Abstract:
An improved vehicle wheel cover retention system and method for producing the same includes a wheel cover ( 16 ) secured to a vehicle wheel. The method for producing the vehicle wheel ( 10 ) includes the steps of: (a) providing a vehicle wheel including a disc ( 14 ) defining an outboard facing wheel surface and including an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange ( 20 ), the outboard bead seat retaining flange including an outer peripheral end having an annular groove ( 64 ) formed therein; (b) providing a wheel cover defining an inner cover surface and an outer cover surface, the wheel cover including an outer end ( 70 ); (c) applying a sealant ( 82 ) to one of the outboard facing wheel surface and the inner cover surface; (d) supporting the wheel and the cover in coaxial relationship relative to one another; (e) selectively moving the wheel and the cover toward one another to enable the sealant to initially secure the wheel and the cover together; (f) providing a metal deforming tool ( 100 ) having a tool end, the tool end having a leading end ( 102 A) and a trailing end ( 102 B), the leading end defining a first tool profile and the trailing end defining a second tool profile which is different from the first tool profile; and (g) selectively operating the metal deforming tool to cause the leading end of the tool to initially engage and deform the outer end of the wheel cover followed by the trailing end of the tool engaging the deforming the outer end of the wheel cover into the groove in a permanent mechanical lock connection therewith whereby the wheel cover covers at least a portion of the outboard facing wheel surface and the entire portion of the outer peripheral end of the outboard bead seat retaining flange ( 34 ).

Description:
This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/114,564 filed on Dec. 31, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates in general to vehicle wheels and, in particular, to an improved vehicle wheel cover retention system and method for producing the same. 
     Full or partial vehicle wheel covers of the removable type are well known., and have been used for many years to enhance the styling of conventional, stamped wheel discs. Also, it is known to secure a full or partial wheel cover to a vehicle wheel using an adhesive. 
     One example of a vehicle wheel with a wheel cover secured thereto is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,566 to Beith. In the Beith patent, a wheel cover includes a radially and axially outward curving terminal flange having a lip which is formed to grip the edge of the terminal flange of the wheel rim to aid in fixing the wheel cover to the vehicle wheel. An adhesive is placed between the confronting surfaces of the wheel cover and the vehicle wheel to permanently secure the wheel cover to the vehicle wheel. 
     Another example of a vehicle wheel having a wheel cover secured thereto is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,423 to Heck et al. In the Heck et al. patent, a wheel cover includes an outer end which is received in a groove formed in the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the vehicle wheel. An adhesive is preferably deposited in a predetermined pattern on the outboard face of the vehicle wheel so that when the wheel cover is installed, the adhesive assists in securing the wheel cover to the vehicle wheel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An improved vehicle wheel cover retention system and method for producing the same includes a wheel cover secured to a vehicle wheel. The method for producing the vehicle wheel includes the steps of: (a) providing a vehicle wheel including a disc defining an outboard facing wheel surface and including an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange, the outboard bead seat retaining flange including an outer peripheral end having an annular groove formed therein; (b) providing a wheel cover defining an inner cover surface and an outer cover surface, the wheel cover including an outer end; (c) applying a sealant to one of the outboard facing wheel surface and the inner cover surface; (d) supporting the wheel and the cover in coaxial relationship relative to one another; (e) selectively moving the wheel and the cover toward one another to enable the sealant to initially secure the wheel and the cover together; (f) providing a metal deforming tool having a tool end, the tool end having a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end defining a first tool profile and the trailing end defining a second tool profile which is different from the first tool profile; and (g) selectively operating the metal deforming tool to cause the leading end of the tool to initially engage and deform the outer end of the wheel cover followed by the trailing end of the tool engaging the deforming the outer end of the wheel cover into the groove in a permanent mechanical lock connection therewith whereby the wheel cover covers at least a portion of the outboard facing wheel surface and the entire portion of the outer peripheral end of the outboard bead seat retaining flange. 
     Other advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an improved vehicle wheel constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a selected portion of the vehicle wheel illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a selected portion of the vehicle wheel illustrated in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a selected portion of the vehicle wheel illustrated in FIG. 2, and showing the initial installation operation of the wheel cover. 
