FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure is related to a fixing structure for alloy wheel decoration parts, in particular to a spoked wheel device allowing placement of decoration parts on the wheel device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The concept of a person customizing their automobile is well established in society. For many, it is an expression of their personality.

[0003] One prominent area of customization is the appearance of the wheels. In addition to the wheels themselves, custom decoration parts can be added to the wheels in order to further change their appearance (for example, hub caps, wheel covers, custom air valve caps). To address the market demand for wheel customization, automotive companies manufacture wheels that have a fixation structure allowing decoration components to be fixed onto the wheel.

[0004] For example in WO 2017/076445, a spoked wheel device enabling placement of decoration parts at a plurality of desired locations on the wheel device is disclosed. In this publication, a retainer is located behind a spoke of the wheel and is adapted to interface with a retainer interface of a decoration part. However, the location of the retainer behind the spoke creates difficulties with deburring and/or machining the retainer after casting of the rim of the wheel.

[0005] Another example is in Japanese laid-open patent application number JP Hllll 5401 A that relates to a structure for mounting a hubcap. In this application, the assembly requires a two-piece wheel and an additional metal clip to attach of the decoration part to the wheel.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The inventors have recognized that it is desirable to provide a single part fixation structure for decoration parts that allow the attachment of a multitude of designs without requiring fixation components other than the wheel and decoration parts, and further provide a configuration that simplifies attaching and removing the decoration parts. [0007] Therefore, a wheel device for fixing a decoration part thereto, comprises a rim having a shoulder configured to axially align the decoration part; and a plurality of spokes, each spoke having at least one raised surface configured to fix the decoration part, is provided.

[0008] By incorporating fixing structures into the rim and spokes, it is possible to attach a multitude of shapes and styles of decoration parts to the wheel.

[0009] In some aspects, the shoulder is continuous about a circumference of the rim. The effect of the shoulder being continuous about a circumference of the rim is that the decoration part can be axially aligned in any position.

[0010] In some aspects, the shoulder may be positioned closer to a vehicle side of the wheel than the plurality of spokes. The effect of the location of the shoulder is twofold. First, the shoulder is not visible when the wheel is used without a decoration. Second, there is no reduction in the rigidity of the wheel, especially when compared to designs that include an undercut behind the spokes.

[0011] In some aspects, the shoulder may project radially toward the center of the wheel device. The radial projection allows the decoration part to be axially aligned.

[0012] In some aspects, each raised surface of the plurality of spokes is continuous along the length of the spoke. The continuous raised surface provides a greater surface area for the decoration part to grip onto.

[0013] However, in other aspects, each raised surface of the plurality of spokes is interspersed along the length of the spoke. This provides a wheel that uses less material and has a lighter weight.

[0014] In some aspects, the wheel device further comprises a hub having a raised surface and a contact surface, the raised surface being configured to fix the decoration part and the contact surface being configured to contact the decoration part. Incorporating fixation elements into the hub provides more flexibility with attaching a multitude of different decoration parts.

[0015] In aspects, the raised surface of the hub may be continuous about the axis of the wheel. The continuous raised surface provides a greater surface area for the decoration part to grip onto. Additionally, the decoration part can be attached in any orientation. [0016] However, in other aspects, the raised surface of the hub may be interspersed about the center axis of the wheel. This provides a wheel that uses less material and has a lighter weight.

[0017] In aspects, the rim, plurality of spokes, and hub define a window, the window being configured to receive a decoration part therein.

[0018] Additionally, a wheel assembly is provided. The wheel assembly comprises the wheel device; and a decoration part fixed to the wheel device, wherein the decoration part is positioned around the rim and over the plurality of spokes such that the decoration part abuts the shoulder of the rim and engages at least one raised surface of the plurality of spokes.

[0019] In another aspect, a wheel assembly comprises a decoration part fixed to the wheel device, wherein the decoration part is positioned around the rim, over the plurality of spokes, and on the hub such that the decoration part abuts the shoulder of the rim, engages at least one raised surface of the plurality of spokes, and engages the raised surface and the contact surface of the hub.

