Abstract: A non-circular wheel assembly for vehicles. The wheel assembly includes a wheel body having a first radius and a second radius, measured from a center of rotation of the wheel body. The wheel assembly includes a compensation mechanism compensating for changing height values of the center of rotation with respect to an external contact surface of the wheel during rotation. The compensation mechanism includes a linear support member with a first connector mounting a vehicle frame to the wheel body. A second connector adjustably connects the compensation mechanism to the wheel body and is positioned at the center of rotation but apart from the first connector. The compensation mechanism includes a linear position assembly adjusting positions of the second connector relative to the first connector during rotation, which allows a distance between the first connector and the outer contact surface to remain constant to provide a single ride height.

Abstract: A non-circular wheel assembly for vehicles. The wheel assembly includes a wheel body having a first radius and a second radius, measured from a center of rotation of the wheel body. The wheel assembly includes a compensation mechanism compensating for changing height values of the center of rotation with respect to an external contact surface of the wheel during rotation. The compensation mechanism includes a linear support member with a first connector mounting a vehicle frame to the wheel body. A second connector adjustably connects the compensation mechanism to the wheel body and is positioned at the center of rotation but apart from the first connector. The compensation mechanism includes a linear position assembly adjusting positions of the second connector relative to the first connector during rotation, which allows a distance between the first connector and the outer contact surface to remain constant to provide a single ride height.

Abstract: The eccentric wheel apparatus includes a rotating frame, a wheel frame, and a circular adjustment member. Here, the inner portion of a cylindrical body is isolated by an isolation plate and an axial tube to which a driving shaft is fixed is eccentrically formed via the isolation place, in the rotating frame. Accordingly, the rotating frame and the wheel frame are combined with or released from each other. In the case that the rotating frame and the wheel frame are released from each other, the wheel frame can be freely eccentrically adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing or reducing contamination of a surface of a substrate, or protecting a surface of a substrate by making a surface of a substrate hydrophilic, by means of arranging, successively in relation to the substrate, a first layer containing a negatively-charged substance, and a second layer containing a positively-charged substance or containing a positively-charged substance and a negatively-charged substance on the surface of the substrate or in a surface layer of the substrate. In accordance with the present invention, a novel method for preventing or reducing adhesion of contaminants, and color degradation or color change of a substrate over time, can be provided.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle may include a rim and an energy recovery system. The energy recovery system may include a flywheel and an infinitely variable transmission (IVT). The flywheel may be concentric with the rim and operable to rotate relative to the rim. The IVT may be positioned within the flywheel and couple the rim to the flywheel. When the vehicle is decelerating and an angular velocity of the rim is greater than an angular velocity of the flywheel, kinetic energy of the rim may be imparted to the flywheel and stored as mechanical potential energy thereby providing a braking force to the vehicle. Alternatively, when the vehicle is accelerating and the angular velocity of the rim is less than the angular velocity of the flywheel, the mechanical potential energy of the flywheel may be imparted to the wheel thereby providing an accelerating force to the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel rocking system includes a hub for coupling to a rotational axis. A rim is coupled to the hub and a wheel is coupled to the rim. A rocking mechanism is associated with the wheel. The rocking mechanism is operable to provide a rocking motion when the wheel is rotated.

Abstract: A wheel having a hub centered upon an axis of rotation is provided with a disc member extending outwardly from the hub and centered upon a plane that intersects the axis at an angle between 47 and 87 degrees and terminates in a rim member having a radially measured thickness which progressively varies between diametrically opposed thick and thin regions which are in reversed relationship on opposed surfaces of the wheel.

Abstract: A surface finishing and coating methodology that provides a superior looking aluminum product with acceptable corrosion performance for outdoor use. In one embodiment, a coating of high purity aluminum is applied first to an aluminum article or product via cold or thermal spray and the mechanical surface modification (e.g., polishing, buffing, brushing, etc.) is clone second. The resulting product has the desirable light weight and mechanical properties of aluminum with the chosen look and performance of the high purity aluminum coating. The aluminum product to be coated may be obtained by extrusion, forging, casting, or rolling.

Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members and a retainer for holding the roller in the side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The load wheel assembly can be moved vertically or horizontally into a mounted position within the outrigger and at least a portion of the interface structure mates with the mounting structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle, for example, a self-propelled and/or pedal vehicle such as a tricycle, bicycle, scooter, micro-scooter, or collapsible scooter, for example, adapted for use by children or infants. Accordingly, a self-propelled vehicle comprising illuminatable direction indicator means comprising left turn and right turn indictor means, which selectably operate by turning of a steering means or column of the self-propelled vehicle to the left or to the right, respectively, the steering means or column comprising handlebars in one embodiment. The self-propelled vehicle may comprise a tricycle.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing aluminum vehicle wheels by a casting process that is followed by processing including flow forming and heat treatment steps while one or more risers remain on the cast wheel blank. The process can include directing cooling fluid onto an exposed surface of the casting mold to enhance wheel strength. One-by-one transfer of wheel blanks can be practiced to avoid negative aspects of batch processing.

