# US 2014/0132059 A1 · Wheel assembly and vehicle incorporating same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0132059 A1 - Document ID: US20140132059A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/676,790 - Filed: 2012-11-14 - Published: 2014-05-15 - Earliest claimed: 2012-11-14 - Assignees: 4Sphere LLC - Inventors: David Michael Patrick - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140132059A1 ## CPC - B60B 3/002: {characterised by the shape of the disc} - B60B 21/00: Rims (non-metallic B60B5/00; of high resiliency B60B9/00; capable of carrying more than one tyre B60B11/04; multiple rims on a single wheel body B60B11/06; of multi-part type B60B25/00; metal tyres B60C) - B60B 25/02: Segmented rims, e.g. with segments arranged in sections; Connecting equipment, e.g. hinges; Insertable flange rings therefor - B60B: VEHICLE WHEELS (making wheels or wheel parts by rolling B21H1/00, by forging, hammering or pressing B21K1/28); CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION ## Abstract A wheel assembly is provided that includes a body coupled to the central hub to rotate about the axis of rotation. The body forms an alternating pattern circumscribed about the central hub at constant radial distance from the axis of rotation. The body defines a median circle centered on and transverse to the axis of rotation. The alternating pattern of the body is evenly distributed across the median circle, resulting in an effective width greater than the width of the body. On hard surfaces, the wheel assembly provides a broad track while maintaining a relatively thin contact area, as result providing reduced friction than a traditional wheel. On soft surfaces, the wheel assembly provides substantial traction. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A wheel assembly, comprising: a central hub defining the axis of rotation; and a body coupled to the central hub to rotate about the axis of rotation, the body forming an alternating pattern circumscribed about the central hub, the body having a constant radial distance from the axis of rotation. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the alternating pattern of the body defines a median circle at the constant radial distance from the axis of rotation. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the body is formed of a plurality of arcs connected in sequential, adjacent alignment to circumscribe the central hub, each arc having an arc center that is spaced apart from the axis of rotation, such that adjacent arcs have arc center on opposing sides of the body. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the alternating pattern of the body defines a wave pattern having a constant amplitude and a constant frequency, relative to the median circle. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the body has an effective width (We) to diameter ratio of at least 0.2. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the body defines an effective width (We) greater than a body width (Wb). ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising a second body coupled to the central hub positioned adjacent to the first body, the second body mounted to rotate about the axis of rotation, the body forming an alternating pattern circumscribed about the central hub, the alternating pattern of the body defines a median circle centered about the central hub at a constant radial distance from the axis of rotation. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A land vehicle having the wheel assembly of claim 1. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) An amphibious vehicle having wheel assembly of claim 1. ### Claim 10 A wheel assembly, comprising: a central hub defining the axis of rotation; and a body coupled to the central hub to rotate about the axis of rotation, the body having a plurality of arcs connected in sequential, adjacent alignment to circumscribe the central hub, each arc having an arc center that is spaced apart from the axis of rotation, such that adjacent arcs have arc center on opposing sides of the body. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein the body defines an effective width (We) greater than a body width (Wb). ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein each arc of the plurality of arcs has an arc angle of 90 degrees. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein the plurality of arcs consists of six arcs. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein the plurality of arcs includes more than six arcs. ### Claim 15 (depends on 10) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 10, further comprising a second body coupled to the central hub positioned adjacent to the first body, the second body mounted to rotate about the axis of rotation, the body forming an alternating pattern circumscribed about the central hub, the alternating pattern of the body defines a median circle centered about the central hub at a constant radial distance from the axis of rotation. ### Claim 16 (depends on 10) A vehicle having the wheel assembly of claim 10. ### Claim 17 A wheel assembly, comprising: a central hub defining the axis of rotation; and a body includes a rim coupled to the central hub and a tire mounted to the rim to rotate about the axis of rotation, the body forming an alternating pattern circumscribed about the central hub, the alternating pattern of the body defines a median circle centered about the central hub at a constant radial distance from the axis of rotation. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the alternating pattern is a plurality of arcs connected in sequential, adjacent alignment circumscribing the central hub, each arc having an arc center that is spaced apart from the axis of rotation, such that adjacent arcs have arc center on opposing sides of the body. ### Claim 19 (depends on 17) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 17, further comprising a second body coupled to the central hub positioned adjacent to the first body, the second body mounted to rotate about the axis of rotation, the body forming an alternating pattern circumscribed about the central hub, the alternating pattern of the body defines a median circle centered about the central hub at a constant radial distance from the axis of rotation. ### Claim 20 (depends on 17) The wheel assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein the body defines an effective width (We) greater than a body width (Wb).