Patent Abstract:
The invention relates to a track widening system for motor vehicles, having at least one track widening disc and at least one centering ring which is inserted into a central opening of the track widening disc, wherein the centering ring has at least one first catch device which is arranged at the free end of a resilient arm and wherein the track widening disc has a corresponding second catch device. The centering ring may comprise plastic, and may be fiber-reinforced. One or more centering rings may have different colors.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of priority of German Application No. 10 20140215 986.5, filed Aug. 12, 2014, and of German Application No. 20 2015 000 487.3, filed Jan. 19, 2015, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a track widening system or wheel spacer system for motor vehicles. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention pertain to systems having at least one track widening disc or wheel spacer disc and at least one centering ring for insertion into the track widening disc. There heretofore lacks a universal system enabling track widening of differing amounts and centering on wheel rims having different diameters. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    An object of the invention is to provide a track widening system for motor vehicles which can be used in a flexible manner for different wheel rims and different vehicles. 
         [0004]    To this end, there is provided according to some embodiments of the present invention a track widening system that may include at least one track widening disc and a centering ring which is inserted into a central opening of the track widening disc. The centering ring comprises plastics material. The centering ring may have at least one first catch device which is arranged at the free end of a resilient arm and the track widening disc has a corresponding second catch device. 
         [0005]    Because the track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include a track widening disc and a separate centering ring, the track widening system can be flexibly adapted to different vehicles and different wheel rims. This is because the track widening disc has to fit on the wheel bolts of the vehicle and the centering ring must be adapted to the diameter of a central opening in the wheel rim so that the wheel rim is orientated during positioning on the centering ring precisely concentrically relative to the track widening disc or concentrically relative to the wheel hub or the pitch circle with the wheel bolts. The invention recognizes that the centering ring is not loaded during driving operation because the forces and momentums introduced by the wheel rim into the wheel hub and vice versa are transmitted exclusively by means of the track widening disc. Therefore, in some embodiments, the centering ring, which only carries out its centering function when the track widening disc is mounted and when the wheel rim is mounted, may comprise plastic material. The centering ring can thus be produced in a very cost-effective manner and also with extremely varied dimensions in order to be able to use the track widening system according to the invention for different vehicles and wheel rims. The centering ring may be constructed, for example, as a plastics injection-moulded component, especially fiber-reinforced plastics, because, as mentioned, it is not subjected to any loads at all during driving operation. The production of the centering ring from plastics material, in particular from plastics injection-moulded material, also makes it easier to produce different centering rings which then ensure the adaptation of the track widening discs to different wheel rims. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments of the invention, the first catch device is in the form of a catch projection which projects outwards in a radial direction. In some implementations, the catch projection may be at the free end of a resilient arm which can readily be produced on a plastics component, such as a plastics injection-moulded component. As above, the centering ring may not subjected to any loads during driving operation and consequently the catch projection at the free end of a resilient arm may only be subject to forces which occur when the track widening disc and the wheel rim are mounted on the wheel hub. Advantageously, a plurality of resilient arms having catch projections may be provided on the centering ring at the free ends. In some implementations four resilient arms may be provided. However it is to be appreciated that other number of arms and catch projections are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the second catch device may be a shoulder which extends round the central opening. In some embodiments, the second catch device may be a chamfered portion which extends round the central opening. In some embodiments, the second catch device may be a groove which extends round the central opening. 
         [0008]    A peripheral shoulder, a peripheral chamfered portion or a peripheral groove can be provided in the track widening disc, and unitarily formed. The track widening disc may be formed of metal, and thus the shoulder, chamfered portion, or peripheral groove can be mechanically processed at the same time other features of the track widening disc. For example, and without limitation, the peripheral shoulder, the peripheral chamfered portion or the peripheral groove can therefore be formed in the track widening disc, for example, during a turning process. The outwardly projecting catch projections on the centering ring may engage in the central opening of the track widening disc when the centering ring is introduced. In the case of thick track widening discs, a groove may be provided in the inner wall of the central opening and, in the case of relatively thin track widening discs, the catch projections of the centering ring may engage at a peripheral shoulder or a peripheral chamfered portion which may be arranged at the transition between the central opening and the upper side and/or lower side of the track widening disc. 