Abstract: A wheel includes a metal rim, an electrically conductive hub, a thermoelectric device, and a battery. The metal rim is exposed out of a circumference surface of the wheel for contacting with the ground. The thermoelectric device is connected between the metal rim and the electrically conductive hub for generating electric energy using temperature difference between the metal rim and the electrically conductive hub. The battery has two electrodes connected to the metal rim and the electrically conductive hub, respectively. The battery is configured for collecting electric energy generated by the thermoelectric device.

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 decorative overlay comprised of thin plastic or metal may be securely fastened to a wheel using one or more preformed, solid, dimensionally stable, heat-activatable adhesive bodies. The use of such adhesive bodies offers significant processing and performance advantages over conventional methods for cladding wheels.

Abstract: A centrifugal wheel apparatus for a vehicle having a plurality of pivoting elements attachable to an interior of a vehicle wheel that, when subjected to centripetal force, pivot away from the vehicle wheel and toward a pneumatic tire attached to the vehicle wheel to reshape the pneumatic tire into a dome thereby decreasing surface contact between the vehicle and a surface so that the vehicle may travel with less resistance and increased economy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel assembly capable of preventing a floor from being contaminated due to dust or impurities existing on driving wheels that move a body case. The wheel assembly includes a driving wheel that moves a body case in at least one direction, and at least one dust separator having an inclination angle with respect to an axial center line of the driving wheel to separate dust from the driving wheel.

Abstract: A wheel (11) having a wheel rim (13) and a centre portion configured as a central disc (15). A tyre (17) is mounted on the rim (13). The wheel rim (13) comprises a generally annular body (21) incorporating a rim well (25). The rim well (25) defines a radially inner portion (27) which presents a radially inner face (29). The radially inner face (29) is of an annular configuration centred about the axis of rotation of the wheel. The centre disc (15) comprises a generally circular plate (31) having an outer periphery (35). The plate (31) incorporates a centre hole (37) and circumferentially spaced mounting holes (39) for receiving wheel studs. The outer periphery (35) is of a diameter which allows the plate (31) to be snugly received within the confines of the annular face (29) of the rim (13).The annular inner face (29) of the rim (13) has an axial extent (in the direction of rotation of the wheel) which is significantly greater than the thickness of the plate (31).

Abstract: The invention is a high-efficiency wheel product for use with various ground vehicles. The product is designed to provide rolling support to the vehicle and to accommodate various surface conditions, for example, smooth pavement, rough pavement, potholes, dirt roads, and other conditions. The wheel product includes a multi-chambered pneumatic tire designed to minimize energy loss between the tire and a rolling surface by substantially reducing tire flex, a main source of energy loss in ground vehicles. Additionally, the product can reduce the need for conventional drive train elements such as shock absorbers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat running device to be fitted on a tubeless mounted assembly for an automobile, and to such a mounted assembly including said device. The flat running device (30) of the invention comprises: an annular bearing structure (31) comprising a ring having a radially outside bearing face (31a) for bearing a flat-running tyre cover (20), and at least one tightening belt (32) surrounding the ring so as to maintain the same substantially in contact with a running rim (10), at least one radial reinforcement (31b) being formed in the bearing face, the tightening belt(s) being applied on said reinforcement and being recessed relative to the bearing face. According to the invention, the bearing structure includes a means (33) for locking it in this hollow (11) by mounting the same so as to bear against a side wall (11b) of the hollow, a radially inner face (31c) of the locking means being adapted so as to conform to the axial profile of the bottom (11a) of said hollow.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle wheel having a significant effect of preventing dirtying due to brake dust. A + (positively)-charged coating film in which the water contact angle is 35° or less and the product of saturated charging voltage (kV)×charge half life (sec) is 50 or less is formed on the surface of a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: The omni-directional drive device comprises a main wheel (2) comprising an endless annular member rotatable around a center of cross section perpendicular to a corresponding tangential line, electric motors (5R and 5L) for producing rotative forces around the rotation axis of the main wheel (2) and around the center of cross section perpendicular to a corresponding tangential line of the main wheel (2) and an arrangement (rotary members (4R and 4L) fitted with free rollers (3R and 3L)) for converting the rotational forces of the electric motors (5R and 5L) to the rotational forces around the rotation center of the main wheel (2) and around the center (C) of cross section perpendicular to a corresponding tangential line of the main wheel (2).

