Patent Description:
The screw cap of the present invention is generally used in the automotive industry, for example, the screw cap may be installed onto wheel fasteners and anti-theft wheel fasteners of cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles, buses and the like.

A screw cap is a device that covers and protects a head of a wheel screw, for example, simple wheel fasteners, but also anti-theft wheel fasteners, in use. The screw cap serves to protect the wheel screws from external debris, dirt, adverse whether conditions and the like, but may also function as an aesthetic improvement.

In some applications, for example in the automotive industry, it is necessary to protect the head of wheel screws. Wheel screws generally include wheel fasteners, including bolts, screws, nuts and the like, and serve to affix a wheel of a vehicle to a wheel hub of a vehicle. Some screw sets for wheels may include at least one anti-theft wheel fasteners, which are substantially similar to wheel fasteners, except that they include a specifically designed head that can only be used with a corresponding key for installation or removal of the anti-theft wheel fasteners. The key and the head of an anti-theft wheel fastener are generally unique. Commonly, each wheel may include a single anti-theft wheel fastener, and a plurality of normal wheel fasteners (i.e. normal screw heads). In this way, the anti-theft wheel fastener prevents theft of the wheel from the vehicle.

It is generally known in the art to provide a screw cap to protect a head of a wheel fastener. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a screw cap <NUM> having a generally hexagonal engaging portion may be used to affix the screw cap to a hexagonal head of a wheel fastener. It is also generally known in the art to provide another, separate, screw cap to protect the head of the anti-theft wheel fastener. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a screw cap <NUM> having a generally cylindrical engaging portion may be used to affix the screw cap to a circular head of an anti-theft wheel fasteners. In this way, two different screw caps are required to protect wheel fasteners and anti-theft wheel fasteners. However, having to use two separate screw caps in order to protect the screw head of the wheel fastener as well as the anti-theft wheel fastener can be cumbersome to the user, but may also increase the expense to the user, because two different types of screw caps have to be acquired. Further, manufacturing time and costs may be increased as it is necessary to manufacture two different designs of screw caps for each wheel. In addition, the design of the wheel fastener screw cap and the anti-theft wheel fastener screw cap are may differ in look as well as function, and so the user may perceive a difference, aesthetically and/or functionally, between the two types of screw caps once installed.

<CIT> discusses a nut cap capable of being attached to various kinds of nuts of different sizes.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved screw cap that can be used with two different screw heads. In particular, the present invention proposes a single screw cap that can be used with two types of screw head. More particularly, the screw cap can be used with both wheel fastener screw heads and anti-theft wheel fastener screw heads. More particularly, the present invention proposes a screw cap that reduces manufacturing time, costs and is more aesthetically suitable for the end user.

Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claim. Dependent claims describe optional features.

In one aspect, there is provided a screw cap for a screw head, comprising a tubular body, having an end wall at a distal end portion and an opening at a proximal end portion along a centre axis; at least one first coupling member arranged coaxially to said centre axis at said distal end portion, adapted to retainingly receive at least a portion of a first-type screw head; and at least one second coupling member arranged coaxially with, and axially proximal to, said at least one first coupling member, adapted to retainingly receive at least a portion of a second-type screw head.

This provides the advantage that a single screw cap can be manufactured and installed to accommodate two types of wheel screw head. In particular, this provides the advantage that a single screw cap may be manufactured and installed to accommodate both a head of a wheel fastener and a head of an anti-theft wheel fasteners.

According to the invention, said at least one first coupling member comprises at least one first radial wall member and at least one second surrounding wall member arranged concentric to and facing said first surrounding wall member, said at least one first surrounding wall member and said at least one second surrounding wall member protruding from said end wall towards said proximal end portion along said centre axis, so as to form a substantially annularly shaped recess coaxial with said tubular body and adapted to matingly receive at least a portion of the first-type screw head.

This provides the advantage that a first-type screw head is tightly secured to the screw cap, in use.

Advantageously, said substantially annularly shaped recess is configured to provide a friction fit with at least a portion of the first-type screw head.

This provides the advantage that the screw cap can be easily be installed to, and removed from, the first-type screw head.

According to the invention, said second coupling member comprises at least two circumferentially spaced apart rib members, each rib member extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of said tubular body so as to couplingly engage with at least a portion of the second-type screw head, during use.

According to the invention, said at least two rib members are adapted to provide a friction fit with at least a portion of the second-type screw head, during use.

Advantageously, the screw cap comprises at least six circumferentially equidistantly spaced apart rib members.

Advantageously, the diameter defined by the circumferentially spaced apart rib members is greater than the diameter defined by the annularly shaped recess.

This provides the advantage that the screw cap accommodates differences in shape, specifically diameter. In this way, each screw cap installed to a wheel screw on a wheel of a vehicle appears substantially identical in height and form once installed, irrespective of the wheel screw to which the screw cap is affixed.

Advantageously, the first-type screw head is a hexagonal screw head.

Advantageously, the second-type screw head is a circular screw head.

