An aerodynamic spare tire cover system is provided for use with a spare tire stored on a vehicle underbody. The cover system can be used to cover a full sized spare tire or a temporary spare tire, while providing the same aerodynamic qualities. The cover system includes an annular spare tire cover d
An aerodynamic spare tire cover system is provided for use with a spare tire stored on a vehicle underbody. The cover system can be used to cover a full sized spare tire or a temporary spare tire, while providing the same aerodynamic qualities. The cover system includes an annular spare tire cover defining a central aperture, a removable center cap for selectively covering the central aperture, a center spacer supported by the annular spare tire cover that is adjustable between a first position and a second position depending on whether a full sized spare or temporary spare is being covered, and removable spacers supported by the annular spare tire cover. A full sized spare tire and the center spacer in the first position space the spare tire cover the same distance from a position on the vehicle underbody, on the opposite side of the spare tire, as a temporary spare tire, and the center spacer in the second position.
대표청구항▼
What is claimed is: 1. An aerodynamic spare tire cover system for use on a spare tire and wheel combination stored on a vehicle underbody, the system comprising: an annular spare tire cover having a diameter sufficient to cover at least a portion of both the tire and wheel in a spare tire and wheel
What is claimed is: 1. An aerodynamic spare tire cover system for use on a spare tire and wheel combination stored on a vehicle underbody, the system comprising: an annular spare tire cover having a diameter sufficient to cover at least a portion of both the tire and wheel in a spare tire and wheel combination, and defining a central aperture; a removable center cap for selectively covering the central aperture of the annular spare tire cover; a center spacer selectively adjustable between a first position and a different second position with respect to the spare tire cover, where in each position the center spacer is supported by the spare tire cover; and a plurality of removable peripheral spacers supported by the annular spare tire cover, wherein the center spacer, when supported in the first position in the spare tire cover, cooperates with a full sized spare tire to space the spare tire cover a first distance from a first portion of the underbody of the vehicle, and wherein the center spacer, when supported in the second position in the spare tire cover, cooperates with a temporary spare tire to space the spare tire cover a second distance, generally equivalent to the first distance, from the first portion of the underbody of the vehicle. 2. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 1, wherein the removable center cap provides planar storage surfaces, including slots that engage tabs on the peripheral spacers, for the peripheral spacers when the peripheral spacers are not used to space the spare tire cover from the spare tire. 3. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 1, wherein the removable center cap further comprises a plurality of tabs that selectively interlock with a plurality of slots on the annular spare tire cover. 4. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 1, wherein when the center spacer is in either the first position or the second position, the annular spare tire cover is generally flush with a second portion of the vehicle underbody. 5. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the vehicle underbody is the base of a spare tire well. 6. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 1, wherein: the annular spare tire cover includes: a bi-level circular wall; a plurality of first steps extending from the circular wall toward a center of the spare tire cover at a first height; and a plurality of second steps extending from the circular wall toward a center of the spare tire cover at a second height; and the adjustable center spacer includes a plurality of wing portions that selectively fit either against the first steps when the center spacer is in the first position or against the second steps when the center spacer is in the second position. 7. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 1, wherein the center spacer has a truncated cone shape. 8. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 6, wherein the wing portions extend outwardly from a base of the center spacer. 9. The aerodynamic space tire cover system of claim 1, wherein the spacers are posts having a truncated cone shape. 10. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 1, wherein the center cap is generally flush with the spare tire cover when the center cap covers the central aperture of the spare tire cover. 11. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 6, wherein the center spacer and center cap are separate elements. 12. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of removable peripheral spacers are supported on the annular spare tire cover in a position between the central aperture and an outer edge of the annular spare tire cover. 13. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 6, wherein the spare tire cover is generally planar between the central aperture and a peripheral concave edge portion. 14. The aerodynamic spare tire cover system of claim 6, wherein the largest diameter of the center spacer is less than the diameter of the center cap and largest diameter of the spare tire cover. 15. An aerodynamic spare tire cover system for use on a spare tire stored on a vehicle underbody, the system comprising: an annular spare tire cover defining a central aperture; a removable center cap for selectively covering the central aperture of the annular spare tire cover; a center spacer selectively adjustable between a first position and a different second position with respect to the spare tire cover, where in each position the center spacer is supported by the spare tire cover; and a plurality of removable peripheral spacers supported by the annular spare tire cover, wherein the center spacer, when supported in the first position in the spare tire cover, cooperates with a full sized spare tire to space the spare tire cover a first distance from a first portion of the underbody of the vehicle, and wherein the center spacer, when supported in the second position in the spare tire cover, cooperates with a temporary spare tire to space the spare tire cover a second distance, generally equivalent to the first distance, from the first portion of the underbody of the vehicle wherein: the annular spare tire cover includes: a bi-level circular wall; a plurality of first steps extending from the circular wall toward a center of the spare tire cover at a first height; and a plurality of second steps extending from the circular wall toward a center of the spare tire cover at a second height; and the adjustable center spacer includes a plurality of wing portions that selectively fit either against the first steps when the center spacer is in the first position or against the second steps when the center spacer is in the second position.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (10)
Natori Sadaaki (Toyota JPX), Clamping apparatus for spare tire.
Horrell, Charles; Grossman, Jeff; Kaufman, Joshua; Schwartz, Rebecca; Ulrich, Drew; Weyl, Laura; Ray, Jimmy; Smith, Andrew E., Device for lifting and attaching a truck tire and wheel to a heavy freight vehicle.
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