With Embedded Anti-skid Elements Patents (Class 152/210)
  • Patent number: 11827061
    Abstract: A stud pin includes a tip including an end surface configured to come into contact with a road surface, a body portion configured to support the tip, and a lower flange. The flange profile shape of the lower flange is an anisotropic shape. The flange profile shape includes four or more first flange protrusion portions that project in the longitudinal direction and two second flange protrusion portions that project in the lateral direction. A tip profile shape of the tip is a shape including tip linear portions extending in a linear manner. At least one of the tip linear portions extends along a portion of the flange profile shape between two adjacent protrusion portions of the first flange protrusion portion and the second flange protrusion portion along the outer circumference of the flange profile shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Masakazu Mori
  • Patent number: 11560021
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tire stud comprising a stainless steel body with a flange and a blind hole and further comprising a spike installed in said hole, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the hole is different from the cross-sectional shape of the spike at least at one of: the opening, the lower surface of the spike, and a depth between the opening lower surface of the spike; whereby only protrusions of the spike are attached to the side wall of the hole with friction joints where the cross-sectional shape of the hole is different from the cross-sectional shape of the spike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Nokian Renkaat Oyj
    Inventors: Juha Pirhonen, Mikko Liukkula, Tommi Ajoviita
  • Patent number: 11524530
    Abstract: A stud pin includes a tip, a body portion, and a lower flange. A flange profile shape of the lower flange is an anisotropic shape includes short sides and long sides of different lengths, and includes four or more first flange protrusion portions that project in the longitudinal direction parallel with the long sides and two second flange protrusion portions that project in the lateral direction parallel with the short sides. A body profile shape of the body portion is a shape including body linear portions extending in a linear manner. The body linear portions are disposed facing a portion of the flange profile shape between two adjacent protrusion portions of the first flange protrusion portion and the second flange protrusion portion along the outer circumference of the flange profile shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Masakazu Mori
  • Patent number: 11396211
    Abstract: A stud pin includes a tip, a body portion that supports the tip, and a lower flange connected to the body portion at an end on an opposite side to the end surface. A profile shape of the lower flange and a body profile shape of the body portion are anisotropic shape. The flange profile shape includes four or more first flange protrusion portions projecting toward the longitudinal direction and two second flange protrusion portions projecting toward the lateral direction. The body profile shape includes four or more first body protrusion portions projecting toward the lateral direction and two second body protrusion portions projecting toward the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Masakazu Mori
  • Patent number: 11331958
    Abstract: A stud pin includes a tip including an end surface that comes into contact with a road surface, a body portion that supports the tip; and a lower flange connected to the body portion at an end on an opposite side to the end surface. A profile shape of the lower flange is an anisotropic shape in which, of imaginary rectangles circumscribing the profile shape, a first smallest rectangle with the shortest side of its four sides being the shortest and/or a second smallest rectangle with the longest side of its four sides being the shortest includes short sides and long sides of different lengths. The profile shape includes four or more first protrusion portions that project in the longitudinal direction parallel with the long sides and two second protrusion portions that project in the lateral direction parallel with the short sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Masakazu Mori
  • Patent number: 11298981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tread block arrangement of a tread band or a tire. The tread block arrangement forms a tread that is meant for a rolling contact against a ground surface, wherein the tread is provided with at least one longitudinal groove. The tread block arrangement limits a first number (NT) of sipes, of which a second number (NTT) are transversal sipes of which a third number (N) of sipes form a group. For each sipe of the group, the tread block arrangement forms a bottom a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a first end wall. The end first end wall of each sipe of the group is configured such that a distance between the first end wall of the sipe in question and an outer side of the pneumatic tire or the tread band is less than a distance between the other end of the sipe in question and the outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Nokian Renkaat Oyj
    Inventors: Mikko Jokinen, Teemu Venäläinen
  • Patent number: 11084331
