Abstract:
A static plate device is mounted on a rotating body so as to maintain a static state without becoming synchronized with a rotation of the rotating body. The static plate device includes a static plate, a mounting member that mounts the static plate on the rotating body, an intermediate member disposed between the static plate and the mounting member so as to support the static plate, the intermediate member being supported by the mounting member via a bearing member, and a weight provided on the static plate. The static plate appears to remain stationary even as the rotating body rotates.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to an improved static plate device and static plate-equipped rotary body.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Mounting a static plate on a wheel member of a vehicle has been proposed. The lettering displayed on this static plate is such that it can be read even while the vehicle is in motion and the wheel turns, and therefore the static plate can be used as a medium to convey information such as advertisements and so forth, or simply for aesthetic enhancement of the wheel member.  
           [0005]    One such type of above-described static plate which can be read even while the vehicle is in motion is one that makes use of the residual image effect of the human eye, and involves a simple structure in which the static plate is given a special curved surface and uses lettering readable at only a certain angle of rotation of the wheel, at which angle the lettering appears to remain still. Or, alternatively, a special arrangement has been proposed in which a strobe unit is disposed opposite the static plate and the flashing of the strobe light and the rotation of the vehicle wheel are synchronized, so that it is possible to see the lettering displayed on the display plate as if it were stationary.  
           [0006]    By contrast, another composition has been proposed in which the static plate is not synchronized with the rotation of the wheel while the vehicle is in motion but actually remains stationary with respect thereto so as to be readable in such state, and consists of a structure in which a fixed member mounted to the wheel portion and a static plate are slidingly joined together via a single bearing assembly, and further provided with a weight on the static plate to stabilize the static plate in the static position.  
           [0007]    However, a drawback of the conventional arrangements as described above is that, in the case of those compositions making use of the residual image effect of the human eye, the lettering on the static plate cannot be read clearly and distinctly, with the result that the static plate cannot function to maximum effect as either a medium of communication or as an aesthetic design. On the other hand, in those conventional arrangements in which the static plate remains stationary with respect to the wheel, it sometimes happens that the static plate rotates or vibrates when the vehicle undergoes acceleration or braking, with the result that, as described above, the lettering cannot be read clearly and distinctly and hence the static plate cannot function to maximum effect as either a medium of communication or as an aesthetic design. Additionally, when it rains it can happen that mud and water get between the wheel and the static plate and cause the wheel and the static plate to stick together, with the same undesirable result that the static plate rotates with the wheel and the lettering cannot be read.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved and useful static plate device and static plate-equipped rotary body in which the above-described disadvantages are eliminated.  
           [0009]    The above-described object of the present invention is achieved by a static plate device mounted on a rotating body so as to maintain a static state without becoming synchronized with a rotation of the rotating body, the static plate device comprising:  
           [0010]    a static plate;  
           [0011]    a mounting member that mounts the static plate on the rotating body;  
           [0012]    an intermediate member disposed between the static plate and the mounting member so as to support the static plate via a first bearing member, the intermediate member being supported by the mounting member via a second bearing member; and  
           [0013]    a weight provided on the static plate.  
           [0014]    According to this aspect of the invention, the rotational motion of the axle, which is transmitted to the mounting member, is prevented from reaching the static plate because of the presence of the intermediate member and the two bearing members, and as a result the static plate can be stably maintained in a static state, and accordingly, its value when used as a medium for transmitting information such as advertising or as an aesthetic design is enhanced.  
           [0015]    The above-described object of the present invention is also achieved by a static plate device mounted on a rotating body so as to maintain a static state without becoming synchronized with a rotation of the rotating body, the static plate device comprising:  
           [0016]    a static plate;  
           [0017]    a mounting member mounted on the rotating body that mounts the static plate;  
           [0018]    an intermediate member disposed between the static plate and the mounting member so as to support the static plate via one bearing member, the intermediate member being supported by the mounting member via another bearing member; and  
           [0019]    a gear,  
           [0020]    the intermediate member being formed in the shape of a gear and provided with a weight, the static plate being formed in the shape of a gear and provided with a weight, the gear meshing with the intermediate member and the static plate so as to revolve about an axial line of the mounting member.  
           [0021]    The above-described object of the present invention is also achieved by a static plate device mounted on a rotating body so as to maintain a static state without becoming synchronized with a rotation of the rotating body, the static plate device comprising:  
           [0022]    a static plate;  
           [0023]    a mounting member mounted on the rotating body that mounts the static plate;  
           [0024]    an intermediate member disposed between the static plate and the mounting member so as to support the static plate via a first bearing member, the intermediate member being supported by the mounting member via a second bearing member; and  
           [0025]    a gear rotatably supported by the intermediate member,  
           [0026]    the intermediate member being provided with a first weight, the static plate being formed in the shape of a gear and mounting a second weight, the gear engaging the static plate.  