[0020] In another aspect, a wheel assembly comprises at least one decoration part fixed to the wheel device, wherein the decoration part is positioned within window 20 of the wheel device such that the decoration part abuts the shoulder of the rim, engages at least one raised surface of the plurality of spokes, and engages the raised surface of the a hub.

[0021] It is intended that combinations of the above-described elements and those within the specification may be made, except where otherwise contradictory.

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Fig. 1A shows a representation of an exemplary wheel device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. IB shows a side-view of the exemplary wheel device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section along line A- A of the exemplary wheel device of Fig. 1; [0026] Fig. 3 shows a cross-section along line B-B of the exemplary wheel device of Fig. 1;

[0027] Fig. 4A shows the exemplary wheel device of Fig. 1 having an exemplary first decoration part fixed thereon;

[0028] Fig. 4B shows a cross-section along plane C of the spoke of the exemplary wheel device with the first exemplary decoration part fixed thereon;

[0029] Fig. 4C shows a cross-section along plane D of the hub of the exemplary wheel device with the first exemplary decoration part fixed thereon;

[0030] Fig. 4D shows a cross-section along plane E of the rim of the exemplary wheel device with the first exemplary decoration part fixed thereon;

[0031] Fig. 5A shows the exemplary wheel device of Fig, 1 having a second exemplary decoration part fixed thereon;

[0032] Fig. 5B shows a cross-section along plane F of the spoke of the exemplary wheel device having the second exemplary decoration part fixed thereon;

[0033] Fig. 5C shows a cross-section along plane G of the hub of the exemplary wheel device having the second exemplary decoration part fixed thereon;

[0034] Fig. 6A shows the exemplary wheel device of Fig. 1 having a third exemplary decoration part fixed thereon;

[0035] Fig. 6B shows a cross-section along plane I of the spoke of the exemplary wheel device having the third exemplary decoration part fixed thereon;

[0036] Fig. 6C shows a cross-section along plane J of the rim of the exemplary wheel device having the third exemplary decoration part fixed thereon; and

[0037] Fig. 7 shows another exemplary wheel device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0039] Figs. 1A and IB show a representation of an exemplary wheel device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The wheel device 1 includes a rim 10, a plurality of spokes 30, and a hub 40. The wheel device 1 is continuous about a wheel center axis "W" and defines a substantially circular shape.

[0040] The rim 10 defines the outermost portion of the wheel 1, and among the other components of the wheel 1, the rim 10 has the largest radial distance "r" from the wheel center axis W.

[0041] The hub 40 of wheel 1 includes a plurality of through holes 50 that are adapted to coincide with a plurality of attachment holes on an axle of a vehicle (not shown). The through holes 50 extend through the entire wheel 1 and may be dimensioned such that a fixing means (for example, a lug nut) can be used to attach the wheel 1 to a car axle (not shown). The hub 40 may include a center hole that is coincident with the wheel center axis W.

[0042] The hub 40 is disposed such that it is concentric with the rim 10 and is dimensioned such that the maximum radial distance of the hub 40 from the wheel center axis W is less than or equal to the minimum radial distance of the rim 10 from the wheel center axis W.

[0043] The wheel 1 may further include a plurality of spokes 30, each of which extends radially relative to the wheel center axis W and is adapted to connect the rim 10 to the hub 40. The plurality of spokes 30 can be of any size and shape. Additionally, each spoke may have the same size and shape or the spokes can have different sizes and shapes.

[0044] It is preferable that the rim 10, hub 40, and spokes 30 are formed as a unitary or monolithic structure. For example, they are cast together in the same mold. However, it is contemplated that the components may be formed as separate parts and subsequently assembled.

[0045] At least one spoke 30 defines at least one raised surface 32 that extends along its length in a radial direction relative to the wheel center axis W. However, it is preferable that each spoke have at least two raised surfaces 32. The raised surface 32 is adapted to allow a wheel decoration to be fixed onto the spoke 30.

