CLIAMS:1. A wheel (500) for a vehicle, comprising:
a wheel rim (200) comprising a plurality of provisions (201) on outer circumference;
a plurality of tyre segments (100) radially mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel rim (200), wherein each of the plurality of the tyre segment (100) comprises:
a crest portion (101);
a root portion (103) adjoining at least one end of the crest portion (101) through a flank (102); and
a plurality of mounting members (104) provisioned on an inner periphery of the tyre segment (100), wherein each of the plurality of mounting members (104) is configured to reside in at least one provision of the plurality of provisions (201) to secure the tyre segment (100) to the wheel rim (200).

2. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crest portion (101) is configured with a plurality of serrations (105) on outer surface.

3. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of the tyre segments (100) is mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel rim (200) adjacent to each other.

4. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a free end (101a) of a crest portion (101) of one of the plurality of tyre segments (100) is placed adjacent with root portion (103) of an adjacent tyre segment (100).

5. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of tyre segments (100) are mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel rim (200) to form alternative crest portion (101) and root portion (103).

6. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tyre segments (100) comprises an annular gap (106) between the crest portion (101) and the wheel rim (200).

7. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the annular gap (106) extends between ends of the crest portion (101).

8. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the annular gap (106) is configured to provide cushioning effect to the tyre segment (100).

9. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tyre segments (100) is made of polymeric material.

10. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tyre segments (100) comprises at least one metallic reinforcement.

11. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tyre segments (100) is detachably mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel rim (200).

12. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flank (102) provided in each of the plurality of tyre segments (100) is configured to provide frictional grip for step climbing.

13. The wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of tyre segments (100) are in the range of about 6 to about 8.

14. A vehicle comprising a wheel (500) as claimed in claim 1.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a wheel for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
Generally, vehicles are propelled by providing rotary motion to drive wheels through wheel assembly. The drive wheels, therefore, may be regarded as supporting members which carry the vehicle in forward and/or reverse direction by rolling on the contact surface, such as roads. Basically, wheels are fitted to the base portion of vehicles and are intended to withstand entire weight of the vehicle, as well as to sustain inertial loads which the vehicle encounters quite often. In addition, the wheels should overcome frictional forces to provide thrust to the vehicle, since they maintain a surface contact with the ground. Usage of wheels has been known to mankind right from Stone Age and continuous efforts are being made since then to improve their operability, durability and frictional characteristics so as to have a safe and comfortable driving/riding experience.

Generally, wheels used for vehicles comprise of a rim, which is the basic supporting frame of a wheel and is robustly designed to sustain all types of loads acting on the wheel. The material selected for wheel rim depends on number of parameters and factors such as weight of the vehicle and the like. A wheel rim is conventionally made up of a metal or a metal reinforced composite material, so as to be strong enough to withstand loads encountered when vehicle is in motion as well as at rest. The wheel rim has number of provisions on its side faces to accommodate fastening members through which it is rigidly fixed to flanges of the axle. Further, the peripheral surface of the wheel rim is mounted with a tyre to facilitate a smooth rolling movement of the wheels, so that the vehicle moves without any jerk. The tyre is usually made up of a flexible material such as vulcanized rubber and is generally fitted to the outer periphery of wheel rim such that it encloses the wheel rim inside it. Further, in some tyres flexible tubing is provided in the annular space between tyre and wheel rim, which takes part in providing cushioning effect to the wheels and to the vehicle as a whole. In such wheels either the tyre or the tube is usually filled with a fluid to serve the purpose.

