US Patent 8011734 Variable rolling resistance wheel for rolling vehicle

A wheel for an in-line skate or other wheeled vehicle is disclosed that may be modified to alter the rolling resistance of the wheel. The wheel may be disassembled to change a tire on the outer surface of the wheel to one made of a harder or softer material, and to insert or change a grease of a chosen viscosity into a chamber inside the wheel. The two changes may be utilized singly or collectively to help set the rolling resistance of the wheel. The wheel may be retrofit onto existing in-line roller skates.