WO2020089926A1

WO2020089926A1 - Customizable surface shield with c-shaped clamp

Info

Publication number: WO2020089926A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050636
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gaurav Kapoor; Saurabh Kapoor
Original assignee: Gaurav Kapoor; Saurabh Kapoor
Priority date: 2018-10-31
Filing date: 2019-09-05
Publication date: 2020-05-07

Abstract

A customizable surface shield is disclosed. The customizable surface shield includes a first structure. The first structure in turn includes an inner surface which is in contact with a rim of a wheel to be protected. The first structure also includes at least one flange which is disposed at a first end of the first structure. The flange includes a flange inner surface which has a plurality of teeth and an outer surface which includes a plurality of embossed structures and a plurality of attachment slots. The plurality of attachment slots includes a plurality of indents. The plurality of teeth in the flange is configured to mate with the plurality of indents of the plurality of attachment slots as per a predefined diameter to form a surface shield.

Description

CUSTOMIZABLE SURFACE SHIELD WITH C-SHAPED CLAMP

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a surface shield for protecting an underlying surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to a surface shield which is removably coupled to the underlying surface of an underlying object.

BACKGROUND

[002] With the evolution of automobile industry, varied high-end automobile parts and/or accessories have been devised. Such automobile parts and/or accessories mostly utilize alloyed surfaces. The automobile parts and/or accessories with alloyed surfaces not only enhance strength and durability of the vehicle but also increase its aesthetic appeal. However, such alloys are prone to wear and tear, rusting/corrosion, etc. and therefore are required to be protected.

[00S] One such example of the above are alloy wheels which are utilized in high-end sports cars, luxury vehicles and even few budget cars. The alloy wheels offer various advantages such as better looks, better heat conduction, better fuel economy, lesser likelihood of rusting/corrosion, etc. However, they have certain limitations. Many modern day alloy wheels have very large diameter which makes their rims susceptible to damage. Moreover, alloy wheels can easily pick up scratches and scrapes from road kerbs which spoil their appearance.

[004] In order to protect the alloy wheels from damage, various solutions have been devised. Wheel rim protectors are one such solution to the aforesaid problem. The wheel rim protector may be in the form of a strip of flexible, tough plastic or rubber material that fits around the periphery of the rims of alloy wheels. Conventional wheel rim protectors are self-adhesive and stick over the edge of the wheel, while others are applied with appropriate adhesives. However, such wheel rim protectors chip off as the effectiveness of the adhesive declines.

[005] Therefore, a shield which overcomes the disadvantages of the present state of art and provides a sustainable solution is required to be developed.

SUMMARY

[006] The present invention discloses a customizable surface shield. The customizable surface shield includes a first structure. The first structure in turn includes an inner surface which is in contact with a rim of a wheel to be protected. The first structure also includes at least one flange which is disposed at a first end of the first structure. The flange includes a flange inner surface which has a plurality of teeth and an outer surface which includes a plurality of embossed structures and a plurality of attachment slots. The plurality of attachment slots includes a plurality of indents. The plurality of teeth in the flange is configured to mate with the plurality of indents of the plurality of attachment slots as per a predefined diameter to form a surface shield. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[007] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[008] FIGs. la & lb illustrate a surface shield for protecting wheel rim in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[009] FIG. 2a illustrates an enlarged view of the surface shield 100 of FIGs. la/lb in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2b illustrates an alternate embodiment of the surface shield 100 of FIGs. la/lb in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 3a depicts the first structure 102 of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0012] FIGs. 3b-3d depict alternate embodiments of the first structure 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3e depicts the flange 102e of the first structure 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3f depicts the attachment slot 102f of the first structure 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4a and Fig. 4b shows a magnified front view and magnified back view of the clamp of FIG. 2 respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4c shows a magnified view of the permanently coupled clamp of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

[0018] Wherever possible, same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

[0019] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0020] The present invention discloses a surface shield. The surface shield may be utilized with an underlying object. The underlying object may be any object having an alloyed surface (or a metallic surface) utilized in, without limitation, automobile industry. In an embodiment, the surface shield is utilized with a wheel of a vehicle. The surface shield of the present invention aims to overcome the limitations of conventional systems. The surface shield may be detachably coupled to an underlying surface of the underlying object for example, a rim of the wheel without requirement of an adhesive. Moreover, the surface shield of the present invention offers a cost effective solution to protect a metallic surface for example, a rim of a wheel from damage. The surface shield may also cover any existing damage visible on the metallic surface. In an embodiment, is formed by mating together the ends of a first structure. The first structure may be customized according to the size of the wheel available. The first structure provides easy transportation thus significantly reducing chances of damage incurred during transportation of the surface shield and loss of product quality.