         [0009]    In a development of the invention, the track widening disc may have a plurality of wheel bolt holes which are provided for the introduction of wheel bolts. A a dimension of the wheel bolt holes in a radial direction of the track widening disc may be from about 1.2 times to about 1.7 times. For example, and without limitation, it may be 1.5 times the diameter of the wheel bolts. In some embodiments, the track widening disc may have at least one curved slot which extends in the peripheral direction as a wheel bolt hole. In this manner, different hole configurations can be covered with a track widening disc. In this manner, the number of individual components necessary for the track widening system according to the invention in order to cover different vehicles and wheel rims can also be substantially reduced. Different pitch circles in different vehicles can be covered by means of such a configuration of the wheel bolt holes in the track widening disc. It is also thereby possible to substantially reduce the number of different track widening discs which are necessary for different vehicles. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of centering rings may provided in the track widening system, wherein each centering ring has a retention portion for fixing to the track widening disc with at least a first catch device and a centering portion for arrangement in a central opening of a wheel rim. All the centering rings may have the same outer diameter in the retention portion and the centering rings may differ from each other at least partially in terms of the outer diameter of the centering portion. 
         [0011]    It is thereby possible to ensure that all the centering rings which are different from each other can fit in all the track widening discs of the track widening system according to the invention and can be engaged therein. As already described, the corresponding second catch devices may also be arranged at mutually different track widening discs in an identical manner so that all the centering rings of the track widening system can be engaged. 
         [0012]    In some implementations, a plurality of track widening discs of different thicknesses may be included in the track widening system. 
         [0013]    In some implementations, the track widening discs may have differently arranged wheel bolt holes. 
         [0014]    Although the track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the invention may not require different track widening discs and different centering rings in order to be able to cover different vehicles and wheel rims, the necessary number of individual components, particularly the number of different track widening discs, can be substantially reduced. Different track widening discs may be provided to produce different dimensions for the track widening obtained. 
         [0015]    The above-described objects, advantages and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described herein. In addition, individual features of different embodiments which are described and/or illustrated in the drawings may be combined with each other without exceeding the scope of the invention. Further benefits and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an oblique view of a track widening system including a track widening disc and a first centering ring in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an oblique view of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is an oblique view of a track widening system including the track widening disc of  FIG. 1  and a second centering ring in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the system of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is an oblique view of the system of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an oblique view of a track widening system including the track widening disc of  FIG. 1  and a third centering ring in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the system of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is an oblique view of the system of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of a track widening disc of a track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 10  along section XI-XI. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a centering ring of a track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is another side view of the centering ring of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 13  along section A-A, including two enlarged detailed illustrations. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is another side view of the centering ring of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0031]      FIGS. 16A-D  are views different track widening discs, and  FIGS. 16E-J  are views of different centering rings, each in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, shown centrally aligned. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  are oblique forward and reverse side views of a centering ring of a track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  are oblique forward and reverse side views of a centering ring of a track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 19A and 19B  are oblique forward and reverse side views of a centering ring of a track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  are oblique forward and reverse side views of a centering ring of a track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 21A and 21B  are oblique forward and reverse side views of a centering ring of a track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 22A and 22B  are oblique forward and reverse side views of a centering ring of a track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of a centering ring of a track widening system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without all of the specific details provided. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  illustrates a track widening disc  10  having a centering ring  12  of the track widening system according to the invention. The track widening disc  10  is illustrated has having a total of six wheel bolt holes  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24 , however it is to be appreciated that other number of holes are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The wheel bolt holes  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  24  may be constructed as circular holes whereas the wheel bolt holes  14  and  22  may be constructed as slots which extend in a peripheral direction of the track widening disc  10 . Usually, wheel hubs of motor vehicles are provided with four or five wheel bolts. The wheel bolt holes  14  to  24  may consequently not all be used simultaneously for the introduction of wheel bolts but are instead arranged in such a manner that different hole configurations of wheel hubs can be covered with a single track widening disc  10 . The two slots  14 ,  22  which are curved in a rounded manner may also used for this. Furthermore, the diameter of the circular wheel bolt holes  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  24  and the dimension of the wheel bolt holes  14 ,  22  when viewed in a radial direction may be from about 1.2 to 1.7 times, and in some preferred embodiments 1.5 times, as large as the outer diameter of the wheel bolts used. Slightly different pitch circle diameters of wheel bolts in different vehicles can thereby be covered. 
