Abstract:
A lighted wheel rim system illuminates the wheel of a vehicle by projecting visible light through decorative openings disposed in the rim of a tire. The lighted wheel rim system includes a light unit which is stimulating and aesthetically pleasing to the human eye. The lighted wheel rim system has two major parts, including a light housing assembly and a lighting assembly. Brackets and fasteners are configured to connect the light housing assembly to the brake rotor splash guards or brake shield of a vehicle. The brackets are dimensioned to correspond to the outer curvature, shape, and size of the brake shield and to hold the light housing assembly in spaced apart relation therefrom. Each wheel of a vehicle is configured with a ring light unit as an integrated electrical system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/617,914, filed Jul. 17, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,237 B1, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to automotive accessories. More specifically, the invention is an apparatus for illuminating the wheels of a vehicle.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Numerous systems have been developed for providing improved visualization of the wheels of vehicles at night. Some of the most significant advances in the art have centered around the development of passive reflectors and parking lights. However, none of the references herein described provides a lighting apparatus which is adapted for mounting on the brake shield of a wheel.  
           [0006]    The related art is represented by the following patents of interest.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,692, issued on Feb. 7, 1984 to Alexandros M. Papadakis et al., describes an automotive vehicle wheel having at least one rotatable wheel that includes a light source mounted to the vehicle, light transmission means operatively associated with the light source, and reflective surface means for reflecting light to produce a visual light illumination effect. Papadakis et al. does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,431, issued on Nov. 1, 1988 to Seung M. Park, describes a lighting apparatus for mounting on vehicle wheels. The apparatus includes a light unit fixed on a wheel member and a miniature magnetometer characterized by its rotor being coaxial with the wheel to produce power by rotation following the rotation of wheels. Park does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,153, issued on Nov. 14, 1989 to Russel E. Scott, describes a lighting system for vehicle wheels and includes a disk assembly which facilitates the electrical power source of a vehicle. Further, the lighting system includes a mounting system for mounting a disk to the lugs of the vehicle on the inside of the wheel. The disk includes first and second coaxially mounted electrically conductive rings which remain in continuous electrical contact when rotated relative to each other. The mounting system includes an electrically conductive portion and an insulator portion which electrically separates the mounting assembly from the first and second rings. The electrically conductive portion of the mounting means are used to electrically ground the rotating lights. Scott does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,877, issued on Jan. 16, 1990 to Manual Powell, describes a lighted hubcap including a cap body that has an outboard side and an opposing inboard side. When the cap body is secured to the wheel of a passenger vehicle, the outboard side faces away from the vehicle. At least one light emitter is incorporated in the cap body so that it emits light from the outboard side of the cap body when energized. A permanent magnet assembly is pivotally secured to the cap body and weighted so that the permanent magnet assembly is in a generally fixed orientation with respect to the passenger vehicle. Electrically conducting windings are secured to the inboard side concentrically about the permanent magnet assembly and are connected to the light emitters. The windings are in magnetic flux coupling relationship with the permanent magnet assembly so that, upon rotation of the wheel, alternating current is generated in the winding for energizing the light emitters. Powell does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,144, issued on May 14, 1991 to Darryl DiMaggio, describes an illuminating wheel cover including a momentary rotating mercury switch which gathers mercury during rotation and causes a momentary electrical connection to illuminate light emitting diodes arranged to create an illusionary effect. DiMaggio does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,100, issued on Aug. 13, 1991 to Ronald Di Gaentano, describes a vehicle wheel well illumination device including a pair of light sources and a resilient rod interconnecting the light sources in a spaced apart configuration. The resilient rod is capable of elastic deformation under a manual bending effort to bring the rod into a condition suitable to enter a wheel well of a vehicle. Discontinuance of the bending effort causes the rod to partially recover its original form, frictionally engaging the wheel well and causing it to be thereby retained in place. Di Gaentano does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,194, issued on Nov. 7, 1995 to Joseph E. Currie, describes an optical fiber illumination device. Currie does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,630, issued on Jun. 25, 1996 to Harry L. Williams, Jr., describes an apparatus for lighting a wheel rotatably mounted on a frame of a vehicle including a source of current mounted on the frame of the vehicle, a commutator mounted to the wheel for rotation therewith, at least one light bulb, and a brush electrically connected to the frame adjacent the commutator. The brush has a flow of current from the battery to the commutator so as to power the light bulb. The apparatus is adaptable to cars, motorcycles, and semi-truck wheels, whether the wheels are mounted as singles or as duals. Williams, Jr. does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,426, issued on Sep. 24, 1996 to Dennis C. Cabanatan et al., describes a set of automotive wheel lights for illuminating the wheels of an automobile in operation at night that include a plurality of lights, one for each wheel, each mounted on the frame of the automobile near a respective wheel. Each light includes a light bulb in a socket, held fixed at its lighting position at the lighting end of a rigid arm bent towards the wheel of the automobile and mounted