Abstract:
A method of lightening a run-flat device for a motor vehicle wheel, in particular having a separable flat rim, the method consisting in configuring the run-flat device in a sandwich structure comprising a rigid inner annular portion, an intermediate annular portion of flexible or elastically deformable material, and a rigid outer annular portion, in such a manner that in run-flat mode, all of the forces transmitted by the rigid outer portion are distributed over the entire circumference of the intermediate portion, thereby enabling the thickness of the intermediate portion to be reduced and enabling the run-flat device to be made lighter in weight. The invention also provides a run-flat device implementing the above method.
Abstract:
A device enabling a motor vehicle to run on a flat tire, the device comprising a running ring made of elastomer and mounted tightly on the rim of the wheel inside the tire, the running ring being largely overdimensioned in radial height, in width or axial dimension, and in mass, and its radially-projecting annular portion is offset towards the inside of the vehicle to form protection for the occupants of the vehicle against the explosion of a mine triggered by passage of the wheel.
Abstract:
A composite wheel is used with a pneumatic tire having at least one bead. The composite wheel includes a circular drum having an elongated skirt extending out from the circular drum substantial perpendicular thereto along the periphery of the circular drum. A tire bead retention member receives the bead of the pneumatic tire and is then removably secured to the elongated skirt with a nut and bolt fastening system. The removability of the tire bead retention member enables the pneumatic tire to be dismountable from the composite wheel. Run flat devices are attachable to or formed with the tire bead retention members prior to mounting the drum body which allow the pneumatic tire to run without air without destroying sidewalls of the pneumatic tire.
Abstract:
A tire locking device installed inside the cover of a tire mounted on a wheel rim and exerting pressure on the beads of the cover, urged against the flanges of the rim, includes a metal strip shaped as a cylindrical ring which is split parallel to its generator lines, is provided on both circumferential edges with extrusions made of an elastomer type material. The extrusions are split level with the split in the metal strip, and a means for connecting the edges of the strip with the intrusions form an annular lock of total width which is greater than the nominal spacing between the inside faces of the beads of the cover in which the device is mounted.
Abstract:
A safety tire and wheel assembly which includes an improved multiple-piece wheel rim assembly for preventing inflation and/or venting to atmosphere when the rim assembly components are improperly assembled, and an improved safety insert mounted on the wheel rim base for supporting the tire tread during operation following loss of inflation pressure. The wheel rim assembly includes telescoping rim segments and an O-ring normally captured in compression between opposing portions of the rim segments for sealing the tire cavity. Air bleed passages are formed in one rim segment adjacent the sealing ring externally of the cavity to vent the tire cavity to atmosphere when sealing compressive stresses are absent from the O-ring as in the event of improper assembly or disassembly. The safety insert includes a ledge normally disposed within the tire cavity and having a radially facing surface roughened by a circumferential series of axially extending splines. Encapsulated lubricant is carried by the insert in a position to be fractured by the tire tread upon loss of inflation pressure so that the lubricant is spread over the tread-engaging insert surface and retained adjacent the surface between the splines.
Abstract:
A safety wheel including a combined flat protector and bead stopper structure radially fitted in the tire around the inner periphery thereof and having a closed frame-like cross-sectional configuration of a substantial modulus of section. The flat protector, being made itself of an elastic material in a substantially H-shaped cross section, is easily deformable and can be readily inserted in the tire and, once combined with the bead stopper, which clamps the opposite side wall portions of the flat protector and the respective bead portions of the tire against the rim flanges, exhibits a substantial rigidity enough to support the vehicle weight, as when the tire is punctured. The rigidity of the flat protector per se is also increased by means of reinforcing cords of unstretchable material embedded therein. Formed on the outer periphery of the opposite side walls of the flat protector are a pair of laterally aligned straight puncture-sensing regions which extend in parallel to a tangent thereto, lying radially outside of the bottom of the annular recess in the outer periphery of the flat protector of H-shaped cross section. The straight puncture-sensing regions, allowing the vehicle body to descend each time such regions are positioned directly opposite to the road surface during travel of the vehicle with the tire punctured, serve to produce a puncture alarm signal in the form of shocks transmitted to the vehicle body, which warns the driver of the need for prompt tire replacement immediately upon tire puncture.
Abstract:
A safety support for mounting on a split rim inside a tire chamber to resiliently support the tread portion of the tire in the deflated condition and maintain the bead portions of the tire in separated positions. The support is in the form of an annular ring of resilient material having a base with a relatively wide radially inner surface for seating on the rim and separating the bead portions. A flange extends radially inward from the radially inner surface of the base for gripping by the rim sections to seal the space within the tire and retain the ring on the rim. The radially outer portion of the support has a diameter less than the diameter of the tread portion of the tire in the deflated condition and greater than the diameter of the base portion. The base portion may be of greater width than the radially outer portion and be connected to the outer portion by an intermediate supporting portion of circumferentially spaced-apart radially extending ribs for cushioning the vehicle on which the tire, safety support and rim assembly are mounted.