Method of making a wheel cover simulating aluminum wheel sculpture
AssigneeCoyote Enterprises, Inc.
InventorEverett Fuller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A wheel cover simulating a machined cast wheel is constructed by stamping a blank from sheet metal. Windows spaced angularly about the cover defined by radially inwardly angled borders simulating depth are formed on the blank. A marginal circular periphery is formed into a peripheral flange. The front face of the wheel cover is machined on a numerically controlled lathe, such that the cutting tool closely follows the contour, to form fine spiral grooves simulating machine markings generally concentric about the center of the wheel, thereby exhibiting a machined finish. A retainer ring is mounted interiorly within the flange and the flange rolled thereover to complete the assembly. This configuration provides a relatively inexpensive decorative wheel cover simulating a machined wheel.
Claims11
A method of manufacturing a machined aluminum wheel cover assembly for covering a steel automobile wheel and comprising the steps of:
- cutting a round piece from a stock of formable aluminum alloy sheet to form a cover blank having axially inner and outer sides;
- selecting a spoke pattern simulating the radial spokes of a machined spoke wheel with radially outwardly diverging openings formed between said spokes;
- choosing a die set including a punch assembly corresponding to said spoke pattern which define punch projections corresponding to the shape and locations of said respective radially outwardly diverging openings;
- drawing said blank with said die set to form on said outer side axially inwardly projecting indentation lips defining spoke opening indentations in an arrangement and size corresponding with said spoke pattern thereby forming a front face on said outer side simulating the configuration of said radial spokes of said machined spoked wheel;
- mounting said blank on a machine tool;
- machining said outer side of said blank to simulate said machined wheel;
- and
- coupling an attachment ring to said inner side of said blank opposite said outer side.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.