WO2017048764A1

WO2017048764A1 - Styled vehicle wheel and cover and method for producing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2017048764A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/051608
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph W. WOLF
Original assignee: Maxion Wheels U.S.A. Llc
Priority date: 2015-09-14
Filing date: 2016-09-14
Publication date: 2017-03-23

Abstract

A styled vehicle wheel comprising a vehicle wheel defining a wheel outer face and having a wheel rim and a wheel disc, the wheel disc defining a wheel axis and including a wheel mounting surface, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of windows, the wheel mounting surface having a center hub hole and a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes; and a plurality of wheel cover members secured to the vehicle wheel to change the styling of the wheel outer face by covering at least a portion of windows of the wheel disc, the wheel cover members being separate and distinct individual members and being secured to at least a portion of one of the spokes and/or the wheel mounting surface of the vehicle.

Description

TITLE

Styled Vehicle Wheel and Cover and Method for Producing the Same

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/218,099 filed September 14, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to vehicle wheels and in particular to an improved styled vehicle wheel cover, styled vehicle wheel having such a styled vehicle wheel cover and method for producing such a styled vehicle wheel.

[0003] It is known to "style" a vehicle wheel, typically a steel fabricated type of vehicle wheel or a one-piece cast type of vehicle wheel, by securing a wheel cover to it by fasteners, adhesive or both. The wheel cover can be secured to the wheel in a permanent manner, typically if an adhesive is used, and in a non-permanent manner if fasteners are used, typically such as the lug bolts and/or push-on snap-tabs. Such an aluminum type of vehicle wheel is shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 8.845,035 B2 to Heck et al. and a steel type of vehicle wheel is shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 6,270,167 Bl to Kemmerer et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to an improved styled vehicle wheel cover, styled vehicle wheel having such a styled vehicle wheel cover and method for producing such a styled vehicle wheel.

[0005] According to an embodiment, the styled vehicle wheel may comprise, individually and/or in combination, one or more of the following features: a vehicle wheel defining a wheel outer face and having a wheel rim and a wheel disc, the wheel disc defining a wheel axis and including a wheel mounting surface, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of windows, the wheel mounting surface having a center hub hole and a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes; and a plurality of wheel cover members secured to the vehicle wheel to change the styling of the wheel outer face by covering at least a portion of windows of the wheel disc, the wheel cover members being separate and distinct individual members and being secured to at least a portion of one of the spokes and/or the wheel mounting surface of the vehicle wheel by at least one of an adhesive, a fastener and/or a snap-fit member.

[0006] According to this embodiment, the wheel cover members are secured to the vehicle wheel by at least one fastener which is configured to extend through a hole provided in the wheel outer face. [0007] According to this embodiment, the at least one fastener is located on a backside of the wheel cover members.

[0008] According to this embodiment, the at least one fastener is separate from the wheel cover members and extends through a hole in the wheel cover members and through the hole provided in the wheel outer face.

[0009] According to this embodiment, an adhesive is selectively disposed between the backside of the wheel cover members and the wheel outer face.

[0010] According to this embodiment, the fastener is configured to secure all the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel.

[0011] According to this embodiment, the snap-fit member is formed integral with the wheel cover members and is configured to secure the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel by engagement with the spokes.

[0012] According to this embodiment, the wheel cover members are generally identical to each other.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the styled vehicle wheel may comprise, individually and/or in combination, one or more of the following features: a spoked vehicle wheel defining a wheel outer face and having a wheel rim and a wheel disc, the wheel disc defining a wheel axis and including a wheel mounting surface, a plurality of radially outwardly extending spokes and a plurality of windows, the wheel mounting surface having a center hub hole and a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes circumferentially spaced around the center hub hole; and a plurality of wheel cover members secured to the vehicle wheel to change the styling of the wheel outer face by covering at least a portion of windows of the wheel disc, the wheel cover members being separate and distinct individual members and being secured to at least a portion of one of the spokes and/or the wheel mounting surface of the vehicle wheel by at least one of an adhesive, a fastener and/or a snap-fit member.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the wheel cover members are secured to the vehicle wheel by at least one fastener which is configured to extend through a hole provided in the wheel outer face.

[0015] According to this embodiment, the at least one fastener is located on a backside of the wheel cover members.

[0016] According to this embodiment, the at least one fastener is separate from the wheel cover members and extends through a hole in the wheel cover members and through the hole provided in the wheel outer face.

