Abstract: A luminescent non-pneumatic tire device for supporting a wheel rim on a rough road surface without needing to be filled with air includes a cylindrical inner wall, a tread concentrically positioned around the inner wall, and a pair of sidewalls coupling the inner wall to the tread. A cable is concentrically coupled around the inner wall, and a plurality of flat springs extend from the cable to the tread. Each flat spring is deformable and contributes to smoothing bumps in a road surface traversed by the device. The device also comprises a photoluminescent material which serves to increase the visibility of the device.

Abstract: A web structure for a non-pneumatic tire includes a first corrugated ring having a first plurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys. The first corrugated ring is a pre-strained, thermoplastic elastomer resin ring. The web structure further includes a second corrugated ring having a second plurality of peaks and a second plurality of valleys. The second corrugated ring is a pre-strained, thermoplastic elastomer resin ring. The second plurality of valleys are affixed to the first plurality of peaks by welding or an adhesive.

Abstract: A shear band and a non-pneumatic tire is described which includes a ground contacting annular tread portion; a shear band, and a connecting web positioned between a hub and the shear band. The shear band is preferably comprised of a three-dimensional spacer fabric having a first and second layer connected by connecting members. The three-dimensional spacer fabric has a defined depth. The three-dimensional spacer structure further includes a plurality of cells formed between the connecting members, and wherein one or more of the cells are filled with a filler material. The filler material may be foam or a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an annular beam of monolithic construction of one homogeneous material and a related efficient, low-cost non-pneumatic tire. Specific geometric design, combined with nonlinear elastomer physical properties, enable the suppression of all reinforcing belts, continuous fibers, or other strengthening layers in the annular beam. The annular beam consists of at least two bands that are continuous in the circumferential direction and connected by a web geometry. The non-pneumatic tire consists of the annular beam, a ground contacting portion, a central wheel, and a plurality of web spokes that connect the wheel and beam. When the tire is loaded to a design load against a flat surface over a design contact length, a contact area of essentially uniform pressure is produced, while the load is transmitted from the beam to the hub via tension in the web spokes. The tire can be economically manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to airless tires. Exemplary airless tires include a hub configured for attachment to an axle and includes a hub support extending away from the hub. Such exemplary airless tires also include a heel configured around the hub and connected at a distal end of the hub support, whereby the heel includes an elastomer base oriented in a ring around a circumference of the hub support. Such exemplary airless tires also include elastomeric tubes extending radially outward from the heel. Other exemplary airless tires include a centerless hub assembly configured for attachment to an axle and a heel configured around the centerless hub assembly. The heel in such exemplary airless tires includes an elastomer base oriented in a ring around a circumference of the centerless hub assembly. These other exemplary airless tires include elastomeric tubes extending radially outward from the heel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an annular beam of monolithic construction of one homogeneous material and a related efficient, low-cost non-pneumatic tire. Specific geometric design, combined with nonlinear elastomer physical properties, enable the suppression of all reinforcing belts, continuous fibers, or other strengthening layers in the annular beam. The annular beam consists of at least two bands that are continuous in the circumferential direction and connected by a web geometry. The non-pneumatic tire consists of the annular beam, a ground contacting portion, a central wheel, and a plurality of web spokes that connect the wheel and beam. When the tire is loaded to a design load against a flat surface over a design contact length, a contact area of essentially uniform pressure is produced, while the load is transmitted from the beam to the hub via tension in the web spokes. The tire can be economically manufactured.

Abstract: A wheel includes a main hub portion having outer and inner portions, the inner portion being spaced from the outer portion by a main hub sidewall; a ring portion configured to engage the main hub portion so as to enclose the outer portion and the inner portion and create an enclosed void; and an exterior covering surrounding at least part of the main hub portion and the ring portion at the enclosed void. A method of forming a wheel includes forming a main hub portion having an outer portion and an inner portion; forming a ring portion configured to engage the main hub portion so as to enclose the outer portion and the inner portion and create an enclosed void; assembling the main hub portion and the ring portion into an assembled hub; and overmolding an exterior covering surrounding at least part of the main hub and ring portions.

