CA2294136A1 - Tyre trim ring, especially for automobile wheels - Google Patents
Tyre trim ring, especially for automobile wheels Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2294136A1 CA2294136A1 CA002294136A CA2294136A CA2294136A1 CA 2294136 A1 CA2294136 A1 CA 2294136A1 CA 002294136 A CA002294136 A CA 002294136A CA 2294136 A CA2294136 A CA 2294136A CA 2294136 A1 CA2294136 A1 CA 2294136A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trim ring
- rim
- fixing part
- tire
- fixing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B7/00—Wheel cover discs, rings, or the like, for ornamenting, protecting, venting, or obscuring, wholly or in part, the wheel body, rim, hub, or tyre sidewall, e.g. wheel cover discs, wheel cover discs with cooling fins
- B60B7/01—Rings specially adapted for covering only the wheel rim or the tyre sidewall, e.g. removable tyre sidewall trim rings
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Tires In General (AREA)
- Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
- Arrangement Or Mounting Of Propulsion Units For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a tyre trim ring, especially for automobile wheels, comprising an inner, axially oriented fixing part (11) for fixing the trim ring to the inner cover of an automobile wheel rim (1), and an outer trim part (13) which rests against the front of the automobile tyre and extends radially. The invention is characterized in that the trim ring fixing part (11) engages radially in a radial recess (4, 7) in the inner cover of the wheel rim in such a way that it snaps in, and that said fixing part (11) has an inner diameter which is approximately equal to that of the bead seat (2).
The inventive tyre trim ring has a simple configuration and can be mounted directly in the rim flange (6) quickly and easily using conventional attachment parts. The tyre trim ring also offers additional.
The inventive tyre trim ring has a simple configuration and can be mounted directly in the rim flange (6) quickly and easily using conventional attachment parts. The tyre trim ring also offers additional.
Description
TIRE TRIM RING IN PARTICULAR FOR MOTOR VEHICLE WHEELS
DESCRIPTION
The invention relates to a tire trim ring, in particular for motor vehicle wheels, in accordance with the preamble of patent claim 1, as used in particular for achieving a special aesthetic/visual effect.
Various options are known particularly for trans-forming motor vehicle wheels visually by trim rings, these options specifically comprising:
1. Molding on so-called white wall rings as trim rings onto the outside of the tire.
DESCRIPTION
The invention relates to a tire trim ring, in particular for motor vehicle wheels, in accordance with the preamble of patent claim 1, as used in particular for achieving a special aesthetic/visual effect.
Various options are known particularly for trans-forming motor vehicle wheels visually by trim rings, these options specifically comprising:
1. Molding on so-called white wall rings as trim rings onto the outside of the tire.
2. Attaching premanufactured trim rings between the tire and rim flange of the wheel rim (US patent 2,696,409 and US patent 2,573,996). In view of the operational relia-bility of tubeless tires, these embodiments are not possible therein.
3. Using attachment parts, such as wheel caps and wheel rim trim rings (DE 196 08 238 A1, DE 33 90 292 T1, US patent 3,367,720). However, because of their reduced radial dimensions these trim attachment parts have relatively little scope for aesthetic design and in particular are not well-suited to having writing on the front side.
4. Attaching tire trim rings to the wheel rim of the completely fitted wheel by means of mounts via which said rings are held in place (e. g. US patent 2,696,409, US patent 2,819,119, US patent 2,915,335, US patent 2,926,960, US patent 2,996,336 and FR patent 1 051 278). These known tire trim rings, i.e. trim rings which in their outer radial extent extend beyond the rim flange and bear against the front side of the tire, are bonded to a radial flange of the wheel cover and fixed detachably to the wheel rim by said flange, in which case the trim ring is composed of parts formed from different material (US patent 2,819,119), resulting in a complex mode of construction which can only be used in this assignment. Additional attachment parts cannot be fixed to the rim flange, for example. The manner of fixing to the rim flange via a plurality of clips arranged on the circumference of the trim ring has the disadvantage, in particular, that the clips have to be distributed extremely precisely and uniformly in order to avoid an imbalance.
Finally, there is known from U.S.2,996,336 a tire trim ring which, with its inner bulge-shaped mounting part registers congruently in the radial groove of the wheel flange. It is secured by clamping to the outer edge of the wheel flange, by a clip securement which simultaneously clamps tightly around the securement part. In connection with this known rim trim ring an extra mounting is always necessary in order to fasten it securely to the rim.
The options known hitherto for transforming motor vehicle wheels have a number of disadvantages:
- fitting on and removal sometimes require a high amount of labor, - a combination of a plurality of attachment parts is not readily possible, - a special tool is often required, - the rim surface is very rapidly damaged, - additional mounting support are necessary, - in order to avoid an imbalance, the mounting supports must be distributed extremely precisely and uniformly on the wheel rim.
The object of the invention is to specify a tire trim ring of the above generic type which is of simple construction, can be reliably, rapidly and simply fitted and retrofitted or exchanged, has the option of being used and combined simultaneously with other and existing attachment parts of the wheel rim, and also enables simple spare part replacement, all without additional mounting.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by a tire trim ring of the generic type with the defining features of patent claim 1. Advantageous refinements are defined in the subclaims.
