Abstract:
A collapsible wheel includes a rim formed of a number of arched rim elements pivotally connected into an endless series, a connector with a shaft for connection to a golf bag carrier, pushcart or baby cart, a hub sleeved onto the shaft of the connector, first spokes each having one end connected to the rim and the other end for stopping against the periphery of the hug, and second spokes each having an outer spoke segment connected to the rim and an inner spoke segment that has one end hinged to the outer spoke segment and the other end hinged to the hub.
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:
The invention relates to a device which is used to free a vehicle that has become stuck in terrain or to reduce the risk of same, through the use of an additional tread which is disposed parallel to that of each wheel of the vehicle. The additional tread can take the form of an air chamber (2 or 10a and 10b) which may or may not be covered with a tire (11) or of a band comprising different coupling profiles (13, 14 or 15). Said tread is mounted to an anti-sink rim essentially comprising a conical profile (1.2) and a flange (1.1) which is centered in relation to, and applied against the outer side of the rim of the vehicle wheel using at least three bolts having special heads (6), which are inserted and coupled in respective openings in the flange and rim. The diameter of the system is smaller than that of the wheel in order to facilitate mounting and to reduce the risk of interference with the body of the vehicle. The conical shape of the rim profile (1.2) lends natural stiffness to the system and, when not in use, enables same to be easily stacked in order to minimize the storage space required.
Abstract:
A powered wheel assembly, and method and ground-engaging vehicle (e.g., a robotic vehicle) using the same, are provided. The vehicle incorporates at least one of the wheel assemblies on its chassis body. In addition to its ability to propel the vehicle across a surface, the wheel assembly is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration, wherein the wheel assembly has a first rolling diameter, and an expanded configuration, wherein the wheel assembly has a second rolling diameter greater than the first rolling diameter. A drive motor assembly may both rotate the wheel assembly, e.g., propel the vehicle across a surface, and selectively actuate the wheel assembly from the first rolling diameter to the second rolling diameter, or to any intermediate rolling diameter.
Abstract:
A powered wheel assembly, and method and ground-engaging vehicle (e.g., a robotic vehicle) using the same, are provided. The vehicle incorporates at least one of the wheel assemblies on its chassis body. In addition to its ability to propel the vehicle across a surface, the wheel assembly is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration, wherein the wheel assembly has a first rolling diameter, and an expanded configuration, wherein the wheel assembly has a second rolling diameter greater than the first rolling diameter. A drive motor assembly may both rotate the wheel assembly, e.g., propel the vehicle across a surface, and selectively actuate the wheel assembly from the first rolling diameter to the second rolling diameter, or to any intermediate rolling diameter.
Abstract:
A traction device for vehicle wheels has tread segments that are expandable and contractible by secondary inflatable chambers to place studs either in engagement or out of engagement with a road surface. Alternatively, stud bearing tread segments are removably mounted between segments of conventional tread.
Abstract:
Aspects of the present disclosure include a robotic wheel that includes a tensegrity structure, an inner hub, an outer hub, and a cable. The tensegrity structure includes multiple rigid rods and multiple elastic cables, and the tensegrity structure defines a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. The inner hub is disposed at the first end of the tensegrity structure and the outer hub is disposed at the second end of the tensegrity structure. The cable is in contact with the outer hub, extends through the tensegrity structure parallel to the longitudinal axis, and extends through the inner hub. The cable is operable to retract to transition the tensegrity structure to a collapsed state and to extend to transition the tensegrity structure an expanded state.
Abstract:
Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.