Abstract: Apparatus, method and sealing means for liquid urethane reaction mixture injection molding of a composite styled metal and plastic vehicle wheel wherein a metal wheel subassembly serves as a preform between the separable mold parts in the mold apparatus and which is united with the plastic body molding material to form the composite wheel. One of the mold parts has a mold cavity surface operable in mold closed condition to define with the outboard face of the wheel subassembly a mold cavity adapted to provide an ornamental configuration for an outboard face of the plastic body of the composite wheel. A gas permeable and liquid infiltratable mold sealing membrane has a first portion thereof communicating with ambient atmosphere externally of the mold cavity and a second portion thereof communicating with the mold cavity.

Abstract: A composite styled wheel has a rigid wheel backbone with a plastic overlay on an outboard face thereof. The wheel backbone is positioned in a lower mold to define a mold cavity therebetween, and an upper mold seals through apertures in the wheel backbone. The lower mold has a ring-shaped forming surface that selectively abuts the outboard flange edge of the wheel backbone, and a riser which selectively engages the wheel backbone, and selectively positions the outboard flange edge a spaced apart distance from the forming surface to define a venting space therebetween. A reactive urethane mixture is injected into the mold cavity to fill at least a portion of the same, and flow the mixture through the venting space to evacuate air from the mold cavity.

Abstract: An elastomeric guard member for use with a vehicle wheel is disclosed. The wheel includes a wheel disc and rim. The wheel disc defines a plurality of circumferential openings. In prior art wheel assemblies, debris was apparent at the wheel openings. The elastomeric guard member is positioned in a circular configuration within the space to retard water and debris from entering the space and to present a better visual appearance.

Abstract: A foamed article having zones of varying hardness is prepared by moving a shaping means relative to at least two foam pouring means to distribute a foamable mixture over the surface of the shaping means in a fan-shaped pattern in response to the relative motion between the pouring means and the shaper, adjusting the fan-shaped pattern to define zones in the foamed article having the desired physical characteristics.