Abstract: A method for expanding and curing formable elastomeric material 2, which is placed in the cavity 14 of a previously molded tire 10, is disclosed. The tire 10 when filled with foamable rubber material 2 is mounted on a curing rim 20 and contacted with heat to simultaneously foam and cure the elastomeric material 2 within the tire cavity 14. The curing rim 20 has a finished or a coated surface 30 that permits the cured foam filled tire 10 to be removed after curing by slipping the cured tire 10 off the coated surface 30 of the curing rim 20.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire having an elastomeric portion encompassing the tread and a radially inward foam portion. In the elastomeric portion, certain physical characteristics of the elastomeric portion differ between the tread surface and the radially inward region. An increase in the Shore A hardness provides the tire structure with an elastomeric hoop which imparts improved rolling resistance to the tire, without compromising wet/dry traction. Likewise, the weight and compliance of the tire may be adjusted in the foam portion without adverse effects on the rolling resistance. The non-pneumatic tire may be formed from a multi-shot process in a spin cast procedure.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and rim whereto the tire is fitted as a wheel assembly that will display ride characteristics that are similar to those of a conventional pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire is preferably formed from a urethane foam in a spin casting process with the formed tire having a dense thread, with a less dense internal mid-section and is least dense at a lower area proximate to the tire inner circumference.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fabric-based inserts and layers for use with tires in order to provide an improved level of puncture resistance to the tire. Disclosed embodiments of the invention include tire anti-puncture layers including puncture-resistant layers that comprise a single or multiple layers of fabric. Preferably, for low cost and low abrasion, the puncture-resistant layers comprise fibers having a tensile strength or tenacity of less than about 15 g/denier. In some preferred constructions, especially where the puncture-resistant layer comprises a single layer of fabric, the puncture-resistant layer comprises a high cover factor, tightly woven fabric, for example having a round packed cover factor of at least about 40% of full in the warp direction and at least about 65% of full in the fill direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel wheel which serves for equipping with a pneumatic tire and essentially realizes two apparently incompatible properties of solid rubber tires and pneumatic tires, namely strength and good shock absorption, in a single wheel. This wheel is distinguished by the fact that it has a toroidal hollow foam member enclosed by the pneumatic tire and comprising reversibly deformable material having a large number of enclosed cavities serving for the absorption of gas. The substantial advantage of the tire according to the invention is obvious. Damage to the tire skin by a stone or nail does not in fact inevitably lead to an immediate and complete loss of air, as is often the case with known tires. Thus, the toroidal hollow foam member can itself store air in its cells, which not only permits continued riding for a certain time but also reduces the risk of accidents in the event of damage to the tire.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a cured tire filling composition and the composition resulting from such a method. A mixture of a polyisocyanate having an average functionality of at least 2.3; a high molecular weight polyol having a hydroxyl number in the range of about 20 to about 31 and having an actual functionality of greater than 2.1; 6 to 65 weight percent of a polar plasticizing extender oil; and no greater than 0.5 weight percent polyamine is cured in the presence of a catalyst to form a polyurethane elastomer having a vertical rebound of greater than about 60% based on ASTM D2632 and a Durometer hardness in the range of about 5 to 60 (Shore A). The mixture is used to fill a tire prior to curing the composition within the tire casing and results in a deflation-proof tire that has considerably longer road testing life than tire filling compositions currently available.

Abstract: A highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The composite material can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The composite may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the PCM composite also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite's thermal characteristics.

Abstract: An in-line skate wheel having a shaped foam core which cooperates with load bearing side walls to dictate degrees of flexure of such walls in response to loading thereof from different directions. The wheel structure includes a polyurethane tire body which encapsulates a foam mandrel and a hub.

Abstract: In a tire inflation insert of the present invention, a tire casing contains a ring having a plurality of air filled spaces or pockets. The tire inflation insert comprises a roll of a flexible sheet, wrapped with a securing belt of material such as tape, which is formed into a ring for insertion into the tire casing. The flexible sheet comprises rubber or plastic sheeting or other flexible material having a plurality of air pockets therein although flexible foam material may also be used. In some cases non-resilient foam may be introduced into the tire casing in the form of a liquid mixture which chemically reacts to form a non-resilient foam and fills the entire cavity thereof. Such non-resilient foam is currently used in packaging materials where chemicals are mixed as they are introduced to the cavity and the chemical reaction causes foam to form within the cavity forcing air out of any cavity and completely filling the same with foam having a plurality of cavities.