Abstract: Provided is a tire wheel assembly making it possible to effectively reduce cavity resonance noise without causing either negative influence on deformation of a tire or deterioration in rim assembling workability. A tire wheel assembly of the present invention includes a pneumatic tire, and a wheel provided with a rim fitted with the pneumatic tire, and forms a cavity portion between the pneumatic tire and the rim. The tire wheel assembly comprises at least one tube, which has one end thereof closed while having a length of 55% to 110% of a reference length L0 corresponding to one fourth of a cavity resonance wavelength, is provided so as to open to the cavity portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a type of secure and efficient wheel assembly using fluid or solid stuffing materials so as to minimize the blowout risks, a wheel rim transmission assembly, an energy exchanging arrangement used in transporting system, and a vehicle energy storage system, as well as corresponding methods for manufacturing and preparing such assemblies and arrangements in applications.

Abstract: A wheel for a vehicle including an outer rim and an inner rim, in which the outer rim is comprised of a disk section formed by embossing a first portion having a certain thickness and a rim section formed by drawing a second portion having a smaller thickness than the first portion so as to make a periphery of the disk section; and the inner rim is comprised of superimposed portions formed by drawing and to be superimposed on prescribed positions of the disk section of the outer rim. Flange sections of the outer and inner rims are respectively inwardly curled so as to form a double-layered structure. The outer and inner rims are integrated by welding with the superimposed portions set at the prescribed positions of the disk section.

Abstract: Improved blow-molded wheels, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same are disclosed. The blow-molded wheels may include a blow-molded body that has a tread surface, first and second sidewalls and an axis. The body may be configured to rotate about the axis. The tread surface may extend circumferentially around the body and may extend between the first and second sidewalls. A first region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first sidewall and a part line of the blow-molded body. A second region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first region and the part line. A first radial distance from the axis to the first region may exceed a second radial distance from the axis to the second region by at least a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle component, such as a wheel, is formed of a magnesium alloy for weight reduction in an automotive vehicle. It is expected that the wheel will be attached to other vehicle wheel-related componenets that are formed of metal compositions (for example, steel or cast iron components) that may lead to the corrosion of the magnesium wheel. Such attachment surfaces of the magnesium wheel are oxidized to form an integral and durable oxide layer on the magnesium wheel. When the magnesium wheel is attached to vehicle wheel supporting components of other alloys, the oxide layer-coated surfaces of the magnesium wheel are electrochemically isolated from the non-magnesium materials to prevent oxidation of the wheel or attached components.

Abstract: This specification relates to the improvement of load wheels. The current design of load wheels results in the most of load being born by the ends of the wheel. The invention distributes the load across the entire load wheel assembly, thereby reducing friction. Reducing friction extends the service life of the load wheel.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating speed of a vehicle having a plurality of wheels includes a wheel speed sensor coupled to each of the wheels for providing a first vehicle speed based on an average tire size associated with the plurality of wheels. A GPS sensor provides a second vehicle speed based on a change in position of the vehicle over a predetermined period of time. A control module automatically calibrates the speed of the vehicle based on a comparison of the first and second vehicle speeds.

Abstract: A wheel 100 rotatable about a main axis 106a, including: (a) a frame 111 including multiple supports 114; (b) a first series 150 of rollers 140 radially spaced from the main axis and aligned with a first plane 160a normal to the main axis, the first series of rollers spaced to form a first discontinuous rim; and (c) a second series 152 of rollers radially spaced from the main axis and aligned with a second plane 160c normal to the main axis. The second series of rollers are spaced to form a second discontinuous rim. The first and second planes are aligned parallel to and spaced from one another. Each roller 140 is: (i) rotatable about an axis normal 117 to the main axis; (ii) mounted between a pair of the supports 115; and (iii) has a lateral central cross-sectional diameter greater than the diameter of its end portions.

Abstract: A method for determining the force at the hub of a wheel of a vehicle while traveling. The wheel includes a rim and at least one deformation sensor directly associated with the rim in at least one predetermined position and arranged according to at least one predetermined orientation. The method includes the steps of detecting at least one deformation component of the rim during travel through the at least one deformation sensor; applying to the at least one deformation component, during travel, a correlation parameter characteristic of the rim, between the force at the hub and the relative deformation of the rim to determine at least one force component at the hub correlated with the at least one deformation component of the rim.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow that incorporates a stand coupled to a tub, a handle at the distal end of the wheelbarrow, and a wheel mount at the proximal end of the wheelbarrow. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the wheel mount and comprises a rim surrounded by a non-pneumatic tire. The tire has a mounting region and an expanded region. The axial width of the expanded region is substantially greater than the axial width of the mounting region and the tire has a relatively flat tread surface.