Abstract: A pipe transporter traction wheel suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter travelable along an interior surface of a pipe may include a tractor portion configured to be attached to a pipe transporter, the tractor portion having a tractor surface configured to contact an interior surface of a pipe when the pipe transporter is driven in the pipe. The tractor portion may include a harder granular material and a softer matrix material embedding the granular material. The wheel may include a hub and/or a mounting interface. A kit may be provided including one or two adapters and a wheel.

Abstract: There is provided a roller including: a shaft, and an elastic body portion that is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, in which the elastic body portion includes a plurality of first recessed portions which are provided on one side of the roller in a shaft mounting direction at intervals in a circumferential direction of the roller and each have a bottom portion, and a plurality of second recessed portions which are provided on the other side of the roller in the shaft mounting direction at intervals in the circumferential direction of the roller and each have a bottom portion, and in which each of the first recessed portions is positioned between the adjacent second recessed portions in the circumferential direction of the roller in the side view of the roller in the shaft mounting direction.

Abstract: A structure includes an enveloping layer formed on one of a circular outer surface or a flat outer surface having irregularities, wherein the enveloping layer includes an outer circumferential surface layer formed by thermally fusing a thermoplastic elastomer. The enveloping layer has a first material layer provided on one of the outer surfaces and formed from an amorphos plastic, and a second material layer provided on the first material layer and formed from a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group consisting of styrenes, olefins, polyvinyl chlorides, urethanes and polyesters.

Abstract: A multiple layer foam insert replacement for a pneumatic inner tube for a tire. The multiple layer foam insert emulates the effect of air pressure, across a range of pressures, while still approaching the weight of the air filled tube. Through the use of different density materials and the orientation and thickness of such materials, the desirable characteristics of the pneumatic tube structure and performance can be emulated to a high degree. This multiple layer foam insert can be produced in varying levels of quality and function through the method of extrusion of foam materials in different sizes and layering.

Abstract: A disk shaped quiet bumper plate for a barbell has a rim of elastomeric material with a shock absorber region. The shock absorber region has a circumferential row of evenly spaced transverse holes. The material between the holes forms radial walls which act as shock absorbers when the bumper plate is dropped. This reduces noise without unduly increasing bounce.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally patterned energy absorptive material and fabrication method having multiple layers of patterned filaments extrusion-formed from a curable pre-cursor material and stacked and cured in a three-dimensionally patterned architecture so that the energy absorptive material produced thereby has an engineered bulk property associated with the three-dimensionally patterned architecture.

Abstract: The present invention increases the bonding strength between a spoke and a tread ring and/or between a spoke and a hub to improve durability. An airless tire provided with a tread ring, a hub, and a spoke, wherein the spoke is integrally provided with: an outer annular portion of which the outer peripheral surface is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the tread ring via a first adhesion layer; an inner annular portion of which the inner peripheral surface is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the hub via a second adhesion layer, and a spoke portion which couples the inner and outer annular portions. The inner peripheral surface of the tread ring and/or the outer peripheral surface of the hub is composed of a roughened surface having a surface roughness (Ra) (arithmetic average roughness) of 3-1000 ?m or a surface roughness (Rz) (ten-point average roughness) of 30-5000 ?m.

Abstract: Tire frame step portions 18 are formed to a tire frame member 17. The tire frame step portions 18 are formed further toward the tire equatorial plane side than tire axial direction end portions 30A of a tread member 30. Covering layers 24 are formed at the outside of the tire frame member 17 so as to span from bead portions to the tire frame step portions 18.

Abstract: There is provided a roller including: a roller body part; and a rubber part attached to the roller body part, the rubber part including: a rubber body part provided on an outer circumference of the roller body part; and a side extending part extending on a side face of the roller body part from a side face of the rubber body part, wherein the roller body part has a recess portion formed on the side face of the roller body part, and into which the side extending part is fitted.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for traversing a path along a ground surface having a layer of soil, the wheel assembly comprising a central support and an airless flexible covering mounted on the central support and having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. The outwardly protruding spokes urge the rigid sections into the layer of soil when the rigid sections contact the ground surface. The flexible sections flex inwardly when the flexible sections contact the ground surface so that the rigid sections and the flexible sections cooperatively form a corrugated pattern in the ground surface without urging the soil to side margins of the airless flexible covering, the corrugated pattern having a plurality of valleys formed by the rigid sections and a plurality of peaks formed by the flexible sections.

