Wheel housing retaining assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "wheelhouse retention assembly". A wheel cover may include a cover portion that may include an inner surface that may inwardly face a wheel and an outer surface that may outwardly face away from the wheel; and a retention assembly, which may be disposed at the inner surface, the retention assembly may operably couple the wheel cover to the wheel. The retention assembly may include: a first retention clip that may extend vertically away from the inner surface and that may interface with a retention recess of the wheel; and a first biasing member that may be operably coupled to a front side and a rear side of the first retention clip. The first biasing member may bias the first retention clip into operable coupling with the retention recess by engaging the front side to urge the rear side in a radially outward direction relative to the cover portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments relate generally to wheel covers and, more particularly, to a retention assembly for securing a wheel cover to a wheel of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Many modern vehicles, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs), may desire to maximize efficiency and, therefore, achieve the greatest possible operating range. To achieve this goal, vehicles being produced include increasingly lighter weight components and more aerodynamic components to reduce the weight and drag coefficient of the vehicle. An example of a common component used in modern vehicles may be alloy wheels, due to their relatively light weight and high durability compared to other types of wheels. In order to increase the aerodynamic performance of alloy wheels and, therefore, reduce their drag coefficient, many vehicles may include the option of providing wheel covers on the wheels to provide a more aerodynamic design, thereby generating less drag and improving overall efficiency and increasing operating range.

[0003] Wheel covers can be made of plastic, polymer, or composite materials due to their light weight and ease of manufacture. The task of securing the wheel cover to the wheel in a reliable and effective manner has led many current designs to permanently secure the wheel cover to the wheel via fasteners, or in some other cases, to use complex clamp and spring combinations to secure the wheel cover to the wheel. Therefore, it may be desirable to design a retention assembly to secure the wheel cover to the wheel in a reliable, effective, and easy-to-install manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, a wheel cover for a wheel of a vehicle of an exemplary embodiment can therefore be provided. The wheel cover can include: a cover portion, the cover portion can include an inner surface that can face inwardly toward the wheel and an outer surface that can face outwardly away from the wheel; and a retaining assembly that can be disposed at the inner surface, the retaining assembly can operably couple the wheel cover to the wheel. The retaining assembly can include: a first retaining clamp that can extend vertically away from the inner surface and can interface with a retaining recess of the wheel; and a first biasing member that can operably couple to front and rear sides of the first retaining clamp. The first biasing member can bias the first retaining clamp to be operably coupled to the retaining recess by engaging the front side to push the rear side in a radially outward direction relative to the cover portion.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a retention assembly for operably coupling a wheel cover to a wheel of a vehicle may be provided. The retention assembly may include a first retention clamp that may extend vertically away from an inner surface of the wheel cover and may engage a retention recess of the wheel; and a first biasing member that may be operably coupled to front and rear sides of the first retention clamp. The first biasing member may bias the first retention clamp into operably coupling with the retention recess by engaging the front side to urge the rear side in a radially outward direction relative to the cover portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0007] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a holding fixture for a wheel cover according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a retaining fixture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] Figure 3 depicts a front view of a retaining fixture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] Figure 4 shows a top view of a retaining fixture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] Figure 5 shows a side view of a retaining fixture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] Figure 6 shows a rear perspective view of a retaining fixture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a retaining clamp operably coupling a wheel cover to a wheel according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Figure 8 A perspective view illustrating a wheel cover retaining assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] Figure 9 shows a rear perspective view of a wheel cover operably coupled to a wheel according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0016] Figure 10 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 9 A close-up rear perspective view of a wheel cover operably coupled to a wheel, taken as frame 10 in FIG.