           [0027]    The above-described object of the present invention is also achieved by a rotating body device mounting a rotating body so as to maintain a static state without becoming synchronized with a rotation of the rotating body, the rotating body comprising:  
           [0028]    a static plate;  
           [0029]    a mounting member that mounts the static plate on the rotating body;  
           [0030]    an intermediate member disposed between the static plate and the mounting member so as to support the static plate via a first bearing member, the intermediate member being supported by the mounting member via a second bearing member; and  
           [0031]    a weight provided on the static plate.  
           [0032]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0033]    [0033]FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams of an improved static plate device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1A is a lateral cross-sectional view and  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 1B is a cross-section along a line (b)-(b) in FIG. 1A;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 2 is a partial lateral cross-sectional view of a first variation of the static plate device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 3 is a partial lateral cross-sectional view of a second variation of the static plate device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 4 is a partial lateral cross-sectional view of a third variation of the static plate device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 5 is diagram illustrating a method for mounting the static plate device to the wheel member;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 6 is a partial lateral exterior view of a four-wheeled vehicle (a rotating body unit) having the static plate device  10 ,  10   a - 10   d  according to the structure described above;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIGS. 7A and 7B are a lateral cross-sectional view of the wheel mark and an exploded side view of the wheel mark assembly, respectively, of a wheel mark according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 8 is a front view of the mounting member of the wheel mark according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 9 is a front view of the mounting member of the intermediate member, gear and display plate in an assembled state of the wheel mark according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 10 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the wheel mark according to a first variation of the second embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 11 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the wheel mark according to a second variation of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0046]    A detailed description will now be given of embodiments of the static plate device according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that identical or corresponding elements in the embodiments are given identical or corresponding reference numbers in successive drawings, with detailed descriptions of such elements given once and thereafter omitted.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams of an improved static plate device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a lateral cross-sectional view and FIG. 1B is a cross-section along a line (b)-(b) in FIG. 1A.  
         [0048]    As shown in the diagrams, the static plate device  10  is affixed to a wheel member (rotating body)  16  composed of an axle  12  and a wheel  14 , a mounting member  18  mounted on the wheel member, an intermediate member (rotation cutoff collar)  20  mounted on the mounting member  18 , a static plate  22  mounted on the intermediate member  20 , and a case (cover member)  24  covering the static plate  22 .  
         [0049]    For ease of explanation, a description of a method for mounting the static plate device  10  to the wheel member  16  will be deferred. Instead, a description will now be given of the structure of the static plate device  10  and its assembly.  
         [0050]    The mounting member  18  comprises a shaft member  26 , a cylindrical portion  28  extending coaxially from the shaft member  26  and having a diameter larger than that of the shaft member  26 , and a cylindrical portion  30  extending coaxially from the shaft member  26  and having a diameter smaller than that of the shaft member  26 . A notched portion  29  is cut into an edge of an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion  28 .  
         [0051]    The intermediate member  20  comprises a disc having an uneven surface, the disc having a generally W-shaped cross-section. An upper section  20   a  of the intermediate member  20  has a radius R 1 , the radius R 1  being smaller than a radius R 2  of a lower section  20   b  of the intermediate member  20 , as can be seen most clearly in FIG. 1B. Accordingly, the periphery of the intermediate member is stepped. The intermediate member  20  has a projection  34  that engages a concave portion  32   a  formed in a rear surface of a central convex portion  19 . Additionally, a peripheral lip  35  is formed on an outer periphery of the intermediate member  20 , as a result of which a concave portion  32   b  is formed between the peripheral lip  35  and the convex portion  19 . The lower section  20   b  is further provided with an annular projection  36  on a periphery of the peripheral lip portion  35 , as a result of which an annular concave portion  32   c  is formed between the peripheral lip portion  35  and the annular projection  36 .  
         [0052]    The static plate  22  is substantially a disc having a peripheral wall portion  40  and a central cylindrical projection  42 . The static plate  22  further comprises a lower section  22   b  having the peripheral wall portion  40  and the cylindrical portion  42 , between which an annular projection  44  is formed. As a result, an annular concave portion  43  is formed on an upper section  22   a  between the peripheral wall portion  40  and the cylindrical portion  42 , and at the same time two annular concave portions  46   a ,  46   b  of different widths are formed in the lower section  22   b . It should be noted that lettering for a commercial or the like appears on a front surface  23  of the static plate  22 .  
         [0053]    The case  24  is substantially a disc, around a periphery of which a rectangular wall  48  is formed.  
         [0054]    Optimally, the above-described mounting member  18 , intermediate member  20 , static plate  22  and case  24  are made of a resin material, with the case  24  in particular being formed of a clear plastic material. However, the choice of material is not limited to resin, and, except for the case  24 , it is possible to use a light metal material or metal alloy material.  
