Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to a tire, and more particularly to a non-pneumatic tire that has handling performance similar to a pneumatic tire, supports the load of a vehicle and improves riding comfort by employing a parametric structure. In one aspect, a non-pneumatic tire includes a tread that comes in contact with the ground, a rim that is connected with an axle, and a spoke unit that functions as a structural support between the rim and the tread, in which the spoke unit is formed by circularly arranging spokes. The spokes have a single closed-loop longitudinal cross-section circumscribed to the rim and around the center of the tire.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is provided that includes a body coupled to the central hub to rotate about the axis of rotation. The body forms an alternating pattern circumscribed about the central hub at constant radial distance from the axis of rotation. The body defines a median circle centered on and transverse to the axis of rotation. The alternating pattern of the body is evenly distributed across the median circle, resulting in an effective width greater than the width of the body. On hard surfaces, the wheel assembly provides a broad track while maintaining a relatively thin contact area, as result providing reduced friction than a traditional wheel. On soft surfaces, the wheel assembly provides substantial traction.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential barrier configured to be coupled to a hub, an outer circumferential barrier radially spaced from the inner circumferential barrier, and a support structure extending between the inner circumferential barrier and the outer circumferential barrier and coupling the inner circumferential barrier to the outer circumferential barrier. The support structure includes a plurality of ribs extending between the inner circumferential barrier and the outer circumferential barrier. The support structure at least partially defines a first axial side of the tire and a second axial side of the tire opposite the first axial side of the tire. The first and second axial sides of the tire define an axial width of the support structure. The axial width of the support structure varies as the support structure extends between the inner circumferential barrier and the outer circumferential barrier.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential barrier, an outer circumferential barrier radially spaced from the inner circumferential barrier, and a support structure extending between the inner and outer circumferential barriers. The support structure includes a plurality of first ribs extending between the inner and outer circumferential barriers. The first ribs have a cross-section substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the tire, with the cross-section having a first curvilinear shape, wherein the first curvilinear shape is a curve having either a single direction of curvature or a direction of curvature that changes once. The support structure also includes a plurality of second ribs extending between the inner and outer circumferential barriers. At least some of the first ribs intersect at least some of the second ribs such that intersecting first ribs and second ribs share common material at points of intersection.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential barrier configured to be coupled to a hub, an outer circumferential barrier radially spaced from the inner circumferential barrier, and a support structure coupling the inner circumferential barrier to the outer circumferential barrier. The support structure at least partially defines a first axial side of the tire and a second axial side of the tire opposite the first axial side of the tire. The support structure includes a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs extending between the inner circumferential barrier and the outer circumferential barrier. At least some of the plurality of first ribs extend from the first axial side of the tire toward the second axial side of the tire, such that the at least some first ribs terminate prior to reaching the second axial side of the tire.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential barrier configured to be coupled to a hub, an outer circumferential barrier radially spaced from the inner circumferential barrier, and a support structure coupling the inner circumferential barrier to the outer circumferential barrier. The support structure at least partially defines a first axial side of the tire and a second axial side of the tire opposite the first axial side of the tire. The support structure includes a plurality of ribs extending between the inner circumferential barrier and the outer circumferential barrier, wherein the plurality of ribs define a plurality of cavities extending between the first axial side of the tire and the second axial side of the tire. At least some of the cavities each define an axial cross-section that varies at points between the first axial side of the tire and the second axial side of the tire.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential barrier configured to be coupled to a hub, an outer circumferential barrier radially spaced from the inner circumferential barrier, and a tread portion associated with the outer circumferential barrier. The tire further includes a support structure coupling the inner circumferential barrier to the outer circumferential barrier. The support structure includes a plurality of ribs extending between the inner circumferential barrier and the outer circumferential barrier, wherein the ribs have a cross-section substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the tire, with the cross-section having a curvilinear shape.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. More particularly, a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforcement structure with one or more spacers is provided along with a method of placement of a spacer between reinforcing bands of a non-pneumatic tire. A jig can be used to facilitate placement of the spacer.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitor mount includes a carrier (20) adapted to temporarily suspend a tire pressure monitor (36) between the sidewalls (16) of a tire (10) prior to installation of the tire (10) on a wheel (62). Upon installation of the tire on the wheel (62), the carrier (20) is fixed in place thereby suspending the tire pressure monitor (36) between the sidewalls (6) and in spaced relation to the rim (66) where the tire pressure monitor (36) is less likely to be impacted and/or damaged by debris/chemicals within the tire (10).

