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.

A shading system for tires and wheels being built to a customized shape and size to cover at minimum the sidewall of a tire. The shading system may be comprised of, but is not limited to, multiple layers of shading material offering ultraviolet and heat protection for the covered area and a multipoint harness to secure the shade to the tire.

A wheel of a vehicle has a rim, a hub portion and at least two spokes connecting the hub portion to the rim. At least one spoke intermediate space between the spokes is at least partially covered by a single-piece cover element. A wing portion of the cover element is deformed axially away from the wheel when heat is supplied. The cover element is connected directly to the wheel, and the single-piece cover element is formed from a single material.

A vehicle wheel is defined by a substrate including a face and a rim portion. The face defines a plurality of spokes extending radially outwardly between a central portion of the face and the rim portion and defining a mating portion. An applique is affixed to the wheel at the mating portion. A polymer over-coating that is substantially transparent extends over the applique and the wheel substrate defining a continuous polymer surface over the applique and the wheel substrate.

A shaped preform component (200A) for a spoke portion (108A) of a composite wheel (100), the shaped preform (200A) comprising: an elongate body (215) configured to be located in a spoke (108) of a composite wheel (100), wherein the shaped preform component (200A) is formed from a cured composite fibre material having a compressibility of <2% volumetric under moulding conditions of 50 bar hydrostatic pressure and a temperature of 60 to 150 C., and wherein the density of the cured composite fibre material is selected to form a counterbalance mass for a mass addition (300) to the composite wheel (100).

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 dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus, a vehicle wheel, a powered vehicle, and a related method for manufacture are provided. The dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus comprises a vehicle wheel cover and a dynamic vehicle wheel balance ring. The vehicle wheel cover comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter surface connecting the first surface to the second surface. The vehicle wheel cover is configured to removably attach to a flange of a vehicle wheel with the second surface opposing the vehicle wheel. The dynamic vehicle wheel balance ring is attached to the second surface of the vehicle wheel cover. The dynamic vehicle wheel balance apparatus dynamically balances the vehicle wheel during rotation of the vehicle wheel and reduces aerodynamic drag.

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 wheel of a motor vehicle includes a hub portion, spokes extending radially outwards from the hub portion, a rim which is supported on the spokes, and a spoke area cover which is delimited by the rim. A respective cover is provided on both sides of the spokes, i.e. facing the interior side of the spokes and facing the exterior side of the spokes. The interior-side cover, which is annular when seen in a projection in the direction of the wheel rotational axis, is adhered to the edge of the hub portion and to an annular region of the rim and/or the interior side of the spokes. The exterior-side cover is designed in an annular manner either over its entire surface or when seen in a projection in the direction of the wheel rotational axis and can be interchangeably inserted into a groove in an annular rim region and/or in an annular region of the rim and the hub portion with an intermediately positioned seal element.

A wheel of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has a rim, a hub portion, and at least two spokes connecting the hub portion to the rim. At least one free space between the spokes is covered at least in part by a substantially planar covering element. The covering element is produced from two different material layers.