     FIGS. 5-7 are an enlarged sectional view showing intermediate installation operations of the wheel cover illustrated in FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view showing the final installation operation of the wheel cover illustrated in FIG.  4 . 
     FIG.9 is a plan view of the tooling shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 used to install the wheel cover. 
     FIG. 10 a partial sectional view showing a second embodiment of an improved vehicle wheel constructed in accordance with the present invention and showing the initial installation operation of the wheel cover on the associated vehicle wheel. 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view showing a selected portion of the vehicle wheel illustrated in FIG. 10, the wheel cover not being shown. 
     FIG. 12 enlarged sectional view showing the initial installation operation of the wheel cover illustrated in FIG. 10, the tooling not being shown. 
     FIG. 13 In enlarged sectional view showing the final installation operation of the wheel cover illustrated in FIG. 10, the tooling not being shown. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a vehicle wheel, indicated generally at  10 , including a vehicle wheel cover retention system in accordance with the present invention. The vehicle wheel  10  shown in this embodiment is a full face type of wheel, defines a vehicle wheel axis A, and includes a wheel rim  12 , a full face wheel disc  14 , a wheel cover  16 , and a cap  18 . Although this invention is discussed in conjunction with the particular vehicle wheel disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that the invention may be used in conjunction with other types of vehicle wheel constructions. For example, the vehicle wheel can be a “bead seat attached” wheel (such as shown in FIG. 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,429 to Heck et al.), a “well attached” vehicle wheel (such as shown in FIG. 3 of Heck et al.), a “bimetal” vehicle wheel construction including an aluminum wheel disc and a steel wheel rim (such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,642 to Wei et al.), or a “modular” vehicle wheel construction including a “partial” wheel rim and a “full face” wheel disc (such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,261 to Archibald et al.), all the disclosures of these patents incorporated herein by reference. 
     The wheel rim  12  is a fabricated rim constructed of steel, aluminum, or other suitable alloy materials. The wheel rim  12  includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange  20 , an inboard tire bead seat  22 , a generally axially extending well  24 , and an outboard tire bead seat  26 . The wheel rim  12  further includes an opening (not shown) formed therein to accommodate a valve stem (not shown). 
     The wheel disc  14  is forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise formed, and is constructed of steel, aluminum, or other suitable alloy materials. The wheel disc  14  includes a generally centrally located wheel mounting surface  30 , and an outer annular portion  32 . The wheel mounting surface  30  is provided with a centrally located pilot aperture  30 A, and a plurality of lug bolt receiving holes  30 B (five of such lug bolt receiving holes  30 B being illustrated in this embodiment). The lug bolt receiving holes  30 B are adapted to receive lug bolts (not shown) for securing the vehicle wheel  10  on a vehicle axle (not shown). 
     The outer annular portion  32  of the wheel disc  14  defines an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34  of the vehicle wheel  10 , and includes an outer surface  32 A and an inner surface  32 B, as shown in FIG.  2 . To assemble the vehicle wheel  10 , an outboard end  26 A of the outboard tire bead seat  26  of the wheel rim  12  is positioned against the inner surface  32 B of the outer annular portion  32  of the wheel disc  14  and a weld  40  is provided to join the wheel disc  14  and the wheel rim  12  together as shown in FIG.  2 . The wheel disc  14  further included a plurality of decorative windows  42  (four of such windows  42  being illustrated in FIG.  1 ). As shown in this embodiment, one of the windows  42  includes a cut-out portion  42 A (shown in FIG.  1 ), to accommodate the valve stem. 
     The wheel cover  16  shown in this embodiment is preferably formed from stainless steel having a thickness of approximately 0.020 inch, and is painted, chrome-plated, polished, or otherwise finished. The wheel cover  16  is prefabricated to generally match the particular configuration of the outboard facing surface of the wheel disc  14 . In particular, the wheel cover  16  includes a plurality of decorative openings  44  formed therein which correspond to the windows  42  formed in the wheel disc  14 , and an enlarged central opening  46 . One of the openings  44  includes a cut-out portion  44 A which generally corresponds to the cut-out  42 A provided in the one window  42  to accommodate the valve stem. Alternatively, the wheel cover can be formed from other materials if desired. 