Advantageously, the screw cap comprises a resilient material.

Advantageously, the screw cap comprises a polymer material.

Advantageously, the end wall comprises a central bore adapted to receive a corresponding tool key.

Example embodiment(s) of the invention are now described, by way of example only, hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The described example embodiment relates to a screw cap, and in particular a screw cap which can be installed onto two different types of screw heads. More particularly, the screw cap can be installed onto both a head of a wheel fastener and a head of an-anti theft wheel fastener.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words 'upper' and 'lower' designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words 'inner', 'inwardly' and 'outer', 'outwardly' refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. a central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description. Further, the terms 'proximal' (i.e. nearer to) and 'distal' (i.e. away from) designate positions relative to a body or a point of attachment (e.g. a screw head).

Further, as used herein, the terms 'connected', `affixed' and the like are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, as well as, indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween.

Further, unless otherwise specified, the terms 'wheel screw', 'wheel fastener', 'screw', 'fastener' and the like may be used interchangeably. Moreover, the terms 'screw cap', 'wheel cap', 'wheel screw cap', 'wheel fastener cap' and the like may be used interchangeably.

Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout.

Referring now to Figure <NUM>(a), a screw, or a wheel fastener <NUM>, for example a bolt, includes a first-type screw head 102a, which is hexagonal in the depicted embodiment. The head 102a may have another shape in another embodiment. The wheel fastener <NUM> generally includes a threaded shank extending outwardly from the head 102a at a distal end thereof. Figure <NUM>(b) shows another screw, or an anti-theft wheel fastener <NUM>, for example a bolt, including a second-type screw head 104a, which is circular in the depicted embodiment. The anti-theft wheel fastener <NUM> generally includes a threaded shank extending outwardly from the head 104a at a distal end thereof.

The first-type screw head 102a and the second-type screw head 104a are different. The head 104a includes a cut-out 104b for engaging with a corresponding tool key (not shown) in use, thereby allowing the user to install or remove the anti-theft wheel fastener <NUM>. The head 104a and the cut-out 104b may have another shape in another embodiment. The wheel fastener <NUM> and the anti-theft wheel fastener <NUM>, or indeed other appropriate screw means having any other appropriate shape or size, may be used with the screw cap of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the head 102a of the wheel fastener <NUM> (i.e. wheel screw) may have a greater height than that of the head 104a of the anti-theft wheel fastener <NUM> (i.e. anti-theft screw). The difference between the height of each fastener <NUM>, <NUM> is indicated by the double-headed arrow in <FIG>. In use, a screw cap <NUM> according to the invention, is placed over the head 102a, 104a of each fastener <NUM>, <NUM> and pushed towards a threaded end of the respective fastener <NUM>, <NUM> to attach the screw cap <NUM> to the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The screw cap <NUM> may generally be a push-fit or a friction-fit with respect to the respective fastener <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, as discussed in more detail below, the screw cap <NUM> is configured to accommodate the difference in height, diameter or shape of the heads 102a, 104a of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> such that, after installation, the screw cap <NUM> provides a standardized visual appearance, as shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the screw cap <NUM> includes a generally tubular body <NUM> having a side wall <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the present example is shown as a generally round tubular shape, but other shapes are contemplated in other embodiments. The body <NUM> includes an end wall <NUM> at a first, distal, end portion <NUM> and an opening <NUM> at a second, proximal, end portion <NUM>. The proximal end portion <NUM> is generally formed at one end of a centre axis A, and the distal end portion <NUM> is generally formed to the other end of the centre axis A. In use, the end wall <NUM> is the outermost portion of the screw cap <NUM>, i.e. furthest away from the screw head, after installation.

The body <NUM> includes a first coupling member including a plurality of first surrounding wall members <NUM>. Additionally, the screw cap <NUM> includes a generally cylindrical upstanding wall <NUM> located proximal the centre axis A of the screw cap <NUM> and internally of the first surrounding wall members <NUM>. The upstanding wall <NUM> may be any shape. The upstanding wall <NUM> extends towards the open end <NUM> of the body <NUM> from the end wall <NUM>. The upstanding wall <NUM> and the first surrounding wall members <NUM> generally define a substantially annularly shaped recess that is coaxial with the centre axis A of the body <NUM>. Further, the upstanding wall <NUM> generally encloses, and defines, a central bore <NUM> within the end wall <NUM>. The central bore <NUM> may be arranged to receive a corresponding tool key. The central bore <NUM> provided within the end wall <NUM> may be any appropriate shape. Indeed, the central bore <NUM> may not be provided in some embodiments, such that the end wall <NUM> forms a closed end of the screw cap <NUM>.

The plurality of first surrounding I wall members <NUM> are arranged generally concentrically and facing the upstanding wall <NUM> thereby forming the substantially annularly shaped recess. In the depicted example, six first surrounding wall members <NUM> provided in a hexagonal arrangement are contemplated, however any number or arrangement of surrounding wall members <NUM> may be used in another embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, each of the surrounding wall members <NUM> may be formed as a unitary, or integral, component, thus providing a single surrounding wall member <NUM>.