[0017] Figure 11 A front perspective view of a wheel cover operably coupled to a wheel is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Some exemplary embodiments will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all exemplary embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will meet applicable requirements. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. In addition, as used herein, the term "or" will be interpreted as a logical operator whose result is true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, an operable connection should be understood to involve a direct or indirect connection, in which case the connection enables the functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0019] Some exemplary embodiments described herein may address the aforementioned issues. In this regard, for example, some embodiments may provide a retention assembly for a wheel cover of a vehicle's wheel that may make installation and removal of the wheel cover easier, more durable, and more efficient. Some embodiments may radially dispose the retention assembly around the wheel cover to operably couple the wheel cover to the wheel, with forces more evenly distributed around the wheel cover. Consequently, installation of the wheel cover may require less effort, take less time, and therefore be more efficient. Additionally, the wheel cover may be more robustly operably coupled to the wheel, making it less likely to be accidentally removed from the wheel, and the retention assembly may be more robust.

[0020] In some cases, the retaining fixture 100 may be part of a retaining assembly 110 for a wheel cover 120. The retaining assembly 110, which may include multiple individual retaining fixtures 100 and other components, may operably couple the wheel cover 120 to a vehicle's wheel 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the wheel cover 120 may include a cover portion 122, and the cover portion 122 may include an inner surface 124 that may face inwardly toward the wheel 130 when the wheel cover 120 is operably coupled to the wheel 130, and an outer surface 126 that may face outwardly away from the wheel 130. The cover portion 122 may provide enhanced aerodynamics for the wheel 130 (i.e., a reduced drag coefficient for the wheel 130) by covering the wheel 130 and redirecting airflow to flow more smoothly over the wheel 130 when the vehicle is in motion. Thus, the retaining assembly 110 may operably couple the wheel cover 120 to the exterior of the wheel 130, such that the wheel spokes 230 may be covered by the cover portion 122.

[0021] Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of a holding fixture 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, and Figures 2 to 6Various views of a retaining fixture 100 are depicted according to another exemplary embodiment. Referring now to Figures 1 to 6 The retaining fixture 100 can operably couple the wheel cover 120 to the wheel 130. In this regard, some embodiments of the retaining fixture 100 can include a first leg 140, a second leg 150, an engagement portion 160, and a base portion 170. The first and second legs 140, 150 can be operably coupled to the inner surface 124 of the cover portion 122 and can extend perpendicularly away from the inner surface 124 of the wheel cover 120. In this regard, the first and second legs (140, 150) can be made of the same material as the wheel cover 120 itself, possibly formed via an injection molding process. Thus, the first and second legs (140, 150) can extend directly beyond the inner surface 124. The base portion 170 can be operably coupled to the first and second legs (140, 150) and the inner surface 124 to provide additional support to the first and second legs (140, 150). Thus, the base portion 170 can be operably coupled to each of the inner surface 124, the first leg 140, and the second leg 150 to support the retaining clamp 100. During installation of the wheel cover 120, and when the wheel cover 120 is installed on a vehicle in use, the first and second legs (140, 150) may be subject to stresses within the material of the first and second legs (140, 150) because the retaining clamp 100 can operably couple the wheel cover 120 to the wheel 130 in use. The base portion 170 can therefore be operably coupled to the first and second legs (140, 150) to provide additional support against the stresses experienced by the first and second legs 140, 150.

[0022] In some cases, the base portion 170 can include a first flange 172 and a second flange 174. The first and second flanges (172, 174) can extend vertically upward along the first and second legs (140, 150), respectively, away from the inner surface 124. The first and second flanges (172, 174) can be operably coupled to the first and second legs (140, 150), respectively, and can help distribute some of the stress that may accumulate in the first and second legs (140, 150). Figures 2 to 6As shown, the first and second flanges (172, 174) can be substantially planar. In this regard, the first and second flanges (172, 174) can lie in respective first and second planes (200, 202). The first and second planes (200, 202) can be substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other by a distance approximately equal to the width of the base portion 170. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second planes (200, 202) can be considered "substantially" parallel to each other within a range of about 0° to about 5°. Similarly, Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the first and second legs (140, 150) can also be substantially planar. In this regard, the first and second legs (140, 150) can be substantially coplanar and can both lie in a third plane 204. In some cases, the third plane 204 can be substantially perpendicular to both the first and second planes (200, 202). In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second planes (200, 202) can be considered "substantially" perpendicular if their angles are within a range of about 0° to about 5° perpendicular to the third plane 204. The first and second flanges (172, 174) can extend through the first and second legs (140, 150), and thus, the first and second planes (200, 202) can also extend through the third plane 204. Thus, the respective intersections of the first and second flanges (172, 174) with the first and second legs (140, 150) can substantially resemble a "plus" sign (+). The reason for doing so may be so that the first and second flanges (172, 174) may be able to provide stronger support for the first and second legs (140, 150), respectively, so that the first and second legs (140, 150) may be less likely to move or bend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the first and second planes (200, 202).

[0023] At the distal ends of the first and second legs (140, 150) from the base portion 170, the retaining clamp 100 may include an engagement portion 160. The engagement portion 160 of the retaining clamp 100 may be a portion of the clamp 100 that physically engages the retaining recess 132 of the wheel 130 to operably couple the wheel cover 120 to the wheel 130. Figure 7 The operative coupling of the engagement portion 160 to the wheel 130 is discussed in greater detail. Figure 1, the engaging portion 160 is depicted as the area above the dashed lines 161 and 162. The dashed lines 161 and 162 merely depict where the engaging portion 160 begins and the first and second legs (140, 150) end, as the engaging portion 160 can be integrally formed with the first and second legs (140, 150). The engaging portion 160 of the clamp 100 can include an engaging protrusion 164, which can be defined by an area of increased thickness of the engaging portion 160 at the distal ends of the first and second legs (140, 150). The engaging protrusion 164 can be shaped and sized to operably couple with the retaining recess 132 of the wheel 130, which will be referenced again below. Figure 7 Discussed in more detail. At the distal-most edge of the retaining clamp 100 in the engaging portion 160, the first leg 140 and the second leg 150 can be operably coupled to each other such that the engaging portion 160 can be one continuous surface disposed at the top of the clamp 100, which can be divided into the first and second legs (140, 150) that move toward the base portion 170.

[0024] In some cases, the retention assembly 110 can also include a biasing member 180 operably coupled to the retention clamp 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention assembly 110 can include a plurality of retention clamps 100 and a plurality of biasing members 180, wherein each individual instance of the retention clamp 100 can include a corresponding biasing member 180 operably coupled thereto. In some cases, the biasing member 180 can bias the engagement portion 160, and more specifically the engagement protrusion 164, into engagement with the retention recess 132 of the wheel 130. To this end, the biasing member 180 can be operably coupled to the base portion 170 and the engagement portion 160 to provide a biasing force on the engagement portion 160 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first and second legs (140, 150) extend into the retention recess 132. In some cases, the biasing member 180 can be a structural wire disposed around the exterior of the retention clamp 100 and can apply a spring force to the engagement portion 160. In such cases, the base portion 170, the first leg 140, the second leg 150, and the engagement portion 160 can each include a locking member 190 that can receive the biasing member 180 therein. The locking member 190 can define a gap within the locking member 190 that can extend around the clamp 100 and can receive the biasing member 180 therein. In other words, the locking member 190 can include a tab, such as in Figures 2 to 6As shown at the base portion 170 and the engagement portion 160, the tabs may define a gap between the tabs. At the first and second legs (140, 150), the gap may be formed only into the outer edges of the first and second legs (140, 150). In any case, the biasing member 180 may be operably coupled to the clamp 100 by fitting into the gap via a snap fit and correspondingly being held in place by the locking member 190.

[0025] The biasing member 180 of some embodiments can be a continuous line that can extend around the clamp 100. In this regard, the biasing member 180 can extend along the front side 176 of the base portion 170 and be operably coupled to the front side via the locking member 190. The biasing member 180 can then wrap around the corner of the base portion 170 at approximately 90 degrees and extend toward and beyond the first and second legs (140, 150) parallel to the first and second planes (200, 202). At the side of the first and second legs (140, 150) opposite the front side 176, the biasing member 180 can bend upward toward the engagement portion 160 to operably couple with the engagement portion 160 at the rear side 168 of the retaining clamp 100. In this regard, biasing member 180 can utilize its operative coupling with front side 176 to generate a biasing force that can be applied in a radially outward direction at rear side 168 of engagement portion 160. In other words, biasing member 180 can use front side 176 as an anchor to apply the biasing force to rear side 168 of engagement portion 160.

