Abstract: A variable aerodynamic wheel includes: a spoke wheel having a plurality of spokes connecting a hub and a rim together are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of through spaces defined between the plurality of spokes to allow air to pass therethrough; a variable flap rotatably disposed in the plurality of through spaces of the spoke wheel, and configured in a shape to cover an associated through space so as to open or close the associated through space according to a rotation angle thereof; and a drive unit disposed in the spoke wheel, and connected to the variable flap such that the rotation angle of the variable flap is adjusted as rotational power is transmitted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for assembling a non-rotating wheel cap. A bearing is seated in either an outer disk of an inner disk as a first assembly step. A weight is in the form of an arc between 90 and 110 degrees and resides in a pocket formed in the outer disk. An adapter disk is attachable to the inner disk to allow customizing for various wheel fitment. A center ornamental portion may be a custom part or may be cut from an original fixed wheel center cap is cut from the fixed center cap, and attached to the outer disk converting the fixed center cap to a non-rotating center cap.

Abstract: A spoke clip adapted to be removably secured to a spoke nut of a bicycle wheel, and further adapted to mount an illuminated wire to the spokes of the bicycle wheel. The clips are generally L- or T-shaped, with a slotted stem having a spoke-admitting initial width and terminating in a spoke nut socket, and a wire-mounting arm perpendicular to the stem and adapted to receive and hold a wire in parallel to the axis of the stem. The invention also includes the illuminated wire display created by securing an illuminated wire in a planar array to the spokes adjacent the wheel rim using a plurality of the spoke clips.

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: A vehicle wheel includes a rim portion, a hub portion, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of decorative attachments. Each pair of adjacent spokes defines a window therebetween. The plurality of decorative attachments are secured to the wheel and each define a plurality of rearwardly extending boss portions. Each boss portion abuts the wheel. In certain applications, the boss portions may be received within a respective countersunk hole in the wheel and engaged by a fastener for securing the decorative attachment to the wheel. A free end of each of the boss portions abuts a bottom of its respective countersunk hole and the decorative attachment is otherwise spaced from the wheel to reduce noise issues. Alternatively, the ends of the boss portion may be spaced from the wheel and drawn toward the wheel with the threaded fasteners.

Abstract: An ornamental wheel which is used to enhance the aesthetics of a vehicle. The ornamental wheel having a wheel and a plurality of ornamental inserts. The wheel is custom made in order to offer a look that is unique to each vehicle. Each of the ornamental inserts having a wooden body that is constructed in a customized shape in order to provide a unique style and overall appearance to a individual's vehicle. In a first embodiment of the ornamental wheel, the plurality of ornamental inserts are permanently connected to the wheel. In a second embodiment of the ornamental wheel, the plurality of ornamental inserts are removably attached to the wheel, allowing inserts of different colors to be interchanged.

Abstract: Vehicle wheel including a wheel rim a brake pot fastened to the latter and a brake disc fastened to the brake pot, wherein multiple pivotally supported plate shaped cover elements are provided on the wheel rim for temporarily closing assigned wheel rim side openings, wherein each cover element is movable along the pivot axis in opposition to the force of a restoring element an is connected to the wheel rim via a couple element which force guides in case of a shifting movement, by means of which the cover element is moved from a open position to a closed position, which the cover element assumes when the wheel rotates.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a wheel rim on which is provided a plurality of plate-like covering elements, which are mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, for temporarily closing off associated apertures in the wheel rim, wherein each covering element can be displaced along the pivot axis under centrifugal force counter to the force of a restoring element and is connected to the wheel rim by means of a coupling element, which imparts positive guidance during a displacement movement, in such a way that the covering element can be pivoted between a radially inner open position and a radially outer closed position, wherein a pivot axis rod arranged on the outer side of the wheel rim is connected to the covering element via a hydraulic or pneumatic vibration damper.

