Abstract: Methods and systems of an active aerodynamic wheel cap device are provided. The active aerodynamic wheel cap device can be mounted to a vehicle wheel and configured to actuate from a flap-open to a flap-closed state. The flap-open state provides an air vent path from an outer portion of a wheel to an internal component of the wheel, especially at low speeds or during braking. The flap-closed state provides a substantially gapless aerodynamic cap for the wheel of the vehicle at highway speeds or during acceleration. The actuation of the active aerodynamic wheel cap device may be based on an all-mechanical controlled centripetal force movement mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel has spokes, on which cover elements are provided for a space between the spokes. The cover elements deform according to the temperature in such a way that, at higher temperatures, a passage of air through a region of the space between the spokes is possible, which is covered by the cover element at lower temperatures. In this way, the cover elements do not entirely cover the respective spaces between the spokes, and a rigid cap element is provided per intermediate space in addition to a cover element deforming according to the temperature. Alternatively, two cover elements are provided in each space between the spokes, next to one another in the circumferential direction of the wheel, wherein in the deformed state, one of the cover elements is curved outwards and the other cover element is curved inwards towards the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel for a vehicle has a plurality of spokes, lamellac, blades, wheel segments or similar which are arranged on an outer side of the vehicle wheel, a kinematic system, via which the contour of the outer side of the vehicle wheel can be changed, and a slide element which is adjustable between an inner position and an outer position. The spokes, lamellae, blades, wheel segments or similar are hinged on the slide element and are adjustable together with the slide element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of wheels. It discloses a wheel structure with circular light emission which includes a fixed shaft, a hub that rotates about the fixed shaft, a light base structure fixedly connected with the fixed shaft, and a light cover protecting the light base structure. The light base structure includes a light strip mounting base and a light strip looped around the light strip mounting base. In this way, the light strip emits light which can create a cool effect when in use. The light base structure is fixedly connected with the fixed shaft so that the light base structure is fixed and damaging of electric wires due to rotation can be prevented. This can improve service life of the product, simplify its structure, lower its production cost, and provide great convenience to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the strength, functionality and wear-resistance of a composite hybrid wheel is disclosed. Each spoke may define an airfoil shape and have a secondary wing-like extension attached thereto to generate airflow past the vehicle brakes during vehicle operation. Alternatively, the spokes may be shaped in cross-section as either an I-beam or an H-beam configuration. Customer-interchangeable wheel inserts formed from a reinforced polymerized material, such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite, are strategically attached to one or more of the spokes. The inserts are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wheel, increase its structural integrity and provide easy interchangeability in the event of damage. A faux bead composite lock ring also formed of a reinforced polymerized material such as a long carbon fiber reinforced composite can be attached to the wheel spokes to cover the composite rim flange.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly comprises a vehicle wheel having an outboard face with a plurality of windows formed therein and a vehicle wheel cover assembly secured to the vehicle wheel. The wheel cover has a plurality windows formed therein which are configured to be generally aligned with windows of the vehicle wheel. The vehicle wheel cover assembly further including a flap moveably secured in at least one of the windows of the wheel cover. The flap is configured to be movable between an opened position, when an associated speed of a vehicle is at or below a threshold speed, and a closed position, when the associated speed of the vehicle is above the threshold speed.

Abstract: A wheel assembly including a cover portion permanently attached to a wheel. The wheel includes a wheel central hub portion, a wheel outer peripheral rim portion, a plurality of wheel spoke portions extending between the wheel central hub portion and the wheel outer peripheral rim portion, and a plurality of wheel turbine openings disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wheel spoke portions. A cover portion is configured to overlie a portion of the wheel portion. The cover portion is configured to overlie one or more of the wheel central hub portion; the plurality of wheel spoke portions, and the plurality of turbine openings or the wheel outer periphery. An adhesive is disposed between an outboard surface of the wheel and the inboard surface of the cover portion to permanently secure the cover portion to the wheel portion. When the cover portion is secured to the wheel, substantial portions of the plurality of wheel spokes, the wheel central hub, or wheel outer periphery remain exposed.

