Abstract:
A road wheel includes an outboard surface defining an orifice and a cavity. The road wheel additionally includes an ornament having a bottom surface and a key extending from the bottom surface to interface with the cavity. The ornament also includes a post extending from the key to interface with the orifice in the outboard surface. The key may include a semi-circular profile. The cavity and key may have corresponding triangular shapes. The post may have an internally threaded portion. The cavity may have a slot oriented along a wheel radius sized to receive the key, and the orifice open in the slot.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to vehicle road wheels having attachable ornaments and methods for manufacturing the same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Modern vehicle wheels and wheel covers can add a significant aesthetic to the overall vehicle. Wheel covers are designed to complement the paint and/or trim on the vehicle body. Various designs include, for example, wheel covers having painted accents detailed on the surface of the cover or spinning elements attachable to the wheel. One design goal is to have a road wheel that has two different surface finishes on the same Class-A surface (e.g., a painted or chrome accent). 
         [0003]    It is desirable to have flexible wheel or wheel cover platforms that can support various aesthetic arrangements. Interchangeable features can be configured to attach to the wheel cover thereby enabling various designs on the same wheel mold. The mechanisms for attaching these interchangeable features can be expensive, less than reliable or time consuming. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,168 titled “Wheel Cover Having Interchangeable Turbine Pocket Inserts” discloses a wheel cover with turbine pockets that snap into the wheel cover. The &#39;168 patent teaches against the use of separate fasteners to attach the turbine pockets to the wheel cover; however, the integral engagement features that enable the snap function place significant manufacturing demands on the assembly. The procedures for forming the turbine pockets and wheel cover are relatively more expensive since the design is complex. The attachment feature would be more reliable if separate fasteners were utilized. Moreover, achieving proper alignment can be time consuming. 
         [0004]    Therefore, it is desirable to have a road wheel with interchangeable ornaments that are easily attachable to the wheel in a reliable fashion. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present invention may address one or more of the above-mentioned issues. Other features and/or advantages may become apparent from the description which follows. 
         [0006]    Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a road wheel, including: an outboard surface; an ornament configured to attach to the outboard surface; a post formed with the ornament, configured to receive a fastener; and a key formed with the ornament, the key configured to mate with a cavity in the outboard surface. 
         [0007]    Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a road wheel, having: an outboard surface; an ornament configured to attach to the outboard surface; a post formed with the ornament, configured to receive a fastener; and a key formed with the ornament, having a first portion on one side of the post and a second portion on another side of the post. The first and second portions of the key are configured to mate with a cavity in the outboard surface. 
         [0008]    Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a road wheel ornament configured to attach to an outboard surface of a wheel, the ornament including: a post configured to receive a fastener; and a key having a first portion on one side of the post and a second portion on another side of the post. The first and second portions of the key are configured to mate with a cavity in a road wheel. 
         [0009]    Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of manufacturing a vehicle road wheel, including: forming a wheel having an outboard surface with a first surface finish; forming an orifice in the wheel; forming a cavity in the outboard surface; providing an ornament having a second surface finish and a post fittable in the orifice; aligning a first and second portion of a key formed in the ornament with the cavity in the outboard surface; and fastening the ornament to the wheel through the orifice and post. 
         [0010]    One advantage of the present teachings is that they disclose a road wheel with interchangeable ornaments that are easily and reliably attached to the wheel. The ornament design(s) enable a road wheel that has two different surface finishes on the same Class-A surface. For example, ornaments can have a painted or chrome surface. 
         [0011]    Another advantage of the present disclosure is that it teaches an ornament that is easy to align with the wheel for attachment. 
         [0012]    In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments will become evident. It should be understood that the invention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should be understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention. 
