Variable-stiffness wedge insert for runflat tire
US6453961B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60C17/0027
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pneumatic radial ply runflat tire 1000 for a vehicle has a tread 1012, a carcass 1022 comprising at least one radial ply 1030 and two sidewalls 1016 each reinforced by a circumferentially disposed crescent-shaped wedge insert. Each insert has an elastomeric porous section 1042 embedded in an elastomeric stiffer layer 1044 of the insert 1040. When the tire is normally inflated, the porous section 1042, and hence the insert as a whole, is flexible, thereby providing comfortable driving characteristics. Under runflat (deflated tire) conditions, the pores in the porous section 1042 collapse, and the porous section 1042 stiffens, and hence the insert as a whole becomes stiff enough to support the load of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.