Abstract: An automobile wheel cover includes a central hole and a bearing seat, an annular seat with a plurality of slots, an elastic post provided between each two slots, and an adjusting block which includes a first end and a second end which is larger in diameter than the first end, the first end is inserted in the annular seat. The adjusting block includes a recess and has the first end inserted in the annular seat, a screw horizontally extends outward from the first end of the adjusting block and is inserted into the bearing seat, at least one nut is screwed on the screw and abutted against an outer surface of the bearing seat, rotating the nut can make the second end of the adjusting block move toward an interior of the annular seat, and the posts expand outwardly.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The wheel assembly is configured to improve the aerodynamics of the moving automotive vehicle yet maintain the aesthetic appearance of a spoked wheel. The wheel assembly includes a plurality of spokes extending radially from the hub and interconnected to the rim. The spokes spaced apart from each other so as to define a plurality of openings, giving the wheel an aesthetic look. The spokes having a first part operatively connected to a second part. The wheel assembly includes an actuator mechanically attached to each of the plurality of spokes. The actuator is configured to move the first part with respect to the second part so as to cover each of the plurality of openings and form a generally solid disk when the wheel assembly reaches a predetermined speed so as to improve the aerodynamics of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A wheel including an inner hub portion configured to receive a vehicle axle therethrough and defining an axis of rotation at a center thereof. A plurality of wheel spoke portions extend generally between the inner hub portion and an outer rim portion. A clad spoke overlies each of the wheel spoke portions. Each of the clad spokes includes an outboard surface overlying an outboard side of the wheel spoke portion, a leading side surface overlying a leading side surface of the wheel spoke portion, and a trailing side surface overlying a trailing side surface of the wheel spoke portion. At least a segment of one of the leading side and trailing side surfaces of the clad spoke has a non-planar shape. A foam adhesive is disposed between the wheel spoke and the clad spoke and may overly the inboard surface of each of the wheel spokes.

Abstract: An improved wheel system that can be connected to existing wheels of a container to provide additional stability and/or ease of use during the movement of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pulley structure and a damper pulley that prevent corrosion. The pulley structure may include a hub part that is fitted on a crankshaft rotated by power from an engine and rotates with the crankshaft and a pulley part coupled with the hub part to rotate with the hub part and connected with a power transmission member. The hub part may include a pulley contact surface facing the pulley part, and pulley coupling portions formed at the pulley contact surface to secure coupling members. The pulley part may include a hub contact surface facing the pulley contact surface of the hub part, hub coupling portions coupled to the pulley coupling portions by securing the coupling members, and coupling grooves recessed from the hub coupling portions to insert the coupling members. Washers made of an insulator may be fitted on the coupling members between the pulley coupling portions and the hub coupling portions.

Abstract: A cap configured to be connected to a wheel having a hub and a series of openings configured to receive fasteners attaching the wheel to a vehicle. The cap includes a disc defining a series of openings. The number of openings in the cap is less than the number of openings in the wheel. Each opening in the cap is configured to align with a corresponding opening in the wheel. Additionally, the cap is configured to conceal a remainder of the openings in the wheel that are not aligned with the openings in the cap.