         [0041]    The centering ring  12 , when viewed from the visible rear side of the track widening disc  10  in  FIG. 1 , may be inserted therein and may have a peripheral, chamfered collar  26  which defines an end position of the centering ring  12  on the track widening disc  10  in an axial direction. The abutment of the collar  26  against a corresponding chamfered portion  28  at the transition of the rear side of the track widening disc  10  into the central hole  30  thereof can be seen in the cross-section of  FIG. 2 , which rear side is shown at the top in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0042]    The centering ring  12  may have four resilient arms  32 , at the free end of which a catch projection  34  is arranged, respectively. However it is to be appreciated that other numbers of resilient arms are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The illustration of  FIG. 1  depicts only two resilient arms  32  and associated catch projections  34 . The catch projections  3  may engage in a groove  36  which extends radially outwards from the central opening of the track widening disc  10 . As a result, in some examples, the centering ring  12  may be introduced into the track widening disc  10  by the centering ring  12  in  FIG. 2  being pushed into the track widening disc  10  from above until the chamfered collar  26  abuts the chamfered portion  28  of the track widening disc  10  and, at the same time, the catch projections  34  engage in the peripheral groove  36 . The catch projections  34  can be disengaged from the groove  36  by a tool, for example, a screwdriver, being inserted into the recesses  35  of the centering ring  12 . However, the catch projections  34  may also be disengaged without tools, such as by pressing powerfully on the centering ring  12 . 
         [0043]    The centering ring  12  may have a retention portion  38  whose outer diameter is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the central opening of the track widening disc  10 . The centering ring  12  may be retained with this retention portion  38  in the central opening of the track widening disc  10  and centered in relation to the central opening. Furthermore, the centering ring  12  may include a rim centering portion  40  which projects beyond the front side of the track widening disc  10 , which side is shown at the bottom in  FIG. 2 , and may be provided in order to be pushed into the central opening of a wheel rim. Consequently, the outer diameter of the circular-cylindrical rim centering portion  40  corresponds to the diameter of the central opening of the wheel rim provided for assembly or is only slightly smaller than the diameter of that central opening. The inner diameter of the retention portion  38 , said inner diameter forming a hub centering portion  41 , may correspond to the outer diameter of the rim centering portion  40 . The rim centering portion  40  can be made slightly conical which is explained in detail in conjunction with  FIG. 23 . 
         [0044]    The centering ring  12  may also have a hub centering portion  41  which is intended to be placed on the outer diameter of a wheel hub. By simply pushing the hub centering portion  41  onto the wheel hub, the centering ring  12  and the track widening disk  10  can then be centered on the wheel hub. According to some embodiments of the invention, different centering rings  12  may be provided with different inner diameters of the hub centering portion  41  in order to be used with different types of vehicles having different outer diameters of the wheel hub. The hub centering portion  41  can be made slightly conical which is explained in detail in conjunction with  FIG. 23 . 