         [0055]    As shown in FIG. 1B, a semicircular disc of a weight  50  is provided within the concave portion  32   c  in the lower section  20   b  of the intermediate member  20 . Additionally, a similar semicircular disc of a weight  52  is provided within the annular concave portion  46   a  formed in the lower section  22   b  of the static plate  22 . It should be noted that rolling bearings  54 ,  56 , a description of which will be given later, are not shown in FIG. 1B.  
         [0056]    Next, a description will now be given of assembly of the above-described static plate device  10 .  
         [0057]    The running roller  54  described above is attached to an inner side of the cylindrical portion  30  of the mounting member  18 , and the projection  34  of the intermediate member  20  (which is already provided with the weight  50 ) is then fitted to the rolling bearing  54 , as a result of which the intermediate member  20  is then supported by the mounting member  18 .  
         [0058]    Next, the rolling bearing  56  is attached to the concave portion  32   c  in the intermediate member  20 , and the cylindrical portion  42  of the static plate  22  (to which the weight  52  is already attached) is then fitted to the rolling bearing  56 , as a result of which the static plate  22  is supported by the intermediate member  20 .  
         [0059]    Next, the walls  48  of the case  24  fit over and around the notched portion  29  of the mounting member  18 , and the case  24  thus covers the mounting member  18 . As a result, the mounting member  18 , the intermediate member  20 , and the static plate  22  form a single assembly via the rolling bearings  54 ,  56 , so that these constituent parts and the gaps therebetween are covered and enclosed by the case  24 .  
         [0060]    The material from which the rolling bearings  54 ,  56  are made can be chosen as appropriate from an array of materials including heat- and weather-resistant resin, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, glass fiber reinforced plastic, ordinary stainless steel and special use stainless steel.  
         [0061]    A description will now be given of a static plate device according to a first variation of the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 2 is a partial lateral cross-sectional view of a first variation of the static plate device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that in this and the following embodiments, the combination of the constituent elements of the static plate device composed of the mounting member  18 , the intermediate member  20 , the static plate  22  and the case  24  is essentially unchanged from that of the first embodiment as described above, and hence a detailed description thereof is omitted.  
         [0063]    The static plate device  10   a  according to the first variation of the first embodiment of the present invention differs from the static plate device  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention on the following points.  
         [0064]    Instead of the cylindrical portion  30  of the first embodiment of the present invention, a projection  58  is formed on the shaft member  26  of the mounting member  18 .  
         [0065]    Additionally, the intermediate member  20  is substantially a disc having an essentially flat cross-section, as compared to the W-shaped uneven cross-section of the intermediate member  20  of the first embodiment as described above. As with the intermediate member  20  according to the first embodiment, the intermediate member  20  according to the variation of the first embodiment has an upper section  20   a  having a diameter larger than that of a lower section  20   b , with a periphery thereof stepped. The intermediate member  20  is further provided with an annular wall portion  65  on a periphery of the intermediate member  20  and a central cylindrical portion  69 . As a result, an annular concave portion  67  is formed between the wall portion  65  and the cylindrical portion  69 . The lower section  20   b  is further provided with an annular projection  71  on the periphery of the wall portion  65 , as a result of which an annular concave portion  73  is formed between the projection  71  and the wall portion  65 . The weight  50  is mounted in the concave portion  73 .  
         [0066]    An edge of an outer wall  64  of a hollow cylindrical member  62  is fixedly mounted to the rectangular-shaped peripheral wall portion  40  of the static plate  22 , thus forming a single assembly with the static plate  22 . The hollow cylindrical member  62  is formed of an inner wall  63  and the outer wall  64 , as a result of which a relatively wide annular concave portion  60  is formed. The concave portion  60  of a lower section  62   a  is further provided with a single annular projection  66 , thus dividing the annular concave portion  60  into annular concave portions  55   a  and  55   b.    
         [0067]    The weight  52  is provided on the annular concave portion  55   b . In this case, the weight  52  is substantially heavier than the weight  50  but it need not necessarily be so. An arrangement is also possible in which the weight  50  is heavier than the weight  52 .  
         [0068]    In the static plate device  10   a  according to the first variation of the first embodiment of the present invention, the projection  58  of the mounting member  18  and the cylindrical portion  69  of the intermediate member  20  engage each other via the rolling bearing  54 . The inner wall  63  of the hollow cylindrical member  62  and the annular wall portion of the intermediate member  20  engage each other via the rolling bearing  56 .  
         [0069]    It should be noted that, in this case, with respect to the assembly and installation of each member, the hollow cylindrical member  62  is provided on the inside of the cylindrical portion  28  and the mounting member  18 , with the rolling bearing  56  mounted on the cylindrical portion  28 . Then, after the intermediate member  20  is mounted simultaneously on the mounting member  18  and the hollow cylindrical portion  62 , the hollow cylindrical portion  62  and the static plate  22  are joined together.  
