Abstract: Multicolor motor vehicle wheels and vehicle wheel components are increasingly desirable. The coloring has been carried out so far essentially by expensive manual labor. The present invention provides for an industrially applicable method for preparing color-coated vehicle wheel components and vehicle wheels, which is characterized in that the metal body is at first machined at least in areas to be coated, after which at least two layers of paint are applied one after another, and at least one layer of paint is removed by machining in a partial area of the wheel. A component according to the present invention with a surface coating is thus characterized by areas machined with high precision and provided with a coating, wherein said coating has at least two layers of paint applied one on top of another, of which at least a first layer of paint is exposed in visible partial areas of the metal body, by a second layer of paint covering it being mechanically removed in partial areas not covered by it.

Abstract: A flotation drive wheel is provided for a self-propelled irrigation system such as a center pivot irrigation system, a linear irrigation system or a corner irrigation system. The flotation drive wheel of this invention comprises a hub portion which is directly attached to an associated gearbox of the conventional drive tower. A metal band or plate is welded to the outer periphery of the hub portion of the wheel with a plurality of pivotal flotation shoes being attached to the band or plate. The pivotal shoes include means for preventing soil from being pushed laterally of the flotation wheel and from being pushed forwardly from the drive wheel. The flotation wheel of this invention substantially eliminates the creation of wheel ruts or tracks.

Abstract: A road gripping and traction assembly includes an assembly that is removably positionable on a vehicle wheel that includes a rim having a plurality of threaded bolts extending therethrough. The assembly includes a hub having an inner surface, an outer surface and a peripheral edge. The hub has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The number of apertures equals the number of threaded bolts. Each of the apertures is positioned for selectively receiving one of the threaded bolts. A plurality of arms each have an attached end that is attached to the peripheral edge and a free end extending outwardly away from the hub. Each of a plurality of gripping members is pivotally coupled to one of the free ends such that the gripping members are selectively positionable in a stored positioned adjacent to a side wall of the wheel or in a gripping position abutting threads of the wheel.

Abstract: A wheel assembly attached to, or integrally formed with, the underside of an object for allowing the object to roll in one of at least two rolling directions includes a fixture and a wheel. The fixture has a first pair of spaced-apart axle mountings defining between them a first axial direction perpendicular to a first rolling direction, and a second pair of spaced-apart axle mountings defining between them a second axial direction perpendicular to a second rolling direction. The wheel has an axial projection extending from each side. The axle mountings and the axial projections are configured such that the wheel can be located with the axial projections retained by the first pair of axle mountings for allowing the object to roll in the first rolling direction, and alternatively, with the axial projections retained by the second pair of axle mountings for allowing the object to roll in the second rolling direction.

Abstract: A remotely controlled, magnetic wheeled vehicle having a high pressure spray head for cleaning ferromagnetic surfaces. An articulating CHASSIS supports a variable frequency motor, gear reducers, drive axles, a servo motor steering linkage and multiple, laminated permanent magnet wheels. Resilient bushings and split, spring biased torsion hubs independently support the drive axles and each wheel to accommodate changes in surface contour. An adjustable tool head gantry mounts to either the fore or aft axle to support a rotary, multi-orifice sprayer. Control switches and a passive, magnetic anchor and tether protect the equipment while in use. In a second configuration, a sectional chassis framework surrounds the motor and a pair of drive chains transfer power through geared reducers to each axle. Springs are mounted to the aft frame section to provide a torsion suspension at the aft wheels.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a driven member having a hub and rim coaxial with and supported by the hub includes at least two transmission cables which extend between the hub and the rim. One end of each transmission cable is secured to the hub and extends from the hub over a guiding sheave journalled within a pulley block fastened to the rim and then extends from the pulley block to the next contiguous pulley block in a direction opposite to that in which the driven member is to be rotated, The distal end of the transmission cable is attached to this next contiguous pulley block. Tensioners are provided for pre-tensioning each cable. The driven member can be the rear wheel of a bicycle whereby the extension of the cables can provide a lag between the turning of the hub and the rim, thereby effectively providing variable output.

Abstract: A device for locking bicycle components to the bicycle frame comprises a threaded bolt with a corresponding nut having a rotatable casing surrounding the outer surface thereof and a key for engaging the nut. The key and the end face of the nut have at least one spigot and at least one hole such that the spigots of each fit into the holes of the other. When so engaged, the key is capable of turning the nut. The key preferably includes leverage arms for aiding the turning of the nut.

