A wheel for supporting tires for vehicles which is made of composite material based on carbon fiber, which includes an insert which is made of metallic material at its central region configured to be fixed to the hub of the respective vehicle. The insert is coupled between external contoured laminated shells made of composite material, with the interposition of at least one interface film having a thickness that can vary between 0.05 mm and 1.0 mm. The interface film is made of a material preferably chosen from among epoxy polymers, polyurethane polymers, acrylic polymers, silicone polymers, polyamide polymers, glass fibers, and combinations thereof.

A wheel disc comprises a wheel mounting portion defining a wheel axis, a plurality of spokes radially extending from the wheel mounting portion, and a rim junction on at least one spoke of the plurality of spokes. The rim junction is at an end of the at least one spoke opposite the wheel mounting portion. A first portion of the rim junction extends in an axial direction. Second and third portions of the rim junction extend in a circumferential direction. The axial direction is parallel to the wheel axis and the circumferential direction is in a plane perpendicular to the wheel axis.

A wheel disc comprises a wheel mounting portion defining a wheel axis, a plurality of spokes radially extending from the wheel mounting portion, and a rim junction on at least one spoke of the plurality of spokes. The rim junction is at an end of the at least one spoke opposite the wheel mounting portion. A first portion of the rim junction extends in an axial direction. Second and third portions of the rim junction extend in a circumferential direction. The axial direction is parallel to the wheel axis and the circumferential direction is in a plane perpendicular to the wheel axis.

A method for manufacturing a vehicle wheel includes: a casting process of manufacturing the wheel in a one-piece body having a forming end and a temporary flange protruding at inner and outer sides of the wheel, respectively, wherein the one-piece body further includes a resonance chamber forming groove; a primary shape machining process of forming a stepped part at an outer circumferential side of the resonance chamber forming groove; a flow forming process of bending the forming end to be seated on the stepped part; a friction stir welding process of integrally bonding a portion where the forming end and the stepped part are in close contact with each other; a fine machining process of removing the temporary flange;

and a sound-absorbing hole machining process of forming a sound-absorbing hole for communicating between the resonance chamber and an interior space of a tire in the forming end.

A method for manufacturing a vehicle wheel includes: a casting process of manufacturing the wheel in a one-piece body having a forming end and a temporary flange protruding at inner and outer sides of the wheel, respectively, wherein the one-piece body further includes a resonance chamber forming groove; a primary shape machining process of forming a stepped part at an outer circumferential side of the resonance chamber forming groove; a flow forming process of bending the forming end to be seated on the stepped part; a friction stir welding process of integrally bonding a portion where the forming end and the stepped part are in close contact with each other; a fine machining process of removing the temporary flange;

and a sound-absorbing hole machining process of forming a sound-absorbing hole for communicating between the resonance chamber and an interior space of a tire in the forming end.

A wind-diverting apparatus for minimally shielding only the faster-moving drag-sensitive uppermost wheel surfaces from headwinds reduces overall vehicle drag. The apparatus includes various upper wheel fairings of FIGS. 1-6. Each fairing shields a primary vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surface from headwinds otherwise impinging directly thereon.

A wheel rim including a flange profile on a tire side of an open end flange of the wheel rim, the flange profile defined by the equation: $y_1=(a\mathrm{Theta}1+\frac{1}{{\left(1+\mathrm{Exp}\left(a\mathrm{Theta}3+a\mathrm{Theta}4.Math.X_1\right)\right)}^{\mathrm{aTheta}5}}$

Vehicle wheels, methods of making vehicle wheels, and dual wheel assemblies are provided. The vehicle wheel includes a generally cylindrical first region and a second region extending radially inwardly from the first region. The second region includes a first surface, a second surface, an opening, and a hub surface. A distance from the first surface to the second surface defines a thickness. The opening is configured to receive at least a portion of a hub of the vehicle axle. The hub surface is adjacent to and surrounds the opening and extends from the first surface to the second surface. The hub surface includes a generally flat portion and a relief portion adjacent to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The relief portion surrounds the opening and extends along the hub surface for a distance of at least 25% of the thickness.

Vehicle wheels, methods of making vehicle wheels, and dual wheel assemblies are provided. The vehicle wheel includes a generally cylindrical first region and a second region extending radially inwardly from the first region. The second region includes a first surface, a second surface, an opening, and a hub surface. A distance from the first surface to the second surface defines a thickness. The opening is configured to receive at least a portion of a hub of the vehicle axle. The hub surface is adjacent to and surrounds the opening and extends from the first surface to the second surface. The hub surface includes a generally flat portion and a relief portion adjacent to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The relief portion surrounds the opening and extends along the hub surface for a distance of at least 25% of the thickness.

A lawn mower includes a blade housing and a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting a height of the blade housing with respect to the associated ground. The height adjusting mechanism includes rear wheel support members for supporting rear drive wheels. Each rear drive wheel includes a cover having an exterior cover part and an interior cover part. The interior cover part is directly connected to one of the support members without the use of separate associated mechanical fasteners.