US3788707A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wheel trim retention
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-10-02
•
Granted: 1974-01-29
•
Expires: 1992-10-02
Abstract
Abstract A plurality of axial recesses are provided on and around an axial flange of a wheel trim. A retention clip for retaining the wheel trim on a vehicle wheel is disposed in each recess.
Inventors
- 👤 J Connell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:02
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60B; B60B7/00; B60B7/06; B60B7/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
238 words
Retention means for retaining wheel trim on the axially outer facE of a vehicle wheel having an annular axial wheel flange, said retention means comprising axial flange means extending around said wheel trim adapted to lie radially inwardly of the axial wheel flange when the wheel trim is applied to the wheel, means defining a plurality of clip-receiving recesses on said axial flange means around said wheel trim, and a retention clip disposed in each recess and axially interlocked therewith, each clip comprising finger means extending axially of said recess in radially outwardly spaced relation to said axial flange means, a wheel flange engaging portion supported on the axially inner portion of said finger means, finger support means for supporting the axially outer portion of said finger means on said axial flange means and means for resiliently supporting the axially inner portion of said finger means in spaced relation to said axial flange means comprising additional finger means extending axially inwardly of said finger support means in radially inwardly spaced relation to said first-mentioned finger means and bearing against said axial flange means whereby when said wheel engaging portion interengages the wheel flange upon application of the wheel trim to the wheel, said first-mentioned finger means deflects toward said additional finger means with the wheel flange engaging portion being resiliently urged by the clip against the axial wheel flange to thereby retain the wheel trim on the wheel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
238 words
Retention means for retaining wheel trim on the axially outer facE of a vehicle wheel having an annular axial wheel flange, said retention means comprising axial flange means extending around said wheel trim adapted to lie radially inwardly of the axial wheel flange when the wheel trim is applied to the wheel, means defining a plurality of clip-receiving recesses on said axial flange means around said wheel trim, and a retention clip disposed in each recess and axially interlocked therewith, each clip comprising finger means extending axially of said recess in radially outwardly spaced relation to said axial flange means, a wheel flange engaging portion supported on the axially inner portion of said finger means, finger support means for supporting the axially outer portion of said finger means on said axial flange means and means for resiliently supporting the axially inner portion of said finger means in spaced relation to said axial flange means comprising additional finger means extending axially inwardly of said finger support means in radially inwardly spaced relation to said first-mentioned finger means and bearing against said axial flange means whereby when said wheel engaging portion interengages the wheel flange upon application of the wheel trim to the wheel, said first-mentioned finger means deflects toward said additional finger means with the wheel flange engaging portion being resiliently urged by the clip against the axial wheel flange to thereby retain the wheel trim on the wheel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
Retention means of claim 1 wherein said additional finger means inclines radially and axially inwardly from said finger support means and the axially inner end of said additional finger means bears against said axial flange means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
Retention means of claim 1 wherein said additional finger means forms an acute angle with said first-mentioned finger means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
Retention means of claim 1 wherein said first-mentioned finger means comprises a pair of circumferentially spaced fingers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Retention means of claim 1 wherein said additional finger means comprises a pair of circumferentialy spaced fingers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
Retention means of claim 5 wherein said first-mentioned finger means comprises a pair of circumferentially spaced fingers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
Retention means of claim 6 wherein the fingers of said additional finger means are circumferentially aligned with the fingers of said first-mentioned finger means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
Retention means of claim 7 wherein the fingers of said additional finger means form an acute angle with the fingers of said first-mentioned finger means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
Retention means of claim 8 where said finger support means comprises a protuberance at the axially outer end of each finger of said first-mentioned finger means, each protuberance comprising a curved surface bearing against said axial flange means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
Retention means of claim 1 wherein said wheel flange engaging portion comprises an outwardly extending protuberance and metal retention means thereon for providing metal-to-metal contact with the axial wheel flange.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
Retention means of claim 10 wherein said metal retention means comprises at least one pin embedded in a said protuberance, said at least one pin being adapted to bite into the axial wheel flange.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
Retention means of claim 10 wherein said metal retention means comprises a metal element on said protuberance, said element comprising at least one sharp barb adapted to bite into the axial wheel flange.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-28 | 1977-07-30 | 1978-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-28 | 1981-07-30 | 1982-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-28 | 1985-07-30 | 1986-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |