Aerodynamic wheel cover

Abstract

A wheel cover or panel assembly for use on a long haul truck is provided. These wheel covers can provide enhanced aerodynamic effects to a truck or other vehicle thereby reducing wind drag and enhancing fuel efficiency. Still further, the wheel covers can articulate or turn along with the steering by design.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wheel cover system comprising:
 an aerodynamic panel that covers an outer portion of a steerable wheel of a vehicle; and   an attachment means that connects the aerodynamic panel to a wheel area of the vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means is a bolt-on apparatus that fixedly and rotatably attaches to the wheel, wherein the aerodynamic panel tracks direction and position of the steerable wheel. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means is a bolt-on apparatus that fixedly and non-rotatably attaches to the wheel, wherein the aerodynamic panel tracks direction of the steerable wheel. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising a mounting plate that rotatably attaches between the steerable wheel and the aerodynamic panel, wherein the aerodynamic panel tracks direction of the steerable wheel. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means connects the aerodynamic panel to steering linkage of the vehicle. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aerodynamic panel is not positioned above or on an interior area of the wheel. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a deflector apparatus that deflects a portion of air around the aerodynamic panel. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aerodynamic panel includes a plurality of louvers capable of alleviating aerodynamic pressure upon the aerodynamic panel. 
     
     
         9 . A system of alleviating aerodynamic forces comprising:
 means for attaching a panel to a wheel area of a vehicle, wherein the panel covers at least an outer portion of a wheel;   means for tracking direction of the wheel as a function of steering; and   means for pivoting the panel in synchronization with the tracked direction.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the panel is a plastic panel. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the means for attaching is a linkage mechanism that attaches to one of a steering or suspension component of a vehicle. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the means for attaching is a rotatable hub that connects the panel to the wheel. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the means for attaching is a non-rotatable hub that connects the panel to the wheel. 
     
     
         14 . A method of regulating aerodynamic flow comprising:
 attaching a panel to a wheel area of a vehicle, such that the panel covers an outer portion of a wheel;   tracking position of a wheel positioned within the wheel area; and   pivoting the panel in accordance with a direction of the wheel.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the panel is a composite panel. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising attaching the panel to a steering mechanism of a vehicle. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising attaching the panel to a plurality of lugs of the wheel. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the panel is rotatably mounted. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the panel is non-rotatably mounted. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the panel is a half-moon shaped panel.