Utilizing Additional Noninflatable Supports Which Become Load Supporting In Emergency Patents (Class 152/520)
  • Patent number: 11485178
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid run-flat having a buffering structure for a military vehicle, and more particularly, to a hybrid run-flat having a buffering structure for a military vehicle wherein a buffer member famed of a material different from the run-flat is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the run-flat of the military vehicle to enable a driving due to the buffer member even when a tire punctures, in which a groove for a lubricant is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the buffer member, and a buffer space as an empty space is famed therein, so that the impact relief effect is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: KOREA RUNFLAT COMPANY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hak Jin Lim
  • Patent number: 11090976
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rim having a primary tire bead retention ridge; a plurality of secondary bead retention members; and a plurality of sealing members. The plurality of secondary bead retention members are removably coupleable to receptacles of the rim such that a portion of each secondary bead retention member extends into a pressurized portion of the wheel, is positioned behind a tire bead seat, and extends radially beyond the primary tire bead retention ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS LLC
    Inventors: Caleb Bernard Kerkvliet, Dylan Samuel Evans
  • Patent number: 9346328
    Abstract: A spare tire body for the tire cavity of run-flat tires comprises: a plurality of circumferentially arranged combining blocks each being a hollow member that has two lateral sides each with a through hole, a bottom, two lengthwise ends on the bottom diagonally formed with projecting portions, and a top formed as an engaging valley; and either a) a C-shaped lining piece and two C-shaped holding pieces or b) a C-shaped lining piece or c) two C-shaped holding pieces or d) a C-shaped lining piece and one C-shaped holding piece. A connecting assembly of two pairs of fine tuning members, an adjusting member, a pressing bolt, a pressing screw bolt, and two reinforcing plates may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Shut Chen Hsu
  • Patent number: 9108470
    Abstract: A run-flat device, which is inserted into pneumatic tires to allow mobility in the event of pressure loss in the pneumatic tire, can comprise an inner ring, outer ring, and an interconnected web connecting the two. The run-flat device can support an applied load by working in tension and compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Tercha, Karen Hauch, Glenn Howland, Todd Petersen, Fidelis Ceranski, Louie Stark, Brian Meliska
  • Patent number: 8978726
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Arnaud Detout, Florence Ratet, Olivier Marsaly
  • Publication number: 20140318679
    Abstract: An improved puncture-proof structure for tires is provided. The structure forms a spare tire body that can be assembled rapidly and adapted to various tire types by being finely tuned. A tire using the spare tire body is puncture-proof such that when punctured by sharp articles or knifes, the tire can still work to make safe arrival at a nearby repair workshop. This saves a car driver who has a damaged tire from the trouble of shoving the car and from the danger of endangering his/her life, in turn ensuring the public traffic safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: SHUT CHEN HSU
  • Patent number: 8800623
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to a tire support system including a plurality of support sectors. The plurality of support sectors when connected forms an annular support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: William W. Gardetto, Michael D. Marquart
  • Patent number: 8770244
    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 tire (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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Run Flat Systems Limited
    Inventor: Richard Lust
  • Patent number: 8733413
    Abstract: A runflat assembly including a plurality of arcuate components interconnectable to fit around a vehicle wheel. Each component includes a rubber body with a steel support member located within the body, which when mounted on a wheel defines a support ring around the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Tyron International Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Mitchell Glazebrook
  • Patent number: 8726959
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Von Jackson
  • Patent number: 8720511
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Fumihiro Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 8689842
    Abstract: A tire insert attachment apparatus includes a pin attached to a first part of the insert and extending into a second part of the insert to engage an actuator that draws the bolt into the second part. The actuator includes a tool engagement head that transmits rotational motion of a tool to a translator via a converter, the converter transforming the rotational motion of the head into linear motion imparted on the translator. The translator can be a rack and pinion setup or can be a thread arrangement. Preferably, the head rotates a worm, which rotates a pinion that has threads formed on an inner surface and engaging mating threads on the pin, the pin taking the form of a bolt, such as an eyebolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hutchinson, SA
    Inventors: Charles Tabone, Larry Stuck, Gerard Tavin, Paul Ardovini
  • 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: 8679272
    Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an elastomeric casing and a tire cavity formed therein. A longitudinally-extending and approximately planar length of strip material is helically arranged within the tire cavity to pre-stress the length of strip material for usage of the pneumatic tire during under-inflated and non-inflated conditions. A method of making a run-flat pneumatic tire assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Edward G. Markow
