Patent · US Expired

Compliant wheel

US7013939B2 · kind B2 · utility

80Cited by

7References

19Claims

0Family size

Assignee

MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A. · CH

Inventors

Timothy B. Rhyne · Greenville, US
Steven M. Cron · Simpsonville, US
Jean-Pierre Pompier · Riom, FR

Key dates

Filing date	Jul 14, 2003
Grant date	Mar 21, 2006
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Jul 14, 2023

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB60B2310/204
WIPO fieldTransport
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A compliant wheel includes a compliant band and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and inward from the reinforced compliant band for attachment to a hub. The compliant band bends to comply with a contact surface and to envelope obstacles. The web spokes transmit load forces between the compliant band and the hub through tension in the web spokes not connected to the ground contacting portion of the wheel. The outer surface of the compliant band may be formed to include a tread, or a separate tread band may be attached.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.