[0017] According to this embodiment, an adhesive is selectively disposed between the backside of the wheel cover members and the wheel outer face.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the fastener is configured to secure all the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel. [0019] According to this embodiment, the snap-fit member is formed integral with the wheel cover members and is configured to secure the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel by engagement with the spokes.

[0020] According to this embodiment, the wheel cover members are generally identical to each other.

[0021] According to an embodiment, a method for producing a styled vehicle wheel may comprise, individually and/or in combination, one or more of the following steps and/or features: providing a vehicle wheel defining a wheel outer face and having a wheel rim and a wheel disc, the wheel disc defining a wheel axis and including a wheel mounting surface, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of windows, the wheel mounting surface having a center hub hole and a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes; and securing a plurality of wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel to change the styling of the wheel outer face by covering at least a portion of windows of the wheel disc, the wheel cover members being separate and distinct individual members and being secured to at least a portion of one of the spokes and/or the wheel mounting surface of the vehicle wheel by at least one of an adhesive, a fastener and/or a snap-fit member.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the wheel cover members are secured to the vehicle wheel by at least one fastener which is configured to extend through a hole provided in the wheel outer face. [0023] According to this embodiment, the at least one fastener is located on a backside of the wheel cover members.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the at least one fastener is separate from the wheel cover members and extends through a hole in the wheel cover members and through the hole provided in the wheel outer face.

[0025] According to this embodiment, an adhesive is selectively disposed between the backside of the wheel cover members and the wheel outer face.

[0026] According to this embodiment, the fastener is configured to secure all the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the snap-fit member is formed integral with the wheel cover members and is configured to secure the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel by engagement with the spokes.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the wheel cover members are generally identical to each other.

[0029] Other advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] Fig. 1 is a view of a first embodiment of a styled vehicle wheel in accordance with this invention.

[0031] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the first embodiment of the styled vehicle wheel illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0032] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the styled vehicle wheel shown in Figs. 1 and 2 showing a first embodiment of attaching the wheel cover member to the associated vehicle wheel.

[0033] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the styled vehicle wheel shown in Figs. 1 and 2 showing a second embodiment of attaching the wheel cover member to the associated vehicle wheel.

[0034] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the styled vehicle wheel shown in Figs. 1 and 2 showing a third embodiment of attaching the wheel cover member to the associated vehicle wheel.

[0035] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the styled vehicle wheel shown in Figs. 1 and 2 showing a fourth embodiment of attaching the wheel cover member to the associated vehicle wheel. [0036] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the styled vehicle wheel shown in Figs. 1 and 2 showing a fifth embodiment of attaching the wheel cover member to the associated vehicle wheel.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a view of a second embodiment of a styled vehicle wheel assembly in accordance with this invention.

[0038] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the second embodiment of the styled vehicle wheel illustrated in Fig. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a styled vehicle wheel assembly, indicated generally at 10, in accordance with this invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle wheel assembly 10 includes an "underlying base" vehicle wheel 12 and a uniquely styled or decorative wheel cover or covers, indicated generally at 14. The base vehicle wheel 12 is preferably a fabricated steel wheel having spokes and "large" vent openings but can be of any desired material, construction, configuration and/or design if so desired.

[0040] Preferably, the base vehicle wheel 12 may be configured to be generally similar to the wheel shown in Fig. 2 of U.S. Patent No. 7,587,825 B2 to Coleman et al., the disclosure of this patent incorporated by reference in entirety herein. However, the invention as shown and/or described herein (or with modifications thereto), may be used in connection with other types of vehicle wheels of any desired configuration, material and/or structure, such as for example in a "full face" type of vehicle wheel, such as shown in Fig. 5A of U.S. Patent No. 5,533,261 to Kemmerer, in a "well attached" type of vehicle wheel, such as shown for example in Fig. 3 of U.S. Patent No. 5,188,429 to Heck et al., a "bimetal" type of vehicle wheel construction including an aluminum disc and a steel rim, such as shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,421,642 to Wei et al., a "modular wheel" type of construction, such as shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,360,261 to Archibald et al., and a "euroflange wheel" type of constructions, such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,564,792 to Archibald, a cast one-piece vehicle wheel, such as shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,340,418 to Wei, a two-piece fabricated vehicle wheel, such as shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,435,633 to Jaskierny, or a one-piece forged vehicle wheel, the disclosures of each of these patents incorporated by reference in entirety herein.

