The disclosure provides a wheel, drive wheel and wheel chair. The wheel includes an annular rim and a disk covering the rim on one side in an axial direction of the rim. The disk of the wheel includes a skin and a cushion member. The skin is formed of a fiber-reinforced material. The cushion member includes a cushion part and a shape retaining part. The cushion part is formed of a shock absorbing material and is disposed adjacent to the skin. The shape retaining part is formed of a fiber-reinforced material and is disposed adjacent to the cushion part.

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 marked wheel rim is provided, including: a rim body and a mark. The rim body includes an outer surface. The mark is embedded on the outer surface and includes an outer peripheral edge adjacent to the rim body. The outer peripheral edge is non-protrusive beyond the outer surface. A method for manufacturing the marked wheel rim is further provided.

A streamlined tailfin pivotably attached to a shaft-shaped member disposed on a vehicle provides for reduced drag in winds varying in direction impinging thereon.

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 disposed 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 wheel for a vehicle is provided. The wheel has a rim configured for mounting a tire thereto. The wheel also has a rotary drive member that is integrally connected to the rim. The drive member is configured to be operatively connected to a motor of the vehicle.

Described herein are aerodynamic wheels. According to some embodiments there is provided a wheel for a vehicle comprising: a rim; an inner hub; an attachment assembly configured to couple rim to inner hub; a first air engaging flexible and aerodynamic surface overlaying the attachment assembly configured to couple rim to inner hub and operatively connected to the inner hub and the rim, forming a first axial surface of the wheel; and a second air engaging flexible and aerodynamic surface overlaying the attachment assembly configured to couple rim to inner hub and operatively connected to the inner hub and the rim, forming a second axial surface of the wheel, which is axially opposed to the said first surface of the wheel; wherein said first air engaging flexible and aerodynamic surface and second air engaging flexible and aerodynamic surface are adaptable to external forces and change shape, when subject to such external forces.

An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction appartus and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the stationary 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 apparatus includes: a streamlined fairing or wind deflector positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe disposed 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; a wheel assembly with a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke; a wheel with a tapered spoke having a thin aerodynamic profile near the rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

A bicycle component comprises a first structural member made of a conducting material, an electrical insulation layer provided to the first structural member, and a second structural member configured to be attached to the electrical insulation layer by adhesive.

A longitudinally tapered wheel spoke having a thin aerodynamic cross-sectional profile proximate to the wheel rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub, with the tapered section optimized to minimize drag against a combined headwind and crosswind impinging upon the primary vehicle-drag-inducing uppermost region of the wheel assembly.