Wheel trim retention

Claim 2

A wheel trim for a vehicle wheel comprising: a trim member having means defining a generally axially extending annular flange portion having a generally radially outwardly facing surface positionable in generally radially opposed relationship to the axially extending flange portion of a standard vehicle wheel when said trim member is assembled thereto and a radially outwardly extending portion; locking means including a generally radially outwardly opening recess formed on said radially outwardly facing surface of said trim member and extending circumferentially thereof, portions of said recess opening axially inwardly at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations; a continuous metallic retention band; means provided on said retention band for cooperating with said locking means to attach said retention band to said trim member in a non-biting assembled relationship; a plurality of circumferentially extending retaining flanges positioned radially outwardly from said retention band, said retaining flanges being operative to maintain said cooperating means in engagement with said recess; said retention band including an annular flange portion extending axially inwardly from said cooperating means; and retention means on said flange portion of said retention band, said retention means being engageable with said vehicle wheel and operative to retain said wheel trim when said wheel trim is installed thereon, said radially outwardly extending portion of said trim member overlying and substantially concealing said retention band.

Claim 3

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 1 wherein said recess comprises a plurality of circumferentially elongated spaced slots extending generally radially through said flange portion.

Claim 4

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 1 wherein said retaining flanges overlie a portion of said radially outwardly opening recess.

Claim 5

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 3 wherein said retaining flanges are positioned to overlie said recess at said spaced locations.

Claim 6

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 4 wherein said trim member further includes a plurality of spaced axial locating shoulders, one of said locating shoulders extending radially outwardly from each of said retaining flanges and being operative to assist in resisting radially outward deflection of said retaining flanges.

Claim 7

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 1 wherein said trim member is fabricated from a polymeric composition and said flange portion, means defining said recess and said retaining flanges are all integrally formed therewith.

Claim 8

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cooperating means comprises a portion of said retention band received within said locking means, said portion providing a mechanical interlock between said retention band and said trim member operative to resist separation of said retention band from said trim member.

Claim 9

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cooperating means comprises a radially inwardly extending portion formed on said retention band, said radially inwardly extending portion being fitted within said recess.

Claim 10

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 8 wherein said radially inwardly extending portion comprises a bead formed on said retention band.

Claim 11

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 9 wherein said bead is positioned on said retention band adjacent the axially outer edge thereof.

Claim 12

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 9 wherein said recess is a groove.

Claim 13

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 8 wherein said radially inwardly extending portion comprises a plurality of circumferentially elongated spaced tab portions, and said trim member includes a plurality of said recesses positioned in circumferentially spaced relationship respective of said tab portions being received within respective of said recesses.

Claim 14

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 12 wherein selected ones of said tab portions include an embossed portion, said embossed portion being operative to prevent relative axial movement of said selected ones of said tab portion within said recesses.

Claim 15

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 1 wherein said trim member includes integrally formed means cooperating with said retention band to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Claim 16

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 14 wherein said relative rotation preventing means include a radially outwardly projecting lug formed on said trim member and a cutout portion provided on said retention band, said lug being received within said cutout portion.

Claim 17

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 15 wherein said retention band is formed from an elongated strip and includes a pair of opposite end portions which are secured in overlapping relationship, said cutout portion being formed between said opposite ends.

Claim 18

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 15 wherein said retention band is formed from an elongated strip and includes a pair of opposite end portions which are secured together in abutting relationship, said cutout portion being formed between said opposite ends.

Claim 19

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 1 wherein said portion of said retention band received within said locking means is loosely received therein.

Claim 20

A wheel trim for a vehicle wheel comprising: a trim member having means defining a generally axially extending flange portion having a generally radially outwardly facing surface positionable in generally radially opposed relationship to the axially extending flange portion of a standard vehicle wheel when said trim member is assembled thereto and a radially outwardly extending portion; locking means including a circumferentially extending generally radially outwardly opening groove formed on said radially outwardly facing surface of said trim member, said groove including circumferentially elongated portions opening axially inwardly at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations; a continuous metallic retention band having a radially inwardly extending bead provided thereon for cooperating with said locking means to attach said retention band to said trim member in a non-biting assembled relationship; means engageable with a radially outer surface portion of said retention band to assist in retaining said bead within said groove; and retention means on said retention band, said retention means being engageable with said vehicle wheel and operative to retain said wheel trim in position thereon when said wheel trim is installed thereon.

