Abstract: A tire having a plurality of shape memory alloy (SMA) radial stiffening elements including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each SMA radial element is secured to the rim of a wheel to form arching elements extending about an entire circumference of the tire.

Abstract: A multi-width dual wheel arrangement and method utilize a dual wheel spacer and a clamping disk for selectively mounting a dual wheel having a rim to a first wheel at a desired axial spacing of the dual wheel from the first wheel along a rolling axis of the dual and first wheels. The clamping ring is positioned outboard of the rim to clamp the rim between the clamping ring and the spacer for positioning the dual wheel at a first axial spacing from the first wheel along the rolling axis. The clamping ring is positioned inboard between the rim of the dual wheel and the dual wheel spacer for positioning the dual wheel at a second axial spacing from the first wheel. A third axial spacing is provided by configuring the rim to have a convex surface that may be electively positioned facing toward or away from the first wheel.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexible wall, that can at least partially define a spring chamber for containing pressurized gas. The flexible wall can include at least one mounting bead formed along an end thereof. A compression core can be disposed along the exterior of the flexible wall in abutting engagement with the mounting bead. The compression core can be captured between the mounting bead and a portion of the flexible wall such that inflation of the spring chamber biases the flexible wall, mounting bead and compression core outward and into engagement with an end member to form a gas spring assembly. A suspension system and a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: Flat-running device for fitting to a tubeless mounted assembly for a motor vehicle and a mounted assembly incorporating same is provided. The device is configured for a wheel rim (in several parts includes an annular supporting structure of the casing designed to be mounted around the rim and divided into sectors in an arc of a circle that are articulated together by connection members, and members for locking the beads against these edges which are designed to connect the annular supporting structure to these beads. The connection members including two spindles extending in the axial direction and respectively attached in two adjacent sectors and connected together by an articulation extending in the circumferential direction of the device, the articulation having a rigid lug with two through-holes or else a flexible link with two loops, the or the link being articulated on these spindles by these two holes or loops, respectively.

Abstract: The instant invention is a pressure release safety system for a multi-piece wheel rim and tubeless tire combination, teaching designs for automatically relieving/releasing pressure as part of its disassembly. In this invention, fastening elements used to hold together portions of a wheel rim are provided with a blocking device or devices that prevents loosening and/or removal of fastening elements until said blocking device is first moved from a blocking position, where movement of the blocking device from its blocking position directly or indirectly opens or requires the opening of a pressure relief channel or channels—allowing, enabling and effecting depressurization of the sealed pressure vessel. When applied in the context of a tubeless two-piece wheel/tire assembly, the invention advantageously may include a blocking or safety device (typically in the form of a ring) that covers all or a critical portion of the nuts/studs that hold the two piece wheel together.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-piece rim which does not need much labor for supporting, and does not increase the number of components to be managed and the number of needed tasks. The present invention constructs a lock ring (40) to be fitted in the groove (11a) of a gutter band (11), which ring is divided in a plurality of portions (41, 42) being coupled at each end (41a, 42a) thereof by a flexible coupling member (43). Alternatively, a lock ring (140) is formed into a substantially C-shape being manufactured by cutting a part of a circular ring, and comprises a first portion (141) wherein a length of a chord at the cut portion is substantially equal to the diametral of a hub, and a second portion (142) having a shape corresponding to the cut portion of a circular ring in the first portion.

Abstract: A run-flat support assembly for a wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tubular support structure is positioned in a tire cavity of the pneumatic tired wheel and coupled to the wheel rim to turn concurrently with an axis of rotation of the wheel rim. A skeletal structure is disposed within the tubular support structure. Circumferentially spaced linkages are displaceably secured to respective mounting races of a body of the skeletal structure. Each of the circumferentially spaced linkages is adapted to plastically fail at a pre-determined moment load in a run-flat condition, thereby pivoting relative to the respective mounting race.

Abstract: A run-flat support system and method for installing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the run-flat support system includes a torque assembly removably coupled to a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel. A plurality of support segments are adapted for attachment to the torque assembly in order to support the pneumatic tired wheel in a flat condition such as an under-inflated condition or deflated condition.

