other ornamental wheel covers designed to enhance the appearance of a vehicle. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. Des. 267,402 issued to Schinella on Dec. 28, 1982. 
     Another patent was issued to Dockins on Jan. 18, 1994 as U.S. Pat. No. Des. 343,379. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. Des. 370,000 was issued to Lombard on May 21, 1996. 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 267,402 
     Inventor: John R. Schinella 
     Issued: Dec. 28, 1982 
     This United States Patent discloses an ornamental design for a vehicle wheel as illustrated in the drawings of the patent. 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 343,379 
     Inventor: Alwin Dockins 
     Issued: Jan. 18, 1994 
     This United States Patent discloses an ornamental design for a vehicle wheel as illustrated in the drawings of the patent. 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 370,000 
     Inventor: Charles Lombard 
     Issued: May 21, 1996 
     This United States Patent discloses an ornamental design for a vehicle wheel as illustrated in the drawings of the patent. 
     While these decorative wheel covers may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a permanent means for enhancing the value and appearance of a motor vehicle. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a permanent novel means of individualizing the appearance of a motor vehicle. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a permanent novel means of individualizing the appearance of a motor vehicle by attaching decorative items such as gem stones in personalized designs to the wheel covers. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a kit that will incorporate the materials and instructions on how to personalize the wheel covers of an automobile, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, aircraft or any other vehicle having wheels and wheel covers with spokes. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a semi-permanent means for personalizing the wheels or wheel covers of a motor vehicle that will allow an individual to remove, modify or selectively change the design, such as for sporting events and holidays. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a semi-permanent means for personalizing the wheel covers of a motor vehicle without affecting the structure or integrity of the wheels or wheel covers. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an additional element in the form of a strap that can be selectively attached/removed at the discretion of the user. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a spoke strap having a planar element for embedding gems therein. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a spoke strap having a planar element with elastic straps attached to opposite sides of said planar element. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a spoke strap having mating members of hook and loop material fixedly positioned on each distal end of the elastic straps. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a jewel-like strap that can be selectively wrapped around a wheel or wheel cover spoke and held thereon by engaging the hook and loop material. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a permanent means for personalizing and enhancing the appearance and value of a motor vehicle by embedding decorative items such as gemstones into the wheel covers of a motor vehicle. Additionally, such shortcomings are overcome by providing an alternate embodiment for personalizing the wheels or wheel covers of a motor vehicle in the form of a kit of the materials needed and instructions on how to apply said materials. 
     Additionally there is provided an additional element in the form of a spoke strap having gems embedded therein having elastic straps with mating member of hook and loop material affixed thereto. 
     An improved wheel of the type having at least three spaced-apart spoke sections is provided, the improvement comprising: the spoke section, each spoke section comprising a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities on each of the spoke sections having a one-to-one positional correspondence with one of the cavities on each of the other spoke members; and a plurality of decorative items, each decorative item being closely received by and secured within one of the cavities. 
     In one embodiment of the foregoing improvement, the decorative items are jewels. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are jewel-shaped. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are emblems. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are geometric figures. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are beads. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are balls. 
     An improved wheel of the type having at least three spaced-apart spoke sections is provided, the improvement comprising: at least three decorative item sets, each set having a like number of decorative items; and at least three mounting sections, each mounting section closely receiving the decorative items of one decorative item set, the mounting sections being adapted for attachment to one of the spoke sections such that the mounting sections are symmetrically arranged on the wheel and the decorative item sets are arranged on the mounting sections in substantially similar patterns. 
     In one embodiment of the foregoing improvement, the at least one mounting section is included for each spoke section. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, each mounting section is attached to the spoke section adhesively. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, each mounting section is attached to the spoke section by fasteners. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, each mounting section is curved such that the mounting section is substantially flush with the spoke section. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are jewels. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are jewel-shaped. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are emblems. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are geometric figures. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement, the decorative items are beads. 
     In another embodiment of the above improvement the decorative items are balls. 
