Patent Description:
Wheels for automotive vehicles are commonly secured to the vehicle by lug nuts. The lug nuts are screwed or otherwise tightened on to corresponding lug bolts. The lug bolts extend outward from the vehicle and through a wheel disc of the wheel. As such, the lug nuts are exposed on an outboard side of the wheel that is away from the vehicle. Also, the lug bolts typically extend away from the vehicle beyond the lug nuts. The lug nuts and bolts extending outward from the wheel disc and being exposed causes undesirable air resistance - i.e., drag - when the vehicle is driven. For example, the air resistance caused by the lug nuts and bolts reduces fuel economy for the vehicle. Thus, it would be desirable to reduce air resistance caused by the lug nuts and bolts when the vehicle is driven. A vehicle wheel and cover assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is known from <CIT>.

This invention relates to improvements to vehicle wheels and aerodynamic covers for the vehicle wheels, and the attachment systems for attaching the aerodynamic covers to the vehicle wheels, enabling to reduce air resistance when the vehicle is driven. The invention proposes a vehicle wheel and an aerodynamic cover assembly according to claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments are claimed in subclaims <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to the invention, the vehicle wheel and cover assembly comprises a wheel disc, a wheel rim secured to the wheel disc, a wheel axis about which the vehicle wheel is configured to rotate, and a cover secured to the wheel rim. The cover extends radially inward from the wheel rim in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle wheel may further comprise a central opening of the cover. The wheel axis passes through the central opening.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle wheel may further comprise at least one vent in the cover. The at least one vent may be one of a plurality of vents. The plurality of vents is arrayed circumferentially about the cover. The at least one vent may be in an axial portion of the cover. The axial portion extends parallel to the wheel axis. The vehicle wheel may further comprise at least one tab at the at least one vent. The at least one tab extends perpendicularly from the axial portion.

The vehicle wheel may further comprise a wheel hub of the wheel disc, and the cover spans between the wheel rim and the wheel hub. According to the invention, the vehicle wheel and cover assembly comprise a gear or ring having first and second annular portions. The first portion has at least one lug nut opening. The at least one lug nut opening is configured to receive a lug bolt. The first portion is configured to be held compressed between the wheel disc and a lug nut on the at least one lug bolt. The cover is secured to the second portion. The cover is secured to the second portion by at least one screw.

According to this embodiment, the cover may be secured to a wheel hub of the wheel disc such that the cover contacts the wheel hub. The cover may be secured to the wheel hub by screws in keyhole slots.

According to another embodiment, the vehicle wheel and cover assembly may further comprise a radius portion of the wheel rim and a bead portion of the cover. The bead portion is secured in the radius portion.

According to another embodiment, the vehicle wheel and cover assembly may further comprise a spring ring and a compression portion of the spring ring. The spring ring compresses the cover against the wheel rim. The spring ring may be retained within a bead portion of the cover.

According to another embodiment, the vehicle wheel has a greater extent in a radial direction perpendicular to the wheel axis than in an axial direction parallel to the wheel axis.

According to another embodiment, the vehicle wheel and cover assembly may comprise the wheel disc, the wheel rim secured to the wheel disc, the wheel axis about which the vehicle wheel is configured to rotate, the first cover spanning between the wheel rim and the hub portion of the wheel disc, and a second cover secured to the wheel rim. The second cover extends radially inward from the wheel rim in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis. The first and second covers are on opposite sides of the vehicle wheel. Each of the first and second covers has a greater extent in a radial direction perpendicular to the wheel axis than in an axial direction parallel to the wheel axis.

According to this embodiment, the vehicle wheel may further comprise an axial portion of the first cover, a plurality of first vents in the axial portion, tabs at each of the first vents, a plurality of second vents in the second cover. The first and second vents are arrayed circumferentially about the wheel axis. The axial portion extends parallel to the wheel axis and the tabs extend perpendicular to the axial portion.

An advantage of an embodiment is reducing air resistance from the vehicle wheel. 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.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated a vehicle wheel, indicated generally at <NUM>, for a vehicle. The vehicle wheel <NUM> rotates about a wheel axis <NUM>. The vehicle wheel <NUM> has a wheel disc <NUM> and a wheel rim <NUM>. The wheel rim <NUM> is secured to the wheel disc <NUM>, The general structure of the wheel disc <NUM> and the wheel rim <NUM> are known in the prior art. The wheel rim <NUM> extends axially in a direction parallel to the wheel axis <NUM>, As non-limiting examples, the vehicle wheel <NUM> may be fabricated from steel or aluminum material. As non-limiting examples, the vehicle wheel <NUM> may be for a passenger vehicle, a light track, or a commercial highway vehicle.

