WHEEL TRIM RETENTION SYSTEM

摘要

An improved wheel trim retention system which may incorporate anti-theft features is disclosed herein which incorporate both an easily fabricated assembly for effectively preventing relative rotation between the wheel trim and associated vehicle wheel as well as providing an improved arrangement for aiding in centering and spacing of the outer periphery from the adjacent vehicle wheel structure so as to avoid annoying rattling noises emanating therefrom. The spacer centering members are particularly suited to accommodate situations wherein a single wheel trim is intended to be fitted to vehicle wheels fabricated from either aluminum or steel and incorporates a multi-position centering spacer member which is adapted to engage the adjacent annular flange portion of the vehicle wheel which may be positioned at different distances from the trim member. A retaining clip member is also provided which operates to retain the centering spacer member in assembled relationship with the wheel trim as well as to provide a biasing action to maintain it in a desired set position. In order to prevent relative rotation between the wheel trim and associated vehicle wheel, a plurality of spring fingers are provided on the trim member, selected ones of which are designed to engage recessed portions provided on the associated lock bracket so as to prevent the relative rotation therebetween. The number of spring fingers and recesses provided are coordinated in such a manner as to assure any desired number of spring fingers will be seated within the recesses simultaneously and yet also enable a relatively small degree of indexing in order to seat adjacent spring fingers.