Interlocking Tire And Rim Patents (Class 152/379.3)
  • Patent number: 11148478
    Abstract: An adapter for a rolling assembly having an axis of rotation (YY?), the rolling assembly comprising a tyre having two beads, and a rim having two rim bead seats, for each bead, provides the connection between the bead and the rim, the said adapter comprising an axially inner end connected to the rim, an axially outer end comprising an outer reinforcing element and intended to come into contact, via a substantially radial axially inner face, or bearing face, with a bead, a body connecting the axially outer end to the axially inner end so as to form a single piece, comprising at least one main reinforcement providing the connection between the outer reinforcing element and the inner reinforcing element, and comprising a substantially axial adapter seat intended to come into contact with a bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Henri Barguet, Olivier Reix, Arthur Topin
  • Patent number: 10864772
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a first side plate having a first annular base, axially protruding first claw members projecting axially outward from the first annular base, axially protruding first hub mounts projecting axially outward from the first annular base, and axially protruding first spring mounts projecting axially outward from the first annular base; a hub member attached to the first side plate; and a tire assembly laid over the hub member such that spokes of the tire assembly are radially adjacent corresponding first claw members of the first side plate, a plurality of friction members and the first claw members sandwiching each of the spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Ceyhan Celik, Steven Amos Edwards, George Michael Stoila
  • Patent number: 10639930
    Abstract: A wheel includes a rim having inner and outer flanges. A first end of each flange is positioned axially outwardly relative to the second end. A pair of bead seats are positioned one adjacent each flange, and each has an axially outer end connected to a second end of its flange by a flange connecting portion, and an axially inner end connected to one of a pair of side parts. Each side part is positioned between a central well and one of the inner and outer flanges, and connected to the well by a well connecting portion. The outer end of each bead seat is positioned radially outwardly relative to bead seat inner end. At least one of the flanges includes an extended portion which extends radially inwardly, such that a free end of the extended portion is positioned radially inwardly relative to the first end of the respective flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: GKN Wheels Limited
    Inventors: Gianpietro Brame, Kristoffer Eriksen, Ulla Bennetzen, John Madsen
  • Patent number: 10588750
    Abstract: A tissue fixation implant that includes leading fixation and trailing fixation members, each fixation member having a proximal head and an elongate shank with a distal tip, and each fixation member adapted to at least partially contact the other fixation member at one or more points along their respective lengths. The tissue fixation implant includes a proximal inter-engagement feature for fixedly engaging each of the two fixation members relative to one another when engaged within tissue, including bone tissue, soft tissue, and combinations of these, and has an interior chamber suitable for receiving osteogenic material to enhance new bone growth and fusion of the fixation implant within bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: CUTTING EDGE SPINE LLC
    Inventors: John Souza, Kyle Kuntz
  • Patent number: 10562347
    Abstract: Vehicle rim for the mounting of a tire, comprising: an axially central part (20) comprising a disc; two lateral parts (31, 32), at least one of the lateral parts being separate from the axially central part, each of the lateral parts having a rim seat receiving a bead of a tire, the axially central part and the two lateral parts being made from a rigid matrix reinforced by a plurality of reinforcement elements; an intermediate part (41, 42) linking the axially central part and each lateral part separate therefrom, this intermediate part being made of a flexible matrix reinforced by a reinforcement, wherein 1 MPa?the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the flexible matrix?100 MPa, the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the reinforcement elements is?5 GPa; wherein the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the rigid matrix is?5 GPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventor: José Merino Lopez
  • Patent number: 10457100
    Abstract: The disclosure addresses a series of interactions between wheels and a number of different replaceable tire segments to cover the wheels. The disclosure teaches more than one way to engage the one or more tire segments to wheels and to form seams between ends of the one or more tire segments. The tire segments may be removed and replaced so that the wheels and wheel bearing may be used longer than the useful life of the tire segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: gowheels, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Bateman, Jr., Kevin J. Rackers, Nathan J. Rackers, Sean Joseph Rayna
  • Patent number: 10457094
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a first side plate having a first annular base, axially protruding first claw members projecting axially outward from the first annular base, axially protruding first hub mounts projecting axially outward from the first annular base, and axially protruding first spring mounts projecting axially outward from the first annular base; a hub member attached to the first side plate; and a tire assembly laid over the hub member such that spokes of the tire assembly are radially adjacent corresponding first claw members of the first side plate, a plurality of friction members and the first claw members sandwiching each of the spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Ceyhan Celik, Steven Amos Edwards, George Michael Stoila