[0046] As can be seen in Fig. 1A, each of the components of the wheel 1 (rim 10, spokes 30, and hub 40), may define at least one wheel window 20. In other words, wheel window 20 is a space where the perimeter is defined by the rim 10, adjoining spokes 30, and hub 40. [0047] Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the exemplary wheel device along line A-A of Fig. 1A. As shown in Fig. 2, the rim 10 defines a concave profile relative to the center axis W. This profile has a radially outer axial surface 10a, and a radially inner axial surface 10b. The radially outer axial surface 10a defines a channel that is configured to contact and contain a tire of a vehicle (not shown). The profile of the radially outer axial surface 10a is continuous about the wheel center axis W and has a larger radial distance from the center axis W than the radially inner axial surface 10b.

[0048] However, the profile of radially inner axial surface 10b is not continuous about the wheel center axis W. In particular, the profile of the radially inner axial surface 10b about the wheel center axis W is interrupted by the spokes 30. Further, the radially inner axial surface 10b is not adapted to contact the tire of the vehicle.

[0049] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the radially outer and inner axial surfaces 10a, 10b include a plurality of bends that define the concave profile of the rim 10. A shoulder 14 is disposed on the radially inner axial surface 10b of the rim 10. The shoulder 14 is disposed along the circumference of the rim. The shoulder 14 may be substantially parallel to the center axis W, for example, within a tolerance of 10° relative to the center axis W, preferably within a tolerance of 5°. For example, in particular in a case where the wheel device is casted, the shoulder may have a draft angle with respect to the center axis W, such draft angle being within the above-mentioned range. In a case where the wheel is machined, the tolerance angle may be even smaller. Shoulder 14 projects radially toward the wheel center axis W, such that the radially inner axial surface 10b has a larger radius than the shoulder 14 relative to the wheel center axis W. The height of the shoulder 14 is defined by the tolerances of the wheel and decoration part and may be further defined by the retention or clipping force required. For example, the shoulder 14 may range from 1mm to 5mm. Shoulder 14 is configured to axially align a wheel decoration that is fixed onto the wheel 1. The shoulder 14 may be continuous along the circumference of the rim 10. The shoulder 14 may be positioned closer to the vehicle side of the wheel 1 than the spokes 30. The shoulder 14 may be casted with the wheel 1 or can be machined into the wheel 1 after casting.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the exemplary wheel device along line B-B of Fig. 1. This cross-section shows a portion of the hub 40. The hub 40 has a first surface 40a, a second surface 40b, a first end 40c, and a second end 40d. The first surface 40a defines a profile for the center hole of the hub 40. The second surface 40b defines a profile for a portion of the window 20 of the wheel 1. The first end 40c is positioned on the vehicle side of the wheel 1, and the second end 40d is positioned on the exterior side of the wheel 1.

[0051] Hub 40 has a raised surface 42. In this example, the raised surface 42 is arranged on the second surface 40b that is furthest from the center wheel axis W and is the radial outer surface of the hub 40. The second surface 40b includes two portions: the raised surface 42 which is further from the center axis W and a portion closer to the center axis W, where the portion that is closer to the center axis W is on the vehicle side of the hub 40. The height of the raised surface 42 is defined by the tolerances of the wheel and decoration part. The height of the raised surface 42 may be further defined by the retention or clipping force. Optionally, the height of the raised surface 42 may be at least 1mm. The raised surface 42 is adapted to allow a wheel decoration to be secured onto the hub 40.

[0052] The raised surface 42 may be continuous about the wheel center axis W defining a loop that encircles the center hole of the hub 40. However, there may be a plurality of raised surfaces 42 that are interspersed on the hub 40. The raised surface 42 may be casted with the wheel 1 or can be machined into the wheel 1 after casting.

[0053] The hub 40 further includes a contact surface 44 which is on the second end 40d of the hub 40. Contact surface 44 is adapted to contact a wheel decoration when the wheel decoration is attached to the wheel 1.