Abstract: A low profile roller includes a wheel mounted on a hollow hub and having a roller ball mounted within the hollow hub. The roller is configured to function in a first, low profile operating mode when the roller ball is in contact with a support surface and in a second, high profile mode when the wheel is in contact with the support surface. A base for a movable support platform includes a base frame and a pivot sleeve rotatably mounted to the base frame and non-rotatably mounted to an arm connected to the hub. The pivot sleeve is configured to rotate the low profile roller from between the first mode and the second mode. A butterfly foot pedal is operably connected to the pivot sleeve.

Abstract: A wheel end (A) has a housing (2, 70, 80, 90) and a hub (4) provided with a spindle (32) that projects into the housing, and the hub rotates relative to the housing on an antifriction bearing (6) located between the housing and hub spindle. The housing has a tubular core (12, 72, 82, 92) that encloses the bearing and ring mounts (14, 74, 84, 94) spaced outwardly from the core and also webs (16,76,86,96) that connect the ring mounts to the core. A road wheel (B) is attached to the hub and rotates with the hub relative to the housing. The housing is secured to a suspension upright (C) at its ring mounts. The core deflects relative to the ring mounts, owning to forces and moments transferred through the bearing from the suspension upright to the road wheel and vice versa, and the magnitude of those forces and moments are reflected in signals derived from strain sensor modules (SM) attached to the webs of the housing.

Abstract: A wheel, such as a traction wheel, with a momentum enhancing apparatus. The momentum enhancing apparatus may selectively enhance the wheel's ability to maintain its angular velocity at relatively high speeds, while having a reduced effect on the angular velocity of the wheel at relatively slow speeds. The momentum enhancing apparatus may include one or more bodies that either translate radially between the hub and the rim of the wheel to change the mass moment of inertia of the wheel, or rotate with the wheel and transfer the momentum of the bodies to the wheel under increasing loads. Methods of using such apparati and vehicles equipped with such apparati are also enclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing aluminum vehicle wheels by a casting process that is followed by processing including flow forming and heat treatment steps while one or more risers remain on the cast wheel blank. The process can include directing cooling fluid onto an exposed surface of the casting mold to enhance wheel strength.

Abstract: A step assembly for an automotive wheel includes a first member at least partially defining an annular track, a second member connected with respect to the track for movement along the track, and a third member defining a stepping surface. The third member is pivotably connected with respect to the second member for selective movement between a stowed position in which the third member acts as a center wheel cap, and a second position in which the third member presents a horizontal step surface. The third member is movable along the track with the second member to enable a vehicle user to reposition the step surface after wheel rotation.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a wheel body having an elongated guiding slot radially extended from a center of the wheel body; and an axle centrifugal adjusting arrangement, which includes a sliding member slidably mounted along the guiding slot for mounting the wheel body to the wheel axle; and a gear adjustment device including a first gear unit mounted at the guiding slot of the wheel body, and a second gear unit mounted at the sliding member to substantially engage with the first gear unit so as to selectively adjust the sliding member to slide along the guiding slot.

Abstract: A self-contained toy wheel having a rim with a tire which revolves around a weighted, stationary hub assembly. The hub assembly has an off-center weight which keeps the hub assembly at the same orientation at all times regardless of rim position, speed or angle of motion.

Abstract: A wheel structure for vehicles, capable of reducing a columnar resonance sound occurring in a wheel during a travel of a vehicle. A cross-sectional shape of a closed space defined by a wheel and a tire is varied in the circumferential direction so that a columnar resonance frequency in the closed space varies with a rotation of a wheel unit.

Abstract: In order to provide a suspension which is inexpensive and light in weight and which can attain substantially improved vehicle-riding comfort without lowering drivability, an axle 1 is hanged from a chassis side (side rails 4) by resilient supports (leaf and air springs 2 and 3) with different spring characteristics arranged forwards and backwards of the axle. The axle 1 is allowed to make rolling motion due to difference in spring characteristic between the forward and backward resilient supports.