The vehicle wheel <NUM> further has a first aerodynamic cover, indicated generally at <NUM> and shown in <FIG>, and a second aerodynamic cover, indicated generally at <NUM> and shown in <FIG>. Preferably, and as illustrated, the first and second covers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are separate components or elements that are attached or otherwise installed on a complete vehicle wheel such as the vehicle wheel <NUM>. The first and second covers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are transverse to, and centered on, the wheel axis <NUM>. Indeed, the first and second covers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are generally in planes that intersect the wheel axis <NUM>. As shown in the drawings, the first and second covers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, extend radially inward from the wheel rim <NUM> towards the wheel axis <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis <NUM>.

Preferably, the first and second covers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are fabricated from a plastic material. Alternatively, the first and/or second cover <NUM> and/or <NUM>, respectively, may be fabricated from other than a plastic material. As a non-limiting example, the first and/or second cover <NUM> and/or <NUM>, respectively, may be fabricated from a metallic material such as aluminum.

As illustrated, the first cover <NUM> is installed on an intended outboard side of the vehicle wheel <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> is installed on an intended inboard side of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. As such, the first and second covers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are on opposite sides of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. Alternatively, the first and second covers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, may be installed on the vehicle wheel <NUM> other than as illustrated. As a non- limiting example, the first cover <NUM> may be installed on the inboard side of the vehicle wheel <NUM> and/or the second cover <NUM> may be installed on the outboard side of the vehicle wheel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first cover <NUM> extends radially between the wheel axis <NUM> and the wheel rim <NUM>. As illustrated, the first cover <NUM> has first, second, and third adjoining, annular portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. Alternatively, the first cover <NUM> may have more or fewer annular portions than the first, second, and third annular portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. The first and third annular portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are generally transverse to the wheel axis <NUM> and the second annular portion <NUM> is generally perpendicular to the wheel axis <NUM>. The third annular portion <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> in the first cover <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is preferably a central opening centered on the wheel axis <NUM>, The first, second, and third annular portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, will be discussed further.

Between the third annular portion <NUM> and the wheel rim <NUM> is an axial portion <NUM>, As illustrated, the axial portion <NUM> extends substantially parallel to the wheel axis <NUM>. Alternatively, the axial portion <NUM> may extend other than substantially parallel to the wheel axis <NUM>. Defined within the axial portion <NUM> are vents <NUM> arrayed circumferentially about the first cover <NUM>. The vents <NUM> extend substantially parallel to the wheel axis <NUM>. As illustrated, the vents <NUM> are trapezoidal in shape. Alternatively, the vents <NUM> may be other than trapezoidal in shape. As non-limiting examples, the vents <NUM> may be circular, triangular, or otherwise shaped. As illustrated, each of the vents <NUM> has a corresponding, planar tab or flap <NUM> extending in a radial direction from the wheel axis <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> are perpendicular to the axial portion <NUM> at each of the corresponding vents <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> break radial turbulence and improve air movement through the vents <NUM>. Alternatively, the tabs <NUM> may be omitted for one or more, or all, of the vents <NUM>. Alternatively, the tabs <NUM> may extend in a direction other than as illustrated. As non-limiting examples, the tabs <NUM> may extend at acute or obtuse angles to the axial portion <NUM> or the tabs <NUM> may be curved or otherwise non-planar.

As illustrated, the tabs <NUM> extend both radially outward and inward from the axial portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the tabs <NUM> may extend only outward or inward from the axial portion <NUM>. Alternatively, some of the tabs <NUM> may extend outward from the axial portion <NUM> while others of the tabs <NUM> extend inward from the axial portion <NUM>. Alternatively, different groupings of the tabs <NUM> may extend only outward, only inward, and/or both outward and inward from the axial portion <NUM>. Attorney Docket No. <NUM>-US-PSP.