  • Patent number: 10414208
    Abstract: Rolling assembly comprising tire P, rim J, adapter connecting a bead and the rim. The adapter has axially outer (9) and inner (10) ends mounted on rim seat (7) having respective outer (16) and inner (20) reinforcers. Body (11) connects the outer (9) and inner (10) ends forming a single piece, an adapter seat (18) receives a bead and is situated at end (9), an adapter bearing face (21) in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, and situated on the axially inner face of outer end (9). Reinforcer (20) of end (9) is axially outside bearing face (21). The body comprises, opposite adapter seat (14), annular seat reinforcer (19) and the adapter comprises conductive strip (22) positioned over all or part of the circumferential perimeter of said adapter and along a complete path extending from adapter seat (14) to rim flange (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventor: José Merino Lopez
  • Patent number: 10336134
    Abstract: Vehicle rim for mounting of a tire, comprising: an axially central part (20) comprising a disc; two lateral parts (31, 32), at least one of the lateral parts being separate from the axially central part, each of the lateral parts having a rim seat to receive a bead of a tire, the axially central part and the two lateral parts being made from a rigid matrix; an intermediate part (41, 42) that forms the only mechanical link between the axially central part and each lateral part that is separate from the axially central part, this intermediate part being made of a flexible matrix, the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the flexible matrix being greater than and equal to 50 MPa and less than or equal to 400 MPa; wherein the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the rigid matrix is greater than or equal to 5 GPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventor: José Merino Lopez
  • Patent number: 10328752
    Abstract: Adapter providing the connection between one tire bead and the rim. An axially inner end of the adapter is mounted on the rim seat, an axially outer end is mounted on the rim seat, a body connects said outer end to said inner end, a substantially cylindrical adapter seat receives one of said beads, and an adapter bearing face is substantially contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis. The reinforcer element of the axially outer end is entirely situated axially outside the bearing face. The body comprises, opposite the adapter seat, an annular seat protuberance, said protuberance comprising at least one rubber composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Arthur Topin, Michel Ahouanto, Jacky Pineau
  • Patent number: 10315467
    Abstract: In an apex 34 of a tire 2, a reinforcing portion 48 is located inward of a main body 46 in an axial direction. When a position on an outer surface of the tire 2 at which position a height from a BBL is 14 mm is defined as a first point P1 and a position on the outer surface of the tire 2 at which position a height from the BBL is 20 mm is defined as a second point P2, the reinforcing portion 48 overlaps the first point P1 and the second point P2 in a radial direction. A loss tangent of the reinforcing portion 48 is equal to a loss tangent of the main body 46 or less than the loss tangent. A hardness of the reinforcing portion 48 is equal to a hardness of the main body 46 or greater than the hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke Hashimoto, Eisuke Hirosue
  • Patent number: 10207544
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a mounting plate for attachment to a rotatable axle, a plurality of friction plates engaging a corresponding number of notches of the mounting plate, a first annular flange fixed to first end portions of the friction plates, a second annular flange fixed to second end portions of the friction plates, and a plurality of tension claws fixed to the annular flanges adjacent the friction plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Ceyhan Celik, Steven Amos Edwards
  • Patent number: 9975591
    Abstract: A system for installing a continuous track on a wheel assembly of a heavy-equipment machine, broadly including an extension assembly with proximal and distal ends; a base assembly removeably connected to the wheel assembly, which functions to provide foundational support for the remaining components of the system; a support assembly for maintaining a portion of the extension assembly properly in position during installation of the continuous track, and an installation bracket assembly attached to the distal end of the extension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Bair Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Bair
  • Patent number: 9943651
    Abstract: A pressure regulating syringe comprises a barrel assembly terminating with a tubular tip positionable in fluid communication with a fluid chamber, a plunger that is manually and axially displaceable within a barrel of the barrel assembly, a pressure sensor mounted onto the plunger adjacent to its distal end, for generating one or more electrical signals representative of a change in pressure within the fluid chamber, circuitry housed within the plunger for processing the generated signals, and a display mounted on the plunger for displaying an output indicative of the processed signals. The output is changeable upon axial displacement of the plunger when the tubular tip is positioned in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, which is for example a cuff surrounding a medical tube. Fluid is delivered by manually manipulating a fluid delivery element in response to the displayed output until a desired fluid delivery operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Hospitech Respiration Ltd.