    Abstract: A stud is inserted into a tread portion of a tire. The first stud includes a tip end protruding from the tread portion for contacting a surface, the tip end comprising a radially outer portion with a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, a sixth surface, and a seventh surface, the first surface defining an irregular quadrilateral and extending radially inward from the fourth surface toward a planar side of the tip end; and a base including a flanged bottom portion provided on an end opposite the tip end and extending radially outward, a stump portion provided between the bottom portion and the tip end, and a shank portion interconnecting the stump portion and the bottom portion, the base being embedded and secured in the tread portion of the tire in which the first stud is installed, the bottom portion having a tear-drop shape comprising three planar sides and one semi-cylindrical side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Frederic Michel-Jean Pons, Arnaud Caron, Damian Wilhelm Georges
  • Patent number: 11040579
    Abstract: A stud pin for mounting in a pneumatic tire includes a tip including a tip end surface configured to come into contact with a road surface, and a body portion configured to house the tip. An end surface of the tip configured to come into contact with a road surface comprises an axis of symmetry which defines a line symmetrical shape of the end surface; a centroid of a shape of the end surface offset to a first side in an axial direction from a center position of a range the end surface covers in the axial direction of the axis of symmetry; and a recessed portion recessed inward of the end surface, the recessed portion being provided on, of peripheries of the end surface, a periphery of the end surface running between a first most distal end portion and a second most distal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10981423
    Abstract: A system for mounting a housing and an insert to a tire includes a housing configured to be installed in a tire, wherein the housing has a top opening. The system also includes at least one anchor connected to a side of the housing in an un-deployed configuration. The system further includes an insert configured to be inserted into the top opening of the housing. The at least one anchor projects outward into the tire when the insert is inserted into the top opening of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Edward S. Seroka
  • Patent number: 10875363
    Abstract: A stud pin includes a tip and a body portion provided around a center axis of the stud pin. The body portion includes an upper flange, a lower flange, and a shank portion connecting the upper flange and the lower flange. A first side surface of the lower flange includes a first curved surface recessed inward in relation to the body portion. A second side surface of the upper flange includes a second curved surface bulging toward a periphery of the body portion, and a pair of flat surfaces configured to connect the second curved surface to interpose the second curved surface. A trough portion where the first curved surface is most recessed and a peak portion where the second curved surface is most bulged are located at an identical orientation position about the center axis as viewed from the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10858793
    Abstract: Aerators and methods for aerating snow and/or ice-covered surfaces, such as, golf greens or lawns, are provided. The aerators include a hub and cylindrical projections from the hub. The cylindrical protections are shaped and oriented to contact the snow and/or ice covered surface. Upon distribution of the aerators upon a snow and/or ice covered surface and exposure of the aerators to ambient conditions, such as, the sun, the temperature of the projections is raised above freezing which melts adjacent portions of the snow and/or ice to expose portions of the underlining surface to ambient air. A kit providing aerators is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Robert H. Hoard
  • Patent number: 10807333
    Abstract: A tire mold comprises sector molds for forming a tread portion of a tire and mold pins provided on the sector molds for forming insertion holes in the tread portion. The insertion holes each comprise a first hole portion with a first inner diameter where a body portion of a stud pin is disposed and a second hole portion with a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter where a bottom flange portion of the stud pin is disposed. The mold pins each comprise a trunk portion with a first outer diameter for forming the first hole portion and a tip portion with a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter for forming the second hole portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10773552
    Abstract: A tire tread is based on one or more diene elastomers, on one or more reinforcing fillers, on a crosslinking system, and on at least one compound (A) selected from a metal chelate comprising at least one ligand and at least one metal, a pigment and their mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Xavier Lebrun, Didier Vasseur
  • Patent number: 10647163
    Abstract: A stud pin and a pneumatic tire are provided. A tip portion of the stud pin includes an end surface with a concave polygonal profile shape including one recessed portion and one protrusion portion on a side opposite the recessed portion. The stud pin is mounted in a stud pin installation hole with the protrusion portion facing a leading side in a tire circumferential direction and the recessed portion face a trailing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10595587
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a first plate and a second plate. The first plate includes a first edge, and the second plate includes a second edge, where the first edge faces the second edge. The first edge has a first contour corresponding to a second contour of the second edge. The first plate includes a heel region, where the heel region includes a first heel region and a second heel region. A notch region separates the first heel region and the second heel region, where the notch region extends from an outer edge of the heel region toward the midfoot portion of the article of footwear. The first plate and the second plate may improve an amount of energy return while running by increasing a rigidity of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Cook, David J. Roulo
