Patent Application
20220227166
This invention relates to wheel covers and more particularly to an aerodynamic truck wheel cover that is adjustable in size to fit different size wheels.
Trucks, particularly tractor trailers, consume large amounts of fuel especially when carrying full loads. Thus, operators of such trucks are always seeking ways to save fuel by reducing aerodynamic drag. This is accomplished primarily through rounding of the front surfaces, the use of roof and side deflectors and the use of fairings over the fuel tanks between the steering axle and the drive axles. However, another large source of drag which is often ignored are the truck wheels, namely the six wheels facing outward on a tractor and four wheels facing outward on the trailer for a total of ten outwardly facing wheels.
Another complicating factor in attempting to reduce drag caused by tractor trailer wheels is that not all wheels are the same size. There are two types of tractor trailer wheels, steel and aluminum. Although aluminum wheels are the same size, the more common steel wheels vary in size.
Current wheel covers for reducing aerodynamic drag are expensive and require tools to install. Furthermore, such wheel covers fit only aluminum wheels which do not vary in size as do steel wheels, the more common wheels on tractor trailers.
In view of the above problems, a need exists for a wheel cover for a truck that reduces aerodynamic drag which is inexpensive, easy and quick to install and that is adjustable in size to fit all sizes of truck wheels.
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a truck wheel cover that reduces aerodynamic drag.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a truck wheel cover that is easy and quick to install.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide such a wheel cover does not require tools to install.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide such a wheel cover that is adjustable in size to fit varying sizes and types of truck wheels.
The present invention accomplishes the above and other objects by providing a wheel cover comprising a circular disk having a central aperture with a slit extending radially from proximate a periphery of the central aperture to a circumference of the disk and at least two pair of slots proximate a periphery of the disk. The wheel cover can be attached to the wheel by inserting at least two ties through one of the at least two pair of slots around a spoke of the wheel and twisting the ties. The wheel cover may also have a slot proximate the central aperture for inserting an attachment tie, The wheel cover would preferably be manufactured in a standard most common size of truck wheel and have a bridge piece connecting the slit at the circumference. Then, as necessary the wheel cover can be adjusted in size to fit a particular wheel removing the connecting bridge in the disk and expanding or decreasing the size of the slit to alter the circumference of the cover to accommodate the wheel of a vehicle.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:
Discussing the preferred embodiments of the wheel cover of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings.
The wheel cover 1 would preferably be made of a flexible plastic so it would be lightweight and easily adjustable in size. Employing the wheel cover of this invention on a truck provides aerodynamic benefits by significantly reducing drag caused by tire wheels, particularly for tractor trailers trucks that have many wheels. The reduction in drag saves fuel and reduces fuel expenditures of truck drivers, ultimately reducing shipping costs to the consumer.
It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is described, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and/or drawings.