[0041] As best shown in Fig. 2, the illustrated base vehicle wheel 12 is illustrated as being a fabricated drop center or well attached vehicle wheel 12 including a full wheel rim 18 and an inner wheel disc 20 which are constructed and joined together by suitable means, such as for example welding. The wheel rim 18 is a fabricated rim formed from a suitable material, such as for example, steel, aluminum or alloys thereof, magnesium or titanium. The wheel rim 18 includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange 22, an inboard tire bead seat 24, a generally axially extending well 26, an outboard tire bead seat 28, and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange 30.

[0042] The illustrated wheel disc 20 is fabricated or otherwise formed from a suitable material, such as for example, steel, aluminum or alloys thereof, steel, magnesium, or titanium. The wheel disc 20 defines a wheel axis X and includes a generally centrally located wheel mounting surface or portion 32, a plurality of outwardly extending spokes 34, and an outer "rim connecting" band or flange 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel disc 20 includes five of such spokes 34 which are shown as being formed integral with the wheel mounting surface 32 and the outer flange 36. Alternatively, the number and/or the construction of the spokes 34 can be other than illustrated if so desired. For example, the vehicle wheel 12 can include less than five spokes 34 or more than five spokes 34. Also, the spokes 34 and the outer flange 36 can be formed integral with one another but separate from the wheel mounting surface 32 of the wheel disc 20 and joined thereto by a suitable method.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel mounting surface 32 is provided with a centrally located pilot aperture or hub hole 32 A and a plurality of lug bolt receiving holes 32B circumferentially spaced around the pilot aperture 32A. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel mounting surface 32 includes five of such lug bolt receiving holes 32B which are preferably provided in the wheel mounting surface 32 in line with a respective one of each of the spokes 34. Alternatively, the number and/or the location of the lug bolt receiving holes 32B can be other than illustrated if so desired. The lug bolt receiving holes 32B receive lug bolts (not shown) and nuts (not shown) for securing the vehicle wheel 12 on an axle (not shown) of an associated vehicle.

[0044] To assemble the vehicle wheel 12 in the illustrated embodiment, the wheel rim 18 and the wheel disc 20 are located relative to one another in a predetermined position. In particular, an outer surface of the mounting flange 32 is positioned adjacent an inner surface of the well 26 of the wheel rim 18 and a weld W is applied to join the wheel disc 20 and the wheel rim 18 together to produce the fabricated well attached vehicle wheel 12. As can be seen in Fig. 2, due to the construction of the wheel disc 20, the resultant wheel 12 has a relatively large vent window 40 formed therein between each pair of the spokes 34.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel cover 14 is comprised of five (5) separate and individual pieces or wheel cover members 14A-14E formed from a suitable material and which are attached to the vehicle wheel 12 by suitable means. Preferably, the wheel cover members 14A-14E are formed from a plastic material and are individually attached to the wheel 12 by suitable means in either a permanent or a non-permanent manner. As will be discussed in detail below, such means may include one or more of mechanical fasteners, adhesive or any other suitable means depending on whether the attachment is permanent or non-permanent.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the wheel cover members 14A-14E are identical to one another except that the wheel cover member 14C has an opening 14C formed therein to accommodate the wheel air valve stem 42. Alternatively, one or more of the wheel cover members 14A-14E may be different than one or more of the other members 14A-14E, if so desired. In the illustrated embodiment each of the wheel cover members 14A-14E is provided a desired visible outer or wheel side surface finish and/or styling. Such a visible wheel side surface finish may for example, a desired paint color or colors, desired coating such as stainless steel, or any other desired styling, cosmetic, ornamental, design, emblem, symbol and/or aesthetic features. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the wheel cover members 14A-14E includes an outer surface finish which preferably has been painted or molded in color; however, the outer surface finish may be finished in a different manner and/or material if so desired. For example, the outer surface finish may be coated, covered or plated with a metal material, such as chrome or stainless steel. The associated hidden or non-visible inner or wheel side surface finish (not shown), of the wheel cover members 14A-14E may have the same or similar finish as the outer surface finish or may have a finish that is different from the outer surface finish, for example to reduce the associated manufacturing costs thereof, if so desired.