  • Patent number: 10513152
    Abstract: A method for installing a stud in a tyre. The method includes identifying a stud hole for the stud in the tyre; imaging the vicinity of at least the stud hole, whereby information is received about the pattern in the vicinity of the stud hole, and using the received information to determine [i] the stud type suitable for the stud suitable in the stud hole and/or [ii] the suitable stud orientation of the stud suitable in the stud hole. The method includes providing a stud and installing it in a stud hole. The stud type of the stud is the same as the suitable stud type of a stud suitable in the stud hole; and/or the stud is installed in the stud hole in such a way that the main direction of the stud is parallel with the suitable stud orientation. Further a tyre studded by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: NOKIAN RENKAAT OYJ
    Inventors: Tommi Ajoviita, Mikko Liukkula, Esko Kukkonen, Jukka Alajuuma
  • Patent number: 10449809
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes stud pins inserted into holes disposed in the tire surface. The stud pins each include a body portion and a flange disposed closer to the bottom side of each of the holes than the body portion and having an outer diameter larger than the body portion. The holes each include a securing portion coming into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the body portion of the stud pin to secure the stud pin and an enlarged diameter portion disposed closer to the bottom wall side of the hole than the securing portion, having an inner diameter larger than the securing portion, and coming into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flange of the stud pin to secure the stud pin. The side wall of the enlarged diameter portion is provided with a protrusion protruding toward the interior of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Endo
  • Patent number: 10427736
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a wear resistant stud for a vehicle. The method comprising providing an elongate threaded stud member having a top surface, locating a body of tungsten carbide on the top surface, surrounding the body of tungsten carbide with a weld pool and while the weld pool is hot, slowly cooling the weld pool. The apparatus comprises an elongate threaded stud member having a top surface, a body of tungsten carbide on the top surface and a weld pool surrounding the body of tungsten carbide and the top surface of the stud member wherein the weld pool is slowly cooled from a hot applied state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Bradley Blackburn
  • Patent number: 10377186
    Abstract: A stud pin includes a buried base portion embedded in a tread portion of a pneumatic tire and a tip portion protruding from the road contact surface of the tread portion when the buried base portion is embedded in the tread portion. A tip surface of the tip portion includes: a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion longer in the tire width direction than in the tire circumferential direction and protruding toward one side in the tire circumferential direction; a first recessed portion disposed between the first and second protrusion portions and recessed toward the other side in the tire circumferential direction; a third protrusion portion and a fourth protrusion portion protruding toward the other side in the tire circumferential direction; and a second recessed portion disposed between the third and fourth protrusion portions and recessed toward the one side in the tire circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10369848
    Abstract: A stud pin fitted into a tread portion of a pneumatic tire comprises a buried base portion extending in a direction, the buried base portion securing the stud pin in the tread portion by being pressed by a side surface of the stud pin installation hole upon the stud pin being embedded in the stud pin installation hole, and a tip portion connected to an end portion of the buried base portion in the extending direction, the tip portion protruding past the tread portion and coming into contact with a road surface upon the buried base portion being embedded in the stud pin installation hole. A connection portion of the tip portion with the buried base portion has a cross-sectional area in a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the buried base portion greater than an area of the tip end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10123585
    Abstract: Soles for a shoe have a midsole with a base body and a plurality of deformation elements, and an outsole with a first outsole region and a plurality of first outsole elements. Pressure load on one first outsole element of the plurality of first outsole elements leads to a deformation of at least one of the plurality of deformation elements which are associated with the one first outsole element of the plurality of first outsole elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Price, Angus Wardlaw, Christopher Edward Holmes, Falk Bruns, Robert Leimer, John Whiteman, Timothy Kelvin Robinson, Heiko Schlarb, Warren Freeman
  • Patent number: 10035382