Abstract: A method and system for a vehicle wheel are provided. The vehicle wheel includes a circular hub, a concentric rim circumscribing the hub, a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart spokes extending radially between the hub and rim, each pair of adjacent spokes having an opening therebetween extending at least partially between the rim and hub, and a shutter assembly coupled to the wheel, the shutter assembly including at least one shutter coupled to a closure mechanism that includes a biasing mechanism configured to bias the at least one shutter toward a first relatively open position when the wheel is rotated at less than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: The Dual Tire Shield of the invention mounts between dual tires and helps to prevent debris from getting into the gap between dual tires and/or damaging the tires when it does so. In some embodiments it can also serve as a runflat for dual tires. Debris can become wedged between the sidewalls of dual tires that face each other, or “inner sidewalls” of such tires. The dual tire shield prevents debris from getting stuck between the inner sidewalls of the dual tires and thereby prevents flats caused by sidewall puncture or bead de-seating due to such debris. The device accomplishes this by: Blocking debris from entering the gap between duals and/or prevent debris from being wedged in the gap; keeping such debris from contact with one or both of the tires even if wedged therebetween; and/or ejecting debris from between the tires. Further, the dual tire shield may be made rigid enough and/or include rigid portions so as to act as a runflat in case a tire goes flat regardless of the reason.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel rim and cover mounting arrangement includes a vehicle wheel rim mounted on equiangularly spaced screw rods of a locating plate at one end of a vehicle wheel axle, a plurality of screw nuts respectively threaded onto the screw rods to lock the vehicle wheel rim to the locating plate, and a vehicle wheel rim cover including a hub, equiangularly spaced mounting through holes accommodating the screw nuts and a locating flange extended from an inner wall thereof around each mounting through hole and having longitudinal crevices and longitudinal flange walls alternatively arranged around the respective mounting through hole and a transverse hook portion located at a distal end of each longitudinal flange wall and forced into engagement with an annular flange of one respective screw nut.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wheel (1) which comprises a rim (4) and a thereto connected spoke structure (3) made out of fiber reinforced plastic material. An insert (2) is embedded in the fiber reinforced material at the center of the spoke structure (3). The insert (2) protrudes in at least one region above the surface of the fiber reinforced plastic material (16) forming at least one contact area (10, 14, 5).

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a wheel body and a plurality of rim blades. The plurality of rim blades is coupled to at least one side surface of the wheel body. Each of the rim blades is provided with at least one airflow guide section and at least one airflow-assisting section. The airflow guide section and the airflow-assisting section are arranged in the form of front and rear series on the rim blade. When the vehicle wheel is coupled with a tire, the airflow guide section is located at the side of the rim blade facing a forwarding direction of rotation of the wheel and the airflow-assisting section is located at the side of the rim blade opposite to the forwarding rotation of the wheels. As such, airflow is increased, wind resistance is reduced, and noise is reduced.

Abstract: A wheel assembly including a cover portion permanently attached to a wheel. The wheel includes a wheel central hub portion, a wheel outer peripheral rim portion, a plurality of wheel spoke portions extending between the wheel central hub portion and the wheel outer peripheral rim portion, and a plurality of wheel turbine openings disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wheel spoke portions. A cover portion is configured to overlie a portion of the wheel portion. The cover portion is configured to overlie one or more of the wheel central hub portion; the plurality of wheel spoke portions, and the plurality of turbine openings or the wheel outer periphery. An adhesive is disposed between an outboard surface of the wheel and the inboard surface of the cover portion to permanently secure the cover portion to the wheel portion. When the cover portion is secured to the wheel, substantial portions of the plurality of wheel spokes, the wheel central hub, or wheel outer periphery remain exposed.

Abstract: A wheel for a vehicle includes an inner hub portion that is configured to receive an axle therethrough and which defines an axis of rotation at a center thereof. The wheel includes an outer rim portion. A plurality of wheel spoke portions extend generally between the inner hub portion and the outer rim portion. The inner hub portion, the outer rim portion, and the plurality of spoke portions cooperate to form a wheel outer surface having a plurality of turbine openings. The outer surface of the wheel defines a wheel reference plane that is oriented generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The wheel outer surface is the side that face away from a vehicle. Each of the plurality of wheel spoke portions has an outer side adjacent the wheel outer surface, an inner side opposite the outer side, a leading side surface and a trailing side surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes and teaches a wheel cover that is used to cover the disc portion of a vehicle wheel. The wheel cover has at least an inner plate and an outer shield, both of which are attached to the wheel disc by screwing bolts and bolt heads, ensuring secure attachment of the wheel cover. The inner plate and the outer shield are preferred to have gaps and openings that are overlapping with the wheel spoke gaps. Preferably, the wheel cover also includes a set of audio speakers that are positioned between the inner plate and the outer shield, or beneath the inner plate. In either case, the audio speakers are disposed within the gaps and openings of the wheel cover, allowing more satisfying sound effects. The outer shield may have a decorative side that has patterns, logos, or pictures printed or engraved thereon.