In recent past, wheel manufacturers have come up with number of variations in tyre designs that not only suit to flat and smooth ground surfaces, but also suit to terrain and off-road/trans-road conditions. Though tyres that are being manufactured in recent years have good tractional capabilities and high-frictional characteristics, they exhibit a relatively high potential for damage in the area of the inner surface, owing to their vulnerability to sharp objects, such as rocks, thorns, sharp sticks, stubbles etc. The inner surface of tyres, which are relatively thin and soft, can easily allow the penetration of these sharp objects, which directly pierce inside them and deflates the tube in between the wheel rim and the tyre, which makes the tyre useless. Further, the outer surface of tyres is provided with treads to improve frictional characteristics, especially when vehicle moves in damp, slippery and off-road conditions. The dimensions of these treads depend on the type of tyres used and the type of path on which the vehicle is driven. The treads not only provide good frictional grip to the wheels with respect to contact surfaces, but also help in preventing penetration of sharp obstacles into the tyre, and thereby act as protective layer to the tyres. However, with passage of time, the treads on the outer surface of the tyre wear out, which consequently reduce frictional grip of tyre with respect to ground surface. This increases the chances of skidding of wheels due to slipping (i.e. poor frictional grip with ground), especially in damp conditions. Further, with wearing out of these treads, the chances that sharp obstacles penetrate inside the tyres increases, which is not desirable. Another drawback with the conventional tyres is generation of heat, which alters structural properties of the tyre. Though this problem is unavoidable, it can be minimised to an extent by proper design of wheels.

Further, in recent past, some special types of tyres have been designed and used in vehicles to suit to off road conditions. Such tyres include a plurality of tyre segments mounted on wheel rim such that the segments confirm to the conventional tyre geometry i.e. circular shape. In the conventional segmented tyres the outer periphery of the tyre forms flat surface which results in skidding due to reduces frictional grip. In addition, the conventional segmented tyres cannot be used in vehicles used for moving on steps or stairs.

In light of foregoing discussion, it is necessary to develop an improved wheel for a vehicle, to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The one or more drawbacks of conventional wheels as described in the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a wheel for a vehicle comprising a wheel rim with a plurality of provisions on outer circumference, and a plurality of tyre segments radially mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel rim. Each of the plurality of the tyre segments comprises of a crest portion, a root portion adjoining to at least one end of the crest portion through a flank, and a plurality of mounting members provisioned on an inner periphery of the tyre segment. Further, each of the plurality of mounting members is configured to reside in at least one provision of the plurality of provisions to secure the tyre segment to the wheel rim.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the crest portion is configured with a plurality of serrations on outer surface.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of tyre segments is mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel rim adjacent to each other, wherein a free end of a crest portion of one of the plurality of tyre segments is placed adjacent with root portion of an adjacent tyre segment.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of tyre segments is mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel rim to form alternative crest portion and root portion.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of tyre segments comprises an annular gap between the crest portion and the wheel rim, wherein the annular gap extends between ends of the crest portion and is configured to provide cushioning effect to the tyre segment.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of tyre segments is made of polymeric material.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of tyre segments comprises at least one metallic reinforcement.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of tyre segments is detachably mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel rim.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flank provided in each of the plurality of tyre segments is configured to provide frictional grip for step climbing.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a wheel with a tyre segment, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective front view and perspective rear view of the wheel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates front view of a wheel of FIG. 2A in contact with a flat surface, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates front view of a wheel of FIG. 2A during stair climbing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates perspective view of a tyre segment, according to some embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

To overcome one or more limitations stated in the background, the present disclosure provides a wheel for a vehicle. The wheel comprises a wheel rim which is the basic supporting structure, and provides rigidity and robustness to entire wheel. The wheel rim is provided with a plurality of provisions on outer circumference, and allows the lower portion of tyre to be firmly seated in them. Each of the tyre segments is assembled to outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim radially by means of a plurality of mounting members. The plurality of mounting members are generally fixed to each of the plurality of tyre segments on its inner peripheral surface. When the tyre segments are assembled to the outer periphery of the wheel rim, the plurality of mounting members are inserted in the plurality of provisions on the wheel rim and maintains a firm contact between the lower portion of each of the tyre segments with outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim. Further, the plurality of mounting members allow each of the plurality of tyre segments to be detached/dis-assembled from the wheel rim, and thereby facilitates quick and easy replacement of tyre segments.

Each of the plurality of the tyre segments further comprises of a crest portion, a root portion, a flank and annular gap. The crest portion projects radially outwards from the body of the tyre segment and generally is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim, except the free end portion which rests on wheel rim. An annular gap is provided between the lower surface of crest portion and outer portion of wheel rim and is configured to provide cushioning effect to the tyre segment. Further, the outer surface of the crest comprises of a plurality of serrations to increase the frictional grip of the tyre segment. The crest portion adjoins with the root portion through a flank. The root portion comes in contact with outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim and adjoins with the free end of crest portion of adjacent tyre segment. The plurality of tyre segments is radially mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim such that the crest and root portions of each of the tyre segment can be seen alternatively.