[0021] The surface shield of the present invention may be a customizable assembly. The surface shield may include a snap fit arrangement which aids in customizing the surface shield according to the underlying object.

[0022] In an embodiment, the surface shield may include a plurality of clamps coupled to the first structure. In various embodiments, the clamps may include a one or more ridges for better attachment/detachment of the surface shield to the underlying object.

[0023] The invention will now be described in detail in the context of wheels. However, it is to be noted that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to metallic surfaces that are to be protected from rusting/corrosion, wear and tear, etc. as stated above.

[0024] Now turning to figures, FIGs. la and lb depict a wheel 1 before and after being assembled with the surface shield 100 respectively. The surface shield 100 when mounted on wheel 1 does not disturb the distribution of mass within the wheel 1 (including the rim) to which it is attached thus securing wheel balance.

[0025] The surface shield 100 may be made of any durable material known in the art. The materials may include without limitation, any metal or polymer or combination thereof. The metals may include, without limitation, aluminum, steel, etc. The polymers may include, without limitation, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) acetal, acrylic, nylon, phenylene oxide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polysulfone, styrene, urethane, and vinyl plastics. In case the surface shield 100 is made of a metal, it may be coated with a solution to prevent rusting or corrosion. The solution may include, without limitation, fluoropolymer based solutions, phosphate based solutions, epoxy based coatings, etc. Optionally/additionally, the surface shield 100 may be coated with a solution in order to increase the strength of the material. [0026] The surface shield 100 may have any dimension and color known in the art such as without limitation, black, green, yellow, etc. In an embodiment, the surface shield 100 is a multi colored assembly. The shape of the surface shield 100 corresponds to the shape of the underlying surface. For example, in the context of FIGs. la/lb, the surface shield 100 is a loop-shaped structure.

[0027] The surface shield 100 primarily includes a first structure 102 with a plurality of clamps 106 (described below) as represented in FIG. 2a. In an embodiment, the surface shield 100 does not include clamps (depicted in FIG. 2b).

[0028] The surface shield 100 may include a manufactured state and a deployed state. The manufactured state corresponds to a state in which the surface shield 100 is unfinished i.e. the components which form the surface shield 100 are unassembled. In an embodiment, the surface shield 100 is transported in manufactured state. Thus, the chances of damage to the surface shield 100 incurred during its transportation and loss of product quality are significantly reduced. Further, the cost incurred in packaging of the surface shield 100 is also significantly reduced.

[0029] The deployed state of the surface shield 100 corresponds to a state in which the components of the surface shield 100 are connected to each other and disposed over the underlying surface.

[0030] The surface shield 100 is transformed from a manufacturing state to a deployed state by connecting a first end and a second end of first structure 102.

[0031] FIG. 3a represents an exemplary depiction of the first structure 102 of the surface shield 100 without clamps 106. The first structure 102 may be manufactured as a single structure. Alternately, the first structure 102 may be manufactured as an assembly of multiple segments which when mounted on a required surface form a continuous body.

[0032] The first structure 102 may be made of any durable material known in the art such as a metal or a polymer. The metals may include, without limitation, aluminum, steel, etc. The metals may include without limitation, steel, aluminum, etc. The polymers may include, without limitation, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) acetal, acrylic, nylon, phenylene oxide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polysulfone, styrene, urethane, and vinyl plastics.

[0033] The first structure 102 may be dimensioned according to the underlying surface. For example, the length of the first structure 102 ranges from 55mm to 70mm. [0034] The first structure 102 includes an inner surface 102a, an outer surface 102b, a first end 102c, a second end 102d, a flange 102e and a plurality of attachment slots 102f.

[0035] The inner surface 102a of first structure 102 may be a smooth and uniform surface. In an embodiment, the inner surface 102a of the first structure 102 is in direct contact with the underlying surface of the underlying object, for example, the rim of the wheel 1 when the surface shield 100 is in deployed state.

