Author: claimsbot

1. Installation (10) and process for continuous and intermittent production of laminates including laminates (F, G) of multi-layer plastic material, using a press (11) having fixed lower plates (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) and movable upper plates (13, 15, 17, 19, 21) and using a composite band (160) formed of component strips (80, 90, 120-127),
characterized in that the press (11) is multi-stage and presents a production cycle with all phases, of equal duration, distributed among the various stages 1-5, one phase being carried out in each stage subsequent to that carried out in the preceding stage and, at the end of each phase, movement of the-composite band (160) from one stage to another, so that production of each laminate, when the press operates at a steady rate, is executed in a length of time corresponding to that of the production cycle divided by the number of stages.
2. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that both the fixed plates (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) and the movable plates (13, 15, 17, 19, 21) of the press act together in the various stages.
3. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the various stages 1-5 are aligned to permit easy transfer of the composite band (160) from one stage to another.
4. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that intermittent transfer of the composite band (160), even if partially transformed into laminate inside the multi-stage press (10), is made by its being drawn along by a metal band (70) of high electric conductivity that unwinds from a reel (71) upstream of the press (11) and, winding onto a reel (72) downstream, substantially covers the entire upper level of the fixed lower plate (12, 14, 16, 18, 20), supporting the product little by little transformed from a composite band (160) into a cooled laminate (F, G) ready for use.
5. Installation (10 as in claim 4, characterized in that the above metal band (70) is of aluminium.
6. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the heat required for the phases carried out in the various stages of the press (11) is generated by the metal band (70) producing a Joule effect, said band maintaining continuous contact in its passage with the electrodes (30, 31, 35-37) of the generators (60-63) of electric current placed at the two ends of each stage 1-5, electric power from the generator for each stage being so calculated as to determine, in the fraction of composite band (160) in any one stage, a level of temperature specific for the phase in course of execution.
7. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the component strips (120-127) are fed in from reels (130-137) and in that the metal band (70) for heating and transporting is fed in and received by respective reels (71, 72).
8. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that all the reels (70, 71, 81, 91, 130-137) are driven by electric motors (170-181) the times and speeds of which are programmed and operated by an electronic processor (200) that, by coordinating the specific feeds of the bands and strips (70, 80, 120-127) ensures not only precise and coordinated times and speeds but also optimum adjustment of specific levels of tension in each component strip, coordinated with the tension set up by the transporting band (70) to achieve the best cycle of movement for each of the strips (80, 90, 120, 127).
9. Installation (10) as in claim 1 characteized in that, when production permits, the composite band (162) can be heated in all stages 1-5 by a single electric generator (40) that connects two electrodes (30, 31) placed at the beginning and end of the several stages 1-4 and on which electrodes the metal heating and transporting (70) maintains continuous contact.
10. Installation (10) as in claim 6, characterized in that said single generator (40) is programmed in such a way as to associate its own effects with those of the electric generators (60-63) placed at each stage 1-4.
11. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the composite band (162) comprises a plurality of pre-preg strips (120-127) associated, on one or on both faces of said composite band to a copper strip (80, 90).
12. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that, in the various stages constant pressure and heat are generated, heat being generated so as to determine, on the fractions of composite band (162) subjected to the specific phases of the cycle in the stages 1-5, the following effects:
in fraction (A,B), that in the first stage 1 undergoes the first phase of the cycle, a rise in temperature from ambient to that needed for creating, among the components of the composite band (162), by means of the catalyst, the chemical reaction needed to make the components adhere together;
in the fraction, that in the second stage 2 is subjected to the second phase of the cycle, an increase in the temperature determined in the first stage 1, to a level at which the resin becomes polymerized;
in the fractions subjected, in the subsequent stages 3-4, to the successive phases, maintenance of the temperature reached in the preceding stages so as to stabilize the effects of polymerization and produce the desired laminate;
in the fraction subjected, in a subsequent stage 5, to the successive phase, maintenance of the pressure without the aid of heat to permit the laminate (G) obtained to cool down.
13. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the press (11) comprises four heating stages 1-4 producing, at the first stage 1, an increase in temperature of the composite band (162) from ambient to about 130\xb0 C., at the second stage 2 the increase in temperature of the fraction of composite band (162), transferred from the first stage, to substantially 180\xb0, at the third stage 3 and fourth stage 4 in the fraction of composite band (162), transferred from the preceding stages, maintenance of such temperature at substantially 180\xb0, and comprises a cooling stage 5 for lowering the temperature of fraction (F,G) of composite band (162), transferred to said stage 5, to substantially 40\xb0.
14. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the installation (10) is designed for four pairs of reels (130-137) for eight strips (120-127) of pre-preg and a pair of reels (81, 91) for two strips of copper (80, 90) forming a composite band (162) of eight strips (120-127) of pre-preg and two strips (80, 90) of copper.
15. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the composite band (162) is heated in the stages 1-4 by a device chosen from among the various possible devices for heating by electricity, steam or gas.
16. Installation (10) as in claim 15, characterized in that the heating device is inserted in the plates of the press.
17. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the press (11) comprises five stages 1-5, each 2.5 m long and therefore, the production cycle being divided into phases simultaneously executed in each stage, if the total cycle time is 20 minutes, one laminate 2.5 m long will be produced every 4 minutes.
18. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that upstream of the press (11) is a slide surface (102) for a group (80, 122, 123), here called the lower group, of components of the composite band (162), said slide surface (102) permitting a set of multi-layer laminates (206) to be deposited on said lower group, and in that, due to movement of the composite band (80, 122-125), the group, here called the upper group of the other components (90, 124, 125) of the composite band, becomes deposited on said lower group (80, 122, 123), so that a proper cycle of production of multi-layer laminates (206) is effected by the method described in the preceding claims.
19. Process for the production of (F, G) laminates by the means described in claim 1.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

We claim:

1. A ferrule comprising:
a compressible body; and
at least one passage through the body sized to accommodate a fiber;
whereby when a fiber is placed inside the at least one passage and pressure is exerted on the body, the body is compressed, causing the diameter of the at least one passage to decrease uniformly along its length and consequently friction to be uniformly applied to the fiber.
2. The ferrule of claim 1 wherein a slot extends between the outer surface of the body along its length and a passage proximate thereto, whereby, when the body is compressed, the slot distorts and causes the diameter of the passage to decrease.
3. The ferrule of claim 1 wherein a slot extends between adjacent passages along their length, whereby, when the body is compressed, the slot distorts and causes the diameter of the passages connected thereto to decrease uniformly along the length of the passage.
4. The ferrule of claim 2 wherein the body comprises at least one notch along the outer surface of the body along a diameter defined by the slot, for reducing the width of the body along that diameter.
5. The ferrule of claim 4, wherein when the body is so oriented that the pressure exerted is in the direction of reduced width, the amount of compressive force applied to the body and the friction applied to the fiber are reduced.
6. The ferrule of claim 5, wherein when the body is so oriented that the pressure exerted is in the direction of reduced width, the fiber remains free to move longitudinally relative to the ferrule.
7. The ferrule of claim 5, wherein when the body is so oriented that the pressure exerted is in the direction of reduced width, the fiber remains free to rotate relative to the fiber.
8. The ferrule of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to cooperate with a channel to apply pressure substantially uniformly along the length of the body when the body is inserted into the channel.
9. The ferrule of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to cooperate with a channel to restrict the body from motion relative to the channel.
10. The ferrule of claim 9, wherein the body comprises a key integrally formed about its outer surface.
11. The ferrule of claim 10 wherein the body comprises first and second ends, and where the key lies between the first and second ends.
12. The ferrule of claim 11 wherein the first end has a diameter less than that of the second end.
13. The ferrule of claim 10 wherein the key is adapted to mate with a keyway in the channel.
14. The ferrule of claim 10 wherein the key is larger than an opening in a wall surface of a structure proximate to which the channel is fixed, whereby the key is prevented from passing through the opening.