    Abstract: A stud pin configured to be installed in a stud pin installation hole in a tread portion of a pneumatic tire includes a tip end which makes contact with a road surface; and a buried base embedded in the tread portion; pressure from the side surface of the stud pin installation hole on the bottom portion and the trunk portion securing the stud pin. The buried base extends in one direction and includes a flanged trunk portion provided between the bottom portion and the tip portion. The bottom portion includes a plurality of first recesses formed on and along an outer peripheral surface thereof that is in contact with a side surface of the stud pin installation hole. The trunk portion includes a plurality of second recesses formed on and along an outer peripheral surface thereof that is in contact with the side surface of the stud pin installation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9936769
    Abstract: Footwear element including a flexible outer sole assembly and a flexible upper, the footwear element extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and height-wise from an outer surface of the outer sole assembly to an upper end, the footwear element having a shoe insertion opening. The footwear element includes spikes projecting from the area of the outer surface of the outer sole assembly. The footwear element includes at least one reinforcement, the reinforcement including a base and a wall, the base extending opposite the outer sole assembly outside of the footwear element, the wall extending from the base toward the upper end, also outside of the footwear element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Francois Girard, Philippe Margolliet
  • Patent number: 9932022
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the contact patch parameters of a tire while rolling on deformable surfaces, such as during a hydroplaning event, are provided. More particularly, a piezoelectric sensor configured to provide a piezoelectric sensor output signal indicative of the time-varying curvature of a rolling tire can be mounted in a tire. The piezoelectric sensor output signal can be analyzed to detect a signal perturbation corresponding to the hydroplaning event. One or more characteristics of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be analyzed based on the signal perturbation. For instance, a parameter indicative of the shape of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be assessed based on the signal perturbation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventor: David Alan Weston
  • Patent number: 9918512
    Abstract: A layered engagement structure includes a first layer with a multiple of openings, the first layer at least partially corresponds to a shape of a foot sole and a multiple of columns, each of the multiple of columns correspond with one of the multiple of openings in the first layer to extend at least partially therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Sequence LLC
    Inventors: Daniel B. Lazarchik, Nicholas Huber, Stephanie F. Connaughton
  • Patent number: 9849731
    Abstract: A vehicle tire including a tread intended for a rolling contact against a foundation, the tread having a tread pattern which includes circumferential and transverse grooves for removing water from a contact patch between the foundation and the tire, and anti-skid studs mounted in the tread and including a stud body and a hard metal pin secured thereto. An end of the metal pin, intended against a foundation, is formed as an inclined surface, whereby the metal pin has its end provided with the inclined surface acting on the foundation in an axial direction of the metal pin to a varying depth and the inclined surface being placed relative to a rotating direction of the tire in such an orientation that, as the tire is rolling freely forward, a leading edge of the hard metal pin to impinge first on the foundation is lower than a trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NOKIAN RENKAAT OYJ
    Inventor: Mikko Liukkula
  • Patent number: 9724885
    Abstract: A mold pin fixed to a tread mold for a tire tread and forming a stud hole is disclosed. The mold pin is provided at one end of its main shaft portion with an expanded portion having a larger outer diameter. The expanded portion comprises a supporting part formed integrally with the main shaft portion, and an outer-shell part disposed on the outer surface of the supporting part to define the maximum outer diameter of the expanded portion. When a force directed from the main shaft portion toward the expanded portion is applied to the outer-shell part, the outer-shell part is moved so as to reduce the maximum outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Shotaro Abe
  • Patent number: 9676387
    Abstract: Arrangements relate to the operation of a vehicle, which can be an autonomous vehicle. A splash condition in a surrounding environment of the vehicle can be detected. An object near the vehicle can be detected. Further, it can be determined whether the detected object is passing the vehicle. Responsive to detecting a splash condition and determining that the object is passing the vehicle, a warning can be presented to an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Danil V. Prokhorov, Junya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9527350
    Abstract: A tire (10) for driving on ice, comprising: a tread (20) having a rolling surface configured to come into contact with the ground when the tire is rolling along; at least one stud (30) having a longitudinal axis (A-A), a part of the stud projecting from the rolling surface, the intersection between the stud and the plane tangential to the portion of the rolling surface around the stud forming a contour C, that part of the stud that projects from the rolling surface having a minimum cross section Sm, Sm corresponding to the smallest cross section of the said part in any plane containing the radial direction that passes through the point of intersection between the longitudinal axis of the stud and the plane tangential to the portion of the rolling surface around the stud; at least one recess (200) in the tread forming, on the rolling surface, a contour G, the recess being associated with the stud in that the minimum distance D between the contours C and G is less than or equal to 1 cm; in which, for each stud,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Daniel Fabing, Sébastien Fugier, Matthieu Durat, Cyril Guichon, Claude Audebert