  • Patent number: 8646502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a run-flat device for attaching a tubeless mounted assembly for a motor vehicle, and to such a mounted assembly incorporating said device. A device (30) according to the invention includes: a tire support structure (30), to be mounted around a rim having a plurality of pieces and comprising a reinforcing frame, and a bead lock means for locking the beads against the rim edge and connecting the support structure to the beads. According to the invention, the frame comprises an axial belt having at least one pair of ends opposite each other, separated by a connecting axial interstice, and connected therebetween by detachable connecting means (35, 36) for locking the belt, the support structure being radially split on both sides on the right of each interstice to enable the manual mounting of the device inside the casing by the gradual insertion therein of the structure, temporarily free of the connecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Olivier Marsaly, Bruno Pelletier, Sébastien Mathieu, Stéphane Auvray
  • Publication number: 20140020800
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a type of secure and efficient wheel assembly using fluid or solid stuffing materials so as to minimize the blowout risks, a wheel rim transmission assembly, an energy exchanging arrangement used in transporting system, and a vehicle energy storage system, as well as corresponding methods for manufacturing and preparing such assemblies and arrangements in applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Wuhan Runlin Scence and Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: WENLIN REN
  • Patent number: 8578567
    Abstract: A clamp collar of the annular band type is provided, and includes a connecting mechanism for connecting at least one pair of adjacent ends of the band, and to a run-flat device intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle mounted assembly incorporating same. This clamp collar includes a band, preferably made of metal, having at least one pair of ends spaced apart in the circumferential direction, connecting mechanism for connecting the or each pair of ends together with adjustable tightening in this direction and a locking member for locking the connecting mechanism. The locking member is mounted solid with one of these ends being able to occupy an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from the connecting mechanism for tightening and loosening the collar and a locked position in which it engages with them to oppose this loosening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Olivier Marsaly, Stéphane Auvray
  • Patent number: 8561661
    Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an elastomeric casing and a tire cavity formed therein. A longitudinally-extending and approximately planar length of strip material is helically arranged within the tire cavity to pre-stress the length of strip material for usage of the pneumatic tire during under-inflated and non-inflated conditions. A method of making a run-flat pneumatic tire assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Edward G. Markow
  • Patent number: 8528612
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20130174954
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: DYNAMIC RUNFLATS, INC.
    Inventor: William W. Gardetto
  • Publication number: 20130126065
    Abstract: Provided is a core (10A), in which split pieces (10P) adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction are coupled by a coupling pin (11), an axial direction of which is disposed in a width direction of the split pieces (10P), at a radial inner circumferential side thereof, and split surfaces (10a, 10b) formed by both of the split pieces (10P, 10P) include a first load receiving surface (10c) and a second load receiving surface (10d) having a predetermined angle with respect to a radial direction at a radial outer circumferential side from the coupling pin (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Maeyama, Hiromichi Yamamoto, Kousuke Katahira
  • Patent number: 8434533
    Abstract: A load-bearing structure for a bearing support intended to be mounted on a rim inside a tire fitted on a vehicle to support the tread of the tire in the event of a loss of inflation pressure is provided. The load-bearing structure includes a base, a crown, and an annular body connecting the base and the crown. The body includes a plurality of partitions distributed regularly circumferentially, extending axially substantially from one side to the other of the body and radially from the base to the crown with a mean orientation relative to the radial direction of between 10 and 50 degrees, in that two circumferentially adjacent partitions exhibit contrary orientations relative to the radial direction and in that two adjacent partitions define with the base and/or the crown cavities in the form of triangles or trapezoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique, S.A., E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Loïc Albert, Xavier Brouwers, Guy Cagneaux, Fabien Mondini, Sébastien Rigo, Peter Szekely, Adam J. Van Der Lelij, Damien Van Der Zyppe
  • Patent number: 8397778
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat-running device intended for equipping a mounted assembly without an air chamber for a motor vehicle, and to such a mounted assembly incorporating this device. This device (30) comprises a wheel rim (10) with a plurality of blocks (10a and 10b) and a tire (20) comprising beads (21 and 22) mounted against flanges (12 and 13) of the rim, the device comprising: a structure (31) for supporting the tire, which structure is to be mounted around the rim and is divided into ring sectors (32) in the form of an arc of a circle, surmounted by a casing (34) which is intended for supporting the tire when the latter is running flat and which has two projecting lateral portions (34b) partially covering lateral faces (32b) of the structure, and means (33) for locking the beads against said flanges, which connect the annular supporting structure to the beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Olivier Marsaly, Bruno Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20120305157
