Abstract: A wheel structure for an automobile having a wheel rim, a central part, and spoke elements connected to the wheel rim and individually connected to the central part. Spoke elements have through-holes for wheel screws or bolts and the central part has holes for screwing in or pushing through same wheel screws or bolts. The through-holes of the spoke elements form a first hole circle and the holes in the central part form a second hole circle. The diameter of the first hole circle is smaller than the diameter of the second hole circle if the spoke elements are not connected to the central part, and the diameter of the first hole circle corresponds to the diameter of the second hole circle if the spoke elements are also connected to the central part.

Abstract: A method of adorning a wheel or hubcap including the steps of: placing a circular center piece onto a wheel or hubcap; surrounding the circular center piece with alternating curved sections; inserting an insignia onto the circular center piece; and placing lettering on the alternating curved sections, where the lettering comprises identifying information concerning the insignia. In one particular embodiment, the step of surrounding the circular center piece includes alternating the size of the alternating curved sections and further including the step of surrounding the curved sections with a solid rim. The step of placing lettering may include placing an outer circle of lettering and an inner circle of lettering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a configurable wheel cover and to a product thereof. The method comprises: (a) providing a hub cover including a plurality of locking voids and a plurality of knobs; (b) providing an insert kit including a plurality of inserts, and a front end of each insert being connected with a tenon; and (c) configuring each tenon of the insert kit into each locking void from a top or a bottom of the hub cover. In addition, the present invention further provides a novel configurable wheel cover.

Abstract: A method for coating a steering wheel and a corresponding steering wheel having a steering wheel rim comprising a steering wheel skeleton having a foam layer applied thereto and intended to be encompassed by a cover layer made of leather or plastic are provided. In order to simplify production, the cover layer is positioned on the steering wheel rim as a strip and is fixed to the foam layer on one end. The cover layer strip is then glued onto the foam layer and the lateral edges of the cover layer strip are sewed together in a known manner.

Abstract: A wheel trim adapter adapted to be securely affixed to the wheel of a vehicle without the use of tools, wherein the adapter can be used in a system for affixing a wheel trim or wheel cover to said vehicle, and methods for using same.

Abstract: A wheel cover and a method for making and packaging it are disclosed. The wheel cover includes a main body (1), and a plurality of locking members (13). Each of the locking members is formed integrally on the inner face of the main body. Each of the locking members has a first end provided with a support portion (134) connected with the main body and a second end provided with a retaining portion (133). Thus, the support portion of each of the locking members is bendable relative to the main body so as to reduce a whole height of each of the locking members relative to the main body.

Abstract: A process for attaching a wheel cover to a wheel in which a wheel cover and wheel are placed together and a foamable adhesive is injected into the gap defined between the wheel cover and wheel. After the foamable adhesive is injected into the gap defined between the wheel cover and wheel at an injection station, the cover/wheel assembly is transported to a station in which the cover/wheel assembly is heated to a temperature that is sufficient to effect the forming, expansion and curing of the foamable adhesive. The cover/wheel assemblies are supported and transported on carriers that are provided with clamping mechanisms.

Abstract: A balancing weight for vehicle wheels, the weight including a body provided with a concavely or convexly curved contact face for resting against a convexly or concavely curved rim part of a wheel, such as a rim flange. The contact face includes a plurality of successive lateral sections which are separated from each other by bends or edges of differently dimensioned curvatures.

Abstract: A retaining assembly secures ornamentation having an inboard surface and a plurality of protrusions to a wheel. The retaining assembly includes a ring. The ring includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The openings receive protrusions that extend out from the ornamentation. Legs extend out from the ring and engage multiple sides of a portion of the lug nuts. This secures the ornamentation to the wheel hub. The retaining assembly also includes supports that are secured between the legs. The supports provide support and prevent over-travel of the legs when the ornamentation is being installed by securing the ring to the lug nuts. The supports include an extension and a cross member. The extension positions the supports with respect to the ring and the cross members are bent and welded to the legs that are disposed adjacent thereto to provide support and prevent the over-travel of the legs as the legs pass over the lug nuts to which they are being secured.

Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Abstract: A wheel cover is formed to include a wrap around the circumference of the wheel cover. The wrap is an aesthetic portion of the wheel cover and not a part of a mechanical lock. It is formed in the wheel cover by spinning the wheel cover about its central axis. When the wheel cover is spinning at an appropriate speed, at least one pair of rollers is moved toward the spinning wheel cover. Lock generating rollers provide a force which is directed radially outwardly while wrap generating rollers provide a force which is directed radially inwardly. This force is of such a magnitude that it forces the outer edge of the wheel cover to follow the contour of the rollers. When the wrap is completely formed, the rollers are removed from engagement with the wheel cover and the wheel cover is stopped from spinning. Once the wheel cover is removed from the fixture of the spinning machine, it proceeds with further manufacturing steps to complete the manufacturing thereof before it is mounted to a wheel.