Abstract:
A wheel assembly with a twist cap hub cover forms a secure attachment with a wheel. The wheel has a wheel hub and a body portion. The twist cap hub cover is configured to form a secure, coaxial relationship with the wheel hub. The twist cap hub cover alternatively covers different sets of openings in the wheel, such that air flow is allowed to enter behind the body portion of the wheel, and a decorative effect is created from the interaction between the twist cap hub cover and the covered and uncovered sets of wheel openings. A disc retains a tensioning member on a disc inner surface. The tensioning member abuts against a hub inner surface. This creates a coaxial, snug fit. A ring encircles the disc. The ring has projections that rotatably cover the first or second set of openings in the body portion of the wheel.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a wheel assembly with a twist cap hub cover. More so, the wheel assembly provides a twist cap hub cover that utilizes spring tension to form a snug, coaxial relationship with a wheel hub, and includes spaced-apart projections that selectively mate with a first and second set of spaced-apart openings in the wheel to enable the passage of air through the openings and create a decorative effect. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Typically, a vehicle uses wheels that are generally circular components, and that are intended to rotate on an axial bearing. Wheels, in conjunction with axles, allow heavy objects to be moved easily facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. The wheel has a face that forms a protective barrier against dirt and moisture. However, the face can also restrict air flow that is useful for cooling down the mechanisms behind the wheel, such as the brakes. 
         [0003]    The hub is the central point of the wheel structure where all dynamic loads transfer from the tire-wheel system through the spokes into the bicycle frame. The hub handles tremendous static and dynamic loads created by the road, the rider and the tension of the spokes. The hub is usually covered to restrict dirt or water from entering into the inner mechanisms of the wheel, including the brakes. 
         [0004]    The wheels of some vehicles are fitted with decorative plates covering the hubs of the wheels, one of the purposes of which plates is to avoid the wheel-mounting bolts becoming dirty. As the vehicle is running, the wheels are rotated accordingly and the design or the shape of the wheels may not be recognized at all. There is very little decorative effect from the rotation of the wheel. Therefore, a means or method is desired to have the decorated wheel recognized. 
         [0005]    Other proposals have involved hub covers that have coaxial relationships with hubs and the face of the wheel. The problem with these devices is that they easily disengage from the wheel hub, do not enable the free flow of air behind the wheel, and do not create an ornamental effect to the wheel as a whole. 
         [0006]    Thus, an unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. Even though the above cited hub caps meets some of the needs of the market, a twist cap hub cover that securely fits into a wheel hub and overlays alternate spacing in the wheel to enable air flow and create a decorative effect is still desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a wheel assembly with a twist cap hub cover that forms a secure attachment with a wheel hub in a wheel. The wheel may include a vehicle wheel having a wheel hub, a body portion, a rim, and a plurality of lug holes. The twist cap hub cover is configured to form a secure, coaxial relationship with the wheel hub. The twist cap hub cover is sized and dimensioned to press into the wheel hub with a small inward force and a twisting motion. The twist cap hub cover has a plurality of spaced-apart projections that substantially match, and alternatively cover a first and second set of spaced-apart openings in the wheel. In this manner, air flow is allowed to enter behind the face of the wheel, and a decorative effect is created while the wheel is rolling from the interaction between the spaced-apart projections and the covered and uncovered sets of spaced-apart openings in the wheel. 
         [0008]    The twist cap hub cover comprises a central disc and a plurality of spaced-apart projectiles that extend radially from the disc. The disc has a tensioning member that engages a groove in a hub inner surface of the wheel hub. The tensioning member creates a tension force that helps retain the disc inside the wheel hub. The disc may be slightly rotated, or twisted into the wheel hub to create sufficient torque to fasten the disc into place. The force generated by the tensioning member abutting against a groove in the hub inner surface creates a spring tension that securely presses the twist cap hub cover into the wheel hub. Thus, a snug, coaxial relationship is formed between the twist cap hub cover and the wheel hub. 
