Abstract: A wheel assembly incorporating a solid tire having a controlled deflection under load. A wheel assembly (20,200) includes a solid tire (22,202) mounted on a rim (24,204). The rim includes a plurality of axial grooves (68), radial grooves (60), or "U" shaped slots (216), which engage the sides and inner circumferential surface of the solid tire to prevent its slipping around the rim when applying a tractional force. In addition, the outer circumference of the rim includes ridges (50) or radial projections (224) between which are disposed depressions into which the solid tire may deform when subjected to a radial load. The volume provided in the depressions around the outer circumference of the rim and the shore hardness of the composition from which the solid tire is made determine the extent of radial deflection of the solid tire as a function of load so that it is within a required range.

Abstract: A tire and method of making a tire by attaching a rubber material to a foam core to form an intermediate composite, placing the intermediate composite in mold, then heat during the composite so that the rubber fills the mold and fuses to the surface of the foam core. The tire can be made on a wheel by gluing a foam strip around the wheel, then sanding the foam to a desired tolerance, gluing with rubber cement at least one layer of the rubber material and then curing at a temperature between 180 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 60 minutes. For small scale tires such as those used on remotely operated race cars, the tires are preferably partially cured to increase traction.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire is disclosed having a polyether polyol urethane elastomeric body with a plurality of angular radial ribs interconnected by webbing. The urethane is formed of at least two isocyanate-end capped polyether polyols of differing molecular weights to yield a tire with improved highway life and good vehicle ride characteristics.

Abstract: An axle driven tire is disclosed having an undersized tire with a series of laterally oriented circumferentially spaced tabs extending radially off of the hub into a circumferentially extending recess in the tire to drivingly tie the tire to the hub.

Abstract: A trapezoidal non-pneumatic tire ("TNPT") is integrally molded from a stiff, resilient elastomeric material with particular specifications, to form a unitary structure comprising outer and inner cylindrical coaxial members ("hoops"), the outer being wider than the inner. The outer hoop is supported and cushioned by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart, planar rib members (ribs) and a planar central web member (web) which connects the hoops at their circumferential center lines. The web lies in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the TNPT. The ribs extend axially along the inner and outer hoops, connecting them, and the edges of the ribs lie along the opposite faces of the web. The ribs are angled in the range from 15.degree. to 75.degree. to radial planes which intersect them at their radially inner ends, and the ribs on one side of the web are angled oppositely from those on the other. A rubber tread is secured to the outer surface of the outer hoop.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire ("NPT") is integrally molded from a stiff, resilient elastomeric material with particular specifications, to form a unitary structure comprising outer and inner cylindrical coaxial and coextensive members ("hoops"). The outer hoop is supported and cushioned by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart, planar rib members (ribs) and a planar central web member (web) which connects the hoops at their circumferential center lines. The web lies in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the NPT. The ribs extend axially along the inner and outer hoops, connecting them, and the edges of the ribs lie along the opposite faces of the web. The ribs are angulated in the range from 15.degree. to 75.degree. to radial planes which intersect them at their radially inner ends. A rubber tread is secured to the outer surface of the outer hoop.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire with an annular body of resilient elastomeric material and an outer cylindrical member supported by circumferentially spaced-apart ribs, is provided with four vibration-reducing features. First, the tire has an outer tread surface with a crown radius. Secondly, the tread has a pattern with a plurality of circumferential grooves and lateral grooves arranged to reduce uneven contact pressures caused by radial forces carried by the tire's ribs. Thirdly, the spacing of the ribs is randomly varied around the circumference of the tire to broaden a vibration spectrum caused by the ribs and reduce peak vibrations. Fourthly, a wheel rim that supports the annular body is provided with a structurally incorporated hoop to reduce deflection of the wheel rim during tire operation.

Abstract: Rolling apparatus comprising a support member, first bearing means connected to the support member for rotating relative to the support member, and a first tire of material softer than the bearing means mounted on the circumference of the bearing means, the tire having a circumference that increases from a smaller diameter side to a larger diameter side and a lip extending radially inward over a portion of the bearing means on the larger diameter side of the tire, whereby the lip is biased against the bearing means as the tire travels, and is prevented from moving off the bearing means at either side.