Abstract: A hub assembly includes a retainer housing, a retaining member, a biasing element, and an occlusion. The retainer housing includes a wheel mounting sleeve and a pin sleeve. The wheel mounting sleeve includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle. The pin sleeve has a first end and a second end. The pin sleeve includes a conduit between the first end and the second end. The first end is in fluid communication with the axle bore. The retaining member and the biasing element are in the conduit. The retaining member is configured to engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is configured to bias the retaining member towards the axle bore. The occlusion is proximate to the second end of the pin sleeve. The occlusion is configured to inhibit the retaining member from exiting the conduit at least prior to coupling the hub assembly to a wheel.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly is connected to a rim (400) using a self-centering tooth system (100) that can transmit play-free torque during driving and also braking events. The wheel rim (400) is axially secured by a central screw connection.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a remote vehicle comprises a wheel structure comprising a plurality of spokes interconnecting a rim and a hub. The spokes comprise at least one slit extending therethrough radially inward from the rim to the hub. The wheel assembly also comprises a flipper structure comprising an arm, a plurality of legs, and an attachment base. The plurality of legs and the attachment base comprise a four-bar linkage. The wheel assembly further comprises an insert comprising a bore with a flat surface that tapers outward from a top portion of the insert to a bottom portion of the insert. The insert may be configured to couple the flipper structure to the wheel structure via an axle on the remote vehicle and prevent backlash between the axle and the flipper structure. The flipper structure may be configured to transmit axial forces to the wheel structure. The wheel structure may be configured to absorb radial and axial forces.

Abstract: A road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a circular mounting flange having a dished wall extending radially outwards and circumferentially therefrom, a peripheral rim having a first edge and a second edge with the rim connected to an outer edge of the dished wall at an intermediate region of the rim, and a first lip extending from the first edge. Another road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a mounting flange, a peripheral rim, at least one inner dished wall, at least one outer dished wall offset from the inner dished wall along the flange, and at least two connector walls with each connector wall extending between the inner dished wall, outer dished wall, and the peripheral rim.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wheel and a tyre comprising the steps of providing a wheel and moulding a tyre to the wheel. A mould may be placed over the wheel, such that a cavity is formed between an inner surface of the mould and a rim of the wheel, for receiving material to form the tyre, which may be in a liquid form and allowed to solidify in the mould to form a tyre attached to the wheel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a link-type non-pneumatic tire which can reduce the rolling resistance and improve the drive comfort and drivability compare to the solid tire, and also drastically reduce its weight compare to the conventional link-type non-pneumatic tire.

Abstract: Wheel assemblies and valves for use with central tire inflation systems are provided. A wheel assembly may include a wheel having a rim and a wall extending radially inwardly from the rim. The wall may include an inboard side and an outboard side, and a central opening therethrough. The wheel may include a wheel duct for communicating pressurized fluid to a tire. A valve may be secured to the wheel wall. The valve may include an inboard side and an outboard side. The valve may include a hub interface adapted to extend from its inboard side. The hub interface may be adapted to extend around the wheel wall. The valve may include an inlet duct opening on the hub interface to communicate with a duct in a wheel hub on which the wheel is mounted. The valve may also include an outlet duct configured to communicate with the wheel duct.

Abstract: In this invention ballistic resistant materials are integrated into a wheel for protection of the Tire Bead Bundle, protection of hardware, and protection of hub components. The Tire Bead Bundle can be protected by supplementing the existing rim flange with ballistic resistant material and/or by placing such material between the flange and the bead bundle. Further, for protection of hardware (including Manual Inflation or CTI Valves), ballistic resistant material can be incorporated over or on wheel hardware. Finally, ballistic resistant materials can be incorporated over or on the wheel hub diameter to reduce the risk of damage due to ballistic attacks.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel with a tri-flange hub includes a hub with a first flange, second flange, and a third flange. The rim of the bicycle wheel is connected to the first, second and third flanges by spokes. The third flange is located on the hub along a centerline which passes through the center of the rim.

Abstract: A collapsible wheel includes a rim formed of a number of arched rim elements pivotally connected into an endless series, a connector with a shaft for connection to a golf bag carrier, pushcart or baby cart, a hub sleeved onto the shaft of the connector, first spokes each having one end connected to the rim and the other end for stopping against the periphery of the hug, and second spokes each having an outer spoke segment connected to the rim and an inner spoke segment that has one end hinged to the outer spoke segment and the other end hinged to the hub.

Abstract: In one embodiment a drive wheel comprises a hub, a wheel portion, at least one bearing and at least one spacer. In this embodiment the wheel portion is positioned about the outer surface of the hub. The outer surface of the hub comprises an engagement member, and the wheel portion comprises an engagement recess configured to receive the engagement member. The at least one bearing is positioned within the interior cavity of the hub, and the at least one spacer is positioned within the interior cavity of the hub adjacent to the at least one bearing. In another embodiment, a drive wheel comprises a wheel portion, a hub, first and second bearings and a spacer. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first end of the hub and at least a portion of the second end of the hub are crimped inward.

Abstract: An aftermarket custom engineered deep lip wheel cover in any design, that mates with a custom engineered aftermarket metal wheel that fits most passenger cars, light trucks, and SUV, or golf cart type vehicles. A painted metal wheel custom engineered to jointly except a custom engineered deep lip ABS plastic wheel cover. The wheel cover is designed and contoured to fit exclusively on to the custom engineered metal wheel using a plastic cap, screws, molded attachment clips, magnets, and a special bead system on the lip portion of the wheel cover.