    Inventor: Israel Deutsch
  • Patent number: 8911025
    Abstract: A wheel, in particular for mobile apparatus such as carriages or the like, having an interlocking tire and rim and including: a central hub defining an annular external surface; a tread, associated to the external surface of the hub; and anchoring elements extending from the annular external surface in order to constrain the tread to the hub; the anchoring elements including at least one groove for housing at least a first portion of the tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: F.I.R. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Paola Rota
  • Patent number: 8770243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle tire. More particularly, the bicycle tire is formed by foaming synthetic resin materials and is mounted to a rim of a bicycle, wherein the tire is prevented from being unexpectedly separated from the rim in use. That is, the bicycle tire formed by injection-foam molding is characterized in that: a rim coupling portion of the bicycle tire is formed with a plurality of coupling holes at predetermined intervals; and stoppers formed of synthetic resin materials are fixed in the coupling holes, stopped by annular holding protrusions when the tire is mounted to the bicycle rim, and formed of arch surfaces, horizontal surfaces and tilted both end surfaces so that the tilted both end surfaces are protruded when the stoppers are fixed to the coupling holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Yull Lee
  • Patent number: 8684055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an explosion-proof security tire for vehicles. The tire includes an outer tire, a split rim, a L-shaped sealing ring, a combined support loop and a valve core. The combined support loop includes a plurality layers of support rings they are sleeved by layer on layer and fixed with the rim. The size of the tire can increased by the combined support loop so as to furthest shorten the distance between the inner wall of the outer tire and the outer wall of the combined support loop at a normal pressure of tire. At the moment that the tire is burst, the combined support loop can support the outer tire quickly and effectively, and control the change of acting radius of the tire in a minimum range so as to ensure the basic performance of the tire and to prevent accidents caused by sudden control loss of running direction and avoid potential security risks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Xiaoyin Wu, Dazhong Wu
  • Patent number: 8656971
    Abstract: A tire assembly includes a tire having an annular tread between and connected to outer edges of opposed first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls terminate at radially inner edges defining first and second bead sections, respectively. The tire also has a first interior wall having one edge coupled to the tread and an opposite free edge. The first interior wall is positioned between and generally parallel to and spaced from the first and second sidewalls. A first annular spacer is positionable adjacent the first bead section between the first sidewall and the first interior wall on one side of the first interior wall. A second annular spacer is positionable on the opposite side of the first interior wall. The first and second annular spacers are configured to generally maintain a spacing of the first and second sidewalls and the first interior wall relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Eladio A. Vargas
  • Patent number: 8578984
    Abstract: A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, John C. McKay
  • Patent number: 8567463
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire of the semi-hollow type includes a casing having an uninflated inner volume and including an inner wall provided with a retaining bead and a convex outer wall forming the tread of the tire, the inner wall and the outer wall of the tire being connected by two annular borders. The inner wall of the tire is concave so as to surmount a convex outer wall of the peripheral seat of a rim of a wheel, this outer wall being provided with a peripheral slot adapted to accommodate the retaining bead of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: OTICO
    Inventors: Olivier Phely, Denis Piou
  • Patent number: 8297325
    Abstract: A pneumatic tyre of the semi-hollow type includes a casing having an uninflated inner volume and including an inner wall provided with a retaining bead and a convex outer wall forming the tread of the tyre, the inner wall and the outer wall of the tyre being connected by two annular borders. The inner wall of the tyre is concave so as to surmount a convex outer wall of the peripheral seat of a rim of a wheel, this outer wall being provided with a peripheral slot adapted to accommodate the retaining bead of the tyre.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: OTICO
    Inventors: Olivier Phely, Denis Piou
  • Patent number: 8196625
    Abstract: A bead lock tire rim with a supplemental tread on the bead lock to protect the rim and the bolts. The tread extends past the edge of the rim to keep the tire from being split and the side area of the supplemental tread protects the bead lock while providing enhanced traction to the sidewall of the rim. A rim using a rounded projection to eliminate tire cutting and recessed nut locations with secure faceting is also provided for simple field repairs and long term durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Brant Chenoweth
  • Patent number: 7891393