  • Patent number: 9487892
    Abstract: A tire includes a tread with an internal cavity. Positioned in the internal cavity is a composite cord structured to include an elastomer core and a sheath surrounding the elastomer core. The sheath is formed of a hollow cylindrical braid made of helically intertwined non-contiguous fibers. The tire may be pneumatic or non-pneumatic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent Abad
  • Patent number: 9480304
    Abstract: An FRP-made spike sole of the present invention has a plurality of spikes in a front foot portion, wherein: at least one layer of a main reinforcement sheet which is arranged spanning from a front end of the front foot portion to a rear end of a middle foot portion and made of fiber reinforcement coated with a matrix resin is laminated with a layer of a first cut-off sheet which is absent at least in an area in the vicinity of the front end of the front foot portion and which is arranged in the middle foot portion and made of fiber reinforcement coated with a matrix resin; and a front end of the first cut-off sheet is positioned posterior to a front end of a proximal phalanx of a big toe and anterior to a base of the metatarsal bone of the big toe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ASICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norihiko Taniguchi, Shigeru Hibino, Koki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 9481413
    Abstract: A drive track for a tracked vehicle has an endless belt having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of lugs projecting from at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface. At least some of the plurality of lugs each have at least one passage extending at least partially through the lug from an outer surface of the lug. A snowmobile provided with the drive track is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Pard, Yvon Bedard
  • Patent number: 9433852
    Abstract: A wheel for a skateboard, roller skate or the like has a radial surface arranged to provide contact with the ground, said radial surface comprising areas of at least a first material and areas of a second material, said second material having at least one mechanical property differing from that of the first material. The first and second materials are arranged in such a way that they form a pattern on the radial surface which varies around the circumference of the wheel. This enables the adaptation of the behavior of the wheel in a very flexible way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: PERFORMANCE SK8 HOLDING INC
    Inventor: Becket Colon
  • Patent number: 9399829
    Abstract: A composite cord includes a rubber core and a rubber sheath surrounding, at least in part, the rubber core. A formulation of the core is different from that of the sheath. The rubber core includes at least one diene elastomer and more than 30 phr of a filler A. The filler A includes nanoparticles having a weight-average size of less than 500 nm. The rubber sheath includes at least one diene elastomer, from 0 to less than 30 phr of a filler A?, and more than 70 phr of a filler B. The filler A? includes nanoparticles having a weight-average size of less than 500 nm. The filler B includes microparticles having a weight-median size of greater than 1 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Denis Hidrot, Vincent Abad
  • Patent number: 9352425
    Abstract: A system and method for modifying a work piece surface of high melting temperature materials such as Advanced High Strength Steels, wherein a friction stir welding tool may include cutting elements located on the outside diameter of a collar assembly, wherein the collar assembly may be retrofitted for existing friction stir welding tools, or may be designed as a custom attachment for a new hybrid friction stir welding tool, wherein the surface of the work piece may be modified by removing detrimental flash and burr created during operation of the friction stir welding tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: MegaStir Technologies LLC
    Inventors: David Rosal, Paul T. Higgins, Russell J. Steel, Scott M. Packer, Jeremy Peterson, Steve W. Larsen, Samuel C. Sanderson, Jonathan A. Babb
  • Patent number: 9217459
    Abstract: A system for fastening a cover to a body of an explosion-proof enclosure using a plurality of fastening devices. Each fastening device can include a first load distributing member disposed on a body flange of a body of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can also include a second load distributing member disposed on a cover flange of a cover of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can further include a fastener positioned atop the first load distributing member, where the fastener traverses the first load distributing member, the cover flange, and the body flange. Each fastening device can also include a fastener receiver positioned under the second load distributing member and mechanically coupled to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Patent number: 9217460
