Abstract:
The invention relates to automobile tires or tire assemblies or parts thereof suitable for being balanced by introduction therein of a thixrotropic balancing gel, wherein surfaces of the tire or tire assembly or part thereof which are intended to be in contact with the balancing gel are provided with a surface nanostructure with an average surface roughness in the range of 1-1000 nm. The surface nanostructure will enable the thixotropic balancing gel to move to the location, where it balances the tire, significantly quicker than if the surface in question did not have the surface nanostructure.
Abstract:
A polyurethane-polymer composition suitable for preparing a lightweight tire support includes at least one isocyanate, at least one polyol, and at least one chain extender. A polyurethane-polymer composition can also include an additive such as a catalyst, a filler, a surfactant, a colorant, and a mold-release agent. A lightweight tire support can be prepared from a polyurethane-polymer composition by, for example, reaction injection molding. Such a tire support desirably has temperature stability and load-bearing capability.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a unitary run flat tire (RFT) reinforcement that is formed into a relatively rigid shape. The reinforcement is insertable into a mold for an RFT support and can maintain the needed structural rigidity for such insertion. Further, the invention provides an RFT support that is molded and includes the RFT reinforcement. The invention also provides a wheel assembly including a tire, a rim, and an RFT support between the rim and the tire, where the support includes the RFT reinforcement. The RFT support can have a colored indicator formed or subsequently applied thereto to indicate one or more attributes of the support.
Abstract:
A radial tire for vehicles, comprising two side-cut shields, which are disposed on both sidewalls of the radial tire, the side-cut shields comprising at least two plies, which comprise a first filament array, which consists of mutually substantially parallel filaments, and a second filament array, which consists of mutually substantially parallel filaments, the filaments in the first filament array being at an angle &agr; relative to the filaments of the second filament array, the angle &agr; being 20-90°, and the side-cut shields being disposed to extend from the bead areas of the radial tire to the shoulder areas of the radial tire such that the edges of the side-cut shields facing the shoulder area are disposed between the belt layers and the plies. A method for manufacturing such a radial tire is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An apparatus for utilizing a wheel rim tape around a wheel rim. The apparatus has a table. A first device is used for holding the spoked wheel on the table. A strap is induced manually about the wheel rim, thereby forming a loop. A second device is used for shearing the loop from the strap, with two terminal portions of the loop overlapping with each other. The second device is used for adhering the first and second terminal portions of the loop.
Abstract:
An emergency track ring for a tubeless pneumatic tire comprising a bottom reinforced flange for mounting the ring on such a tire rim. At least one opening is formed in the ring to permit air to be admitted to the interior of the tire. Groove means are formed in the ring for filling with a lubricating material, and sealing lips close the groove means and seal the lubricant therein when the tire is mounted on said rim and under pressure. Flange means are integrally formed with the sealing lips and extend upwardly for engagement by the inside of the tire cover during loss of air, the depressing of the flange means effecting a lever action which causes the sealing lips to move so as to open the grooves and permit and lubricating material to be released to reduce friction between the tire cover and the track ring.
Abstract:
A safety tire and wheel rim assembly incorporating a safety tire support member which is capable of slippage relative to the rim. The wheel rim is of substantially uniform diameter between its bead seats and a pair of spacer members are provided, one on each side of the safety support to give axial location and a bead restraint. Each spacer member has a low friction interface with the support member and a high friction interface with the tire bead.
Abstract:
A fluid release valve, particularly for the release of fluid lubricant within a tire on reduction of inflation pressure comprising a membrane preventing fluid release and capable of being ruptured by a plunger. A latch normally retains the plunger but releases the plunger to rupture the membrane when acted upon by a pressure responsive device.
Abstract:
A method of filling a tire on a vehicle wheel with polyurethane foam comprises fitting the tire to the rim injecting liquid ingredient materials for the foam through an inlet opening in the rim closing the inlet opening revolving the wheel about a vertical axis to distribute the ingredients around the interior of the tire and when foam begins to escape through an outlet which is diametrically opposite to the inlet opening, closing a shut off valve at said outlet to prevent escape of further foam.