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US 4,363,520 AGranted
Wheel cover retention
AssigneeJ. Connell Associates
InventorJames Connell
Life of this patent
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AssigneeJ. Connell Associates
InventorJames Connell
Estimating the term…
Two different types of retention devices for attaching a wheel trim to a vehicle wheel are provided alternately at circumferentially spaced locations on the trim. Each retention device of one type comprises a generally axially extending barbed retention arm adapted to engage an axial flange of the wheel with spring force to embed its barb into the flange and attach the trim coaxially to the wheel. Each of the latter retention devices also preferably comprises a spring clip cooperable with portions of the wheel trim to prevent excessive bending of the clip during attachment and removal of the trim from the wheel and also to assure substantially coaxial alignment of the trim and wheel in predetermined axially spaced relationship when the trim and wheel are attached. Each retention device of the second type comprises a comparatively readily removable retainer preferably having a rounded locating projection adapted to seat in a conventional radially inwardly directed annular channel of the wheel flange when the trim is secured coaxially to the wheel.
A wheel trim adapted for attachment to an annular axial flange of a vehicle wheel having an annular safety hump and an annular channel in the radially opposite outer and inner surfaces respectively of the flange, said cover having a plurality of circumferentially spaced spring clips secured thereto, alternate clips comprising a first set thereof, each clip of said first set having retention means including a sharp barb and means for resiliently urging said barb into biting engagement with said flange to effect said attachment, the clips alternating with the clips of said first set comprising a second set, and means to facilitate the attachment of said cover in coaxial alignment with said wheel comprising resilient locating means of each clip of the second set adapted to seat in said annular channel adjacent the latter's axially outer sidewall with radially outwardly directed spring force without biting into said channel when in said alignment and also to slide axially outwardly from said channel and along said flange without biting thereunto when said trim is forced from said wheel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.