[0047] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the wheel cover member 14A may be secured to an adjacent outer face or surface 38 of the wheel 12 by an adhesive 16. The adhesive 16 may be selectively applied to either a backside surface of the wheel cover member 14 A, the outer face 38 of the wheel 12 or both, depending upon the particular configuration of the wheel cover member 14 A and/or the outer face 38 of the wheel 12. The other wheel cover members 14B-14E may be secured to the wheel 12 in a similar manner or a different manner, if so desired. Also, there may be provided one or more members or components (not shown), which secure the wheel cover members 14A-14E in place while the adhesive 16 cures, if so desired and/or necessary. Preferably, any such members or components are temporary and are removed after the adhesive 16 cures sufficiently to secure the wheel cover members 14A-14E to the outer face 38 of the wheel 12.

[0048] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, the wheel cover member 14A may be secured to the adjacent outer face 38 of the wheel 12 by one or more fasteners 44. The fastener 44 may extend through an opening 14 A' provided in the wheel cover member 14A and through an opening 38A provided in the outer face 38 of the wheel 12 to secure the wheel cover member 14 A to the wheel 12. Also, adhesive 16 may be selectively applied to either the backside surface of the wheel cover member 14 A, the outer face 38 of the wheel 12 or both, depending upon the particular configuration of the wheel cover member 14 A and/or the outer face 38 of the wheel 12; however, if desired, no adhesive 16 may be provided. The other wheel cover members 14B-14E may be secured to the wheel 12 in a similar manner or a different manner, if so desired. The visible outer surface of the fastener 44 may be provided with a finish or surface treatment that matches the associated visible wheel side surface finish of the wheel cover member 14A so as to blend in with it or may be provided with a different visible outer finish or surface to add further styling or ornamental feature to the wheel 12, if so desired.

[0049] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, the wheel cover member 14A may be secured to the adjacent outer face 38 of the wheel 12 by one or more fasteners 44' . The fastener 44' is preferably either formed integral with the wheel cover member 14 A or may be formed separate from it and secured to the backside of it by suitable means, such as for example an adhesive. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 44' is formed integral with the wheel cover member 14A and is a "push-in-type" of fastener having a ribbed or barbed shank, commonly referred to as a "Christmas tree" type of fastener. The fastener 44' extends through the opening 38A provided in the outer face 38 of the wheel 12 to secure the wheel cover member 14A to the wheel 12. Also, adhesive 16 may be selectively applied to either the backside surface of the wheel cover member 14 A, the outer face 38 of the wheel 12 or both, depending upon the particular configuration of the wheel cover member 14A and/or the outer face 38 of the wheel 12; however, if desired, no adhesive 16 may be provided. The other wheel cover members 14B-14E may be secured to the wheel 12 in a similar manner or a different manner, if so desired.

[0050] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, the wheel cover member 14A may be secured to the adjacent outer face 38 of the wheel 12 by one or more "flexible" tabs or clips 46. The clip 46 is preferably either formed integral with the wheel cover member 14A or may be formed separate from it and secured to the backside of it by suitable means, such as for example an adhesive. In the illustrated embodiment, the clip 46 is formed integral with the wheel cover member 14A and has a shape which in use when properly installed secures the wheel cover 14A to the wheel 12. The clip 46 may extend behind a portion of the wheel 12 or may have an end portion which extends in an opening provided in the outer face 38 of the wheel 12 (not shown), to secure the wheel cover member 14A to the wheel 12. Also, while no adhesive 16 is illustrated in this embodiment and adhesive 16 may be selectively applied to either the backside surface of the wheel cover member 14 A, the outer face 38 of the wheel 12 or both, depending upon the particular configuration of the wheel cover member 14A and/or the outer face 38 of the wheel 12. The other wheel cover members 14B-14E may be secured to the wheel 12 in a similar manner or a different manner, if so desired.

[0051] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, the wheel cover members 14A-14E may be secured to the adjacent outer face 38 of the wheel 12 by loop or wire member 48. To accomplish this, each of the members 14A- 14E includes at least one member, such as one or more of a closed loop member(s) 60 on a backside surface thereof, which may be formed integral with the associated wheel cover member 14A-14E or formed separate therefrom and secured thereto by suitable means, such as an adhesive. The wire member 48 can then be placed through the loop member(s) 60 and "pulled tight" to secure the wheel cover members 14A-14E to the wheel 12. Also, an adhesive (not shown) may be selectively applied to either a backside surface of the wheel cover member 14 A, the outer face 38 of the wheel 12 or both, depending upon the particular configuration of the wheel cover member 14 A and/or the outer face 38 of the wheel 12, to assist in securing the wheel cover members 14A-14E to the wheel 12. Alternatively, only one single wire member 48 may be used to secure all the wheel cover members 14A-14E to the wheel 12 and/or the shape, location, configuration and/or design of the member 60 may be other than illustrated and described, if so desired.

