Provided are tractor wheels for a downhole tractor. An example tractor wheel comprises a series of continuous springs disposed on the circumference of the tractor wheel, wherein the individual continuous springs in the series of continuous springs are separated by a gap, and a void disposed on the interior of the tractor wheel and that is continuous about the circumference of the tractor wheel.

Provided are tractor wheels for a downhole tractor. An example tractor wheel comprises a series of continuous springs disposed on the circumference of the tractor wheel, wherein the individual continuous springs in the series of continuous springs are separated by a gap, and a void disposed on the interior of the tractor wheel and that is continuous about the circumference of the tractor wheel.

A tire includes: a skeleton portion including a rim member, a plurality of body springs latched on the rim member, and a plurality of interlink springs interlaced with the body springs; and a tread member disposed at least on the outer periphery of the skeleton portion.

A tire includes: a skeleton portion including a rim member, a plurality of body springs latched on the rim member, and a plurality of interlink springs interlaced with the body springs; and a tread member disposed at least on the outer periphery of the skeleton portion.

Provided are tractor wheels for a downhole tractor. An example tractor wheel comprises a series of continuous springs disposed on the circumference of the tractor wheel, wherein the individual continuous springs in the series of continuous springs are separated by a gap, and a void disposed on the interior of the tractor wheel and that is continuous about the circumference of the tractor wheel.

A puncture resistant wheel apparatus, and method of use, for safely climbing obstacles are disclosed herein. A plurality of wheel apparatuses is mounted on a vehicle (e.g. a wheelchair, cart, mountain bicycle, etc.) to enable it to safely traverse obstacles, such as a flight of stairs, road curbs, etc. without slipping, and while creating a smoother ride. Each wheel apparatus comprises: a tire comprising a plurality of teeth sections separated via a thin space to grip an obstacle edge between the teeth; a circular rim attachable to the tire inner surface via T-joints, and a plurality of evenly spaced spokes extending to a central hub; and two hoop rings, mounted on opposing tire sidewalls. The center of each tire tooth section further comprises an elastic unit, comprising a vertical spring and two horizontal springs that further act to dampen the vibrational and jarring forces exerted on the wheel apparatus.

A tire having a plurality of shape memory alloy (SMA) radial stiffening elements including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each SMA radial element is secured to the rim of a wheel to form arching elements extending about an entire circumference of the tire.

Improvements are disclosed regarding the way in which vehicle wheels are designed and assembled, including ultralight, airless vehicle wheels adapted for mounting on a rim to receive a tire. One or more flexible ring-shaped tendons are disposed over the rim. A stuffer component is disposed over the tendons, and the wheel is disposed over the stuffer. A cover is bolted onto the rim holding the stuffer and tendons in position. Importantly, the tendons, stuffer and cover are all installed onto the rim from the outside toward the vehicle, thereby easing installation and maintenance. The invention may be adapted for all-terrain vehicles, and the wheel may have diameter on the order of 7 inches, 14 inches, or any other appropriate dimensions.

Improvements are disclosed regarding the way in which vehicle wheels are designed and assembled, including ultralight, airless vehicle wheels adapted for mounting on a rim to receive a tire. One or more flexible ring-shaped tendons are disposed over the rim. A stuffer component is disposed over the tendons, and the wheel is disposed over the stuffer. A cover is bolted onto the rim holding the stuffer and tendons in position. Importantly, the tendons, stuffer and cover are all installed onto the rim from the outside toward the vehicle, thereby easing installation and maintenance. The invention may be adapted for all-terrain vehicles, and the wheel may have diameter on the order of 7 inches, 14 inches, or any other appropriate dimensions.

Mold assemblies for curing non-pneumatic tires include first and second mold sections that are axially displaceable relative to one another. Lateral-pressure members are supported on the first mold section. The first lateral pressure members include a first pressure member wall with first and second edge surface portions. A first curing shoe cooperatively engages the first edge surface portion of the first lateral-pressure member and an associated less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire. A second curing shoe abuttingly engages the second edge surface portion of the first lateral-pressure member and the associated less-than-fully-cured nonpneumatic tire. Methods of manufacturing non-pneumatic tires are also included.