     A device is provided for attachment to wheels of the type having at least three spoke sections, the device comprising: at least one decorative item; and a spoke wrap, the spoke wrap comprising: a decor section, the decor section having at least one mounting position for securing each of the at least one decorative items; and a first wrap section and a second wrap section, the first wrap section having an end and the second wrap section having an end, the first and second wrap section ends being joinable such that when the decor section is positioned adjacent one of the spoke sections, the first wrap section and the second wrap section are extendable behind the spoke section for joinder of the first wrap section end to the second wrap section end, and further such that the joinder secures the spoke wrap to the spoke section. 
     In one embodiment of the foregoing device, the first wrap section end and the second wrap section end are detachably joinable 
     In another embodiment of the above device, at least one decor section is included for each spoke section. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the decor sections secure the decorative items in substantially similar patterns. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, a plurality of decorative items is mounted on each decor section. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the device further comprises a hook and loop fastener for joining the first wrap section end to the second wrap section end. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the device further comprises a snap fastener for joining the first wrap section end to the second wrap section end. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the device further comprises a button fastener for joining the first wrap section end to the second wrap section end. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the device further comprises a zipper fastener for joining the first wrap section end to the second wrap section end. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the device further comprises a hook and a hook receptacle for securing for joining the first wrap section end to the second wrap section end by inserting the hook into the hook receptacle. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the decorative items are jewels. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the decorative items are jewel-shaped. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the decorative items are emblems. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the decorative items are geometric figures. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the decorative items are beads. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the decorative items are balls. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the decor section is generally flat, and the decorative items are adhesively attached. 
     In another embodiment of the above device, the decor section further comprises one or more recesses for closely receiving and securing the decorative items. 
     An improved wheel cover of the type having at least three spaced-apart spoke sections is provided, the improvement comprising: the spoke section, each spoke section comprising a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities on each of the spoke sections having a one-to-one positional correspondence with one of the cavities on each of the other spoke members; and a plurality of decorative items, each decorative item being closely received by and secured within one of the cavities. 
     An improved wheel cover of the type having at least three spaced-apart spoke sections is provided, the improvement comprising: at least three decorative item sets, each set having a like number of decorative items; and at least three mounting sections, each mounting section closely receiving the decorative items of one decorative item set, the mounting sections being adapted for attachment to one of the spoke sections such that the mounting sections are symmetrically arranged on the wheel cover and the decorative item sets are arranged on the mounting sections in substantially similar patterns. 
     A device is provided for attachment to wheel covers of the type having at least three spoke sections, the device comprising: at least one decorative item; a spoke wrap, the spoke wrap comprising: a decor section, the decor section having at least one mounting position for closely receiving and securing each of the at least one decorative items; and a first wrap section and a second wrap section, the first wrap section having an end and the second wrap section having an end, the first and second wrap section ends being joinable such that when the decor section is positioned adjacent one of the spoke sections, the first wrap section and the second wrap section are extendable behind the spoke section for joinder of the first wrap section end to the second wrap section end, and further such that the joinder secures the spoke wrap to the spoke section. 
     An improved wheel of the type having at least three spaced-apart spoke sections is provided, the improvement comprising: a plurality of decorative items; and means for embedding the decorative items on the spokes such that each of the decorative items have a one-to-one positional correspondence with one of the decorative items on each of the other spoke members. 
     An improved wheel of the type having at least three spaced-apart spoke sections is provided, the improvement comprising: a plurality of decorative items; and means for embedding the decorative items on the spokes such that each of the decorative items have a one-to-one positional correspondence with one of the decorative items on each of the other spoke members. 
     An improved wheel of the type having at least three spaced-apart spoke sections is provided, the improvement comprising: at least three decorative item sets, each set having a like number of decorative items; and means for positioning the decorative pluralities in positional correspondence on the spokes. 
     In one embodiment of the foregoing improvement, the improvement further comprises means for alternately removing and attaching the means for positioning the decorative items on the spokes. 