[0052] Alternatively, the construction, material, make-up, number and/or configuration of the vehicle wheel 12 and/or the wheel cover 14 of the illustrated embodiment of the styled vehicle wheel assembly 10 can be other than illustrated and/or described if so desired. For example, the separate and individual wheel cover members 14A-14E which together form the wheel cover 14 when each are secured to the vehicle wheel 12 could be secured together to form a "one piece" or single wheel cover unit (not shown), prior to securing the one-piece wheel cover to the vehicle wheel 12, which may assist in simplifying the assembly process. Alternatively, one or more of the wheel cover members 14A-14E may be formed from other non-plastic materials and/or one or more of the wheel cover members 14A-14E may have a different outer surface finish than one or more of the other wheel cover members 14A- 14E to further enhance the styling of the associated vehicle wheel 10.

[0053] Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9 and using like reference numbers to indicate corresponding or similar parts, there is illustrated a second

embodiment of a styled vehicle wheel assembly, indicated generally at 50, in accordance with this invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle wheel 50 includes the underlying base vehicle wheel 12 and a uniquely styled or decorative wheel cover, indicated generally at 52. Although the base vehicle wheel 12 is illustrated as being identical to that illustrated in connection with the first embodiment of Figs. 1-2, the base vehicle wheel 12 can be of any desired material, construction, configuration and/or design if so desired. [0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel cover 52 is comprised of eleven (11) separate and individual pieces or wheel cover members 52A-52K formed from a suitable material and which are attached to the vehicle wheel 50 by suitable means. Preferably, the wheel cover members 52A-52K are formed from a plastic material and are individually attached to the wheel 12 by suitable means in either a permanent or a non-permanent manner. Such means may include one or more of mechanical fasteners and/or adhesive, such as illustrated in Figs. 3-7 and described hereinbefore, or any other suitable means depending on whether the attachment is permanent or non-permanent. Alternatively, one or more of the wheel cover members 52A-52K may be formed from other non- plastic materials and may be

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the wheel cover members 52A-52K are identical to one another except that the wheel cover member 52C has an opening 52C formed therein to accommodate the wheel air valve stem 42. Alternatively, one or more of the wheel cover members 52A-52K may be different than one or more of the other members 52A-52K, if so desired. In the illustrated embodiment each of the wheel cover members 52A-52K is provided a desired visible outer or wheel side surface finish and/or styling. Such a visible wheel side surface finish may for example, a desired paint color or colors, desired coating such as stainless steel, or any other desired styling, cosmetic, ornamental, design, emblem, symbol and/or aesthetic features. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the wheel cover members 52A-52K includes an outer surface finish which has been painted or molded in color; however, the outer surface finish may be finished in a different manner and/or material if so desired. For example, the outer surface finish may be coated, covered or plated with a metal material, such as chrome or stainless steel. The associated hidden or non-visible inner or wheel side surface finish (not shown), of the wheel cover members 52A-52K may have the same or similar finish as the outer surface finish or may have a finish that is different from the outer surface finish, for example to reduce the associated manufacturing costs thereof, if so desired.

[0056] Alternatively, the construction, material, make-up, number and/or configuration of the vehicle wheel 12 and/or the wheel cover 52 of the illustrated embodiment of the styled vehicle wheel assembly 50 can be other than illustrated and/or described if so desired. For example, the separate and individual wheel cover members 52A-52K which together form the wheel cover 52 when each are secured to the vehicle wheel 12 could be secured together to form a "one piece" or single wheel cover unit (not shown), prior to securing the one-piece wheel cover to the vehicle wheel 12, which may assist in simplifying the assembly process. Alternatively, one or more of the wheel cover members 52A-52K may be formed from other non-plastic materials and/or one or more of the wheel cover members 52A-52K may have a different outer surface finish than one or more of the other wheel cover members 52A- 52K to further enhance the styling of the associated vehicle wheel 50.