Accordingly, the fixing part of the tire trim ring, comprising an inner, axially pointing fixing part and an outer, radially extending trim part, engages in a radial indentation of the inner cover of the wheel rim in a manner such that, without additional mounting, it snaps in radially. By this means, the tire trim ring can very advantageously be placed upon or inserted in the wheel rim and also removed again from the latter in a rapid and simple manner. The only thing that needs attention is to see that the radial press-on forces of the trim ring are of sufficient strength in the wheel rim indentations so that the positive engagement, available through the indentation, between the wheel rim and trim ring ensures, because of the additional flow of force, that the trim ring is well-fastened against the wheel rim. In addition, the inner diameter of the trim ring is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the rim shoulder, which means that conven-tional attachment parts can still be fixed.
It is of particular advantage if, in order to fix the ring to the rim flange, the fixing part of the trim ring is designed such that it engages in said flange radially from the inside. For this purpose, the fixing part has a ring bead which points radially outward and corresponds to the profile of the inner rounding of the rim flange or is matched to said profile. However, the bead may have a somewhat smaller radius than that of the indentation of the rim flange, so that there is good profile matching under relatively strong radial pressure. Instead of the annular bead, a plurality of studs or ring segments can be arranged uniformly around the outer circumference of the fixing part, as a result of which there is advantageously at the same time the possibility of fixing a plurality of gaps in the fixing part for the purpose of additionally or subsequently fixing additional components, such as a wheel cover, counterbalance weights or wheel rim trim rings.
It is advantageous if a plurality of leaf spring elements which protrude radially outward and extend axially are provided on the fixing part of the tire trim ring, which leaf spring elements resiliently yield, at least during installation, in order then to secure the trim ring fixedly on the inside of the rim flange. A leaf spring element of this type may have two legs which are arranged with respect to each other in the shape of a roof and whose outer ends are fixed to the outer circumference of the fixing part in a manner known per se, for example by bonding, insertion into oblique pockets or by incisions or putting in place while the trim ring is being formed. A wave shape ~s also very advantageous.
However, the leaf spring element may also only comprise one straight part which is arranged at an angle obliquely in the installation insertion direction and enables easy insertion and then puts into the indentation of the rim flange in the removal direction. A trim ring of this type can easily be inserted but can only be pushed out with considerable force and damage. When the leaf-spring mounts are designed appropriately, said mounts cannot be pressed out of the rim flange during the attempt to remove them;
rather, they would be pressed in more strongly. Depending on the design of the wheel rim trim ring, the mounts would have to be raised in order to remove them, or the wheel rim trim ring would have to have a releasable connection (for example a screw connection), so that it is able to lose its inherent stability due to this interruption and can be removed as a result. Depending on the design of the releasable connection, installation in a reverse order is possible, i.e. a tire trim ring which is placed in the rim flange and is pressed into the rim flange by actuating or closing the connection. Such a tire trim ring, which cannot easily be removed after having been fitted, offers protection against misuse by third parties. A wheel rim trim ring is thereby provided with antitheft protection.
As already mentioned above, the tire trim ring according to the invention permits the subsequent arrange-ment of conventional wheel covers which engage with their axially extending fixing arms radially in the rim shoulder and in particular in the rim hump. If the cover extends radially into the vicinity of the rim flange, then in the arrangement of a tire trim ring according to the invention at least its fixing part is arranged between the radial part of the rim flange and outer ring of the wheel cover, i.e. in the free space formed between them, so that the trim ring is additionally securely held by the wheel cover or by another commercially available wheel rim attachment part.
In order to ensure that the attachment part (for example a wheel cover) continues to be sufficiently held in place despite possibly being axially displaced by the additional tire trim ring, via its fixing arms, i.e. even in the state in which the positive engagement of the ends of the fixing arms with the indentation of the rim hump is no longer ensured, according to the invention an adapter in the form of a sleeve is advantageously provided. This adapter is designed corresponding to the inner cover of the wheel rim and at its inner end has a ring or stud which engages in the rim hump and on its inner cover has a plurality of circum-ferential grooves. The fixing arms then engage securely in the circumferential grooves, so that even trim rings of differing thickness can be securely held in place with the same good reliability via a known wheel rim attachment part.
Most tapered rims (trucks) are used without a wheel cover, so that a trim ring according to the invention can grip with its mounts or fixing parts into the rim flange which is free at some point. A trim ring of this type can at the same time replace the retaining elements for wheel caps _g_ in trucks by said wheel caps being fixed directly on said trim ring.