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Von Jackson
  • Patent number: 8322391
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flat running device to be fitted on a tubeless mounted assembly for an automobile, and to such a mounted assembly including said device. The flat running device (30) of the invention comprises: an annular bearing structure (31) comprising a ring having a radially outside bearing face (31a) for bearing a flat-running tire cover (20), and at least one tightening belt (32) surrounding the ring so as to maintain the same substantially in contact with a running rim (10), at least one radial reinforcement (31b) being formed in the bearing face, the tightening belt(s) being applied on said reinforcement and being recessed relative to the bearing face. According to the invention, the bearing structure includes a means (33) for locking it in this hollow (11) by mounting the same so as to bear against a side wall (11b) of the hollow, a radially inner face (31c) of the locking means being adapted so as to conform to the axial profile of the bottom (11a) of said hollow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Stéphane Auvray, Stéphane Mouton
  • Patent number: 8281835
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Dynamic Runflats, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Gardetto
  • Publication number: 20120180924
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat-running device intended for being fitted on an assembly mounted on a tubeless one-piece rim for an automobile, said mounted assembly including said device, and to a method for mounting and/or removing said mounted assembly. The device according to the invention (1) includes a ring (2) with a radially internal mounting surface for the device, intended to closely match the hollow section of the rim (11), the ring having an open structure with two ends held closely facing one another by a means (5) for clamping the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: HUTCHINSON
    Inventors: Stéphane Auvray, Eric Carpentier, Patrick Clement
  • Patent number: 8215351
    Abstract: An improved shear band for use in non-pneumatic tires, pneumatic tires, and other technologies is provided. The shear band is constructed as a composite of layers that are combined in a specific manner. Each layer is constructed from one or more materials having certain selected physical properties. The layers are combined a specific manner to create a composite having physical properties and performance characteristics desirably outperforming that of the individual materials forming the layers. When used in tire construction, improvements in rolling resistance can also be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique
    Inventor: Ronald Hobart Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120145300
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: DYNAMIC RUNFLATS, INC.
    Inventor: William W. Gardetto
  • Patent number: 8196629
    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. 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. Lateral support structures, which may include the form of a wedge, are secured to the support segments to provide a bead lock between beads of the interior side walls of the pneumatic tired wheel and the split wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Dynamic Runflats, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Gardetto
  • Publication number: 20120080131
    Abstract: In heat-expandable microspheres as a starting material for hollow fine particles, which have excellent performances required for giving not only a durability in steady running region but also a durability in high-speed running region to a tire-rim assembly, and each consisting of an outer shell made of a thermoplastic resin obtained by polymerizing a monomer component in the presence of a polymerization initiator, and a foaming agent encapsulated in the outer shell and having a boiling point not higher than a softening point of the thermoplastic resin, the polymerization initiator comprises a peroxydicarbonate as an essential component, and the foaming agent comprises a fluorine-containing compound having an ether structure and a carbon number of 2-10 and containing no chlorine atom and bromine atom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicants: MATSUMOTO YUSHI-SEIYAKU CO., LTD., BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TERATANI, Toshiaki MASUDA, Kenichi KITANO, Katsushi MIKI, Takayuki AOKI, Takeshi INOHARA
  • Patent number: 8132606
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Defense Venture Group
    Inventor: William W. Gardetto
  • Patent number: 8118072
    Abstract: An improved run flat tire and system for use with a two-piece or multi-piece wheel and tire to provide for continued operation of vehicles after tire deflation. Certain aspects of the invention include a plurality of arcuate sections releasably aligned and secured to each other for positioning around a wheel, wherein extended lip portions of each arcuate section extend laterally from the inner base portion of each arcuate section to limit lateral movement of the run flat device relative to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Khaled Khatib
  • Publication number: 20110303335
    Abstract: An improved run flat tire and system for use with a two-piece or multi-piece wheel and tire to provide for continued operation of vehicles after tire deflation. Certain aspects of the invention include a plurality of arcuate sections releasably aligned and secured to each other for positioning around a wheel, wherein extended lip portions of each arcuate section extend laterally from the inner base portion of each arcuate section to limit lateral movement of the run flat device relative to the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: KHALED KHATIB
  • Publication number: 20110297287