Abstract: The present turbine fan rim, turbine fan airless tire and turbine fan hubcap designs are configured to remove air from under the underside of a moving vehicle when rotated in a particular direction, typically in a forward direction. This air movement can create a vacuum below the vehicle, which can create a down force on the vehicle increasing traction between the vehicle's tires and the road surface and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. This downward force and partial vacuum can thus increase as the rotational velocity of the tires increases, providing greater traction at higher speeds. An additional benefit to these wheel, airless tire, and hubcap designs is the cooling effect that would be created by the flowing air on brake parts that are located near wheels of nearly all vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a hub and a collar. The hub extends longitudinally inward from a wheel. The collar is disposed over the hub and is mounted for translation relative to the hub. The vehicle also includes a panel assembly having a support and first and second panels. The support extends radially outward from the collar, and the first and second panels are each pivotally connected to opposing lateral edges of the support. The panels pivot between an expanded position and a collapsed position and translate radially for selectively closing a wheel opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of surface coatings to treated aluminum articles utilized on aircraft, and more particularly to a system for masking portions of aluminum aircraft wheel and brake components for application of surface coatings to reduce or prevent wear and/or corrosion to the aluminum article. The system may be utilized for new aluminum aircraft components as well as aircraft components that have been subjected to non-destructive testing. The masking components are constructed and arranged to cooperate with portions of the aluminum component in a sequential manner to allow for application of multiple layers of primer and/or topcoat without removal of prior masking components so that a coated component complies with the manufacturer's written requirements for that component.

Abstract: A method and device for capturing particulates produced by a brake shoe of a motorized vehicle are provided. A strip of material is attached to an inner planar race of a wheel rim and is positioned to capture particulates (“brake dust”) caused by the friction braking process. Particulates may be driven toward the strip by centrifugal force, chemical attraction, electrostatic force and/or magnetic force. The strip may be shaped with a plurality of faces to provide a greater surface area than a flat planar strip of material provides. The strip may include cilia, a nappy material, and/or a loop material to attract and retain the brake dust. The strip may be magnetic or include a magnetic substance. An adhesive material is placed upon a second strip surface, whereby the strip is removably coupled to the inner race by the adhesive material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel body (3) with a rim tape (7) for receiving a tire and a rim star (9) or a wheel disk, through-holes (13) for receiving fastening means (17) of the wheel body (3) on a vehicle axle being formed in the rim star or in the wheel disk. The wheel body (3) is produced from a reinforced polymer material and is connected non-positively, positively or integrally to a cap (5), the cap (5) covering the rim star (9) or the wheel disk. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a process for producing the wheel.

Abstract: An attachment for two-wheeled vehicles and a wheel for a two-wheeled vehicle having these attachments are provided. The wheel includes a hub, a rim and separate spokes connecting the hub and the rim. Portions of the spoke nipples protruding radially inwardly from the rim are covered by cover caps. The cover cap is configured small in structure and aerodynamic in shape. To this end, the length in the peripheral direction is larger than the width.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel, which is divided in an axial direction of a tire into two pieces which are an in-side half wheel and an out-side half wheel that are connected to each other and fixed to an axle hub, includes wheel coupling bolts joining a mating surface of the in-side half wheel and a mating surface of the out-side half wheel together, and hub bolts joining the out-side half wheel and the axle hub together. The wheel coupling bolts and the hub bolts are respectively screwed into nuts from the out-side half wheel side.