The trim ring according to the invention can therefore be fitted into the wheel rim and removed therefrom as a finished and complete shaped component in precisely as simple a manner as other attachment parts (wheel caps, wheel rim trim rings). In order to make possible a combination of the individual attachment parts, the trim ring is fitted in or to the rim flange. The balance weight is generally fixed to the rim flange. Other rim attachment parts are held by gripping onto the rim shoulder, rim hump or rim base. These attachment parts are for a large part designed in such a manner that the entire wheel rim or the entire rim flange is completely covered. Free room or space is produced here on the wheel rim, which rim or space serves to accommodate the trim ring with the space requirement for the balance weight being taken into consideration. The trim ring is placed into the rim flange and, by means of the subsequently fitted attachment part, receives additional securement by being partially covered. The trim ring is therefore attached without an additional mount. Exchange and removal are similarly uncomplicated.
Attachment parts for motor vehicle wheels, such as REPLACEMENT PAGE (RULE 26) _g_ a wheel cover, wheel rim trim rings, and balance weights can be fitted individually without problems in/on the wheel rim because none of these parts have to be combined with another. However, in the attachment of a trim ring which is additionally attached in or on the wheel rim, combination problems are produced in individual cases. The different designs of the wheel caps conventionally do not always permit the rim flange to be covered or do not provide a sufficient clearance to enable the tire trim ring to pass between the outer edge of the rim flange and the attachment part. Wheel rim trim rings or else wheel caps which engage in the hump can no longer readily be used after a trim ring of this type is attached, since because of the space required by the ring the retaining devices of the particular attachment part can no longer be pushed in until they reach the hump, and instead slip against the rim shoulders and so no longer ensure a firm grip. By means of the adapter designed according to the invention and attached to the wheel rim, the desired attachment parts can be fitted on or are securely gripped by the latter.
Owing to the fact that the adapter according to the invention, which is placed over the rim shoulder and rim hump because of its corresponding shaping, has a particular type of surface and/or shaping, there is the great advantage of providing attachment parts with the necessary grip.
Whether because of roughness or bumps or depressions, such as circumferential grooves, imitation of the hump or because of elasticity which enables the mount of the attachment parts to be pressed in, the attachment parts can be positioned until they reach the desired location in the wheel rim.
According to a further embodiment, an adapter is provided,which, like the above-described adapter, engages in the inner cover of the wheel rim in a positive and non-positive manner, and in addition leads axially outward in order finally to extend radially outward until shortly above the rim flange, so that the trim ring which is placed into the rim flange or into the space is covered and held similarly to when wheel covers and wheel rim trim rings are used.
In a further embodiment, the adapter, whose engagement part is designed in the same manner as previously described adapters, has, at its end which is opposite the insertion end, its own accommodation option for tire trim rings, for example flanges which extend radially outward and have axially pointing ends for the box-type fastening of the trim ring fixing part. This gives the advantage that the trim ring can be attached directly via the adapter, without consideration of the rim flange, since according to EURO
standards, depending on the type of wheel rim, differences in shape and dimensions of the rim flange are possible.
By means of the adapter itself further decorative and color design options for the wheel rim are produced. By means of the covering of the rim flange and when the adapter ring is accordingly designed, an additional, independent decorative attachment part is produced. The adapter consti-tutes a basic module of a modular system for wheel rim attachment parts. Novel options for designing motor vehicle wheels are also produced here.
In the following text, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments and with respect to the drawing.
In the drawing:
Fig. 1 shows a partial, axial section of a wheel rim with a tire trim ring in a first embodiment, as a continuous ring, Fig. 2 shows a section as in Fig. 1, with a tire trim ring in a second embodiment, with a perforated fixing part of the trim ring, Fig. 3 shows a section as above, in a further embodiment of the trim ring, with a fixing leaf spring with two legs, Fig. 4 shows a section as in Fig. 3, with a fixing leaf spring having one leg, Fig. 5 shows an axial section through a further embodiment, with an attachment part and adapter sleeve, Fig. 6 shows an adapter embodiment with an attachment part, and Fig. 7 shows an embodiment with an adapter designed as a trim ring fixing means.
As can be seen in Fig. 1, a conventional motor vehicle wheel rim 1 has a rim shoulder 2 with a rim hump 3 which has an indentation 4. Toward the inside a rim base 5 is provided, while toward the outside there is a rim flange 6 which has an indentation 7. A tire trim ring 10 is composed of a fixing part 11 and a trim part 13, the fixing part 11 having a bead 12 which is matched in terms of shape to the indentation 7 of the rim flange 6.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the bead 12 of the tire trim ring 10 has a somewhat smaller radius than the indentation 7 of the rim flange 6. In addition, a plurality of gaps 14 are provided in the fixing part 11, which gaps extend radially until they reach over the rim flange 6, enabling access to said rim flange.
Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a tire trim ring whose fixing part 11 has attached to it a leaf spring element 15 which is in the shape of a roof or a V or a wave and which has an introductory leg 16 and a pull-out leg 17 and overall' engages in terms of shape in the indentation 7 of the rim flange 6.
With the embodiment according to Fig. 4~there are arranged a plurality of leaf spring elements 18 which are arranged pointing obliquely outward in the introductory direction and which consist of a single introductory leg 16, which legs are attached securely to the fixing part by their end 19 at the fixing end in a known manner, by bonding, incorporating during production or the like.
