Patent ID: 7699404
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: B60B,B60C,E01H

Abstract:
1. A wheel assembly comprising: first and second wheel pieces releasably attachable to each other, the first and second wheel pieces being slidably engagable in a first axial direction substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the wheel assembly, the first and second wheel pieces being slidably disengagable in a second axial direction generally opposite the first axial direction; the first and second wheel pieces including respective first and second tire locking tabs and respective first and second rim portions that cooperatively define a rim when the first and second wheel pieces are slidably engaged, each of the first and second wheel pieces including a protrusion extending circumferentially along their respective first and second rim portions; and a tire including: wherein the first and second tire locking tabs retain the tire's free end portions to the rim; and whereby the engagement of the first and second wheel pieces'protrusions with the internal chamber of the tire helps retain the positioning of the tire relative to the rim; and whereby the first and second tire locking tabs are operable for applying a compressive clamping force to the tire for urging corresponding portions of the tire towards the first and second wheel pieces' protrusions, to thereby help retain the positioning of the tire relative to the first and second wheel pieces' protrusions.