15. The ferrule of claim 9 comprising a lip integrally formed around the body whereby, when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the body to cover the lip, the lip and the channel exert radial pressure on the boot in a direction away from the body.
16. The ferrule of claim 8 wherein the body fits within the space created by the channel and a retaining member in a mating fit with the channel.
17. A ferrule comprising:
a body; and
a lip integrally formed around the body and adapted to cooperate with a channel in a friction fit;
whereby when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the apparatus to cover the lip and the apparatus is inserted into a channel, the channel and the lip secure the boot to the apparatus.
18. The ferrule of claim 12 wherein the body comprises an integral stop surface on its outer surface, which limits the boot from motion along the body toward the other end.
19. The ferrule of claim 18, wherein the stop surface is adapted to cooperate with the channel to restrict the body from motion relative to the channel.
20. The ferrule of claim 19, wherein the stop surface comprises a key formed around the body.
21. The ferrule of claim 17 wherein the body is compressible and has at least one passage therethrough sized to accommodate a fiber.
22. The ferrule of claim 21 whereby when a fiber is placed inside at least one of the passages and pressure is exerted on the body, the body is compressed, causing the diameter of the passage to decrease uniformly along the length of the body and friction to be uniformly applied to the fiber.
23. The ferrule of claim 17 wherein the body and boot fit within the space created by the channel and a retaining member in a mating fit with the channel.
24. The ferrule of claim 23, whereby the retaining member pinches the boot between it and the lip, such that pressure is uniformly applied by the lip on the boot.
25. A channel sized to accommodate a compressible body in a friction fit,
whereby when a compressible body having at least one passage sized to accommodate a fiber and containing a fiber is inserted into the channel, the channel compresses the body uniformly along the length of the body and causes friction to be uniformly applied by the body to the fiber.
26. The channel of claim 25 which is U-shaped.
27. The channel of claim 25, having a width which is fixed and less than the width of the body in one direction normal to the at least one passage but not in a second direction normal to the at least one passage.
28. The channel of claim 27, whereby it only compresses the body if the body is inserted into the channel in the first direction.
29. The channel of claim 26, adapted to cooperate with the body to restrict the body from motion relative to the channel.
30. The channel of claim 29, comprising a keyway adapted to cooperate with a key formed around the body.
31. The channel of claim 26, adapted to exert radial pressure on a boot slid longitudinally over one end of the body when the body is inserted into the channel, securing the boot to the body.
32. The channel of claim 26, wherein it passes through a wall surface of a structure, whereby the compressible body and fiber may be fixed to the structure.
33. The channel of claim 32, wherein it is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the wall surface.
34. The channel of claim 26, adapted to be fixed adjacent to an opening in a wall surface of a structure, whereby the compressible body and fiber may pass partially through the opening and be fixed to the structure.
35. The channel of claim 34, wherein it is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the wall surface.
36. The channel of claim 26, comprising a bore adapted to accept a tool for pushing the body away from the channel.
37. The channel of claim 26, adapted to mate with a retaining member and enclose the body.
38. A channel, adapted to accommodate a body having a lip therearound in a friction fit,
whereby when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the body to cover the lip and inserted into the channel, the channel and the lip secure the boot to the body.
39. The channel of claim 38, adapted to cooperate with the body to restrict the body from motion relative to the channel.
40. The channel of claim 39, comprising a keyway adapted to accommodate a key formed around the body.
41. The channel of claim 38, wherein it passes through a wall surface of a structure so that the boot is secured by the channel and the lip to the structure.
42. The channel of claim 41, wherein it is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the wall surface.
43. The channel of claim 38, wherein it is fixed to a structure proximate to an opening in a wall surface of a structure, whereby the boot is secured by the channel and the lip to the structure.
44. The channel of claim 43, wherein it is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the wall surface.
45. The channel of claim 43, wherein the opening is sized smaller than a key formed around the body, so that the body cannot pass through the opening.
46. The channel of claim 38, adapted to engage a retaining member in a mating fit and enclose the body and boot, whereby the retaining member pinches the boot between it and the body, such that pressure is uniformly applied to the boot.