[0026] The biasing member 180 can extend upward toward the rear side 168 at an angle α measured from the portion of the biasing member 180 extending through the first and second legs (140, 150) to the curved portion of the biasing member 180 that extends upward toward the engagement portion 160. In some cases, the angle α can be in the range of approximately 50° to approximately 80°. In some cases, the angle α can be approximately 65°. The value of the angle α can define the amount of biasing force that the biasing member 180 can apply to the engagement portion 160. For example, if the angle α is too large, the amount of biasing force can be too low, and the retaining clamp 100 may not apply sufficient force to the retaining recess 132 to properly operably couple the wheel cover 120 to the wheel 130. On the other hand, if the angle α is too small, the amount of biasing force can be too high, and the retaining clamp 100 may make it difficult to install the wheel cover 120 on the wheel 130, or may be too rigid, shortening the life of the retaining clamp 100.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As best shown in FIG, the first and second legs (140, 150) of some embodiments of the clamp 100 can be symmetrical with each other about the longitudinal axis 210. The symmetry of the first and second legs (140, 150) can allow the retention clamp 100 to distribute forces more evenly throughout the components of the clamp 100, such that the clamp 100 can provide a more robust, operable coupling of the wheel cover 120 with the wheel 130. Additionally, this symmetry can help the first and second legs (140, 150) of the retention clamp 100 move and react in unison, such that one leg does not deflect more than the other leg, or does not deflect due to less force than the other leg. In other words, the first and second legs (140, 150) are more likely to have the same properties and perform in the same manner due to their symmetry with each other, which can enhance the performance and durability of the retention clamp 100.

[0028] The retention assembly 110 may also include a plurality of spacer members 220 disposed at the inner surface 124. Similar to the retention clamp 100, the spacer members 220 may be formed from the same material as the cover portion 122 during the injection molding process. The spacer members 220 may also extend vertically away from the inner surface 124, but may be shorter than the retention clamp 100. In this regard, the spacer members 220 may have a height substantially the same as the front side 176 of the base portion 170 of the clamp 100. When the wheel cover 120 is mounted on the wheel 130, the spacer members 220 may contact the wheel 130 to define an offset space between the cover portion 122 and the outer lip 134 of the wheel 130, preventing the cover portion 122 from contacting the outer lip 134 of the wheel 130 and generating undesirable vibration and noise when the vehicle is in motion. According to an exemplary embodiment, each retention clamp 100 may be flanked on either side by spacer members 220. Thus, in other words, the retaining assembly 110 may include two spacer members 220 for each individual retaining fixture 100 .

[0029] In some cases, the spacer member 220 may simply be an extrusion of the inner surface 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the spacer member 220 may be substantially U-shaped. The U-shape may make the spacer member 220 less likely to become dislodged from the inner surface 124 over time due to repeated use, compared to a planar spacer member 220. In some other cases, the spacer member 220 may include an insulating cover that may interface with the wheel 130 to further reduce vibration and noise. In an exemplary embodiment, the offset space defined by the spacer member 220 between the cover portion 122 and the wheel 130 may be in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm. In some cases, the offset space defined by the spacer member 220 may be approximately 2.5 mm. The offset space should not be too large because if the wheel cover 120 extends too far from the wheel 130, the aerodynamic performance of the wheel cover 120 may be reduced. The offset space should also not be too small because the cover portion 122 may then be more likely to rattle against the outer lip 134 of the wheel 130 when the vehicle is driven.

