Abstract:
A temporary hand-held wheel spray mask ( 120 ) for detailing tires ( 112 ) to protect vehicle wheels ( 114 ) during chemical treatment of tires is a unitary thin plastic molded device having a generally circular opening for mating against the vehicle wheel and a generally domed or flattened concave body enclosure ( 128 ). The generally circular opening is defined as an annular flange ( 122 ) or a thin walled cylindrical section ( 126 ). This flange ( 122 ) or thin walled cylindrical section ( 126 ) is positioned against the outermost diameter of the face ( 116 ) of vehicle wheel; where the outermost diameter of the annular flange ( 122 ) or thin walled cylindrical section ( 126 ) closely matches the outermost diameter of the vehicle wheel ( 114 ), such that a plurality of unique and separate wheel spray masks ( 120 ) will be offered. While the wheel spray mask ( 120 ) is positioned against the wheel ( 114 ), light pressure is applied by the user to an integral or separately affixed handle ( 132 ) on the wheel spray mask. The generally domed or flattened concave body ( 128 ) will provide an overall masking function along with the annular ( 122 ) flange or thin walled cylindrical section ( 126 ) providing a barrier against overspray and direct liquid run-off. For added improved sealing protection, a seal or gasket ( 134 ) can be added to the face of the annular flange ( 122 ) or to the edge of the cylindrical section ( 126 ).

Description:
This patent application is related to disclosure document No. 452735 filed on Mar. 8, 1999 
    