Use of terms such as “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof in the description, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that assembly, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a mechanism proceeded by “comprising… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

Reference will now be made to a wheel of a vehicle, and is explained with the help of figures. The figures are for the purpose of illustration only and should not be construed as limitations on the mechanism. Wherever possible, referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates schematic view of a wheel (500) for a vehicle comprising a wheel rim and a tyre segment. The wheel (500) is essentially a circular member fixed to lower portion of a vehicle, so that the vehicle is supported at a predetermined height from the ground. The vehicle is usually supported by a plurality of wheels (500) and is intended to provide traction forces to the vehicle, which causes propulsion of vehicle either in forward direction, or in the reverse direction. The wheels (500), as is well known, are fixed to the axles of the vehicle. The power generated in the engine or power from electric motor (in case of electric vehicles) or both is transferred to the wheels (500), and subsequently through axles, so that the wheels (500) rotate along with the axles to provide traction forces. This causes rolling motion of the wheels (500) on the contact surface, and due to rolling friction between the outer surface of the wheel (500) and ground, the vehicle propels in forward direction. Further, the wheels (500) can be driven an electric motor or any other power source such hybrid power source.

The wheel (500) basically comprises of a basic supporting frame called wheel rim (200) which forms inner circular part of the wheel (500). The wheel rim (200) is robustly designed and fabricated so that it is capable to sustain entire weight of vehicle and can also take and dissipate various types of loads that act on the vehicle during motion, and most importantly the inertial loads. The wheel rim (200) is manufactured by processes including but not limiting to casting processes, and is subjected to treatment processes including but not limiting to heat treatment processes. The wheel rim (200) produced by casting will have dimensions which are not equal to final/desired dimensions, and excess material is removed by processes including but not limiting to machining, which is usually done after treatment heat processes. The selection of material depends on the type of vehicle, type of loads to which the vehicle and wheels (500) are subjected, and type of path on which the wheel (500) moves. Generally, the wheel rims (200) are manufactured using heavy gauge ductile materials such as metals, or metal alloys with suitable composition. In recent days, wheel rims (200) are manufactured using composite materials with a suitable reinforcement, including but not limiting to metal matrix composites. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wheel rim is at least one of disc wheel and mag wheel. In addition, wheel rim (200) is provided with flanged provision (108) to integrate / clamp disc brake rotor, to facilitate braking of the wheel (500) when speed of the vehicle is to be retarded (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).

Wheel rims (200) further comprise of outer projecting edges (202) on both the sides for accommodating tyres on the outer periphery. The wheels rims (200) also comprise of a plurality of through holes on its side surfaces. The flange mounted on axles of the wheel assembly are fixed to the wheel rim (200) by a plurality of fastening elements, and these fastening elements accommodate the plurality of through holes to rigidly fix the flange with the wheel rim (200). The wheel rim (200) also comprises of a plurality of provisions (201) on its outer peripheral surface to accommodate lower portion of tyres, which will be clearly explained in forthcoming paragraphs. The front and rear perspective views of a wheel (500) with tyre on its outer periphery are clearly shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B respectively.