Abstract: A wheel for a vacuum cleaner nozzle or for a vacuum cleaner having a central part (10a, 10b) of comparatively hard material to which a tread is secured. The tread (14) is formed from a soft material having a low friction coefficient, such as a felt material.

Abstract: A filling for a puncture-proof pneumatic tire is formed by two half-toruses of elastomer or of rubber which are juxtaposed along an equatorial plane inside a tire cover and which are formed with a plurality of parallel channels of preferably hexagonal cross-section, the channels being parallel and separated from one another and positioned so that the thickness of material between adjacent channels is substantially constant.

Abstract: A lightweight, filler core tire construction for automotive and other vehicles, having a flexible composite outer layer structure and an inner flexible honeycomb core with a radial relief and said honeycomb is bonded to said outer layer, eliminating thus fully or partially pressurized air from the tire and increasing the safety of driving, damage resistance, and minimizing servicing of the tire. The structures are preferably made of a polyurethane polymer and various fibers and do not require a split rim for mounting and dismounting said tire.

Abstract: A wheel (10) having a tire (12 ) is provided with a liquid molasses as a ballast (100). The tire can be tubeless or can contain a tube (28). The molasses is preferably desugared (less than 30% by weight sucrose) and is able to sustain a temperature of -30.degree. F. (-34.4.degree. C. and below) without freezing. The molasses is non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-abrasive and is environmentally friendly. Farm, utility, industrial, lawn and garden and commercial vehicles use ballasted tires.

Abstract: A lightweight, filler core tire construction for automobiles and other vehicles, having a flexible composite outer layer structure and a flexible honeycomb core bonded to said outer layer, eliminating pressurized air from the tire and increasing thus the safety of driving and the damage resistance and eliminating the servicing of the tire. The structures above are preferably made from a polyurethane polymer and various fibers.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is directed to a pneumatic tire having a plurality of layers of high density foam rubber formed therein and methods of manufacturing and installing the layers therein. The preferred method of forming the layers of fill to be inserted in the pneumatic tire casing includes the following steps. Forming an elongated strip of elastomeric material of a size sufficient to form at least two concentric layers in a predetermined size casing of a pneumatic tire at a manufacturing site. At least one dimension of the elongated strip is the same as at least one dimension of the two concentric layers when inserted in the casing. Formulating data sheet having information from which the elongated strips can be cut to form the at least two layers for at least one predetermined condition. Transporting the elongated strip of the elastomeric material and the data sheet to an installation site remote from the manufacturing site.

Abstract: A vehicle tire which comprises: a one piece tubular unit adapted to fit snugly over a vehicle wheel wherein said unit consists of a thick tire tread having a road-engaging surface and being formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber, synthetic rubber or the like; a plurality of deep grooves extending laterally through said thick tread and spaced around the entire periphery thereof; and a plurality of clamping members disposed within said grooves and extending therethrough to engage the wheel rim and to secure the one piece unit thereto, said clamps being inwardly spaced from the outer road-engaging surface of said tire tread.

Abstract: An economical composition capable of maintaining satisfactory Durometer hardness is formed by reacting a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and an aromatic polyamine in the presence of an extender oil. The polyisocyanate can be present in a first container of a kit and the aromatic polyamine can be present in a second container of the kit. The resulting composition can be employed in a flat-free pneumatic tire as well as for filling cracks in the surface of a structure.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating valve is formed on a steel rim of a car tire which includes an inner tire secured in an outer tire, whereby upon puncture of the outer tire, the inner tire, when compressed between the outer tire and the steel rim as loaded by a car weight, may release hot air outwardly through the heat-dissipating valve for dissipating frictional heat outwardly as produced by the friction between the inner tire and the steel rim or outer tire to prevent a fire accident.

Abstract: A pressure chamber or core for an unpuncturable pneumatic tire is constituted by a toroidal cushion of elastomer material including mutually independent gastight cells containing a gas under pressure. The cells are substantially all of the same right cross-section, and the area of the right cross-section of any one cell is a small fraction of the area of the right cross-section of the chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner generally has a working head which is positioned on the floor surface when the machine is in use. The working head of a vacuum cleaner essentially includes a rotating brush, a suction blower and a motor for operating both the brush and the blower. In addition, this working head also generally requires a spacing device, such as a wheel for guiding the brush head or suction brush head and controlling its proper spacing in relation to the floor.

