Patent ID: 6017096
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: B60B

Abstract:
A positioning system for a wheel cover mounted to a wheel having a rim and a central disc, the rim including a seat for carrying a tire, the rim seat being subject to flex during usage, the rim seat being defined by a peripheral edge of the rim and an annular draw bead step, the wheel cover being mounted to the wheel with a portion of the wheel cover axially overlying the peripheral edge of the rim, the positioning system comprising a plurality of standoff legs, the legs projecting from the wheel cover axially toward the wheel, the legs being equidistantly spaced about a circle having a center coaxial with a center of the wheel cover, each leg having a distal end, the circle having a radius dimensioned for axial abutting contact between the distal end of each leg and the wheel rim at a flex free zone of the rim spaced axially and radially inwardly of the draw bead step and for abutting lateral contact between each leg and the central disc of the wheel, the legs having an axial length sufficient to assure clearance between the peripheral edge of the rim and the portion of the wheel cover axially overlying the peripheral edge of the wheel rim, whereby rubbing contact between the wheel cover and the peripheral edge of the wheel rim is precluded during flexing of the rim seat.