47. The channel of claim 46, wherein it is capable of being fastened to the retaining member.
48. A retaining member adapted to accommodate a body having a lip therearound,
whereby when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the body to cover the lip and the retaining member is placed over the body, the retaining member and the lip secure the boot to the body.
49. The retaining member of claim 48, adapted to engage a channel in a mating fit and enclose the body and boot, whereby the channel pinches the boot between it and the body, such that pressure is uniformly applied to the boot.
50. The retaining member of claim 48, wherein it is integral to a cover of a structure to which the body is to be secured.
51. The retaining member of claim 48, wherein it is capable of being fastened to the channel.
52. A fiber locking apparatus comprising:
a ferrule having a compressible body and at least one passage through the body sized to accommodate a fiber;
a structure having a wall surface; and
a channel adapted for fixation to the wall surface and adapted to accept the ferrule in a friction fit;
whereby, when the ferrule is inserted into the channel with a fiber extending through its at least one passage, the channel compresses the body, causing the diameter of the at least one passage to decrease uniformly along the length of the passage and uniformly apply pressure on the fiber, thereby securing it to the structure.
53. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the ferrule comprises a key integrally formed around the body and adapted to cooperate with the structure to restrict the ferrule from motion relative to the structure.
54. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the structure comprises a recessed keyway in the channel that accommodates the key to restrict the ferrule from motion relative to the structure.
55. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the structure comprises an aperture therein sized smaller than the key, whereby the key is prevented from passing through the opening.
56. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the ferrule comprises a lip integrally formed around the body, whereby, when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the body to cover the lip, the channel and the lip secure the boot to the ferrule.
57. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the body comprises an integral stop surface on its outer surface, which limits the boot from motion along the body toward the other end.
58. A boot attachment apparatus comprising:
a boot;
a ferrule having a body and a lip formed around the body;
a structure having a wall surface; and
a channel adapted for fixation to the wall surface and adapted to accept the ferrule in a friction fit;
whereby, when the boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the ferrule and inserted into the channel, the channel and the lip secure the boot to the ferrule and to the structure.
59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the body comprises an integral stop surface on its outer surface, which limits the boot from motion along the body toward the other end.
60. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the body is compressible and has at least one passage through it sized to accommodate a fiber;
whereby, when the ferrule is inserted into the channel with a fiber extending through at least one passage, the channel compresses the body, causing the diameter of the passage to decrease uniformly along the length of the passage and apply uniform pressure on the fiber, securing it to the structure.
61. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein the ferrule comprises a key integrally formed around the body and adapted to cooperate with the structure to restrict the ferrule from motion relative to the structure.
62. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the structure comprises a recessed keyway in the channel that accommodates the key to restrict the ferrule from motion relative to the structure.
63. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the structure comprises an aperture therein sized smaller than the key, whereby the key is prevented from passing through the opening.
64. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising a retaining member adapted to engage the channel in a mating fit and enclose the body and boot, whereby the channel pinches the boot between it and the body, such that pressure is uniformly applied to the boot.
65. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein the boot provides both lateral and longitudinal strain relief for the optical fiber.
66. A method of securing a fiber to a structure, comprising the steps of:
forming a channel proximate to an opening in a wall surface of the structure;
inserting the fiber into a passage in a compressible ferrule sized to accommodate the fiber and adapted to be accepted by the channel in a friction fit;
placing the ferrule within the channel;
whereby, the channel compresses the body, causing the diameter of the at least one passage to uniformly decrease and apply uniform pressure on the fiber, thereby securing it to the structure.
67. A method of securing a boot to a fiber, comprising the steps of:
inserting the fiber into a passage in a ferrule sized to accommodate the fiber, the ferrule having a lip formed around its body;
placing the ferrule within the channel;
sliding a boot longitudinally over one end of the ferrule to cover the lip; and
inserting the ferrule and boot into a channel adapted to accept the ferrule in a friction fit;
whereby the channel and the lip secure the boot to the ferrule.