Abstract: A variable outer diameter wheel includes a generally cylindrical pipe or drum having four equally spaced penetrating holes or receiving parts in the cylindrical wall, a diaphragm sealing member corresponding to each of the penetrating holes and fitted to the pipe support, and sliders forming a wheel peripheral face so that the sliders can smoothly slide in the penetrating holes. The sliders are pushed or activated and moved outward from the pipe in a direction so the wheel outer diameter is enlarged by compressed air supplied through a passage and a hole provided in an axle which support the wheel. Exhausting the compressed air causes the wheel outer diameter to decrease and restores the wheel to its original size. Variable outer diameter wheels permit safe operation of vehicles on frozen, snow-clad or irregular surfaced roads.

Abstract: A wheel, of which the peripheral part (18) has axially separated circular annular flange parts (40), which form running surfaces (42) on the wheel. The wheel is made of complementary wheel halves, where each wheel half (12) on its peripheral part (18) has a groove (30) extending completely around each wheel half. The grooves (30) on the wheel halves communicate with each other through openings, whereby the peripheral parts (18) of the wheel halves are held together by an elastic material (58) injected into the grooves and openings. A method for manufacturing such a wheel whereby the peripheral parts of the wheel halves are fixed together by injection of an elastic material in mutually communicating spaces (30) extending around the wheel halves. These spaces are located radially inside the peripheral surface parts (44) of the wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel of a vacuum cleaner which can be easily assembled and disassembled. The wheel has a hollow cylindrical hub incorporated with a cleaner body, a roller supporting the cleaner body while rolling on a floor, a support member, and a cap. The support member and the cap are fixed by a plurality of key protuberances and snap protuberances formed on the cap. The roller is rotatably supported by the support member while being in sliding contact with a plurality of ridges formed on a cylindrical outer surface of a support ring of the support member. The wheel enables a vacuum cleaner to be minimized in size.

Abstract: A railroad right of way is constructed of rails which have a top surface upon which the railroad car's wheels ride that undulates up and down. The plurality of wheels along the length of the rail car only bear the weight of the rail car when they happen to be the wheels that are momentarily positioned above the descending portions of the undulating track. A mechanical device attached separately to each wheel are employed to alternatively raise some of the wheels while simultaneously lowering others depending on each wheel's position over the undulations in the track at any one time. Undulations can change in frequency and height and position to those undulations in parallel rails forming the same right of way. Monorail right of ways are also practical using this undulating rail design concept.

Abstract: A portable wheelchair including a seat assembly having a seat and a back rest, and a footrest having at least one guiding wheel. The seat assembly and the footrest are selectively secured between a first wheel and a second wheel. The first wheel includes a first tire mounted on a first rim and the second wheel includes a second tire mounted on a second rim, wherein a first cross-brace releasably couples the seat assembly to the first wheel and a second cross-brace releasably couples the seat assembly to the second wheel. The first cross brace includes a first motor and the second cross brace includes a second motor, wherein the first motor and the second motor are respectively coupled to the first wheel and the second wheel to facilitate movement of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A platform or cart with a multitude of generally spherical rollers arrayed across most of the bottom of the cart so as to provide low resistance passage over soft or sandy surfaces. The rollers revolve about axles that are carried in flanges on the underside of the platform.

Abstract: A variable shaped wheel having a hub, a plurality of extendable ram rods connecting the hub and shape adaptable rim. Extension and retraction of the ram rods cause the rim to harmonize to a selected wheel shape such as horizontal oval, vertical oval, elliptical, tractor like and numerous other shapes, when stationary and while moving. The selected shape of the variable wheel in motion is maintained by continual length adjustment of the ram rods. The variable shaped wheel adjusts to the most effective, efficient shape for travel over varying surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, sand, mud, rock, snow, ice and others, providing optimum speed and comfort.

Abstract: A racing wheel for a vehicle such as a bicycle. The wheel includes a rotationally stationary inner component connectable to the bicycle, a rotatable outer hoop having a bearing engaging surface, a ground engaging tread disposed on the outer hoop, and bearings mounted on the inner component to be rotationally stationary therewith. The bearings each include a support surface contoured to operatively engage the outer hoop bearing engaging surface such that the outer hoop is axially and radially supported relative to the inner component to allow rotation therebetween. The bearings are positioned around the inner component at particularly selected locations to achieve high wheel performance.

