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: A simulated wire wheel trim for vehicle wheels comprising an outer spoke retaining element having portions for positioning the wheel trim with respect to a vehicle wheel, an inner central hub member having spoke containment structure and a plurality of spokes supportably extending between the outer spoke retaining element and the central hub member. The spokes are clamped in the containment structure to prevent movement of the hub, and the containment structure has abutment portions which force the spokes into secure connection with the outer retaining element during assembly. A method of assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel trim retention system is disclosed which comprises an ornamental trim member fabricated from a polymeric composition and a retention band mechanically interlocked thereto in such a manner as to substantially reduce the residual stresses on the trim member heretofore encountered in attachment of retention bands to polymeric composition wheel trim. In one embodiment, a plurality of retaining flanges are integrally molded on the trim member to further assist in maintaining the mechanically interlocked connection between the trim member and the retention band. In another embodiment, deformable tab portions are provided to assist the mechanical interlock connection. The retention band also includes suitable wheel engaging retention members and may also be provided with integrally formed remotely actuated secondary retention portions. A method of assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel cover for covering at least a portion of the outer face of a wheel, including an inner face of the wheel cover including a plurality of recesses and with the inner face of the wheel cover disposed adjacent an outer face of the wheel when the wheel cover is fastened in position, each recess including a plurality of oppositely disposed spaced wall portions, a spring clip having a pair of leg portions positioned within each recess and with each leg portion disposed against a wall portion, each spring clip normally having a spacing between the leg portions greater than the spacing between the wall portions of each recess and with each spring clip when positioned within each recess preloaded by the restraint of the wall portions, and each spring clip additionally including an extension of one of the leg portions extending without the recess for providing engagement with a portion of the wheel and providing additional loading of the spring clip for fastening the wheel cover to the wheel.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a novel retention for retaining wheel trim on the outer face of a vehicle wheel. The invention is especially adaptable for use with wheel trim made of plastic or the like. The retention comprises specially designed spring clips which consist of both a spring portion and a tab portion, the tab portion being inserted and permanently secured in slots on the underside of said wheel trim.

Abstract: A system is described for retaining a wheel trim member in operative relationship to a conventional multiflanged vehicle wheel which is particularly adapted for use on wheel trim members fabricated from plastic composition. The retention system comprises a cavity or pocket provided in the wheel trim member in which is disposed a clip member and a member for biasing it in a radially outward direction and into engagement with a radially inward facing flange portion of a vehicle wheel. The outer portion of the clip member is provided with teeth which are adapted to bitingly engage the wheel trim member thereby securely retaining the wheel trim member in installed relationship to the vehicle wheel. Cooperating portions are also provided on the clip and within the cavity to limit the radial outward movement of the clip member when the wheel trim member is removed from the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a simulated wire wheel cover having a construction which allows for the reduction of the number of separate parts required in the fabrication of such wheel covers and, further, also reduces the total weight of such wheel covers. This simulated wire wheel comprises a generally round base member having an irregular cross-sectional shape and retention system affixed to the outer periphery thereof which is adapted to engage a conventional vehicle safety wheel rim. An axially elongated center hub member is adapted to be coaxially positioned over the axially outer surface of this base member and is adapted to secure the radially inner ends of a plurality of spokes radiating outward from its axially inner end. A cap member is disposed over this hub member and is adapted to clamp a second plurality of spokes extending radially outward from the axially outer end of the hub member.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a novel wheel trim retention for retaining wheel trim on the outer face of a vehicle wheel. The invention is especially adaptable for use with wheel trim made of plastic or the like. The retention system comprises specially designed spring clips which contain two members attached to a base portion which limit the radial and circumferential movement of the clip relative to the wheel trim, and a terminal portion which extends radially inwardly to limit the axial movement of the clip and help retain the clip on the wheel trim.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a wheel trim retention for securely and removably attaching a wheel trim member to a vehicle wheel comprising a retention band having a plurality of clip members secured to the wheel facing side thereof each of which has a pair of tooth carrying arms which are adapted to bitingly engage a portion of the wheel so as to form a primary retention arrangement. The retention band may also be provided with an annular or localized radially outwardly extending protrusion which is adapted to engage a safety groove provided on the wheel in response to the distortion of the retention band caused by the forces generated by the engagement of the toothed members with another portion of the wheel thereby providing a secondary mechanically interlocking retention.

Abstract: Means are disclosed for retaining wheel trim such as a trim ring or wheel cover. The means comprises an annular retention member secured at its outer edge to the wheel trim, and having an axially extending portion inside the conventional intermediate flange of the tire rim. A plurality of retaining clips are secured to this portion of the retention member and have fingers engaging the intermediate tire rim flange. The clips are easily assembled and locked onto the retention member by snap tabs. The construction avoids interference with the mounting of balancing weights on the lip flange of the tire rim.