         [0013]    The invention will be explained in greater detail below by way of example with reference to the figures, in which the same references numbers are used in the figures for identical or essentially identical elements. The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. In the figures: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a front portion of a vehicle with an exemplary wheel. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an ornament compatible with the wheel of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an outboard surface of the wheel of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of a tapered slot formed in the outboard surface of the wheel of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view of an alternative tapered slot formed in the outboard surface of a wheel. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side view of another exemplary wheel ornament. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an outboard surface of a wheel compatible with the ornament of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a side view of another exemplary wheel ornament. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an outboard surface of a wheel compatible with the ornament of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a side view of another exemplary wheel ornament. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an outboard surface of a wheel compatible with the ornament of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another exemplary wheel and compatible ornament. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a vehicle road wheel. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    Although the following detailed description makes reference to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewed broadly. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    The following description and adjoining figures pertain at least to vehicle road wheels, ornaments and methods for manufacturing the same. The disclosed wheels, ornaments and methods yield a road wheel with interchangeable ornaments that are easily and reliably attachable to the wheel. Some ornaments use separate fasteners to attach to the wheel. The ornament designs, however, minimize the number of fasteners required for the system as the receiving portion on the ornament includes a post that at least partially inserts into the wheel or wheel cover. Ergo, both the ornament and the wheel include receiving and penetrating members to effectuate a more robust connection. 
         [0029]    Some of the disclosed ornaments also include additional protrusions that extend from the inboard surface of the ornament. These keys improve the fit between the ornament and wheel or wheel cover at least by increasing the contact surface between the ornament and outboard surface of the wheel. In some embodiments, the keys have a portion on each side of the post providing greater symmetry in the assembly. Additionally, some of the disclosed ornaments include elements that can assist in alignment and assembly (such as nodes formed on the inboard surface of the ornaments). 
         [0030]    The ornaments are compatible with wheels and wheel covers. Ornaments can have a similar or dissimilar surface finish than the wheel. For example, in some embodiments the ornament has a chrome finish and the wheel as a matted finish. In another embodiment, the ornament has a matted finish and the wheel has a chrome finish. In another embodiment, the ornament includes an illumination element that enables the ornaments to selectively emit light. The disclosed wheels and wheel covers can be utilized with various road vehicles including motorcycles, cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. The wheels and ornaments are compatible with wheels of different diameters and sizes, including for example, 14″ through 26″ wheels. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown therein a front portion of a vehicle  10 .  FIG. 1  shows a side view of a front passenger side of the vehicle  10 . As shown, a side panel  20  of the vehicle body and partially encases a vehicle wheel assembly  30 . The wheel assembly  30  includes a tire  40  journaled onto a wheel  50 . The wheel  50  includes an outboard surface  60 , as shown, and an inboard surface that faces the internal components of the vehicle when the wheel is assembled. Wheel  50  includes a series of spokes  70  that extend between the center  80  of the wheel and rim  90  of the wheel  50 . Some of the spokes  70  include a cavity  100  formed therein that at least partially fit an ornament  110  or insert in the cavity  100 . The ornaments  110  can be selectively attached to the wheel  50 . In this embodiment, the ornaments  110  have a different surface finish than the outboard surface  60  of the wheel  50 . For example, ornaments  110  have a chrome plated finish and wheel  50  has a painted cast aluminum finish. Ornaments  110  are attached to the road wheel  50  using a separate fastener as discussed hereinbelow. The wheel  50  is a molded assembly and can be composed (for example) of aluminum, an aluminum alloy or steel. 
         [0032]    Now with reference to  FIG. 2 , there is shown therein a perspective view of an ornament  110  compatible with the wheel  50  of  FIG. 1 . An outboard surface  120  of the ornament  110  includes a raised element  130 . The raised surface  130  has a diamond-shaped profile. In another embodiment, the outboard surface  120  of the ornament  110  includes a depression or groove formed therein. 
         [0033]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the ornament  110  has an inboard surface  140  that abuts the outboard surface of the wheel (e.g.,  60  as shown in  FIG. 1 ). In  FIG. 2 , the inboard surface  140  of the ornament  110  includes a post  150  that extends therefrom. Post  150  is a cylindrical member. Post  150  is configured to fit in an orifice formed in the outboard surface of the wheel. Post  150  thereby penetrates the wheel. Post  150  includes threads  160  formed in the inner surface so as to receive a screw. In another embodiment, post  150  is not pre-threaded or tapped by a secondary instrument. In that embodiment, the ornament  110  is composed of a sufficiently pliable material so as to accept a screw, be tapped by the screw and form a mating connection with the screw therefrom. For example, ornament  110  can be composed of a polymer. 
         [0034]    The post  150 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , is configured to receive a screw. In other embodiments, the post  150  can be configured to receive different fasteners. Other exemplary fasteners include rivets, Christmas tree fasteners, nuts and bolts, glues, epoxies, and clamps. 