     An improved wheel cover of the type having at least three spaced-apart spoke sections is provided, the improvement comprising: at least three decorative item sets, each set having a like number of decorative items; and means for positioning the decorative pluralities in positional correspondence on the spokes. 
     A kit for improving a wheel of the type having at least three spoke sections is provided, the kit comprising: at least three decorative item sets, each set having a like number of decorative items; at least three mounting sections, each mounting section having recesses for closely receiving and securing the decorative items of one decorative item set, the mounting sections having an adhesive strip for attachment to one of the spoke sections such that the mounting sections are symmetrically arranged on the wheel and the decorative item sets are arranged on the mounting sections in substantially similar patterns; and an adhesive for securing the decorative items in the mounting section recesses. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawing, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention installed on a motor vehicle. 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a wheel, taken from FIG. 1 as indicated, having the present invention installed thereon. 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged view, taken from FIG. 2 as indicated, of a wheel having embedded gems within a mounting section attached to the wheel. 
     FIG. 4 perspective view of several of the gems removed from the mounting section. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting section having a gem frictionally and adhesively held therein. 
     FIG. 6 is a front view of the spoke strap having a planar element with embedded gems and elastic straps with mating members of hook and loop material attached at each distal end. 
     FIG. 7 is an illustrative view of a wheel having a plurality of spoke straps attached to he spokes of the wheel. 
     FIG. 8 is a view of a wheel spoke, shown in phantom, having a spoke strap wrapped thereon. 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of the spoke strap having a planar fascia element with gems embedded therein. Also shown is one of the elastic straps with one of the mating hook and loop material members fixedly positioned at one distal end. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wheel having a plurality of spoke straps attached to the spokes of a wheel cover. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view, taken from FIG. 7 as indicated, showing the spoke strap wrapped around a wheel spoke. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel surface with gems held within the recesses. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the embodiments of the decorative jeweled wheel cover of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used thoughout the various drawing figures. 
       10  first embodiment of the present invention 
       12  second embodiment of the present invention 
       14  third embodiment of the present invention 
       16  motor vehicle 
       18  tire 
       20  wheel 
       22  spokes 
       30  decorative items 
       32  first embodiment mounting section 
       34  mounting section recesses 
       38  mounting section decorative item adhesive 
       40  mounting section spoke adhesive 
       42  second embodiment center section 
       44  second embodiment first wrap section 
       46  second embodiment second wrap section 
       48  second embodiment first wrap section end 
       50  second embodiment second wrap section end 
       52  second embodiment first hook and loop portion 
       54  second embodiment second hook and loop portion 
       56  third embodiment wheel recesses 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 11-11 illustrate the decorative jeweled wheels and wheel covers of the present invention indicated generally by the numerals  10 ,  12  and  14  for three embodiments. 
     The device  10 , 12 , 14  is depicted to various extents in FIGS. 1-11. A first embodiment  10  is shown in use in FIG. 1, in association with a motor vehicle  16  and a tire  18 , and is shown generally in FIGS. 2-5. A second embodiment  12  is depicted in FIGS. 6-11, and a third embodiment  14  in FIG.  12 . All embodiments  10 , 12 , 14  are shown in the drawings on a wheel  20 , having spokes  22 . Wheels  20  of this type are often referred to as “mags.” It is often the case, however, that wheel covers have similar spokes, or spoke-like features, and my invention includes those types of wheel covers, and devices for attachment to such wheel covers. 
     All embodiments  10 , 12 , 14  include decorative items  30  that are chosen for their aesthetic value and their combinational readiness, such that many colorful patterns can be formed in the application of my invention. The decorative items  30 , can be jewels, jewel-shaped objects, emblems, geometric figures, beads, balls, and similar objects, all in accordance with the present invention, and as determined by the intended end use for the overall device  10 , 12 , 14 , as will occur to those of skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure. 