     The openings  44  in the wheel cover  16  are preferably formed by a stamping operation. Also, as best shown in FIG. 2, edges  50  of the wheel cover openings  44  preferably extend slightly past edges  52  of the windows  42  to effectively overlap the edges  52  of the windows  42 . As a result of this, when as wheel cover  16  which has been chrome-plated is joined to the wheel disc  14 , the completely assembled vehicle wheel  10  of the present invention has the appearance of a “chrome-plated” wheel. 
     As shown in this embodiment, the cap  18  is secured to the wheel disc  14  by a plurality of fasteners  54  (only one of such fasteners  54  being illustrated in FIG.  1 ). The fasteners  54  extend through openings  56  formed in the cap  18 , and are received in threaded inserts  58  which are secured in openings provided in the wheel mounting surface  30  of the wheel disc  14 . An inner edge  16 A of the wheel cover  16  can either be located outside an outer peripheral edge  18 A of the cap  18  (indicated generally at  60  in FIG.  2 ), or, alternatively, the inner edge  16 A of the wheel cover  16  can extend radially inwardly and under outer peripheral edge  18 A of the cap  18  (not shown). 
     As shown in FIG. 3, the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34  of the wheel disc  14  includes a generally smooth, rounded outer peripheral end  62 , and a circumferential, radially outwardly facing groove or recess  64 . Preferably, the peripheral end  62  and the groove  64  are formed by a machining operation to predetermined specifications. However, the peripheral end  62  and/or the groove  64  can be formed by other methods. For example, the peripheral end  62  and/or the groove  64  can be formed by a stamping operation or a spinning operation. 
     The groove  64  is formed in the inner surface  32 B of the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34  of the wheel disc  14 , and is defined by a first surface  66  which extends in a generally axial direction, and a second surface  68  which extends in a generally radial direction a predetermined distance X. In particular, the surfaces  66  and  68  are oriented at predetermined angles B and C, respectively, relative to a reference line Y which is defined by the inner surface  32 B of the wheel disc  14  and is generally perpendicular to the wheel axis A. The angle B is in the range of 60° to 80°, and the angle C is in the range of 60° to 120°. Preferably, as illustrated in this embodiment, the angle B is approximately 70°, and the angle C is approximately 90°. As will be discussed below, the distance X is selected to that an outer end, indicated generally at  70 , of the wheel cover  16  is preferably completely recessed within the groove  64 . Also, as will be discussed, a mechanical lock is formed when the outer end  70  of the wheel cover  16  is disposed in the groove  64  so as to function as the primary retention means of the wheel cover  16  to the wheel disc  14  of the associated vehicle wheel. 
     The outer end  70  of the wheel cover  16  defines an outer surface  72 , an inner surface  74 , and an outer annular lip  76 . The outer annular lip  76  defines an outer peripheral edge  78 . As shown in this embodiment, the inner surface  74  of the wheel cover  16  contacts the adjacent first surface  66  of the groove  64 , and the outer peripheral edge  78  of the wheel cover  16  is spaced slightly from the adjacent second surface  68  of the groove  64 ; however, in some instances, depending upon the uniformity of the outer peripheral edge  78  dimension of the wheel cover  16 , there may be some contact (not shown) between the outer peripheral edge  78  and the second surface  68  to accommodate small dimensional changes in the outer peripheral edge  78  of the wheel cover  16 . The outer peripheral edge  78  of the wheel cover  16  defines an outer circle  80 . 