As shown in <FIG>, the second cover <NUM> has first and second annular portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Alternatively, the second cover <NUM> may have more or fewer annular portions than the first and second annular portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The first and second annular portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are generally perpendicular or otherwise transverse to the wheel axis <NUM>. Within the second annular portion <NUM> are vents <NUM> circumferentially arrayed about the second cover <NUM>. As illustrated, the vents <NUM> are arranged extending substantially transverse to the wheel axis <NUM> and not extending radially from the wheel axis <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the vents <NUM> may have a spiral arrangement about the wheel axis <NUM>. As illustrated, the vents <NUM> have generally parallel opposite sides and pass through the second annular portion <NUM> at an angle to a surface of the second annular portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the vents <NUM> may be other than as illustrated. The first annular portion <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> in the second cover <NUM>. Preferably, the opening <NUM> is a central opening centered about the wheel axis <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated a first attachment system, indicated generally at <NUM>, for installing or otherwise securing the first cover <NUM> on the vehicle wheel <NUM>. The first attachment system <NUM> is preferably usable to install the first cover <NUM> on prior art vehicle wheels without modification to the prior art vehicle wheels. The first attachment system <NUM> includes an annular gear or ring <NUM> and screws <NUM>, both of which will be discussed in detail with reference to <FIG>. The gear <NUM> is preferably fabricated from a metallic material such as steel or aluminum. Alternatively, the gear <NUM> may be fabricated from a plastic material. The gear <NUM> has perpendicular first and second portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The first portion <NUM> has openings <NUM> for lug bolts and the second portion <NUM> has slots, indicated generally at <NUM>, for the screws <NUM>, As illustrated, the lug holt openings <NUM> are circular and the screw slots <NUM> have L-shapes, Alternatively, the lug bolt openings <NUM> and/or the screw slots <NUM> may have shapes other than as illustrated. Also shown in <FIG> are lug blots <NUM> and lug nuts <NUM> for the vehicle wheel <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the gear <NUM> is shown installed on the wheel disc <NUM>. The lug bolts <NUM> are secured in a known manner to the vehicle having the vehicle wheel <NUM>. The lug holts <NUM> pass through the lug bolt openings <NUM> in the first portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> is held on the lug bolts <NUM> by the lug nuts <NUM> - i.e., the first portion <NUM> is held compressed between the wheel disc <NUM> and the lug nuts <NUM>. Preferably, the lug bolt openings <NUM> are sized to fit the lug bolts <NUM> without the gear <NUM> rotating or otherwise moving on the wheel disc <NUM> when installed on the wheel disc <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the first cover <NUM> is shown installed on the gear <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> has a support portion <NUM> extending axially from the first annular portion <NUM> towards the wheel disc <NUM>. Within the support portion <NUM> are an annular groove <NUM> and radially extending screw holes, indicated generally at <NUM>. The screw holes <NUM> are interrupted by the groove <NUM> and, as a result, have first and second portions 156A and 156B, respectively, on opposite sides of the groove <NUM>. The screws <NUM> pass through the screw slots <NUM> and between the first and second portions 156A and 156B, respectively, of the screw holes <NUM>, As a result, the second portion <NUM> of the gear <NUM> is retained in the groove <NUM> and the first cover <NUM> is installed on the vehicle wheel <NUM>.

Preferably, the screws <NUM> are first installed in the screw holes <NUM> such that the screws <NUM> span between the first and second portions <NUM> A and 156B, respectively. Next, the gear second portion <NUM> is inserted in the groove <NUM> such that the screws <NUM> enter a first axial portion <NUM> A of the screw slots <NUM>. Lastly, the first cover <NUM> is rotated about the wheel axis <NUM> such that the screws <NUM> move from the first axial portions <NUM> A to second circumferential portions 146B of the screw slots <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> is then installed on the vehicle wheel <NUM>. The screws <NUM> may be further tightened once in the second circumferential portions 146B.

<FIG> and <FIG> also show an outer connection, indicated generally at <NUM>, between the first cover <NUM> and the wheel rim <NUM>. The outer connection <NUM> is part of the first attachment system <NUM>. Alternatively, the outer connection <NUM> may be omitted. The wheel rim <NUM> has an inner lip portion <NUM> and the first cover <NUM> has a bead portion <NUM>. As illustrated, the first cover <NUM> generally extends radially inward from the inner lip portion <NUM> and towards the wheel axis <NUM>. More specifically, the first cover <NUM> extends radially inward towards the wheel axis <NUM> from the axial portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the second cover <NUM> may extend other than as illustrated. The second cover <NUM> has a greater extent in a radial direction perpendicular to the wheel axis <NUM> than in an axial direction parallel to the wheel axis <NUM>.

