Abstract: A wheel comprising means for providing one or more protrusions in a ground-engaging surface of the wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel comprises a first hub, a tire mounted on the first hub, a second hub rotatable with respect to the first hub, and means for deforming the tire in a generally radial direction in response to relative rotation between the first and second hubs. The invention also provides a wheel cover comprising an outer surface having one or more protrusions and, when the cover is fitted to a wheel, the outer surface of the cover provides the ground-engaging surface of the wheel. The wheel and wheel cover of the invention are particularly suited for use with prams and similar vehicles in order to impart a rocking motion to the pram during use.

Abstract: A transport mechanism (104) for transporting a load-assembly (102), the transport mechanism comprising a closed flexible track (106) supported at an internal side thereof by at least two support rollers (108, 110), which at a first position one of the support rollers (108) exerts a force having a downward component onto the flexible track (106) at a point of contact thereof with a ground surface and biasing arrangement for biasing said flexible track (106) so as to assume a substantially circular shape. A displacing mechanism (112) is coupled to at least one of the support rollers for mutually displacing the support rollers into a second position, against the biasing arrangement in which the support rollers force the track to assume a state in which an extended portion (122) thereof is in contact with the ground surface and at least two of the support rollers are positioned at two ends of the portion.

Abstract: A racing wheel for a vehicle such as a bicycle. The wheel includes a rotationally stationary inner component connectable to the bicycle, a rotatable outer hoop having a bearing engaging surface, a ground engaging tread disposed on the outer hoop, and bearings mounted on the inner component to be rotationally stationary therewith. The bearings each include a support surface contoured to operatively engage the outer hoop bearing engaging surface such that the outer hoop is axially and radially supported relative to the inner component to allow rotation therebetween. The bearings are positioned around the inner component at particularly selected locations to achieve high wheel performance.

Abstract: A lightweight set of attachments adapted to convert a conventional wheelchair to an all-terrain vehicle without compromising the general utility of said wheelchair for everyday use.

Abstract: A hubless wheel for a vehicle which provides advantageous weight and aerodynamic properties. The wheel includes a rotationally stationary inner hoop, coupled to the vehicle, and a rotatable outer hoop, concentric with the inner hoop. The inner hoop and outer hoop are both fabricated with a woven fiber composite shell. A ground engaging tread is disposed on the radial periphery of the outer hoop. Bearings, preferably three rotating bearings spaced circumferentially around the inner hoop at approximately 120.degree. intervals, are mounted on the inner hoop to be rotationally stationary therewith and each include a support surface on their respective radial peripheries. The support surface is particularly contoured to operatively engage a bearing engaging surface located on the inner periphery of the outer hoop. The outer hoop is axially and radially supported relative to the inner hoop through this engagement to allow rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for moving within pipes to determine the condition of the interior of the pipes. The vehicle has at least one wheel which is capable of travelling on walls of magnetic material. Each wheel comprises an outer wheel member having an annular peripheral wall with an inner wheel member including a portion of magnetically permeable material. The inner wheel member has an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the outer wheel member and is rollable on the inner peripheral surface of the outer wheel member. A magnet is provided in the inner wheel member having magnetic poles in contact with the permeable portion of the inner wheel. The vehicle is capable of moving through pipes without being blocked by obstacles such as a vertical wall extending from a horizontal surface. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and a sensor processing module receives distance and time data and processes the data to determine whether the pipe is clear or obstructed.

Abstract: A wheelchair including two large carrying wheels mounted on opposite sides of a central frame is provided. One portion of the central frame is collapsible and is designated to support a seat. Another portion of the central frame defines a footrest. Steering wheels associated with the footrest also are provided. Each carrying wheel includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer and inner rings are concentrically oriented relative to each other such that the outer periphery of the inner ring and the inner periphery of the outer ring engage bearing elements located therebetween. The outer periphery of the outer ring is adapted to support a tire. The volume defined by the inner ring is devoid of any axle, shaft, or spoke. The frame is attached to the inner ring of the adjacent carrying wheels by releasable connectors.

Abstract: A wheel (10) designed to travel on a given support surface comprises a central part (11) and a peripheral part (12) concentric to the central part. The two parts are coupled by a bearing (19) comprising an inner annular element integral with the central part and an outer annular element integral with the peripheral part. The peripheral part comprises a contact element (20) in contact with the support surface and the central part is connected to the basic structure (15) of the vehicle at a decentralized point of attachment (21). The outer part of the bearing (19) comprises a braking ring (22) which co-operates with braking jaws (23) mounted on an arm (13) connected by a swivelling axis (14) to the basic structure (15). The wheel is particularly suitable for passenger cars, motorcycles, trailers, etc.

Abstract: Portable collapsible spokeless wheels are formed with a rotating circular wheel rim element defining a full circle and without a central axle, hub, or spokes. The wheel rim element is formed around its outer periphery with a land portion or tread portion for bearing against the ground. The wheel rim element fits within a fender rim element which defines only a portion of a circle but greater than a half circle. At least three sets of rollers or casters are distributed around the inner surface of the fender rim element for bearing against and within a groove formed around the wheel rim. The rollers or casters are complementary with the groove portion of wheel rim element and are spaced apart to define an arc greater than a half circle. The fender rim element is further provided with braces which tie the ends of the fender rim element together and constrain the wheel rim element into a circular arch for bearing the weight of a load in compression rather than in suspension or tension.

Abstract: The propulsion wheels of a manually propelled wheelchair are equipped with one-way engaging and one-way freewheeling clutch devices which cooperate with races fixed to the wheelchair frame, whereby unwanted backward movement of the wheelchair is prevented and forward movement at all times is enabled. An override mechanism including a spider attached to each hand propulsion ring disables the one-way engaging clutch devices when the wheelchair occupant intentionally moves the propulsion wheels in a backward mode. No controls separate from the manual propulsion wheels are present, assuring the chair occupant constant control of the chair through the hand propulsion rings at all times.

Abstract: A wheel for a vehicle has an inner driving element with an outer circumferential surface and an outer driven element with an inner circumferential surface, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the inner driving element has a smaller diameter than the inner circumferential surface of the outer driven element, and thereby the outer driven element is arranged loosely on the inner driving element and has a contact with the latter over a small circumferential region.

Abstract: A spokeless wheel which comprises a shroud in which a rotor (or hoop) is rotatably disposed and lateral bearings to laterally stabilize the rotor within the shroud. A series of resiliently mounted bearings are spaced about the shroud for rotatably retaining the rotor (or hoop) within the shroud and for transmitting load and for absorbing any impact forces imparted to the rotor as it rolls over the ground.