Abstract: A portable cooler chest is disclosed having a collapsible storage bin for nonperishable items and wheels specially adapted for rolling on sand or soft soils. The collapsible storage bin includes foldable side panels and may be integrated with or separable from the lid of the chest. A cover is provided to cover the erected storage bin, or to enclose the collapsed storage bin between the cover and the lid. Pivotable rolling surface segments are hinged to the wheels such that the segments may be pivoted outwardly to augment the width of the rolling surfaces. The wheels are rotatably connected to the lower extent of the enclosure by pivoting spindles. The wheels may be pivoted under the bottom of the enclosure to prevent rolling of the chest and to place the wheels out of the way. Stowable retainer disks maintain the segments in the outwardly pivoted position. The wheels may be removed from the chest.

Abstract: A hubless wheel for a vehicle which provides advantageous weight and aerodynamic properties. The wheel includes a rotationally stationary inner hoop, coupled to the vehicle, and a rotatable outer hoop, concentric with the inner hoop. The inner hoop and outer hoop are both fabricated with a woven fiber composite shell. A ground engaging tread is disposed on the radial periphery of the outer hoop. Bearings, preferably three rotating bearings spaced circumferentially around the inner hoop at approximately 120.degree. intervals, are mounted on the inner hoop to be rotationally stationary therewith and each include a support surface on their respective radial peripheries. The support surface is particularly contoured to operatively engage a bearing engaging surface located on the inner periphery of the outer hoop. The outer hoop is axially and radially supported relative to the inner hoop through this engagement to allow rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for moving within pipes to determine the condition of the interior of the pipes. The vehicle has at least one wheel which is capable of travelling on walls of magnetic material. Each wheel comprises an outer wheel member having an annular peripheral wall. An arm is rotatably mounted on the central portion of the outer wheel member. The arm has a pair of magnetically permeable members disposed widthwise of the vehicle body. A magnet is mounted on the arm with its poles in contact with the pair of magnetically permeable members. The arm can be rotated and freely oriented toward the running surface magnetically to hold the wheel to the running surface. The vehicle is capable of moving through pipes without being blocked by obstacles such as a vertical wall extending from a horizontal surface. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and a sensor processing module receives distance and time data and processes the data to determine whether the pipe is clear or obstructed.

Abstract: A wheel provided with sub-wheels, in which a plurality of sub-wheels (31) supported rotatably about an axis extending in the same direction as that tangential to the circular rim (12) of the wheel are arranged on the circular rim to constitute a tire (40). The rotation of the tire and that of the sub-wheels are combined to cause the wheel to run in an arbitrary direction.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for moving in pipes to determine the condition of the interior of the pipes. The vehicle has at least on wheel which is capable of travelling on walls of magnetic material. Each wheel comprises an outer wheel member having an annular peripheral wall and an inner wheel member including a portion of a magnetically permeable material. The inner wheel member has an outside diameter smaller that the inside diameter of the outer wheel member and is rollable on the inner peripheral surface of the outer wheel member. A magnet is provided in the inner wheel member having magnetic poles in contact with the permeable portion of the inner wheel. The vehicle is capable of moving through pipes without being blocked by obstacles such as a vertical wall extending from a horizontal surface. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and a sensor processing module receives distance and time data and processes the data to determine whether the pipe is clear or obstructed.

Abstract: A vehicle propelling assembly to propel a vehicle in a given direction comprises a pair of propelling members (19a, 19b) each having a body portion (20a, 20b) which rotates about a rotation axis extending substantially at right angles to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Body portions (20a, 20b) extend along a plane which is substantially in alignment with the rotation axis and include a curved ground or fluid engageable portion (22a, 22b). The vehicle propelling members (19a, 19b) can be mounted to ends of an axle assembly (15) which can be secured to a vehicle through a coupling assembly comprising a ball and socket assembly (25) and connecting struts (30, 31), which are pivotally connected at one end to axle assembly (15) and at the other end to a connecting member (32) which itself is pivotally mounted for movement about a vertical axis. The coupling arrangement accommodates the various forces acting on the axle assembly upon rotation of the propelling members.

Abstract: A hollow wheel is rotatively mounted on a vehicle about an axis of rotation defining an acute angle with the vertical. This wheel comprises a first convex side wall having an outer face defining a circular and axially tapering tread centered on the axis of rotation, and a second side wall spaced apart from and connected to the first side wall to form the hollow wheel. A tube, centered on the axis of rotation, interconnects the first and second side walls to receive an axle. The tread is generally conical and presents a convex cross section. Preferably, the interconnected first and second side walls form a water-tight hollow body presenting buoyancy. The hollow wheel can be used on ground, water and snow.