     In a first embodiment  10 , matching mounting sections  32  are provided, as shown generally in FIGS. 1-5 and in use in FIGS. 1 and 2. The mounting sections  32  can be of many different shapes, in addition to the elongated and slightly arcuate embodiment of the mounting sections  32  shown in FIG.  3 . 
     As shown in FIG.  4  and FIG. 5, each mounting section  32  includes recesses  34  for receiving and securing decorative items  30 , either by friction or by an adhesive  38  or both. Each mounting section  32  arranges the decorative items  30  in a pattern that corresponds with the decorative item  30  pattern in the other mounting sections  32 , creating an enhanced appearance of the wheel  20 , as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     The mounting sections  32  are attached to the spokes  22  by an adhesive  40  in this embodiment  10 , although other fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and the like, could be used, all in accordance with the present invention, and as determined by the intended end use for the overall device  10 , as will occur to those of skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure. 
     The components of this embodiment  10  can be provided to the ultimate user, in unassembled form, for self-installation, according to the provided instructions. 
     As shown generally in FIGS. 6-11, and in use in FIG. 10, a second embodiment  12  is provided that can also be installed by the owner of the motor vehicle  16 . This embodiment  12 , includes a center portion  42  to which a number of decorative items  30  are secured by adhesives, although recesses in the center portion  42  can also be provided such that the decorative items  30  can be secured in a similar manner to the installation of decorative items  30  in the mounting sections  32  of the first embodiment  10 . 
     The decorative items  30  are positioned in a substantially similar pattern on each center section  42  such that a corresponding decorative item  30  pattern is symmetrically presented on each spoke  22 , as shown in FIG.  5  and FIG. 10 for a wheel  20  having five spokes  22 . The center section  42  can be resilient or stiff. 
     Extending from either side of the center section  42  is a first wrap section  44  and a second wrap section  46 , each having an end  48 , 50  to which a hook and loop fastener portion  52 , 54  is attached for joinder of the ends  48 , 50 . This embodiment  12  is provided in plurality such that each spoke  22  presents the decorative item  30  pattern on a center section  42 , after the first wrap section  44  and the second wrap section  46  are wrapped around the spoke  22  and joined by pressing the hook and loop fastener portions  52 , 54  together. In order to fit spokes  22  having varying circumferences, the center section  42  and first and second wrap sections  44 , 46  are resilient for stretching as needed to fit the spoke  22 . 
     Although a hook and loop fastener  52 , 54  is depicted, other fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, zippers, and a traditional hook and hole, can also be utilized, all in accordance with the present invention, and as determined by the intended end use for the overall device  12 , as will occur to those of skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure. 
     To install the device in this embodiment  12 , the user positions the center section  42  in the desired location on the spoke  22 , and then wraps the first and second wrap sections  44 , 46  around the spoke  22 . While stretching the first and second wrap sections  44 , 46  to the desired tension, the first and second wrap section ends  48 , 50  are then fastened by pressing the first and second hook and loop portions  52 , 54 . This is repeated for each spoke  22 . When finished each decorative item  30  has a corresponding decorative item  30  in a corresponding position on each of the other spokes  22 . 
     When appropriately positioned on the spokes  22 , the center sections  42  position the decorative item  30  patterns in a symmetrical manner on the wheel  20 , thus enhancing the appearance of both the wheel  20  and the motor vehicle  16 . 
     In a third embodiment  14  the wheel  20  is improved by providing recesses  56  within each spoke  22  and placing a decorative item  30  in each recess  56 . As shown in FIG. 12, the recesses  56  are sized such that each decorative item is closely received by the recess  56  in which it is placed, and is secured by the recess  56  using a friction fit or adhesives  38 . The decorative items  30  are configured in attractive arrangements on each spoke  22 , with each spoke  22  having a pattern of decorative items  30  that corresponds to the patterns on the other spokes  22 . Such correspondence among the decorative item  30  patterns establishes an aesthetically pleasing, symmetrical enhancement to the overall wheel  20  appearance. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other applications differing from that described above. 
     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.