Abstract: The present invention relates to an explosion-proof tire, comprising a safety airbag, trigger sensors and a safety switch, wherein the safety airbag is arranged between a tire and a hub; the hub is provided with grooves; trigger devices of the safety airbag are arranged in the grooves; one end of each trigger sensor sticks into the tire; and the other end thereof is connected with a trigger device. The safety switch is arranged on the valve stem of the tire; and positive and negative electrodes on the valve stem are each connected with a trigger device. The safety switch disclosed by the present invention ensures that the safety airbag will not be triggered accidentally, and when a vehicle tire bursts, the safety airbag provided can instantly provide enough support force to ensure traffic safety.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire/rim assembly which is improved in the run-flat durability with the mass of the tire being reduced. In a pneumatic tire/rim assembly with a run-flat capability, an air bladder (2) made of a circular ring-shaped film body is inserted inside a pneumatic tire (1) mounted on a rim (R). At least part of the film body is formed of a sealing layer (3) made of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by blending an elastomer in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: Tire support rings mounted within a tubeless tire to prevent the tire from collapsing upon the occurrence of a leak in the tire and to support a vehicle until the leak can be repaired.

Abstract: A run flat tire which comprises a ply layer (4) disposed extending toroidally between a pair of bead cores and comprising ply coating rubber and ply cords, an inner liner layer (5) disposed circumferentially at an inner side of the ply layer, side reinforcing rubber layers (6) having an approximately crescent-shaped cross section and disposed in side portions of the tire between the ply layer and the inner liner layer and rubber sheets (7) disposed extending at interface of the ply layer and the side reinforcing rubber layer, wherein relations of t90>tp10 and t10<ts90 are satisfied when characteristic values of vulcanization obtained in accordance with JIS K6300-2 are represented by tp10 and tp90 for the ply coating rubber, ts10, and ts90 for the side reinforcing rubber and t10 and t90 for the rubber for a sheet.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a useful inner structural supporter type run flat tire having enough structural strength for controlling the steering wheel to some extent when the tire goes flat and having easy structure for installing to the rim wheel. A wheel 10 has a flange 11 with a bead part of a tubeless tire fitted thereto and a container 12 having a diameter smaller than that of the flange 11, and comprises a rim valve for adjusting the air pressure of the tubeless tire, and a second rim valve for adjusting air pressure in an inner tire 20. The inner tire 20 is stored in the container 12. While the inner tire 20 is stored in the container 12, the tubeless tire 30 is fitted to the flange of the tire wheel 10, air is fed into the inner tire 20 via the second rim valve until the air pressure reaches a predetermined value, so the inner tire 20 is inflated inside the tubeless tire 30, and an inner tire is provided as the inner tire in the outer tubeless tire space.

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 system for allowing vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires to continue operating after a tire failure which would normally cause deflation of the tire employs one or more airbags stored in deflated configuration either about the exterior surface of the rim supporting the pneumatic tire or externally of the tire. The system further includes a container for compressed gases. A sensor connected to the inflated tire to detect sudden deflation releases the compressed gases so as to inflate the airbag to either support the tire or provide an exterior running surface adjacent to the deflated tire.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a useful inner structural supporter type run flat tire having enough structural strength for controlling the steering wheel to some extent when the tire goes flat and having easy structure for installing to the rim wheel. A wheel 10 has a flange 11 with a bead part of a tubeless tire fitted thereto and a container 12 having a diameter smaller than that of the flange 11, and comprises a rim valve for adjusting the air pressure of the tubeless tire, and a second rim valve for adjusting air pressure in an inner tire 20. The inner tire 20 is stored in the container 12. While the inner tire 20 is stored in the container 12, the tubeless tire 30 is fitted to the flange of the tire wheel 10, air is fed into the inner tire 20 via the second rim valve until the air pressure reaches a predetermined value, so the inner tire 20 is inflated inside the tubeless tire 30, and an inner tire is provided as the inner tire in the outer tubeless tire space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a runflat device arranged to be disposed within a wheel well of a wheel having a rim (5) for securing a tyre (1), the device comprising a valve assembly (7, 8, 9, 10) arranged to be secured to the wheel and a plurality of part-annular components, said runflat device arranged to be drawn onto the wheel by a retraction mechanism when air pressure is applied to said valve (7, 8, 9, 10).

Abstract: A safety wheel for a vehicle includes a rim having a body and a protrusion extending outward from an outer circumference of the body, and having a fastening groove; a first rubber layer wrapped on the protrusion of the rim; an air-filled tube disposed on the first rubber layer, and having a hollow body filled with compressed air therein; an outermost second rubber layer wrapped on the rim protrusion, the first rubber layer and the air-filled tube; and a rubber sheath wrapped on the rim protrusion, the first rubber layer, the air-filled tube and the second rubber layer. The safety wheel maintains pressure to support the weight of the vehicle, and even if the tire is blown out, prevents the vehicle from rocking and overturning due to inclination, as well as affords stability so that the vehicle can travel for a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The invention proposes a technique of preventing a propagation of a damage in a reinforcing layer to a toric air bag even if the reinforcing layer arranged on an outer peripheral side of the toric air bag in a safety tire to suppress an unnecessary size growth of the toric air bag and allowed to a proper expansion deformation of the toric air bag in the puncture of the tire or the like is damaged by foreign matters entered through a puncture hole into the tire, in which the reinforcing layer separately arranged from the toric air bag is fitted on the outer peripheral side of the toric air bag having a hollow torus shape over its full periphery to suppress the propagation of the damage in the reinforcing layer to the toric air bag through an interface layer therebetween.

Abstract: A bead lock including an insert casing and a bead spacer for providing an air passageway in a vehicle tire to be mounted on a wheel rim on which is located an insert valve and a rim lip for retention of the vehicle tire bead, the insert casing including an insert bead adapted to push against the tire bead and to hold the tire bead firmly against the inner surface of the rim lip, the inner wall of the vehicle tire and the outer surface of the insert casing defining an internal tire space to be pressurized for inflation of the vehicle tire or depressurized for the deflation of the vehicle tire via the insert valve, the tire bead and the insert bead interposed between the internal tire space and the insert valve, the bead spacer extending from the insert bead to an insert valve area corresponding in use to the insert valve location whereby to define at least one air passage for communication of the internal tire space with the insert valve, wherein the bead spacer is made of material sufficiently flexible to sub

Abstract: A dual compartment tire has a primary air compartment and a secondary air compartment that is internal to the primary air compartment. During ordinary travel, the primary air compartment is in contact with the road surface, with the secondary air compartment constituting an integral spare tire in the event of a flattening of the primary air compartment. Each of the primary and secondary air compartments is bounded by an exterior surface. In contrast to prior art dual compartment tires, the exterior surface of the secondary air compartment is relatively thicker than the exterior surface of the primary air compartment.

Abstract: A rubber-fiber composite material of the present invention comprises a non-woven fabric and a rubber which coats the non-woven fabric. At least a part of the non-woven fabric is made of an organic fiber having a single fiber diameter of 10 to 35 &mgr;m, a fiber length of 30 to 100 mm and a tensile modulus of 50 GPa or higher. By the use of the non-woven fabric at least a part of which is made of the organic fiber having the above properties, a sufficient impregnation of rubber into the inside of the non-woven fabric is ensured to enable the production of the rubber-fiber composite material having a high stiffness. Using the rubber-fiber composite material of the present invention as the reinforcing material for rubber articles, the resultant rubber articles have enhanced stiffness, improved durability and reduced weight.

Abstract: In the present invention, an outer tire is supported and positioned by an auxiliary inner tire such that air can be pumped into the space between the inner and outer tires. When there is a flat tire or leakage, the outer tire is supported by the inner tire and still has an appropriate support to the car, and thus the outer tire will not be compressed completely or grinded by the rim of the wheel, so that the tire will not be damaged easily and the auxiliary inner tire can continue running for a short time.

Abstract: There is proposed a toric air bag for a safety tire capable of sufficiently and equally contacting with a full inner face of a tire in the expansion-deformation of the toric air bag by a drop of an internal pressure in the tire, wherein at least an expansion-deforming portion of the toric air bag having a hollow torus shape as a whole is constructed with a tension support member, and to the expansion-deforming portion is given a property indicating a characteristic of extension ratio-tensile force that tensile force per unit width is substantially and gradually increased with the increase of elongation through the expansion-deformation.

Abstract: A run flat tire that includes a tire casing and an inner support fitted within which tire casing, with the inner support to support the tire casing load upon run flat tire deflation. The tire casing and inner support are for mounting to a rim, the tire casing side wall bead ends to fit against side wall ends of the inner support that are maintained against rim interior stepped sections. The inner support is formed from an elastomeric material, preferably by casting or molding methods, to include an interior arch shaped cavity centered under the inner support outer surface having at least one hundred forty (140) degrees and not more than one hundred eighty (180) degrees of arc, and has a uniform thickness between the inner support inner and outer surfaces that is selected to support a particular anticipated load, after tire deflation, to support, in compression, the tire load for a target distance and speed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a tire design, which allows for proper operational characteristics in all operating conditions, and is not dependent on pneumatic pressurization. The tire is mounted in a wheel rim, and comprises an integral homogeneous toroidal body having a pair of spaced-apart radially extending sidewalls and a cross member. Each sidewall has a first and a second end and an internal face and an external face, with the second end of each of the sidewalls integrally merging into the cross member. A set of rim-engaging surfaces at the first end of each of the sidewalls allows effective mounting to conventional tire rims. An annular chamber is defined by the internal faces of the sidewalls and an internal top wall on the cross member opposite the at least one road engaging surface.

Abstract: Helical spring loop structures (inner tires) reduce vehicle accidents when tire failure occurs, reduce tire heat build-up and tread wear simultaneously. The structure, having an ability to cope with a vehicle's failed tire while in motion, provides a safer driving environment. The structures preferably are made of steel oil tempered wire, ASTM A-229 or equal, covered with rubber tubing and assembled to form a loop which can be inflated. The wire provides structural stability and the rubber tubing provides cushioning, especially when inflated.

Abstract: A dual chamber inflatable safety tire mounted on a rim, said tire having an outer tire with an inner tire disposed within the outer tire forming an outer chamber and inner chamber, a one way valve means extending through the inner tire to enable air flow from the outer chamber to the inner chamber, a first inflation and deflation valve means extending through the apparatus into the outer chamber, and a second inflation and deflation valve means extended through the apparatus into the inner chamber.

Abstract: A three-chamber tire comprises a tire body including a bead mounted to a rim and an interior hollow space therewithin to form a service chamber; a low-pressure chamber mounted circumferentially around the interior hollow space of the tire, said low-pressure chamber including a wall, at least part of which is flexible, to form a partitioned, closed space; a high-pressure chamber mounted, adjacent to the low-pressure chamber, circumferentially around the interior hollow space of the tire, the high-pressure chamber including a wall, at least part of which is flexible, to form a partitioned, closed space; a bulge portion mounted to the outer surface of the high-pressure chamber and normally urged, in a direction toward the rim to be pressed; and a control valve for the low-pressure chamber positioned between the service chamber and the low-pressure chamber, in communication with each other, wherein the communication therebetween is cut off when the air pressure of the low-pressure chamber reaches a predetermined

Abstract: A safety tire is provided having an outer tire with treads and a puncture resistant inner tire defining inner and outer chambers, a first inflation/deflation valve extending through the sidewall of the outer tire into the outer chamber, a one-way valve to enable air flow from the outer chamber to the inner chamber, and a second inflation/deflation valve extending through the rim of the tire into the inner chamber.

Abstract: A wheel and tire assembly which includes inner and outer tubeless tires mounted on the wheel. The two tires together define inner and outer air chambers which are pressurized through separate air valves. The outer tire includes a plurality of radially spaced projections on its inner surface which define passageway between the inner and outer tires at their respective beads to allow the filling of the outer chamber. The inner tire may include a bevelled end portion at its bead to further facilitate filling of the outer chamber.

Abstract: A tubeless inner tire or shield 14 provides for easy assembly of the shield 14 into the outer tire 12 and over the rim 16 as compared to previous designs. The beads 43 in the shield comprise stranded filaments and the bead portion 40,42 of the shield 14 has increased flexibility. The increased flexibility of the bead portion 40,42 eliminates kinking of the shield 14 upon assembly which could prevent the shield 14 from properly sealing against the rim 16. Air passageways 44 between the inner shield 14 and outer tire 12 are provided on the shield 14 near the bead portion 42. The air passageway 44 includes a protrusion 50 extending from the surface of the shield and has an inclined radially inner surface 58. The inner surface 58 is inclined at an angle of 25.degree. to 60.degree. relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the inner shield 14.

Abstract: A tire assembly comprising outer and inner tires having at least one vent and one plug is described. The vents and plugs mate in the assembly providing an air tight seal in the bead seal region of the tires. The vents or plugs permit air to escape from the outer tire if an attempt is made to mount the outer tire on a rim without a mating inner tire.

Abstract: A mold member for use in manufacturing a closed-torus tire comprises an annular inflatable resilient member having a substantially cylindrical inner wall and a corrugated outer wall opposed thereto. At the beginning of a tire manufacturing process, the mold member is expanded from its corrugated shape into a perfect toroid. A layer of rubber is first wrapped around the toroid and then a filament or cord is wound about the rubber. Upon the completion of the winding operation, additional rubber material is molded in a toroidal shape about the filament or cord so that the cord is fully embedded in rubber. Simultaneously with the molding operation, the additional rubber material is cast to a central wheel member. After vulcanization, the mold member is deflated from the expanded toroidal shape to the original corrugated form and the mold member is retained in the tire as a run-flat component, the corrugations forming a bumpy riding surface to inform a driver that a flat has occurred.

Abstract: A dual-chamber pneumatic tire having two separate concentric annular air chambers. The outermost air chamber, disposed behind the tire tread normally in contact with the ground has a relatively small volume, is toroidal and substantially elliptical in cross-section and is inflated at a higher pressure than the innermost chamber disposed in the remaining volume of the tire. The two chambers are separated by an elastically deformable, collapsible partition wall or diaphragm which is integrally attached to the interior tread surface near the sidewalls or which is, alternatively, made removable. The low pressure innermost chamber is inflated by means of a conventional air valve or by a regulator valve between the innermost chamber and the outermost chamber, while the outermost chamber is inflated by means of an air valve connected to the wall or diaphragm by means of flexible hose, or, alternatively by a valve disposed at the base of the tire sidewalls.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel rim device of a type in which a first wheel rim carries a first tire casing, and having a second tire casing inwardly of the first tire casing, characterized by the provision of a second rim inwardly of the first rim, the generally circular edge-portions of the second rim being supported by the generally cylindrical body portion of the first rim, and are spaced from the adjacent circular edge-portion of the first rim, and providing that the circular edge-portions of the second rim provide support for the bead-portions of the second tire casing in a manner in which the second tire casing bead portions are substantially spaced, respectively from the beam portions of the first tire casing, thus protecting the inward tire casing from the erratic flopping of the outer tire if it becomes disabled.

Abstract: A multi-chambered tire assembly (10) is provided by a pneumatic outer tire (12) mounted upon a rim (16) of a wheel and having an inner tire (14) or shield which is also mounted upon the rim (16). The inner tire (14) has a crown portion (36) spaced from the outer tire and a pair of sidewalls (38) each extending from the crown to a bead portion (40, 42). At least one of the bead portions (42) of the inner tire (14) forms an air passage way (44) between it and the adjacent bead (22) of the outer tire and is provided with radially extending grooves (52) connecting the air passage way with the outer air chamber (32).

Abstract: A no-flat tire insert for use in vehicle tires. The tire insert includes a plurality of balloons all connected to a distribution manifold in a valve system. The distribution manifold inflates the plurality of balloons simultaneously during charging. The manifold valve isolates all of the balloons from the valve stem after charging of the insert. Puncture of a small number of balloons will not cause the tire to go flat. The no-flat tire insert can be adapted to any existing tire/wheel without any modification.