Abstract: A spiral spring wheel includes a ring spring and a leaf spring assembly surrounding an outer surface of the ring spring. A shoe is placed over the leaf spring assembly. The shoe sidewalls extend past the leaf spring assembly and tuck under the ring spring. Each torsion spring in a first plurality of torsion springs extends in a clockwise spiral shape from a flange to an inner surface of the ring spring. Each torsion spring in a second plurality of torsion springs extends in a counterclockwise spiral shape from the flange to the inner surface of the ring spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable wheel defined about an axis of rotation of the wheel, which includes a closed loop made up of at least two links and, each link being substantially in the shape of a ring sector of section as defined in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel that in the shape of a trapezoid including two non-parallel faces and, a major base, and a minor base; a unit for mounting the links and to pivot about a pivot axis, including a bearing having two portions and, respectively a pivot pin and a rotary housing, the pin being pivotally mounted in the pivot housing, the male and female bearing portions and being at two points situated in the proximity of the apex of the V-shape, the V-shape being defined by the shape formed by the two facing non-parallel faces of the two links.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes a plurality of springs. Each spring comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming a toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the non-pneumatic tire. The toroidal structure is at least partially coated with an elastomer.

Abstract: A wheel for a celestial running vehicle which enables the celestial running vehicle to sufficiently exhibit its desired running performance by maintaining a sufficient ground contact length, as well as reducing the wheel maximum width and the number of the sliding portions.

Abstract: A tire includes a plurality of helical springs. Each helical spring includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each helical spring is interlaced with at least one other helical spring thereby forming a laced toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the tire.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes a plurality of springs. Each spring comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming a toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the non-pneumatic tire. The toroidal structure is at least partially coated with an elastomer.

Abstract: A wheel with a spring unit includes a rim, a disc and a plurality of spring units. Each spring unit is directed circumferentially and arranged in an annular space between the rim and the disc. Each spring unit includes at least one metal spring. The metal spring may be a coil spring or a leaf spring, and may be prestressed in compression or tension. To restrict the lateral relative movement between the rim and the disc, a pair of stopper ribs are disposed on opposite sides of the spring unit, or an axial movement stopper is disposed at axially outboard end of the wheel.

Abstract: A wheel for in-line skates, which enables a user to achieve a higher speed in a short period of time on a surface, is disclosed. The wheel includes a central hub having an inner ring, an outer rim, and a connector extending between the inner ring and the outer rim, a tire surrounding the outer rim, and a bearing assembly fitted in the inner ring. The central hub includes a reception cavity provided in the connector, a weight received in the reception cavity to be moved toward the outer rim portion by a centrifugal force of the wheel, and an elastic element for biasing the weight. The tire includes a central tread portion, and curved side portions disposed at both sides of the central tread portion. The curved side portions include soft portions having a coefficient of friction higher that that of the central tread portion.

Abstract: An elastic element useful for constructing shock-absorbing devices, is elongated and continuously curved into an endless double-loop formation including an outer loop merging with an inner loop located within and offset from the plane of the outer loop. Also described are a number of applications for such elastic elements, including a non-pneumatic vehicle tire having an outer elastomeric body, and a plurality of said elastic elements within the outer elastomeric body for cushioning the shock applied thereto.