    Abstract: An automobile tire having fluid-tight internal partitions to form discrete internal compartments includes bead-like sub-structures provided within internal partitions having contact with a road during use of the tire, the bead sub-structures including a pressure-sensitive sealant in which a rapid change in air pressure in the tire induces activation of the sealant; and a tire wheel having a lateral surface complemental to an inner radial geometry of the tire, including, at an interface between the wheel and the tire, a pump for selectable inflation of at least one of the compartments. The system may also include inflatable wheel sealing ridges formed integrally within the tire, the ridges including circumferential annular fluid tight channels inflatable independently of inflation of the internal wheel partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Yanush Edward Czarno
  • Patent number: 7878600
    Abstract: Wheels including one or more retention elements for affixing a polyurethane tire to a hub of the wheel are disclosed. The polyurethane tires of the wheels disclosed are manufactured separate from the hub and affixed to the hub via the retention elements thereby enabling additional manufacturing processes for the polyurethane tires and reuse of the hub portion of the wheels. Such manufacturing processes also allow for more complex polyurethane tire design and combinations of polymers to produce composite wheels allowing for increased comfort and durability. The wheels are particular suitability for use with industrial vehicles, such as lift trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Stellana U.S. Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Michael Krantz
  • Publication number: 20100251947
    Abstract: A gauge wheel for an agricultural implement includes a rim having an outer periphery and a tire mounted to the outer periphery. The tire includes an outer shell formed from a first resilient material and an inner core formed from a second resilient material. The first resilient material is harder than the second resilient material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Nathan A. Mariman, Polina Aronova, Scott Cassidy
  • Publication number: 20100175801
    Abstract: A tire and wheel rim assembly comprising a wheel rim having flange portions and ledge portions, wherein each ledge portion has at least one circumferentially continuous groove with a circumferentially continuous surface. The assembly further includes a tire having bead regions comprising a ledge portion having a toe, a heel, and at least one circumferentially continuous rib with a peak, wherein the at least one circumferentially continuous rib of the tire extends radially into the at least one circumferentially continuous groove of the wheel rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Neel K. Mani
  • Patent number: 7578327
    Abstract: A mounted assembly of the tubeless type for a bicycle, includes a rim and a tire having beads. The rim includes two wings attached to two seats which receive the tire beads. A tire reception zone is formed between the wings. The rim and/or the tire includes a stabilizing structure for stabilizing the air pressure at the level of the tire's outer surface, in zones which are neither in contact with the ground nor in contact with the rim, to a value of less than 2 bar. The stabilizing structure enables air to be conducted from the tire to atmosphere if a bead loses contact with its seat. The stabilizing structure can be in the form of holes in the wings and/or the seats, or in the form of channels or projections disposed on the wings. Alternatively, the stabilizing structure can be in the form of projections formed on the tire sidewall and arranged to contact the wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Loïc Albert, Bernard Moreau
  • Publication number: 20080251176
    Abstract: The present invention concerns in particular a process for mounting onto a wheel rim (10), on the one hand a tyre (600) comprising first and second beads (620, 610) respectively designed to be mounted on a first and a second rim seat (13?, 13?), and on the other hand a safety support designed to be mounted inside the tyre on a bearing surface of the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Bocquet, Jean-Pierre Dumon
  • Publication number: 20080190534
    Abstract: Vehicle wheel, with symmetry of revolution, including a disc and a rim, the rim including a first and a second seat which seats are designed to receive and to hold a first and a second bead of the tire, each seat having a substantially frustoconical bottom locally coinciding with a cone of revolution coaxial with the rim and open towards the other seat, a safety hump extending the bottom of the seat towards the other seat, and an external lip extending the bottom of the seat in the direction away from the other seat, the maximum diameter of the first seat being less than the maximum diameter of the second seat, characterized in that each seat includes, on the side facing the other seat, an adjacent circumferential groove and in that the connecting region where the disc and the rim meet is connected to the said rim on the second seat side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Malevergne
  • Patent number: 6976517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rim for cycles, more particular for bicycles. The invention is also aimed at a tubeless mounted assembly consisting of the said rim and of a tire having in particular two flexible bead wires. According to the invention, the rim consists of two flanges, attached to two seats, intended to receive the beads of a tire, separated from each other by a mounting groove, and, according to the profile of the rim in a radial plane, the bead seats have a generatrix, the axially outer end of which is on a circle of smaller diameter than the diameter of the circle on which the axially inner end is situated, the said generatrix forming an angle with the axis of rotation of the tire of between 15 and 45 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Loïc Albert, Bernard Moreau
