An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction means and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle wheel, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction means includes: a streamlined wheel cover positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; a streamlined wind-deflecting fairing positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe diposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes arranged in one or more rows for greater axial strength; a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke, which thereby may pivot about the spoke in response to varying crosswinds; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction means and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle wheel, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction means includes: a streamlined wheel cover positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; a streamlined wind-deflecting fairing positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe diposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes arranged in one or more rows for greater axial strength; a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke, which thereby may pivot about the spoke in response to varying crosswinds; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

A connection between a face portion (12) and a hub portion (14) of a composite wheel (10). The hub portion (14) comprises a generally disc shaped hub plate (16), and the face portion (12) comprises a plurality of spokes (18). The connection comprises an annular hub ring (22) surrounding the hub plate (16), the hub ring (22) comprising a plurality of layers of reinforcement fibers extending in an at least generally circumferential direction about the hub ring (22). The connection also comprises a first plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers (24) extending in a generally radial direction R relative to an axis of rotation of the wheel (10), and along a front face of each spoke (18), across a front edge (26) and an inner annular surface (28) of the hub ring (22) and across a front face (30) of the hub plate (16); and a second plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers (32) extending in a generally radial direction R along a rear face (33) of each spoke (18), across a rear edge (34) of the hub ring (22) and across a rear face (36) of the hub plate (6). The connection further comprises a third plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers (36), the third plurality of layers (36) of reinforcing fibers overlaying the first and second (1) layers of reinforcing fibers (24, 32), the third plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers 36 extending in a direction between +30 degrees and +60 degrees to the radial direction R; and a fourth plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers (40), the fourth plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers (40) overlaying the first and second layers of reinforcing fibers (24, (32), the fourth plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers (40) extending in a direction (20) between 30 degrees and 60 degrees to the radial direction R.

A wheel for a motor vehicle comprises a rim having an outer radius and a wheel spider including a radially inner hub and a plurality of spokes extending from said hub towards said rim. At least one through-hole extends, with respect to the wheel axis, in a circumferential direction through at least one of said spokes. A radially outer edge of said through-hole or of an outermost of said through-holes is located at maximum at 75%, preferably at maximum at , of said outer radius of the rim measured at a wheel spider side of the rim.

The present invention provides a vehicle rim that has a three-dimensional design molded onto it. The designs include various themes, colors, and patterns to meet a person's style requirement. The vehicle rim may have a single design, or combinations of designs. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle rim is indented on the location where designs are molded so that the designs do not lie outside the outer plane of a tire. The present invention also provides a system and method that enable users to design and purchase vehicle rim made to their specification. The user can chose a design suiting their style and personality from different varieties shown in the GUI.

A non-pneumatic wheel having a thermoplastic wheel hub includes a center hub for attachment to a wheel bearing of a vehicle. The center hub has a central shaft aperture extending axially therethough and a plurality of lug apertures spaced radially from and circumferentially about the central shaft aperture. The thermoplastic wheel hub also includes a plurality of ribs extending radially outwardly from the center hub. The thermoplastic wheel hub further includes a cylindrical tire mount connected to the ribs and extending axially in substantially a cylinder for mounting a non-pneumatic tire thereon.

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.

It is an objective of the present invention to reduce weight further in a wheel disk 1 for vehicle. A hat portion 20 of the wheel disk 1 for vehicle includes an annular top portion 21, an inner peripheral portion 22 and an outer peripheral portion 23. The inner peripheral portion 22 connects the top portion 21 and a hub attachment portion 10. The outer peripheral portion 23 connects the top portion 21 and welding flanges 30 and connects the top portion 21 and the window-forming flanges 40. The welding flanges 30 are welded to an inner periphery of a wheel rim 2. Windows 5 are formed between the window-forming flanges 40 and the inner periphery of the wheel rim 2. The outer peripheral portion 23 of the hat portion 20 includes first regions 231 and second regions 232 alternately in a circumferential direction. The first regions 231 are connected to the welding flanges 30 and the second regions 232 are connected to the window-forming flanges 40. Connecting portions 45 connecting the second regions 232 and the window-forming flanges 40 are protruded outward in an axial direction with respect to corresponding portions 231a of the first regions 231. The connecting portions and the corresponding portions are disposed at equal distances from a wheel central axis L.

A wheel disc includes a hub located centrally within the wheel disc and defining a wheel axis. The wheel disc further includes an outer circumferential edge and a transition portion radially extending between the hub and the outer circumferential edge. The transition portion has a front surface and a rear surface such that the front surface has a relatively smooth profile and the rear surface has a plurality of concentric ring-shaped curvatures formed therein, thereby providing the transition portion with a variable thickness between the front and rear surfaces.

A vehicle wheel including a disc segment and a rim segment. The disc segment includes a wheel mounting surface for connecting the vehicle wheel to a vehicle hub and a transition element, wherein the transition element is arranged between the wheel mounting surface and an outer rim flange. The rim segment includes the outer rim flange and an inner rim flange as well as a drop center arranged between the two flanges. The segments of the vehicle wheel are integrally formed in order to shape a one-piece, continuously running vehicle wheel contour profile.