The wheel (500) further comprises of a plurality of tyre segments (100) which are mounted on outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim (200). The wheel rim (200) together with tyre segments (100) forms a complete wheel and this complete wheel is assembled concentrically to the axle flange. The tyre segment (100) is not a single piece member unlike conventional tyres, but is a discrete member which is assembled only to an arcuate portion on the outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim (200). The width of the tyre segment (100) is slightly greater than the width of the wheel rim (200) and is intended to provide stability to the wheel (500) during vehicle movement. The tyre segment (100), therefore, covers only a portion of outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim (200). A number of such tyre segments (100) are mounted adjacent to each other and radially along the outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim (200), so that they cover the entire outer surface of wheel rim (200). One end of the tyre segment (100) abuts with free end of the adjacent tyre segment (100). The tyre segment may be of symmetric type or of asymmetric type depending on the requirement, and is made up of a flexible material including but not limiting to polymers such as but not limiting to vulcanized rubber. In addition, the material used for manufacturing tyre segments is reinforced with one or more reinforcing material including but not limiting to metallic reinforcements. The reinforcement material imparts necessary properties to the base material which includes, but not limiting wear and impact resistance. Also, the material selected for manufacturing the tyre segment (100) should have some desirable characteristics such as but not limiting to endurance, wear resistance, impact resistance and hardness.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the tyre segment (100) comprises of a crest portion (101) which extends/projects in a radially outward direction. The crest portion (101) has a predetermined thickness and is designed to withstand different types of loads including but not limiting to impact and fatigue loads. Further, the crest portion (101) of the tyre segment (100) has a number of serrations (105) on its outer surface. Serrations (105) are essentially cuts/grooves/irregularities that are formed to small depth on the outer surface, and are formed in such a way that they are visible as patterns on the surface of crest portion (101). The serrations (105) provide frictional grip between the tyre segment (100) and ground surface, so that the wheel (500) rolls on ground surface with necessary rolling friction enough to propel the vehicle in forward and reverse directions. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the serrations (105) are formed in longitudinal and transverse directions on the outer surface of the crest portion (101).

The crest portion (101) further comprises of a free end (101a) whose face portion (101b) abuts with adjacent tyre segment (101). The free end (101a) which abuts with adjacent tyre segment (101) also comprises of a plurality of mounting members (104) on its lower surface. The mounting members (104) are fixed to the lower surface of the free end (101a) of the crest portion (101) and are configured to accommodate the plurality of provisions (201) of the wheel rim (200). This accommodation of mounting members (104) inside the plurality of provisions (104) results in contact between lower surface of the free end (101a) and thereby aids in firmly holding/securing the lower surface (101a) of the crest portion (101) with the outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim (200). The other end of the crest portion (101) (i.e. opposite to free end (101a)), is called root end (101c), which gradually depresses (steps down) into another projecting portion called a root portion (103). The root portion (103) is generally at a lower level than crest portion (101) when the wheel (500) is viewed from front/rear view. The root portion (103) adjoins with the crest portion (101) through an intermediate vertical surface called flank (102). Flank (102) is that portion of tyre segment (100) which assists the entire wheel (500) to have firm frictional grip during stair climbing (shown in FIG. 4) and skid turning. In an embodiment, the plurality of tyre segments (100) is assembled on the outer peripheral surface of wheel rim (200), such that there is an alternate crest (101) and root (103) formation which facilitates hassle free movement of the wheel (500) on flat surface, and in gripping the stairs during stair climbing.

The root portion (103) of the tyre segment (100) also comprises of a plurality of mounting members (104) fixed to its lower surface, so that tyre segment (100) can be firmly secured to outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim (200). This is achieved by inserting the plurality of mounting members (104) in the plurality of provisions (201) provided on the wheel rim (200). In this way, the tyre segment (100) is secured to the outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim (200) on free end side (101a) of the crest portion (101) as well as on root end side (101c) of the crest portion (101). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting members (104) used to secure tyre segments (100) to wheel rim (200) includes but not limiting to pin shaped mounting members. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of provisions (201) provided on outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim (200) includes but not limiting to holes and slots, formed by processes including but not limiting to drilling and milling. The shape and dimensions of the plurality of provisions (201) conform to the dimensions of the mounting members (104) so that the mounting members are firmly secured in them. Further, the type of fit between the mounting members (104) and the plurality of provisions (201) is such that the tyre segment (100) can be easily detached from the wheel rim (200). This is necessary from maintenance point of view since tyre segments (100) are vulnerable to sharp obstacles during rolling on ground, especially in terrain conditions. The detachable mounting of the tyre segment (100) on wheel rim also facilitates easy replacement of tyre segment (100). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of tyre segments provided on the wheel rim depends on the size of the tyre, and as example the number of segments ranges from about 5-8.