In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 5, an additional means of fixing the tire trim ring, which in particular can be designed according to Figs. 1 and 2, via an attachment part 20, which can, for example, be a conven-tional wheel cover or a wheel rim trim ring, is provided.
The attachment part 20 has, in a known manner, an axially extending fixing element 21 which can be a cylindrical element or consists of a plurality of fixing arms. At the outer end, on the circumferential side, a bead 22 is provided which is designed in terms of shape to engage in the indentation 4 of the rim hump 3. By virtue of the fact that now the radial flange 23 of the attachment part 20 is arranged axially offset outward because of the trim ring inserted between said attachment part and the rim flange 6, the bead 22 of the fixing element 21 no longer engages in terms of shape in the indentation 4 of the rim hump 3, but rather is supported radially on the inner cover of the rim shoulder 2. In order to prevent axial slipping of the attachment part 20, an adapter 25 in the form of a sleeve is placed between the wheel rim and fixing element 21. Said adapter has, at its one end, a bead 26 which is designed in the same manner as the bead 22 of the fixing element 21, for the purpose of engaging in the hump 3. At the inner cover surface the adapter 25 has circumferential channels or grooves 27 in which the bead 22 of the fixing element 21 of the attachment part 20 engages, as a result of which axial securement against displacement for the attachment part 20 is realized in a simple manner. In order to allow a more easy introduction of the attachment part 20 via the fixing element 21, that end of the adapter 25 which points toward the attachment part 20 is matched in the form of a bow 28 to the transition between the rim shoulder 2 and rim flange 6, thereby forming an introductory slope for the fixing element 21.
In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 6 an attachment part 30 is provided whose axially pointing fixing element 31 is designed in a similar manner to the adapter 25 from Fig. 5, namely with a bead 26 engaging in the hump 3 and inner circumferential grooves 27. In this arrangement, the axial length of the fixing element 31 is configured in such a manner that when the bead 26 snaps into the hump 3 its flange part 32, which points radially outward, firmly and securely fastens a trim ring in the rim flange 6 in a similar manner as the flange 23 of the attachment part 20 from Fig. 5. The circumferential grooves 27 serve here for the fixing of further attachment parts, for example of a conventional wheel cover, like the attachment part 20 from Fig. 5.
Finally, Fig. 7 shows, in the last embodiment, a tire trim ring 33 whose fixing part 11 engages in the interior of the wheel rim via a fixing element 34, in a similar manner as the fixing element 31 according to the embodiment of Fig. 6. In order to fix the fixing part 11 of the trim ring to the fixing element 34, the corresponding end of the fixing element 34 is designed in order to fasten the fixing part 11. For this purpose, a type of box shape 35 can be provided, or the fixing element 34 has a radial flange 32, as in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 6, to which the trim ring is fixed on the front side, on the inside or outside, for example by bonding.
List of reference numbers 1. Wheel rim 28. Bow 2. Rim shoulder 29. -3. Rim hump 30. Attachment parts 4. Tndentation 31. Fixing element 5. Rim base 32. Flange part 6. Rim flange 33. Tire trim ring 7. Indentation 34. Fixing element 8. - 35. Box shape 9. -10. Tire trim ring 11. Fixing part 12. Bead 13. Trim part 14. Gap, 15. Leaf spring element 16. Introductory leg 17. Pull-out leg 18. Leaf spring element 19. End 20. Attachment part 21. Fixing element 22. Bead 23. Flange 24: -25. Adapter 26. Bead 27. Circumferential grooves
Finally, there is known from U.S.2,996,336 a tire trim ring which, with its inner bulge-shaped mounting part registers congruently in the radial groove of the wheel flange. It is secured by clamping to the outer edge of the wheel flange, by a clip securement which simultaneously clamps tightly around the securement part. In connection with this known rim trim ring an extra mounting is always necessary in order to fasten it securely to the rim.
The options known hitherto for transforming motor vehicle wheels have a number of disadvantages:
- fitting on and removal sometimes require a high amount of labor, - a combination of a plurality of attachment parts is not readily possible, - a special tool is often required, - the rim surface is very rapidly damaged, - additional mounting support are necessary, - in order to avoid an imbalance, the mounting supports must be distributed extremely precisely and uniformly on the wheel rim.
The object of the invention is to specify a tire trim ring of the above generic type which is of simple construction, can be reliably, rapidly and simply fitted and retrofitted or exchanged, has the option of being used and combined simultaneously with other and existing attachment parts of the wheel rim, and also enables simple spare part replacement, all without additional mounting.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by a tire trim ring of the generic type with the defining features of patent claim 1. Advantageous refinements are defined in the subclaims.
Accordingly, the fixing part of the tire trim ring, comprising an inner, axially pointing fixing part and an outer, radially extending trim part, engages in a radial indentation of the inner cover of the wheel rim in a manner such that, without additional mounting, it snaps in radially. By this means, the tire trim ring can very advantageously be placed upon or inserted in the wheel rim and also removed again from the latter in a rapid and simple manner. The only thing that needs attention is to see that the radial press-on forces of the trim ring are of sufficient strength in the wheel rim indentations so that the positive engagement, available through the indentation, between the wheel rim and trim ring ensures, because of the additional flow of force, that the trim ring is well-fastened against the wheel rim. In addition, the inner diameter of the trim ring is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the rim shoulder, which means that conven-tional attachment parts can still be fixed.
