Abstract:
Vehicle systems and components are set forth, which aim to reduce rolling friction caused in part by the contact between the vehicle's tires and the ground surface over which the vehicle is traversing. These systems and/or components thereof may increase the overall fuel efficiency of a vehicle. In the examples provided, the systems and/or components change the tread contact patch of one or more tires during movement of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A pressure safeguard device (1) for wheels filled with compressed gas comprises at least two tubes which are arranged next to one another in such a way as to run around the tire axis, each of said tubes having a supply line (3) for compressed gas and a common supply connection (4). On each supply line (3), a connectable and releasable connection is formed between the tube (2) and the common supply connection (4). Preferably, the tubes (2) are releasably connected, by means of a connection device (5, 6) which is separate from the tire, so as to form a stack of tubes (2) which directly adjoin one another along their circumference by way of side regions. If one tube (2) is damaged, the other tubes (2) remain intact and expand together into the entire area between the rim (7) and the tire (8). By topping up the intact tubes with compressed gas, the desired tire pressure can be achieved without changing the wheel or the tire.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a valve for a compartmentalized tube or tyre, including a number of ducts for passing and increased sealing. It therefore has one end for coupling to an inflation/deflation system; another end in contact with the rim; a flow channel between both, with opening by means of a cover solidly joined to a mobile rod. The valve has at least two cavities with connection means to the airtight compartments of the tube or tyre. One cavity is displaced solidly joined to the rod, allowing gas or liquid flow through the communication channel between the cavities when in the open position. The existence of friction surfaces are thereby eliminated, increasing the sealing, the maximum operating pressure and the useful life. Additionally, the number of items in contact with one another are reduced, allowing for a simpler manufacturing process by reducing the level of accuracy required for the components.
Abstract:
An insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least 10% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an auxiliary wheel comprising a wheel hub and a tire. The auxiliary wheel is fixedly mounted on a wheel of an automotive vehicle in a manner that the auxiliary wheel and the wheel have a common rotary axis. The auxiliary wheel may further comprise one or more locking components located on the wheel hub, and the locking component is used to fix the auxiliary wheel on the wheel hub of the wheel, so that the auxiliary wheel is driven by the wheel hub of the wheel. The present invention further relates to an unassisted lifting jack used when the auxiliary wheel is mounted. The unassisted lifting jack comprises a climbing block and a supporting block connected in a rotary way, the climbing block and the supporting block have a common supporting bottom, and the climbing block has a slope provided to the auxiliary wheel for climbing.
Abstract:
A system. The system includes a wheel, a tire, a plurality of pressurized load cells and a sleeve member. The wheel includes a first flange portion, a second flange portion and a barrel portion positioned between the first and second flange portions. The tire is mounted to the wheel. The wheel and the tire cooperate to define a tire cavity. The tire includes a first beaded portion and a second beaded portion. The plurality of pressurized load cells are positioned within the tire cavity. The sleeve member is positioned within the tire cavity and surrounds and constrains the plurality of pressurized load cells.
Abstract:
A method for locking a tire to a wheel rim, includes the steps of mounting a tubular tire locking element on the wheel rim, which tubular locking member is arranged with a valve, which valve is pushed through a hole in the rim; mounting a tire on the rim such that the tire encloses the tubular tire locking element and a pressure chamber is obtained between the tire locking element and the tire; pressurizing the tubular tire locking element via the valve such that it expands, whereby the beads of the tire are pressed against the flanges of the wheel rim; inserting a hollow needle through the tire and into the pressure chamber, which hollow needle is connected to a pressurized air source; pressurizing the pressure chamber to desired pressure, removing the hollow needle; and sealing the hole caused by the needle with sealing fluid or plug.
Abstract:
Provided is a pneumatic tire/rim assembly which is improved in the run-flat durability with the mass of the tire being reduced. In a pneumatic tire/rim assembly with a run-flat capability, an air bladder (2) made of a circular ring-shaped film body is inserted inside a pneumatic tire (1) mounted on a rim (R). At least part of the film body is formed of a sealing layer (3) made of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by blending an elastomer in a thermoplastic resin.
Abstract:
A system for allowing vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires to continue operating after a tire failure which would normally cause deflation of the tire employs one or more airbags stored in deflated configuration either about the exterior surface of the rim supporting the pneumatic tire or externally of the tire. The system further includes a container for compressed gases. A sensor connected to the inflated tire to detect sudden deflation releases the compressed gases so as to inflate the airbag to either support the tire or provide an exterior running surface adjacent to the deflated tire.