Wheel cover having snap-on retention means

摘要

A wheel cover, for a vehicle wheel having an annular and generally axially extending wheel flange, including a retention ring having a generally axially extending retaining flange and a plurality of circumferentially spaced retention clips in snap-on engagement therewith. Each clip includes an axially and circumferentially extending base portion engaging said retaining flange and having three axially outwardly directed tabs at the axially outer end thereof. The two end tabs are respectively received within, and extend axially outwardly through, a pair of slots disposed in a stepped portion of the retaining flange, and the middle tab projects radially and axially outwardly from the base of the clip for engaging the axially inward side of the stepped portion under tension. Each end tab includes a secondary tab which is struck or lanced out of the central portion of the end tab and which extends axially inwardly and radially outwardly for engaging the axially outward side of the stepped portion. The axially inner end of the base is provided with a reverse-bent hairpin snap-over portion which encircles the free end of the retaining flange. A circumferentially extending retention tooth is lanced out of the base portion and terminates in radially outwardly extending biting edge portions engageable with the wheel flange. A pair of axially extending anti-rotation teeth are lanced out of the base portion at opposite ends of the retention tooth, and the remaining central portion of the base provides a tab adjacent to and connected with the center tension tab for reacting therewith to tension the base against the retaining flange.