         [0070]    Next, a description will be given of a static plate device according to a second variation of the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 3 is a partial lateral cross-sectional view of the second variation of the static plate device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0072]    As shown in FIG. 3, the static plate device  10   b  is configured such that only the cylindrical portion  28  extends coaxially from the shaft member  26  on the mounting member  18 .  
         [0073]    The intermediate member  20  is substantially a disc, with an annular projection  68  around an outer periphery thereof, by which is formed a concave portion  70 . A projection  72  is formed in the center of the concave portion  70 . An annular projection  74  is provided on the concave portion  70  of the lower section  20   b , which forms an annular concave portion  76 , with the weight  50  mounted on the annular concave portion  76 .  
         [0074]    The static plate  22  is substantially a disc, with a cylindrical portion  78  mounted on a central portion thereof and an annular projection  80  formed on the lower section  22   b . The cylindrical portion  78  and the projection  80  together form an annular concave portion  81 , with the weight  52  mounted to the annular concave portion  81 .  
         [0075]    In the static plate device  10   b  according to the second variation as described above, the intermediate member  20  is mounted inside the rolling bearing  54 , which in turn is mounted on the mounting member  18 . The static plate  22  is then mounted around the outside of the rolling bearing  56  which in turn surrounds the projection  72  formed in the center of the concave portion  70 . Accordingly, the cylindrical portion  28  of the mounting member  18  (which, as the rotating axis, is fixedly mounted to and rotated by the wheel member which is in turn urged by a motive force), is positioned at an outermost circumference, with the intermediate member  20  and the static plate  22  positioned on an inner side thereof via the rolling bearings  54 ,  56 .  
         [0076]    Next, a description will be given of a third variation of the static plate device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 4 is a partial lateral cross-sectional view of the third variation of the static plate device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0078]    As shown in FIG. 4, the static plate device  10   c  uses the static plate device  10   a  according to the first variation as the basic configuration, with the difference that a second intermediate member is used to separate the static plate  22  from the central cylindrical member  62 , such that the static plate is mounted via a rolling bearing.  
         [0079]    In other words, a first intermediate member  21   a  is mounted on the fixed member  18  via a first rolling bearing  54   a , and further, a second intermediate member  21   b  is mounted via a second rolling bearing member  54   b , with the static plate  22  mounted to the rolling bearing  54   b  via the intermediate member  21   a . It should be noted that weights  50   a ,  52  are provided on the intermediate member  21   a  and the static plate  22 , and further, weight  50   b  is provided on intermediate member  21   b.    
         [0080]    Next, a description will be given of a method for mounting static plate devices  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c  described above onto the wheel member  16 , with reference to FIG. 5.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 5 is diagram illustrating a method for mounting the static plate device on the wheel member.  
         [0082]    In this case, the structural elements of static plate device  10   d  are similar to those of the first embodiment and the first variation of the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and  2  above, with the exception that the central hollow cylindrical portion is formed on the intermediate member  20 , and the rolling bearing  54  is mounted inside the cylindrical portion and the rolling bearing  56  is mounted outside the bearing portion. Accordingly, the mounting member  18 , the intermediate member  20  and the static plate  22  are set in that order, so the entire assembly is more easily mounted on the wheel member  16  than the static plate device  10   a  according to the second variation. It should be noted that a display plate  25  is detachably mounted on the static plate  22 , and further, the intermediate member  20  weight is eliminated, with only the weight  52  remaining mounted on the static plate  22 .  
         [0083]    In place of the shaft member  26  of the first embodiment and the variations thereof described above, the mounting member  18  is provided with a cylindrical, or annular, projection  82  composed of a flexible material in which a plurality of slits are formed. An annular laterally projecting lip  82   a  is formed on a periphery of the projection  82 .  
         [0084]    As described above, the static plate device  10   d  is configured so that the mounting member  18 , the intermediate member  20 , the static plate  22  and the case  24  form a single integrated unit, so keeping such a static plate device  10   d  ready makes it possible to attach same to the wheel member  16  quickly and easily.  
         [0085]    It should be noted that it is more desirable that the small-diameter axis of the mounting member  18  that rotates in synchrony with the wheel member  16  (shown as the projection  58  in FIG. 2) is centrally disposed and the intermediate member  20  and the static plate  22  disposed in order around the periphery of the projection  58 , as with the static plate device  10   d  shown in FIG. 5 and the static plate device  10   a  shown in FIG. 2, than to dispose the large-diameter axis of the mounting member  18  (shown as the cylindrical portion  28 ) on an outermost periphery and mounting the intermediate member  20  and the static plate  22  on an inner side thereof, as with the static plate device  10   b  shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0086]    At the same time, the wheel member  16  has a stepped through-hole  84  formed in a center of the wheel  14  fixed on the axle  12 , with an annular concave portion  86  having a tapered opening formed at a small-diameter portion of the through-hole  84 .  