onto and extending from the automobile. The light bulb is encased in a protective light bulb cover and lens in one which directs illumination onto the entire outside surface of the wheel. The light bulb in the socket is electrically connected to the power source of the automobile sharing a single switching control with the parking lights and headlights of the automobile. Cabanatan et al. does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,035, issued on Sep. 1, 1998 to William E. Aichele, describes a wheel lighting apparatus for use on a vehicle wheel rotatably mounted on a vehicle body. The wheel lighting apparatus includes a chamber mounted to the wheel with a portion of the chamber formed from material which permits the transmission of light therethrough. A light transmitting member is provided for transmitting light from the light source to outside the chamber. The light transmitting member also has a light conducting portion and a light emitting surface. The light received by the light receiving surface travels through the light received by the light conducting portion to the light emitting surface where the light is emitted in a predetermined pattern adjacent the wheel. An electrical connector device is provided to connect a power source mounted on the vehicle body to the light source. The electrical connector device includes a pair of circular rings of electrically conductive material mounted to the wheel and electrically insulated therefrom. The electrical connector device also includes a pair of contactors mounted to the body, each having an electrically conductive, movable contact portion in electrical contact with their respective circular rings. A pair of electrical connectors are provided for electrically connecting the terminals of the power source to the light source through the flexible contact portion of flexible connectors and their respective rings. Aichele does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,301, issued on Jan. 2, 2001 to Marvin R. Martinez et al., describes a system for illuminating a wheel on a vehicle. Martinez does not suggest a lighted wheel rim system according to the claimed invention.  
           [0018]    None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus an improved lighted wheel rim system solving the aforementioned problems is desired.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0019]    The lighted wheel rim system according to the invention includes a device that illuminates a wheel of a vehicle by projecting visible light, preferably through the decorative openings incorporated into the rim of a tire. The present invention provides a significant improvement in that it remains essentially stationary with respect to the wheel from damaging exterior forces. An additional advantage is that the invention includes no moving parts, an important feature further insuring its stability and durability. The lighted wheel rim system may be installed by the manufacturer in the factory or retrofitted and is preferably mounted on the wheel and inboard of the brake rotor of the vehicle. The lighted wheel rim system includes a light source, or a light transmitting or reflecting member that forms an arrangement which is stimulating and aesthetically pleasing to the human eye.  
           [0020]    The lighted wheel rim system includes two major parts, including a light housing assembly and a lighting assembly. The light unit includes a light source, or a light transmitting or reflecting member. Brackets are configured are configured to mount in the invention to the brake rotor splash guards or brake shields of a vehicle. The brackets are dimensioned to correspond to the outer curvature, shape, and size of the brake shield and to hold the light housing assembly in spaced apart relation therefrom. The light housing assembly also includes a circular body having a hollow cross section defining an interior passageway inside of which the electrical conductive element of the lighting assembly are contained. The lighted wheel rim may further have a light cover for covering the light. An electrical conductor is provided to electrically connect a power source to the lighted wheel rim system. An on/off switch is also provided to control the state of the electrical circuit in order to turn the lights on or off simultaneously.  
           [0021]    Accordingly, it is a principal aspect of the invention to provide a lighted wheel rim system which creates an effective and aesthetically pleasing light display.  
           [0022]    It is another aspect of the invention to provide a lighted wheel rim system adapted for fastening to the brake shield of a vehicle.  
           [0023]    It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a lighted wheel rim system which may be readily mounted and dismounted from vehicles.  
           [0024]    Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a lighted wheel rim system, which may be rigidly mounted to a vehicle, is rigid enough to withstand external forces and vibrations, and is sturdy and durable.  
           [0025]    It is an aspect of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.  
           [0026]    These and other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of the lighted wheel rim system, according to the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lighted wheel rim system, showing the manner of attachment to a tire, according to the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the lighted wheel rim system, showing the manner of attachment of the lighting circuitry assembly to the rim, according to the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the lighted wheel rim system.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the lighted wheel rim system, showing the manner of attachment of the lighting circuitry assembly to the rim, according to the present invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the lighted wheel rim system.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical system of the lighted wheel rim system, according to the invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 8A is an electrical wiring diagram of an optical fiber lighted wheel rim system, according to the invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 8B is an electrical wiring diagram of a neon wire of the lighted wheel rim system, according to the invention. 
     
    
       [0036]    Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]    The present invention is directed to a lighted wheel rim system for illuminating the wheel of a vehicle.  