Abstract: A wheel assembly with a debris guard is disclosed, the debris guard being configured to prevent hair and thread from winding around an axle and interfering with the operation of the wheel. The debris guard, which is mounted between the wheel and the robot chassis, comprises a spool and a plurality of tines. The spool is positioned between the wheel and chassis to collect debris that would otherwise wind around the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the tines are arrayed in proximity to a gap between the debris guard and the hub in order to inhibit debris from migrating to the axle exposed between the guard and wheel. The debris guard is intended for a wide variety of wheeled devices.

Abstract: In this invention ballistic resistant materials are integrated into a wheel for protection of the Tire Bead Bundle, protection of hardware, and protection of hub components. The Tire Bead Bundle can be protected by supplementing the existing rim flange with ballistic resistant material and/or by placing such material between the flange and the bead bundle. Further, for protection of hardware (including Manual Inflation or CTI Valves), ballistic resistant material can be incorporated over or on wheel hardware. Finally, ballistic resistant materials can be incorporated over or on the wheel hub diameter to reduce the risk of damage due to ballistic attacks.

Abstract: A method of securing wheel covers to the outboard surfaces of wheels to form wheel assemblies. The method involves applying resist coating patterns to portions or the entire inboard surfaces of the wheel covers prior to subjecting the wheel cover to a plating process which is intended to plate the outboard surfaces of the wheel covers. The resist coating pattern prevents plating material from attaching to areas of the inboard surfaces of the wheel covers to which the resist coat has been applied or which have been framed in or outlined by the resist coating. Areas that are coated with the resist and areas that have been framed in or outlined by the resist coating are more susceptible and compatible to adhesive bonding of the wheel covers to the wheels.

Abstract: A wheel cover or panel assembly for use on a long haul truck is provided. These wheel covers can provide enhanced aerodynamic effects to a truck or other vehicle thereby reducing wind drag and enhancing fuel efficiency. Still further, the wheel covers can articulate or turn along with the steering by design.

Abstract: A wheel cladding system (18) includes a wheel (10) having a wheel rim (14) and a wheel disk (16) attached to the wheel rim (14). The wheel disk (16) includes a peripheral flange (18) extending circumferentially about a central section (20) having radially extending disk spokes (22). The peripheral flange (18) includes a slot (24). A wheel cladding (12) is secured to the wheel (10) and includes an inner side (36) and an outer side (38) relative to the wheel disk (16). The wheel cladding (12) includes a peripheral edge (40) extending about a central wheel cladding section (42) having wheel cladding spokes (44). The peripheral edge (40) is engaged with the slot (24) and the wheel cladding spokes (44) are engaged with the disk spokes (12) to secure the wheel cladding (12) on the wheel (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) is disclosed for covering a cavity (11) of a wheel of a long-haul tractor-trailer, truck or the like for decoration, streamlining, and/or advertising display. Such wheels have a face, a rim, the interior of the rim defining the cavity, a boss (30) on the rim having a relatively smaller diameter and spaced from the face. The disclosed method includes providing a device (10) comprising a generally flat cover portion sized to cover the outwardly facing opening of the wheel cavity, an opening through the device, and a releasable fastener (15) for selectively closing the opening through the device, and an attachment system (12) that is sized to extend axially across the boss of the wheel to the covered, accessing the attachment system through the opening, positioning the attachment system over the boss of the wheel by way of the opening, and closing the opening, such that the cover portion closes substantially all the outwardly facing opening of the wheel.

Abstract: A wheel cover for a skate board is securable to a tubular bearing sleeve inserted in the central aperture of a skate board tire.