  • Patent number: 6916073
    Abstract: A tire and wheel assembly that permits hand-mounting of the tire on the wheel is provided. The following parameters are identified in a specific relationship so as to provide a tire that permits such hand mounting: Ct is the circumference of the wheel well, from the mounting side flange, H is the radial height of the rim flange, and Y is the axial width of the rim flange, and M represents an amount of additional length, preferably about 80 millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique
    Inventors: Roger C. Cottrell, Ronald H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6892779
    Abstract: The invention provides an assembly of a pneumatic tire and a rim. The tire has at least one carcass ply 2 and a belt layer 8. The ply 2 is composed of ply cords and has end portions. The belt layer 8 is composed of belt cords provided outside of the ply 2. Each belt cord extends in a direction intersecting the ply cord. Each of the end portions is held in the rim 12. The width of the tire is maximum in a circumferential cross section “T” with a cylindrical shape with respect to the center axis “D” of the tire. The cross section “T” extends through the rim 10. When the tire is rolled under a load and a stress is applied on the tire as an arrow “X”, a neighboring portion 2d near the end portions 2a, 2b is considerably bending-deformed as arrows “Y” to absorb the stress. The roundness of the belt layer 8 is thus preserved to reduce the rolling resistance of the tire considerably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Masaoka, Hiroki Sawada, Mitsuo Hashimoto, Yuichiro Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6814114
    Abstract: A tire apparatus for driving a vehicle allows the vehicle to be driven during periods of both low tire pressure and normal tire pressure. The tire apparatus has a tire that has a tread section. The tire has a pair of side walls that are located adjacent to the tread section. A first bead is located at an end of one of the side walls, and a second bead is located at an end of the other side wall. A wheel is also present that has a rim with a first bead seat and a second bead seat. The wheel is configured for attachment to the vehicle. The wheel has a support member for engaging the tire during periods of low tire pressure. At least one of the first and second bead seats has a plurality of friction members to prevent relative rotational movement between the tire and the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Bouvier, Jean-Claude Faure, Claude Eynard
  • Patent number: 6807993
    Abstract: Wheel rim comprising two rim seats having different diameters, inclined outwards and extended axially outwards by two humps of small height, the rim seat of smaller diameter being connected axially on the inside to a bearing surface via a truncated conical portion and the rim seat of larger diameter being connected axially on the inside to the said bearing surface by a rib of small or zero height, whose axially interior wall has a generatrix that makes with the rotation axis an angle open radially and axially outwards and at the most equal to 30°, characterised in that the said rib, which has an axially inside wall of axial width at most equal to the axial width of the said second seat is provided circumferentially with at least two transverse grooves of small size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Pompier
  • Patent number: 6752187
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim includes two retaining portions and a locating portion. The two retaining portions are formed of a groove for retaining permanently one of two retaining edges of a tubeless tire. The locating portion is formed of two furrows, and a ridge situated between the two furrows which are located in proximity of the grooves of the retaining portions. The furrows are used as temporary dwelling places for locating the two retaining edges of the tubeless tire in the course of the mounting of the tubeless tire on the bicycle wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Tseng-Ping Tien
  • Publication number: 20040055685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for matching an emitting valve identifier (6) with that of a wheel (5) in the memory element of an on-board vehicle computer (2), comprising the following steps: specific excitation of the valve (6) and reception of a specific frame sent in response; decoding and analysis of the frame and recognition of the valve identifier (6); presentation of said identifier to an operator (7); matching of wheel (5) and valve (6) identifiers and inputting of said identifiers into the memory element. Said method is characterised in that said presentation is performed using a diagnostic tool (1), said diagnostic tool (1) receiving at least the valve identifier and status data by means of the on-board receiver (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Sebastien Albertus
  • Patent number: 6648421
    Abstract: A wheel structure for vehicles, capable of reducing a columnar resonance sound occurring in a wheel during a travel of a vehicle. A cross-sectional shape of a closed space defined by a wheel and a tire is varied in the circumferential direction so that a columnar resonance frequency in the closed space varies with a rotation of a wheel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuji Akiyoshi, Toshihiro Moriya, Hiroshi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6609549