         [0035]    The ornament  110 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , has a key  170  on the inboard surface  140  of the ornament. Key  170  is configured to mate with a cavity formed in the outboard surface of the wheel. Key  170  extends on two sides of the post  150  from one end of the ornament to another end of the ornament. Key  170  is symmetrical with respect to the post  150 . The first portion  180  of the key  170  extends to a rim-side of the ornament and a second portion  190  of the key extends to a center-side of the ornament. In this embodiment, key  170  is a semi-circularly shaped protrusion and has a semi-circular profile. This shape supports a seamless mold for the ornament  110 . 
         [0036]    Key  170  is configured to fit in a slot  200  formed in the outboard surface  60  of the wheel  50  as shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an outboard surface  60  of the wheel  50  of  FIG. 1  with the ornament detached from the wheel. As shown, the outboard surface  60  of the wheel includes various receiving members that support the attachment of the ornament  110  thereto. Wheel  50  includes a cavity  210  formed in the spokes  70 . In the shown embodiment, cavity  210  gets progressively shallower. Near the center  80  of the wheel the cavity  210  is approximately 0.5 inch deep; near the rim  90  of the wheel cavity is approximately 0.125 inch deep. In other embodiments, cavity  210  is deeper at the rim  90  of the wheel  50  than the cavity is at the center  80  of the wheel. In some embodiments, the cavity  210  has a uniform depth between the rim  90  and center  80  of the wheel. The wheel  50  also includes an orifice  220  in the cavity. Orifice  220  can be machined or drilled into the wheel. Alternatively, orifice  220  can be included in the wheel  50  mold. Orifice  220  is configured to receive the post ( 150  as shown in  FIG. 2 ) therein. Orifice  220 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , has a slightly larger diameter than the outer diameter of the post. For example, orifice  220  is designed to have a diameter that is 0.05 inches larger than the post diameter. Orifice  220  extends from the outboard surface  60  of the wheel  50 , through the wheel to the inboard surface of the wheel. The ornament  110  and wheel  50  can receive a separate fastener through orifice  220 . 
         [0037]    Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the outboard surface  60  of the wheel  50  includes the slot  200  formed in the center of the cavity  210 . Slot  200  is rectangular in shape. Slot  200  is configured to at least partially fit the key  170  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) therein. Slot  200  has a uniform depth of approximately 0.25 inch in this embodiment. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 4   a , slot  200  includes a tapered edge  230 . Tapered edge  230  is tapered inward away from the cavity surface  210  to the base  240  of the slot. In the shown embodiment, the taper is approximately 45 degrees into a V-shaped slot. The rounded surface of the key  170  is configured so that the inboard surface  140  of the ornament  110  abuts or rests flush with the outboard surface  60  of the wheel when the ornament  110  is inserted in the cavity  210 . At the inner most portion of the insert  110  the inboard surface  140  is offset from the outboard surface  60  of the wheel creating some spacing. Also shown in  FIG. 4   a , is a profile of the ornament  110  when inserted in the cavity  210 . The key  170  fits within the slot  200  and is configured to mate with the slot. The post e.g.,  150  as shown in  FIG. 2 ) is configured to fit in the orifice  220  formed in the wheel cover. 
         [0039]    An alternative slot  205  design can be formed into the outboard surface  60  of the wheel as shown in  FIG. 4   b . The key  110  is compatible with slot  205  which includes a tapered edge  235 . Tapered edge  235  is tapered inward away from the cavity surface  215  to the base  245  of the slot. In the shown embodiment, the taper is approximately 15 degrees. The rounded surface of the key  170  is configured so that the inboard surface  140  of the ornament  110  abuts or rests flush with the outboard surface  60  of the wheel  50  when the ornament  110  is inserted in the cavity  215 . Also shown in  FIG. 4   b , is a profile of the ornament  110  when inserted in the cavity  215 . The key  170  fits within the slot  205  and is configured to mate with the slot. The post e.g.,  150  as shown in  FIG. 2 ) is configured to fit in the orifice  225  formed in the wheel cover. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In  FIG. 5  there is shown a side view of another exemplary ornament  300 .  FIG. 5  shows the inboard side  310  of the ornament  300 . The outboard surface of the ornament  300  can include a raised, flat or depressed surface. The outboard surface of the ornament  300  is designed to have a different surface finish than the wheel to which the ornament attaches ( 320  as partially shown in  FIG. 6 ). In the inboard surface  310  of the ornament  300 , the ornament includes a key  330  that is symmetrical with respect to a post  340 . The key  330  is a raised surface that protrudes approximately 0.25 inch from the outboard surface of the ornament  300 . The key  330  includes a first and second portion  350 ,  360 ; the key  330  is symmetrical with respect to the post  340 . The first portion  350  of the key  330  extends to a rim-side of the ornament and the second portion  360  of the key  330  extends to a center-side of the ornament. In this embodiment, key  330  is a rectangular protrusion. A tapered edge  370  is included between the key  330  and inboard surface  310  of the ornament  300 . 