Abstract: A segmented tire apparatus includes generally arcuate tire segments each including a radial tread extending along an outer circumference of the respective tire segment. Each tire segment further includes a first group of semi-transverse treads extending from at least adjacent to the radial tread in a first direction and a second group of semi-transverse treads extending from at least adjacent to the radial tread in a second direction. Each one of the second group of semi-transverse treads is positioned in an offset but substantially aligned orientation relative to an associated one of the first group of semi-transverse treads. In an alternative embodiment, a segmented tire apparatus includes a plurality of tire segments mountable onto a rim, with a plate positioned between a first one of the plurality of tire segments and a second one of the plurality of tire segments.

Abstract: A tire includes a wheel portion having an axis of rotation and an annular outer surface. The tire further includes a webbing extending from an annular inner surface of the wheel portion towards the axis of rotation. A stiffness of the webbing varies along the axial direction.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for traversing a path along a ground surface having a layer of soil, the wheel assembly comprising a central support and an airless flexible covering mounted on the central support and having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. The outwardly protruding spokes urge the rigid sections into the layer of soil when the rigid sections contact the ground surface. The flexible sections include a set of traction lugs for gripping peaks of a corrugated pattern in the ground surface for improved traction.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for traversing a path along a ground surface having a layer of soil, the wheel assembly comprising a central support and an airless flexible covering mounted on the central support and having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. The outwardly protruding spokes urge the rigid sections into the layer of soil when the rigid sections contact the ground surface. The flexible sections include a set of traction lugs for gripping peaks of a corrugated pattern in the ground surface for improved traction.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for traversing a path along a ground surface having a layer of soil, the wheel assembly comprising a central support and an airless flexible covering mounted on the central support and having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. The outwardly protruding spokes urge the rigid sections into the layer of soil when the rigid sections contact the ground surface. The flexible sections flex inwardly when the flexible sections contact the ground surface so that the rigid sections and the flexible sections cooperatively form a corrugated pattern in the ground surface without urging the soil to side margins of the airless flexible covering, the corrugated pattern having a plurality of valleys formed by the rigid sections and a plurality of peaks formed by the flexible sections.

Abstract: An adjustable insert for a tire. A tire includes an annular body of elastomeric material. The annular body may include a plurality of unpressurized cavities. A plurality of adjustable inserts may be arranged in the plurality of unpressurized cavities. The adjustable inserts may have an expandable portion sized to fit in a portion of the unpressurized cavities. The adjustable insert may be configured to adjust a compression of each cavity and modify the deflection rate of the tire.

Abstract: A tire includes a tread formed in a crown region of the tire and sidewall regions extending from the crown region to bead areas. The tire further includes a toroidal element extending across a crown region of the tire, and further extending along at least a portion of each sidewall region of the tire. The toroidal element has a central region located between inner and outer regions. The central region is more elastic than the inner and outer regions.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire may include a support structure having an inner circumferential portion configured to be associated with a hub. The tire may further include a tread portion associated with an outer circumferential portion of the support structure. The tire may also include at least one sensor associated with at least one of the support structure and the tread portion and configured to generate signals indicative of at least one characteristic associated with at least one of the support structure and the tread portion. The tire may further include a receiver associated with at least one of the support structure and the tread portion and configured to receive signals from the at least one sensor. The tire may also include a transmitter associated with at least one of the support structure and the tread portion and configured to transmit the signals to a location remote from the tire.

