Abstract: A wheel trim assembly including a plurality of radial extending spoke members is characterized by a plate integrally formed from a polymeric material and includes an arrangement disposed between the plate and vehicle wheel for inhibiting rotation of a lock nut centrally of the plate the nut adapted to releasably engage a threaded spindle from the vehicle wheel to retain the plate thereto, and a spoke retention arrangement for captivating the inward radial ends of a first and second plurality of spoke members, respectively, on a first and second axial layer. The outer retention contemplates a separate lock collar being insertably, nonrotatably captivated within a central plate opening and the integral arrangement for inhibiting rotation of the lock nut rotatably disposed therewithin.

Abstract: A rocker arm is formed from a unitary sheet metal material with a unitary journal and pad with selective welds to provide rigidity.

Abstract: A wheel trim assembly including a plurality of radial extending spoke members is characterized by a plate integrally formed from a polymeric material and includes an arrangement disposed between the plate and vehicle wheel for inhibiting rotation of a lock nut centrally of the plate the nut adapted to releasably engage a threaded spindle from the vehicle wheel to retain the plate thereto, and a spoke retention arrangement for captivating the inward radial ends of a first and second plurality of spoke members, respectively, on a first and second axial layer. The center retention contemplates a separate lock collar being insertably, nonrotatably captivated within a central plate opening and the integral arrangement for inhibiting rotation of the lock nut rotatably disposed therewithin.

Abstract: A wheel trim assembly including a plurality of radial extending spoke members is characterized by a spoke retention plate integrally formed from a polymeric material for gripping the inward radial ends of a first and second plurality of spoke members, respectively, on a first and second axial layer in a secure manner so as to inhibit annoying noise-generating vibration as well as to securely retain the center hub assembly, spokes and outer ring in assembled relationship. The center retention contemplates a separate lock collar being insertably, nonrotatably captivated within a central plate opening and the integral arrangement for inhibiting rotation of the lock nut rotatably disposed therewithin.

Abstract: A wheel trim removeable engaging a wheel rim including an annular fiberglass band having a first end disposed in a groove of the wheel trim and a second end extending axially inwardly therefrom toward the wheel rim and including a hook portion for removeably engaging the safety groove of the rim flange to releasably retain the wheel trim on the wheel rim.

Abstract: A decorative wheel cover for disposition at the outer side of a wheel includes an annular skirt for disposition adjacent to an annular flange of the vehicle wheel, and resilient means connected to the skirt and configured for 360.degree. resilient nonslipping sealing engagement with the annular flange when disposed thereagainst whereby to eliminate any axial gap therebetween and resist or inhibit possible relative rotation thereof.

Abstract: An improved wheel trim retention system which may incorporate anti-theft features is disclosed herein which incorporate both an easily fabricated assembly for effectively preventing relative rotation between the wheel trim and associated vehicle wheel as well as providing an improved arrangement for aiding in centering and spacing of the outer periphery from the adjacent vehicle wheel structure so as to avoid annoying rattling noises emanating therefrom. The spacer centering members are particularly suited to accommodate situations wherein a single wheel trim is intended to be fitted to vehicle wheels fabricated from either aluminum or steel and incorporates a multi-position centering spacer member which is adapted to engage the adjacent annular flange portion of the vehicle wheel which may be positioned at different distances from the trim member.

Abstract: In an adjustable automobile mirror system of either the manual type or a three-cable operated type including a mirror anchored to a mirror retainer whose position is adjustable relative to a mirror housing, the improved mounting of the mirror retainer upon the mirror housing which comprises a part-spherical head upon the housing and a pivot block having a socket movably mounted upon the head. Resilient detents on the mirror retainer receive and retainingly engage the pivot block for movements therewith. One detent is manually yieldable to facilitate selective assembly of the mirror retainer on and disassembly from the pivot block.

Abstract: A calcium silicate filler mass for use in storing a gas solution or liquid gas, said filler mass having a high compressive strength and containing at least 0.5 weight percent reinforcing carbon fibers uniformly disposed within said calcium silicate, said filler having uniformly distributed throughout very fine pores of less than about 25 microns, and being substantially absent of voids and having a porosity of at least about 85%. There is also disclosed an acetylene storage vessel for storing gas solutions of acetylene which includes said silicate filler mass disposed within a metal shell and a method of forming said acetylene storage vessel.