    
     BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to devices used in vehicle detailing. More particularly to devices used to mask or shield vehicle wheels and wheel covers while tire dressings, cleaners or other protectants are applied to the vehicle tire. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART 
     This invention relates generally to wheel protection and more particularly, to a device for protecting a vehicle wheel while it&#39;s tire is being chemically treated. 
     Trucks and cars represent a substantial investment by their respective owners. Often to enhance the appearance or otherwise personalize these vehicles, the owner may choose to order special factory wheels or purchase specialty after-market wheels from one of many wheel distributors. These specialty wheels can represent a financial outlay reaching into the thousands of dollars. Like purchasing a new suit, it is not complete without a set of matching polished shoes, or tires in this case. The selection of the tires are often as equally as important as the wheels. The tires and wheels together are viewed by the owner as a “matched set”, in his eyes. 
     These vehicle owners then go about the ritual, often many times in the span of a week, of keeping the vehicles looking their best. Many products are available to aid in the washing and polishing of the vehicle. Yet this job is not complete without much attention and labor being directed at the cleaning, polishing and otherwise enhancing the appearance of those tires and wheels. The vehicle owner can easily spend as much time on the wheels and tires as he does on the rest of the vehicle, largely due to the deep black luster and that he desires from those wheels and wheel covers. 
     Generally after the vehicle owner has spent a considerable amount of time and intense intricate labor caring for the wheel by cleaning and polishing, he then directs his attention towards the tires. Vehicle owners like to keep the their tires looking like new . . . even better than new! Many vehicles have whitewall tires, while others mount all-black tires. The white portions of the tires can become quite dirty with vehicle use, because of brake dust, dirt and road tar. The black portion of the new tires have a deep black luster which is difficult to maintain. There are many products out on the market to guard against oxidation and ultraviolet rays which tend to fade, harden and crack the side-walls of the tire and restore or improve that rich black luster of the tires. A high gloss deep black finish on the tire side-wall complements those custom wheels or even OEM wheels completes the ensemble. 
     Whether the owner is trying to protect the tire or trying to achieve that shine, or both, the chemicals needed are generally liquid and are purchased or applied in spray bottles. It is desirable to be able to apply these products to the tire with a spray dispenser, which helps ensure even coverage as well as offering a substantial time savings when compared to applying these products by hand using a towel and wiping the product onto the side-wall of the tire. 
     The problem with spraying the chemical protectants or the appearance enhancing solution is that extreme care must be taken not to allow any of the solution onto the finish of the wheel. This solution, upon drying or while still wet will leave smudges, that will dull the finish, attract more dirt and brake dust, and even do permanent damage by pitting the wheel&#39;s finish. 
     Devices have been developed to protect vehicle wheels during chemical tire treatment. Some of these are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,792,191; 4,784,440; 4,811,991; 4,874,206; 4,955,670; 5,524,972 and 5,785,389. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,191 requires an assembly method in order to use that requires placing tabs in slots to change the device from one size to another, which will be complicated for an end user and not desirable. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,440 relies on a potentially costly snap feature to detachably attach this device to the vehicle wheel. This feature is overly complex and is subject to failing easily if made from plastic, could damage the wheel or tire if made from metal and overall, it requires extra effort and time to install on and remove from each wheel by the operator. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,991 relies on a complex interface feature and clearance with the outside diameter of the wheel and tire sidewall making this a difficult device to use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,206 relies upon a snap feature to releasably secure the device to the vehicle wheel. This device also relies on many concentric rings to allow for other size wheels, thus increasing the complexity, fragility, cost, in addition, there is high probability that it may not be usable on larger wheel sizes due to the snap features it retains for smaller size wheels. This product will be difficult to install and use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,670 relies upon straps and hooks to releasably secure the device to the vehicle wheel. These hooks and straps will be time consuming, cumbersome and difficult to install. This device also relies on a plurality of concentric rings to allow for other size wheels, which the operator will have to cut off to achieve his specific wheel size, subjecting him to risk of injury. This device with it&#39;s plurality of sizes incorporated into one unit will be costly and difficult to manufacture, with no real benefit to the end user with multiple sizes of wheels . . . he would still need to purchase another. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,972 relies on a plurality of concentric rings to allow for other size wheels, which the operator will have to cut off to achieve his specific wheel size, subjecting the user to risk of injury. This device with it&#39;s plurality of sizes incorporated into one unit will be costly and difficult to manufacture, with no real benefit to the end user with multiple sizes of wheels . . . he would still need to purchase another. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,389 only covers a small portion of the vehicle wheel, leaving a great portion of the wheel unprotected. 
     While all of these devices are directed toward wheel protection while detailing tires, none have found commercial success. This may be due to the fact that they do not adequately mask and protect the wheel wheel cover or are unduly complex, are not engineered for a full range of wheel sizes, are bulky and cumbersome to be used easily, require assembly and some even pose risk to the user by instructing the user that a knife must be used to cut the part in order to achieve a desired size. In all, none of these prior devices have combined function, simplicity, ease of operation and low cost to truly address the needs of the market and the end user. 
     A simple, low cost and effective product is needed on the market that will protect the wheel or wheel cover while the owner is applying these chemical protectants or appearance enhancing solutions to the tire side-wall. With the protection of the wheel or wheel cover while the owner is spraying or otherwise applying chemicals to the tire, the owner can quickly and easily complete this task in a just a few minutes, making the owner more likely to perform this task on a more regular basis. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This hand-held vehicle wheel spray mask for tire detailing would be held against the vehicle wheel while a tire dressing or protectant is applied to the tire. This device is comprised of a generally concave shaped or generally cylindrical shaped enclosure device that approximately matches or is slightly greater than the vehicle wheel diameter. This device will sufficiently cover the vehicle wheel while providing adequate axial clearance with protrusions from the vehicle wheel such as knock-offs, hubs or the unique shape of the wheel itself. This vehicle wheel clearance feature of the enclosure would be defined as a generally flat or domed concave surface that is on the opposite end of the mask with respect to the interface with the vehicle wheel. Since such a mask by definition approximately matches the diameter of a given vehicle wheel, a series of predetermined unique and separate wheel masks are required to address the many sizes of vehicle wheels in the market. 
     This vehicle wheel spray mask for tire detailing could also be comprised of a flat disc that approximately matches the diameter of the vehicle wheel that would be sufficient for most OEM and many after-market vehicle wheels that do not have large axial protrusions from the wheel. 
     Without regard for the particular shape, the vehicle wheel spray mask for tire detailing would incorporate a handle, for gripping, maneuvering and holding the wheel mask in place against the vehicle wheel. This handle could be centrally located on the part, on the generally flat or domed concave surface that is on the opposite end of the part with respect to interface surface with the vehicle wheel. This handle could be attached, in the form of a separate piece, cut or formed integrally into the flat or domed concave surface, molded outwardly or inwardly from the base material of this flat surface or domed concave surface. 
     Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a hand held device to mask and protect wheels during chemical treatment of a tire and tire sidewall that is mounted on a wheel, that is inexpensive, effective, easy to use, engineered to have unique and separate sizes for all wheel sizes. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     Accordingly, it is therefore an object of this invention to provide a hand held device to mask and protect wheels during chemical treatment of a tire and tire sidewall that is inexpensive, effective, simple to use, engineered to have unique and separate sizes for all wheel sizes and most importantly, a product that is offered to the public for sale at a reasonable cost. Several other objects and advantages of the present invention are: 
     a) to provide a vehicle wheel mask or shield that is lightweight and easy to hold in one hand with no other means necessary for holding it in place, freeing the other hand to apply the generally liquid protectants or tire dressing. 
     b) to provide a vehicle wheel mask or shield that is durable and not subject to failure or loss of latching mechanisms. 
     c) to provide a simple but reliable interface detail that will provide an adequate barrier against overspray, thus protecting the vehicle wheel or wheel cover. 
     d) to provide a vehicle wheel mask that is simple to use, be cost efficient and most of all, be effective in masking the wheel or wheel cover. 
     e) to provide a vehicle wheel mask that is completely ready for use by the end user, with no additional assembly or any other modification required. 
     f) to provide a vehicle wheel mask that will make use of readily available recycled materials where possible; such as an ABS material incorporating reground materials. 
     g) to provide a vehicle wheel mask that could incorporate a cushioned handle or grip for the comfort of the user. 
     h) to provide a vehicle wheel mask that could incorporate a seal that could be added to the wheel mask at the wheel interface for additional protection of the vehicle wheel as well as to aid in the placement of the wheel mask against the wheel. The seal would not absorb any of the applied liquid products and could be simply wiped off before moving to the next tire if needed, eliminating the chance for inadvertent transfer of protectants dripping on the wheel. 
    
