Wheel for a support structure

Abstract

A wheel assembly includes a plurality of discreet, axially extending curved friction plates for engaging a first side of a spoke structure of a tire assembly, a first annular rim piece for engaging a rotatable axle, and a second annular rim piece for engaging the first rim piece. The first rim piece and the second rim piece each have axially extending lugs for engaging opposite ends of the friction plates.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for securing a wheel assembly and a tire together, the method comprising the steps of:
 laying a first rim piece on a horizontal surface;   lowering the tire on to the first rim piece;   lowering a plurality of discreet friction plates on to lugs of the first rim piece;   lowering a second rim piece on to the friction plates through the spoke structure of the tire;   inserting axially extending lugs of the second rim piece into corresponding semi-cylindrical cavities of the friction plates; and   securing the first and second rim pieces both circumferentially and axially to each other while simultaneously securing the tire to the first and second rim pieces.   
     
     
         2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  further including the step of sandwiching parts of the tire between the friction plates and skirts of both the first rim piece and the second rim piece. 
     
     
         3 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  further including the step of approximating curvatures of surfaces of the friction plates with curvatures of parts of the spoke structure of the tire. 
     
     
         4 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  further including the step of interlocking the tire with the first rim piece, the second rim piece, and the friction plates. 
     
     
         5 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  further including the step of securing the first rim piece, the second rim piece, the friction plates, and the tire together for installation on an axle of a vehicle. 
     
     
         6 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  further including the step of constructing the first rim piece and the second rim piece of metal. 
     
     
         7 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  further including the step of sandwiching curved parts of the tire between convex friction plates of the first rim piece and concave saddle plates of the first rim piece. 
     
     
         8 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  further including the step of inserting threaded bolts through the first rim piece into blind openings of the second rim piece.