         [0087]    In order to fixedly mount the wheel member  16  on the static plate device  10   d , the projection  82  of the static plate device  10   d  is bent inward and in such state inserted into the through-hole  84 . Once inserted, the bend in the flexible projection  82  disappears and the projection  82  returns to its normal state, with the projecting lip  82   a  engaged by the annular concave portion  86 , and the static plate device  10   d  fixedly mounted on the wheel member  16 . In this case, the static plate  22  has approximately the same diameter as or a slightly larger diameter than the center cap that is typically provided. It should be noted that when the shaft member  26  is formed on the mounting member  18  in the first embodiment as well as other embodiments of the present invention, the shaft member  26  can be mounted on the wheel  14  using screws or some other appropriate engaging means.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 6 is a partial lateral exterior view of a 4-wheeled vehicle (a rotating body unit) having the static plate device  10 ,  10   a - 10   d  according to the structure described above. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the display plate  25  has a relatively large diameter, extending to the inner edge of the part of the wheel  14  to which the tire is attached.  
         [0089]    In the above-described static plate device  10 ,  10   a - 10   d  according to the present invention and the 4-wheeled vehicle  90  as described above, virtually none of the rotational movement of the axle  12  transmitted to the mounting member  18  is transmitted to the intermediate member  20  via the rolling bearing  54 , and additionally, not even slight vibrations of the intermediate member  20  are transmitted to the static plate  22  via the rolling bearing  56 . As a result, the static plate can be stably maintained in a static state, and accordingly, its value when used as a medium for transmitting information such as advertising or as an aesthetic design is enhanced. In this case, by providing a plurality of intermediate members  21   a  and  21   b , with rolling bearings  54   b  disposed between the first and second intermediate members  21   a ,  21   b  as with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the static plate  22  can be more securely maintained in a static state. It should be noted that in this case it is desirable to make all of the bearing members rolling bearings in order to further reduce the starting friction and dynamical friction, though it is also possible to replace some or all of the rolling bearings with sliding bearings, with the sliding surfaces of the bearings machined to a high degree of smoothness.  
         [0090]    Additionally, because the weight  52  is mounted on the static plate  22  and, further, one or more weights  50 ,  50   a  and  50   b  are mounted as appropriate on the intermediate member  20 , any rotation of the static plate  22  can be more securely prevented, and any shaking of the static plate  22 , should it occur, can be quickly attenuated.  
         [0091]    Additionally, each of the mounting member  18 , the intermediate member  20 , and the static plate  22  is enclosed by a transparent case  24 , so dirt, dust and so forth cannot directly attach itself to and obscure the display plate  25 , and moreover dirt and dust cannot get into the cracks between individual members.  
         [0092]    As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the static plate device is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations thereof, but as a method for fixedly mounting the static plate device to the wheel member it is possible to use screws and a variety of other engaging means. Additionally, in place of the above-described static plate devices comprising a mounting member, intermediate member, static plate and case integrated so as to form a single integrated unit, these individual members may be attached in order to the wheel member. Additionally, in place of the embodiments and variations thereof described above, in which the individual members and the bearing members as a whole are enclosed by a case, it is also possible to mount each of these individual members on the wheel member in order. Additionally, in place of the above-described embodiment, in which each of the members as well as the bearings are enclosed by a case, it is also possible to partially seal the gaps between the members as well as the bearing members. In this case, by installing the intermediate member and the static plate at a location at which magnets installed on the intermediate member and the static plate and having magnetic poles inverted relative to each other are brought near each other, the magnetic repellant force so generated can further enhance the effect of the present invention.  
         [0093]    A description will now be given of a static plate device (hereinafter referred to as a wheel mark) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B,  8  and  9 .  
         [0094]    [0094]FIGS. 7A and 7B are a lateral cross-sectional view of the wheel mark and an exploded side view of the wheel mark assembly, respectively, of a wheel mark according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 7A shows a lateral cross-sectional view along a central portion of the wheel mark  210 . FIG. 7B eliminates some portions of the wheel mark assembly. FIG. 8 is a front view of the mounting member of the wheel mark according to the second embodiment of the present invention, that is, the view of FIG. 7A as seen from a right side. FIG. 9 is a front view of the mounting member of the intermediate member, gear and display plate in an assembled state of the wheel mark according to the second embodiment of the present invention, that is, the view of FIG. 7A as seen from a left side.  
         [0096]    As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the wheel mark  210  is used in a state in which it is fixedly mounted on the wheel member  216 , the wheel member  216  comprising an axle  212  and a wheel  214  mounted on the axle  212 . The wheel mark  210  comprises a mounting member  218  mounted to the wheel member  216 , an intermediate member (rotation interruption collar)  220  mounted on the mounting member  218 , a display plate  222  mounted on the intermediate member  220 , and a case member  224  that covers the display plate  222 .  
