Variable-stiffness wedge insert for runflat tires
US6843293B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T152/10864
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pneumatic radial ply tire (86, 104) having a tread (106), a carcass (96, 108) with two sidewalls (88a, 88b, 116a, 116b), a radial ply structure (98, 110), and a belt structure (103, 117) located radially between the tread and the radial ply structure. Each sidewall is reinforced with at least one wedge insert (89a, 89b, 118a, 118b, 120a, 120b) which comprises alternating regions (90a, 90b, 122a, 122b) of flexible material and layers (91a, 91b, 124a, 124b) of stiffer material. The layer (91a, 91b, 124a, 124b) of stiffer material constrain the lateral expansion of the wedge insert (89a, 89b, 118a, 118b, 120a, 120b) during runflat operation to provide good riding comfort during normal inflation operation and good sidewall reinforcement during runflat operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.