As a non-limiting example, when the first cover <NUM> is installed on the vehicle wheel <NUM>, the bead portion <NUM> is displaced radially inward towards the wheel axis <NUM>. While displaced radially inward, the bead portion <NUM> is placed into the inner lip portion <NUM>. When released, the bead portion <NUM> displaces radially outward from the wheel axis <NUM> and into the inner lip portion <NUM> - i.e., the bead portion <NUM> "clips" under the inner lip portion <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the geometric relationships between the first, second, and third annular portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, of the first cover <NUM> are also shown. Parallel to the wheel axis <NUM>, the first annular portion <NUM> has a first axial dimension <NUM> that is less than a second axial dimension <NUM> of the third annular portion <NUM>. In a radial direction <NUM> that is perpendicular to the wheel axis <NUM>, the first annular portion <NUM> has a first radial dimension <NUM> that is less than a second radial dimension <NUM> of the third annular portion <NUM>. The second annular portion <NUM> has a third radial dimension <NUM> in the radial direction <NUM> that has a value between the first and second radial dimensions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. A sum of the first, second, and third radial dimensions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, is greater than the first or second axial dimensions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. As a result, the first cover <NUM> has a greater extent in a radial direction perpendicular to the wheel axis <NUM> than in an axial direction parallel to the wheel axis <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and third annular portions <NUM> and <NUM> are at intersecting angles relative to each other - i.e., if the first and third annular portions <NUM> and <NUM> projected further, they would intersect. The third annular portion <NUM> extends radially outward beyond the axial portion <NUM> such that an "overhang" or other protrusion, indicated generally at <NUM> is defined. Alternatively, the geometric relationships between the first, second, and third annular portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, of the first cover <NUM> may be other than as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Preferably, the first cover <NUM> extends radially inward from the wheel rim <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first cover <NUM> has a "tented" shape to clear or otherwise accommodate the lug holts <NUM>. As the lug holts <NUM> are shortened in a direction parallel to the wheel axis <NUM> to extend less far from the wheel disc <NUM> towards the first cover <NUM>, the first cover <NUM> may be "flattened" from the tent shape illustrated by reducing the first and second axial dimensions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, A recess <NUM> is defined in an underside of the second annular portion. The recess <NUM> accommodates the lug bolts <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>). Preferably, the recess <NUM> is annularly shaped. Alternatively, the recess <NUM> may be provided only at each of the lug bolts <NUM>. Alternatively, the recess <NUM> maybe omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first, second, and third annular portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, have planar sections. Alternatively, one or more of the first, second, and/or third annular portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> may have curved or otherwise non-planar sections.

As a non-limiting example, the first cover <NUM> may be fabricated monolithically from plastic material. Alternatively, one or more of the first annular portion <NUM>, second annular portion <NUM>, third annular portion <NUM>, and/or the axial portion <NUM> may be separately fabricated and then assembled or otherwise combined with the remaining portions. When one or more of the first annular portion <NUM>, second annular portion <NUM>, third annular portion <NUM>, and/or the axial portion <NUM> are separately fabricated, one or more of the first annular portion <NUM>, second annular portion <NUM>, third annular portion <NUM>, and/or the axial portion <NUM> may be fabricated from different materials than each other.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a first cavity or hollow space <NUM> defined between the vehicle rim <NUM> and the wheel disc <NUM> on the intended outboard side of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. A portion of the lug bolts <NUM> as well as the lug nuts <NUM> are in the first cavity space <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> extends radially inward from the vehicle rim <NUM> and towards the wheel axis <NUM> to cover the first cavity space <NUM>. As illustrated, the first cover <NUM> fully spans or otherwise covers the first cavity space <NUM> (the opening <NUM> is not part of the first cavity space <NUM>). Alternatively, the first cover <NUM> may partially cover the first cavity space <NUM>. Furthermore, the first cavity space <NUM> may be defined other than as illustrated.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated a second attachment system, indicated generally at <NUM>, for installing or otherwise securing the second cover <NUM> on the vehicle wheel <NUM>. Preferably, the second cover <NUM> extends radially inward from the wheel rim <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis <NUM>.