         [0097]    The mounting member  218  is essentially a disc having an outer rim  226 , with an inwardly projecting convex portion  228  formed in a center thereof and a shaft  229  provided on a center of the convex portion  228 . The outer rim  226  is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs  238 , a flange  230  is provided on a tip of the rim  226 , and a plurality of bolt through-holes  232  are provided on the flange  230 . Additionally, a notched portion  234  is provided where the tip of the rim  226  meets the flange  230 , and the shaft  229  is provided with a hole  236  for attaching a bolt.  
         [0098]    The intermediate member  220  is essentially a thick, low ring, with a stepped portion  240  formed at a periphery along one lateral surface thereof and a stepped through-hole portion  242  formed in a center. A plurality of holes  246  for mounting bolts are formed in the same annular surface between the through-hole portion  242  and the outer periphery. On the other lateral surface of the intermediate member  220   a  an annular projection  243  is formed, the circular projection  243  being concentric with but having a wider diameter than that of the through-hole portion  242 . An annular gear  244  is formed around the periphery of the annular projection  243 , so that the intermediate member  220  is configured essentially in the shape of a gear. Additionally, a concave portion  248  for accommodating a weight  250  is formed in what appears in FIG. 7 as a lower part of the intermediate member  220 , the weight  250  being fixedly mounted thereto.  
         [0099]    In this case, the display plate  222  comprises a cylindrical member  254  having a stepped through-hole portion  252  in a center of the display plate  222 . The cylindrical member  254  is provided with a plurality of holes  262  for mounting bolts. A flange  260  extends from an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion  254 . An annular gear  258  is formed on an inner periphery of a narrow side of the through-hole portion  252 . Accordingly, the cylindrical member  254  is formed essentially in the shape of a gear, with a concave portion  264  formed in a lower portion of the cylindrical member  254 . A weight  266  is fitted into the concave portion  264  and fixedly mounted thereto. It should be noted that a front surface  256   a  of the disc member  256  is used for example to display lettering for advertisements and the like.  
         [0100]    A gear  268  is provided between the intermediate member  220  and the display plate  222 . Teeth  268   a  of the gear  268  engage the gear  244  of the intermediate member  220  when the wheel mark  210  is in an assembled state and the gear  258  of the display plate  222  (cylindrical member  254 ), thus joining the intermediate member  220  and the display plate  222  to each other.  
         [0101]    The case  224  is essentially a disc.  
         [0102]    The materials from which the above-described members are made may for example be PC resin and ABS resin in the case of the mounting member  218 , the intermediate member  220 , the display plate  222  and the gear  268 . Additionally, PC resin and ABS resin can be used for the case  224  as well, though a highly transparent PC resin is optimal. In addition, except for the case  224 , light metals or light metal alloys may be used. Brass, for example, may be used for the weights  250 ,  266 .  
         [0103]    A description will now be given of the assembled structure of the wheel mark  210  configured as described above.  
         [0104]    Initially, a rolling bearing  270  is provided on an outside of the shaft  229  of the mounting member  218 . The intermediate member  220  to which the weight  250  has already been attached is then pressed down upon the rolling bearing  270 , thus having the intermediate member  220  supported by the mounting member  218  via the rolling bearing  270 .  
         [0105]    Between the mounting member  218  and the intermediate member  220 , a gear  268  is sandwiched between the teeth  268   a  and the teeth  244 , with a roller bearing (bearing member)  272  attached to the outside of the intermediate member  220 . Further, the gear  258  and the teeth  268   a  are made to mesh and the display plate  222  (to which the weight  266  is already attached) is installed on the rolling bearing  272 . In so doing, the display plate  222  is supported by the intermediate member  220  via the rolling bearing  272 , and at the same time the teeth  268   a  of the gear  268  engage the gears  244 ,  258  of the intermediate member  220  and the display plate  222 .  
         [0106]    A bolt not shown in the diagram is inserted through an annular sealed chamber member  278  and fitted to a bolt hole  236  in the mounting member  218  in order to attach the annular sealed chamber member  278  and seal in the rolling bearings  270 ,  272 . Similarly, a bolt not shown in the diagram is inserted through an annular sealed chamber member  274  and fitted to a bolt hole  246  in the intermediate member  220 , thereby attaching the annular sealed chamber member  274 , and, additionally, a bolt not shown in the diagram is inserted through an annular sealed chamber member  276  and fitted to a bolt hole  262  in the display plate  222 , thereby attaching the sealed chamber member  276 . It should be noted that the sealed chamber members  274 ,  276 ,  278  may be made of special use stainless steel.  
         [0107]    The outer periphery of the case  224  is fitted to the notched portion  234  of the mounting member  218  by an appropriate method, thereby mounting the case  224  on the mounting member  218 .  