Abstract: A wheel (1) comprising a solid tire (2) and a rim (3), the solid tire (2) comprising a rubber base layer (4) with a reduced height (16) extending in circumferential direction of the tire (2), an inner circumferential contact surface (8) of the rubber base layer (4) being provided to contact an outer circumferential contact surface (9) of the rim (3), the solid tire (2) upon mounting to the rim (3) being provided to be pulled over the circumferential outer contact surface (9) of the rim (3) along a mounting direction at least partly running along an axial direction of the tire (2), characterized in that for each position on the outer contact surface (9) of the rim (3) and the inner contact surface (8) of the tire (2), in mounting direction of the tire (2), at most one engaging set (10) of the protrusion (11) and the corresponding groove (12) is provided.

Abstract: Wheels and methods of making wheels are disclosed including an inner portion and a tread mechanically coupled to the inner portion. The tread may be mechanically coupled to the inner portion on an inside and an outside of the wheel. The inner portion may include a rim including a plurality of apertures. The inner portion may be high density polyethylene and the tread may be thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly incorporates a tire tread and a conventional vehicle wheel with an elastomer tire body element molded for engagement intermediate the tread and wheel. The tire body element includes multiple concentric layers with alternating spokes. A bonded multilayer cover may be employed which is received within a recess in an outer surface of the tire body element from the tire tread. A mounting plate is engaged to the cover and attached to the wheel.

Abstract: A conductive wheel for a cart includes a hub, a tread mounted on the hub, two bearings mounted in the hub and each having a axle, and an electrically conductive assembly mounted in the hub and the tread. Thus, the electrically conductive assembly will form a grounding effect to conduct and release the static charges produced between the two bearings and the cart to the ground so as to prevent from causing an electrical shock to a user when the user touching the cart, thereby protecting the user's safety when operating the cart.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire tire/wheel assembly including a tire main body 1 at least a part of which is constituted by an elastomer composition, the tire main body being assembled on a wheel. The tire main body 1 is tightened and fixed to the wheel by a tightening member 7 that is embedded in the tire main body 1 throughout a tire circumferential direction. Furthermore, at least a part of the elastomer composition constituting the tire main body is a thermoreversible crosslinking elastomer composition. In the non-pneumatic tire tire/wheel assembly for light vehicle use, a tire/wheel assembly can be provided in which a tire is strongly and reliably fixed to a wheel and, moreover, by which recycling (material recycling) of the tire main body is enabled.

Abstract: Non-slipping wheel (1) comprising an elastomer layer (3) which covers at least the radially outer part of the wheel, characterized in that the elastomer layer has been provided with bubbles which are continuously torn open during use of the wheel thereby generating a suction effect. The bubbles can be provided by foaming the elastomer. The elastomer can be polyurethane, and the wheel can further comprise an inner core layer (2) of a different material which is elastic, e.g., rubber. The wheel is particularly useful for floor cleaning machines: due to their use on ground which is covered by a cleaning solution, the wheels face traction problems—on the other hand, the wheels should not leave additional residues or markings on the floor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an airless are which absorbs shock and holds pressure applied to the tire through an auxetic spoke buffer without using air pressure. The airless tire includes a cylindrical tread being in contact with the ground, an axle fixing section having a smaller circumference than the tread and disposed inside the tread, and an auxetic spoke buffer connecting the tread and the axle fixing section and providing a buffering function. Accordingly, the airless tire is transformed only to an extent to properly function as a fire when the spoke buffer is transformed by pressure or impact and fully returns to an original shape when pressure or impact is removed.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-pneumatic tire which can improve a riding quality, a noise performance and the like while improving a durability, and can further sufficiently suppress a buckling of a ground portion between spokes, because a circumferential fluctuation of a tire rigidity is hard to be generated due to a positional relationship between a spoke position and a center position of the ground surface, and a strain can be dispersed into each of portions of a support structure body.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire comprising side cavities that are staggered with respect to laterally opposing side cavities, and laterally extending tread grooves that are either in substantial radial alignment with the cavities or substantially offset relative to the cavities. The tread grooves have at least one wall that is angled with respect to the radial direction, i.e., the direction relative to the tire's axis of rotation. The wall may be an open angle having an angle of 5° to 65° relative to the radial direction. Also provided are processes for making such tires and to off-the-road (OTR) vehicles employing such tires.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire comprising side cavities that are staggered with respect to laterally opposing side cavities, and laterally extending tread grooves that are in substantial radial alignment with the cavities. In another embodiment, the invention is to a tire comprising side ribs that are staggered with respect to laterally opposing side ribs, and laterally extending tread grooves that are substantially offset relative to the side ribs. Also provided are processes for making such tires and to off-the-road (OTR) vehicles employing such tires.

