Wheel cover simulating a wire spoke wheel

Abstract

A multiple part wheel cover adapted to simulate a wire spoke wheel when attached to a vehicle wheel comprises a retainer plate, separate inner and outer one-piece spoke assemblies, and a hub cover. The retainer plate has a peripheral rim around a central hub and is adapted to be attached to the vehicle wheel. The rim also has two sets of spoke receiving recesses therein opening generally radially. Each spoke assembly comprises a one-piece injection molded plastic having an annular member of smaller diameter than the rim and integral with the radially inner ends of a plurality of spokes which extend from their inner ends to outer ends confined respectively within one of each of the two sets of recesses. The annular member of the inner spoke assembly lies adjacent to and axially outwardly of the hub of the retainer plate. The annular member of the outer spoke assembly lies adjacent to and axially outwardly of the annular member of the inner spoke assembly. The hub cover lies adjacent to and axially outwardly of the outer annular member and is clamped toward the hub to secure all the parts together. The wheel cover is fabricated by first forming the separate parts. The retainer plate and inner and outer spoke assemblies are then supported coaxially in predetermined axial spacing. Bending force is applied to the spokes to bend them resiliently within their elastic limits sufficiently to align their radially outer ends with their respective recesses in the rim.