[0057] One or more potential advantages and/or features of the

embodiments of the associated styled vehicle wheels and/or wheel

covers/wheel cover members of the present invention, as illustrated and described herein and/or as modified and within the teachings and/or scope of the invention, is that the styling of the associated vehicle wheel can be easily changed by changing the wheel cover and/or wheel cover members. Also, the invention provides the ability to provide an infinite number of styling or ornamental designs or configurations. In addition, the wheel cover and/or wheel cover members can be used in any number of settings, such as by an original equipment manufacturer or in the aftermarket business. [0058] The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been described in its various embodiments. However, it should be noted that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A styled vehicle wheel comprising: a vehicle wheel defining a wheel outer face and having a wheel rim and a wheel disc, the wheel disc defining a wheel axis and including a wheel mounting surface, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of windows, the wheel mounting surface having a center hub hole and a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes; and a plurality of wheel cover members secured to the vehicle wheel to change the styling of the wheel outer face by covering at least a portion of windows of the wheel disc, the wheel cover members being separate and distinct individual members and being secured to at least a portion of one of the spokes and/or the wheel mounting surface of the vehicle wheel by at least one of an adhesive, a fastener and/or a snap-fit member.

2. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 1 wherein the wheel cover members are secured to the vehicle wheel by at least one fastener which is configured to extend through a hole provided in the wheel outer face.

3. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 2 wherein the at least one fastener is located on a backside of the wheel cover members.

4. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 2 wherein the at least one fastener is separate from the wheel cover members and extends through a hole in the wheel cover members and through the hole provided in the wheel outer face.

5. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 2 wherein an adhesive is selectively disposed between the backside of the wheel cover members and the wheel outer face.

6. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 1 wherein the fastener is configured to secure all the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel.

7. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 1 wherein the snap-fit member is formed integral with the wheel cover members and is configured to secure the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel by engagement with the spokes.

8. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 1 wherein the wheel cover members are generally identical to each other.

9. A styled vehicle wheel comprising:

a spoked vehicle wheel defining a wheel outer face and having a wheel rim and a wheel disc, the wheel disc defining a wheel axis and including a wheel mounting surface, a plurality of radially outwardly extending spokes and a plurality of windows, the wheel mounting surface having a center hub hole and a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes circumferentially spaced around the center hub hole; and

a plurality of wheel cover members secured to the vehicle wheel to change the styling of the wheel outer face by covering at least a portion of windows of the wheel disc, the wheel cover members being separate and distinct individual members and being secured to at least a portion of one of the spokes and/or the wheel mounting surface of the vehicle wheel by at least one of an adhesive, a fastener and/or a snap-fit member.

10. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 9 wherein the wheel cover members are secured to the vehicle wheel by at least one fastener which is configured to extend through a hole provided in the wheel outer face.

11. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 10 wherein the at least one fastener is located on a backside of the wheel cover members.

12. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 10 wherein the at least one fastener is separate from the wheel cover members and extends through a hole in the wheel cover members and through the hole provided in the wheel outer face.

13. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 10 wherein an adhesive is selectively disposed between the backside of the wheel cover members and the wheel outer face.

14. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 9 wherein the fastener is configured to secure all the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel.

15. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 9 wherein the snap-fit member is formed integral with the wheel cover members and is configured to secure the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel by engagement with the spokes.

16. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 9 wherein the wheel cover members are generally identical to each other.

17. A method for producing a styled vehicle wheel comprising the steps of: providing a vehicle wheel defining a wheel outer face and having a wheel rim and a wheel disc, the wheel disc defining a wheel axis and including a wheel mounting surface, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of windows, the wheel mounting surface having a center hub hole and a plurality of lug bolt mounting holes; and

securing a plurality of wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel to change the styling of the wheel outer face by covering at least a portion of windows of the wheel disc, the wheel cover members being separate and distinct individual members and being secured to at least a portion of one of the spokes and/or the wheel mounting surface of the vehicle wheel by at least one of an adhesive, a fastener and/or a snap-fit member.

18. The method according to Claim 17 wherein the wheel cover members are secured to the vehicle wheel by at least one fastener which is configured to extend through a hole provided in the wheel outer face.

19. The method according to Claim 18 wherein the at least one fastener is located on a backside of the wheel cover members.

20. The method according to Claim 18 wherein the at least one fastener is separate from the wheel cover members and extends through a hole in the wheel cover members and through the hole provided in the wheel outer face.

21. The method according to Claim 18 wherein an adhesive is selectively disposed between the backside of the wheel cover members and the wheel outer face.

22. The method according to Claim 17 wherein the fastener is configured to secure all the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel.

23. The method according to Claim 17 wherein the snap-fit member is formed integral with the wheel cover members and is configured to secure the wheel cover members to the vehicle wheel by engagement with the spokes.

24. The styled vehicle wheel of Claim 17 wherein the wheel cover members are generally identical to each other.