Abstract: A light alloy wheel for two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle comprises an outer rim having a tubular rim part that includes: a bead seat; a hump; a slope wall; an ornamental wall; and a cavity defined by these four walls. Cross-sectional area and geometric moment of inertia are calculated for the tubular rim part. Thus provided is a wheel having lighter weight and higher rigidity and fashionability compared to a wheel only having a solid rim part consisting of the bead seat, a hump and a slope wall and not having the ornamental wall or cavity. The solid rim part has a standardized shaping construction with respect to inclination, dimensions and wall thicknesses, in conformity mainly with design specification of a tire.

Abstract: A beam key and wheel assembly for aircraft brakes is presented. A beam key is pinned at one end to the aircraft wheel and is engaged proximate an opposite end to a pad on an outrigger flange of the wheel. The pad has a milled arcuate surface which is congruent with and nestingly receives a similar arcuate surface of a foot member. The foot has a channel formed therein on a side opposite the arcuate surface, the channel matingly receiving a base on a bottom surface of the beam key. A bolt passes through the beam key, foot, and pad on the outrigger flange to secure the elements together.

Abstract: A drive key (10) for an aircraft wheel comprises a hardened and tempered steel member (10) having improved wear and corrosion resistance. The steel member (10) is coated selectively with a tungsten carbide-cobalt coating (22) to provide wear resistance at side portions (18) where the drive key (10) is engaged by portions of an aircraft brake, and the entire steel member (10) including the tungsten carbide-cobalt coating can be plated with electroless nickel to provide improved corrosion resistance.

Abstract: An aircraft brake (11) typically includes a torque tube (16) supported by a pedestal (24) upon an axle (18). The torque tube (16) is connected with the plurality of stators (20) which interface with a plurality of rotors (22) connected with a surrounding wheel (10). In order to improve the configuration stability of torque tube (16) during operation of the brake (11), a spacer member (40) is located between the inner diameter surface (17) of the torque tube (16) and the outer diameter surface (15) of the axle (14). The spacer member (40) has an outer diameter surface (42) which supports the inner diameter surface (17) of the torque tube (16) and an inner diameter surface (46) which is supported by the axle (14). A splined support ring (50) engage splines (47) at the inner diameter surface (46) of the spacer member (40) and is press fitted to the axle (14).

Abstract: An aircraft wheel for a pneumatic tire that has a generally cylindrical wheel section with an annular inboard rim flange and an annular outboard rim flange which seat the respective beads of the tire, The respective rim flanges have curvilinear configurations that extend radially outwardly from each other with the curvilinear portion of the inboard rim flange having a radius of curvature that is based on a single radius of curvature while the curvilinear portion of the outboard rim flange has a compound radius defining an outboard rim flange that has a greater radial dimension than the inboard rim flange.

Abstract: A wheel of a roller skate includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart generally axially extending curvilinear paths. A speed skater, traveling a predominately circular course with such wheels properly aligned on such skates, is able to use air moving past the skater to increase skating speed. As air enters the curvilinear paths of the wheel the direction of air flow changes. In this manner, momentum is transferred from the moving air to the spinning wheels, thus increasing the number of revolutions of the wheel and the speed of the skater.

Abstract: A heat shield installation for a tire-supporting wheel and brake assembly having a rim member with an inner surface that surrounds a heat sink composed of stator and rotor brake discs which may extend axially beyond the rim member. A plurality of circumferentially spaced torque bars are located between the heat sink and the inner surface of the rim member with such torque bars slidably engaging notches in the outer periphery of the rotor discs. An interior heat shield is located between the inner surface and the torque bars with fasteners interconnecting such heat shield and torque bars to the rim member. An exterior heat shield of cylindrical configuration having a plurality of circumferentially spaced series of louvers is secured to the rim member to protect the interior heat shield and brake discs.

Abstract: A heat shield installation on a tire supporting wheel and brake assembly having a rim member with an inner surface that surrounds a heat sink composed of stator and rotor brake discs. A plurality of circumferentially spaced drive keys are located between the heat sink and the inner surface of the rim member with such keys slidably mounting the rotor discs. A heat shield is located between the inner surface and the drive keys with a plurality of circumferentially spaced spacers secured thereto. Fastener members interconnect the drive keys to the rim members through the spacers while securely locking the heat shield radially and axially relative to the rim member of the tire supporting wheel.

Abstract: Portable collapsible spokeless wheels are formed with a rotating circular wheel rim element defining a full circle and without a central axle, hub, or spokes. The wheel rim element is formed around its outer periphery with a land portion or tread portion for bearing against the ground. The wheel rim element fits within a fender rim element which defines only a portion of a circle but greater than a half circle. At least three sets of rollers or casters are distributed around the inner surface of the fender rim element for bearing against and within a groove formed around the wheel rim. The rollers or casters are complementary with the groove portion of wheel rim element and are spaced apart to define an arc greater than a half circle. The fender rim element is further provided with braces which tie the ends of the fender rim element together and constrain the wheel rim element into a circular arch for bearing the weight of a load in compression rather than in suspension or tension.