1. A device for heating or cooling multiple single chamber containers or a multi-chamber container comprising:
a unitary heat or cold source providing a source of heat or cold;
heat exchange elements in thermal communication with the heat or cold source and extending away from the heat or cold source;
a thermal barrier between each of the heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the heat exchange elements from each other,
wherein each heat exchange element is thermally associated with one or more chambers that are different from one or more chambers associated with other heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the chambers from each other.
2. A device for heating or cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container comprises a sample or reagent container used in a clinical analyzer.
3. A device for heating or cooling as claimed in claim 2, wherein the container is a multi-chamber reaction cuvette.
4. A device for heating or cooling as claimed in claim 2, wherein the container is a multi-chamber microtiter plate.
5. A device for heating or cooling as claimed in claim 4, further comprising the container.
6. A device for heating or cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein each chamber is associated with a heat exchange element in a one-to-one configuration.
7. A device for heating or cooling as claimed in claim 6, wherein the unitary heat or cold source is a heat source.
8. A device for heating or cooling as claimed in claim 6, wherein the thermal barrier comprises an air gap.
9. A device for heating or cooling as claimed in claim 8, wherein the air gap is filled with a non-conductive material.
10. A method of thermally isolating multiple single chamber containers or a multi-chamber container comprising:
providing a device for heating or cooling multiple single chamber containers or a multi-chamber container as claimed in claim 1;
heating or cooling the device with the unitary heat or cold source;
providing multiple single chamber containers or a multi-chamber container, wherein each heat exchange element is thermally associated with one or more chambers that are different from one or more chambers associated with the other heat exchange elements, and wherein heat flows between the associated heat exchange elements and the one or more chambers without substantially affecting heat flow between the other associated heat exchange elements and chambers.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein each chamber is associated with a heat exchange element in a one-to-one configuration.
12. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the unitary heat or cold source is a heat source and each chamber is associated with a heat exchange element in a one-to-one configuration.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of providing a container further comprises providing a chamber having a liquid that is colder than the other chambers, heating the chamber containing the colder liquid with the associated heat exchange element, wherein the heating of the chamber does not substantially affect the temperature of liquid in the other chambers.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the wherein the container comprising a sample or reagent container is used in a clinical analyzer and the liquid is a sample or reagent.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the container is a multi-chamber reaction cuvette.
16. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the container is a multi-chamber microtiter plate.
17. A combination device comprising:
the device for heating or cooling multiple single chamber containers or a multi-chamber container as claimed in claim 1; and
multiple single chamber containers or a multi-chamber container.
18. A combination device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the container is a multi-chamber reaction cuvette.
19. A combination device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the multi-chamber reaction cuvette comprises adjoining chambers each having a rectangular cross-section and no space between chambers.
20. A device for heating or cooling multiple single chamber containers or a multi-chamber container comprising:
a unitary heat or cold source providing a source of heat or cold;
heat exchange elements in thermal communication with the heat or cold source and extending away from the heat or cold source; and
a thermal barrier between each of said heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the heat exchange elements from each other,
wherein each heat exchange element is thermally associated with one or more chambers that are different from one or more chambers associated with other heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the chambers from each other.
21. A device for holding and heating a multiple cell cuvette in an incubator assembly, comprising:
a unitary heat source;
two or more rows of heat conducting elements in thermal communication with the heat source and extending away from the heat source,
a space between the at least two rows being dimensioned for accommodating a multiple cell cuvette;
side walls located at the ends of the rows and extending upward for partially the length of the heat conducting elements; and
wherein each row of heat conducting elements comprises at least one thermal barrier that extends at partially toward the heat source and prevents or reduces heat transfer between the heat conducting elements.
22. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the heat source comprises a substantially planar, horizontal surface, the heat conducting elements extend perpendicularly away from the surface, each heat conducting element having a cross-section with a major dimension and a minor dimension, wherein the surface of the heat conducting element having the major dimension is planar, substantially vertical surface facing the space between the two or more rows, and wherein the surface of the element having the minor dimension faces the thermal barrier.
