Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wheel apparatus that includes a rim module coupleable to an axle and a solid tire module that extends from the rim module. The solid tire module includes a plurality of tread teeth that form a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge forms at least a portion of a tire profile. Each tread tooth of the plurality of tread teeth has a spatial specification that includes a circumferential width, a radial height, an edge shape, and a circumferential gap width. The spatial specifications of the plurality of tread teeth are non-uniform. In one embodiment, the solid tire module has a non-circular rotational trace. In another embodiment, at least a circumferential region of the peripheral edge comprises a sequence of tread teeth having sequentially increasing radial height.

Abstract: A loose terrain traction assist device for wheeled vehicles includes a generally frusto-conical structure having a proximal portion with a diameter smaller than an overall diameter of a tire of a vehicle, a distal portion that extends outwardly from the wheel, and an outer surface defined between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The traction assist device also includes an attachment arrangement for releasably coupling the frusto-conical structure to a wheel assembly of the vehicle, such that at least part of the frusto-conical structure is adapted to engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle in loose terrain and to not engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle on normal terrain.

Abstract: A loose terrain traction assist device for wheeled vehicles includes a generally frusto-conical structure having a proximal portion with a diameter smaller than an overall diameter of a tire of a vehicle, a distal portion that extends outwardly from the wheel, and an outer surface defined between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The traction assist device also includes an attachment arrangement for releasably coupling the frusto-conical structure to a wheel assembly of the vehicle, such that at least part of the frusto-conical structure is adapted to engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle in loose terrain and to not engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle on normal terrain.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a loose terrain traction assist device for wheeled vehicles, comprising a generally frusto-conical structure having a proximal portion with a diameter smaller than an overall diameter of a tire of a vehicle, a distal portion that extends outwardly from the wheel, and an outer surface defined between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The traction assist device also includes an attachment means for releasably coupling the frusto-conical structure to a wheel assembly of the vehicle, such that at least part of the frusto-conical structure is adapted to engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle in loose terrain and to not engage with terrain during operation of the vehicle on normal terrain.

Abstract: A wheel-and-tire apparatus having at least two coaxially mounted tires is disclosed in which the diameters of one or more of the tires in the apparatus may be adjusted to select the tire or tires which are to be in contact with the road surface. The apparatus facilitates the selective use of tires having different performance characteristics, as may be desired or preferred to suit particular road conditions or vehicle operating conditions. The diameters of particular tires are increased or decreased as required to achieve a desired configuration of relative tire diameters, using tire diameter adjustment means such as one or more pneumatic pumps mounted in association with the apparatus. Sensors monitor selected operational parameters of the vehicle and transmit corresponding signals to a computer which selects an optimal tire configuration to suit the particular combination of operational parameters received from the sensors.

Abstract: A traction device for vehicle wheels comprises an expandable and contractible member (10) mounted next to a wheel (70) or in between dual wheels (12, 14). In another embodiment the device comprises an air chamber (106, 134) formed in the tread of the tire (120).

Abstract: A vacuum intake horn is constantly secured to a portion of a land vehicle and connected to a vacuum generator to increase the load on the wheels and, thereby, enhance traction. In order to minimize the clearance between the intake horn face and road surface for greater vacuum force, the vacuum intake horn is attached to a portion of the vehicle such that movement of the vacuum intake horn relative to an associated wheel of the vehicle is no greater than 75% of the movement of the vehicle chassis relative to the wheel. The vacuum intake horn is mounted behind and substantially entirely within the outline of a tire, so that the tire protects the vacuum intake horn from debris and bumps in the road. In one embodiment, the vacuum intake horn is attached to the vehicle by a compensation arrangement that maintains the vacuum intake horn at a generally constant height close to the road surface despite tire deflection or movement of the chassis relative to the associated wheel.

Abstract: A tire as provided with a circumferential portion for contacting a road surface. Edge segments thereof include studs and an inflatable chamber at the edge segment is inflated and deflated to extend and withdraw the edge segments for engagement and disengagement with the road surface.

Abstract: An all terrain wheel for a wheelchair includes an integral wheel body having an annular rim, a central hub, and an array of struts extending radially between the hub and the rim. An outer face of the rim includes a circumferential groove sized and configured for fitted receipt of an inflatable inner tube and tire assembly on the rim. The outer face extends axially on opposite sides of the groove to outboard and inboard circumferential edges, forming an outboard rim portion with an integral handrail and an inboard rim portion, thereby providing an enlarged ground engaging surface which discourages sinking of the wheel into sand, mud, snow, grass and like soft terrain. Transverse ribs on the outer rim face provide traction as well as a thumb grip when manually propelling the wheel. A flat face of the struts is disposed generally transverse to the plane of the wheel so that the struts function as paddles for providing propulsion in water as the wheel is rotated.