Abstract: A solid rubber tire for vehicle wheels is provided having a tenacious-hard tire base or bottom and also having the solid tire held between the rim flanges of the hub or wheel body. In order to be able to balance or equalize width tolerances of the tire foot or base and/or of the rim, the width of the tire foot or base is variable by one or more zones of reduced hardness, which preferably is attained by two or more zones of approximately equal cross sectional configuration or structure with reduced hardness, which zones are arranged distributed uniformly over the tire base or foot.

Abstract: The tire for heavy load consists of a multi-layered flat ring held in the axial and radial direction by a two-part metal felloe and supported between the felloe by air.

Abstract: A wheel and tire assembly for a vehicle, including a solid rubber tire, and a wheel body, one or both edges of which are provided with a circumferential groove for receiving a retaining ring for the solid tire. In order to be able to repeatedly mount the solid tire with a sufficiently reliable seating, there is inventively proposed to provided the solid tire with a base having a width such that when the retaining ring is omitted, the tire extends slightly into the region which would otherwise be occupied by the retaining ring. Accordingly, when the retaining ring is inserted, the base of the tire must be slightly elastically deformed, thus assuring a secure seating of the tire on a wheel rim therewith.

Abstract: An integral tire wheel structure (10) comprising an annular generally C-shaped support member (12) having disposed at its radially outer end a ground-engaging tread portion (14), an annular generally C-shaped decoupling member (16) disposed at the radially inner end of the annular support member, and an annular mounting member (18) disposed at the radially inner end of the stress decoupling member. The integral tire wheel being made of material wherein the modulus of elasticity divided by the ultimate strength to the three halfs power is no greater than about 2.6.

Abstract: A wheel structure having a rim and a hub interconnected by spokes with a longer portion and a shorter portion meeting at an angle or direction change region at locations all of which lie on a notional circle closer to the hub than to the rim. Preferably, the rim locations lie, in each case, beyond that radius including the spoke-hub origin point. Spurs can be provided at these locations, generally as extensions of the longer portion, to protrude into the back of the next location around the circle and thereby limit the distortion under load.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing wheel assembly having an annular cast iron core member disposed concentrically about an annular bearing seat in spaced relation thereto, with the core member having passageways extending radially therethrough. A continuous integral mass of moldably polyurethane is provided to cover the exterior surface of the core member with a predetermined thickness, to fill the passageways in the core member, and to fill the spacing between the core member and the bearing seat. A method of forming the wheel assembly is provided, which includes locating the core member and bearing seat within a cylindrical mold cavity, permitting flowable polyurethane to flow into the interconnected spacings and passageways, and allowing the polyurethane to cure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a fiber glass filament wound wheel. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a fiber glass filament wound wheel reinforced with an epoxy resin. Most specifically, the present invention is directed to a filament wound, resin, fiber glass reinforced wheel for use, for example, on a transport cart and to a method and apparatus for forming the wheel. The wheels of the invention are formed by a filament winding process wherein a continuous strand of fiber glass is coated with a suitable curable resinous binder, such as a liquid epoxy resin catalyst mixture, and is wound on a metal core between spaced side plates which are shaped to define the shape of the side walls of the finished wheel. The assembly is cured for a suitable period of time and the side plates are removed. A bearing assembly can then be inserted in the wheel in the aperture defined by the core and the wheel assembly can be placed on a transport truck.

Abstract: A wheel is composed of a rigid plastic inner section forming the wheel hub and rim and a resilient plastic tire section encircling the rim. A key formed integrally with the rim extends radially outward therefrom and interlockingly projects into the tire so as to mechanically connect the tire to the rim all around the wheel. The key can be formed with axially extending portions spaced radially outboard of the rim and terminating flush with the outer surface of the tire section so as to provide colored side wall decorations at one or both sides of the wheel.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire for a wheelchair or other wheeled apparatus includes an endless integrally molded solid core rubber tire with a tensile member embedded in the tire to minimize chance of roll-off of the tire from an associated rim. A method for producing the tire is disclosed.

Abstract: A solid, monolithic bicycle tire made of urethane rubber with a cured hardness of from 60 to 70 Durometer A. The tire is formed with a pair of laterally spaced bead shoulders that seat on the bead seats of the wheel rim, and is generally triangular in cross-section, with radially outwardly converging, slightly concave side walls that merge into a relatively narrow tread section. A circumferential, arch-shaped tunnel is formed in the inner side of the tire between the bead shoulders, and the material between the tunnel and the converging outer surfaces forms narrow, inwardly inclined side walls that are compressed when pressure is applied radially inwardly against the tread. The inclination of the side walls results in a substantial amplification of the deflection of the tire under impact loads, as compared to the deflection of similar-thickness side walls that are not inclined, but instead, are parallel to one another.

Abstract: A pneumatic rubber tire having, as its exposed tread, an integral, resilient, covulcanized, closed cell rubber structure.

Abstract: A solid tire and wheel assembly for vehicle moving through a tubular conduit having excellent abrasion resistance particularly excellent uneven wear resistance is produced by forming a composition layer composed of (a) a diene elastomer, (b) .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (c) a divalent metal compound and (d) an organic peroxide on the outer circumferential surface of the metal rim of the wheel and curing said layer by heating.

Abstract: A wheel construction comprising a bearing and a mantle circumscribing the bearing made of a given material, and a reinforcing ring of a material harder than the mantle which is embedded therein, the reinforcing ring having a circumferentially extending flexible protrusion extending beyond at least one axial end face of the bearing at one side of the wheel.

Abstract: A hub or body portion of a skate wheel assembly is supported on an axle through the medium of spaced bearings which provide good support for the hub. The hub is flanged and also has a tongue and groove connection with the tire to hold the tire on and in addition to uniformly distribute stresses therebetween. The tire is removably supported on the hub portion for easy replacement or for substitution of another type of tire, and the parts in one embodiment are constructed and arranged also such that the tire can be reversed end for end. Some embodiments of the invention have an internal construction providing three bearing support of the hub on a wheel spindle.

Abstract: A molded heavy duty wheel and method for making it, comprising a metallic core with a central opening and a circumferential flange, a moldable plastic or rubber material on the interior circumferential portion of the flange, and a tread of moldable plastic or rubber material on the exterior circumferential portion of the flange. The tread portion is bonded to the core to prevent slippage.

Abstract: The wheel is made up of first and second annular wheel portions comprised respectively of low and high coefficient of friction materials; for example, urethane and rubber. These annular portions are bonded together in coaxial relationship. The outer peripheral edges are provided with a calculated radius to aid the transition of a skateboard or roller skate on which the wheel is mounted over surfaces encountered in pools, bowls, skateboard or roller skate parks, ground ridges and the like. Further, the first annular wheel portion of urethane includes a hub coaxially extending within the second annular portion of rubber, the radius of the outer peripheral edge of the second annular portion comprising the rubber curving inwardly to cover the outer peripheral edge portion of the hub to thereby inhibit separation of the first and second wheel portions.

Abstract: A solid industrial polyurethane tire and a wheel assembly comprised of such a tire adhered to a rigid central core, or hub. The hub is generally adaptable to fit onto an axle of an industrial vehicle. Said polyurethane tire is prepared by reacting 2,2'-dithiodianiline with a prepolymer of selected diisocyanates and selected polymeric polyester and polyether polyols and their mixtures.

Abstract: A multipart plastic hub assembly includes a pair of hub members each having an annular inner rim portion, a tire support portion, and a radially extending web portion therebetween. The inner rim of each hub member is notched at circumferentially-spaced intervals therearound in order to facilitate radial flexure thereof and radially inwardly directed detents are positioned on the axial outermost end of each rim portion. A tire of rubber or the like is placed between the two hub members and a center core is inserted through each of the inner rims. The hub members are then brought together in abutting relationship so that the tire is captively retained within the tire support portions and the inwardly directed detents are received in annular grooves formed in the center core adjacent respective ends thereof, to thereby form and retain the integrity of a composite wheel assembly.