    Abstract: An assembly including a deformable, inextensible tread-bearing support S, which can be slipped on to a suitable rim bearing surface (11). The bearing surface (11) extends axially towards the inside of a first rim seat (13′), which is in turn extended to the outside by a protrusion or hump (15′) of low height. The first rim seat (13′) is inclined towards the outside. A second rim seat (13″) having, viewed in meridian section, a generatrix, the axially inner end of which is located on a circle of diameter D″A greater than the diameter of the circle on which is located the axially inner end D′A of the first rim seat (13′). The two seats being, axially to the inside, extended by frustoconical portions (17, 14) of a height at least equal to 0.01 times the minimum diameter of the bearing surface (11), and the generatrices of which form with the axis of rotation angles &agr; at least equal to 45°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Richard Abinal, Thomas Emberger, Jean-Pierre Pompier
  • Publication number: 20030150538
    Abstract: A tyre for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure, a tread band, and at least one pair of sidewalls. The carcass structure includes at least one circumferential centering ridge jutting out from a crown portion of the carcass structure. Each bead of the tyre includes a rest surface defining, in a direction away from an equatorial plane of the tyre, a profile converging toward the rotation axis of the tyre. A rim for a tyre includes a base body and two seats. Each seat defines an abutment surface facing radially away from a rotation axis of the rim and includes a frustoconical configuration converging away from a median diametrical plane of the rim. The base body further includes at least two opposite radial shoulders disposed to abut against the at least one centering ridge. A vehicle wheel, including the tyre and the rim, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Renato Ceretta
  • Patent number: 6554036
    Abstract: An assembly of a rim and a closed toroidal tire. The tire includes a tire casing and a ring, defining a tight chamber. The ring provides a mounting base on the rim and forms a sleeve designed to rest on said rim in mounting position. The ring includes a protuberance having a locking surface, intended to be engaged in a complementary groove arranged on the rim in order to oppose any relative movement between tire and rim axially in at least one direction. The ring has such a degree of flexibility that a pressure reduction of the chamber causes a displacement of said protuberance toward a larger radius. The tire can, for example, be fitted on the rim, and then the vacuum can be eliminated so that the protuberance will be engaged in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Compagnie Générale des Etablissments Michelin & Cie
    Inventor: Michel Deal
  • Publication number: 20030037853
    Abstract: A wheel, having first and second bead seats which are inclined towards the outside and a cylindrical wall intended for supporting a support ring, constituted by the assembly of:
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Emberger, Denis Alff
  • Patent number: 6523589
    Abstract: Rim for a vehicle tire with an emergency surface, vehicle tire with tubeless pneumatic tire and emergency surface, and process of forming emergency surface. The rim includes a radially outer surface and an emergency running support surface formed on the radially outer surface. The emergency running support surface includes an annular layer of at least one of rubber, rubber-like material, and plastic. The annular layer is vulcanized onto the radially outer surface. The vehicle wheel includes a tubeless pneumatic tire, at least one rim comprising a radially outer surface, and an emergency running support surface formed on the radially outer surface. The emergency running support surface includes an annular layer of at least one of rubber, rubber-like material, and plastic. The annular layer is vulcanized onto a the radially outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Udo Frerichs
  • Patent number: 6474385
    Abstract: A welded vehicle wheel having a sectional rim which is connected to a nave or wheel disk in the area of the drop center by means of a weld seam, and which has standardized sections, in particular rim flange and bead seat area in terms of their axial and/or radial extent, transition radii and angles, and nonstandardized sections, in particular drop center area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Michelin Kronprinz Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Meinhard Bönning, Ralf Duning, Jorn Hansen, Dieter Schichall
  • Patent number: 6457501
    Abstract: A tire rim (1, 40, 60) having a reduced flange height (h) is disclosed. The rim (1, 40, 60) has one or both flanges (2, 42, 62) having a maximum radial height (h) of less than 12 mm, preferably in the range of 6 mm to less than 12 mm. The rim (1, 40, 60) when combined with a tire (10) has a tire and rim assembly wherein the bead core (22) of the tire (10) has a centroid (24) that is within 3 mm of the maximum radial height (h) of the rim flange (2) preferably within 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Graham Stanley Ball
  • Publication number: 20010020506
    Abstract: A wheel having a rim with first and second rim seats, at least the first rim seat having a generatrix, the axially outer end of which is on a circle of diameter less than the diameter of the circle on which the axially inner end is located, the first rim seat being extended axially outward by a low protrusion or hump and axially inward by a bearing surface intended to receive a tread support ring, and a wheel disk, joined on the side of the first rim seat to the radially inner wall of the rim, characterized in that the rim bearing surface includes first and second support zones separated by a circumferential groove which opens radially outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A.
    Inventors: Gilbert Pauc, Thomas Emberger