It is of particular advantage if, in order to fix the ring to the rim flange, the fixing part of the trim ring is designed such that it engages in said flange radially from the inside. For this purpose, the fixing part has a ring bead which points radially outward and corresponds to the profile of the inner rounding of the rim flange or is matched to said profile. However, the bead may have a somewhat smaller radius than that of the indentation of the rim flange, so that there is good profile matching under relatively strong radial pressure. Instead of the annular bead, a plurality of studs or ring segments can be arranged uniformly around the outer circumference of the fixing part, as a result of which there is advantageously at the same time the possibility of fixing a plurality of gaps in the fixing part for the purpose of additionally or subsequently fixing additional components, such as a wheel cover, counterbalance weights or wheel rim trim rings.
It is advantageous if a plurality of leaf spring elements which protrude radially outward and extend axially are provided on the fixing part of the tire trim ring, which leaf spring elements resiliently yield, at least during installation, in order then to secure the trim ring fixedly on the inside of the rim flange. A leaf spring element of this type may have two legs which are arranged with respect to each other in the shape of a roof and whose outer ends are fixed to the outer circumference of the fixing part in a manner known per se, for example by bonding, insertion into oblique pockets or by incisions or putting in place while the trim ring is being formed. A wave shape ~s also very advantageous.
However, the leaf spring element may also only comprise one straight part which is arranged at an angle obliquely in the installation insertion direction and enables easy insertion and then puts into the indentation of the rim flange in the removal direction. A trim ring of this type can easily be inserted but can only be pushed out with considerable force and damage. When the leaf-spring mounts are designed appropriately, said mounts cannot be pressed out of the rim flange during the attempt to remove them;
rather, they would be pressed in more strongly. Depending on the design of the wheel rim trim ring, the mounts would have to be raised in order to remove them, or the wheel rim trim ring would have to have a releasable connection (for example a screw connection), so that it is able to lose its inherent stability due to this interruption and can be removed as a result. Depending on the design of the releasable connection, installation in a reverse order is possible, i.e. a tire trim ring which is placed in the rim flange and is pressed into the rim flange by actuating or closing the connection. Such a tire trim ring, which cannot easily be removed after having been fitted, offers protection against misuse by third parties. A wheel rim trim ring is thereby provided with antitheft protection.
As already mentioned above, the tire trim ring according to the invention permits the subsequent arrange-ment of conventional wheel covers which engage with their axially extending fixing arms radially in the rim shoulder and in particular in the rim hump. If the cover extends radially into the vicinity of the rim flange, then in the arrangement of a tire trim ring according to the invention at least its fixing part is arranged between the radial part of the rim flange and outer ring of the wheel cover, i.e. in the free space formed between them, so that the trim ring is additionally securely held by the wheel cover or by another commercially available wheel rim attachment part.
In order to ensure that the attachment part (for example a wheel cover) continues to be sufficiently held in place despite possibly being axially displaced by the additional tire trim ring, via its fixing arms, i.e. even in the state in which the positive engagement of the ends of the fixing arms with the indentation of the rim hump is no longer ensured, according to the invention an adapter in the form of a sleeve is advantageously provided. This adapter is designed corresponding to the inner cover of the wheel rim and at its inner end has a ring or stud which engages in the rim hump and on its inner cover has a plurality of circum-ferential grooves. The fixing arms then engage securely in the circumferential grooves, so that even trim rings of differing thickness can be securely held in place with the same good reliability via a known wheel rim attachment part.
Most tapered rims (trucks) are used without a wheel cover, so that a trim ring according to the invention can grip with its mounts or fixing parts into the rim flange which is free at some point. A trim ring of this type can at the same time replace the retaining elements for wheel caps _g_ in trucks by said wheel caps being fixed directly on said trim ring.
The trim ring according to the invention can therefore be fitted into the wheel rim and removed therefrom as a finished and complete shaped component in precisely as simple a manner as other attachment parts (wheel caps, wheel rim trim rings). In order to make possible a combination of the individual attachment parts, the trim ring is fitted in or to the rim flange. The balance weight is generally fixed to the rim flange. Other rim attachment parts are held by gripping onto the rim shoulder, rim hump or rim base. These attachment parts are for a large part designed in such a manner that the entire wheel rim or the entire rim flange is completely covered. Free room or space is produced here on the wheel rim, which rim or space serves to accommodate the trim ring with the space requirement for the balance weight being taken into consideration. The trim ring is placed into the rim flange and, by means of the subsequently fitted attachment part, receives additional securement by being partially covered. The trim ring is therefore attached without an additional mount. Exchange and removal are similarly uncomplicated.
