Patents Assigned to McKechnie Vehicle Components (USA), Inc.
  • Wheel applique and lock
    Patent number: 5921634
    Abstract: A wheel assembly (10) includes a vehicle wheel (12) and an ornamental applique (14) which may be chrome plated, painted, etc. The applique (14) includes an extension flange (54) which extends over the peripheral rim edge (19) of the rim flange (18). Further, the applique (14) is locked to the rim flange (18) by a shoulder (64) coacting with the rim flange (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: McKechnie Vehicle Components (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: Ted E. Eikhoff
  • Lug nut lock
    Patent number: 5918946
    Abstract: A lug nut lock is used to mechanically lock a cover assembly to a lug nut resulting in a lock to the wheel and/or hub. The lug nut lock includes a lug well extending out from its inboard surface to a distal end. An engagable surface extends out from the distal end. Retention legs extend outwardly from the walls of the lug well. The retention legs include threaded surfaces engagable with a threaded surface of a compression nut. The compression nut forces or compress the retention legs inwardly forcing the engagable surfaces to engage a bottom surface of a lug nut locking the cover assembly to the lug nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: McKechnie Vehicle Components (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. DiMarco
  • Covered lug retention assembly for wheel cover
    Patent number: 5842749
    Abstract: A wheel ornament assembly (10) includes a nut cap assembly (16) threadingly engaging an externally threaded lug (20) of a vehicle wheel (14). The nut cap assembly (16) retains a decorative wheel ornament (12) to the wheel (14). The nut cap assembly (16) includes an insert member (32) within and non-rotatably fixed to a cap cover (34) to provide desired aesthetics. The insert member (32) includes a threaded interior bore (35) with relief slots (44) therein to allow the walls of the insert member (32) to flex or expand after full threading of the nut cap assembly (16) on the lug nut (20) to prevent stripping of the threads. The cap cover (34) provides clearance to allow flexibility of the insert member (32) while maintaining its fixed connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: McKechnie Vehicle Components (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. DiMarco
  • Vehicle wheel assembly and method of making same
    Patent number: 5820225
    Abstract: A wheel assembly (10) includes an applique (40) of sheet material adhered to a molded insert member (50) of structural rigidity. The insert member (50) is molded to change the depth and contour of the wheel face from the original steel wheel (12). The insert member (50) is adhered and/or locked to the steel wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: McKechnie Vehicle Components (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: David Ferriss, William K. Pope, Ted E. Eikhoff