         [0045]    It can be seen in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  that different centering rings  12  can be introduced into the track widening disc  10  in the track widening system according to the invention in order to be able to centre wheel rims having different diameters in respect of their central openings relative to the track widening disc  10 . It can further be seen that the track widening disc  10  can be used for different pitch circles and different hole configurations of wheel hubs of vehicles. Consequently, the track widening system according to the invention makes it possible to manage with substantially fewer individual components and be able to cover a large number of different vehicles and different wheel rims. 
         [0046]    The illustration of  FIG. 3  is an oblique front view of the track widening disc  10  with the centering ring  12  inserted. As shown, the centering portion  40  of the centering ring  12  may project beyond the front side of the track widening disc  10  and can thereby be introduced into the central opening of a wheel rim. 
         [0047]    The illustrations of  FIGS. 4 to 6  show the track widening disc  10  which has already been illustrated in  FIG. 1 , with a different centering ring  42  having been introduced into the track widening disc  10 . Centering ring  42  may have a retention portion  44  having the same outer diameter as the centering ring  12 . Therefore, the centering ring  42  can also be introduced into the central opening of the track widening disc  10  and, similarly to the centering ring  12 , can be engaged in the groove  36  of the track widening disc  10  by means of catch projections. 
         [0048]    Unlike the centering ring  12 , the centering ring  42  may have a centering portion  40  with an outer diameter which is smaller than the centering portion  40  of the centering ring  12 . By the centering ring  42  being introduced into the track widening disc  10  in place of the centering ring  12 , consequently, the track widening disc  10  can be adapted to wheel rims with a smaller diameter of the central opening. 
         [0049]    The illustrations of  FIGS. 7 to 9  show the track widening disc  10  of  FIG. 1 , with a different centering ring  52  having been introduced into the central opening of the track widening disc  10  in place of the centering ring  12 . The centering ring  52  may also have (and as illustrated more fully in the cross-sectional illustration of  FIG. 8 ) a retention portion  54  which may have the same outer diameter as the retention portion  38  of the centering ring  12  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and the retention portion  44  of the centering ring  42  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). The centering ring  52  can also be introduced into the central opening of the track widening disc  10  and can be engaged in the groove  36  of the track widening disc  10  by means of the catch projections on the catch arms. 
         [0050]    Unlike the centering rings  12 ,  42 , the centering ring  52  may have a centering portion  56  with an even smaller outer diameter. By the centering ring  52  being introduced, consequently, the track widening disc  10  can be used for wheel rims having an even smaller diameter of the central opening. 
         [0051]    The illustration of  FIG. 10  is a plan view of another track widening disc  60  according to the invention. The track widening disc  60  may have, similarly to the track widening disc  10  of  FIG. 1 , a total of six wheel bolt holes  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24 , however other numbers of wheel bolt holes are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. It can clearly be seen in  FIG. 10  that track widening disc  60  may have two curved slots  14 ,  22  extending over an angular range a in order to be able to cover wheel hubs having different hole configurations. 
         [0052]    The illustration of  FIG. 11  is a plan view of the plane of section XI-XI of  FIG. 10 . As illustrated, a groove  36 , in the central opening  30  of the track widening disc  10 , may be provided for the catch projections of the centering rings. Also illustrated is the chamfered portion  28  at the transition of the rear side of the track widening disc  60  into the central opening, which rear side is arranged on the left in  FIG. 11 . As discussed above, the chamfered portion  28  may serve to receive the collar  26  of the centering rings, which collar may also be chamfered, and thereby form a stop when the centering ring is introduced into the track widening disc  60 . 
         [0053]    The illustration of  FIG. 12  is a side view of the centering ring  42  of  FIG. 5 . As above, the centering ring  42  may have a retention portion  44  whose outer diameter is adapted to the inner diameter of the central opening of the track widening discs and in which the catch arms  32  are also arranged, at the free ends of which there may also be arranged catch projections  34  which extend radially outwards in relation to the centering ring  42 . When viewed over the periphery of the centering ring  42 , a total of four catch arms  32  each having a catch projection  34  are arranged at the free end. However it is to be appreciated other numbers of catch arms are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. A frustoconical chamfered portion  43  may be provided at the transition between the retention portion  44  and the centering portion  42 . That chamfered portion may vary with the difference in diameter between the retention portion  44  and the centering portion  42 . A plurality of slot-like recesses  45  may be provided in the chamfered portion  43  over the periphery. Those recesses  45  may be used to keep the material thickness of the centering ring substantially constant in order to prevent deformation of the plastics material during manufacturing. 