    
     Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
     DRAWING FIGURES 
     In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. 
     FIG. 1 shows a typical operator and the application of tire dressings to a tire using a spray mask 
     FIGS. 2-5 show various aspects of one style of wheel mask with an interface flange, a generally flat or domed shaped body with an integral handle or handgrip, and two interface methods with the vehicle wheel, with and without a gasket or seal. 
     FIGS. 6-10 show various aspects of another style of wheel mask that utilizes a cylindrical walled body in conjunction with the interface flange. 
     FIGS. 11-15 show various aspects of another style of wheel mask with an interface flange that is slightly greater in diameter than the vehicle wheel. 
     FIGS. 16-19 show various aspects of a very simplistic style of wheel mask and its interface feature. 
     FIGS. 20 &amp; 21 show various aspects of a two methods of seals or gaskets about the outer diameter of the flange interface feature. 
     FIGS. 22-26 show various aspects of another style of wheel mask that utilizes a cylindrical walled edge interface feature that mates against the face of the wheel, generally flat or domed shaped, with and without a gasket or seal. 
     FIGS. 27-31 show various aspects of another style of wheel mask that utilizes a cylindrical walled edge interface feature that mates against the tire concentrically adjacent to the outer diameter of the wheel, generally flat or domed shaped, with and without a gasket or seal. 
     FIGS. 32-35 show various aspects of another style of wheel mask that utilizes a generally concave walled edge interface feature that mates against the tire concentrically adjacent to the outer diameter of the wheel, generally concave or domed shaped, with and without a gasket or seal. 
     FIGS. 36-39 show various aspects of another style of wheel mask that utilizes a concave walled edge interface feature that mates against the face of the wheel, generally flat or domed shaped, with and without a gasket or seal. 
     FIGS. 40-41 illustrate the addition of cushioned material to a handle for improved operator comfort. 
     FIGS. 42-44 illustrate various aspects of another style of a handle or handgrip that is cylindrical in shaped, protruding axially outwardly, that is separately attached with bolts. 
     FIGS. 45-47 illustrate various aspects of another style of a handle or handgrip that is cylindrical in shaped, protruding axially outwardly, that is attached with a snap feature. 
     FIGS. 48-50 illustrate various aspects of another style of a handle or handgrip that is generally u-shape, protruding axially outwardly, that is separately attached with bolts. 
     FIGS. 51-53 illustrate various aspects of another style of a handle or handgrip that is general u-shaped, protruding axially outwardly, that is attached with a snap feature. 
     FIG. 54 illustrates various aspects of another style of a handle or handgrip that is integrally molded into the generally concave surface, protruding axially outward from the mask and wheel. 
     FIG. 55 illustrates various aspects of another style of a handle or handgrip that is integrally molded into the generally concave surface, protruding axially inward from the mask and wheel. 
     FIG. 56 illustrates various aspects of another style of a handle or handgrip that consists of a plurality of holes in the concave surface for use with the operators fingers. 
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 110 
                 vehicle 
               
               
                   
                 111 
                 ground or pavement 
               
               
                   
                 112 
                 tire 
               
               
                   
                 114 
                 wheel 
               
               
                   
                 115 
                 owner/operator 
               
               
                   
                 116 
                 face of wheel 
               
               
                   
                 117 
                 spray bottle 
               
               
                   
                 118 
                 annular crevice formed by wheel and tire 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 wheel mask 
               
               
                   
                 122 
                 flange 
               
               
                   
                 126 
                 cylindrical wall 
               
               
                   
                 128 
                 generally flat or domed concave body enclosure 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 holes or slots 
               
               
                   
                 132 
                 handle or handgrip 
               
               
                   
                 134 
                 seal or gasket 
               
               
                   
                 136 
                 cushioned handgrip/covering 
               
               
                   
                 138 
                 hardware (bolt/washer) 
               
               
                   
