One or more wheel apparatuses are provided. The wheel apparatus comprises one or more rigid climbing members that extend to the outer perimeter of the wheel apparatus and are configured to maintain shape and/or relative position over all surfaces the wheel apparatus encounters. The wheel apparatus comprises one or more selective flex zones located adjacent to rigid climbing members, constructed to be passively compressed when the wheel apparatus encounters an obstacle in the path of the wheel apparatus. The wheel apparatus comprises one or more support zones located adjacent to selective flex zones that provide support for smooth rotary motion when not traversing obstacles.

A vehicle wheel structure comprising: a road wheel; a wheel mounting whereby the wheel is mounted to the body of the vehicle, the mounting structure comprising a wheel bearing by which the wheel can revolve about a wheel axis with respect to the body of the vehicle; a wheel cover attached to the wheel by a wheel cover bearing by which the wheel can revolve about the wheel axis with respect to the wheel cover; and a link coupled between (i) the cover and (ii) one of the mounting structure and the vehicle body for resisting rotation of the wheel cover with respect to the wheel mounting about the wheel axis.

Present embodiments relate to a wheel assembly. More specifically, but without limitation, present embodiments relate to a wheel assembly having a wheel fairing which improves aerodynamic performance during operation without hindering the aesthetics of the vehicle wheel or preventing cooling of brake components.

A wheel including an inner hub portion configured to receive a vehicle axle therethrough and defining an axis of rotation at a center thereof. A plurality of wheel spoke portions extend generally between the inner hub portion and an outer rim portion. A clad spoke overlies each of the wheel spoke portions. Each of the clad spokes includes an outboard surface overlying an outboard side of the wheel spoke portion, a leading side surface overlying a leading side surface of the wheel spoke portion, and a trailing side surface overlying a trailing side surface of the wheel spoke portion. At least a segment of one of the leading side and trailing side surfaces of the clad spoke has a non-planar shape. A foam adhesive is disposed between the wheel spoke and the clad spoke and may overly the inboard surface of each of the wheel spokes.

An aircraft hubcap/wheel cover which uses ambient airflow (120 mph-175 mph) to rotate wheels on the landing gear of an aircraft accomplished by using slightly protruding slats, blades, scoops or other air capturing shapes, (once the landing gear has been lowered). These air capturing shapes are integrated as part of the hubcap/wheel cover during manufacture and are directly determined by ground speed applicable to that aircraft with the ultimate purpose being tire longevity. The wheel cover hubcap is a single piece design and has no moving parts.

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.

The invention is directed to a wheel (1) which comprises a rim (4) and a thereto connected spoke structure (3) made out of fiber reinforced plastic material. An insert (2) is embedded in the fiber reinforced material at the center of the spoke structure (3). The insert (2) protrudes in at least one region above the surface of the fiber reinforced plastic material (16) forming at least one contact area (10, 14, 5).

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 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.