Importance

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Abstract

A wheel for a light-weight vehicle and associated methods are provided wherein the wheel has a relatively light-weight, has structural strength, and provides shock absorbing capabilities. A wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably includes an annular-shaped wheel rim adapted to have a tire mounted thereto and an annular-shaped wheel hub positioned inwardly and spaced-apart from the wheel rim and adapted to be rotatably mounted to a frame of a light-weight vehicle. A non-circular shaped hub plate member has a medial portion thereof connected to the wheel hub and has other portions extending outwardly therefrom toward the wheel rim. The other portions include a plurality of plate member tips each formed along a radial axis extending outwardly from the wheel hub toward the wheel rim. A plurality of spokes is positioned in a spaced-apart relation to each other. Each of the plurality of spokes has a first end connected to the wheel rim and a second end connected to one of the plurality of plate member tips of the hub plate member in an offset position from the respective radial axis thereof. Each of the plurality of spokes includes a pressurized cylinder. The pressurized cylinder preferably has a housing, a piston movable within the housing, and a piston rod connected to the piston and extending outwardly therefrom.

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First Claim