         [0108]    As described above, the mounting member  218 , intermediate member  220  and display plate  222  are formed into a single integrated unit through the intervention of the rolling bearings  270 ,  272 , with the members, the gear  268  and the gaps between the members covered and sealed by the case  224 .  
         [0109]    The material from which the above-described rolling bearings  270 ,  272  are made can be chosen as appropriate from an array of materials, including heat- and weather-resistant resin, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, glass fiber reinforced plastic, ordinary stainless steel and special use stainless steel.  
         [0110]    In the wheel mark  210  assembled as described above, inserting a bolt not shown in the diagram through a bolt passage hole  232  in the mounting member  218  so as to engage the wheel  214  serves to mount the wheel mark  210  on the wheel member  216 . Accordingly, by readying a number of such assembled wheel marks  210  in advance it is possible to attach same to the wheel member  216  quickly and easily.  
         [0111]    A description will now be given of the practical benefits of the wheel mark  210  configured as described above.  
         [0112]    The rotational motion of the axle  212  is transmitted as is to the mounting member  218  connected directly to the axle  212  or the wheel  214 . However, virtually nothing of this rotary motion is transmitted to the intermediate member because of the interposition of the rolling bearing  270 , and even if the intermediate member  220  vibrates slightly, virtually none of this vibration reaches the display plate  222  because of the interposition of the rolling bearing  272 . Accordingly, the transmission of the rotary movement of the axle  212  is prevented from reaching the display plate  222 , and thus the display plate can be stably maintained in a static state and, accordingly, its value when used as a medium for transmitting information such as advertising or as an aesthetic design is enhanced. It should be noted that in this case it is desirable to make all of the bearing members rolling bearings in order to further reduce the starting friction and dynamical friction, though it is also possible to replace some or all of the rolling bearings with sliding bearings, with the sliding surfaces of the bearings machined to a high degree of smoothness.  
         [0113]    Additionally, because the weight  266  is mounted on the static plate  22  and, further, the weight  250  is mounted on the intermediate member  220 , any rotation of the static plate  22  can be more securely prevented, and any shaking of the static plate  22 , should it occur, can be quickly attenuated.  
         [0114]    Additionally, when a vehicle bearing the wheel mark  210  accelerates or decelerates, for example during the process of accelerating when the vehicle is moving in a direction indicated in FIG. 9 by arrow Al, the intermediate member  220  and the display plate  222  mounting the weights  250  and  266  may undergo counter-clockwise rotation toward the rear of the wheel member  216  (a direction indicated in FIG. 9 by arrow A 2 ) due to inertial force. However, the gear  268  that meshes with the intermediate member  220  and the display plate  22  spins freely about an axial line L of the mounting member  218 , or, in other words, serves to offset the rotational force of the intermediate member  220  or the display plate  222  by rotating about an outer periphery of the intermediate member  220 . As a result, regardless of the size of the weights and the size of the rotational torque, the intermediate member  220  and the display plate  222  quickly reach a static state from either side.  
         [0115]    Additionally, with the wheel mark  210  as described above, each of the mounting member  218 , the intermediate member  220 , and the static plate  222  is enclosed by a transparent case  224 , so dirt, dust and so forth cannot directly attach itself to and obscure the surface  256   a , and moreover dirt and dust cannot get into the cracks between individual members, including the bearings and the gear  268 .  
         [0116]    Next, a description will be given of the wheel mark  210  according to a first variation of the second embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 10.  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 10 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a wheel mark  210   a  according to a first variation of the second embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that in the wheel mark  210   a , the individual compositional elements such as the mounting member  218 , intermediate member  220 , display plate  222  and case  224  that together form the wheel mark remain fundamentally unchanged from those of the wheel mark  210  according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and hence a number of elements have not been shown in the diagram in order to simplify description. The major difference between the two resides in a structure of a mounting of a gear  280  and a structure of a mounting of the wheel mark  210   a  on the wheel member  216 .  
         [0118]    In other words, in the wheel mark  210   a , the gear  280  is rotatably joined to the axle  282 , with the axle  282  mounted at an edge of one lateral surface of the intermediate member  220  so that an outer periphery of the gear  280  inscribes an outer periphery of the intermediate member  220 . Teeth  280   a  of the gear  280  engage the teeth  258  of the display plate  222 . Accordingly, when the display plate  222  rotates, the gear  280  revolves around the axle  282  that is fixedly mounted on the intermediate member  220 .  
         [0119]    It should be noted that, in this case, by positioning the axle  282  at a position along the axis of the intermediate member  220  (indicated as line L in FIG. 7A) without changing the diameter of the gear  282 , or by reducing the diameter of the gear  282 , the outer periphery of the gear  280  is positioned on the inside of the outer periphery of the intermediate member  220 , and at the same time making the narrow-diameter portion of the through-hole portion  252  in the display plate  222  even narrower, the narrow portion of the through-hole portion  252  can be extended along the axis of the intermediate member  220 . Additionally, by changing the shapes of the intermediate member  220  and the display plate  222  as appropriate, the junction of the display plate  222  and the gear  280  can be changed as appropriate.  