Abstract: A road wheel includes an outboard surface defining an orifice and a cavity. The road wheel additionally includes an ornament having a bottom surface and a key extending from the bottom surface to interface with the cavity. The ornament also includes a post extending from the key to interface with the orifice in the outboard surface. The key may include a semi-circular profile. The cavity and key may have corresponding triangular shapes. The post may have an internally threaded portion. The cavity may have a slot oriented along a wheel radius sized to receive the key, and the orifice open in the slot.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a wheel rim on which is provided a plurality of plate-like covering elements, which are mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, for temporarily closing off associated apertures in the wheel rim, wherein each covering element can be displaced along the pivot axis under centrifugal force counter to the force of a restoring element and is connected to the wheel rim by means of a coupling element, which imparts positive guidance during a displacement movement, in such a way that the covering element can be pivoted between a radially inner open position and a radially outer closed position, wherein a pivot axis rod arranged on the outer side of the wheel rim is connected to the covering element via a hydraulic or pneumatic vibration damper.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a rim portion, a hub portion, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of decorative attachments. Each pair of adjacent spokes defines a window therebetween. The plurality of decorative attachments are secured to the wheel and each define a plurality of rearwardly extending boss portions. Each boss portion abuts the wheel. In certain applications, the boss portions may be received within a respective countersunk hole in the wheel and engaged by a fastener for securing the decorative attachment to the wheel. A free end of each of the boss portions abuts a bottom of its respective countersunk hole and the decorative attachment is otherwise spaced from the wheel to reduce noise issues. Alternatively, the ends of the boss portion may be spaced from the wheel and drawn toward the wheel with the threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A road wheel includes an outboard surface; an ornament configured to attach to the outboard surface; a post formed with the ornament, configured to fasten to the wheel; and a key formed with the ornament, the key configured to mate with a cavity in the outboard surface. The key includes a semi-circular profile. The key further includes at least one node, protruding therefrom; the outboard surface of the wheel includes a receptacle configured to at least partially fit the node therein.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel has a rim and spokes supporting the rim on a hub section. A clearance is formed between two mutually adjacent spokes and is covered by a flat covering element. In this case, the covering element, which is assigned to only one such clearance, is made of a fiber-reinforced synthetic material and, on an exterior side of the wheel, is glued onto the spokes which, on their mutually facing edges, have a slight step toward the interior side of the wheel, as well as onto the hub section which, in the area of this clearance on its side facing the rim, also has such a slight step. Not all clearances between two mutually adjacent spokes of the vehicle wheel are covered in such a manner.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a rim portion, a hub portion, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of decorative attachments. Each pair of adjacent spokes defines a window therebetween. The plurality of decorative attachments are secured to the wheel and each define a plurality of rearwardly extending boss portions. Each boss portion abuts the wheel. In certain applications, the boss portions may be received within a respective countersunk hole in the wheel and engaged by a fastener for securing the decorative attachment to the wheel. A free end of each of the boss portions abuts a bottom of its respective countersunk hole and the decorative attachment is otherwise spaced from the wheel to reduce noise issues. Alternatively, the ends of the boss portion may be spaced from the wheel and drawn toward the wheel with the threaded fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing debris from accessing and wrapping around the axles of a vehicle, such as a landfill compactor, are disclosed. The apparatus may include a wheel having a rim from which radially extend a plurality of cleats or tips. A subset of tips may be provided circumferentially around a laterally inner edge of the wheel. A wheel guard may be mounted between adjacent pairs of tips of the subset. Each wheel guard may be welded to the rim and to the adjacent pairs of tips. Each wheel guard may be a unitary piece of metal, or could be provided in two or more segment so as to be adjustable and thus facilitate use on wheels of differing diameters, or with different tip spacing. The wheel guards and adjacent tips form a continuous barrier around the circumference of the wheel to prevent debris from accessing and wrapping around the axles of the compactor.

Abstract: The degree of freedom in design is increased while maintaining strength by enabling a decorative member to be disposed without thinning a wheel main body. A wheel is made up of a wheel main body 1 which is made up of a rim portion 10 and a disc portion 11 and which has a vent hole 141 in the disc portion 11 and a decorative member 2 made from a resin which is held in at least the disc portion 11 and is observed from the vent hole 141. Since the decorative member 2 is observed in the vent hole 141, the wheel main body 1 including spoke portions 14 does not have to be thinned. In addition, since the design of the decorative member is observed in cooperation with the design of the disc portion 11, the degree of freedom in design is increased.

Abstract: An emblem device includes: a housing secured in a central (axial) portion of a wheel disc of a car wheel; and a decorative member having decorative feature or logo formed thereon and rotatably coupling with the housing and having a pendulum weight formed in a lower portion of the decorative member to be gravitationally pendent constantly; whereby upon a rotation of the car wheel to simultaneously rotate the housing secured on the wheel disc, the decorative member will be positioned or oriented upright constantly relative to th rotation of car wheel to thereby display the decorative feature upright, clearly and observably.