[0036] The outer surface 102b of the first structure 102 may be smooth and uniform. Alternately, the outer surface 102b may include multiple embossed structures. The embossed structures in the outer surface 102b may be in the form of at least one embossed line bl (shown in FIG. 3b). The embossed lines bl may be provided throughout the length of the first structure 102 along the outer surface 102b. In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 3b, two embossed lines bl are disposed at a distance of 5 mm from each other. Alternately, the embossed lines bl may be disposed at non-uniform distances from each other.

[0037] Optionally/additionally, the embossed structures may be in the form a plurality of spikes b2 as shown in FIG. 3c/3d. The spikes b2 may be disposed as a linear array or may be disposed randomly over the outer surface 102b.

[0038] In case the surface shield 100 is employed for a wheel, the embossed lines bl and/or spikes b2 function to prevent air leakage. Further, the embossed lines bl and/or spikes b2 help to firmly secure the surface shield to the rim of the wheel only.

[0039] The first end 102c of the outer surface 102b includes a flange 102e. The flange 102e may include an outer surface el and an inner surface e2. In an embodiment, the outer surface el is smooth while the inner surface e2 is non-uniform. In an embodiment, the inner surface e2 of the flange 102e includes any conventional attachment means. As shown in FIG. 3f, the attachment means is in the form of teeth e3. The teeth e3 may be disposed on the entire length of the flange 102e along its inner surface e2.

[0040] The second end 102d of the outer surface 102b may include at least one attachment slots 102f. In an embodiment, the attachment slots 102f may be disposed at a predefined distance say, 54mm from the second end 102d. Alternately, the attachment slots 102e may be present throughout the outer surface 102b of the first structure 102.

[0041] Each attachment slot 102f may be spaced by a finite distance from the subsequent attachment slot 102f. For example, the attachment slots 102f may be placed at a distance of 1mm from each other. The length of each attachment slot 102f may be equivalent to the length of the flange 102e.

[0042] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3a, there are seven attachment slots 102f. Each of the attachment slots 102f may be structured to mate with the teeth e3 of the flange 102e for example, in a snap fit arrangement. For example, each attachment slot 102f includes indents fl as shown in FIG. 3f.

[0043] In an embodiment, in deployed state of the surface shield 100, the teeth e3 of flange 102e mate with the indents fl of one of the attachment slot 102f. In an embodiment, the flange 102e and the attachment slot 102f mate to form a circular structure with a predefined diameter. The predefined diameter may vary depending upon the attachment slot 102f selected for mating with the flange 102e. In an embodiment, the circular structure will have maximum diameter when the flange 102e is mated with the attachment slot 102f disposed at the second end 102d. The predefined diameter is minimum when the flange 102e mates with a last attachment slot 102f (from the second end 102d).

[0044] In case the flange 102e mates with an attachment slot 102f except the attachment slot 102e disposed at the second end 102d, the portion of the first structure 102 which lies beyond the mated attachment slot 102f towards the second end 102 is removed before the first structure is attached to the underlying surface.

[0045] The selection of an attachment slot 102f from a plurality of attachment slots 102f may be dependent upon the size of the underlying surface. In context of the wheel 1, the selection of the attachment slot 102f of the first structure 102 is dependent upon the rim diameter. Hence, the surface shield 100 may be customized according to the size of the rim and corresponding wheel 1 available. In case the surface shield 100 is to be designed for an underlying surface having a different shape, the flange 102e and the attachment slots 102f may mate to form a corresponding shape.

[0046] FIG. 4a-4c depicts the clamps 106. The clamps 106 may be removably coupled to the first structure 102 or permanently coupled to the first structure (Fig. 4c).

[0047] The clamps 106 may be made from the same material as that of the first structure 102 or have different material of construction. The clamps 106 may be made of any sturdy material known in the art, for example, steel, aluminum, etc. The sturdy material of the clamps 106 confers strength to the surface shield 100 and eliminates any chance of detachment of the surface shield 100 while the vehicle is in motion.

[0048] The shape of the clamps 106 may be any curved shape known in the art. For example, the shape of the clamps 106 may be without limitation, a J-shaped entity, a semi-circular shape or an arc shape etc. In an embodiment, the clamp 106 is a C-shaped entity.

[0049] The clamps 106 may be disposed along the circumference of the first structure 102 and evenly spaced apart at a predetermined distance. Alternately, the clamps 106 may be placed at irregular intervals along the first structure 102.