Abstract: A tire and wheel assembly permits hand-mounting of the tire on the wheel by specifying the relationship of the tire bead circumference and the wheel geometry so that:

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: The present invention provides a compound wheel comprising an inner wheel member confined within an outer wheel member. The inner wheel member has a hub, a central part, and an inner rim, and the outer wheel member has an outer rim, with means for preventing lateral displacement of the inner rim and the outer rim relative to one another. In an embodiment, a lubricant is provided in the space confined between the opposing surfaces of the inner rim and the outer rim. Means may be provided for preventing relative slipping of the outer surface of the inner rim and the inner surface of the outer rim relative to one another.

Abstract: A road wheel composition having high surface hardness and high strength, which is manufactured by a heat treatment of a metal powder containing Fe as a main component, C, Si, Mn, P, S, Al, Ti, N, Cr, and B, and a method for manufacturing a road wheel for an automobile having high surface hardness and high strength by quenching an end of a formed road wheel rim by means of high-frequency heater and cooler using the road wheel composition. Road wheel composition includes Fe as a main component, C of 0.10 to 0.40 wt %, Si of 0.15 to 0.35 wt %, Mn of 0.35 to 2.0 wt %, P of not exceeding 0.03 wt %, S of not exceeding 0.3 wt %, Al of 0.05 to 0.15 wt %, Ti of 0.005 to 0.03 wt %, Nb of 0.025 to 0.045 wt %, Cr of not exceeding 0.35 wt %, and B of not exceeding 0.005 wt %. Road wheel having excellent surface hardness and high strength is manufactured.

Abstract: A wheel adapted for use by an automotive vehicle is provided. Such a wheel comprises a circular rim having an outer edge and defining an axis and a transverse plane perpendicular to the axis. A disc is operably engaged with the outer edge of the rim so as to be in coaxial relation with the rim. The disc has a plurality of radially-extending spokes and defines a vent window between successive spokes, wherein the vent window has a radially outermost portion. A valve defining an axis, and having a mounting end and a beak end, is adapted for filling and controlling pressure in a tire mounted on the wheel. A bore defined by the rim is configured to receive the valve therein such that the mounting end is operably engaged with the bore at a mounting point and the beak end extends outwardly of the rim and through the vent window.

Abstract: An automotive wheel incorporating a selectively retractable foot step. The wheel has a wheel opening defined by a wheel opening periphery. Located at the opening is a pedestal having a disk, the periphery of which is rotatably interfaced with the wheel opening periphery. A step is pivotally mounted to the pedestal. The disk has a disk cut-out configured for receiving therein the step. The step is pivotal from a retracted position whereat the step is parallel to the disk and received in the disk cut-out, to a deployed position whereat the step is perpendicular to the disk. A retainer is used to selectively hold the step at the retracted position.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes an output shaft that is directly mountable to a wheel adapter to drive a vehicle wheel. A gear assembly is coupled to the output shaft to transfer driving force from an input to the output shaft. The gear assembly includes an output gear that is directly coupled to the output shaft. Thus, the wheel adapter and output gear are both supported directly on the output shaft. The gear assembly and output shaft are substantially enclosed within a housing that is mounted to a non-rotating vehicle component. The output shaft is solely supported by a pair of bearings for rotation relative to the housing. The bearings are installed for direct engagement with the output shaft and housing.

Abstract: An automotive wheel incorporating a selectively retractable foot step. The wheel has a wheel opening defined by a wheel opening periphery. Located at the opening is a pedestal having a disk, the periphery of which is rotatably interfaced with the wheel opening periphery. A step is pivotally mounted to the pedestal. The disk has a disk cut-out configured for receiving therein the step. The step is pivotal from a retracted position whereat the step is parallel to the disk and received in the disk cut-out, to a deployed position whereat the step is perpendicular to the disk. A retainer is used to selectively hold the step at the retracted position.

Abstract: A drive for a vehicle traversing rough terrain including first and second drive units and first and second pairs of tires. The first drive unit includes a first differential and axle. The second drive unit includes a second differential and axle. A secondary drive shaft synchronizes the second and first differentials. Each tire is divided into first and second segments. The center of the first segment is the rotational center of the tire so as to allow it to roll when in contact with the rough terrain. The first segment extends 240° and the second segment extends 120°. The radius of curvature of the second segment is greater than that of the first segment so as to allow it to be only slightly curved and almost flat, and as a result thereof, pointed areas are formed that bite into, and allow the second segment to grip, the rough terrain.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second wheel sections configured to mate in axially opposed relationship to define a rotatable wheel body. The wheel body has a peripheral outer surface extending circumferentially about an axis of rotation and a bearing cavity centered on the axis. Each of the wheel sections has an axial projection and an axial recess configured to receive the projection on the other of the wheel sections. This limits rotation of the wheel sections relative to each other about the axis when the wheel sections are received in the axially opposed relationship.