A centreless wheel is a wheel with no center. More specifically, the axle is hollow and follows the wheel at very close tolerances. The hubless wheel was invented by Franco Sbarro, and patented by Globeholding of Geneva. Although hubless wheels are striking in appearance, their numerous practical disadvantages have precluded their widespread use as an alternative to conventional wheels. They are difficult and expensive to manufacture, requiring a great deal of precision machining, and the design leaves the bearings and other critical parts largely exposed to the elements. The drive system is especially problematic since a conventional axle and constant-velocity joint cannot be used; options include using a chain or belt drive.
Examples
''Tron: Legacy '''light cycle'''''
One real-life example of hubless wheels are those used in the replica light cycle. The illuminated, street-legal motorcycle was sold through Hammacher Schlemmer, inspired by the computer-animated vehicle from the 2010 filmTron: Legacy. Designed for casual cruising and slow ride-bys at shows, it is made from a steel frame covered by a fiberglass cowling that replicates the sleek look of its computer-generated imagery counterpart. Electroluminescent wire strips built into the tire cowlings, wheel rims, and body illuminate the cycle. It is powered by a fuel-injected Suzuki 4-stroke engine. Riders lie at a near-horizontal position astride the padded leather seat, with feet on foot pegs that control its 6-speed constant-mesh manual transmission and hands on the handlebars for throttle and braking. The hubless wheels are former truck tires built up then custom-shaped to fit onto one of two counter-rotating rims spinning within each other, providing the broad-tired authenticity of the computercycles from the movie.
The Skatecycle is a device similar to a caster board but with 9" hubless wheels and a 2-axis twisting axle replacing the function of the casters. The central axle connects the two standing platforms surrounded by 9" polyurethane hubless wheels, giving them the appearance of stirrups. In order to move the unit, the rider rotates their feet inwards and outwards, creating a wave-like motion in the hinged frame and providing propulsion. In recognition of the novel design, the Skatecycle received the Bronze 2010 IDSA IDEA award in the transportation category.
The orbital wheel was designed in 1990 by Dominique Mottas of the French Osmos company in an attempt to reduce the number of moving parts by removing the center shaft and hub of the wheel and relying upon a circular or star-shaped framework inside the wheel to support it instead. The orbital wheel was created by using two circular bearings inserted inside of each other. The inner bearing provides steering, support, and attachment to the frame. The outer bearing consists of a tire with a brake ring also fixed in. Some of the advantages seen by this design are more accurate steering, less weight, and enhanced braking.