In an alternate embodiment of the disclosure, the tyre may be configured as a single piece component with plurality of segments on the outer surface, where the tyre is assembled on the outer portion of wheel rim to cover the entire outer peripheral surface. In another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of segments may be individually fixed either temporarily or permanently to a flat strip, which is thereafter wrapped on the periphery of wheel rim. In still another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the tyre may be comprise segments in the form of discrete pieces that are assembled on the outer periphery, such that they cover only a portion of outer peripheral surface of the wheel rim. A number of such discrete pieces are assembled on outer circumference of wheel rim to form a wheel.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure showing the contact of wheel (500) with a flat surface and with a stepped surface respectively. As it can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of tyre segments (100) are mounted radially along the outer circumference of the wheel rim (200) in such a way that root portion (103) of one of the plurality of tyre segments (100) comes in contact with free end (101a) of the crest portion (101) of adjacent tyre segment (100). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tyre segment (100) is symmetric about a vertical axis when viewed from front. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tyre segment (100) is asymmetric about a vertical axis when viewed from front. In still other embodiment of the present disclosure, the tyre segment comprises of a crest portion (101) with two root portions (103) on distal (either) ends of the crest portion (101).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the plurality of tyre segments (100) is assembled on the outer peripheral surface of wheel rim (200), an annular gap (106) can be seen in between the lower surface of the crest portion (101) and outer periphery of wheel rim (200). This annular gap (106) is intended to provide required cushioning effect to the tyre segment (100), particularly when tyre segment (100) encounters sharp and blunt obstacles in the vehicle path. Whenever an obstacle is encountered, the crest portion (101) of the tyre segment (101) undergoes a compression to negligible extent, such that the crest portion (101) is pushed inside the annular gap (106). In the absence of annular gap (106), the lower surface of crest portion (101) may come in contact with the wheel rim (200) whenever an obstacle is encountered. During this condition, and when vehicle is moving at higher speeds, the impact on the crest portion (101) may be transmitted to wheel rim (200), which may cause deformation of the wheel rim (200), and is not desirable. Thus annular gap (106) serves as a clearance allowing free movement of crest portion (101) inside it, and thereby prevents transmission of loads and shocks to wheel rims (200).

The variation in type of contact of the tyre segment (100) and changes in profiles of crest (101) and root (103) portions of the tyre segment (100) when vehicle moves on a flat surface is shown in FIG. 3. When wheel (500) rolls on a flat surface, and particularly during skid steering of the vehicle, there is a reduction in contact patch area which in turn reduces traction in the wheel, aiding in skid turning and subsequently the compression of the tyre segment (100). The reduction in contact patch area is due to the changes in profile of crest (101) and root (103) during rolling, while the reduction in compression rate of the tyre segment (100) is due to its robust design. Similarly, when wheel (500) moves on stairs as shown in FIG. 4, the tyre segment (100) adapts itself in such a way that there is an increase in contact patch area, which improves traction and frictional grip of the tyre segment (100) with a step of the stairs. This increase in contact patch area is brought about by crest portion (101) and root portion (103), while flank (102) aids in gripping the stair. A deciding factor or the determinant used in designing the wheel (500) with tyre segments (100) is the ratio of number of crests (101) to the number of roots (103) on the tyre segment (100). Efficient stair climbing as well as skid steering can be achieved with specific ratio of crests (101) to roots (103).

It is to be understood theta a person of ordinary skill in the art would design the wheel in any shape and configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Advantages:
The present disclosure provides a wheel for a vehicle which comprises a plurality of tyre segments mounted radially on the wheel rim with alternative crest and root portion, thereby helps to manoeuvre the vehicle on steps.

The present disclosure provides a wheel for a vehicle which comprises a plurality of tyre segments which are detachably mounted on the wheel rim, thereby provides an option for changing the worn-out segment.

Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

TABLE OF REFERRAL NUMERALS

Referral Numerals Description
500 Wheel
100 Tyre segment
200 Wheel rim
201 Provisions on wheel rims
202 Projecting edges
101 Crest portion
102 Flank
103 Root portion
101a Free end of crest portion
101b Face on free end of crest portion
101c Root end of crest portion
104 Mounting members
105 Serrations on crest surface
108 Flanged provision for braking