                 139 
                 snap feature 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS. 1-56 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a vehicle  110  includes wheels,  114  and tires  112 . These tires  112 , are mounted on wheels  114  (only one visible). The vehicle owner or other user  115 , illustrated crouching and spraying tire  112  with a chemical tire treatment liquid spray from container  117  held in operator&#39;s right hand. The wheel (not illustrated) which mounts tire  112  is shown being protected or masked by a protective wheel or wheel cover mask/shield  120  that is being held in place by the other hand of the operator. This wheel mask can be manufactured from one of many materials such as a single piece of plastic or injection molded plastics, aluminum sheet or aluminum die casting or thin sheet steel, wood and even cardboard for a more disposable version. 
     A first preferred embodiment of the improved wheel spray mask of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIGS. 2-5. As shown in FIGS. 2 &amp; 3, wheel mask  120 A covers wheel  114 . This particular preferred embodiment is shown with two slots  130 A cut or molded into a generally flat or domed concave enclosure surface  128 A creating a center strip, a handle  132 A for gripping by the operators hand. Other handles and methods for holding and placement of wheel spray mask  120 A are illustrated in FIGS. 40-56. 
     FIG. 3, is a cross section of wheel mask  120 A shown in FIG. 2, which is one preferred embodiment or example of wheel mask  120 A. FIG. 4 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIG. 3 Shown in both FIGS. 3 &amp; 4 is tire  112  and wheel  114  for better understanding of the interface between wheel mask  120 A, circular flange  122 A, tire  112  and wheel  114 . Extending away from circular flange surface  122 A, angle  140 A that defines the shape of the generally concave domed body enclosure  120 A and can vary, generally 90° to 180° or as needed for the body to clear axial protrusions from the wheel or wheel cover close to the area of flange surface  122 A. This angle  140 A would be pre-determined prior to the molding, stamping or fabrication process. As shown in FIGS. 3 &amp; 4, the diameter of flange  122 A closely matches the outside diameter of face  116  of wheel  114 . When circular flange  122 A is placed against face  116  of wheel  114 , a barrier to over-spray of liquids is created by having a light force P applied to the handle by the operator with his hand. Excess liquid from the application will drain into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114  and follow this annular crevice  118  downward around the diameter of wheel  114  towards ground  111 , until it reaches a point where this excess liquid leaves annular crevice  118  and crosses the side wall of tire  112  and directly onto ground  111 . Surface  128 A is sufficiently spaced axially away from wheel  114  to clear protrusions extending axially away from wheel  114  such as knock-offs or wheel hubs that extend beyond the plane created by the outside diameter of wheel  114 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the addition of an optional gasket or seal  134 A affixed to circular flange  122 A for improved sealing and positioning of wheel mask  120 A against face  116  of wheel  114 . 
     A second preferred embodiment of the improved wheel spray mask of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIGS. 6-10. As shown in FIG. 6, wheel mask  120 B covers wheel  114 . This particular preferred embodiment is shown with two slots  130 B cut or molded into enclosure surface  128 B creating a center strip, a handle  132 B for gripping by the operators hand. Other handles and methods for holding and placement of wheel spray mask  120 B are illustrated in FIGS. 40-56. 
     FIG. 7 is cross section of wheel mask  120 B shown in FIG. 6, illustrating an example of a generally flat concave enclosure surface  128 B and FIG. 8 which illustrates a generally domed concave enclosure surface  128 B. FIG. 9 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIGS. 7 &amp; 8. Shown in FIGS. 7-9 is tire  112  and wheel  114  for better understanding of the interface between wheel mask  120 B, flange  122 B, tire  112 , wheel  114  As shown in FIGS. 7-9, circular flange  122 B closely matches the outside diameter of face  116  of wheel  114 . This particular embodiment is when angle  140 B is approximately equal to 90°, creating a cylindrical body. When circular flange  122 B is placed against face  116  of wheel  114 , a barrier to over-spray of liquids is created by having a light force P applied to the handle by the operator with his hand. Excess liquid from the application will drain into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114  and follow this annular crevice  118  downward around the diameter of wheel  114  towards ground  111 , until it reaches a point where this excess liquid leaves annular crevice  118  and crosses the side wall of tire  112  and directly onto ground  111 . Surface  128 B is sufficiently spaced axially away from wheel  114  to clear protrusions extending axially away from wheel  114  such as knock-offs or wheel hubs that extend beyond the plane created by the outside diameter of wheel  114 . 
     FIG. 10 illustrates the addition of an optional gasket or seal  134 B attached to circular flange  122 B for improved sealing and positioning of wheel mask  120 B against face  116  of wheel  114 . 