Abstract: A maintenance-free, non-pneumatic rubber tire for wheels of slow-moving vehicles such as wheelchairs, push-chairs and carts has a base (14) a rim (15), side walls (13) and a tread (11) of generally constant thickness along the width of the tire. The central region of the tire has one or two continuously annular empty space(s) (16) dimensioned to control the spring constant of the tire to a desired value. The tire also contains reinforcement e.g. in the form of a layer of cord (17) or spiral wire.

Abstract: A molded polypropylene foam tire core suitable for all types of wheels. The core may be inserted, in one or more sections, into a pneumatic-type tire casing and mounted on a wheel rim to provide puncture-proof and rupture-proof internal support for said tire casing.

Abstract: A method for making a polyurethane elastomer tire fill composition wherein a mixture of a) a low functionality (2.0-2.3) 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, such as a carboiimide-modified (2.0 functionality) 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and b) a nonreactive diluent, such as an oil extender, is mixed with a polyol, such as polypropylene oxide triol. The reaction mixture is inserted into a tire casing under pressure and cured therein to form an essentially void-free tire filler. The tire fill composition maintains pressure within the tire during use and has excellent physical and thermal properties. No prepolymer step is necessary in the method.

Abstract: A deflation-proof penumatic tire comprises a casing and a substantially void-free, preferably oil-containing elastomeric filling material. The tire casing is injected with a combination comprising a polyol, an organic polyisocyanate and water, in amounts and under conditions sufficient to produce carbon dioxide and form a polyurea-containing polyurethane elastomer in which the carbon dioxide is dissolved in the elastomer, thereby providing a substantially void-free filling material. The formulation permits the addition of a substantial amount of extender oil while retaining an acceptable level of hardness.

Abstract: A rubber material which is a cured rubber having a hardness of from 30.degree. as measured with an A-type rubber hardness tester to 15.degree. as measured with an F-type rubber hardness tester and an impact resilience of not less than 50%. The material has excellent vibration-proof, sound-proof, shock-absorbing or cushioning properties and is useful as a material for vibration-proof, sound-proof, shock-absorbing and cushioning members.

Abstract: Puncture-proof vehicle tires consisting essentially of one material and comprising a tread thicker than the side walls, an encircling empty space between the tread and the base of the tire and an encircling plastics reinforcement in the base of the tire.

Abstract: A roof-bolting machine of Lee-Norse Model No. TDI-43 type is equipped with wheels having rims constructed to receive significantly wider than normal, tubeless tires forced into unusually tight relationship therewith and with respective O-rings provided therein so as to resist slipping when filled with a foamed plastic rather than air and so as to reduce normally required repairs to the vehicle.

Abstract: A rubber material which is a cured rubber having a hardness of from 30.degree. as measured with an A-type rubber hardness tester to 15.degree. as measured with an F-type rubber hardness tester and an impact resilience of not less than 50%. The material has excellent vibration-proof, sound-proof, shock-absorbing or cushioning properties and is useful as a material for vibration-proof, sound-proof, shock-absorbing and cushioning members.

Abstract: A deflation-proof pneumatic tire comprises a casing and a substantially void-free, preferably oil-containing elastomeric filling material. The tire casing is injected with a combination comprising a polyol, an organic polyisocyanate and water, in amounts and under conditions sufficient to produce carbon dioxide and form a polyurea-containing polyurethane elastomer in which the carbon dioxide is dissolved in the elastomer, thereby providing a substantially void-free filling material. The formulation permits the addition of a substantial amount of extender oil while retaining an acceptable level of hardness.

Abstract: The running characteristics of a tire for a wheel are improved to provide a more quiet run, by attaching to an inner and/or outer surface of the tire vibration absorbing elements. Vibration absorbing elements may even be inserted into the tire material itself. The vibration absorbing elements are secured to the tire surface in a force and moment or torque transmitting manner by vulcanization or by a suitable adhesive. A strap may hold the individual absorbing elements together or the elements may form integral parts of the strap which is secured to the tire surface, for example, by a rubber vulcanizing operation. The vibration absorber elements may be secured to an inner tube instead of to the tire.