Claim 21

A wheel trim for a vehicle wheel comprising: a trim member having means defining a generally axially extending flange portion having a generally radially outwardly facing surface positionable in generally radially opposed relationship to the axially extending flange portion of a standard vehicle wheel when said trim member is assembled thereto and a radially outwardly extending portion; locking means including a circumferentially extending generally radially outwardly opening groove formed on said radially outwardly facing surface of said trim member, said groove including circumferentially elongated portions opening axially inwardly at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations; a continuous metallic retention band having a radially inwardly extending bead provided thereon for cooperating with said locking means to attach said retention band to said trim member in a non-biting assembled relationship; means engageable with a radially outer surface portion of said retention band to assist in retaining said bead within said groove; and retention means on said retention band, said retention means being engageable with said vehicle wheel and operative to retain said wheel trim in position thereon when said wheel trim is installed thereon.

Claim 22

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 19 wherein said means engaging said radially outwardly facing surface portion of said retention band comprises a plurality of circumferentially extending retaining flanges positioned radially outwardly adjacent said flange portion, said retaining flanges being operative to maintain said bead in engagement with said groove.

Claim 23

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 20 wherein said retaining flanges are positioned to overlie the radial outward opening of said groove at said spaced locations.

Claim 24

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 11 wherein said trim member further includes a plurality of spaced axial locating shoulders, one of said locating shoulders extending radially outwardly from each of said retaining flanges and being operative to assist in resisting radially outward deflection of said retaining flanges.

Claim 25

A wheel trim for a vehicle wheel comprising: a trim member having means defining a generally axially extending annular flange portion having a generally radially outwardly facing surface positionable in generally radially opposed relationship to the axially extending flange portion of a standard vehicle wheel when said trim member is assembled thereto and a radially outwardly extending portion; locking means including a plurality of circumferentially spaced generally radially outwardly opening recesses formed on said radially outwardly facing surface of said trim member and extending circumferentially around a portion of said surface; a continuous metallic retention band; a plurality of circumferentially elongated spaced tab portions formed on said retention band and extending generally radially inwardly, respective of said tab portions being received within respective of said recesses to provide a non-biting mechanical interlock between said retention band and said trim member operative to resist separation of said retention band from said trim member, selected ones of said tab portions including an embossed portion, said embossed, portion being operative to prevent relative axial movement of said selected ones of said tab portion within said recesses, said selected ones of said tab portions also including a deformable member, said recesses on said trim member extending generally radially through said flange portion, and said deformable member engages a radially inwardly facing surface of said flange portion, said retention band including an annular flange portion extending axially inwardly from said cooperating means; and retention means on said flange portion of said retention band, said retention means being engageable with said vehicle wheel and operative to retain said wheel trim when said wheel trim is installed thereon, said radially outwardly extending portion of said trim member overlying and substantially concealing said retention band.

Claim 26

A wheel trim for a vehicle wheel comprising: a trim member having means defining a generally axially extending annular flange portion having a generally radially outwardly facing surface positionable in generally radially opposed relationship to the axially extending flange portion of a standard vehicle wheel when said trim member is assembled thereto and a radially outwardly extending portion; locking means including a plurality of circumferentially spaced generally radially outwardly opening recesses formed on said radially outwardly facing surface of said trim member and extending circumferentially around a portion of said surface; a continuous metallic retention band; a plurality of circumferentially elongated spaced tab portions formed on said retention band and extending generally radially inwardly, respective of said tab portions being received within respective of said recesses to provide a non-biting mechanical interlock between said retention band and said trim member operative to resist separation of said retention band from said trim member, selected ones of said tab portions including an embossed portion, said embossed, portion being operative to prevent relative axial movement of said selected ones of said tab portion within said recesses, said selected ones of said tab portions also including a deformable member, said recesses on said trim member extending generally radially through said flange portion, and said deformable member engages a radially inwardly facing surface of said flange portion, said retention band including an annular flange portion extending axially inwardly from said cooperating means; and retention means on said flange portion of said retention band, said retention means being engageable with said vehicle wheel and operative to retain said wheel trim when said wheel trim is installed thereon, said radially outwardly extending portion of said trim member overlying and substantially concealing said retention band.

Claim 27

A wheel trim for a vehicle wheel comprising: a trim member fabricated from a polymeric composition and having means defining a generally axially extending flange portion including a generally radially outwardly facing surface positionable in generally radially opposed relationship to the axially extending flange portion of a standard vehicle wheel and a decorative generally axially outwardly facing surface overlying said radially outwardly facing surface; an annular retention band having a retention flange portion extending axially inwardly beyond said means defining said flange portion; a retaining bead formed on said retention band, said retaining bead being relatively loosely fitted within a radially outwardly opening groove provided on said flange portion and cooperating therewith in a non-biting relationship to provide a mechanical interlock therebetween operative to resist separation of said retention band from said trim member; said groove opening axially inwardly at a plurality of spaced circumferentially extending locations; a plurality of circumferentially extending spaced retaining flanges integrally formed on said trim member positioned so as to overlie the radially outwardly opening portions of said groove for a portion of said circumferentially extending locations, said retaining flange being operative to assist in retaining said bead within said groove and said axially inwardly opening portions of said groove being operative to enable said bead to be fitted to said grooves; and retention means provided on said retention flange portion, said retention means being engageable with said vehicle wheel to retain said wheel trim in position thereon when said wheel trim is assembled thereto with said decorative surface being operative to conceal said retention band.

