Abstract: A first tread pattern display system for new tread patterns includes a first upper sidewall part, a second upper sidewall part, a first tread shoulder part, a second tread shoulder part, and a middle tread part. The first upper sidewall part removably attaches to the first tread shoulder part by a plurality of projections extending from the first upper sidewall part to corresponding recesses in the first tread shoulder part.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a vehicle including a wheel suspension part attached to a body of the vehicle and a wheel hub attached to the wheel suspension part. An attached air-cooled brake disk rotates relative to the wheel suspension part. A protective cover arranged on a side of the brake disk that at least partially covers the brake disk. The protective cover fastened in a stationary manner to the wheel suspension part. The protective cover including an air flow opening feeding cooling air to the brake disk. An airflow control mechanism opens and closes the air flow opening along with reducing and increasing a gap between a radial end side of the brake disk and an inner side of a wheel rim of a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A heat management system is provided for a motor vehicle. That heat management system includes a first wheel rim having an air inlet, a thermal load downstream from the air inlet and a second wheel rim having an air outlet downstream from the thermal load. A method of managing heat in a motor vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A metal safety wheel has a center disk and an outer, perimeter flange with a solid rubber tire mounted thereon. The wheel and tire assembly has an outside diameter slightly less than that of a conventional pneumatic wheel and tire assembly with which it may be co-mounted on a vehicle's axle. If the pneumatic tire deflates due to a puncture or blowout, the solid tire and wheel assembly will support the axle on which it is mounted with a loss in height of only half the difference in the tires' outside diameters. The vehicle may, therefore, be driven safely at reduced speed without loss of control.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel with a wheel rim and a solid tire positioned on the wheel rim. The vehicle wheel has an annular upper shell having a first wedge-shaped surface and composed of at least two upper segments. Further, the vehicle wheel includes an annular lower shell composed of lower segments and having an outer circumference having a second wedge-shaped surface. Moreover, the second wedge-shaped surface is structured and arranged in a diametrically opposed manner to the first wedge-shaped surface. Additionally, the annular lower shell is arranged on the rim, the annular lower shell is arranged against the annular upper shell, and the annular upper shell is connected to the solid tire.

Abstract: A wheel-and-tire apparatus has a pneumatic tire with two or more circumferential tread sections, the relative diameters of which may be adjusted to select the tread sections in contact with the road. The tire may have one or more air chambers. The apparatus facilitates selective use of tire tread designs and compositions having different performance characteristics to suit particular road conditions and vehicle operating parameters. Adjustment of tread section diameters is accomplished using tread diameter adjustment means having a source of compressed air. Sensors monitor selected operational parameters of the vehicle and transmit corresponding signals to a computer, which selects an optimal configuration of tread section diameters to suit the data from the sensors. The computer sends a corresponding signal instructing the tread diameter adjustment means to adjust the diameter of one or more tread sections as required to achieve the selected configuration of tread section diameters.