         [0054]    The illustration of  FIG. 13  is a front view of the centering ring  42  (e.g., from the left in  FIG. 12 ).  FIG. 14  is a cross-section along the line A-A in  FIG. 13 . Consequently, the planes of section extend in  FIG. 14  through a catch arm  32  having a catch projection  34  and, at the bottom in  FIG. 14 , through one of the recesses  45 .  FIG. 14  further contains two enlarged detailed illustrations, in which the regions of  FIG. 14  have been illustrated to an enlarged scale, which regions are circled in a dot-dash manner. 
         [0055]      FIG. 15  is a rear view of the centering ring  42  of  FIG. 12 , that is to say, from the right in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0056]    The illustrations of  FIGS. 16A to 16J  show by way of example a track widening system according to the invention having a total of four different track widening discs  70  ( FIG. 16A ),  72  ( FIG. 16B ),  74  ( FIG. 16C) and 76  ( FIG. 16D ). It is to be appreciated that although four track widening discs are illustrated in the example of  FIGS. 16A-D , track widening systems in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include other numbers of track widening discs. The track widening discs  70  and  72  are illustrated as differing in terms of the thickness thereof, as do the track widening discs  74  and  76 . The track widening discs  70 ,  72  are illustrated as having a greater outer diameter than the track widening discs  74 ,  76 . In some embodiments, a diameter of a central opening of the track widening discs  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76  is always constructed so as to be precisely the same so that different centering rings can be introduced into each of the track widening discs  70 ,  72 ,  74  and  76 . As illustrated, in some embodiments six different centering rings  78  ( FIG. 16E ),  80  ( FIG. 16F ),  82  ( FIG. 16G ),  84  ( FIG. 16H ),  86  ( FIGS. 16I) and 88  ( FIG. 16J ) can be introduced into the track widening discs  70 ,  72 ,  74  and  76 . However it is to be appreciated that track widening systems in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include other numbers of centering rings. With reference to  FIGS. 16E to 16J , it can also be seen that the centering rings  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88  may differ in terms of the outer diameter of the centering portion thereof and may also differ in terms of the axial length of the retention portion thereof. However, the catch projections  34  with which the centering rings  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88  are engaged with the track widening discs  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76  are, in preferred embodiments, always arranged with the same spacing from the chamfered collar  26  of the centering rings  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 . This makes it possible for track widening discs  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76  and centering rings  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88  to be interchanged. 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, the centering rings  78 ,  80  may have the same outer diameter of the centering portion and may have for identification a different but related colour (e.g. dark red and light red). The centering rings  82 ,  84  may have a larger diameter of the centering portion when compared to the centering rings  78 ,  80 ; both centering rings  82 ,  84 , however, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, may have the same outer diameter of the centering portion. The centering rings  78 ,  80  may have for identification a different but related colour (e.g., yellow and orange) which is different than the colouring of the centering rings  78 ,  80 . The centering rings  86 ,  88  are illustrated as having the biggest diameter of the centering portion of all centering rings and, for identification, may have a different but related colour (e.g. a bright white and a darker white) which is different than the colouring of the other centering rings. It is to be appreciated that, in preferred embodiments, all centering rings of different dimensions (e.g., centering rings  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 ) may have a different colour. It is further to be appreciated that in accordance with some embodiments of the invention other identifying features may distinguish the different centering rings. For example, and without limitation, the centering rings may have text or symbolic markings thereon for distinguishing purposes. In preferred embodiments, centering rings having the same outer diameter of the centering portion may have a related colour. Such a colour identification system according to the invention is independent of the provision of catch devices. As a consequence, such a colour identification system is independent of the provision of the catch projections  34  on the catch arms  32  and can be realized with centering rings without catch devices. 