         [0041]    The key  330  includes two nodes  380  on each side of the post  340 . Nodes  380  are, in this case, circular protrusions on the surface of the key  330 . Nodes  380  are approximately 0.25 inches in diameter in this embodiment. Nodes  380  mate with a receptacle  390  formed in the outboard surface  400  of the wheel  320 . In this manner, nodes  380  act as an alignment feature. Nodes  380  can be larger or smaller in size than the nodes shown in the illustrated embodiments. For manufacture, the key  330  and nodes  380  can be included in the mold cavity for the ornament  300  and formed therewith. Alternatively, key  330  and nodes  380  can be affixed to the ornament  300  or machined out of the ornament, for example. 
         [0042]    The ornament  300  includes a post  340 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Post  340  extends from the inboard surface  310  of the ornament  300  and in this embodiment is a cylindrical member. Post  340  is configured to fit in an orifice  410  formed in the outboard surface  400  of the wheel  320 . Post  340  thereby penetrates the wheel  320 . Post  340  includes threads formed in the inner surface so as to receive a screw. Post  340  can be configured to receive different fasteners as well. 
         [0043]    Key  330  is configured to fit in a slot  420  formed in the outboard surface  400  of the wheel  320  as shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an outboard surface  400  of a wheel  320  with the ornament detached from the wheel. As shown, the outboard surface  400  of the wheel  320  includes various receiving members that support the attachment of the ornament  300  thereto. Wheel  320  includes a cavity  430  formed in the spokes  440 . In the shown embodiment, cavity  430  gets progressively shallower. Orifice  410  is formed in the wheel  320  and configured to receive the post  340  therein. Orifice  410  has a slightly larger diameter than the outer diameter of the post  340 . 
         [0044]    Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the outboard surface  400  of the wheel  320  includes a slot  420  formed in the center of the cavity  430 . Slot  420  is rectangular in shape. Slot  420  is configured to at least partially fit the key  330  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) therein. Slot  420  also includes two receptacles  390  formed on each side of the orifice  410 . Receptacles  390  are configured to fit the nodes  380  therein. Nodes  380  and receptacles  390  are of compatible geometries so that the inboard surface  310  of the ornament  300  can rest flush with respect to the outboard surface  400  of the wheel  320  when the ornament is properly aligned with and inserted in the wheel cavity  430 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , slot includes a tapered edge  450 . Tapered edge  450  is tapered inward away from the cavity  430  surface to the base of the slot. In the shown embodiment, the taper is approximately 15 degrees and matches the tapered surface  370  on key. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In  FIG. 7  there is shown a side view of another exemplary ornament  500 .  FIG. 7  shows the inboard surface  510  of the ornament  500 . The outboard surface of the ornament can include a raised, flat or depressed surface. The outboard surface of the ornament is designed to have a different surface finish than the wheel  520  to which the ornament attaches (as partially shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0047]    The inboard surface  510  of the ornament  500 , shown in  FIG. 7 , includes two nodes  530  on each side of a post  540 . Nodes  530  are, in this case, elliptical protrusions on the surface of the ornament  500 . Nodes  530  are approximately 0.25 inch in width and 2 inches in length in this embodiment. Nodes  530  mate with a receptacle  550  formed in the outboard surface  560  of the wheel  520  (as shown in  FIG. 8 ). In this manner, nodes  530  act as an alignment feature. Nodes  530  can be larger or smaller in size than the nodes shown in the illustrated embodiments. For manufacture, the nodes  530  can be included in the mold cavity for the ornament  500  and formed therewith. Alternatively, nodes  530  can be affixed to the ornament  500  or carved out of the ornament, for example. 