The side wall <NUM> of the body <NUM> also includes a second coupling member including a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart rib members <NUM>. Each rib member <NUM> extends radially inwardly from an inner surface of the side wall <NUM> towards the centre axis A of the body <NUM>. The second coupling member, formed by the rib members <NUM>, is coaxial and/or concentric with respect to the first coupling member, formed by the surrounding wall members <NUM>. In the depicted example, six rib members <NUM> that are equidistantly spaced apart are contemplated, however any number or arrangement of rib members <NUM> may be used in another embodiment.

Additionally, a plurality of first shoulder members <NUM> connect each of the surrounding wall members <NUM> to a respective rib member <NUM>. Each first shoulder member <NUM> generally defines a stop for the second-type screw head, as discussed below. Moreover, a plurality of second shoulder members <NUM> connect each of the surrounding wall members <NUM> to the upstanding wall <NUM>. Each second shoulder member <NUM> generally defines a stop, or provides a predetermined height, for the first-type screw head, as discussed below. In the depicted embodiment, there is provided a difference in height between the first shoulder members <NUM> and the second shoulder members <NUM>. That is, the first shoulder members <NUM> provide a first predetermined height, and the second shoulder members <NUM> provide a second predetermined height, the second predetermined height being greater than the first predetermined height. The predetermined height may be measured from a respective shoulder to the opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In this way, the screw cap <NUM> can accommodate differences in the height of wheel screw heads, as discussed below.

Referring to <FIG>, in use, a first-type wheel screw having a first-type screw head, for example the wheel fastener <NUM> as described above, is provided. The wheel fastener head 102a is generally hexagonal in the depicted embodiment, but other shapes are contemplated in other embodiments. The screw cap <NUM> is installed over the head 102a by pushing the screw cap <NUM> onto the head 102a. In this way the head 102a is clamped between the upstanding wall <NUM> and the plurality of surrounding I wall members <NUM>. That is, the head 102a is secured between the upstanding wall <NUM> and each of the surrounding wall members <NUM> by a friction-fit.

In use, a second-type wheel screw having a second-type screw head, for example an anti-theft wheel fastener <NUM> as described above, is provided. The second-type wheel screw is different to the first-type wheel screw. More specifically, the first-type screw head is different to the second-type screw head. For example, the shape and height of the screw heads are different, as described in relation to <FIG>.

The screw cap <NUM> is installed over the head 104a by pushing the screw cap <NUM> onto the head 104a. In this way, the head 104a is clamped by the plurality of rib members <NUM>. That is, the head 104a is secured by each of the rib members <NUM> by a friction-fit.

As demonstrated in <FIG>, the difference in the predetermined height of the shoulders <NUM>, <NUM> accommodates a difference in height of the screw heads 102a, 104a. In this way, the visual appearance is identical after installation, such that a user does not perceive a difference between the wheel screws <NUM>, <NUM>.

After installation, if it is desired to remove the screw cap <NUM>, the screw cap <NUM> is simply pulled in a direction opposition to that of the installation. More particularly, the central bore <NUM> may receive a corresponding tool key to aid removal.

The screw cap <NUM> may comprise any suitable material, for example, a resilient material or a polymer material. The screw cap <NUM> may assume any appropriate shape, size, arrangement or the like.

Claim 1:
A screw cap (<NUM>) for a screw head, comprising:
a tubular body (<NUM>), having an end wall (<NUM>) at a distal end portion (<NUM>) and an opening (<NUM>) at a proximal end portion (<NUM>) along a centre axis (A);
at least one first coupling member (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged coaxially to said centre axis (A) at said distal end portion (<NUM>), adapted to retainingly receive at least a portion of a first-type screw head (102a); and
at least one second coupling member (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged coaxially with, and axially proximal to, said at least one first coupling member (<NUM>, <NUM>), adapted to retainingly receive at least a portion of a second-type screw head (104a);
wherein said at least one first coupling member comprises at least one first surrounding wall member (<NUM>), and at least one second radial wall member (<NUM>) arranged concentric to and facing said first surrounding wall member (<NUM>), said at least one first surrounding wall member (<NUM>) and said at least one second radial wall member (<NUM>) protruding from said end wall (<NUM>) towards said proximal end portion (<NUM>) along said centre axis (A), so as to form a substantially annularly shaped recess coaxial with said tubular body (<NUM>) and adapted to matingly receive at least a portion of the first-type screw head (102a);
wherein said second coupling member comprises at least two spaced apart rib members (<NUM>), each rib member (<NUM>) extending radially inwardly from an inner surface (<NUM>) of said tubular body so as to couplingly engage with at least a portion of the second-type screw head (104a), during use; and
wherein the diameter defined by the circumferentially spaced apart rib members (<NUM>) is greater than the diameter defined by the annularly shaped recess.