         [0058]    The illustrations of  FIGS. 17A-B ,  18 A-B,  19 A-B,  20 A-B,  21 A-B, and  22 A-B show in each case two views of the centering rings  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 , respectively, an oblique front view and an oblique rear view. 
         [0059]      FIG. 23  shows a schematical cross-section of a centering ring  12  according to the invention.  FIG. 23  is not drawn to scale, rather, the conicity of the hub centering portion  41  and the rim centering portion  40  is exaggerated to show these features. Apart from the special shape of the rim centering portion  40  and the hub centering portion  41 , the centering ring  12  may comprise the same features as the centering rings already described. 
         [0060]    As above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the retention portion  38  of the centering ring  12  may be fixed to a track widening disk  10  (not illustrated in  FIG. 23 ). Together with the centering ring  12 , the track widening disk  10  may be pushed onto the wheel hub of a car. The inner diameter of the centering portion  38  may be formed by the hub centering portion  41 . The inside of the chamfered collar  26  may help to center the centering ring  12  on the wheel hub. The hub centering portion  41  can be slightly conical, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . Again,  FIG. 23  is not drawn to scale, and the conicity of hub centering portion  41  is strongly exaggerated to illustrate some embodiments of the invention. The centering ring  12  may be pushed onto the circular cylindrical outer diameter of the wheel hub. The hub centering portion  41  may have a wider diameter adjacent the chamfered collar  26  and a narrower diameter in a direction away from the chamfered collar  26 . When pushing the centering ring  12  onto the wheel hub, the centering ring  12  may, therefore, be centered onto the wheel hub. In such implementations of the invention, tolerances of the outer diameter of the wheel hub can be compensated. By making the hub centering portion  41  slightly conical, the centering ring  12  can be placed onto the wheel hub free from play. In addition, since the centering ring  12  may comprise plastic, the slight conicity of the hub centering portion  41  makes it easier to get the centering ring  12  out of a form during manufacturing. In some examples, and without limitation, the diameter of the hub centering portion  41  narrows by a few tenths of a millimetre (e.g., if the diameter of the hub centering portion  41  amounts to 58.3 mm at its upper end in  FIG. 23  adjacent to the chamfered collar  26 , it may then narrow down to 58 mm at its lower end). It is to be appreciated that other dimensions are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
         [0061]    It can also be seen in  FIG. 23  that the rim centering portion  40  may also be slightly conical and narrow its diameter from top down in  FIG. 23 . The conicity of the rim centering portion  40  is also strongly exaggerated in  FIG. 23  to illustrate some embodiments of the invention. The largest diameter of the rim centering portion  40  may be, therefore, placed adjacent to the retention portion  38  and the smallest diameter of the rim centering portion  40  may be placed at the end of the centering ring  12  opposite the retention portion  38 . When a wheel rim is placed onto the centering ring  40 , tolerances of the inner diameter of the central opening of a wheel rim can therefore be compensated. By making the rim centering portion  40  slightly conical, the centering ring  12  can, therefore, be arranged without play in the central opening of a wheel rim. In addition, making the rim centering portion  40  slightly conical makes it easier to get the plastic centering ring  12  out of its form during manufacturing. In some examples, and without limitation, the diameter of the rim centering portion  40  narrows for only a few tenth of a millimetre (e.g., if the diameter of the rim centering portion  40  amounts to 58 mm at its upper end in  FIG. 23 , adjacent the retention portion  38 , it will narrow down to 57.5 mm at its lower end). It is to be appreciated that other dimensions are contemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
         [0062]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is to be appreciated that the features disclosed herein may be used different combinations and permutations with each other, all falling within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but only in accordance with the appended claims when read in light of the foregoing specification.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1