     In order to assist in securing the wheel cover  16  to the wheel disc  14 , a sealant/adhesive  82 , such as a silicone or two-part epoxy, is utilized. A suitable two-part epoxy is FUSOR 380/383 or FUSOR 320/322, both manufactured by Lord Corporation. The sealant/adhesive  82  is preferably selectively applied on the outboard face of the wheel disc  14  in a predetermined pattern so that when the wheel cover  16  is installed on the wheel disc  14 , a smearing of the sealant/adhesive  82  over substantially the entire outboard face of the wheel disc  14  occurs. The predetermined pattern can be similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,631 to Maloney et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The predetermined pattern of the sealant/adhesive  82  preferably creates voids or gaps  82 A (shown in FIG. 3) in the sealant/adhesive coverage where sealing may not be required. The sealant/adhesive  82  functions to assist in securing the wheel cover  16  to the wheel disc  14 . In particular, as will be discussed, the adhesive/sealant functions to retain the wheel cover  16  on lo the wheel disc  14  until the outer end  70  of the wheel cover  16  is deformed and disposed in the groove  64  in a “mechanical lock” therewith. Also, the pattern of the adhesive  82  is effective to provide a seal and prevent water, mud, salt and other debris from entering between the wheel cover  16  and the outboard facing surface of the wheel disc  14 . Alternatively, the application of the sealant/adhesive  82  can be other than illustrated if desired. For example, the sealant/adhesive  82  can be selectively applied to an inner surface  16 C of the wheel cover  16  in a predetermined pattern, or can be selectively applied to both the outboard face of the wheel disc  14  and the inner surface of the wheel cover  16  in a predetermined pattern. 
     The distance X of the second surface  76  of the groove  64  is at least equal to a thickness T of the wheel cover  16  so that the outer circle  80  of the wheel cover  16  is recessed relative to the inner surface  32 B of the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34  of the associated wheel disc  14 . This effectively hides the outer peripheral edge  78  of the wheel cover  16 . Preferably, the distance X is greater than the thickness T of the wheel cover  16  to accommodate the natural spring back of the outer end  70  of the wheel cover  16 . For example, if the wheel cover  16  has a thickness of approximately 0.020 inch, the distance X is approximately 0.030 inch. Also, the outer end  70  of the wheel cover  16  is preferably sized to ensure that an end of a wheel balance weight (not shown) is frictionally retained on the outer surface  72  of the wheel cover  16  and not on the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34  of the vehicle wheel  10 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 9, there is illustrated a first sequence of operations for producing the vehicle wheel  10  in accordance with this invention. Initially, as shown in FIG. 4, the wheel cover  16  is positioned adjacent an outer surface  14 A of the wheel disc  14  with a tool  100  positioned adjacent a portion of an outer surface  16 A of the wheel cover  16 . The tool  100  is mounted on a support member (not shown) which allows the tool  100  to travel in an generally axial direction toward the wheel disc  14 . In this embodiment, the sealant/adhesive  82  is preferably applied to the outer surface  32 A of the wheel disc  14 . Alternatively, the sealant/adhesive  82  can be applied to the inner surface  16 B of the wheel cover  16 , or to both the outer surface  32 A of the wheel disc  14  and the inner surface  16 B of the wheel cover  16 . 
     As shown in FIG. 4, the wheel cover  16  is prefabricated in such a manner so as to generally correspond to the profile of the outer surface  32 A of the wheel disc  14  except near the outer peripheral end  62  thereof wherein an outer end  16 C of the wheel cover  16  extends in a generally radially outwardly extending direction. Alternatively, as shown in phantom in FIG. 4, an outer end  16 C′ of the wheel cover  16  can have a generally U-shaped configuration which generally corresponds to the configuration of the outer peripheral end  62  of the wheel disc  14 . 
     As shown in FIG. 5, the tool  100  is moved in a generally axial direction toward the wheel disc  14  and presses the wheel cover  16  against the wheel disc  14  in a predetermined position. In particular, the tool  100  is effective to space the inner surface  16 B of the wheel cover  16  a predetermined distance D (shown in FIG. 3) from the outer surface  32 A of the wheel disc  14  such that there is a sufficient thickness of the sealant/adhesive  82  at the interface between the wheel disc  14  and the wheel cover  16 . The distance D is generally equal to the sum of the thickness of the wheel cover  16  and a desired adhesive/sealant  82  thickness: Following this, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the outer end  16 C of the wheel cover  16  is engaged by a tool  102  which is operative to form or reshape the outer end  16 C over the outer peripheral end  62  of the wheel disc  14  so as to mechanically lock the wheel cover  16  to the wheel disc  14  and form the finished wheel  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tool  102  is in the shape of a generally round wheel and is mounted on a support member (not shown) which allows the tool  102  to be moved in a generally circular path relative to the outer peripheral end  62  of the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34  of the wheel disc  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tool  100  and the tool  102  are separate components. Alternatively, the tool  100  and the tool  102  can be other than illustrated if desired. For example, the tool  100  and the tool  102  can be formed as part of a unitary tool component. 