         [0048]    In this embodiment, the ornament  500  includes a post  540 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Post  540  extends from the inboard surface  510  of the ornament  500  and in this embodiment is a cylindrical member. Post  540  is configured to fit in an orifice  570  formed in the outboard surface  560  of the wheel  520 . Post  540  thereby penetrates the wheel  320 . Post  540  includes threads formed in the inner surface so as to receive a screw. Post  540  can be configured to receive different fasteners as well. 
         [0049]    Ornament  500  is configured to fit in a cavity  580  formed in the outboard surface  560  of the wheel  520  as shown in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an outboard surface  560  of a wheel  520  with the ornament  500  detached from the wheel. As shown, wheel  520  includes the cavity  580  formed in the spokes  590 . In the shown embodiment, cavity  580  gets progressively shallower. Orifice  570  is formed in the wheel  520  and configured to receive the post  540  therein. Orifice  570  has a slightly larger diameter than the outer diameter of the post  540 . 
         [0050]    Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , receptacles  550  are configured to fit the nodes  530  therein. Nodes  530  and receptacles  550  are of compatible geometries so that the inboard surface  510  of the ornament can rest flush with respect to the outboard surface  560  of the wheel  520  when the ornament  500  is properly aligned with and inserted in the wheel cavity  580 . In this embodiment, the node  530  protrudes approximately 0.125 inch from the inboard surface  510  of the ornament  500 . Receptacles  550  are of approximately the same depth (0.125 inch). 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In  FIG. 9  there is shown a side view of another exemplary ornament  600 .  FIG. 9  shows the inboard side  610  of the ornament  600 . The outboard surface of the ornament can include a raised, flat or depressed surface. The outboard surface of the ornament is designed to have a different surface finish than the wheel  620  to which the ornament  600  attaches (as partially shown in  FIG. 10 ). In the inboard surface  610  of the ornament  600 , the ornament includes a key  630  that is asymmetrical with respect to a post  640 . The key  630  is a raised surface that protrudes approximately 0.25 inch from the inboard surface  610  of the ornament  600 . The key  630  is triangular in shape. A first, wider portion  650  of the key extends to a rim-side of the ornament and a second, narrower portion  660  of the key  630  extends to a center-side of the ornament  600 . In this embodiment, key  630  is a triangular protrusion. A tapered edge  670  is included between the key  630  and inboard surface  610  of the ornament. Key  630  can be included in the mold cavity for the ornament  600  and formed therewith. Alternatively, key  630  can be affixed to the ornament  600  or carved out of the ornament, for example. 
         [0052]    The ornament  600  includes a post  640 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Post  640  extends from the inboard surface  610  of the ornament  600  and in this embodiment is a cylindrical member. Post  640  is configured to fit in an orifice  675  formed in the outboard surface  685  of the wheel  620 . Post  640  thereby penetrates the wheel  620 . Post  640  includes threads formed in the inner surface so as to receive a screw. Post  640  can be configured to receive different fasteners as well. 
         [0053]    Key  630  is configured to fit in a triangular cavity  695  formed in the outboard surface  685  of the wheel  620  as shown in  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an outboard surface  685  of the wheel  620  with the ornament  600  detached from the wheel. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , cavity  695  includes a tapered edge  680 . Tapered edge  680  is tapered inward towards the base of the cavity  695 . In the shown embodiment, the taper is approximately 15 degrees and matches the tapered surface on key  630  of the ornament  600 . Key  630  can have other shapes and profiles as well. In another embodiment, key is of a diamond shape. In another embodiment, key has a jagged profile and wheel includes a mating jagged profile, formed on the outboard surface of the wheel that is compatible with the key. 
         [0055]    Ornaments can have various surface finishes or treatments. In some exemplary embodiments, the outboard surface of the ornament is chrome plated. In other embodiments, the ornaments are gold plated, platinum plated, nickel plated and/or aluminum plated. In another embodiment, the ornaments are painted and color coated. The ornaments can be coordinated to accent the vehicle body. For example, in a blue vehicle the ornaments are colored with blue vehicle paint. 