Abstract: A take apart vehicle wheel assembly includes at least a first, a second and a third wheel part operatively connected together to form the take apart vehicle wheel assembly. A first one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of first stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in a first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern such that each of the first stud receiving holes is spaced apart from a next adjacent first stud receiving hole by a different angular spacing. A second one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of second stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in unevenly spaced circumferential pattern which corresponds to the first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern of the first stud receiving holes to enable stud bolts and nuts to be used to releasably connect the first one and the second one of the first, second and third wheel parts together.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) assembly disposed between a rim and a tire assembly. The MRE assembly may be configured to adjust a tire pressure within a chamber between the rim and the tire assembly when a magnetic field is applied to the MRE assembly.

Abstract: A take apart vehicle wheel assembly includes at least a first, a second and a third wheel part operatively connected together to form the take apart vehicle wheel assembly. A first one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of first stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in a first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern such that each of the first stud receiving holes is spaced apart from a next adjacent first stud receiving hole by a different angular spacing. A second one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of second stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in unevenly spaced circumferential pattern which corresponds to the first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern of the first stud receiving holes to enable stud bolts and nuts to be used to releasably connect the first one and the second one of the first, second and third wheel parts together.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel with a wheel rim and a solid tire positioned on the wheel rim. The vehicle wheel has an annular upper shell having a first wedge-shaped surface and composed of at least two upper segments. Further, the vehicle wheel includes an annular lower shell composed of lower segments and having an outer circumference having a second wedge-shaped surface. Moreover, the second wedge-shaped surface is structured and arranged in a diametrically opposed manner to the first wedge-shaped surface. Additionally, the annular lower shell is arranged on the rim, the annular lower shell is arranged against the annular upper shell, and the annular upper shell is connected to the solid tire.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of wheel assemblies and tires. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheel assembly generally includes first and second wheel pieces attachable to each other. The first and second wheel pieces may include respective first and second rim portions. Each of the first and second rim portions may include an arced portion that defines only a portion of a circumference of a rim, such that the arced portions collectively define the circumference of the rim when the first and second wheel pieces are attached. The first and second wheel pieces may be slidably engagable in a first axial direction that is substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the wheel assembly. The first and second wheel pieces may be slidably disengagable in a second axial direction that is generally opposite the first axial direction.

Abstract: An automotive wheel assembly that has a smooth, flush or continuous, transition surface between an outer wheel barrel and an inner wheel barrel, to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the automotive wheel is fabricated by a modification to the wheel design, construction, assembly and/or finishing process to impart a uniform aesthetic appearance throughout the inner and outer barrels of the wheel and a seamless transition, or “endless lip effect,” between the inner and outer barrels of the wheel. Various embodiments of the design incorporate one-piece, two-piece and three-piece automotive wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A replacement wheel, wheel disc or object is adapted to substantially replicate a mounting pad pattern of a wheel, wheel disc or object to be replaced. An annular arrangement of raised mounting pads provides a pattern of mounting pads proximate a circle of a given diameter to substantially replicate the mounting pad pattern of the to-be-replaced wheel disc or objects Mounting pads may be provided on an annular member having an inner diameter less than the given diameter of a circle at which the mounting pad pattern of the to-be-replaced wheel disc or object is located and having an outer diameter greater than the given diameter. Mounting pads may be provided by inserts.

Abstract: A tire insert system for assembly into a continuous ring during its positioning within a tire, and is supported on a wheel web between the wheel flanges where the continuous tire insert ring is mounted to the wheel to support a tire load for a significant travel distance should that tire lose air. The four tire insert segments each include an arcuate shaped outer portion that, when assembled end to end, form the insert ring, and each tire insert segment includes an anchor plate that is an arcuate section when assembled side by side with other anchor plates forms a flat disk having an open center portion, which anchor plate is secured to the tire insert on its top end and includes mounting holes formed in its lower portion for receiving bolt type fasteners fitted therethrough and through forward and rear wheel sections, sandwiching the anchor plates therebetween, forming the tire insert ring in the tire during a mounting of the tire between wheel flanges.

Abstract: A run-flat support system and method for installing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the run-flat support system includes a torque assembly removably coupled to a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel. A plurality of support segments are adapted for attachment to the torque assembly in order to support the pneumatic tired wheel in a flat condition such as an under-inflated condition or deflated condition.

Abstract: A laterally installing wheel including a rim in which a rim main portion and a side ring are disconnectably coupled to each other at a coupling portion of the rim main portion and the side ring, wherein the coupling portion is constructed such that a gap between the rim main portion and the side ring is inconspicuous from outside in the axial direction of the wheel. The coupling portion is provided at an axially inner portion of the rim. In a case where the coupling portion is provided at an axially outer portion of the rim, the coupling portion is located at an inconspicuous portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of one-piece, and multi-piece wheels configured to provide increased interior lip depth. In one embodiment, an outer periphery of a curved center portion of a wheel is attached to a wheel barrel in an inboard region, and a portion of the center portion extends into the outboard region of the wheel. At least a portion of the wall of the wheel barrel preferably comprises a gradual slope, instead of a traditional wheel mounting drop, and thus the interior lip depth is not obstructed by the interior bulge generally created by such a drop. In other embodiments, a wheel mounting drop is configured to permit multi-piece wheels to be joined at or near one of the drop walls to allow the wheel center to be positioned further in the inboard direction than in traditional wheels.

Abstract: A multi-piece safety wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, interlocking bosses and tabs on the inner rim portion and outer rim portion. In the event of improper disassembly of the wheel with an inflated tire mounted thereon, any failure of the wheel assembly fasteners will result in the outer rim portion separating from the inner rim portion a sufficient distance to vent air pressure from within the tire, at which point the interlocking bosses and tabs resist further movement of the outer rim portion. The outer rim portion is thereby resisted from becoming a potentially dangerous projectile. A method of safely deflating the tire upon improper disassembly of the multi-piece safety wheel is also provided.

Abstract: The three piece automobile wheel is provided with an inner rim, an outer rim, and a center disc. The center disc is attached to a flange section of the inner rim and outer rim. A trough is established in the inner rim between the flange section and rim flange. The outer side-wall of the trough nearest the flange section is disposed off the rim center-plane towards the center disc, a valve opening passes through the outer side-wall for valve attachment, and the configuration allows the valve base to be disposed inside the trough. The center disc is provided with a through-hole region to expose the valve stem to the outside.

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.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprises a generally frustoconical wheel having an upper wall defining a recessed area and a lateral wall with a tapered outer surface; a generally frustoconical rim having a top wall defining a central hole and a side wall with an outer surface and a tapered inner surface complementary with the outer surface of the wheel; and a solid tire attached to the outer surface of the rim. The recessed area is partially covered by the top wall of the rim when the rim is installed on the wheel. To install, the rim is slid over the wheel, and the rim and tire are bolted to the wheel. To remove, the bolts are removed, a pry bar is inserted in the recessed area of the wheel, and the rim is pried away from the wheel.

Abstract: A dual non-inflatable wheel assembly for trucks for providing a tire which cannot be punctured and lasts longer than tires filled with air. The dual non-inflatable wheel assembly for trucks includes a hub assembly including a hub member and further including a boss being centrally disposed upon the hub member; and also includes a wheel rim member being fastened to the hub assembly; and further includes pieces of solid material being made of rubber and being attached about the hub assembly and the wheel rim member; and also includes retaining rings being fastened to the hub assembly and to the wheel rim member for retaining the pieces of solid material about the hub member and the wheel rim member.

Abstract: A wheel (1) includes three parts: an outer rim (2), an inner rim (3), and a disc (4) joined by coach screws or stud bolts (18) directly screwed into the thickness of a wall (10) of the inner rim (3). The outer rim (2) is made from stamped light alloy plate, while the other parts are obtained by casting or other process. A portion of the outer rim (2) is compressed between the disc (4) and a portion of the inner rim (3).

Abstract: Novel wheel assemblies for use in track drive systems in a tracked vehicle, in support of improving uniformity of pressure distribution across the width of the track, between the track and the underlying ground surface, where track installed on the vehicle is wider than the wheel bodies which are supplied as original equipment with the tracked vehicle. Such improved uniformity of pressure is achieved by adding, to the wheels of such tracked vehicle, auxiliary wheel bodies which extend the widths of the wheels to widths more reflective of the width of the track being used in such vehicle. In cases where different track widths are sequentially employed on a given vehicle, auxiliary wheel assemblies of respective different widths can be sequentially mounted, removed, and the like to reflect the widths of the tracks being employed.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire assembly includes a tread, a tire fill medium which may be urethane, and a metal membrane which separates the tread from the tire fill medium. The tread, tire fill medium, and metal membrane are secured to a rim with two notches. The rim has one notch for holding the tread and a second notch for holding the tire fill medium and the metal membrane. If a different tread is required, the one positioned on the rim is easily removed and a different tread is placed on the double notched rim.

Abstract: Integrated wheel and wheel hub assembly for a vehicle, including a wheel hub (3), a wheel (2), carried by the wheel hub (3), a suspension mount (5) to connect the wheel hub (3) to the vehicle body, a rolling bearing, interposed between the wheel hub (3) and the suspension mount (5), and a brake rotor (39). The wheel includes a a rim (10) for the insertion of a tire (11) and a wheel flange (13), substantially radial, to connect the rim (10) with the wheel hub (3), the empty wheel flange (13) being prepared as an independent component, both of the rim (10) and of the wheel hub (3), and being connected solidly axially and angularly and in a secured manner to the wheel huo (3), and being connectable in a removable way to the rim (10).

Abstract: A tire has a carcass reinforcement (1) which, when viewed in meridian secn, is wound in each bead B about a bead wire (2) coated with a rubber mix, passing from the heel to the toe of the bead B, the upturn (10) being located in a profile (3) of rubber mix in the form of a wedge defined by two sides (31 and 32) coming from an apex A located beneath the section of the coated bead wire (2). Advantageously the upturn (10) surrounds in its entirety the contour of the profile (3), forming either a first radially inner side (32), a lateral side (30), and a final radially outer side (31) or a first radially outer side (31), a lateral side (30), and a final radially inner side (32). The tire may form with different rims J high-performance assemblies in the event of travel at low or zero pressure, permitting simple mounting of the tires and optionally of bearing supports S for the tire tread on the rims J.

Abstract: A skate wheel (10) having a configuration of hubs (24), tire (14), spacers (26) and bearing assembly (22) which firmly locks the tire in place and yet allows the tire, bearing assembly and spacer to be replaced independently from the rest of the wheel when appropriate. In the preferred embodiment, each hub is formed with an annular recess to hold the spacer and bearing assembly. The tire is firmly locked into the present wheel by virtue of an annular tire flange (18) of rectangular transverse cross-section which is received into each hub and by acutely V-shaped projections (23) from each hub which are received into the tire. Small gaps are provided between hubs and spacers to prevent torsional overload of the bearing assembly. Peaks and valleys can be formed in mating hub and tire surfaces to prevent rotation of the tire relative to the hub.

Abstract: A wheel rim assembly (10) includes a first bead flange, and a separable second bead flange (16), the separable second bead flange (16) maintained on a wheel rim (12) of the wheel rim assembly (10) by a retaining ring assembly (20). The retaining ring assembly (20) includes an outboard portion (22) which is partially disposed within an axial opening (18) between the second bead flange (16) and wheel rim (12). The second bead flange (16) and the wheel rim (12) each include an oppositely disposed complementary shaped lobe groove (13, 17) communicating with the axial opening (18). Disposed within the axial opening (18) is a flexible composite corrosion seal (30) comprising a generally rectangularly shaped central flexible member (32) joined with a radially extending flexible base member (35) having a plurality of axially extending protrusions (40) and oppositely disposed, spaced apart flexible lobe members (38, 39) each received within a respective lobe groove (13, 17).

Abstract: A skate wheel includes a reusable hub and a replaceable tire. The hub consists of (i) a rim with an integral clamp ring, (ii) an attachable clamp ring that attaches to the rim after a tire is mounted on the rim and (iii) a threaded ring which fastens onto the rim and secures the attachable clamp ring to the rim. Each of the clamp rings includes an inwardly pointing arm. These arms extend into annular grooves on the sides of the tire, to grip the tire and hold it in place on the rim. In a preferred embodiment the outer ring screws onto the rim and in position against the clamp ring, to retain the claim ring on the rim. To replace a worn tire, a user unscrews the outer ring, removes the attachable clamp ring and then removes the old tire from the rim. He then slides a new tire onto the rim, holds the tire in place with the attachable clamp ring and secures that ring in place with the outer ring.

Abstract: An aircraft wheel for a pneumatic tire that has a generally cylindrical wheel section with an annular inboard rim flange and an annular outboard rim flange which seat the respective beads of the tire, The respective rim flanges have curvilinear configurations that extend radially outwardly from each other with the curvilinear portion of the inboard rim flange having a radius of curvature that is based on a single radius of curvature while the curvilinear portion of the outboard rim flange has a compound radius defining an outboard rim flange that has a greater radial dimension than the inboard rim flange.

Abstract: A wheel assembly 10 for a tubeless pneumatic tire 11 is described. The wheel assembly 10 has a rim 12 for supporting the tire 11, a flange 14 removably attached to the rim 12, and a plurality of spaced studs 34 attached to the rim and threaded nuts 32 for securing the flange to the rim and for relieving pressurization from a mounted and inflated tire 11 in the event one of the threaded nuts 32 is loosened.

Abstract: A continuous forged annular flange (10) is provided for use in a wheel assembly (12) to support the side wall of a tire (14). The continuous forged flange eliminates butt welds used in prior designs which formed points for stress concentration. Further, the flange need not be cold worked and therefore has no induced stresses as present in prior designs which can lead to fatigue failure. In addition, the flange can be of a metal different than other parts of the wheel assembly to reduce electrolytic corrosion.

Abstract: A wheel for a ball throwing machine includes a tire-mounting wheel formed of two lateral halves of spun metal each having a central portion and an angularly extending rim portion, the central portions of the two halves being arranged in abutting relation with the rim portions diverging outwardly. A resilient solid polyurethane tire is molded integrally to the outer surfaces of the diverging rim portions, securing the two halves together. The tire is molded to a resilient hardness ranging between about 25A and 75A Durometer, preferably about 40A Durometer. Circumferentially spaced registering holes in the central portions of the two wheel halves removably receive bolts by which to secure the wheel to the hub of a power driven rotary shaft of a ball throwing machine.

Abstract: A take-apart tire and wheel assembly including a multi-piece wheel rim having axially spaced bead flanges, a rim base, and a pneumatic tubeless tire, preferably adapted to removably receive in its tire inflation chamber a safety runflat insert. The wheel assembly also includes a safety vent for preventing inflation of the tire cavity in the event of improper assembly or disassembly of the safety tire and wheel assembly, including an O-ring seal disposed in a triangular cavity formed between opposing portions of rim segments of the wheel assembly, and mounting studs and associated nuts that releasably clamp the rim segments together with the O-ring captured in compression therebetween. The outboard wheel rim segment includes a wheel mounting disc and may also have a safety inflation valve coupling fixed to the outboard rim segment.

Abstract: A three-piece steel wheel rim for vehicle tires containing a front part, a center part, and a rear part. The front part and the rear part converge at the rear surfce of the center part and are bolted to the center part. Above the point of conversion, the rear part and the front part widen to form a V-shaped pocket which is partially closed by a rearwardly extending bulge on the front part. An O-ring is contained within the pocket. The center part may have a rearwardly extending support upon which the rear part may rest.

Abstract: A light metal wheel rim apparatus is provided with an increased wheel disk area in proportion to the overall diameter of the rim. The light metal wheel rim is constructed of at least two component parts. A first component part includes an inner rim flange and rim ring. A second component part includes a wheel disk portion, upon which a design may be configured, and an outer rim flange. The first and second component parts are joined in a manner which maximizes the area of the wheel disc relative to the overall dimensions of the light metal wheel rim.

Abstract: A two-piece modular automotive wheel includes a rear section having a relatively thick center portion and a thinner rim portion. The rear section is produced by a spin forging process to achieve the desired thickness at various locations. A registration surface is machined in the center portion. A front rim section is secured to the rear section at the registration surface. A locking ring, which may also be spun forged, may be secured to the front rim section to lock the bead of the tire.

Abstract: A wheel assembly (10) designed to enable adaptation of various width wheels and various type tires on any one of a variety of miniature vehicles (12) includes an adapter hub (14) for mounting the wheel on an axle (54) of a specific miniature vehicle (12). Adapter hub (14) has standardized wheel mounting elements (18, 20). Each wheel includes a pair of rims (24, 24') arranged back-to-back with each rim having standardized spider portions (30) for mounting to the standardized wheel mounting elements. Circumferential peripheral surfaces 28 exhibit circumferential tire bead (36) receiving grooves between flanges (25, 26). For mounting foam type tires (38) the flanges (25, 26) are provided with spline receiving notches (42) for accepting splines (44) on a foam tire insert (46) adhesively secured within a foam tire (38).

Abstract: A wheel rim assembly (10) includes a first bead flange and a separable second bead flange (16), the separable second bead flange (16) being maintained on the rim assembly (10) by a separated retaining ring assembly (20). Each terminal end (22) of the retaining ring assembly (20) has an arcuately shaped bore (24) extending circumferentially, the bore (24) having an enlarged opening area (30) communicating with an axial opening (28) located at the outboard axial surface (23) of the retaining ring assembly (20). Located within the bores (24) is a flexible locking member (40) comprising a stranded wire cable (42) having balls (44) affixed securely thereto, the balls (44) being captured within the enlarged opening areas (30) and the flexible cable (42) being maintained within the arcuately shaped bores (24) by means of retaining connections (36) received in radial openings (34) passing through the terminal ends (22) and bores (24 ) of the retaining ring assembly (20).

