US7013939B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compliant wheel
Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland
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Filing: 2003-07-14
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Granted: 2006-03-21
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Expires: 2023-07-14
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Timothy B. Rhyne
- 👤 Steven M. Cron
- 👤 Jean-Pierre Pompier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:25
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60B; B60B1/00; B60B1/02; B60B1/0215; B60B1/0223; B60B1/0261; B60B1/0276; B60B1/04; B60B1/042; B60B9/00; B60B9/02; B60B9/26; B60C; B60C7/00; B60C7/10; B60C7/14; B60C7/146; B60C7/16; B60C7/18; B60B2310/00; B60B2310/20; B60B2310/204
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A compliant wheel, comprising: a hub; a compliant band disposed radially outward of the hub; and, a plurality of tensile force transmitting elements extending between the hub and the compliant band and connected thereto, wherein, the tensile force transmitting elements transmit tensile force between the hub and ring, and transmit no substantial force in compression, and a ratio of the nominal radius of the compliant band to the peak to peak radial displacement of the compliant band is equal to or greater than about 1500.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
A compliant wheel, comprising: a hub; a compliant band disposed radially outward of the hub; and, a plurality of tensile force transmitting elements extending between the hub and the compliant band and connected thereto, wherein, the tensile force transmitting elements transmit tensile force between the hub and ring, and transmit no substantial force in compression, and a ratio of the nominal radius of the compliant band to the peak to peak radial displacement of the compliant band is equal to or greater than about 1500.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The compliant wheel as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing ply embedded in the band.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing ply comprises at least one layer of essentially inextensible cord reinforcements embedded in an elastomeric coating layer having a shear modulus of elasticity at least equal to the shear modulus of elasticity of the compliant band.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The compliant wheel as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing ply is located at approximately the neutral axis of the band.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The compliant wheel as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing ply is located at radially inward of the neutral axis of the band.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The compliant wheel as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a tread formed on a radially outer surface of the band.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The compliant wheel as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the compliant band is formed of an elastomeric material having an elastic modulus of about 9 MPa to about 60 MPa.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 1 , wherein the tensile force transmitting elements comprise web spokes extending transversely across the compliant band.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The compliant band as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the web spokes are oriented parallel to the axial direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 8 , wherein each web spoke is oriented oblique to the axial direction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 10 , wherein mutually adjacent web spokes are oriented at opposite oblique angles to the axial direction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 8 , wherein mutually adjacent web spokes are oriented at opposite oblique angles to the radial direction forming a zigzag in the equatorial plane.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 8 , wherein the plurality of web spokes are oriented in crossed pairs forming a repeating X-pattern in the equatorial plane.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 8 , wherein the web spokes have a curvature in the equatorial plane to facilitate bending when under compression in the radial direction.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 8 , wherein a first plurality of web spokes is oriented parallel to the axial direction and a second plurality of web spokes is oriented perpendicular to the axial direction.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 8 , wherein each web spoke has a thickness that is not more than about 5% of a radius of the compliant wheel.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 8 , wherein the web spokes are formed of an elastomeric material having an elastic modulus of about 9 to 60 MPa.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The compliant wheel according to claim 8 , wherein the compliant band and the plurality of web spokes are an integrally molded unit formed of a single material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
90 words
A compliant wheel, comprising: a hub; a compliant band of elastomeric material disposed radially outward of the hub; a reinforcing ply embedded in the band; and, a plurality of flexible web spokes extending between the compliant band and the hub, wherein the compliant band and the plurality of web spokes are an integrally molded unit formed of a single material and a ratio of the nominal radius of the compliant band to the peak to peak radial displacement of the compliant band is equal to or greater than about 1500.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
90 words
A compliant wheel, comprising: a hub; a compliant band of elastomeric material disposed radially outward of the hub; a reinforcing ply embedded in the band; and, a plurality of flexible web spokes extending between the compliant band and the hub, wherein the compliant band and the plurality of web spokes are an integrally molded unit formed of a single material and a ratio of the nominal radius of the compliant band to the peak to peak radial displacement of the compliant band is equal to or greater than about 1500.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-03-20 | 2009-09-19 | 2010-03-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-03-20 | 2013-09-19 | 2014-03-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-03-20 | 2017-09-19 | 2018-03-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |