Hubless wheel
US5419619A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 30, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Y2200/84
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.