A spring ring <NUM> compresses an annular flange portion <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> against an annular inner lip portion <NUM> of the wheel rim <NUM>.

As non-limiting examples, the spring ring <NUM> may be fabricated from metallic or plastic material. As illustrated, the second cover <NUM> extends radially inward from the inner lip portion <NUM> and towards the wheel axis <NUM>. Alternatively, the second cover <NUM> may extend other than as illustrated.

The spring ring <NUM> has compression portions, indicated generally at <NUM>. As illustrated, the compression portions <NUM> have a W-shape. The wheel rim <NUM> has through slots or other penetrations <NUM> that correspond to the compression portion <NUM> of the spring ring <NUM>. Furthermore, the second cover <NUM> has gaps <NUM> in the flange portion <NUM>. The gaps <NUM> allow deformation or other movement of the second cover <NUM> during installation of the second cover <NUM> on the vehicle wheel <NUM> and when the vehicle having the vehicle wheel <NUM> is driven. During installation of the second cover <NUM> on the vehicle wheel <NUM>, the flange portion <NUM> between two of the flange gaps <NUM> maybe displaced to allow the compression portions <NUM> to enter the through slots <NUM>. Alternatively, through openings for the compression portions <NUM> may be provided in the second cover <NUM>.

When the second cover <NUM> is installed on the vehicle wheel <NUM>, the spring ring <NUM> compresses the flange portion <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> against the inner lip portion <NUM> of the wheel rim <NUM>. This may he accomplished by the spring ring <NUM>, in an uncompressed state, having a greater diameter than the wheel rim <NUM>. During installation of the second cover <NUM> on the vehicle wheel <NUM>, one or more of the compression portions <NUM> are compressed and the spring ring <NUM> is placed inside the flange portion <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> is then positioned inside the wheel rim <NUM> such that each of the compression portions <NUM> radially aligns with one of the through slots <NUM>. The compression portions <NUM> are inserted into the through slots <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) and the compressed compression portions <NUM> are released. The spring ring <NUM> then exerts a radially outward force that compresses the flange portion <NUM> against the inner lip portion <NUM> to secure the second cover <NUM> on the vehicle wheel <NUM>,.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a second cavity or hollow space <NUM> defined inside the vehicle rim <NUM> on the intended inboard side of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> extends radially inward from the vehicle rim <NUM> and towards the wheel axis <NUM> to cover the second cavity space <NUM>. As illustrated, the second cover <NUM> partially covers the second cavity space <NUM>. Alternatively, the second cover <NUM> may fully cover the second cavity space <NUM>. Furthermore, the second cavity space <NUM> may be defined other than as illustrated.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated a vehicle wheel indicated generally at <NUM>, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle wheel <NUM> is a variation of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. As such, like reference numerals, increased by <NUM>, designate corresponding parts in the drawings and detailed description thereof will he omitted.

The vehicle wheel <NUM> has a second attachment system, indicated generally at <NUM>, in the form of an interlocking connection between the wheel rim <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>. Slots, indicated generally at <NUM>, are defined at a wheel rim <NUM>. As illustrated, the slots <NUM> are keyhole slots. Alternatively, the slots <NUM> may be other than keyhole slots. The keyhole slots <NUM> are specifically defined in a lip portion <NUM> of the wheel rim <NUM>. As illustrated, the keyhole slots <NUM> are defined in an insert <NUM> that is fixed or otherwise attached to an inner or underside of the wheel rim <NUM>. The insert <NUM> is preferably fixable to wheel rims of prior art vehicle wheels without extensive modification to the prior art vehicle wheels. Alternatively, the keyhole slots <NUM> may be defined directly in the lip portion <NUM> and the insert <NUM> omitted. The second cover <NUM> has studs <NUM> extending from an inner side of the second cover <NUM> facing the vehicle wheel <NUM>. Preferably, the studs <NUM> extend parallel to a wheel axis (not shown) and are formed integrally with the second cover <NUM>. Alternatively, the studs <NUM> may be separately formed and installed on the second cover <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, screws may be used in lieu of the illustrated studs <NUM>.