     A third preferred embodiment of the improved wheel spray mask of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIGS. 11-15. As shown in FIG. 11, wheel mask  120 C covers wheel  114 . This particular preferred embodiment is shown with two slots  130 B cut or molded into enclosure surface  128 C creating a center strip, a handle  132 C for gripping by the operators hand. Other handles and methods for holding and placement of wheel spray mask  120 C are illustrated in FIGS. 40-56. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross section of wheel mask  120 C shown in FIG. 11, illustrating an example of a generally flat concave enclosure surface  128 C and FIG. 13 which illustrates a generally domed concave enclosure surface  128 C. FIG. 14 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIGS. 12 &amp; 13. Shown in FIGS. 12-14 is tire  112  and wheel  114  for better understanding of the interface between wheel mask  120 C, flange  122 C, tire  112 , wheel  114  As shown in FIGS. 12-14, circular flange  122 C, which is slightly greater in diameter than the outside diameter of face  116  of wheel  114 . Many shapes are possible as shown in FIG. 12 where angle  140 C is between 90° and 180°. FIG. 13 illustrates a particular preferred embodiment where angle  140 C is approximately equal to 90°, creating a cylindrical body. When circular flange  122 C is placed against face  116  of wheel  114 , a barrier to over-spray of liquids is created by having a light force P applied to the handle by the operator with his hand. Excess liquid from the application will drain into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114  and follow this annular crevice  118  downward around the diameter of wheel  114  towards ground  111 , until it reaches a point where this excess liquid leaves annular crevice  118  and crosses the side wall of tire  112  and directly onto ground  111 . Surface  128 C is sufficiently spaced axially away from wheel  114  to clear protrusions extending axially away from wheel  114  such as knock-offs or wheel hubs. 
     FIG. 15 illustrates the addition of an optional gasket or seal  134 C attached to circular flange  122 C for improved sealing and positioning of wheel mask  120 C against face  116  of wheel  114 . 
     A fourth preferred embodiment of the improved wheel spray mask of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIGS. 16-19. As shown in FIG. 16, wheel mask  120 D covers wheel  114 . This particular preferred embodiment is shown with two slots  130 D cut or molded into enclosure surface  128 D creating a center strip, a handle  132 B for gripping by the operators hand. Other handles and methods for holding and placement of wheel spray mask  120 D are illustrated in FIGS. 40-56. 
     FIG. 17 is a cross section of wheel mask  120 D shown in FIG. 16 with tire  112  and wheel  114  shown for better understanding of the interface between wheel mask  120 D, with tire  112  and wheel  114 . As shown in FIG. 18, this preferred embodiment is comprised of a flat circular enclosure surface  128 D that closely matches or is slightly larger than the outside diameter of face  116  of wheel  114 . When flat circular surface  128 D is placed against face  116  of wheel  114 , a barrier to over-spray of liquids is created by having a light force P applied to the handle by the operator with his hand. Excess liquid from the application will drain into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114  and follow this annular crevice downward around the diameter of wheel  114  towards ground  111 , until it reaches a point where this excess liquid leaves annular crevice  118  and crosses the side wall of tire  112  and directly onto ground  111 . Flat circular enclosure surface  128 D is sufficiently spaced axially away from wheel  114  to clear minimal protrusions extending axially away from wheel  114 . This particular version would be sufficient for many OEM and even many aftermarket wheel that do not have such features as knock-offs or wheel hubs that extend beyond the plane created by the outside diameter of wheel  114 . 
     FIG. 19 illustrate the addition of an optional seal or gasket  134 D attached to the face  116  of flat thin walled circular surface  128 D at is outer diameter for improved sealing and positioning of wheel mask  120 D against face  116  of wheel  114 . 
     A fifth preferred embodiment of the improved wheel spray mask flange area detail as is schematically depicted in FIGS. 20 &amp; 21, a cross section of flange  122 A- 122 D as described above, with the addition of an optional gasket or seal  134 E, which is placed on the edge of circular flange surface  122 A- 122 D. This seal may have the addition of an adhesive to aid in its securing to the flange edge, however it may not be necessary to use an adhesive method, if the seal or gasket material is able to be stretched during placement on the edge of circular flange  122 A- 122 D without permanently stretching seal or gasket  134 E so that seal or gasket  134 E would be self retaining. With the addition of this style of gasket or seal, the diameter of wheel mask  120 A- 120 D including gasket or seal  134 E may either closely match the diameter of the face  116  of wheel  114  or wheel cover as shown in FIG. 20 or the diameter flange  122 A- 122 D of wheel mask  120 A- 120 D may be slightly larger than the wheel or wheel cover diameter as shown in FIG. 21, which is an alternative example of the cross section of circular flange  122 A- 122 D of wheel mask  120 A- 120 D. 