Abstract: A rotatable energy-absorbing sleeve unit for ship bumpers including a rim-free vehicle rubber-containing tire carcass filled with elastomeric foam. The elastomeric foam may be either polyurethane or rubber foam. The tire may be an auto or truck new, used, retreaded or blemished tire.

Abstract: Tire filling material having high resilience produced by curing a mixture of(a) a polyoxypropylene polyol having an OH equivalent molecular weight of 900-1,800 and a functionality of 2-4,(b) a polyisocyanate, and(c) a plasticizerin the presence of a catalyst where the equivalent ratio (NCO/OH) of isocyanate groups in component (b) to hydroxyl groups in component (a) is from 0.8-2.0 and the amount of component (c) is 10-200 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of component (a).

Abstract: A puncture resistant pneumatic tire including a casing and an inner tube where the side walls of the casing flex under load a known amount, the method of designing a puncture shield which does not fail from reversion when driven at high speeds. The shield is made in a mould from liquid natural rubber a foaming agent and other compounds. The outer surface of the ring is contoured to mate with the lower inside of the tire casing and the upper or inner surface of the ring is designed to protect the tube from bulging in use and to be able itself to withstand flexing at the flex zone of the casing, by forming the inner surface with a convex shape at its outer sides and by flattening and upwardly bulging the inner surface of the shield where it overlies the tread portion of the tire to create tapered wings at its sides as seen in cross section and a massive puncture resistant portion over the tire treads.

Abstract: A self-supporting motor-vehicle tire has an outer ring supporting the tread, an inner ring adapted to be fitted to a rim or to be placed upon a hub, and supporting elements uniting the said rings. The supporting elements are in the form of honeycomb-like cells running substantially parallel to the axis of the tire, the average wall thickness of the cells being less than approximately one-thirtieth of the width of the tire, while the average cross-sectional area of the interior of a cell, expressed in cm.sup.2, is less than about one-tenth of the corresponding tire width measured in centimeters.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire, after manufacture, is provided with a propellant material and a foam forming sealant material in its interior pressurizable space. The propellant and sealant are isolated from each other during normal running conditions of the tire and have no significant effect on the normal running characteristics of the tire. When a tire fails due to a puncture or the like, a loss of tire pressure and/or collapse of the tire structure and/or heat build up in the bead area due to friction permit the propellant and the foam forming materials to interreact.In one embodiment of the invention the propellant and sealant are enclosed in separate chambers of a plurality of dual-chamber containers secured to the bead portion of the tire and/or a rim base. In other embodiments a plurality of mono-chamber containers house one of the materials, the other material being uncontained in the pressurizable space.

Abstract: A zero pressure device is composed of either a microcellular or homogeneous polyurethane made by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with at least three polyols, a monomeric polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight less than 250, a polyether triol having a molecular weight of 4600 to 6000 and a polyether glycol having a molecular weight of 3500 to 4200. When the zero pressured device is a run-flat ring for a tire wheel assembly, it has an average density of 60 to 65 pounds per cubic foot and 30 to 42 pounds per cubic foot when it is a tire.

Abstract: A zero pressure device is composed of either a microcellular or homogeneous polyurethane made by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with at least three polyols, a monomeric polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight of less than 250, a polyester polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight of 800 to 3000 and a polyether polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight of 4 to 7000. When the zero pressured device is a run-flat ring for a tire-wheel assembly, it has an average density of 60 to 65 pounds per cubic foot and 30 to 42 pounds per cubic foot when it is a tire.

Abstract: A tire having a reticulated or foraminous plastic reinforcing member within an elastomeric body. This tire can be made by reticulating polyester or nylon type plastic to give a foraminous member and then injecting a liquid elastomer or elastomer precursor into a mold to fill the interstices of the foraminous body.

Abstract: A process for puncture-proofing a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim comprises filling the tire with a liquid reactant mixture of (a) at least one liquid polyoxypropylene polyether polyol and (b) a diphenylmethane diisocyanate chemically modified by known means to liquid form, the amounts of these reactants being such that the ratio of functional isocyanate groups to hydroxyl groups in the reactants is in the range 0.65 to 0.9, and cross-linking said mixture to form a resilient solid polyurethane material filling the tire, and a tire and wheel rim assembly so formed.