Abstract: A wheel trim retention system is disclosed herein which incorporates an anti-rotation clip which is adapted to be secured to the peripheral portion of a wheel trim and to cooperatingly engage portions of a vehicle wheel so as to prevent relative rotation between the wheel trim and the vehicle wheel. The anti-rotation clip comprises first and second portions each of which are adapted to engage and be compressed between generally opposed surfaces of the vehicle wheel whereby the force of engagement of one of these surfaces with the vehicle wheel is increased by the action of the engagement of the other of these surfaces within an opposed portion of the vehicle wheel. The first of these portions includes circumferentially spaced radially outwardly turned end portions which are adapted to engage a radially inwardly facing surface of the vehicle wheel so as to inhibit relative rotation between the trim member and wheel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shrink forming apparatus for rounding vehicular wheels and other annular workpieces. The apparatus includes a power actuated shrinker barrel assembly slidably retained for axial movement about the body of the apparatus. Rounding dies are connected to the shrinker barrel assembly for movement in a radial direction and engagement with the workpiece to perform a shrink forming operation. The apparatus further includes means for substantially eliminating the working clearance between the shrinker barrel assembly and the apparatus body during the shrink forming operation.

Abstract: A wheel trim assembly is described having an annular wheel trim member which is removably attached to a central hub member by a centrally located fastener or bolt. The central hub member is adapted to attach to an associated wheel. The annular trim member has a central aperture having a removable cover member disposed therein to conceal the centrally located fastener or bolt from casual view. Also disclosed is a locking bolt which has an outer face with a groove therein adapted to receive a corresponding projection of a wrench to effect rotation thereof and which is maintained in aligment by a bolt retainer located in the interior of the trim member. Several arrangements for preventing rotation of the trim member relative to an associated wheel are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved closable receptacle assembly particularly designed for use in a motor vehicle which assembly includes a housing and a container assembly movably supported within the housing. The container assembly includes a pair of side rails which are adapted to movably support the container assembly on a plurality of spaced roller members provided on the housing so as to enable the container assembly to move freely and easily into and out of the housing. Each of the roller members is adjustably secured to the sidewalls of the housing assembly so as to allow for precise, accurate adjustment thereof with respect to the side rails provided on the container assembly. Additionally, a suitable spring is provided which operates to bias the container assembly into an open position and a latch arrangement is provided to maintain the container assembly in a closed position.

Abstract: An improved wheel trim construction is disclosed herein which is particularly well suited for fabrication of simulated wire wheel trim of the floating center design. The wheel trim of the present invention requires assembly of only four components which assembly is further facilitated by the provision of integrally formed fastening arrangements which cooperate to provide a secure rattle-free wheel trim assembly.

Abstract: An improved construction and method of assembly for forming a simulated wire wheel trim is disclosed herein which employs axially inner and outer spoke retainer plate members which are secured together subsequent to assembly of spoke members thereto and operate to securely clamp the spoke members therebetween. The axially outer spoke retainer plate member is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings which are designed to loosely receive the radially inner ends of the spoke members before the radially outer ends thereof have been inserted in the openings provided in the outer ring assembly.

Abstract: A simulated wire wheel trim for a vehicle wheel is disclosed which requires assembly of only three basic members yet still provides a very realistic appearing interleaved spoke pattern. The wheel trim includes an outer hub member having a plurality of integrally formed spokes, an inner hub member also having a plurality of spokes integrally formed therewith, the outer ends of which are interconnected by an annular flange portion and an annular ring member to which the annular flange portion and other spoke ends are connected. A suitable retention system for retaining the wheel trim on a vehicle wheel may also be attached to the annular ring member. The wheel trim is particularly designed to be fabricated from polymeric compositions so as to provide a very lightweight yet realistic appearing simulated wire wheel trim.

Abstract: In an adjustable automobile mirror system of either the manual type or a three-cable operated type including a mirror anchored to a mirror retainer whose position is adjustable relative to a mirror housing, the improved mounting of the mirror retainer upon the mirror housing which comprises a part-spherical head upon the housing and a pivot block having a socket movably mounted upon the head. Resilient detents on the mirror retainer receive and retainingly engage the pivot block for movements therewith. One detent is manually yieldable to facilitate selective assembly of the mirror retainer on and disassembly from the pivot block.

Abstract: For an electronically motivated door lock there is a key carrying magnetic coding for actuating an electronically triggered release mechanism to unlock a door. Insertion of the key in the keyway initially closes a switch to energize the electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is programmed to motivate a motor driven mechanism in successive stages to move a blocking finger into and out of engagement with a notch in a rotatable disc on a cylinder plug which operates the latch bolt. The motor rotates preferably in one direction but by use of a rotating drive pin shiftable from end to end of a transverse slot, the blocking finger is moved alternately into and out of engagement with the notch in response to the successive energizations of the motor.

Abstract: A method of forming a one piece vehicle wheel is disclosed which method includes the steps of initially forging a rough vehicle wheel shape which is then subjected to a series of spinning operations to contour the rim portion thereof. Part of the final contouring of the rim portion of the wheel is performed without mandrel backing. The entire final contouring is performed after a solution heat treatment that imparts a T4 material condition thereto in order to assure accurate formation thereof. Additionally, if desired, final machining and/or trimming operations may be performed without removing the wheel from the final contouring apparatus.