     A sixth preferred embodiment of the improved wheel spray mask of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIGS. 22-26. As shown in FIG. 22, wheel mask  120 F which covers wheel  114 . This particular preferred embodiment is shown with two slots  130 F cut or molded into enclosure surface  128 F creating a center strip, a handle  132 F for gripping by the operators hand. Other handles and methods for holding and placement of wheel spray mask  120 F are illustrated in FIGS. 40-56. 
     FIG. 23 is a cross section of wheel mask  120 F shown in FIG. 22 illustrating an example of a generally flat concave enclosure surface  128 F and FIG. 24 which illustrates an example of a generally domed concave enclosure surface  128 F. FIG. 25 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIGS. 23 &amp; 24. Shown in FIGS. 23-25 is tire  112  and wheel  114  for better understanding of the interface between wheel mask  120 F, with it&#39;s thin walled cylindrical body  126 F, tire  112  and wheel  114 . As shown in FIGS. 23-25, the outside diameter of thin wall body  126 F closely matches the outside diameter of face  116  of wheel  114 . When the edge of thin walled cylindrical body  126 F is placed against face  116  of wheel  114 , a barrier to over-spray of liquids is created by having a light force P applied to the handle by the operator with his hand. Excess liquid from the application will drain into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114  and follow this annular crevice  118  downward around the diameter of wheel  114  towards ground  111 , until it reaches a point where this excess liquid leaves annular crevice  118  and crosses the side wall of tire  112  and directly onto ground  111 . Surface  128 F is sufficiently spaced axially away from wheel  114  to clear protrusions extending axially away from wheel  112  such as knock-offs or wheel hubs. 
     FIG. 26 illustrates the addition of an optional gasket or seal  134 F attached to the edge of cylindrical body  126 F for improved sealing and positioning of wheel mask  120 F against face  116  of wheel  114 . 
     A seventh preferred embodiment of the improved wheel spray mask of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIGS. 27-31. As shown in FIG. 27, wheel mask  120 G comprises a thin walled cylindrical body  126 G and a generally flat or domed concave enclosure surface  128 G. This particular preferred embodiment is shown with two slots  130 G cut or molded into enclosure surface  128 G creating a center strip, a handle  132 G for gripping by the operators hand. Other handles and methods for holding and placement of wheel spray mask  120 G are illustrated in FIGS. 40-56. 
     FIG. 28 is a cross section of wheel mask  120 G shown in FIG. 27, illustrating an example of a generally flat concave enclosure surface  128 G and FIG. 29 which illustrates an example of a generally domed concave enclosure surface  128 G. FIG. 30 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIGS. 28 &amp; 29. Shown in FIGS. 28-30 is tire  112  and wheel  114  shown for better understanding of the interface between wheel mask  120 G, with it&#39;s thin walled cylindrical body  126 G, tire  112  and wheel  114 . As shown in FIGS. 28-30, the inside diameter of thin wall cylindrical body section  126 G, is slightly greater than the outside diameter of face  116  of wheel  114 . When the edge of thin walled cylindrical body  126 G is in annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114 , a barrier to over-spray of liquids is created by having a light force P applied to the handle by the operator with his hand. Excess liquid from the application will drain into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114  and follow this annular crevice  118  downward around the diameter of wheel  114  towards ground  111 , until it reaches a point where this excess liquid leaves annular crevice  118  and crosses the side wall of tire  112  and directly onto ground  111 . Surface  128 G is sufficiently spaced axially away from wheel  114  to clear protrusions extending axially away from wheel  114  such as knock-offs or wheel hubs that extend beyond the plane created by the outside diameter of wheel  114 . 
     FIG. 31 illustrates the addition of an optional seal or gasket  134 G attached to the edge of thin walled circular body  126 G for improved sealing and positioning of wheel mask  120 G into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114 . 
     An eighth preferred embodiment of the improved wheel mask of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIGS. 32-35. As shown in FIG. 32, wheel mask  120 H which covers wheel  114 . This particular preferred embodiment is shown with two slots  130 H cut or molded into enclosure surface  128 H creating a center strip, a handle  132 H for gripping by the operators hand. Other handles and methods for holding and placement of wheel spray mask  120 H are illustrated in FIGS. 40-56. 
     FIG. 33 is a cross section of wheel mask  120 H shown in FIG. 28, which illustrates a generally domed concave enclosure surface  128 H that extends completely to the vehicle wheel interface surface, annular crevice  118 . FIG. 34 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIG.  33 . Shown in FIGS. 33 &amp; 34 is tire  112  and wheel  114  shown for better understanding of the interface between wheel mask  120 H, with the edge of it&#39;s thin walled generally concave body  128 H, tire  112  and wheel  114 . As shown in FIGS. 33 &amp; 34, the inside diameter of the edge of generally concave body  128 H at the interface surface, is slightly greater than the outside diameter of face  116  of wheel  114 . When the edge of thin walled generally concave body  128 H is in annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114 , a barrier to over-spray of liquids is created by having a light force P applied to the handle by the operator with his hand. Excess liquid from the application will drain into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114  and follow this annular crevice  118  downward around the diameter of wheel  114  towards ground  111 , until it reaches a point where this excess liquid leaves annular crevice  118  and crosses the side wall of tire  112  and directly onto ground  111 . Surface  128 H is sufficiently spaced axially away from wheel  114  to clear protrusions extending axially away from wheel  114  such as knock-offs or wheel hubs that extend beyond the plane created by the outside diameter of wheel  114 . 