Abstract: Wheels and methods of making wheels are disclosed including an inner portion and a tread mechanically coupled to the inner portion. The tread may be mechanically coupled to the inner portion on an inside and an outside of the wheel. The inner portion may include a rim including a plurality of apertures. The inner portion may be high density polyethylene and the tread may be thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A wheel (1) comprising a solid tire (2) and a rim (3), the solid tire (2) comprising a rubber base layer (4) with a reduced height (16) extending in circumferential direction of the tire (2), an inner circumferential contact surface (8) of the rubber base layer (4) being provided to contact an outer circumferential contact surface (9) of the rim (3), the solid tire (2) upon mounting to the rim (3) being provided to be pulled over the circumferential outer contact surface (9) of the rim (3) along a mounting direction at least partly running along an axial direction of the tire (2), characterised in that for each position on the outer contact surface (9) of the rim (3) and the inner contact surface (8) of the tire (2), in mounting direction of the tire (2), at most one engaging set (10) of the protrusion (11) and the corresponding groove (12) is provided.

Abstract: Wheels including one or more retention elements for affixing a polyurethane tire to a hub of the wheel are disclosed. The polyurethane tires of the wheels disclosed are manufactured separate from the hub and affixed to the hub via the retention elements thereby enabling additional manufacturing processes for the polyurethane tires and reuse of the hub portion of the wheels. Such manufacturing processes also allow for more complex polyurethane tire design and combinations of polymers to produce composite wheels allowing for increased comfort and durability. The wheels are particular suitability for use with industrial vehicles, such as lift trucks.

Abstract: Drive sheaves are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a drive sheave includes a tire portion wherein the tire portion comprises an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface. The tire portion also includes a first surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface and a second surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, the second surface being oppositely disposed relative to the first surface. At least one hole in the tire portion extends between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire comprising one or more radial regions have differing Shore A/Shore D hardness. The non-pneumatic tire comprises side cavities that are staggered with respect to laterally opposing side cavities, and laterally extending tread grooves that are in substantial radial alignment with or substantially offset relative to the cavities. One radial region may comprising the side cavities, while another radial region with a different hardness comprises the tread grooves. Also provided are processes for making such tires and to off-the-road (OTR) vehicles employing such tires.

Abstract: A solid vacuum tire and wheel assembly incorporating a vacuum backpressure to adhere the tire to the wheel hub, allowing it to achieve safe and reliable high-speed operation. The system incorporates a soft tire core that contracts into place after a vacuum is applied, contracting and adhering tight onto the wheel assembly hub by filling any void, and without unnecessary spare tire equipment and no air pressure to maintain. Vacuum channels in the wheel assembly hub direct and apply even vacuum backpressure to the tire. A vacuum valve is installed into a vacuum chamber, which acts as a conduit to direct vacuum pressure throughout the system. The tire incorporates a possible concave shaped tire tread configuration, comprised of common tire tread rubber and a steel belt. The inner tire core material comprising of solid or porous rubber, jell or a combination of materials provides a solid non-pneumatic core structure.

Abstract: A tire rim for a non-pneumatic tire. The tire rim has an outer hoop that slideably engages a mounting ring disposed on the non-pneumatic tire. The mounting ring is slideably engaged in a lateral direction on the outer hoop. The rim and mounting ring can be secured using one or more mounting plates. The rim allows for the non-pneumatic tire to be easily mounted and removed.