Attachment parts for motor vehicle wheels, such as REPLACEMENT PAGE (RULE 26) _g_ a wheel cover, wheel rim trim rings, and balance weights can be fitted individually without problems in/on the wheel rim because none of these parts have to be combined with another. However, in the attachment of a trim ring which is additionally attached in or on the wheel rim, combination problems are produced in individual cases. The different designs of the wheel caps conventionally do not always permit the rim flange to be covered or do not provide a sufficient clearance to enable the tire trim ring to pass between the outer edge of the rim flange and the attachment part. Wheel rim trim rings or else wheel caps which engage in the hump can no longer readily be used after a trim ring of this type is attached, since because of the space required by the ring the retaining devices of the particular attachment part can no longer be pushed in until they reach the hump, and instead slip against the rim shoulders and so no longer ensure a firm grip. By means of the adapter designed according to the invention and attached to the wheel rim, the desired attachment parts can be fitted on or are securely gripped by the latter.
Owing to the fact that the adapter according to the invention, which is placed over the rim shoulder and rim hump because of its corresponding shaping, has a particular type of surface and/or shaping, there is the great advantage of providing attachment parts with the necessary grip.
Whether because of roughness or bumps or depressions, such as circumferential grooves, imitation of the hump or because of elasticity which enables the mount of the attachment parts to be pressed in, the attachment parts can be positioned until they reach the desired location in the wheel rim.
According to a further embodiment, an adapter is provided,which, like the above-described adapter, engages in the inner cover of the wheel rim in a positive and non-positive manner, and in addition leads axially outward in order finally to extend radially outward until shortly above the rim flange, so that the trim ring which is placed into the rim flange or into the space is covered and held similarly to when wheel covers and wheel rim trim rings are used.
In a further embodiment, the adapter, whose engagement part is designed in the same manner as previously described adapters, has, at its end which is opposite the insertion end, its own accommodation option for tire trim rings, for example flanges which extend radially outward and have axially pointing ends for the box-type fastening of the trim ring fixing part. This gives the advantage that the trim ring can be attached directly via the adapter, without consideration of the rim flange, since according to EURO
standards, depending on the type of wheel rim, differences in shape and dimensions of the rim flange are possible.
By means of the adapter itself further decorative and color design options for the wheel rim are produced. By means of the covering of the rim flange and when the adapter ring is accordingly designed, an additional, independent decorative attachment part is produced. The adapter consti-tutes a basic module of a modular system for wheel rim attachment parts. Novel options for designing motor vehicle wheels are also produced here.
In the following text, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments and with respect to the drawing.
In the drawing:
Fig. 1 shows a partial, axial section of a wheel rim with a tire trim ring in a first embodiment, as a continuous ring, Fig. 2 shows a section as in Fig. 1, with a tire trim ring in a second embodiment, with a perforated fixing part of the trim ring, Fig. 3 shows a section as above, in a further embodiment of the trim ring, with a fixing leaf spring with two legs, Fig. 4 shows a section as in Fig. 3, with a fixing leaf spring having one leg, Fig. 5 shows an axial section through a further embodiment, with an attachment part and adapter sleeve, Fig. 6 shows an adapter embodiment with an attachment part, and Fig. 7 shows an embodiment with an adapter designed as a trim ring fixing means.
As can be seen in Fig. 1, a conventional motor vehicle wheel rim 1 has a rim shoulder 2 with a rim hump 3 which has an indentation 4. Toward the inside a rim base 5 is provided, while toward the outside there is a rim flange 6 which has an indentation 7. A tire trim ring 10 is composed of a fixing part 11 and a trim part 13, the fixing part 11 having a bead 12 which is matched in terms of shape to the indentation 7 of the rim flange 6.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the bead 12 of the tire trim ring 10 has a somewhat smaller radius than the indentation 7 of the rim flange 6. In addition, a plurality of gaps 14 are provided in the fixing part 11, which gaps extend radially until they reach over the rim flange 6, enabling access to said rim flange.
Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a tire trim ring whose fixing part 11 has attached to it a leaf spring element 15 which is in the shape of a roof or a V or a wave and which has an introductory leg 16 and a pull-out leg 17 and overall' engages in terms of shape in the indentation 7 of the rim flange 6.
With the embodiment according to Fig. 4~there are arranged a plurality of leaf spring elements 18 which are arranged pointing obliquely outward in the introductory direction and which consist of a single introductory leg 16, which legs are attached securely to the fixing part by their end 19 at the fixing end in a known manner, by bonding, incorporating during production or the like.
In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 5, an additional means of fixing the tire trim ring, which in particular can be designed according to Figs. 1 and 2, via an attachment part 20, which can, for example, be a conven-tional wheel cover or a wheel rim trim ring, is provided.