         [0120]    Additionally, in the wheel mark  210   a  having the structure described above, a cylindrical member made of a flexible material and having a plurality of slits formed therein may be provided on one lateral surface of the mounting member  218 , so as to provide a plurality of annular projecting portion  284 . Outwardly projecting projections  284   a  are formed at a tip of the annular projecting portion  284 . The wheel member  216  is configured such that a through-hole portion  286  is formed in a center of the wheel  214  fixedly mounted on the axle  212 , with an annular concave portion  288  having a tapered opening formed on a wall of the through-hole portion  286 .  
         [0121]    Accordingly, the annular projecting portion  284  of the wheel mark  210   a  is bent inward and in that state inserted into the through-hole portion  288  of the wheel member  216 . By eliminating the bend the annular projecting portion  284  returns to its original shape and is engaged by the annular concave portion  288 , thus mounting the wheel mark  210   a  on the wheel member  216 . In this case, the display plate  222  has approximately the same diameter as that of the so-called center cap ordinarily provided.  
         [0122]    The wheel mark  210   a  according to the first variation of the second embodiment of the present invention as described above provides the same effects and advantages as the wheel mark  210  according to the second embodiment of the present invention as described above.  
         [0123]    Next, a description will be given of a wheel mark  210   b  according to a second variation of a second embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 11. It should be noted that the constituent elements of the wheel mark  210   b  according to the second variation of the second embodiment are essentially unchanged from those of the wheel mark  210  according to the second embodiment of the present invention and hence a number of elements (in particular sealed chamber members and bolt throughholes) have not been shown in the diagram in order to simplify description. The major difference between the two is that the wheel mark  210   b  according to the second variation of the second embodiment of the present invention is that an inner surface of the mounting member  218  (the left side as depicted in FIG. 11) is flat.  
         [0124]    The intermediate member  220  is essentially a disc, with two annular projecting portions  290   a ,  290   b  formed on an outer periphery of the intermediate member  220  and a central projection  292  formed in a center thereof. Gear teeth  294  are formed on an inner side of the annular projecting portion  290   b  and the intermediate member  220  is formed in the shape of a gear. A weight  250  is mounted between the annular projecting portions  290   a  and  290   b  in a lower part of the intermediate member  220 . In this case, the rolling bearing  270  is provided between an outer peripheral wall  226  of the mounting member  218  and the annular projecting portion  290   a  of the intermediate member  220 .  
         [0125]    The display plate  222  is essential a disc, with a first cylindrical portion  296  formed on a central portion thereof and, at the same time, a second cylindrical portion  298  formed at a distance from the first cylindrical portion  296 . A protruding portion  300  is formed on a lower part of the cylindrical portion  298  so as to be continuous with the cylindrical portion  298 , with a weight  266  provided between the cylindrical portion  298  and the protruding portion  300 .  
         [0126]    The gear  304  is positioned so as to engage the inner periphery teeth  294  of the annular projecting portion  290   b  of the intermediate member  220  and the teeth  302  of the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion  298  of the display plate  222 .  
         [0127]    In the wheel mark  210   b  according to the second variation as described above, by providing a gear axially supported by the intermediate member  220  at the position of the gear  304  and eliminating the teeth  294  on the intermediate member  220 , the same effects and advantages can be obtained as with the wheel mark  210   a  according to the first variation as described above.  
         [0128]    It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the second embodiment of the present invention and the first and second variations thereof as described above but may, for example, include two or more intermediate members as well as rolling bearings, in which case a gear is positioned between the display plate and the intermediate member that supports the display plate.  
         [0129]    Additionally, as an easy method for mounting the wheel mark to the wheel member two-sided adhesive tape may be used to affix the wheel mark to the wheel member, with other, further variations also possible.  
         [0130]    Additionally, in place of the above-described embodiments, in which the fixing member, the intermediate member, the display plate and the case are formed into a single integrated unit, it is also possible to attach in order the constituent members to the wheel member.  
         [0131]    Additionally, in place of the above-described embodiments in which the individual members and bearings as a whole are covered by a case, the gaps between members as well as the bearing members can be individually sealed.  
         [0132]    It should also be noted that attaching only a weight or weights without attaching gears can also achieve a certain proportion of the effects and advantages of the present invention.  
         [0133]    [0133]FIG. 11 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the wheel mark according to a second variation of the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0134]    The above description is provided in order to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the invention.  
         [0135]    The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0136]    The present application is based on Japanese Priority Application No. 11-312756, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, and Japanese Priority Application No. 2000-091932, filed on Mar. 29, 2000, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.