[0030] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an operative coupling between a wheel cover 120 and a wheel 130 is depicted. As mentioned above, the retaining clamp 100 may include an engagement portion 160 that may be disposed at distal ends of the first and second legs (140, 150). The engagement portion 160 may include an engagement protrusion 164 that may be biased by a biasing member 180 into a retaining recess 132 of the wheel 130 to operatively couple the wheel cover 120 to the wheel 130. Figure 7 , the lighter grey shaded area represents a cross-section through the cover portion 122, while the darker grey shaded area represents a cross-section through the wheel 130. Figure 7 As shown, the outer lip 134 of the wheel 130 and the edge of the cover portion 122 may be portions of the wheel 130 and wheel cover 120 that may be positioned closest together when the wheel cover 120 may be operably coupled to the wheel 130 .

[0031] Figure 7The spacer member 220 is also depicted as contacting the wheel 130 at the arcuate portion 136 disposed radially inward from the outer lip 134. Therefore, the spacer member 220 can be sized such that, due to its contact with the wheel 130 at the arcuate portion 136, the offset space between the outer lip 134 and the edge of the cover portion 122 can be in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm. The engagement protrusion 164 can include a convexly rounded profile that can more easily operably couple the engagement portion 160 to the retaining recess 132. In this regard, the retaining recess 132 can include a complementary concavely rounded profile, allowing the engagement protrusion 164 to easily and reliably operably couple to the retaining recess 132. The circular profiles of both the retaining recess 132 and the engagement protrusion 164 can enhance both installation and removal of the wheel cover 120. In this regard, the wheel cover 120 can be removed by applying force solely to the cover portion 122 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the wheel 130. The complementary circular profiles of the retaining recess 132 and the engagement protrusion 164 ensure that the retaining clamp 100 can be slid out of its operative coupling with the wheel 130 without applying sufficient force to the cover portion 122 to damage any components of the retaining assembly 110 .

[0032] Figure 8 A perspective view of a wheel cover 120 and a retention assembly 110 is depicted. As mentioned above, the retention assembly 110 may include a plurality of retention clamps 100, a plurality of biasing members 180, and a plurality of spacer members 220. According to an exemplary embodiment, the components of the retention assembly 110 may be radially distributed along the inner surface 124 of the cover portion 122 and spaced equidistantly from one another. In this regard, the retention assembly 110 can thus symmetrically and evenly distribute the stress from each retention clamp 100 throughout the entire retention assembly 110, and all of the retention clamps 100 can act as a single spring. The number of respective retention clamps 100, biasing members 180, and spacer members 220 can depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the size of the wheel 130 and the spoke 230 design of the wheel 130. In some cases, the retention assembly 110 may include anywhere between eight and sixteen individual retention clamps 100 and biasing members 180. In some exemplary embodiments, the retention assembly 110 may allow for tool-less installation and removal of the wheel cover 120 .

[0033] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Each depicts a rear perspective view of a wheel 130 having a wheel cover 120 operably coupled to the front of the wheel 130 . Figure 10 Describes from Figure 9 A close-up view of the retaining fixture is shown as frame 10 in FIG. Figure 9 and Figure 10Both illustrate how the retaining clamps 100 of the wheel cover 120 extend through the gaps between consecutive spokes 230 of the wheel 130 to reach the retaining recesses 132 and operably couple the wheel cover 120 to the wheel 130. As mentioned above, the total number of retaining clamps 100 of the retaining assembly 110 may vary depending on the specific wheel 130 and how the spokes 230 of the wheel 130 are designed (i.e., how many spokes 230 there are, how the spokes 230 are spaced apart, etc.). This may be because, in some cases, the retaining clamps 100 may need to extend beyond the spokes 230 to reach the retaining recesses 132 of the wheel 130.

[0034] Figure 11 The wheel cover 120 is depicted from a front perspective, operatively coupled to a wheel 130. In this view, the retention assembly 110 may not be visible, which may be intentional. The retention assembly 110 may be hidden between the cover portion 122 and the wheel 130 so that the outer surface 126 of the wheel cover 120 may be optimized for aerodynamic performance and visual appeal.