The attachment part 20 has, in a known manner, an axially extending fixing element 21 which can be a cylindrical element or consists of a plurality of fixing arms. At the outer end, on the circumferential side, a bead 22 is provided which is designed in terms of shape to engage in the indentation 4 of the rim hump 3. By virtue of the fact that now the radial flange 23 of the attachment part 20 is arranged axially offset outward because of the trim ring inserted between said attachment part and the rim flange 6, the bead 22 of the fixing element 21 no longer engages in terms of shape in the indentation 4 of the rim hump 3, but rather is supported radially on the inner cover of the rim shoulder 2. In order to prevent axial slipping of the attachment part 20, an adapter 25 in the form of a sleeve is placed between the wheel rim and fixing element 21. Said adapter has, at its one end, a bead 26 which is designed in the same manner as the bead 22 of the fixing element 21, for the purpose of engaging in the hump 3. At the inner cover surface the adapter 25 has circumferential channels or grooves 27 in which the bead 22 of the fixing element 21 of the attachment part 20 engages, as a result of which axial securement against displacement for the attachment part 20 is realized in a simple manner. In order to allow a more easy introduction of the attachment part 20 via the fixing element 21, that end of the adapter 25 which points toward the attachment part 20 is matched in the form of a bow 28 to the transition between the rim shoulder 2 and rim flange 6, thereby forming an introductory slope for the fixing element 21.
In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 6 an attachment part 30 is provided whose axially pointing fixing element 31 is designed in a similar manner to the adapter 25 from Fig. 5, namely with a bead 26 engaging in the hump 3 and inner circumferential grooves 27. In this arrangement, the axial length of the fixing element 31 is configured in such a manner that when the bead 26 snaps into the hump 3 its flange part 32, which points radially outward, firmly and securely fastens a trim ring in the rim flange 6 in a similar manner as the flange 23 of the attachment part 20 from Fig. 5. The circumferential grooves 27 serve here for the fixing of further attachment parts, for example of a conventional wheel cover, like the attachment part 20 from Fig. 5.
Finally, Fig. 7 shows, in the last embodiment, a tire trim ring 33 whose fixing part 11 engages in the interior of the wheel rim via a fixing element 34, in a similar manner as the fixing element 31 according to the embodiment of Fig. 6. In order to fix the fixing part 11 of the trim ring to the fixing element 34, the corresponding end of the fixing element 34 is designed in order to fasten the fixing part 11. For this purpose, a type of box shape 35 can be provided, or the fixing element 34 has a radial flange 32, as in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 6, to which the trim ring is fixed on the front side, on the inside or outside, for example by bonding.
List of reference numbers 1. Wheel rim 28. Bow 2. Rim shoulder 29. -3. Rim hump 30. Attachment parts 4. Tndentation 31. Fixing element 5. Rim base 32. Flange part 6. Rim flange 33. Tire trim ring 7. Indentation 34. Fixing element 8. - 35. Box shape 9. -10. Tire trim ring 11. Fixing part 12. Bead 13. Trim part 14. Gap, 15. Leaf spring element 16. Introductory leg 17. Pull-out leg 18. Leaf spring element 19. End 20. Attachment part 21. Fixing element 22. Bead 23. Flange 24: -25. Adapter 26. Bead 27. Circumferential grooves
Claims (11)
1. A tire trim ring, in particular for motor vehicle wheels, having an inner, axially pointing fixing part (11) for fixing it to the inner cover of a motor vehicle wheel rim (1), and having an outer, radially extending trim part (13) which bears against the front side of the motor vehicle tire, wherein the fixing part (11) engages in a radial indentation (4, 7) of the inner cover of the wheel rim in a manner such that it snaps in radially, and has an inner diameter which is approximately the same as that of the rim shoulder (2).
2. The tire trim ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein in order to fix said ring to the rim flange (6), the fixing part (11) is designed such that it engages radially from the inside in the indentation (7) of said flange.
3. The tire trim ring as claimed in claim 2, wherein a radial annular bead (12) or a plurality of studs arranged annularly around the circumference is/are provided on the axially pointing fixing part (11).
4. The tire trim ring as claimed in claim 2, wherein a plurality of leaf spring elements (15, 18) which protrude radially in the shape of a cam are provided on the outer circumference of the axial fixing part (11) and, at least during installation, permit resilient yielding.
5. The tire trim ring as claimed in claim 4, wherein the leaf spring elements (15, 18) are designed in the shape of a roof, having two legs, with an introductory slope (16) and a removal slope (17), or having one leg with just an introductory slope (16).
6. The tire trim ring as claimed in claims 2 to 5, wherein the fixing part (11) has a plurality of gaps (14) in the circumferential direction.
7. Tire trim ring as claimed in claims 2 to 6, wherein in order to fix attachment parts, which engage in the rim hump (3) in a manner such that they snap in radially, a cylindrical adapter (25) is provided which engages in the hump (3) via external studs or an annular bead (26) and on its inner cover surface has a plurality of circumferential grooves (27) starting directly adjacent to the annular bead (26).
8. The tire trim ring as claimed in claim 6, wherein the adapter (25) covers the entire introductory length as far as the rim hump (3) and at its outer edge is bent outward in the form of a bow (28) matched to the rim profile, forming an introductory slope for the fixing element (21) of the attachment part (20).
9. The tire trim ring as claimed in claims 1 and 7, wherein the fixing part (11) of the trim ring (33) has an axial fixing element (34) which is designed at its introductory end identically to the adapter (25) with a snap-in bead (26) and engagement grooves (27).