         [0009]    The plurality of spaced-apart projections extend radially from the disc. The projections are configured to be shaped and dimensioned substantially the same as a first set and a second set of spaced-apart openings in the face of the wheel. The spaced-apart openings may be disposed on the perimeter region of the wheel hub. The projections of the twist cap hub cover selectively mate with either the first set or second set of spaced-apart openings in the wheel. In this manner, when the first set of openings are covered by the projections, the second set of openings remain uncovered, and thus air is allowed to flow behind the body portion of the wheel. Furthermore, as the wheel rotates, the alternating pattern of covered and uncovered spaced-apart openings creates a decorative effect. 
         [0010]    One objective of the present invention is to provide a twist cap hub cover that securely sits inside a wheel hub through a tension force. 
         [0011]    Another objective is to create a disc that has a decorative outer surface that substantially matches the color and pattern of the wheel. 
         [0012]    Another objective is to enable detachment of the disc and ring from the wheel hub though a small pulling force and a slight twisting motion. 
         [0013]    Yet another objective is to alternatively cover the first or second set of spaced-apart openings with the spaced-apart projections. 
         [0014]    Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive twist cap hub cover that can be used universally with any number of wheels. 
         [0015]    Yet another objective is to provide a wheel assembly that can be operated with no tools and minimal skill set. 
         [0016]    Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary wheel assembly with twist cap hub cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an exemplary ring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates a rear view of an exemplary ring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary ring and a perspective front view of an exemplary disc, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective rear view of an exemplary ring and a perspective side view of an exemplary disc, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary wheel with a wheel hub and a first and second set of spaced-apart openings, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary twist cap hub cover overlaying a first set of spaced-apart openings from a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary twist cap hub cover overlaying a second set of spaced-apart openings from a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of an exemplary ring with triangle shaped projections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  illustrates a front view of an exemplary ring with a plurality of spaced-apart inverted projections having inverted triangle shaped projections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0030]    At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment of the present invention presented in  FIGS. 1-10 , a wheel assembly  100  with twist cap hub cover is configured to enhance operational function and decorative aspects of a wheel  102 . The assembly  100  forms a coaxial relationship with a wheel hub  110 . The assembly  100  enables airflow to pass through the wheel  102 , while also creating a decorative effect on the wheel  102 . Furthermore, the assembly  100  may be used universally with any number of wheels  102  and wheel hubs  110  known in the art. Though, in one embodiment, the wheel  102  is custom designed for the assembly  100 . 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the assembly  100  comprises a wheel  102 . The wheel  102  is defined by a body portion  104 , a wheel hub  110 , and a rim  112 . The body portion  104  of the wheel  102  includes the face that extends from the rim  112  to the wheel hub  110 . The body portion  104  may have various decorative features, including, gaps, spokes, and various textures. Suitable materials for the wheel  102  may include, without limitation, aluminum, metal alloys, and steel. The body portion  104  includes a first set of spaced-apart openings  106   a - e  and a second set of spaced-apart openings  108   a - e  proximally disposed to the wheel hub  110 . In one embodiment, five spaced-apart openings make up each of the first and second set of spaced-apart openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e . Though any number of openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e  may be used in other embodiments. Furthermore, a plurality of lug holes  130  may be visible through the openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e.    
         [0033]    The wheel hub  110  is defined by a hub inner surface  114 . The first set of spaced-apart openings  106   a - e  and the second set of spaced-apart openings  108   a - e  have a substantially triangular shape. Though in other embodiments, any number of shapes may be used. The openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e  may also have various depths and depending on whether the wheel  102  is rim-centric, or hub-centric. 
         [0034]    In the present assembly  100 , the wheel hub  110  forms the foundation for supporting the functional and decorative features discussed. The wheel hub  110  is defined by a hub inner surface  114 . The hub inner surface  114  comprises a groove. The groove may be circular and have a depth that is sufficient to receive a similarly shaped and sized hub cover. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the wheel hub  110  forms the central point of the body portion  104  of the wheel  102  where all dynamic loads transfer from the tire-rim interaction through the body portion  104  of the wheel  102 . The wheel hub  110  handles tremendous static and dynamic loads created by the road, the vehicle operator, and the tension of the spokes. In the present assembly  100 , the wheel hub  110  serves chiefly, to coaxially mate with a disc  116 . 