Abstract: An improved speed sensing system is disclosed for a machine, such as a truck, that has an axle with an end and an axis. The machine further includes a sensor non-rotatably coupled to the end of the axle and coaxial with the axis. A wheel hub is rotatably coupled to the axle and a wheel cover is coupled to the wheel hub. The machine further includes a magnet coaxially disposed with the axis and coupled to the wheel cover for rotation about the axis as the wheel rotates. The sensor generates signals based on the rotational speed of the magnet and the wheel. For non-rotating axles that are solid or include solid spindles, a passageway for a communication line between the sensor and electronic control module (ECM) may be easily drilled thereby making the disclosed system easy to add to an existing machine or vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly including a brake disc rotor assembly that defines an operating axis for a wheel and has a braking surface, a rotor head, an axially facing wheel mounting surface against which a wheel rim is placed, and a radially facing surface axially outward of the braking surface. A cover assembly with a wall conforms generally to the radially facing surface and is situated to block viewing of at least a part of the radially facing surface from an axial perspective.

Abstract: A method for producing a vehicle wheel and wheel cover assembly comprising the steps of: (a) providing a wheel cover having an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) selectively applying at least one shot of a first adhesive material to a portion of the inner surface of the wheel cover to define a predetermined masked area; (c) providing a vehicle wheel having an outboard face; (d) positioning the wheel cover and the vehicle wheel relative to one another whereby at least one cavity is formed between the inner surface of the wheel cover, the outboard face of the vehicle wheel, and the masked area of the wheel cover defined by the first adhesive material; and (e) selectively applying a second adhesive material to the cavity to secure the wheel cover to the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A decorative overlay comprised of thin plastic or metal may be securely fastened to a wheel using one or more preformed, solid, dimensionally stable, heat-activatable adhesive bodies. The use of such adhesive bodies offers significant processing and performance advantages over conventional methods for cladding wheels.

Abstract: A hubcap configured for attachment to a wheel of a vehicle via a plurality of nutcaps that are removably attachable to a plurality of lugnuts of the vehicle includes a chrome-plated body and a standoff. The chrome-plated body defines an inner surface having a sidewall. The standoff is configured to distribute a force, arising during attachment of the plurality of nutcaps to the plurality of lugnuts, through the hubcap to the wheel of the vehicle. The standoff includes a proximal portion spaced apart from the sidewall and a distal portion including a hollow tubular member defining a bore. A wheel assembly configured for attachment to an axle of the vehicle includes the plurality of nutcaps, the wheel, the hubcap, and an insulator configured to protect the hubcap from heat and disposed within the hollow tubular member of the standoff.

Abstract: A quick release illuminating and display apparatus and system for vehicles and structures to provide lighting and illumination effects and to display data or other information on a display screen. The apparatus and system includes a removable housing assembly with illumination sources, a power source and an optional display screen to provide lighting to accent a vehicle or structure and to display data, pictures or other information. The apparatus and system includes a quick release mechanism with a biasing cam operably connected to a number of biased lock shafts. The controlled movement of the biasing cam operates so as to quickly lock or unlock the housing assembly onto or off of the support structure. The apparatus and system has enhanced lighting and display effects by the use of optional ball bearings, a cap to exhibit team or manufacturer logos, the use of LED lights secured to directional nipples, a display screen, a USB port, computer memory, a control switch, remote control operation and solar power.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel for a double-track vehicle or an external cover therefor is provided, having passage openings, particularly for a cooling air flow for a wheel brake provided on the interior side of the wheel, in the lateral projection. The passage openings have a width in the radial direction which changes when viewed in the circumferential direction such that, viewed against the rotating direction of the wheel when the vehicle is driving forward, the above-mentioned width Viewed in the radial direction, centers of the virtual segments of the passage opening which follow one another against the rotating direction move in the direction of the wheel center. As a result, the force as well as the lever arm of the drag is reduced, so that a moment of resistance is obtained which is significantly decreased. The passage openings are preferably bounded by spokes extending essentially in the radial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle wheel for a double-track vehicle or an external cover therefor, having passage openings, particularly for a cooling air flow for a wheel brake provided on the interior side of the wheel, in the lateral projection, the passage openings having a width in the radial direction which changes when viewed in the circumferential direction such that, viewed against the rotating direction of the wheel when the vehicle is driving forward, the above-mentioned width decreases, and in that the—viewed in the radial direction—centers of the virtual segments of the passage opening which follow one another against the rotating direction move quasi (virtually) in the direction of the wheel center. As a result, the force as well as the lever arm of the drag is reduced, so that a moment of resistance is obtained which is significantly decreased. The passage openings are preferably bounded by spokes extending essentially in the radial direction.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim that is rotatable around a steering shaft. The rim includes an armature; a first rim portion surrounding the armature; and a second rim portion, covering part of the surface of the first rim portion. A method of manufacturing a steering wheel includes providing an armature; injection molding a first rim portion such that the it surrounds the armature; injection molding a second rim portion; and attaching the first and second rim portions such that the second rim portion covers part of the surface of the first rim portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a one-piece, wheel that is modified to have the appearance of a multi-piece wheel. In certain embodiments, the interior surface of the wheel barrel may be modified such that it is substantially parallel with the wheels axis of rotation. In some embodiments, a plurality of fastening devices such as bolts may be placed through the wheel center. In various embodiments, a groove may be located on the interior surface of the wheel barrel to give the appearance that the barrel comprises multiple pieces.