23. A device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the vertical surface of the heat conducting element is in a face-to-face configuration and abuts a planar surface of a cell of the cuvette.
24. A device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the height of the heat conducting element is substantially the same as the cuvette.
25. A device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the cross section of the heat conducting element is substantially rectangular shaped.
26. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the side walls include at least one thermal barrier located between adjacent rows of the two or more rows which extends at least partially toward the heat source and prevents or reduces heat transfer between adjacent rows.
27. A device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the width of the thermal barrier is less than or equal to the minor dimension of the heat conducting element.
28. A device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the minor dimension of the heat conducting elements in rows that form end rows are greater than the minor dimension of the heat conducting elements in interior rows.
29. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the heat source and heat conducting elements are metallic.
30. A device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the heat source further comprises a metallic block and heat generator.
31. A device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the heat generator is an electrical resistance element in contact with the metallic block which uniformly heats the metallic block.
32. A device as claimed in claim 31, wherein the heat conducting elements and metallic block are formed from a single piece of metal.
33. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the two or more rows of heat conducting elements comprise four or more rows of heat conducting elements and wherein each row of heat conducting elements comprises two or more thermal barriers.
34. A device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the thermal barriers are air gaps.
35. A device as claimed in claim 34, wherein the air gaps are filled with a non-thermally conductive material.
36. A device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the material comprises an epoxy resin.
37. An incubator assembly comprising:
a device for holding and heating multiple single cell containers or a multi-cell container wherein the device comprises:
a unitary heat source;
heat exchange elements in thermal communication with the heat source and extending away from the heat source;
a thermal barrier between each of said heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the heat exchange elements from each other,
wherein each heat exchange element is thermally associated with one or more cells that are different from one or more cell associated with other heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the cells from each other; and

an incubator housing for containing the device.
38. An incubator as claimed in claim 37, further comprising the container and the container is a multi-cell reaction cuvette or a microtiter plate.
39. An incubator as claimed in claim 37, wherein the incubator is in a clinical analyzer.
40. An incubator as claimed in claim 37, wherein the analyzer is a diagnostic analyzer or blood analyzer.
41. An incubator as claimed in claim 37, wherein each cell is associated with a heat exchange element in a one to one configuration.
42. A diagnostic analyzer comprising:
an incubator assembly as claimed in claim 37, wherein the container is a multi-cell reaction cuvette;
a multiple cell cuvette, wherein at least one cell has at least one transparent window; and
a measuring device for measuring a property of the contents of the cuvette.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A wheel for vehicle, said wheel comprising:
a one-piece wheel body having an integrally formed rim, hub, and plurality of spokes connecting the hub and the rim;
a decorative member retained to the wheel body and disposed on a surface of at least one spoke of the plurality of spokes;
a visible space being defined by the decorative member and the surface of the at least one spoke;
a tongue extending from the rim and arranged between the at least one spoke and the decorative member, the tongue extending toward a central axis of the rim and having a hole therein; and
the decorative member having an end fastened to the tongue from a rear surface of the at least one spoke by a decorative member fastening bolt,
wherein both the decorative member and the at least one spoke are visible from an axial outer side of the wheel body, and the decorative member fastening bolt is not visible from the axial outer side of the wheel body.
2. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein the decorative member has walls covering the tongue of the rim and extending in an axial direction of the wheel body.
3. The wheel according to claim 2, further comprising:
a boss member disposed on a rear surface of the decorative member, the boss member extending toward the at least one spoke and having a thickness sufficient for receiving and holding a threaded end of the decorative member fastening bolt,
wherein the walls cover the tongue and the boss.
4. The wheel according to claim 3, wherein the walls extend downward to a position at which the tongue is located.
5. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein the decorative member is made from a hard resin selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, polypropylene (PP) resin, polyamide (PA) resin, and polycarbonate-ABS alloy resin.
6. The wheel according to claim 1, further comprising a surface layer covering the decorative member formed by one of electroless plating and vapor deposition and coating.