Abstract: An improved rim for use on a heavy, off-road vehicle formed of a tubular rim base member having a circumferential groove in the outer cylindrical surface adjacent one end thereof, the groove being of semi-circular cross-sectional configuration, a first bead flange secured at one end of the rim base member, a second bead flange slidably mounted on the other end of the rim base providing a contour substantially the same as the inner contour of the first bead flange, the second bead flange having a circumferential recess in the inside surface at the outer end thereof, and a split circular cross-sectioned locking ring removably received within the base member circumferential groove so that when the second bead flange is slidably positioned on the rim base, the locking ring can be placed in the groove and when the second flange slides outwardly the recess therein retains the locking ring within the groove and the locking ring serves to retain the second bead flange on the rim.

Abstract: A wheel assembly (10) having self-contained tire mounting and demounting capabilities includes a closed torus tire (18) mountable on a wheel rim (11). The tire (18) is forced onto the wheel rim (11) by a plurality of retainers (25) which are driven into a plurality of mating slots (13) in the wheel rim by bolts (31). Similarly, the tire is forced off of the rim by screwing the bolts through threaded apertures in the retainers and against the wheel rim. Thus, the tire can be demounted from the wheel rim and that tire or another tire can be mounted on the wheel rim without removing the wheel rim from the vehicle.

Abstract: In a cylindrical surface of a gutter band of a wheel rim and a cylindrical surface of a spider hub opposed to one another, a conical surface is formed on one side of the cylindrical surface of the gutter band or that of the spider hub, or on both respectively. A wedge member is inserted between the formed conical surface and the cylindrical surface, or the formed conical surfaces, thereby forming a spider hub and wheel rim assembly.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a wheel rim and an annular safety support member mounted on the rim portion between the rim bead seats and extending radially outwards beyond the rim bead retaining flanges to support a tire mounted on the rim when in a deflated condition. The support member rotates with the rim in the non load-bearing condition but rotates relative to the rim in the load-bearing condition to compensate for circumferential differences between the tire tread and the radially outer surface of the support member. The confronting surfaces on the support member and rim portion are profiled to axially locate the support member on the rim. Preferably the radially inner surface of the support member is of shallow convex profile and the confronting surface on the rim portion is of shallow concave profile.

Abstract: In many designs, a tire (14) of a wheel (10) is inadequately restrained with respect to a tire supporting rim assembly (12) of the wheel. Movement of the tire (14) with respect to the rim assembly (12) results in a wastage of energy. In the present invention a wheel assembly (10) has a rim assembly (12) and a tire (14) mounted on the rim assembly (12). The rim assembly (12) has an annular elastic element (22) affixed thereto for increasing the coefficient of friction between said rim assembly (12) and the tire (14).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire and wheel rim assembly is disclosed in which the rim bead seats are defined by grooves having radially directed side portions which retain the associated tire bead against movement in an axial direction and each rim bead seat includes means in engagement with the tire bead to restrict rotation of the tire bead relative to the bead seat. Preferably said means comprises a plurality of projections formed integrally with part or all of the grooves which engage the associated tire bead to restrict rotation. Each projection may comprise a circumferentially extending rib or a tooth.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire and vehicle wheel assembly, the wheel being of the split-rim type without a tire mounting well in the base portion of the rim. A support member is provided extending radially fr0m the base portion of the rim to contact and support the tread region of the tire when the tire is wholly or partially deflated. The support member is preferably of L-section so as to have a cantilever flange to contact the tire and is preferably heat-conductive. A lubricant is preferably included in the tire cavity which will be between the tire and support member when the former contacts the latter. The support member is preferably adjacent one of the bead seats of the rim to serve the secondary purpose of retaining the tire bead on said seat. The support member may be an integral, radially outer part of the wheel disc or a separate, annular component surrounding the base portion of the rim.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for sealing an envelope around a tire casing during a cold process retreading operation, and which comprises a pair of annular pressure members which are mounted on the casing support rim, and which serve to hold and seal the envelope against the flanges of the rim thereby assuring a perfect seal throughout the envelope area. The apparatus also comprises means for readily mounting the annular members on the rim, and for holding the pressure members in their sealing positions. The latter means also permits the pressure members readily to be demounted from the rim.