The second cover <NUM> is preferably installed on the vehicle wheel <NUM> by first positioning the second cover <NUM> on the vehicle wheel <NUM> such that the studs <NUM> enter first, wide portions 504A of the keyhole slots <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> is then rotated such that the studs <NUM> enter second, narrow portions 504B of the keyhole slots <NUM>, Preferably, the narrow portions 504B are sized such that there is an interference fit between the narrow portions 504B and the studs <NUM> to secure the second cover <NUM> to the vehicle wheel <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated a vehicle wheel, indicated generally at <NUM>, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle wheel <NUM> is a variation of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. As such, like reference numerals, increased by <NUM>, designate corresponding parts in the drawings and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle wheel <NUM> has a second cover <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> has vents <NUM> but is otherwise a full cover. The second cover <NUM> does not have an opening such as the opening <NUM> in the second cover <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated a vehicle wheel, indicated generally at <NUM>, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle wheel <NUM> is a variation of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. As such, like reference numerals, increased by <NUM>, designate corresponding parts in the drawings and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle wheel <NUM> has a second attachment system, indicated generally at <NUM>. The second attachment system <NUM> has a compression portion, indicated generally at <NUM>. As illustrated, the compression portion <NUM> has a V-shape with first and second "peaks" or radial portions 888A and 888B, respectively. The vehicle wheel <NUM> further has a wheel rim <NUM> with pairs of first and second through slots 890A and 890B, respectively. The first and second through slots 890A and 890B, respectively, correspond to first and second peaks 888A and 888B, respectively, of the compression portion <NUM>. A second annular portion <NUM> of a second cover <NUM> includes through slots <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a spring ring <NUM> is preferably retained within a bead portion <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>. As illustrated, the spring ring <NUM> is retained within the bead portion <NUM> by the second cover <NUM> wrapping around or otherwise enclosing the spring ring <NUM>. Alternatively, the spring ring <NUM> may be retained within the bead portion <NUM> other than as illustrated.

During attachment of the second cover <NUM> to the vehicle wheel <NUM>, the compression portion <NUM> is compressed from a release position shown in FIG. 15A to a compression position shown in FIG. Specifically, the first and second peaks <NUM> A and 888B, respectively, are displaced towards each other, Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 15B, the first and second peaks 888A and 888B, respectively, are manually displaced towards each other. The first and second peaks 888A and 888B, respectively, are first inserted through the cover slots <NUM>. Then, the first peak 888A is inserted in the first through slot 890A and the second peak 888B is inserted in the second through slot 890B. The compression portion <NUM> is then released from the compression position to the release position and the second cover <NUM> is secured to the vehicle wheel <NUM>.

A compression portion <NUM> has a single peak 1088A and a wheel rim <NUM> has a single through slot <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A vehicle wheel and cover assembly comprising:
a vehicle wheel (<NUM>) defining an axis (<NUM>) and having an outboard side and an inboard side, the vehicle wheel including a wheel rim (<NUM>) and a wheel disc (<NUM>) secured together, the wheel disc (<NUM>) including a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes configured to receive lug bolts and lug nuts for securing the vehicle wheel to a vehicle;
a first cover (<NUM>) and a first cover attachment system (<NUM>) configured to secure the first cover (<NUM>) to the outboard side of the vehicle wheel (<NUM>);
the first cover (<NUM>) includes at least two annular adjoining portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and is having a central opening (<NUM>) formed therein;
the first cover attachment system (<NUM>) includes a ring (<NUM>) having an annular first portion (<NUM>) and an annular second portion (<NUM>), the annular first portion (<NUM>) extends generally perpendicular to the wheel axis (<NUM>) and the annular second portion (<NUM>) extends generally parallel to the wheel axis,
characterized in that the annular first portion (<NUM>) includes a plurality of openings (<NUM>) formed therein configured to receive the lug bolts and the lug nuts to removably secure the annular first portion (<NUM>) to the vehicle wheel, the annular second portion (<NUM>) includes a plurality of generally L-shaped slotted openings (<NUM>) and is configured to operatively receive an annular groove portion (<NUM>) formed in the first cover (<NUM>), and the annular groove portion (<NUM>) is removably secured to the annular second portion (<NUM>) in combination with an associated threaded fastener (<NUM>) installed in the first cover and extending through the associated slotted opening (<NUM>).