Claim 28

A wheel trim for a vehicle wheel comprising: a trim member fabricated from a polymeric composition and having means defining a generally axially extending flange portion including a generally radially outwardly facing surface positionable in generally radially opposed relationship to the axially extending flange portion of a standard vehicle wheel and a decorative generally axially outwardly facing surface overlying said radially outwardly facing surface; an annular retention band having a retention flange portion extending axially inwardly beyond said means defining said flange portion; a retaining bead formed on said retention band, said retaining bead being relatively loosely fitted within a radially outwardly opening groove provided on said flange portion and cooperating therewith in a non-biting relationship to provide a mechanical interlock therebetween operative to resist separation of said retention band from said trim member; said groove opening axially inwardly at a plurality of spaced circumferentially extending locations; a plurality of circumferentially extending spaced retaining flanges integrally formed on said trim member positioned so as to overlie the radially outwardly opening portions of said groove for a portion of said circumferentially extending locations, said retaining flange being operative to assist in retaining said bead within said groove and said axially inwardly opening portions of said groove being operative to enable said bead to be fitted to said grooves; and retention means provided on said retention flange portion, said retention means being engageable with said vehicle wheel to retain said wheel trim in position thereon when said wheel trim is assembled thereto with said decorative surface being operative to conceal said retention band.

Claim 29

A wheel trim as set forth in claim 24 wherein said wheel trim includes a radially outwardly projecting lug formed thereon and said retention band has a cutout portion, said lug being received within said cutout portion and cooperating therewith to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Claim 30

A wheel trim for a vehicle wheel comprising: a trim member fabricated from a polymeric composition and having means defining a generally axially extending flange portion including a generally radially outwardly facing surface positionable in generally radially opposed relationship to the axially extending flange portion of a standard vehicle wheel and a decorative generally axially outwardly facing surface overlying said radially outwardly facing surface; a radially outwardly opening groove provided on said flange portion, said groove also opening axially inwardly at a plurality of spaced circumferentially extending locations; a retention band; retaining means including a bead provided on said retention band, said bead being fitted within said groove and cooperating therewith in a non-biting relationship to provide a mechanical interlock therebetween operative to resist separation of said retention band from said trim member; said trim member further including a plurality of circumferentially extending spaced retaining flanges integrally formed thereon and positioned so as to overlie the radially outwardly opening portions of said groove for a portion of said circumferentially extending locations, said retaining flange being operative to assist in retaining said bead within said groove and said axially inwardly opening portions of said groove being operative to enable said bead to be fitted into groove; retention means provided on said retention band, said retention means including a plurality of retention clips secured to the periphery of said retention band adapted to bitingly engage said vehicle wheel when said wheel trim is installed thereon and secondary retention means integrally formed on said retention band, said secondary retention means being moved into engagement with a circumferentially spaced portion of said vehicle in response to distortion of said retention band resulting from engagement of said retention clips with said vehicle wheel.

Claim 31

A wheel trim for a vehicle wheel comprising: a trim member fabricated from a polymeric composition and having means defining a generally axially extending flange portion including a generally radially outwardly facing surface positionable in generally radially opposed relationship to the axially extending flange portion of a standard vehicle wheel and a decorative generally axially outwardly facing surface overlying said radially outwardly facing surface; a radially outwardly opening groove provided on said flange portion, said groove also opening axially inwardly at a plurality of spaced circumferentially extending locations; a retention band; retaining means including a bead provided on said retention band, said bead being fitted within said groove and cooperating therewith in a non-biting relationship to provide a mechanical interlock therebetween operative to resist separation of said retention band from said trim member; said trim member further including a plurality of circumferentially extending spaced retaining flanges integrally formed thereon and positioned so as to overlie the radially outwardly opening portions of said groove for a portion of said circumferentially extending locations, said retaining flange being operative to assist in retaining said bead within said groove and said axially inwardly opening portions of said groove being operative to enable said bead to be fitted into groove; retention means provided on said retention band, said retention means including a plurality of retention clips secured to the periphery of said retention band adapted to bitingly engage said vehicle wheel when said wheel trim is installed thereon and secondary retention means integrally formed on said retention band, said secondary retention means being moved into engagement with a circumferentially spaced portion of said vehicle in response to distortion of said retention band resulting from engagement of said retention clips with said vehicle wheel.