[0035] Thus, a wheel cover for a wheel of a vehicle of an exemplary embodiment can be provided. The wheel cover may include: a cover portion, the cover portion may include an inner surface that may face inwardly toward the wheel and an outer surface that may face outwardly away from the wheel; and a retaining assembly that may be disposed at the inner surface, the retaining assembly being able to operably couple the wheel cover to the wheel. The retaining assembly may include: a first retaining clamp that may extend vertically away from the inner surface and may abut against a retaining recess of the wheel; and a first biasing member that may be operably coupled to a front side and a rear side of the first retaining clamp. The first biasing member may bias the first retaining clamp to be operably coupled to the retaining recess by engaging the front side to push the rear side in a radially outward direction relative to the cover portion.

[0036] Some embodiments of the wheel cover may include additional features, modifications, extensions, etc. to further achieve a goal or enhance the performance of the wheel cover. These additional features, modifications, extensions, etc. may be added in any combination. The following is a list of various additional features, modifications, and extensions, which may be added individually or in any combination. For example, the engagement portion may include an engagement protrusion that engages a retaining recess of the wheel to retain the wheel cover on the wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion, the first leg, the second leg, and the engagement portion may each include a locking member that is operably coupled to the first biasing member. In some cases, the first biasing member may be operably coupled to the locking member via a snap fit. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention assembly may include a plurality of retaining clamps disposed on the inner surface and a biasing member. In some cases, each of the plurality of retaining clamps may be operably coupled to a corresponding biasing member. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of retaining clamps may be radially arranged around the inner surface and spaced equidistantly from one another. In some cases, the retention assembly may also include a plurality of spacer members radially arranged around the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the spacer member may contact the wheel to space the inner surface from the wheel. In some cases, the base portion may include a first flange operably coupled to the first leg and a second flange operably coupled to the second leg. In an exemplary embodiment, the first flange and the second flange may distribute stress from the first leg and the second leg. In some cases, the first flange and the second flange may be located in a first plane and a second plane, respectively, and the first leg and the second leg may be located in a third plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the first plane and the second plane may be parallel to each other and may be arranged perpendicular to the third plane. In some cases, the first leg and the second leg may be operably coupled to each other at a joint portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the first leg and the second leg may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the first retaining fixture. In some cases, the first retaining fixture may include: a first leg that may extend vertically away from the inner surface; a second leg that may extend vertically away from the inner surface; an engaging portion that may be provided at distal ends of the first and second legs and operably coupled to the retaining recess; and a base portion that may be operably coupled to the first and second legs and the inner surface to support the first retaining fixture. In an exemplary embodiment, a first biasing member may be operably coupled to each of the base and engaging portions of the first retaining fixture to bias the engaging portion into the retaining recess.

[0037] A retention assembly for operably coupling a wheel cover to a wheel of a vehicle can thus be provided. The retention assembly can include: a first retention clamp that can extend vertically away from an inner surface of the wheel cover and can engage a retention recess of the wheel; and a first biasing member that can be operably coupled to front and rear sides of the first retention clamp. The first biasing member can bias the first retention clamp into operably coupling with the retention recess by engaging the front side to urge the rear side in a radially outward direction relative to the cover portion.