         [0038]    As diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1, an environmental view is depicted in which the lighted wheel rim system  10  has been mounted or installed on the wheel  12  and inboard of the brake rotor of a vehicle. The invention includes a light source, or a light transmitting or reflective member that is stimulating and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The lighted wheel rim system  10  may be installed by the manufacturer in the factory or retrofitted. However, because the lighted wheel rim system  10  is designed to be attached to the brake shield of a vehicle, the invention may be sold in a variety of ways including as single units, or in kits, such as with a particular model tire rim or tire and tire rim assembly, or even as an accessory in a brake conversion kit. Alternatively, the lighted wheel rim may be mounted on the backing plate for drum brakes.  
         [0039]    The importance of decorative accoutrements and embellishments for vehicles is becoming increasingly evident. From 1990 to 1996, the sale of automotive accessories and performance equipment increased by forty-five percent to eighteen billion dollars. Many Americans commonly report that they spend more time in their cars and trucks than in their living rooms, and so believe that their vehicles should be appropriately personalized. One of the most popular forms of ornamentation is custom designed wheels, chrome wheels being a good example. Additionally, over the past few years, the popularity of the use of neon and other lighting elements has skyrocketed—from strobe lights and neon license plates to illuminated cargo areas and speakers, neon and similar automotive accessories have become a major fashion. D.O.T. studies have shown that side marker lamps on vehicles are associated with a significant decrease in the incident of accidents. Thus, a significant market exists for a rugged, durable, and practical accessory for providing an aesthetically pleasing illumination effect for the wheels of a vehicle, as well as for helping to insure the safety of drivers.  
         [0040]    In the preferred manner of use of the invention when mounted on a wheel  12 , the area between the central portion  18  of the rim and the tire  14  will be provided with a plurality of substantially arcuate trapezoidal openings, generally  20 , through which the light unit  16  of the lighted wheel rim system  10  may be visually distinguished by an observer, as seen in FIG. 1.  
         [0041]    In certain kinds or models of wheels, these openings  20  may follow a specific decorative pattern or configuration. This specification encompasses patterns of the light unit  16  corresponding to or matching with the various arrangements and designs of the openings  20  found in conventional tire rims, as well corresponding or parallel to the openings  20  defined by the plurality of spokes typically disposed axially outward from the central portions of conventional tire rims.  
         [0042]    In short, the lighted wheel rim system  10  encompasses and is inclusive of any and all designs or patterns for the spatial configurations of the light unit  16  for the visual stimulation of an onlooker. It should, therefore, be understood that a tire rim used concomitantly with the invention, as well as any covering for the light unit  16 , should include at least one device for transmitting light therethrough. The light transmitting device may be any structure or substance, including transparent materials, as well as structures having an opening or series or arrangements of openings, inclusive of openings having lenses, screens, and transparent elements disposed therein, openings containing light reflective and opaque elements, light conducting elements such as optical fibers, neon wires, light wires, or any other device or apparatus for transmitting light generated by the lighted wheel rim system  10  or the light unit  16  thereof. The light transmitting device may also have a light emitting surface, the light received by the light transmitting device traveling therethrough to the light emitting surface where the light is emitted in a predetermined pattern adjacent the wheel.  
         [0043]    The specification also embraces any kinds of illumination elements, including conventional light bulbs, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, metal halide bulbs, mercury bulbs, high pressure sodium bulbs, krypton bulbs, xenon bulbs, full-spectrum bulbs, black light bulbs, LEDs, vibration absorbing mini bulbs, optical fiber elements, neon wire elements, light wire elements, as well as electrical configurations for powering or supplying power to those illumination elements. Light wires are well known in the art and include strands of plural illumination devices, such as LEDs or the like, mounted in a flexible mounting, preferably formed of a flexible plastic, such as polypropylene, acetal, Nylon, PVC tubing, or the like, having appropriate rigidity, yet sufficient spring-like memory to function well for the invention.  
         [0044]    Furthermore, the lighted wheel rim system  10  may have light units which flash, blink, or flicker according to any pattern the user may desire, as well as the appropriate electronic elements to execute such patterns. The present invention may also include safety lights to insure safe operation of the vehicle under low visibility conditions, helping vehicle drivers overcome their blind spots when driving.  
         [0045]    The prior art demonstrates that various attempts have been made to illuminate the wheels of vehicles. These inventions are typically designed to be placed on rotatably mounted wheels and, thus, are subject to breakdown secondary to the destructive effects of vibration, rotation, and material degradation on the road. The present invention provides a significant improvement in that it remains stationary with respect to the wheel and is largely protected by the body of the wheel from damaging exterior forces. This advantage is further augmented by the fact that the invention includes no moving parts, an important feature insuring its stability and durability, especially on bumpy terrain.  
