Simulated wire wheel trim for automotive wheels

Abstract

There is disclosed herein a simulated wire wheel cover having a construction which allows for the reduction of the number of separate parts required in the fabrication of such wheel covers and, further, also reduces the total weight of such wheel covers. This simulated wire wheel comprises a generally round base member having an irregular cross-sectional shape and retention system affixed to the outer periphery thereof which is adapted to engage a conventional vehicle safety wheel rim. An axially elongated center hub member is adapted to be coaxially positioned over the axially outer surface of this base member and is adapted to secure the radially inner ends of a plurality of spokes radiating outward from its axially inner end. A cap member is disposed over this hub member and is adapted to clamp a second plurality of spokes extending radially outward from the axially outer end of the hub member. A single ring of fasteners secures this cap member to the base member in such a manner as to exert a clamping force which is transmitted from the cap member to the center hub member and therethrough to the base member. Thus, the simulated wire wheel construction of the present invention provides a system by which a plurality of spokes extending radially outward from two axially spaced apart locations of a center hub member may be clamped through the agency of a single ring of fasteners. Also, the present invention may be fabricated with hollow spoke members thereby further reducing the overall weight thereof.