The invention is directed to a heat shield structure (8) for a wheel (1) which comprises a base structure (11) that is at least partially made from a composite material. The heat shield structure (8) is arranged on the base structure (11) and is at least partially covering the base structure (11).

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.

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.

A novel vehicle wheel and method for manufacturing and attaching the novel vehicle wheel generally comprising a decorative member that is attached to a base wheel. In one non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of mounting apertures are provided on the base wheel that is secured to the vehicle axis/hub. The decorative member is provided with corresponding apertures that are aligned with the mounting holes of the base wheel. Bolt member, preferably hexagonal bolts are then inserted/threaded through the aligned apertures for securing the decorative member to the base wheel. A novel manufacturing method is also disclosed for manufacturing the base wheel and decorative attachment.

A novel vehicle wheel and method for manufacturing and attaching the novel vehicle wheel generally comprising a decorative member that is attached to a base wheel. In one non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of mounting apertures are provided on the base wheel that is secured to the vehicle axis/hub. The decorative member is provided with corresponding apertures that are aligned with the mounting holes of the base wheel. Bolt member, preferably hexagonal bolts are then inserted/threaded through the aligned apertures for securing the decorative member to the base wheel. A novel manufacturing method is also disclosed for manufacturing the base wheel and decorative attachment.

A wheel assembly that provides a simulated center lock wheel look that also enables exchanging of ornamental face plates with a center hub attachment device that will allow car enthusiasts to easily change the look of their automotive wheels while maintaining a center lock wheel appearance. The assembly includes three components: a base wheel, a plurality of ornamental face plates, and a center hub attachment extending from one of either the hub or the ornamental face plate.

A system for attaching a plate to a vehicle is provided. The system includes lug nuts and lug bolts for attaching the plate to a threaded wheel stud. The lug nuts each define a threaded stud recess for engagement with a threaded wheel stud and a threaded bolt recess for engagement with a threaded portion of a lug bolt. The lug bolts each define a head for rotating the threaded portion of the lug bolt into the bolt recess of the lug nut, a shaft positioned between the threaded portion and the head, and a rotatable portion. The rotatable portion defines a center aperture freely rotatable about the shaft and a bolt aperture for accepting a fastener. A lock nut is positioned about each of the lug bolts for locking the lug bolt into position relative to the lug nut.

A system for attaching a plate to a vehicle is provided. The system includes lug nuts and lug bolts for attaching the plate to a threaded wheel stud. The lug nuts each define a threaded stud recess for engagement with a threaded wheel stud and a threaded bolt recess for engagement with a threaded portion of a lug bolt. The lug bolts each define a head for rotating the threaded portion of the lug bolt into the bolt recess of the lug nut, a shaft positioned between the threaded portion and the head, and a rotatable portion. The rotatable portion defines a center aperture freely rotatable about the shaft and a bolt aperture for accepting a fastener. A lock nut is positioned about each of the lug bolts for locking the lug bolt into position relative to the lug nut.

A vehicle wheel for motor vehicles may include a wheel-rim ring with an opening, a main member positioned at least partially in the opening of the wheel-rim ring, and a covering shell for at least partially covering the main member. The main member may include an attachment region with receptacles for attaching the main member and the wheel-rim ring to a vehicle. The wheel is configured to have a low weight and an adequate stiffness. Moreover, the wheel also exhibits a secure attachment and no pre-load losses while permitting a high degree of design flexibility. In some examples, the attachment region of the main member is free from the covering shell by way of, for example, a cut-out in the covering shell.

A vehicle wheel for motor vehicles may include a wheel-rim ring with an opening, a main member positioned at least partially in the opening of the wheel-rim ring, and a covering shell for at least partially covering the main member. The main member may include an attachment region with receptacles for attaching the main member and the wheel-rim ring to a vehicle. The wheel is configured to have a low weight and an adequate stiffness. Moreover, the wheel also exhibits a secure attachment and no pre-load losses while permitting a high degree of design flexibility. In some examples, the attachment region of the main member is free from the covering shell by way of, for example, a cut-out in the covering shell.