Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating larger tubeless tires (80), such as those utilized on farm tractors, includes a segmented manifold (104) which is expandable radially to accommodate different sizes of tires. The segmented manifold (104) includes outlet holes (36) from which pressurized gas may exit to inflate the tire (80). The holes (36) have centerlines which make angles generally between 40.degree. and 75.degree. with a plane containing the manifold (104). The angled holes (36) direct the pressurized gases exiting the manifold in optimum directions to expand the tire sidewall against the wheel flange (92) to assist in sealing the tire beads against the wheel (82).

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural tire 20 having a unique tread 32 is disclosed. The tread 32 has a plurality of lugs 50. The lugs 50 are arranged in two sets 60,62 of at least three axially adjacent substantially parallel lugs 50A,50B,50C, the sets 60,62 being repeated circumferentially around the tread 32. The first sets 60 are located on a first side of the tire 20 and the second sets 62 are located on the second side of the tire 20. The lugs 50A,50B,50C of the first set 60 are substantially perpendicular to lugs 50A,50B,50C of the second set 62.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic agricultural tire (10) having a maximum section width (SW), an equatorial plane (EP) and a rim diameter (D) of 24 (61 cm) inches or greater is described. The tire (10) is particularly well suited for use as an irrigation tire. The tire (10) comprises a casing (12) having a cord reinforced rubber coated carcass (14) and a rubber tread (40) disposed radially outwardly of the carcass. The tread (40) includes an inner tread (42) and tread lugs (44,44L). The lugs (44,44L) are of a depth of less than R1, (R1 being defined as about 1.52 inches or about 3.9 cm) preferably about 80% of the R1 depth. The lugs extend axially inward a distance of 25% to 60% of the section width from an axially outer end to an axially inner end and less than a majority of the lugs extend across the equatorial plane of the tire. The tread (40) has a net-to-gross ratio of less than 30%. The tread lugs each have a centerline located midway between leading (52) and trailing edges (54) of the lug (44,44L).

Abstract: A tread element (314) is located between the axially outer end of the lugs of the tread and lateral tread edge (310) of the tire (300). The tread elements (314) provide a flexing action for breaking the soil bond or adhesion to the tread of the tire. The tread elements (314) are not located in the discharge path but are adjacent to the discharge area in order to eject or remove soil, mud, sand etc., therefrom.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for agricultural use has a tread including an inner tread surface and a plurality of spaced tread lugs (170). The tread lug (170) for use with off-the-road or agricultural, has at least one sidewall in cross-section having two different angular inclinations. The sidewall has a first straight portion (202) which extends radially inwardly from an edge (204) of the ground engaging surface (200) of the lug (170) at a first angular inclination (b) with respect to the radial direction. A second straight portion (208) extends radially inwardly at a second angular inclination (c) with respect to the radial direction, while a first concaved curved portion (212) extends from the first straight portion (202) to the second straight portion (208). A second concaved curved portion (214) then extends radially inwardly from the second straight portion (208) to an inner tread surface (151).

Abstract: A radial ply pneumatic tire (10) for heavy construction equipment has a tread portion comprising two sets of traction lugs (15, 16) and a series of block elements (17). Preferably, the tread arc radius of the tire is in the range of 90% to 110% of the maximum cross-sectional width of the tire.

Abstract: A tire for tractors and like vehicles has a tread with three sets of lugs extending axially inwardly from each lateral edge of the tread. The lugs of each of the sets extend across the tread a different distance as compared to the lugs of each of the other sets of lugs. Each lug has two portions, with the portions oriented at different angles with respect to the mid-circumferential plane of the tire.