     FIG. 35 illustrates the addition of an optional seal or gasket  134 H attached to the edge of thin walled circular body  128 H for improved sealing and positioning of wheel mask  120 H into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114 . 
     A ninth preferred embodiment of the improved wheel spray mask of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIGS. 36-39. As shown in FIG. 36, wheel mask  120 I which covers wheel  114 . This particular preferred embodiment is shown with two slots  130 I cut or molded into enclosure surface  128 I creating a center strip, a handle  132 I for gripping by the operators hand. Other handles and methods for holding and placement of wheel spray mask  120 I are illustrated in FIGS. 40-56. 
     FIG. 37 is a cross section of wheel mask  120 I shown in FIG. 36, which illustrates a generally domed concave surface enclosure  128 I that extends completely to the vehicle wheel interface surface. FIG. 38 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIG.  37 . Shown in FIGS. 37 &amp; 38 is tire  112  and wheel  114  for better understanding of the interface between wheel mask  120 I, with the edge of it&#39;s thin walled generally domed concave body  128 I, tire  112  and wheel  114 . As shown in FIGS. 37 &amp; 38, the outside diameter of thin wall concave body section  128 I closely matches the outside diameter of face  116  of wheel  114 . When the edge of thin walled generally concave body  128 I is placed against face  116  of wheel  114 , a barrier to over-spray of liquids is created by having a light force P applied to the handle by the operator with his hand. Excess liquid from the application will drain into annular crevice  118  formed by tire  112  and wheel  114  and follow this annular crevice  118  downward around the diameter of wheel  114  towards ground  111 , until it reaches a point where this excess liquid leaves annular crevice  118  and crosses the side wall of tire  112  and directly onto ground  111 . Surface  128 I is sufficiently spaced axially away from wheel  114  to clear protrusions extending axially away from wheel  114  such as knock-offs or wheel hubs that extend beyond the plane created by the outside diameter of wheel  114 . 
     FIG. 39 illustrates the addition of an optional seal or gasket  134 I attached to the edge of thin walled concave body  128 I for improved sealing and positioning of wheel mask  120 I against face  116  of wheel  114 . 
     FIGS. 40-56 illustrate some other preferred embodiments of handles, hand-grips and other methods for gripping and placement of wheel mask(s)  120 A-I onto wheel  114 . 
     FIGS. 40 &amp; 41 illustrate the addition of cushioned hand-grip  136 J wrapping around handle  132 A- 132 I, made from a soft material such as neoprene, foam, cloth or any other compound that creates a soft hand-grip  136 J for improved comfort of the operators hand as it grips hand-grip  136 J. FIG. 41 is a cross section view of FIG. 40, illustrating this cushioned hand-grip  136 J. This cushioned hand-grip  136 J can be attached by one of many methods; such as adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, stitching, snaps or buttons. 
     FIGS. 42-44 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a handle design to the previously described and illustrated wheel masks. FIG. 43 is a cross section of FIG. 42, a typical wheel mask for the illustration of another preferred embodiment of a handle design  132 K, whereas a generally cylindrical shaped and separate handle or hand-grip  132 K is attached to generally flat or concave domed surface depicted as  128 A- 128 I. This handle or hand-grip  132 K shall be attached with hardware  138 K. Handle or hand-grip  132 K may be tapped with threads for the acceptance of such hardware. Other hardware fastening methods could be used such as self-tapping screws or rivets. FIG. 44 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIG. 43, illustrating for better clarity, handle  132 K and hardware  138 K. 
     FIGS. 45-47 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a handle design to the previously described and illustrated wheel masks. FIG. 46 is a cross section of FIG. 45, a typical wheel mask for the illustration of another preferred embodiment of a handle design, whereas a generally cylindrical shaped and separate handle or hand-grip  132 L is attached to generally flat or concave domed surface depicted as  128 A- 128 I. This preferred embodiment of a handle or hand-grip  132 L shall be attached with an integrated snap feature as shown  139 L. While this method is intended to be of a more permanent nature, the handle can still be removed by squeezing snap legs  139 L together while pulling hand-grip  132 L away from generally flat or concave domed surface depicted as  128 A- 128 I. FIG. 47 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIG. 46, illustrating for better clarity, handle  132 L and integral snap feature  139 L. 