Abstract: A wheel for a cart has a static dissipative mechanism. The wheel has a hub that has a central bore for receiving one or more bearings. The outer periphery of the hub has a conductive ring that has projections extending radially outward. The projections are surrounded by a tread material. A conductive wire extends from the central bore where the bearings are, on the outside of the hub, to the conductive ring. A conductive path is provided for the cart through the bearings, the wire, the conductive ring to ground.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire comprising a toroidal-shaped tube having inner and outer circumferential surfaces and opposite side surfaces collectively forming a hollow chamber therebetween, the tube having at least two openings proximate the inner circumferential surface, and a solid fill composition disposed in the hollow chamber of the tube. The non-pneumatic tire provides the benefits of a smooth, comfortable ride, durability, and lightweight with good load-carrying capability.

Abstract: A trench wheel has a relatively thicker wheel center and gradually tapering side walls that produce a thinner wheel as distance from the hub increases. The wheel center is preferably fabricated from stamped metal into a hat or thimble shape, and has a skirt or brim attached thereto which assists with the retention of an elastomeric outer wheel to the wheel center. Special adapter plates are illustrated which, in combination with the wheel center, permits mounting to both front and rear axles of all popular all-terrain vehicles. A method of controlling water in a field using the trench wheels on a vehicle includes cultivating, planting, and traversing the field to displace earthen matter and thereby channel the field.

Abstract: A wheel is provided for coupling to a bearing case at an outer cylindrical surface and a lateral annular surface of the bearing case. The wheel includes an inner wheel portion with an annular body defining a central hole with an inner cylindrical surface and a lateral annular surface for engaging the bearing case. The inner wheel portion may substantially comprise a thermoset, polyurethane material having a density and have a surface exhibiting a hardness. The wheel also may include an outer wheel portion bonded to the inner wheel portion. The outer wheel portion may be substantially comprised of the same thermoset, polyurethane material as the inner wheel portion. The outer wheel surface may exhibit a hardness substantially the same as that of the inner wheel surface. The inner wheel material may have a lesser density than that of the outer wheel material.

Abstract: A non-inflatable tire comprises a rim, an inner tire layer made of foamed material, and an outer tire layer formed by rotational molding or injection molding to encircle the rim and having at least an injection orifice at a side surface thereof for injecting material of the inner tire layer, wherein the material of the inner tire layer is injected into and foamed in the outer tire layer to form the inner tire layer such that the outer tire layer, the inner tire layer, and the rim are tightly connected with one another.

Abstract: A perdurable composite roller skating cylinder and methodology of making the same from low cost readily available commoditized commercial parts. In the in-line roller skating embodiment the cylinder will provide the combine features of long wear life, shock absorption and smooth running through the use of a rigid nylon core or equivalent and an appropriate longitudinal section of flexible polyurethane tubing or equivalent. This embodiment will permit flexure of the outer periphery of the perdurable composite cylinder in response to forces at the outer surface of the cylinder where it contacts the skating terrain surface. As the perdurable composite cylinder provides superior transverse angle joint support and unique cushioning for the foot. These composite cylinder attributes in an in-line skate embodiment will support an expanded dynamic roller skating maneuver repertoire.

Abstract: A rim drop section dented in a shape of a ring is provided on an inner side of a bead seat section of a rim for holding a bead section of a tire. Furthermore, a recessed section is provided on this rim drop section, and a detecting device main body of a tire air pressure detecting device is accommodated in this recessed section. When a tire is assembled on a cast wheel by utilizing a tire changer or the like, or when the tire is removed from the cast wheel, the bead sections of the tire are prevented from interfering with an air pressure sensor, and damaging of the air pressure sensor is prevented.

Abstract: An integral solid tire is formed with an outer section and an inner foam section. The inner side portion of the outer section comprises a number of layers with one portion integrating to the inner portion of the outer section. When sulfur is added to the outer section for processing, the inner foam section is integrally formed in the inner of the outer section by means of heating and pressure process, and the inner foam section is integral with the other portion of the layers of the outer section. In other words, the inner foam section is integral with the outer section, this design has a low density at the center and gradually increases towards outside in a radius state which has a better shock absorption.