[0050] The clamps 106 may include without limitation an inner portion 106a and an outer portion 106b. The inner portion 106a may be a uniform surface or a non-uniform surface. In an embodiment, the inner portion 106a is a smooth surface (as depicted in Fig. 4b). The smooth surface may be in contact with the rim of the wheel.

[0051] The outer portion 106b is a non-uniform surface. As depicted in FIG. 4a, the clamps 106 may include without limitation, one or more ridges 106c disposed on the outer portion 106b. Each ridge 106c may define a predetermined height.

[0052] In an embodiment, there are three ridges 106c disposed on the outer portion 106b of the clamp 106. It should be noted that the ridges 106c as disclosed in the present invention refer to any raised surface known in the art. In case of multiple ridges 106c, all the ridges 106c may be alike or different.

[0053] In an embodiment, the ridges 106c are arranged in the form of steps. For example, the first ridge 10, second ridge 20 and third ridge 30 are arranged in an order of their increasing heights. In an alternate embodiment, the three ridges are placed in such a manner that the height of the three ridges is exactly the same.

[0054] The ridges 106c may be placed continuously or may include a specified gap therebetween. In an embodiment, ridges 106c are equi-distantly placed from each other. In an alternate embodiment, the ridges 106c are non-uniformly spaced apart from each other.

[0055] The ridges 106c of the present invention function to stop air leakage from the wheel 1 and provide good grip of the surface shield 100 over the wheel 1. The presence of ridges 106c may promote efficient attachment and detachment of the surface shield 100 to the wheel(s) 1 of the vehicle. [0056] In an embodiment, the attachment means 108 is integrally coupled to the clamp 106. The attachment means 108 may include dimensions similar or different to that of the clamps 106. In an embodiment, the attachment means 108 is a C-shaped structure.

[0057] As represented in FIG. 4, the clamps 106 may be permanently associated with the first structure 102 as an integral assembly via for example, a moulding technique. Therefore, the permanently attached clamps 106 do not include the attachment means 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first structure 102 is made of polypropylene while clamps 106 are made of nylon via injection moulding.

[0058] The process of constructing such an assembly is less cost intensive as the cost of utilizing complex tools is significantly reduced. Moreover, the first structure 102 and clamps 106 are transported in an unassembled state which reduces chances of damage incurred during transportation of the surface shield 100. Further, such an arrangement is a customized assembly as it allows a user to select the first structure 102 and clamps 106 separately based upon user's requirement and choice. Also, in case, any clamp(s) 106 is damaged while utilization of the surface shield, the damaged clamps 106 may be easily replaced eliminating the need to replace the entire surface shield 100.

[0059] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. For example, the first structure 102 may be detachably associated with a disc. The disc functions to cover one or more spokes of the wheel 1. The disc may have dimensions that complement the dimensions of the cavity 10 of the first structure 102. The disc may be made from the same material as that of the first structure 102 or have different material of construction. The inner circumference of the first structure 102 may include a fixing means to detachably attach the disc. For example, the disc is snap fitted to the inner circumference of the first structure 102.

[0060] In an alternate embodiment, the disc is replaced with sticks which complement the spoke of the wheel. Such structures which cover the cavity 10 of the first structure 102 may aid in providing support to the first structure 102 and also enhance the visual appea l of the vehicle. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present disclosure should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A customizable surface shield comprising: a first structure having: an inner surface being in contact with a rim of a wheel to be protected; at least one flange disposed at a first end of the first structure, the flange includes a flange inner surface having a plurality of teeth; and an outer surface including a plurality of embossed structures and a plurality of attachment slots, the plurality of attachment slots having a plurality of indents; wherein the plurality of teeth in the flange are configured to mate with the plurality of indents of the plurality of attachment slots as per a predefined diameter to form a surface shield.

2. The customizable surface shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface shield is circular in shape.

3. The customizable surface shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of embossed structures includes one or more of at least one embossed line and/or at least one spike.

4. The customizable surface shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the first structure comprises at least one clamp removably and/or permanently coupled to the first structure.

5. The customizable surface shield as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one clamp includes one or more ridges to attach the surface shield to the rim firmly.

6. The customizable surface shield as claimed in claim 4, wherein the clamps are C-shaped.

7. The customizable surface shield as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the one or more ridges includes a predetermined height.

8. The customizable surface shield as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more ridges include three ridges disposed in an order of increasing heights.