     As best shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment the tool  102  has a leading or front end  102 A and a trailing or rear end  102 B. The leading end  102 A of the tool  102  defines a first tool diameter F 1 , and the trailing end  102 B of the tool  102  defines a second tool diameter F 2  which is less than the first tool diameter F 1 . As will be discussed, the leading end  102 A of the tool  102  is operative to initially engage the outer end  16 C of the wheel cover  16 , and the tool  102  is selectively moved relative to the vehicle wheel  10  and the wheel cover  16  so that the trailing end  102 B of the tool  102  is operative to final form the outer end  16 C of the wheel cover  16  into the groove  64 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 of this embodiment, the tool  102  is advanced in a generally axial direction as shown by arrow R in FIG. 6 causing the leading tool end  102 A to initially engage and deform the outer end  16 C of the wheel cover  16 . As the vehicle wheel  10  is rotated, the tool  102  is also progressively rotated at a desired rate relative thereto so that the tool  102  is operative to deform the outer end  16 C of the wheel cover  16  into the groove  64  so as to mechanically lock the wheel cover  16  to the wheel disc  14  and produce the finished vehicle wheel  10  having a finished outer end  16 D, shown in FIG. 8, which is seated in the groove  64  in accordance with the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, since the wheel cover  16  is formed from a relatively strong material, this movement does not cause a thinning of the thickness of the wheel cover  16  but only is effective to deform the outer end  16 C of the wheel cover  16  and cause the finish formed outer end  16 D to seat into the groove  64 . In this embodiment, the vehicle wheel  10  rotates and the tool  102  rotates relative thereto. Alternatively, depending upon the particular construction of the tool  102  (and the tool  100 ), the movement of one or more of the vehicle wheel  10 , the tool  100 , and the tool  102  can be other than illustrated if desired. 
     Turning now to FIGS. 10 through 13, and using like reference numbers to for corresponding parts, there is illustrated a second embodiment of a vehicle wheel  10 ′ including a “full” wheel rim  12 ′, a wheel disc  14 ′, and a wheel cover  16 ′, and a second sequence of operations for installing the wheel cover  16 ′ in a groove  64 ′ of the associated vehicle wheel  10 ′. 
     As shown in this embodiment, the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34 ′ of the wheel rim  12 ′ of the vehicle wheel  10 ′ includes a generally smooth, rounded outer peripheral end  62 ′, a circumferential, radially outwardly facing first groove  64 ′, and a circumferential, radially outwardly facing second groove  164 . Preferably, the peripheral end  62 ′, the first groove  64 ′, and the second groove  164  are formed by a machining operation to predetermined specifications. However, one or more of the peripheral end  62 ′, the first groove  64 ′, and the second groove  164  can be formed by other methods. For example, the peripheral end  62 ′ and/or the grooves  64 ′ and  164  can be formed by a stamping operation or a spinning operation. 
     The first groove  64 ′ is formed in an inner surface  32 B′ of the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34 ′ of the vehicle wheel  10 , and is defined by a first surface  66 ′ which extends in a generally axial direction, and a second surface  68 ′ which extends in a generally radial direction a predetermined distance X′. In particular, the surfaces  66 ′ and  68 ′ are oriented at predetermined angles B′ and C′, respectively, relative to a reference line Y′ which is parallel to an inner surface  14 A′(shown in FIG. 10) of the vehicle wheel  10 ′ and which is generally perpendicular to the wheel axis A′. The angle B′ is in the range of 60° to 120°, and the angle C′ is in the range of 55° to 95°. Preferably, as illustrated in this embodiment, the angle B′ is approximately 90°, and the angle C′ is approximately 75°. As will be discussed below, the distance X′ is selected so that an outer end, indicated generally at  70 ′, of the wheel cover  16 ′ is preferably completely recessed within the groove  64 ′. Also, as will be discussed, a mechanical lock is formed when the outer end  70 ′ of the wheel cover  16 ′ is disposed in the groove  66 ′(and also the groove  164 ) so as to function as the primary retention means of the wheel cover  16 ′ to the wheel disc  14 ′ of the associated vehicle wheel. 