Abstract: An eccentric wheel of a bicycle including a wheel body, a pair of tracks formed in parallel in the wheel body, one or more holes formed in each of the tracks, a block slidably engaged between the tracks for supporting a wheel axle of the bicyle, a pair of pins slidably engaged in the block and extendible outwards of the block for engagement with the holes of the tracks, and a spring biased between the pins for biasing the pins outwards to engage with the holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cycle or an engine-driven vehicle which moves on a bearing surface and more particularly on a road. In the case of a motorcycle, the front steering wheel (20) is fitted with a first crown-shaped roller bearing (22) being comprised of an outer annular element (21) which supports the rim (19) and an interior annular element (23) which is connected to an arm (17). The arm carries at its front end a second crown-shaped roller bearing (24) of which the internal element is made integral by way of a lug (27) of the interior annular element (23) of the roller bearing (22) and of which the interior annular element (26) of bearing (24) is made integral with the arm (17). The device allows to transmit the steering forces at a point located as close as possible to the contact area between the tire (20) and the road.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for moving within pipes to determine the condition of the interior of the pipes. The vehicle has at least one wheel which is capable of travelling on walls of magnetic material. Each wheel comprises an outer wheel member having an annular peripheral wall with an inner wheel member including a portion of magnetically permeable material. The inner wheel member has an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the outer wheel member and is rollable on the inner peripheral surface of the outer wheel member. A magnet is provided in the inner wheel member having magnetic poles in contact with the permeable portion of the inner wheel. The vehicle is capable of moving through pipes without being blocked by obstacles such as a vertical wall extending from a horizontal surface. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and a sensor processing module receives distance and time data and processes the data to determine whether the pipe is clear or obstructed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the wheel assembly of mowers, particularly to mulching mowers. In the preferred embodiment, each wheel assembly includes a clearing disc sandwiched between a pair of support wheels. The support wheels support the weight of the lawn mower. The clearing disc clears accumulated grass from the wheel assembly by moving between the support wheels as the wheels rotate to clear away grass clippings. The clearing disc has an outside diameter that is greater than the outside diameter of the support wheels and is mounted between the wheels in such a way that the clearing disc continually moves upwardly as the mower is moved.

Abstract: A wheel and brake system adapted for use with a vehicle for transportation comprising: a tread having a plurality of elements circumferentially spaced around the wheel to define a substantially circular outer edge of the tread, the elements capable of flexing inwardly upon contact with a protruding surface to expose a load bearing surface to support a load of the vehicle; a brake; and a handle connected to the brake and adapted for moving of the vehicle in a pulling direction and engaging brake when a pulling force is applied in the pulling direction, the brake when engaged, adapted to permit rotation of the wheel in the pulling direction and to impede rotation of the wheel in an opposite direction. In one embodiment, the brake system comprises two braking elements and a brake actuating element to controllably engage one braking element to impede rotation thereof, the one braking element engaging another braking element to impede rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: The tire crampon comprises a cross-shaped member having four arms, interconnected by half-braces bearing bushes for connection to a vehicle's wheel hub bolts. Counter-arms are slideable on the arms and each have a toothed sector rigidly associated with an end thereof. The counter-arms move radially outwardly away from the cross-shaped member upon having a centrifugal force applied thereto, and due to the biasing action of compression springs acting between the arms and the counter-arms, thereby causing the toothed sectors to grip the ground. Chains limit the excursion of the counter arms, which can also be locked in a retracted position by pawl devices.

Abstract: An auxiliary traction device for vehicle wheels to enhance their traction and braking characteristics under ice and snow conditions. The device comprises a frame which mounts to the outer side of the wheel, connected thereto preferably by the conventional lug bolts so as to rotate in unison with the wheel. Traction members are movably mounted on the frame so as to be selectively extensible into road-engaging positions and retractable when not needed. When extended, the traction members engage the road resiliently so as not to interfere with the normal cushioning action of the tire. Extension and retraction of the traction members may be accomplished either by manual actuation, or by automatic actuation from the driver's station.

Abstract: The traction device of the invention is for use with a vehicle wheel supported by lugs and having a tire. The traction device has a base with openings for the reception of at least two but less than all, the lugs for supporting the base. A plurality of spaced radial arms are supported by the base with each having an end adapted to extend beyond the outer periphery of the tire and protrude into an icy surface. Each of said ends is adapted to lie in a vertical plane adjacent to the outer side wall of the tire. The end of each arm may advantageously be free to move in and out while being spring biased outwardly, be threadably attached to the arm for movement inwardly and outwardly, or be pivotally connected to the arm for movement into and out of an operative position. The said ends may extend different distances beyond the outer periphery of the tire. Preferably, the base is secured on less than all of the lugs and has a bearing recess accommodating a nut on a lug to which the base is not secured.