         [0056]    Referring now to yet another illustrated exemplary ornament  700  and wheel  710  as shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of another ornament  700  having an illumination element  720  on the outboard surface of the ornament  700  and a plurality of posts  730  on the inboard surface of the ornament. An outboard surface of the ornament includes an illumination element  720 . The illumination element  720  is a light emitting diode (or LED). A power source  740  is attached to the outboard surface  750  of the wheel  710 . The ornament  700  includes electrical contacts on the inboard surface of the ornament. In another embodiment, a power source is included in the ornament to provide electricity to the illumination element. Alternatively the ornaments can be linked to the vehicle&#39;s main battery. The inboard surface of the wheel includes a port with electrical connections for each of the ornaments. 
         [0057]    Illumination element  720 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , can be configured to emit any number of colors or to emit a white light. Moreover, the color of the illuminating elements  720  can be designed to match or complement the exterior paint of the vehicle. For example, a red vehicle might have red or pink LEDs in each ornament. Or a black vehicle can have white LEDs included in the ornaments  700 . A mother of pearl vehicle can have blue illumination elements in the wheel ornaments  700 . Illumination elements  720  can be blended or mixed as well. For example, in a wheel having ten ornaments with illumination elements half of the ornaments can include blue LEDs and half of the ornaments can include red LEDs. When the wheels are in motion the visual effect would be a purple emission of light. 
         [0058]    In another embodiment, the illumination element  720  is light-sensitive and self-sustaining A separate power source is not needed. In the day time with full sunlight, illumination elements do not emit any light. In the evenings, illumination elements naturally emit a light therefrom. Illumination elements can be composed of a material that is phosphorescent, such as e.g., materials including zinc sulfide or strontium aluminate. Eligible material selections include any materials capable of absorbing radiation during sunlight hours. 
         [0059]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the ornament  700  has an inboard surface that includes a plurality of posts  730  that extend therefrom. Two cylindrical posts  730  are shown. Posts  730  are configured to fit in two orifices  760  formed in the outboard surface  750  of the wheel  710 . Post  730  includes threads formed in the inner surface so as to receive screws. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the outboard surface  750  of the wheel includes a cavity  770  formed in the spokes  780 . In the shown embodiment, cavity  770  gets progressively shallower. Two orifices  760  that are slightly larger in diameter than the posts  730  are formed in the wheel  710 . Wheel  710  receives posts  730  in orifices  760 . A fastener, e.g., a screw, is screwed into each post on the inboard side of the wheel  710  to secure the ornaments  700  to the wheel. 
         [0061]    Now with reference to  FIG. 12 , a method of manufacturing a vehicle road wheel  800  is illustrated. The method includes manufacturing steps that can be applied to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-11  or other versions of the ornaments and wheels as well. The steps can be performed in any order or simultaneously. The method includes the step of forming a wheel having an outboard surface with a first surface finish  810 . The wheel can be die-cast, for example. Moreover, step  810  applies to forming a wheel or wheel cover. Step  820  involves forming an orifice in the wheel. The orifice should be sufficiently large to receive a penetrating element (e.g., a post  150  as shown in  FIG. 2 ) from the ornament therein. At step  830  the method of manufacture includes forming a cavity in the outboard surface of the wheel. The cavity can be included in the die for the wheel and formed with the wheel. In the illustrated embodiment, the method includes forming a tapered slot on the outboard surface of the wheel  840 . The slot can be, for example, the slot  200  as shown in  FIG. 3 . All steps associated with features in the wheel can be formed in one process such as when the wheel is cast. An ornament can be molded or provided for the assembly. In this embodiment, the method includes molding an ornament  850 . Various features of the ornament can be formed with the ornament through incorporation in the ornament mold (such as e.g., the posts, keys and nodes). Ornament can be, for example, injection molded or die cast. Ornament is composed of a polymer. In other embodiments, ornament is composed of an aluminum alloy or resin. At step  860  the method includes providing an ornament having a second surface finish and a post fittable in the orifice. The ornament is configured to at least partially fit in the cavity formed in the outboard surface of the wheel. At step  870  the method includes aligning a first and second portion of a key formed with the ornament in the cavity in the outboard surface so that the key rests flush with the outboard surface when the key is inserted in the cavity. At step  880  the ornament is fastened to the wheel through the orifice and post. The ornament can be, for example, screwed or riveted to the wheel. 
         [0062]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the methodologies of the present invention without departing from the scope of its teachings. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the teachings disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only. 
         [0063]    While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.