Abstract: A solid, monolithic bicycle tire made of urethane rubber with a cured hardness of from 50 to 95 Durometer A. The tire is formed with a pair of laterally spaced bead shoulders that seat on the bead seats of the wheel rim, and has a circumferential, arch-shaped tunnel formed in the inner side of the tire between the bead shoulders. The tunnel co-operates with the channel in the bottom of the wheel rim to form an annular void, or air space, that allows the tire to collapse locally under excessive impact loads, and at the same time provides a space into which the solid urethane elastomer can be displaced under compression. Under normal riding conditions, most of the light shock loads experienced when riding on a relatively smooth road surface are absorbed by the resiliency of the urethane rubber, with only a minor amount of deflection of the arched tunnel. A severe impact causes the tunnel to collapse to a greater extent, thereby absorbing the shock load and preventing damage to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A substantially solid industrial polyurethane tire/wheel assembly where said polyurethane is prepared by reacting (A) a curative of 1,3-propane diol with a prepolymer of diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate and a polymeric polyol or (B) a curative complex of 4,4'-methylene dianiline with a prepolymer of a diisocyanate selected from diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate and toluene diisocyanate with a polymeric polyether polyol. It is an important feature of this invention that the selection of reactants involved, for the dianiline complex, a partial substitution of the polyether polyol with a polyether-ester polyol.

Abstract: A central hub which may contain a bearing or a bushing has a central radial web with reinforcing spokes on each side of the web. The web terminates in an outer rim. An inner rim slightly spaced from the outer rim extends from each side of the web and defines annular cavities on each side of the web. At arcuately spaced intervals in the web between the rims are small perforations. A tire is molded about the outer rim and extends into the annular cavities between the outer and inner rim and through the perforations to form a mechanically integral structure with the web and rims. Additionally thread guard discs or covers may shroud the space between the hub where it protrudes axially beyond the web and the inner face of the inner rim. The covers may be supported either by the bearings in the central bearing apertures of the hub or from the outer faces of the hub itself.

Abstract: A solid industrial polyurethane tire and a wheel assembly comprised of such a tire adhered to a rigid central core, or hub. The hub is generally adaptable to fit onto an axle of an industrial vehicle. Said polyurethane, itself, is prepared by reacting a complex of 4,4'-methylene dianiline and a salt with a prepolymer of selected diisocyanates and selected polyester polyols and polyether polyols and prescribed mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A tire suitable for all types of wheels, including vehicles and wheels, such as in automobiles, motorcycles or bicycles, in which the tire body is an extruded or molded plastic material formed in indeterminate length complete with conventional tread and shape means to fit the usual rim of a wheel. The tire is completed by cutting a length from the indeterminate length of tire body equivalent to the rim size of the wheel for which it is intended, then bonding the ends together. The finished tire may then be stretched and snapped on the wheel frame or rim.

Abstract: A pneumatic or semi-pneumatic unitary tire-wheel comprising a completely enclosed toroidal chamber bonded around a coaxial inner sleeve. A plurality of tie members are integral with and extend between the sidewalls to restrict lateral deformation thereof. Such reinforcing tie members may be hollow to give the appearance of openings between wheel spokes.

Abstract: A wheel of a track assembly of a crawler type vehicle has a resilient contacting element fixed about the wheel rim by first and second anchors. The anchors are slidably movable along angular end portions of a rim opening for securing the contacting element to the rim.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel comprising a hard radially extending core enclosing a hub sleeve, and a soft casing enclosing the core around its circumference and its flanks up to the hub sleeve.

Abstract: An integral pneumatic tire and wheel is described which is molded entirely from homogeneous material comprising elastic polymer. In one embodiment, the integral tire and wheel is composed entirely of elastic polymer.

Abstract: An integral pneumatic tire and wheel is described, comprising a tire portion having an enclosed chamber and a wheel portion having axially spaced support members.

Abstract: A punctureproof non-pneumatic vehicle tire comprising two halves applied on a felly which is subdivided into two parts by a metal or plastic ring. The two symmetrical halves of the tire are built up of segments each of which consists of the tread, the foot, supported by a wire core, and a connecting part. This connecting part is curved and asymmetrically arranged so that the parts in adjacent segments are alternately directed towards the middle of the felly and the edge of the felly. The connecting parts substantially reduce the total mass of the tire and constitute the actual cushioning element.

Abstract: A unitary wheel and tire assembly comprising an injection-molded, thermoplastic wheel and a tire which is injection-molded on the wheel. The tire is of elastic material, such as synthetic or natural rubber, and having irregular inner surface portions complementary to the irregularity in the confronting surface portions of the wheel to bring about a reliable mechanical interfit.

Abstract: An integral pneumatic tire and wheel is described, comprising a tire portion having an enclosed chamber and a wheel portion having axially spaced support members.