         [0035]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the disc  116  is disposed in a generally snug, coaxial relationship with the wheel hub  110 . The disc  116  is sized and dimensioned to press into the wheel hub  110  with a small inward force and a twisting motion. However, tension forces, which are explained below, also contribute to retaining the disc  116  in the wheel hub  110 . The disc  116  is defined by a disc outer surface  118  and a disc inner surface  120 . The disc outer surface  118  may include a decorative aspect, including, without limitation, colors that match the body portion  104  of the wheel  102 , textures, patterns, and text. 
         [0036]    The disc inner surface  120  comprises a bracket  128 . The bracket  128  helps to retain a tensioning member  122 . The tensioning member  122  may include a circular spring that, when compressed inwardly, creates a tension force. Specifically, the tensioning member  122  is configured to create an outward tension force against the hub inner surface  114 . In one embodiment, the tensioning member  122  is a circular spring that sits in the bracket  128 . The circular spring is biased to create an outward tension force. The tensioning member  122  has a diameter that is approximately the same as the groove in the hub inner surface  114 . In this manner, when the disc inner surface  120  is pressed into the wheel hub  110 , the tensioning member  122  presses outwardly and retains the disc  116  in the wheel hub  110 . 
         [0037]    As referenced in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the assembly  100  further comprises a ring  124 . The ring  124  is disposed to detachably encircle the disc  116 . Thus, the ring  124  forms an outer circumference to the disc  116  for both functional and decorative purposes. In one embodiment, the ring  124  and the disc  116  remain attached during  124  operation. Though they may be separated for repairs or cleaning In one embodiment, the ring  124  attaches to the disc  116  by through a frictional snap lock connection with the bracket  128  in the disc inner surface  120 . However, the ring  124  may attach to the bracket  128  through other fastening mechanisms, including, without limitation, magnets, screws, frictional engagement, and adhesives. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the ring  124  may be defined by a plurality of spaced-apart projections  126   a - e . The plurality of spaced-apart projections  126   a - e  are configured to have substantially the same shape as the first and second sets of spaced-apart openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e . In one embodiment, the projections  126   a - e  are substantially triangular and angled outwardly to conform to the shapes of the first and second sets of openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e , and the body portion  104  of the wheel  102 . The projections  126   a - e  are configured to align and mate with either the first or second set of spaced-apart openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e  in the body portion  104  of the wheel  102 . In one embodiment, five spaced-apart projections  126   a - e  extend radially from the ring  124 . Though any number of projections  126   a - e  may be used in other embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 10 , inverted projections  134   a - e  may be used. 
         [0039]    As referenced in  FIG. 6 , the plurality of spaced-apart projections  126   a - e  are configured to cover the first set of spaced-apart openings  106   a - e  from a first position  130 , and cover the second set of spaced-apart openings  108   a - e  from a second position  132 . The ring  124  rotatably moves between the first position  130  and the second position  132  (See  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). In one embodiment, the attached disc  116  and ring  124  are positioned, such that the projections  126   a - e  engage the first set of openings  106   a - e , while leaving the second set of openings  108   a - e  remain uncovered ( FIG. 7 ). This enables air to flow behind the body portion  104  of the wheel  102  to cool down the brakes and the mechanical components therein. Furthermore, while the wheel  102  rotates during  124  operation, the alternating pattern of covered and uncovered openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e  near the wheel hub  110  create a unique decorative effect. 
         [0040]    As referenced in  FIG. 4 , the disc  116  and ring  124  may be detached from the first set of spaced-apart openings  106   a - e  by pulling the disc  116  out of the wheel hub  110  (overcoming the tension force of the tensioning member  122 ), twisting the projections  126   a - e  into alignment with the second set of spaced-apart openings  108   a - e , and finally pressing the disc  116  into the wheel hub  110 . This alternative covering  124  of the first and second set of openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e  is easily performed without requiring special tools or skill sets. 
         [0041]    As discussed above, the plurality of spaced-apart projections  126   a - e  of the ring  124  have a generally triangular shape ( FIG. 9 ). However, in one alternative embodiment, referenced in  FIG. 10 , the ring  124  comprises a plurality of spaced-apart inverted projections  134   a - e . These inverted projections  134   a - e  have a generally inverted triangle shape. The spaced part openings  106   a - e ,  108   a - e  of the wheel  102  are also shaped to accommodate the spaced-apart inverted projections  134   a - e , accordingly. 
         [0042]    Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.