Connecting member for an air maintenance tire and method of forming the same
US11020921B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29D2030/0094
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A connecting member and method of forming the connecting member in an air maintenance tire is provided. The method includes providing a tire having a sidewall formed with an annular groove. The groove receives an annular air tube having a first end with a first fitting and a second end with a second fitting. A recess is formed in the tire sidewall along the annular groove at a location where the first end of the annular air tube is adjacent the second end of the annular air tube. A mold formed with a cavity is provided and the fittings are removably secured in the cavity. The mold is positioned on a surface of the tire sidewall and an elastomer or a polymer is introduced into the mold cavity. The mold is heated to form the connecting member on the tire sidewall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.