10. The tire trim ring as claimed in claim 9, wherein an adapter attachment part (30) is provided which has an adapter fixing element (31) engaging in the hump (3) and a flange part (32) which points radially outward, bears on its front side against the outside of the trim ring (10) and extends until level with the rim flange, forming an independent fixing part and securely fastening the trim ring axially to the rim flange.
11. The tire trim ring as claimed in claim 9, wherein the adapter fixing element (34) is fixed to the fixing part (11) of the trim ring (33) via a radial flange, for example by bonding or by forming a box shape (35) engaging positively in the fixing part (11).
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19726494 | 1997-06-21 | ||
| DE19726494.8 | 1997-06-21 | ||
| DE19747520.5 | 1997-10-28 | ||
| DE19747520A DE19747520A1 (en) | 1997-06-21 | 1997-10-28 | Ornamental ring for vehicle tyre rim |
| DE1998121016 DE19821016A1 (en) | 1997-10-28 | 1998-05-11 | Tyre trim-ring, particularly for car wheels |
| DE19821016.7 | 1998-05-11 | ||
| PCT/DE1998/001711 WO1998058809A1 (en) | 1997-06-21 | 1998-06-22 | Tyre trim ring, especially for automobile wheels |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2294136A1 true CA2294136A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 |
Family
ID=27217483
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002294136A Abandoned CA2294136A1 (en) | 1997-06-21 | 1998-06-22 | Tyre trim ring, especially for automobile wheels |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0991528B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2001502995A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE211079T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU8971698A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9810265A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2294136A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998058809A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR3129320B1 (en) * | 2021-11-19 | 2024-04-12 | Psa Automobiles Sa | ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE WHEEL COMPRISING A RIM WITH AERODYNAMIC DEFLECTOR |
| JP7327862B1 (en) | 2022-12-09 | 2023-08-16 | 株式会社 東港タイヤサービス | Construction vehicle tire sidewall protection device and installation method |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2573996A (en) | 1949-03-24 | 1951-11-06 | William G Spencer | Side wall for bicycle wheels and tires |
| FR1061278A (en) | 1952-08-06 | 1954-04-12 | Decorative ring for automotive wheel | |
| US2696409A (en) | 1953-10-09 | 1954-12-07 | James H Barnes | Trim member for automobile wheel assemblies |
| US2819119A (en) | 1955-10-14 | 1958-01-07 | Edward P Perrin | Wheel cover |
| US2915335A (en) | 1956-05-22 | 1959-12-01 | James H Barnes | Tire trim member and securing means therefor |
| US2926960A (en) | 1957-03-12 | 1960-03-01 | Lyon George Albert | Wheel cover |
| US2996336A (en) | 1957-07-15 | 1961-08-15 | Charles B Aske Jr | Tire trim-wheel trim construction |
| US3085829A (en) * | 1959-03-03 | 1963-04-16 | James H Barnes | Detachable sidewall trim ring |
| US3367720A (en) | 1965-10-22 | 1968-02-06 | Gar Wood Ind Inc | Vehicle wheel trim |
| DE1943274U (en) * | 1966-04-01 | 1966-07-28 | Volkhard Eissmann | BRACKET FOR COVER OR DECORATIVE PANELS TO BE ATTACHED TO MOTOR VEHICLE WHEELS. |
| US3597002A (en) * | 1969-04-28 | 1971-08-03 | Del Krome Corp | Tire wheel trim structure |
| SU1128618A1 (en) | 1982-10-10 | 1987-03-07 | Всесоюзный Научно-Исследовательский Инструментальный Институт | Material of wear-resistant coating of metal-cutting tool |
| AU580434B2 (en) * | 1985-08-12 | 1989-01-12 | Eric William Bede Connolly | Pneumatic tyre protector |
| DE19608238A1 (en) | 1996-03-04 | 1997-09-18 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Rim for vehicle wheel |
| DE29710896U1 (en) * | 1997-06-21 | 1997-08-14 | Vorrink, Reinhard, 48599 Gronau | Tire trim ring |
| DE29719120U1 (en) * | 1997-10-28 | 1998-02-19 | Vorrink, Reinhard, 48599 Gronau | Decorative ring for car wheels with a suitable adapter for combining with rim attachments |
-
1998
- 1998-06-22 AT AT98941223T patent/ATE211079T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-06-22 WO PCT/DE1998/001711 patent/WO1998058809A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1998-06-22 EP EP98941223A patent/EP0991528B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-06-22 JP JP11503584A patent/JP2001502995A/en active Pending
- 1998-06-22 BR BR9810265-6A patent/BR9810265A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-06-22 AU AU89716/98A patent/AU8971698A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-06-22 CA CA002294136A patent/CA2294136A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2001502995A (en) | 2001-03-06 |
| EP0991528B1 (en) | 2001-12-19 |
| BR9810265A (en) | 2000-09-12 |
| EP0991528A1 (en) | 2000-04-12 |
| ATE211079T1 (en) | 2002-01-15 |
| AU8971698A (en) | 1999-01-04 |
| WO1998058809A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |