Abstract: A spoke wheel includes a rim for supporting a tire having rim guards, a hub located radially inwardly with respect to the rim, and a plurality of spokes integrally connected with the rim and the hub at outer and inner ends, respectively, and extending radially with respect to the hub; a laterally outer surface of the outer end of each spoke and a laterally outer peripheral edge of the rim are located laterally inwardly with respect to a tip of a laterally outer rim guard; outer ends of main spokes among the spokes are provided with convex portions projecting laterally outwardly and extending in the radial direction, and a lateral position of a laterally outer tip of each convex portion lies in the range between a lateral position of the laterally outer peripheral edge of the rim and a lateral position of the tip of the laterally outer rim guard.

Abstract: A wheel includes a rim that is at least partially made from a fiber reinforced plastic. The rim has an inner side extending to the hub region of the wheel and an outer side extending centrifugally away from the hub region of the wheel whereby the outer side includes a well which is interconnected with an outer shoulder by a transition area. A wheel center is interconnected with the inner side of the rim by at least one fastener wherein the at least one fastener penetrates the rim via at least one opening that extends from the inner side of the rim to the outer side of the rim. An annular cover is arranged at the outer side of the rim in a circumferential direction around the wheel and thereby covers the at least one fastener and/or the at least one opening.

Abstract: A bicycle rim assembly includes a rim defining a central plane and comprising annular inner and outer walls. The outer wall includes first and second bead seats separated by a center well. First and second annular projections are spaced laterally from each other relative to the central plane and extend substantially radially outwardly from the outer wall. Each of the annular projections includes a radially outer face and a laterally inner face. Right and left covers are spaced from each other and are preferably coupled to the rim to cover at least a portion of the laterally inner face and the radially outer face of the first and second annular projections, respectively, and also the first and second bead seats, respectively. One or both of the right and left covers can be fiber reinforced. First and second pieces of tape can be overlapped and used to secure the covers to the rim.

Abstract: Bicycle rims that allow tires to be more easily mounted in a tubeless configuration are disclosed. More specifically, a bicycle rim may control the two beads of the tire with separate bead channels for each bead and a center bridge extending between the two bead channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle rim assembly adapted to be coupled to a hub to create a bicycle wheel. The rim assembly includes a rim and a cover coupled to the rim. The rim defines a central plane and comprises an annular inner wall and an annular outer wall cooperating with the inner wall to define a cavity. The rim further includes annular projections spaced laterally relative to the central plane and extending substantially radially outwardly from the outer annular wall. The cover includes sidewalls disposed on lateral sides of the rim adjacent the projections, each sidewall including a lateral inner portion having a lateral thickness. The cover further includes an annular ring portion interconnecting the sidewalls, the annular ring portion including a radial thickness less than the lateral thickness of the lateral inner portion of the sidewalls. Preferably, the rim comprises a metallic material and the cover comprises a non-metallic material.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel including a hub and a rim coupled to the hub. The wheel also includes a cover that is coupled to rim and that defines a bead seat engageable by a tire. The rim can have a first annular feature and the cover can have a second annular feature that is complementary to the first annular feature to attach the cover to the rim.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel including a hub and a rim coupled to the hub. The wheel also includes a cover that is coupled to rim and that defines a bead seat engageable by a tire. The rim can have a first annular feature and the cover can have a second annular feature that is complementary to the first annular feature to attach the cover to the rim.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel including a hub and a rim coupled to the hub. The wheel also includes a cover that is coupled to rim and that defines a bead seat engageable by a tire. The rim can have a first annular feature and the cover can have a second annular feature that is complementary to the first annular feature to attach the cover to the rim.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a pneumatic tire 2 which is excellent in durability. [Solution] The tire 2 has a marking on each sidewall 8 thereof. A large number of dimples 62 are formed in a region between the marking and a rim protector 34. These dimples 62 are arranged along a circumferential direction. These dimples 62 form a row. The row includes: (1) dimples each having a plane shape of a circle; or (2) dimples in each of which a plane shape is substantially a rectangle, and a ratio of a length in the circumferential direction to a width in a radial direction is equal to or greater than 1.0 and equal to or less than 3.0.

Abstract: A sealing tube is wrapped around the rim and inflated such as to seal the gap between tire and rim if the seal between the tire bead and rim has lost its integrity. After this, the tire can be inflated to specified pressure at a slow rate using a portable compressor. The repair can be done at roadside on any vehicle using inflatable tires usually without demounting the wheel or even jacking up the defective wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle pneumatic tire includes a tread, ply structure, and radial carcass extending around a bead core in each bead region and extending back under the ply structure. Side wall regions are formed by a wing rubber extending from the side of the tread toward the bead region and a rim protection rubber extending from the bead region toward the wing rubber. The wing rubber is the only rubber component extending to the tread and runs in the radially outer portion of the side wall region in contact with the carcass and covers the adjacent rubber component toward the bead region by the radially inner end section of the wing rubber. The adjacent rubber component includes an end section in the covered region narrowing toward the tread, the end of which is located a distance from a base line between 45% and 70% of the height determined therefrom.

Abstract: A sealing tube is wrapped around the rim and inflated such as to seal the gap between tire and rim if the seal between the tire bead and rim has lost its integrity. After this, the tire can be inflated to specified pressure at a slow rate using a portable compressor. The repair can be done at roadside on any vehicle using inflatable tires usually without demounting the wheel or even jacking up the defective wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is a system which improves the installation and provides a seal between tubeless tires and the rims of the wheels upon which they are mounted. A pliant sealing member or ring (10) is placed over the base (21) or rim of the wheel The ring has an opening to match the valve opening (27) of the rim. A special valve stem sleeve (15) may be provided to enhance the sealing of the valve stem. The invention features a stretch zone (19) which allows universal fit for a range of wheel sizes and also accommodates the drop center (24) of wheels. A method of casting the ring (10) is disclosed which includes the design of a mold (40) and the production of twin rings which are cut when completed to form two separate rings (10). The sealing ring (10) may be made of vinyl having a durometer rating of between 50-75 and a thickness of 0.5-1.0 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to automobile tires or tire assemblies or parts thereof suitable for being balanced by introduction therein of a thixrotropic balancing gel, wherein surfaces of the tire or tire assembly or part thereof which are intended to be in contact with the balancing gel are provided with a surface nanostructure with an average surface roughness in the range of 1-1000 nm. The surface nanostructure will enable the thixotropic balancing gel to move to the location, where it balances the tire, significantly quicker than if the surface in question did not have the surface nanostructure.

Abstract: The present invention is a system which improves the installation and provides a seal between tubeless tires and the rims of the wheels upon which they are mounted. A pliant sealing member or ring (10) is placed over the base (21) or rim of the wheel The ring has an opening to match the valve opening (27) of the rim. A special valve stem sleeve (15) may be provided to enhance the sealing of the valve stem. The invention features a stretch zone (19) which allows universal fit for a range of wheel sizes and also accommodates the drop centre (24) of wheels. A method of casting the ring (10) is disclosed which includes the design of a mold (40) and the production of twin rings which are cut when completed to form two separate rings (10). The sealing ring (10) may be made of vinyl having a durometer rating of between 50-75 and a thickness of 0.5-1.0 mm.

Abstract: A wheel rim, in particular for an all-terrain vehicle or a vehicle that is to run at low pressure, the rim including an anti-abrasion coating in at least one sensitive zone situated between the rim and the beads of a tire that is to be mounted on the rim, wherein the coating presents at least one sealing lip suitable for opposing penetration of abrasion particles between the rim and the beads of the tire.

Abstract: A polyurethane-polymer composition suitable for preparing a lightweight tire support includes at least one isocyanate, at least one polyol, and at least one chain extender. A polyurethane-polymer composition can also include an additive such as a catalyst, a filler, a surfactant, a colorant, and a mold-release agent. A lightweight tire support can be prepared from a polyurethane-polymer composition by, for example, reaction injection molding. Such a tire support desirably has temperature stability and load-bearing capability.

Abstract: A sealing strip to be used with the rim of a wheel, particularly the rim of a so-called box section bicycle rim, as well as a rim equipped with such a sealing strip, and a wheel having such rim and sealing strip. The sealing strip is formed by a continuous annular strip having, in cross section, a median depression, forming a U-shaped radial groove provided to be positioned within in the central well of the rim, two lateral extensions provided to be supported upon on the interior edges of the rim that border of the well, and two lateral walls provided to extend along the flanges of the rim. The walls of the sealing strip are extended by a pair of lips that project toward the inside relative to the walls of the sealing strip, the lips being adapted to be positioned adjacent the lips of the rim.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound, system, and method for retrofitting and converting standard bicycle rims and tires having tubes to be tubeless. Standard tube tires are retrofitted by installing either rim tape or a rim strip with integral valve stem around the inner channel of the rim, mounting the first bead of the tire, injecting a liquid sealing compound into the tire cavity, finishing mounting the tire, inflating, and installing the tire on a bicycle. The sealing compound may additionally contain propylene glycol or an aggregate material to encourage the sealing of the tires as punctures occur when the tire system is placed into use.

Abstract: An auxiliary member, made of metal or synthetic resin, is disposed between each rim seat of the rim of a wheel and at least a bead base portion of each of the beads of a pneumatic tire fitted to the rim seats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic tire with a toroidal shaped tire carcass having sidewalls and a tread. The tire carcass terminates at opposite bead regions for mounting on a tire rim. The tire has at least one of the sidewalls having a circumferentially extending continuous groove, and a non-rubber inlay ring secured within the continuous groove of the sidewall(s) to form a rim flange protector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unitary run flat tire (RFT) reinforcement that is formed into a relatively rigid shape. The reinforcement is insertable into a mold for an RFT support and can maintain the needed structural rigidity for such insertion. Further, the invention provides an RFT support that is molded and includes the RFT reinforcement. The invention also provides a wheel assembly including a tire, a rim, and an RFT support between the rim and the tire, where the support includes the RFT reinforcement. The RFT support can have a colored indicator formed or subsequently applied thereto to indicate one or more attributes of the support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic tire with a toroidal shaped tire carcass having sidewalls and a tread. The tire carcass terminates at opposite bead regions for mounting on a tire rim. The tire has at least one of the sidewalls having a circumferentially extending continuous groove, and a non-rubber inlay ring secured within the continuous groove of the sidewall(s) to form a rim flange protector.

Abstract: A radial tire for vehicles, comprising two side-cut shields, which are disposed on both sidewalls of the radial tire, the side-cut shields comprising at least two plies, which comprise a first filament array, which consists of mutually substantially parallel filaments, and a second filament array, which consists of mutually substantially parallel filaments, the filaments in the first filament array being at an angle &agr; relative to the filaments of the second filament array, the angle &agr; being 20-90°, and the side-cut shields being disposed to extend from the bead areas of the radial tire to the shoulder areas of the radial tire such that the edges of the side-cut shields facing the shoulder area are disposed between the belt layers and the plies. A method for manufacturing such a radial tire is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubeless bicycle tire and rim. The rim is formed with opposing recesses configured to engage corresponding beads formed on the tire. With the beads engaged in the recesses, the tire and rim seal for form an air tight, sealed chamber such that no inner tube is necessary. The rim is formed with a single aperture having a valve installed therein. Preferably, the valve is formed with a ring which extends into the air tight, sealed chamber. In the event of a flat tire, the tire may be removed from the rim. The valve may also be removed by grasping the ring and pulling.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim includes a rim body having an annular spoke-mounting wall and spaced left and right annular tire-retaining walls, and a pair of wear-resisting rings. The spoke-mounting wall has two annular lateral peripheral edges. The left and right annular tire-retaining walls extend integrally, radially, outwardly and respectively from the lateral peripheral edges of the spoke-mounting wall. Each of the tire-retaining walls has an inner surface that faces the other one of the tire-retaining walls to confine a tire receiving space therewith, an outer brake pad contacting surface opposite to the inner surface, and an annular end face distal to the spoke-mounting wall. Each of the tire-retaining walls further has a tire retaining projection, formed at a corner of the end face and the inner surface for engaging a bicycle tire so as to retain the bicycle tire between the tire-retaining walls. The wear-resisting rings are made of a resilient material.

Abstract: A vehicle tire wheel has a tire (31) and a rim (32) with elastic members (39) formed on left and right side flange pares (37). The tire (31) is mounted to the rim (32) so that the elastic members (39) cone in contact with left and right side bead parts (35) of the tire (31). The elastic members reduce undesirable force exerted on the left and right side bead parts (35) from the rim (32).

Abstract: A tire 10, having a rim flange support 18, is provided with void areas 24 in the rim flange support 18, to make possible firm attachment of weights 26 to a rim flange 22 when tire 10 is mounted on a rim 20. The wheel (tire/rim) construction makes balancing of the wheel easier and reduces the possibility that a weight 26 will be lost while the tire is being used.

Abstract: A tire traction apparatus for use on wheels having a rim and a tire where the rim has first and second upstanding, spaced apart side portions on opposite sides thereof, and outer facing braking surfaces thereon and the tire has first and second bead portions which cooperate with the first and second side portions to secure the tire to the rim. The apparatus includes a transversely extending member operable to extend transversely across the tire and includes first and second connecting devices cooperating with the tire for connecting the transversely extending member to opposite sides of the tire without interfering with the outer braking surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing a wheel rim tape around a wheel rim. The apparatus has a table. A first device is used for holding the spoked wheel on the table. A strap is induced manually about the wheel rim, thereby forming a loop. A second device is used for shearing the loop from the strap, with two terminal portions of the loop overlapping with each other. The second device is used for adhering the first and second terminal portions of the loop.

Abstract: A decorative trim attachment for universal application to vehicle wheels and comprised of an elongated member of flexible material installed between the wheel rim and tire bead by deflating the tire without removal from the wheel, characterized by a bead of selected color integral with a fin member for wheel-tire anchorage.

Abstract: A resilient wheel has a rim (4) with an airtight annular channel (18) separated from the tire air space (19) by an annular elastomeric member (16). The sealed annular channel (18) is in pressure communication with the tire air space (19) and acts as a buffer absorbing abrupt transient pressure changes produced in the tire air chamber (19).The elastomeric member (16) is seated in depressions (5) in the rim surface stabilizing the beads (6) of the tire mounted on the rim (4). Valve (30) in the rim (4) allows inflation of the annular air chamber (18), providing selective control for the resiliency of the wheel. Continuous radially extending portions (34) of the elastomeric member (16) serve to hold the tire beads (6) in place, the tire beads (6) residing between the extending portions (34) and radially extending portions of the rim structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rust-proof, leak-proof and air-impervious welded tire rim by providing a pair of rim bodies each of which includes a peripheral bead and at least one of which includes a valve seat defined by an opening and with the rim bodies being welded to each other along an exterior circumferential weld; liquid-cleaning the welded rim; and applying to the entirety of all exposed surfaces of the rim an air-impervious coating of resilient copolymeric material whereby any porosity of the circumferential weld is sealed against air migration and the rim beads and valve seat are all totally coated with a resilient air-impervious coating for effectively sealing against air migration in association with a tire bead and an air valve body, respectively.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tubular-tire for bicycles and its assembly on a mounting-rim of the channel type--that is normally used in combination with the usual tires having a beaded edge.The tubular-tire of the invention has a tunnel-shaped carcass profile, in the plane of the cross-section, provided with a supporting-base which is substantially concave in the center and flat at the sides and with also having two sidewalls that join together in a substantially semicircular vault.The radially inner portion of the sidewalls is joined, at the supporting base, at an angle of less than 90.degree. and it is reinforced with a pair of reinforcing elements--one textile and the other either a textile fabric, or an elastomeric liner.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire and a mounting system therefor, having constructional features designed to provide optimized operational characteristics. The tire has a low aspect ratio .lambda. and a low height ratio .theta. conforming substantially to the relations .lambda.=0.236/.theta. and 0.32<.theta.<0.39. The mounting system includes a vehicle axleborne drum and a pair of ring members adapted to be securely fastened to the drum, each ring member defining a bead seat, a bead restraining flange and a sidewall-supporting extension, and the ring members being adhered to the tire at the beads and the lower sidewalls. A layer of a suitable sealant at the juncture between each ring member and the drum renders the joints airtight.

Abstract: Bead protectors fittable to an opposed pair of tire bead portions are made of a thermoplastic resin. Each bead protector comprises a tubular portion fittable in the bead portion and a flange portion extending from the tubular portion via a curved portion and fittable to the outer side surface of the bead portion. The bead protector is integrally molded in an L-shaped radial cross section. Each of fastening bands comprises a stretchable portion and hooked plate-like metal members. When fitted to the tire bead portions, the bead protectors are interconnected by the fastening bands and elastically pulled toward each other axially of the tire by the stretchable portions, with the hooks in engagement with projections on the flange portions.

Abstract: A clip for locking pneumatic tires to mounting rims which includes a base plate adapted for attachment to the rim root wall and a pair of arms disposed at the opposite ends of the base plate. Cleats are disposed on each of the clip arms, including tooth elements projecting inwardly of the rim sidewalls for indentably engaging the confronting sidewalls of the tire casing which is mounted on the wheel rim.