[0038] Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings will recognize many modifications and other embodiments of the invention described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may apply to some exemplary embodiments, but not necessarily to all exemplary embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, required, or essential to all embodiments or the embodiments claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0039] According to the present invention, a wheel cover for a wheel of a vehicle is provided, the wheel cover comprising: a cover portion, the cover portion including an inner surface facing inwardly toward the wheel and an outer surface facing outwardly away from the wheel; and a retaining assembly, the retaining assembly being arranged at the inner surface, the retaining assembly being configured to operably connect the wheel cover to the wheel, the retaining assembly comprising: a first retaining clamp, the first retaining clamp extending vertically away from the inner surface and docking with a retaining recess of the wheel; and a first biasing member, the first biasing member being operably connected to the front and rear sides of the first retaining clamp, wherein the first biasing member biases the first retaining clamp to be operably connected to the retaining recess by engaging the front side to push the rear side in a radially outward direction relative to the cover portion.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the first retaining clamp includes: a first leg, the first leg extending vertically away from the inner surface; a second leg, the second leg extending vertically away from the inner surface; a coupling portion, the coupling portion being disposed at the distal ends of the first leg and the second leg, the coupling portion being configured to be operably coupled to the retaining recess; and a base portion operably coupled to the first leg, the second leg and the inner surface to support the first retaining clamp, wherein the first biasing member is operably coupled to each of the base portion and the coupling portion of the first retaining clamp to bias the coupling portion into the retaining recess.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the engaging portion includes an engaging protrusion that engages the retaining recess of the wheel to retain the wheel cover on the wheel.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the base portion, the first leg, the second leg, and the engagement portion each include a locking member to operably couple to the first biasing member.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first biasing member is operably coupled to the locking member via a snap fit.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the base portion includes a first flange operably coupled to the first leg and a second flange operably coupled to the second leg, wherein the first flange and the second flange distribute stresses from the first leg and the second leg.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first leg and the second leg are operably coupled to each other at the joint portion.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first leg and the second leg are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the first holding fixture.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the retention assembly includes a plurality of retention clips and a biasing member disposed at the inner surface, and wherein each retention clip of the plurality of retention clips is operably coupled to a corresponding biasing member.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the plurality of holding clamps are radially arranged around the inner surface and are equidistantly spaced from each other.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the retention assembly further comprises a plurality of spacer members radially disposed about the inner surface, and wherein the spacer members contact the wheel to space the cover portion apart from the wheel.

[0050] According to the present invention, a retaining assembly for operably connecting a wheel cover to a wheel of a vehicle is provided, the retaining assembly comprising: a first retaining clamp extending vertically away from the inner surface of the wheel cover and docking with a retaining recess of the wheel; and a first biasing member operably connected to the front and rear sides of the first retaining clamp, wherein the first biasing member biases the first retaining clamp to be operably connected to the retaining recess by engaging the front side to push the rear side in a radially outward direction relative to the cover portion.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first retaining clamp includes: a first leg, the first leg extending vertically away from the inner surface; a second leg, the second leg extending vertically away from the inner surface; a coupling portion, the coupling portion being disposed at the distal ends of the first leg and the second leg, the coupling portion being configured to be operably coupled to the retaining recess; and a base portion operably coupled to the first leg, the second leg and the inner surface to support the first retaining clamp, wherein the first biasing member is operably coupled to each of the base portion and the coupling portion of the first retaining clamp to bias the coupling portion into the retaining recess.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the engaging portion includes an engaging protrusion that engages the retaining recess of the wheel to retain the wheel cover on the wheel.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the base portion, the first leg, the second leg, and the engagement portion each include a locking member to operably couple to the first biasing member.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the base portion includes a first flange operably coupled to the first leg and a second flange operably coupled to the second leg, wherein the first flange and the second flange distribute stresses from the first leg and the second leg.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first leg and the second leg are operably coupled to each other at the joint portion, and wherein the first leg and the second leg are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the first retaining fixture.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the retention assembly includes a plurality of retention clips and a biasing member disposed at the inner surface, and wherein each retention clip of the plurality of retention clips is operably coupled to a corresponding biasing member.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the plurality of holding clamps are radially arranged around the inner surface and are equidistantly spaced from each other.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the retention assembly further comprises a plurality of spacer members radially disposed about the inner surface, and wherein the spacer members contact the wheel to space the wheel cover apart from the wheel.

Claims

1. A wheel cover for a vehicle wheel, the wheel cover comprising: a cover portion, the cover portion including an inner surface facing inwardly toward the wheel and an outer surface facing outwardly away from the wheel; as well as a retaining assembly disposed at the inner surface, the retaining assembly being configured to operably couple the wheel cover to the wheel, the retaining assembly comprising: a first retaining fixture extending perpendicularly away from the inner surface and engaging a retaining recess of the wheel; as well as a first biasing member operably coupled to the front and rear sides of the first retaining fixture, Wherein the first biasing member biases the first retaining clip into operative coupling with the retaining recess by engaging the front side to urge the rear side in a radially outward direction relative to the cover portion.

2. The wheel cover according to claim 1, wherein the first holding fixture comprises: a first leg extending perpendicularly away from the inner surface; a second leg extending perpendicularly away from the inner surface; an engagement portion disposed at distal ends of the first leg and the second leg, the engagement portion configured to operably couple with the retaining recess; as well as a base portion operably coupled to the first leg, the second leg, and the inner surface to support the first retaining fixture, Wherein the first biasing member is operably coupled to each of the base portion and the engagement portion of the first retaining fixture to bias the engagement portion into the retaining recess. 3 . The wheel cover of claim 2 , wherein the engaging portion includes an engaging protrusion that engages the retaining recess of the wheel to retain the wheel cover on the wheel.

4. The wheel cover of claim 2, wherein the base portion, the first leg, the second leg, and the engagement portion each include a locking member to operably couple to the first biasing member, and Wherein the first biasing member is operably coupled to the locking member via a snap fit.

5. The wheel cover of claim 2, wherein the base portion includes a first flange operably coupled to the first leg and a second flange operably coupled to the second leg, The first flange and the second flange distribute stress from the first leg and the second leg.

6. The wheel cover of claim 2, wherein the first leg and the second leg are operably coupled to each other at the joint portion, or The first leg and the second leg are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the first retaining fixture.

7. The wheel cover of claim 1 , wherein the retaining assembly comprises a plurality of retaining clips and a biasing member disposed at the inner surface, wherein each retaining clamp of the plurality of retaining clamps is operably coupled to a respective biasing member, and The plurality of retaining fixtures are radially arranged around the inner surface and are equally spaced apart from each other.

8. The wheel cover of claim 1 , wherein the retaining assembly further comprises a plurality of spacer members radially disposed about the inner surface, and The spacer member contacts the wheel to space the cover portion apart from the wheel.

9. A retention assembly for operatively coupling a wheel cover to a wheel of a vehicle, the retention assembly comprising: a first retaining fixture extending perpendicularly away from an inner surface of the wheel cover and engaging a retaining recess of the wheel; as well as a first biasing member operably coupled to the front and rear sides of the first retaining fixture, Wherein the first biasing member biases the first retaining clip into operative coupling with the retaining recess by engaging the front side to urge the rear side in a radially outward direction relative to the cover portion.

10. The retention assembly of claim 9, wherein the first retention fixture comprises: a first leg extending perpendicularly away from the inner surface; a second leg extending perpendicularly away from the inner surface; an engagement portion disposed at distal ends of the first leg and the second leg, the engagement portion configured to operably couple with the retaining recess; as well as a base portion operably coupled to the first leg, the second leg, and the inner surface to support the first retaining fixture, Wherein the first biasing member is operably coupled to each of the base portion and the engagement portion of the first retaining fixture to bias the engagement portion into the retaining recess.

11. The retention assembly of claim 10, wherein the engagement portion comprises an engagement protrusion that engages the retention recess of the wheel to retain the wheel cover on the wheel, or Wherein the base portion, the first leg, the second leg, and the engagement portion each include a locking member to operably couple to the first biasing member.

12. The retention assembly of claim 10, wherein the base portion includes a first flange operably coupled to the first leg and a second flange operably coupled to the second leg, The first flange and the second flange distribute stress from the first leg and the second leg.

13. The retention assembly of claim 10, wherein the first leg and the second leg are operably coupled to each other at the joint portion, and The first leg and the second leg are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the first retaining fixture.

14. The retention assembly of claim 9, wherein the retention assembly comprises a plurality of retention clips and biasing members disposed at the inner surface, wherein each retaining clamp of the plurality of retaining clamps is operably coupled to a respective biasing member, and The plurality of retaining fixtures are radially arranged around the inner surface and are equally spaced apart from each other.

15. The retention assembly of claim 9, wherein the retention assembly further comprises a plurality of baffle members radially disposed about the inner surface, and The spacer member contacts the wheel to space the wheel cover apart from the wheel.

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