    Abstract: A system that lies inside a tire allowing a vehicle to be driven normally in emergency situations, even with a flat tire. The system comprises two semicircular rubber segments with a trapezoidal profile with bottoms having two blunt planes at different angles. The segments also have a plurality of transverse oval holes formed therein. Ends of the segments are united by an assembly including a ratchet that draws in steel cables or high-strength strap to unite the ends. The steel cables or high-strength strap are inserted inside the segments. Each ratchet has a half provided with one holed main axle, having a longitudinal slot that receives the steel cables or strap, which has one of its ends linked to another half of another ratchet. Counterweights may also be inserted inside the rubber segments to improve the system balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Alexandre S. Vianna
  • Publication number: 20110295522
    Abstract: The invention provides a run-flat device comprising a magnet. The run-flat device can be incorporated into a tyre condition monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Westley Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Michael Clark, Trevor Chandler
  • Publication number: 20110180194
    Abstract: A run-flat device, which is inserted into pneumatic tires to allow mobility in the event of pressure loss in the pneumatic tire, can comprise an inner ring, outer ring, and an interconnected web connecting the two. The run-flat device can support an applied load by working in tension and compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: RESILIENT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Anderson, Mike Tercha, Ali Manesh, Karen Hauch, Glenn Howland, Todd Petersen, Fidelis Ceranski, Louis Stark, Brian Meliska
  • Publication number: 20110162774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) consisting an intra-gastric balloon for treating morbid obesity, or a gastric ring for treating obesity, wherein said device (1) is to be in contact, on at least a fraction of the surface thereof, with at least one bodily fluid when implanted, said device (1) being characterised in that the same comprises a first coating (4) at least partially covering said surface fraction, said first coating (4) including at least a first material containing at least a silicon oxide and/or at least a silane and/or at least a siloxane and/or at least a carbosilicate compound in order to improve the tightness of said surface fraction to said bodily fluid. The invention can be used for implantable medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Olivier Marsaly, Bruno Pelletier, Sébastien Mathieu, Stéphane Auvray
  • Publication number: 20110146872
    Abstract: A run-flat device, which is inserted into pneumatic tires to allow mobility in the event of pressure loss in the pneumatic tire, can comprise an inner ring, outer ring, and an interconnected web connecting the two. The run-flat device can support an applied load by working in tension and compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: RESILIENT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Mike Tercha, Karen Hauch, Glenn Howland, Todd Petersen, Fidelis Ceranski, Louie Stak, Brian Meliska
  • Publication number: 20110126955
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat-running device designed to be fitted to a tubeless mounted assembly for a motor vehicle and such a mounted assembly incorporating this device. A flat-running device according to the invention, for a wheel rim (in several parts includes an annular supporting structure of the casing which is designed to be mounted around the rim and which is divided into sectors in an arc of a circle that are articulated together by connection means, and means for locking the beads against these edges which are designed to connect said annular supporting structure to these beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Arnaud Detout, Florence Ratet, Olivier Marsaly
  • Publication number: 20110126954
    Abstract: A runflat assembly includinq a plurality of arcuate components interconnectable to fit around a vehicle wheel. Each component includes a rubber body with a steel support member located within the body, which when mounted on a wheel defines a support ring around the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony Mitchell Glazebrook
  • Patent number: 7946324
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a run flat device for fitting to a tubeless wheel assembly for a motor vehicle, and to such a wheel assembly incorporating the device. A device of the invention comprises: an annular cover support structure subdivided into at least two ring sectors that are circumferentially juxtaposed; and locking means for locking the beads against the flanges to connect the support structure to the beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Olivier Heuze, Florence Ratet
  • Patent number: 7918257
    Abstract: In the invention, a run-flat tire including a pair of bead portions having an annular first bead, sidewall portions respectively extending to an outer side in a tire diametrical direction from the bead portions, reinforce rubber layers arranged in the sidewall portions, a tread portion connecting outer peripheral side ends of the sidewall portions via shoulder portions, wherein the run-flat tire includes an annular inflating portion provided on the outside in a tire width direction of the bead portion arranged on the outside of the vehicle, and having an inner circumferential side face opposing to an outer circumferential curved side face of a rim flange when a regular rim is fixed; and an annular second bead arranged at the annular inflating portion, wherein the reinforce rubber layer arranged on the outside of the vehicle has a rubber hardness of 60 to 82 degree, the reinforce rubber layer arranged on the inside of the vehicle has a rubber hardness of 65 to 90 degree, and the reinforce rubber layer arranged
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Segawa, Kazutaka Hana
  • Patent number: 7918255