Abstract: Tubeless automobile tires filled with foam, the foam used being closed-cell foamed particles of a partially crystalline olefin polymer of olefins of from 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Tires are improved against puncture damage by at least partially filling the inside of the tire with hollow spheres which contain a gas and whose thin shell consists of synthetic material, these spheres having a diameter of between 0.01 and 0.04 mm. and a density of 0.005 to 0.25 g/cc., and/or by lining at least a portion of the surface of the inner wall of the tire with a strip of composite material of low density comprising a suspension of said hollow spheres in a mass of liquid or pasty synthetic material of low molecular weight.

Abstract: A tire suitable for all types of wheels, including vehicles and wheels, such as in automobiles, motorcycles or bicycles, in which the tire body is an extruded or molded plastic material formed in indeterminate length complete with conventional tread and shape means to fit the usual rim of a wheel. The tire is completed by cutting a length from the indeterminate length of tire body equivalent to the rim size of the wheel for which it is intended, then bonding the ends together. The finished tire may then be stretched and snapped on the wheel frame or rim.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a casing which defines in part an internal annular inflation chamber is provided with a small amount of low density, discrete, cellular, resilient, polymeric fibers within the inflation chamber to provide a reduction in the rate of inflation loss from the chamber upon puncture. Each fiber has many closed cells filled with gas and the polymer portion of each fiber is substantially all present as thin, filmy cellular walls. The fibers may be of varying length and may be added to the inflation chamber before or after tire is mounted on its rim.

Abstract: A safety tire comprising a tread (11), spaced beads (12) and sidewalls connecting the beads to the sides of the tread by forming under the tread a central inflatable chamber, each sidewall comprising an outside wall convex towards the outside and an inside partition convex towards the inside delimiting between each other lateral chambers distinct from the central inflatable chamber, characterized in that said lateral chambers are filled with a flexible cellular material rendering the sidewalls suitable to support the load of the wheel with a limited sagging of the tire in case of the deflating of the central chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to pneumatic tires and more particularly to a so-called safety tire comprising a carcass having a tube accommodated therein and spaced from the carcass to form inner and outer air chambers. A loose, circumferentially extending, puncture-resistant band is positioned substantially in the mid-circumferential plane of the tire between the underside of the tire tread and the tube. A further feature of the invention is the provision of means which produces an audible signal should the outer chamber become deflated. Another feature of the invention is the provision of means which, in use, limit radial and/or axial expansion of the tube should the outer chamber become deflated. A final feature is the provision of means which inhibit or prevent removal of the bead portions of the tire. from their respective seats upon deflation of the tire.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel comprising a hard radially extending core enclosing a hub sleeve, and a soft casing enclosing the core around its circumference and its flanks up to the hub sleeve.

Abstract: An accelerator including a framework having an aerodynamic fairing shaped to provide positive pitch and directional stability and including a support and attachment system for holding a fully fueled horizontal takeoff space vehicle such that the negative structure loadings are reduced to a minimum. The running gear system includes a plurality of wheel tire sets with braking and decelerating systems associated therewith.

Abstract: A unitary wheel and tire assembly comprising an injection-molded, thermoplastic wheel and a tire which is injection-molded on the wheel. The tire is of elastic material, such as synthetic or natural rubber, and having irregular inner surface portions complementary to the irregularity in the confronting surface portions of the wheel to bring about a reliable mechanical interfit.

Abstract: In a multi-piece rim arrangement having a tapered base member and an associated tire bead seat band, the bead seat band is constructed to prevent tire inflation if the rim is improperly assembled. Included is a portable puller tool, adaptable to existing rim assemblies, that functions to pull the bead seat band against the lock ring of the multi-piece rim arrangement with sufficient force to insure proper positioning of the various rim members and establish air tight integrity with a mounted tire.

Abstract: A tire wheel, is described, which comprises a tire shell having bead parts, a rim on which the tire shell is supported with the bead parts being pressed against the rim, and a filling material with which the ring-form inner space surrounded by the rim and the tire shell is filled, said filling material having an apparent specific gravity of from 0.08 to 0.3 and an impact resilience of from 50 to 80 (as determined by JIS K-6301) in a free state, consisting of an elastic foam containing butyl rubber or a halogenated butyl rubber and having a closed-cell structure with a water absorption as determined by the water absorption test prescribed in ASTM D1056 of 5% or lower, and being in a compressed state.