초록 ▼

A safety wheel has on the surface thereof a tread design comprised of a relatively hard material which defines interstitial spaces, which spaces are filled with a relatively soft material. The overall surface of the resulting safety wheel is substantially smooth, while the softer material filling th

A safety wheel has on the surface thereof a tread design comprised of a relatively hard material which defines interstitial spaces, which spaces are filled with a relatively soft material. The overall surface of the resulting safety wheel is substantially smooth, while the softer material filling the interstitial spaces absorbs unevenness in a surface traversed by the wheel. In embodiments where the interstitial spaces are generally circular in nature, a suction force is created by interaction between the surface traversed, the soft material filling the interstitial spaces, and the hard material immediately defining the interstitial spaces. This suction force provides greater traction for the wheel on the traversed surface, thereby enhancing the safety of the wheel. Other non-circular interstitial space shapes are disclosed. The broader features of this invention (i.e. use of two materials having different densities to form a tread design of hard material defining interstitial spaces filled with softer material) are applicable to virtually to any type of tire or wheel. Particular embodiments for roller skate or skateboard wheels are illustrated, while embodiments for automobile or bicycle tires are also possible within the scope of this invention.

대표청구항 ▼

A wheel comprising a circular wheel integrally formed with a tread design on the surface thereof, said tread design being formed by a relatively hard material and defining interstitial spaces, where said interstitial spaces are filled with a relatively soft material integrally bonded to the relative

A wheel comprising a circular wheel integrally formed with a tread design on the surface thereof, said tread design being formed by a relatively hard material and defining interstitial spaces, where said interstitial spaces are filled with a relatively soft material integrally bonded to the relatively hard material and wherein said interstitial spaces are filled with said relatively soft material so that the surface thereof is slightly cup-shaped, thereby defining a plurality of suction cups for providing said wheel with traction on surfaces traversed by the wheel, especially smooth surfaces such as finished concrete.