     FIGS. 48-50 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a handle design to the previously described and illustrated wheel masks. FIG. 49 is a cross section of FIG. 48, a typical wheel mask for the illustration of another preferred embodiment of a handle design, whereas a generally u-shaped and separate handle or hand-grip  132 M is attached to the generally flat or concave domed surface depicted as  128 A- 128 I. This handle or hand-grip  132 M shall be attached with hardware  138 M. The handle or hand-grip may be tapped with threads for the acceptance of such hardware. Other hardware fastening methods could be used such as self-tapping screws or rivets. FIG. 50 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIG. 49, illustrating for better clarity, handle  132 M and hardware  138 M. 
     FIGS. 51-53 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a handle design to the previously described and illustrated wheel masks. FIG. 52 is a cross section of FIG. 51, a typical wheel mask for the illustration of another preferred embodiment of a handle design, whereas a generally u-shaped and separate handle or hand-grip  132 N is attached to generally flat or concave domed surface depicted as  128 A- 128 I. This handle or hand-grip  132 N shall be attached with an integrated snap feature as shown. While this method is intended to be of a more permanent nature, handle  132 N can still be removed by squeezing snap legs  139 N together while pulling hand-grip  132 N away from generally flat or concave domed surface depicted as  128 A- 128 I. FIG. 53 is a 4× scale partial view of the upper portion of FIG. 52, illustrating for better clarity, handle  132 N and integral snap feature  139 N. 
     FIG. 54 is a cross section of a typical wheel mask for the illustration of another preferred embodiment of a handle design, whereas an outwardly protruding handle or hand-grip shape  132 O is a integrally molded or stamped feature that is molded or stamped directly into to generally flat or concave domed surface depicted as  128 A- 128 I. This handle or hand-grip  132 O could take on many shapes that would be easily gripped or held by the operators hand. 
     FIG. 55 is a cross section of a typical wheel mask for the illustration of another preferred embodiment of a handle design, whereas an inwardly protruding handle or hand-grip shape  132 P is a integrally molded or stamped feature that is molded or stamped directly into to generally flat or concave domed surface depicted as  128 A- 128 I. This handle or hand-grip  132 P could take on many shapes that would be easily gripped or held by the operator&#39;s hand. 
     FIG. 56 is a front view a of typical wheel mask for the illustration of another preferred embodiment of a handle design, whereas at least one hole of sufficient diameter  130 Q to allow the operators finger to pass through and grip. This hole or plurality of holes  130 Q is/are integrally cut or molded into to generally flat or concave domed surface depicted as  128 A- 128 I. This hole(s) could vary in the quantity, pattern and placement. 
     Advantages 
     From the description above, a number of advantages of my vehicle wheel detailing mask become evident: 
     a) Its design allows for a maximum amount of the tire sidewall to be treated, while providing the needed protection for the vehicle wheel. 
     b) It is appropriately sized for a specific vehicle wheel, with no assembly modification required. The operator simply chooses a specific size wheel mask for the particular size of wheels on the vehicle. 
     c) It is made from a lightweight material, such as ABS or polystyrene. 
     d) It can be manufactured from plastic with a significant portion of recycled or reclaimed composition. 
     e) Using plastic for its manufacture also provides a material that will not scratch or damage the vehicle wheels. 
     f) It&#39;s use provides for a great amount of time and labor savings while detailing tires, thus allowing the owner/operator the ability to detail the tires more frequently, thereby keeping those tires on those great looking wheels looking sharp! 
     Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that the hand held wheel spray mask can be used to quickly and effectively cover a vehicle wheel while a protectant or other tire dressing or cleaner is applied to the tire and its sidewall. In addition, the hand held wheel spray mask has been appropriately sized for each of the many wheel sizes, leaving the operator to simply picking up the wheel mask, gently pressing it against the wheel or tire, quickly applying the dressing and in a matter of seconds moving to the next tire, all without any overspray reaching the surface of the wheel. 
     Furthermore the hand held wheel mask has the additional advantages in that 
     it is a self contained unit with no required assembly by the operator; 
     it provides the integration of a simple yet effective gasket or seal if needed.; 
     it is engineered such that one mask fits one wheel, no “one size fits all”, without the need for any latching mechanism; 
     it permits the production of wheel masks from a tough and durable plastic while providing a material that will not damage the wheel from abrasion or impact; 
     it permits the production of wheel masks from recycled plastics 
     it permits the use of many different colors of masks; 
     Although the descriptions above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. 
     Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.