[0054] Fig. 4A shows the exemplary wheel device of Fig. 1 having a first exemplary wheel decoration 70 fixed thereon. In Fig. 4A, the wheel 1 is shown as a textured surface and the wheel decoration 70 is shown without texture. Wheel decoration 70 is fitted within the window 20 of the wheel 1 and positioned such that the wheel decoration 70 is disposed along the perimeter of the window 20. In this configuration, the wheel decoration 70 is adapted to be axially positioned by the shoulder 14 of the rim 10 and abut the contact surface 44 of the hub 40. The wheel decoration 70 is further adapted to attach onto the raised surface 42 of the hub 40 and attach onto the raised surface 32 of the spokes 30. [0055] Fig. 4B shows a cross-section of a spoke along plane C of the exemplary wheel device 1 having the first wheel decoration 70 fixed thereon. As can be seen in the figure, the wheel decoration 70 includes flanges 72 that are configured to contact the raised surfaces that project from recessed portions of the spoke 30. As can be seen in figures 4B, 5B, and 6B, the recessed portions of the spokes 30 are disposed on the vehicle side of the wheel 1 and the raised surfaces 32 are disposed on the exterior side of the wheel 1.

[0056] Fig. 4C shows a cross-section of the hub along plane D. As can be seen in the figure, the decoration part 70 is adapted to contact the second surface 40b of the hub 40 and hook onto the raised surface 42 of the hub 40. Fig. 4D shows a cross-section of the rim along plane E. As can be seen, decoration part 70 is adapted to interface with the rim 10 and fix onto shoulder 14.

[0057] Fig. 5A shows the exemplary wheel device of Fig. 1 having a second wheel decoration 80 fixed thereon. In the figure, the wheel 1 is shown as a textured surface and the wheel decoration 80 is shown without texture. The wheel decoration 80 is adapted to fit around the spokes 30 of the wheel 1. In this configuration, the wheel decoration 80 engages the shoulder 14 of the rim, at least one raised surface 32 of the spokes 30, the raised surface 42 of the hub 40, and the contact surface 44 of the hub 40.

[0058] As can be seen in Fig. 5B that shows a cross-section of a spoke along plane F of the exemplary wheel device having the second wheel decoration 80 fitted thereon, the wheel decoration 80 includes a flange 82. The wheel decoration 80 is adapted to fit around the spokes 30 and is fixed in place, at least in part, by the raised surface 32 of the spokes 30.

[0059] Fig. 5C shows a cross-section of the hub 40 along plane G. As can be seen in the figure, the decoration part 70 is adapted to contact the contact surface 44 and second surface 40b of the hub 40, and also hook onto the raised surface 42 of the hub 40.

[0060] Fig. 6A shows the exemplary wheel device of Fig. 1 having a third wheel decoration 90 fixed thereon. As can be seen, wheel decoration 90 is positioned around the rim 10 and over spokes 30, but not on the hub 40. In this configuration, the wheel decoration 90 is adapted to be axially positioned by the shoulder 14 of the rim 10 and is fixed in place by the raised surface 32 of the spokes 30.

[0061] Fig. 6B shows a cross-section of a spoke along plane I of the exemplary wheel device having the third wheel decoration 90 fitted thereon. The wheel decoration 90 includes a flange and is adapted to fit around the spokes 30 and is fixed in place, at least in part, by the raised surface 32 of the spokes 30. Fig. 6C shows a cross-section of the rim along plane 1 As can be seen in this configuration, the wheel decoration 90 interfaces with, and hooks onto, shoulder 14 of the rim 10 such that it can be axially positioned on the wheel device 10.

[0062] Fig. 7 shows another exemplary wheel device that further includes a stopper 34 that is disposed on the spoke 30. Stopper 34 may be on only one spoke 30 or may be on a plurality of spokes 30. Stopper 34 is adapted to position the decoration parts 70, 80, 90 on the wheel 1.

[0063] It is contemplated that the disclosed wheel decorations 70, 80, 90 are exemplary and that variations of the type of wheel decorations may be used, including wheel decorations that may be clipped behind the spokes 30 of the wheel. It is also contemplated that the wheel decorations can be combined. Further, the wheel decorations may be composed of any suitable material, including but not limited to a polymer.

[0064] It is also contemplated that alternative methods of fixing the wheel decorations may be used including, but not limited to, glue, bolts, foam, interference fitting, press fitting, magnets, over-injection, zippers, stitching, welding, hook and loop fasteners, double-sided tape, or rubber. These alternative attachment means may be used with the present clip type attachment means. Further, the alternative attachment means may be used for an alternative reason rather than the primary attachment means, for example, noise reduction.

[0065] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" and/or "generally" should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.

[0066] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

[0067] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.