     The second groove  164  is formed in an outer surface  32 A′ of the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34 ′ of the vehicle wheel  10 ′ and is defined by a first surface  166 ′ which extends in a generally axial direction, and a second surface  168 ′ which extends in a generally radial direction. In particular, the surfaces  166 ′ and  168 ′ are oriented at predetermined angles B 1 ′ and C 1 ′, respectively, relative to the reference line Y. The angle B 1 ′ is in the range of 70° to 130°, and the angle C 1 ′ is in the range of 55° to 95°. Preferably, as illustrated in this embodiment, the angle B 1 ′ is approximately 100°, and the angle C 1 ′ is approximately 75°. 
     As shown in FIG. 13, in the fully assembled vehicle wheel  10 ′, an inner surface  74 ′ of the wheel cover  16 ′ is slightly spaced from contact with the adjacent first surface  166 ′ of the first groove  64 ′ and the adjacent second surface  168 ′ of the second groove  164 ′; however, in some instances, depending upon the uniformity of the wheel cover  16 ′, there may be some contact (not shown) between the inner surface  74 ′ and one or both of the first surface  166 ′ and the second surface  168 ′ to accommodate small dimensional changes in the wheel cover  16 ′. 
     In order to assist in securing the wheel cover  16 ′ to the vehicle wheel  10 ′, a sealant/adhesive  82 ′, such as a silicone or two-part epoxy, is utilized. The sealant/adhesive  82 ′ is preferably selectively applied on the outboard face of the vehicle wheel  10 ′ in a predetermined pattern so that when the wheel cover  16 ′ is installed thereon, a smearing of the sealant/adhesive  82 ′ over substantially the entire outboard face of the vehicle wheel disc  10 ′ occurs. The predetermined pattern of the sealant/adhesive  82 ′ creates voids or gaps  82 A′ in the sealant/adhesive coverage where sealing may not be required. The sealant/adhesive  82 ′ assists in securing the wheel cover  16 ′ to the vehicle wheel  10 ′. In particular, as will be discussed, the adhesive/sealant functions to retain the wheel cover  16 ′ on the wheel disc  14  until the outer end  70 ′ of the wheel cover  16 ′ is deformed and disposed in the groove  64 ′ in a “mechanical lock” therewith. Also, the pattern of the adhesive  82  is effective to provide a seal and prevent water, mud, salt and other debris from entering between the wheel cover  16  and the outboard facing surface of the vehicle wheel  10 ′. Alternatively, the sealant/adhesive  82 ′ can be selectively applied to an inner surface  16 B′ of the wheel cover  16 ′ in a predetermined pattern, or can be selectively applied to both the outboard face of the vehicle wheel disc  10 ′ and the inner surface  16 B′ of the wheel cover  16 ′ in a predetermined pattern. 
     The distance X′ of the second surface  68 ′ of the groove  64 ′ is at least equal to a thickness of the wheel cover  16 ′ so that an outer circle  80 ′ of the wheel cover  16 ′ is recessed relative to an inner surface  32 B′ of the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34 ′ of the associated wheel disc  14 ′. This effectively hides an outer peripheral edge  78 ′ of the wheel cover  16 ′. Preferably, the distance X′ is greater than the thickness of the wheel cover  16 ′ to accommodate the natural spring back of the outer end  70 ′ of the wheel cover  16 ′. For example, if the wheel cover  16 ′ has a thickness of approximately 0.020 inch, the distance X′ is approximately 0.030inch. Also, the outer end  70 ′ of the wheel cover  16 ′ is preferably sized to ensure that an end of a wheel balance weight (not shown) is frictionally retained on an outer surface  72 ′ thereof and not on the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  34 ′ of the associated vehicle wheel  10 ′. 
     As shown in FIG. 10, to fully install the wheel cover  16 ′ on the vehicle wheel  10 , a forming roller  102 ′ supported by a support member  108  is actuated to engage and deform an outer end  16 C′ of the wheel cover  16 ′ and cause the finish formed outer end  70 ′ to seat into the groove  64 ′ so as to mechanically lock the wheel cover  16 ′ to the wheel disc  14 ′ and produce the finished vehicle wheel  10 ′. 
     In accordance with the provisions of the patents statues, the principle and mode of operation of this invention have been described and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from the scope or spirit of the attached claims.