         [0046]    Turning briefly to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the two major parts of one embodiment of the lighted wheel rim system  10  are a light housing assembly  22  and a light unit  24 . The light unit  24  is one of an optical fiber, a neon wire, or a light wire. The light unit  24  is easily wound into a circularly-shaped band for positioning in a groove of the light housing assembly  22 . The light unit  24  is removably attached to the light housing assembly  22 . In various embodiments of the invention, a light unit  24  may be replaced by direct insertion into the light housing assembly  22  or after removal of a light unit  24  therefrom.  
         [0047]    Referring to FIG. 2, the light housing assembly  22  is specially designed for mounting to the brake rotor splash guards (disk brake guards)  17  or the backing plate for the drum brakes of a vehicle and may be suitably shaped, sized, and dimensioned to fit over any such brake shield  17  or backing plate commonly known in the art and commercially available. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the lighted wheel rim system  10  may be integral with the brake shield  17 . The light housing assembly  22  may further include any durable and suitably strong substance, including steel, polymeric material, and transparent material. Obviously, different types of wheels  12  including different constructions, configurations, and including different materials could be utilized.  
         [0048]    In FIG. 2, the basic relationship of lighted wheel rim system  10  to the various subcomponents of the brake assembly and tire  14  can be discerned more clearly. When mounted, it can be appreciated that light housing assembly  22  is fastened onto brake shield  17  conventionally attached to axle  28 . The brake/rotor assembly  30  is mounted between tire  14  and axle  28 , also in a conventional manner. Another advantage of the invention is that it allows for easy attachment of the device to the wheel of a vehicle and should further help to protect the brakes from dirt and dust.  
         [0049]    Turning again to FIG. 3, brackets  40  are used to attach light housing assembly  22  to brake shield  17 . Brackets  40  each define first and second plates with spaced apart apertures. One of the plates is configured to receive fasteners, such as mounting bolts  36 , to fasten to brake shield  17  via mounting nuts  34 . The other plate is configured to receive fasteners, such as mounting bolts  42 , to fasten to light housing assembly  22  via mounting nuts  44 .  
         [0050]    It should be understood that this specification covers brackets  40  of any shape, size, and dimension, for fastening to brake shields  17  of assorted models. Furthermore, these brackets  40  are removable from the light housing assembly  22  and may be adjustable to more fully cooperate with the brake shields  17 .  
         [0051]    It should also be understood that this specification embraces any fasteners by which brackets  40  may be removably attachable or integral with their respective support surfaces, especially those of light housing assembly  22  and brake shields  17 , as well as any material components, structures, and assemblies allowing brackets  40  to accommodate to or be adjustably received by brake shield  17  or backing plate or to be suitably adjusted with respect to light housing assembly  22 . Also, any kind of brake shield  17  or backing plate may be used, including brake shields  17  with or without apertures for receiving therethrough a cord supplying power to light unit  24 .  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lighted wheel rim system shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The light unit  24  fits frictionally in groove  27  of the light housing assembly  27  and includes an extending conductive wire  25  to electrically connect the light unit to a power source. Bracket  40  is fastened to element  26  of light housing assembly  22 .  
         [0053]    [0053]FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment of the lighted rim system that is substantially the same as the embodiment of the lighted rim system shown in FIGS.  2 - 4 . In this example, light housing assembly  52  is configured to mount four light units  54 . As shown in FIG. 6, light units  54  fit frictionally in grooves  57  of light housing assembly  52  and include extending conductive wire  55  to electrically connect light units  54  to a power source. Bracket  40  is fastened to element  56  of light housing assembly  52 .  
         [0054]    As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, light units  24  and  54  are electrically connected to a source of power. Light units  24  and  54  develop into a common cord, which preferably passes through an aperture disposed through brake shield  17 . It should be emphasized again that the invention may include any arrangement for supplying power to the lighted rim assembly.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the electrical circuitry  60  of the present invention. A power source  62 , including but not limited to a conventional vehicle battery, a generator, or the like, is mounted so as to be stationary with respect to the frame of the vehicle. Power source  62  supplies current when activated by central switch  66 , and a lead line  68  extends from switch  66  to power source  62 . Thus, a plurality or set of lighted wheel rim systems  10  in a particular vehicle may be interconnected into a single electrical network, powered by single energy source. Alternatively, each light in a particular lighted wheel rim system  10  may have its own independent power source. The on/off switch  66  is preferably provided to control the state of the electrical circuit  60  in order to turn on or off the lights simultaneously.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 8A illustrates a electrical wiring diagram for an optical fiber  78 . Battery  70  provides electrical current through switch  72  and resistor  74  to power a small light, such as an LED  76 , which  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 8B illustrates a electrical wiring diagram for a neon wire or light wire  86 . Battery  80  provides electrical current through switch  82  and transformer  84  to power neon wire or light wire  86 .  
         [0058]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.