US 8,147,004 B2 · Vehicle wheel rim protector

Abstract

A wheel rim protective structure has a closed ring made of a semi-rigid durable plastic material. A plurality of spaced apart durable curved metal clips extend from the inner edge of the ring and are oriented to insert between the tire and rim. Each clip has a number of unidirectional barbs that facilitate installation but resist unwanted extraction by engaging the tire portion. Knurling on the opposite side provides more static friction against the wheel surface. The metal clips also provided a situs for a low profile fastener to allow other structures to be attached to the ring such as decorative panels, lights, flags streamers, or other decorative or counterbalancing structures. The ring and clips can be made from a unitary piece of injection molded material.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A detachable protective device for vehicle wheels, said device comprises:

a substantially circular closed ring having an axial outer surface and an axial inner surface;
a plurality of angularly spaced apart clips extending inwardly from said inner surface;
wherein each of said clips comprises:
an arcuate body having a first proximal portion secured to said ring, and a second distal portion shaped and dimensioned to be inserted between a wheel rim and a tire;
wherein said proximal portion is shaped and dimensioned to have a first through hole engaged by an interconnect portion of said ring, wherein said interconnect portion is molded simultaneously and contiguously with material forming said ring;
and,
wherein said proximal portion is shaped and dimensioned to have a first threaded aperture.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vehicle wheel rim protector

Life of this patent

Vehicle wheel rim protector

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13