    Abstract: A run flat device for use in a wheel assembly comprises a wheel rim made of a plurality of blocks and a tire cover having beads mounted against flanges of the rim. The device includes an annular support structure for mounting around the rim to support the cover, the structure subdivided in at least two ring sectors to form the structure by juxtaposition in the circumferential direction thereof, and means for locking the beads against the flanges to connect the ring sectors to the beads. Each ring sector comprises at least two rigid support elements superposed in the radial direction of the structure and separated in pairs by respective rubber-based resilient layers, the layers adapted to shear based on a lateral force applied to the structure to enable the radially outer support element to be displaced axially relative to the radially inner support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Olivier Heuze, Florence Ratet
  • Patent number: 7913732
    Abstract: A tire insert attachment apparatus includes a pin attached to a first part of the insert and extending into a second part of the insert to engage an actuator that draws the bolt into the second part. The actuator includes a tool engagement head that transmits rotational motion of a tool to a translator via a converter, the converter transforming the rotational motion of the head into linear motion imparted on the translator. The translator can be a rack and pinion setup or can be a thread arrangement. Preferably, the head rotates a worm, which rotates a pinion that has threads formed on an inner surface and engaging mating threads on the pin, the pin taking the form of a bolt, such as an eyebolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hutchinson SA
    Inventors: Charles Tabone, Larry Stuck, Gérard Tavin, Paul Ardovini
  • Patent number: 7905264
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a sidewall reinforcing rubber disposed axially inside the carcass in each of the sidewall portion, and in order improving the ride comfort during normal running without deteriorating runflat performance, the axially inner surface of the sidewall reinforcing rubber is provided with a circumferentially extending groove. When the tire is deflated, the groove in the ground contacting patch is closed and the sidewall reinforcing rubber supports the tire load. When the tire is inflated-normally, as the sidewall portion can be bent around the groove, the ride comfort is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Ishida, Fumikazu Yamashita, Akira Kamigoro, Yasuaki Kuniyasu, Yurie Tanami
  • Publication number: 20110030869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamp collar of the annular band type provided with connecting means for connecting at least one pair of adjacent ends of the band, and to a run-flat device intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle mounted assembly incorporating same. This clamp collar (40) comprises a band (41), preferably made of metal, having at least one pair of ends (42 and 43) spaced apart in the circumferential direction, connecting means (44) of connecting the or each pair of ends together with adjustable tightening in this direction and a locking member (45) for locking the connecting means. According to the invention, this member is mounted solid with one of these ends (43) being able to occupy an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from these means for tightening and loosening the collar and a locked position in which it engages with them to oppose this loosening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Olivier Marsaly, Stéphane Auvray
  • Publication number: 20110017377
    Abstract: A load-bearing structure for a bearing support intended to be mounted on a rim inside a tire fitted on a vehicle to support the tread of the tire in the event of a loss of inflation pressure is provided. The load-bearing structure includes a base, a crown, and an annular body connecting the base and the crown. The body includes a plurality of partitions distributed regularly circumferentially, extending axially substantially from one side to the other of the body and radially from the base to the crown with a mean orientation relative to the radial direction of between 10 and 50 degrees, in that two circumferentially adjacent partitions exhibit contrary orientations relative to the radial direction and in that two adjacent partitions define with the base and/or the crown cavities in the form of triangles or trapezoids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A., E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Loic Albert, Xavier Brouwers, Guy Cagneaux, Fabien Mondini, Sebastien Rigo, Peter Szekely, Adam J. Van Der Lelij, Damien Van Der Zyppe
  • Patent number: 7819156
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tire/wheel assembly which, even in a case of forming a run-flat support member by processing a metal material high in breaking strength, realizes the forming without generating wrinkles and cracks. In the tire/wheel assembly, a run-flat support member is inserted into a cavity portion of a pneumatic tire mounted onto a rim, a run-flat support member being formed of an annular shell having an arched cross-section, and elastic rings attached to bent ends of the annular shell in an inner peripheral side thereof. In the tire/wheel assembly, while plural notches are provided in the bent ends along a circumferential direction thereof, a length Ln (mm) of the notches in the circumferential direction is set between 1.0 mm and 15.0 mm inclusive, and a ratio Ws/Wg of a width Ws (mm) of the bent ends of the annular shell to a thickness Wg (mm) of the elastic rings is set between 0.55 and 0.92 inclusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: The Yokoyama Rubber Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Masatoshi Kuwajima
  • Patent number: 7814952
    Abstract: The present invention provides a run-flat support body and a tire/wheel assembly whose weights can be respectively reduced. The run-flat support body includes an annular shell and elastic rings, the annular shell having an outer peripheral side as a support surface and an inner peripheral side formed in fork-shaped open legs, the elastic rings being attached respectively to the legs portions of the annular shell, and the elastic rings being designed to be mounted on a rim of a wheel. The annular shell is formed of a porous structural material having fine voids. The run-flat support body is attached to an inside of a pneumatic tire mounted on the rim of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Naito, Takumi Sekiguchi