Abstract: A wheel cover includes a raised main body, and several composite fastening components to be joined to an iron ring of a wheel; the wheel cover main body has an annular portion on an inner side, and several hollow portions; each fastening component includes a holding base member, and a fastening piece; the holding base members are formed on the annular portion of the inner side of the raised body; the fastening piece are each formed on one of inner sides of peripheries of the hollow portions; each of the fastening pieces is joined to the raised main body at a connecting portion; in assembly, the fastening pieces are removed from the raised main body, and joined to the holding base members to constitute the fastening components; therefore, when several not-assembled wheel covers are stacked up, the fastening pieces won't cause increase to the volume of the pile.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprising a wheel having an outer surface and a plurality of exposed lug apertures located about a central hub region of the wheel, and a wheel cladding including a body conforming to the outer surface of the wheel that has an exposed decorative surface, an inner surface that faces the wheel when the cladding is attached to the wheel, and a plurality of lug wells that are axially aligned with the lug apertures of the wheel. The wheel assembly also includes a plurality of cladding lug well sleeves made from a high-temperature and ultraviolet light stable material that includes a plurality of snap-locking tabs for lockably fitting within the cladding lug wells. The cladding lug well sleeves are adapted to thermally insulate the cladding from the high temperatures of the lug nuts and studs from heat generated during vehicle operation.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with front anti-tip wheels adapted to assist the wheelchair in mounting an obstacle that the wheelchair approaches obliquely. The anti-tip wheels may function as casters, capable of rotating about a vertical axis, or may be fixed for rotation about a horizontal axis only. The anti-tip wheels may include lateral convex surfaces which tend to allow the anti-tip wheel to slide or roll over the obstacle. The lateral convex surfaces may be provided by a laterally oriented rolling element, a convex-shaped hub, a convex-shaped housing that partially surrounds the wheel, or a ball-shaped wheel. Alternatively, rotation of the anti-tip wheel may be controlled such that the wheel rolling surface faces and engages the obstacle.

Abstract: A shield for wheel assemblies formed of a metal band that is inserted into wheels so as to cover and protect the inner surface of the wheels. The shields can be made from stainless steel and used to protect the inner surfaces of aluminum from damage caused by debris that contact a vehicle braking assembly. The shields are secured in the wheels by a mechanical locking arrangement in which the outer ends of the shields snap-fit along outboard rim flanges of the wheels. Adhesives or sealants can be used to secure the shields to the wheels and to prevent moisture and debris from becoming trapped between the shields and inner surfaces of the wheels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selectively attachable wheel cover for a motor vehicle. The invention comprises a base member and a display member. The base member is selectively secured to the vehicle rim and the display member is rotatably mounted relative to the base member such that it can rotate in relation to the base member and, thus, the vehicle rim. In one aspect, a portion of the display member is sufficiently weighted such that, when the rim rotates (when the vehicle is in motion) the display member remains substantially static.