Vehicle wheel disc locking means

Abstract

The disclosure shows an arrangement for locking wheel discs, wheel covers or hubcaps to vehicle wheels to prevent theft or accidental removal. The locking element consists of a rod or shaft member which extends through the wheel disc with a head formation at the outside of the wheel disc and a nut at the inside of the wheel disc for retaining the rod against axial movement while permitting rotation thereof. The inner end of the rod is bent more or less at right angles and in assembling the disc with respect to the wheel this terminal portion is disposed along a generally circumferential line with respect to the disc and the wheel and projects through an opening in the wheel proper. After the wheel disc is thus applied the locking rod is rotated so that its terminal inner end engages behind a portion of the web of the wheel structure to lock the disc to the wheel. A pair of diametrically opposite locking devices are employed so that the balance of the wheel is not disturbed and for more secure locking. The head of the locking rod is provided with an irregularly curving continuous groove which is engageable by a wrench having a flange formation which interfits with the groove to rotate the locking rod. Various sets of wheel disc locking members have varying curvatures in their head portions so that the wrench serves as a key for a given set of locking rods.