Tweel
The Tweel ( portmanteau of tire, tire ' and wheel, wheel ') is an innovation of the French tire manufacturer Michelin, it was developed in the U.S. by Michelin America Research. This is a new tire construction, which is a mixture of the wheel and tire and completely without air functioning. In terms of comfort, this new technique is the conventional tire is in no way inferior, but bring through improved handling greater safety in road traffic.
The most striking feature is probably the unusual alternative look. In place of a closed, air-filled tire flanks the Tweel shows flexible polyurethane spokes. These give on uneven ground after well and thus enable users to overcoming stages.
In early 2005 offered a manufacturer of wheelchairs to those with Tweels.
The end of 2012 Tweels were put on the market for skid steer loaders.
History
Airless tires from wood and rubber, so-called " Airless Tires ", have already been introduced in 1938 in the American technology magazine "Popular Science". Even the Department of Defense of the United States tested with the innovation company Resilient Technologies more "Non - Pneumatic Tires " (NPT ) for military use; they have a similar to a honeycomb structure.