US-20260124856-A1 - ADAPTIVE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WITH INTERCHANGEABLE DECORATIVE FACES

Abstract

A wheel assembly that provides a simulated center lock wheel look that also enables exchanging of ornamental face plates with a center hub attachment device that will allow car enthusiasts to easily change the look of their automotive wheels while maintaining a center lock wheel appearance. The assembly includes three components: a base wheel, a plurality of ornamental face plates, and a center hub attachment extending from one of either the hub or the ornamental face plate.

Inventors

• Michael Ravelo

Assignees

• Michael Ravelo

Dates

Publication Date

20260507

Application Date

20251231

Claims (1)

1. 1 . A wheel assembly for use on a vehicle and for use with a plurality of ornamental face plates, the wheel assembly comprising: a barrel having a circular sidewall that circumscribes an interior, the sidewall having a first end and a second end; a hub attached to the sidewall in the interior of the barrel, the hub having a plurality of openings capable of coupling the hub and the barrel to the vehicle; and an attachment device centrally disposed on the hub, the attachment device including a center post that is capable of accepting one or more of the ornamental face plates in removable engagement.

Description

BACKGROUND Technical Field The present disclosure pertains to wheels and, more particularly, to a wheel system for vehicles that provides for a base wheel and an adaptive attachment of interchangeable decorative wheel faces. Description of the Related Art The automotive wheel industry continues to be an integral part of automotive design, functionality, and customization. The idea of the integrated wheel arises from the opportunity to incorporate the full use of the wheel that is fully customizable by the consumer. The automotive wheel market has to meet stronger governmental standards amidst balancing changing consumer styling trends and demands. The current wheel market is a multi-billion dollar industry dominated by the OEM end-user which is compounded by the aftermarket end-user. Innovation in this segment is becoming increasingly vital given the need to decrease unsprung weight or rotational mass while keeping desirable aesthetic properties. BRIEF SUMMARY The present disclosure is directed to an integrated wheel design and structure that takes full advantage of all aspects of the wheel, allowing for the ability to maximize offset, concavity, diameter, and reduction of weight to maximize circular velocity in certain applications. The present disclosure reduces manufacturing cost without sacrificing the desirable ornamental properties. In fact, it exponentially increases the ornamental design capabilities, thus allowing for both the OEM and consumer or end-user to keep up with trends without costly re-investment. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-piece wheel assembly is provided that incorporates an adaptive hub attachment that also enables exchanging of ornamental faces or the hub itself. This assembly will allow car enthusiasts to easily change the look of their automotive wheels. The adaptive hub attachment can simulate the appearance of a center lock wheel appearance or be incorporated into the design of the wheel itself. The assembly, in one implementation, has a base wheel designed to support the ornamental face, a replaceable ornamental face plate, and an attachment assembly to attach the ornamental face plate to the base wheel. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a three-piece wheel assembly is provided that provides a simulated center lock wheel look that also enables exchanging of an ornamental center hub attachment. This assembly will allow car enthusiasts to easily change the look of their automotive wheels while maintaining a center lock wheel appearance. The assembly, in one implementation, has a base wheel, a replaceable ornamental face plate, and an attachment assembly to attach the ornamental face plate to the base wheel. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the wheel assembly includes three components: a base wheel, a center lug conversion, and at least one (and preferably more than one) interchangeable center hub attachment or ornamental face plate. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the base wheel includes a standard five-lug attachment although it can accommodate a 4-lug or even a 1-lug configuration, and it can include in one implementation a deep offset to provide as much exterior space for a variety of attachments. The base wheel will have as little material as possible for weight reduction. It can employ multiple designs centered on light weight strength and stability, including without limitation, thin spokes and spokes having a more blade-like shape. In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the adaptive center lug conversion device is attached to the center hub of the base wheel from the back and extends outward. The adaptive hub center lug conversion device is for appearance only and does not bear the weight of the vehicle. In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the center hub attachment or ornamental face plate differs from a hubcap, beauty rim, or wheel cover as it moves away from conventional methods of producing decorative faces and attachment points. The ornamental face takes advantage of the base wheel and its attributes to cover only as much as required to achieve the desired design. This allows the design to keep open areas that can expose the brake system and still maintain the look of a true wheel. The hub cap or beauty rim also adheres to the wheel in one plane, which differs drastically from the aforementioned face that incorporates a design traversing multiple planes. It also differs from a typical wheel currently using the end ornamental design as the weight bearing surface. The new ornamental face is integrated into the base wheel providing structure and uniformity to the ornamental face. By integrating the ornamental face to the base wheel it provides a stable attachment to not only composite material but also metal faces. It attaches to the center lug conversion device using a secure locking mec