    Abstract: A system for fastening a cover to a body of an explosion-proof enclosure using a plurality of fastening devices. Each fastening device can include a first load distributing member disposed on a body flange of a body of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can also include a second load distributing member disposed on a cover flange of a cover of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can further include a fastener positioned atop the first load distributing member, where the fastener traverses the first load distributing member, the cover flange, and the body flange. Each fastening device can also include a fastener receiver positioned under the second load distributing member and mechanically coupled to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Patent number: 9102203
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire provided with a tread pattern, wherein a tread half which is one half of the tread pattern on each side of the tire equator is made up of repeat design units arranged circumferentially of the tire. The repeat design units have at least two different circumferential pitch lengths, and the repeat design units are each provided with at least one stud hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuki Numata
  • Patent number: 9056531
    Abstract: Stud (30) for a tire (10), the tire comprising a tread (20) made of rubber mix, the stud having an axis (A-A) and two axial ends and comprising: a first part (60) configured to come into contact with the ground when the stud is fitted to the tire and the tire is rolling along the ground, this first part being positioned at one of the axial ends of the stud; a head (70) configured to anchor the stud into the tread of the tire, the head being positioned at the other axial end of the stud; and a body (80) connecting the said first part and the head of the stud, the mean diameter of the body being smaller than the mean diameter of the head of the stud, these diameters being measured at right angles to the axis of the stud; in which the head comprises at least one recess (100) opening onto the surface of the head, the recess being configured to be filled with rubber mix of the tread so as to provide additional anchorage for the stud in the tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Matthieu Durat, Cyril Guichon
  • Patent number: 9033013
    Abstract: A tire (10) having a tread (12) includes a plurality of laterally spaced, circumferentially extending continuous ribs (11) defining grooves (14). Each groove has oppositely facing sidewalls (20, 22) and a bottom surface (30). A first set of stone bumpers is provided with each stone bumper (18) projecting laterally from one of the sidewalls with an end (24) extending towards the other sidewall of the groove. A second set of stone bumpers is provided with each stone bumper (18?) projecting from the other sidewall with an end (26) extending towards the one sidewall of the groove. Each stone bumper of the first and second sets of stone bumpers 1) is integral with the associated sidewall and with a portion of the bottom surface of the groove, and 2) includes a cutout (34) defining a surface that is spaced from and in opposing relation to the bottom surface of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL TIRE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Robert F. Brown
  • Patent number: 9022085
    Abstract: A tire (10) for driving on ice, comprising: a tread (20) having a rolling surface configured to come into contact with the ground when the tire is rolling along, and two lateral faces (27), this tread comprising at least one groove (25, 26) in the rolling surface; at least one stud (30) having a longitudinal axis (33), a part (31) of the stud projecting from the rolling surface, the intersection between the stud and the plane tangential to the portion of the rolling surface around the stud forming a contour C, that part of the stud that projects from the rolling surface having a minimum cross section Sm, Sm corresponding to the smallest cross section of the said part in any plane containing the radial direction that passes through the point of intersection between the longitudinal axis of the stud and the plane tangential to the portion of the rolling surface around the stud; at least one conduit (200-205) that forms, on the rolling surface of the tire, at least two opposing edges (211, 221; 212, 222; 213, 22
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Michelir Recherche et Technique S.A., Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Daniel Fabing, Sébastien Fugier, Matthieu Durat, Cyril Guichon, Claude Audebert
  • Publication number: 20150020941
    Abstract: A steel-cleated, all terrain tire has cleats that dynamically engage with changing road conditions, across slick ice and bridges, and while turning, breaking and accelerating on steep terrain. The tire design can provide stability and an enormous safety benefit in dangerous conditions, on demand, without the driver's intervention. The tire design can be used for military vehicles and aircraft, commercial jets, turboprop aircraft, heavy equipment, commercial diesel trucks, helicopters, law enforcement vehicles, fire and rescue vehicles, school buses, government vehicles, sport cars, and the like. The tire design include spring loaded cleats that can are spaced about and extend outward from the tire's surface. The spring load may be strong enough to permit the cleat to penetrate ice and the like, while not damaging asphalt or concrete roadways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Henry J. Reedy
  • Publication number: 20140338807
    Abstract: A bolt assembly provides a reciprocating bolt. The bolt assembly includes a bolt assembly body, a cap affixed to the bolt assembly body, and a base affixed to the bolt assembly body opposite the cap, wherein the bolt assembly body includes a bolt carrier having a cap end disposed proximally to the cap and a bolt receiving end disposed distally from the cap. The bolt assembly also includes a biasing mechanism biasing the bolt carrier in a retracted position relative to the bolt assembly, and an extension actuator including a diaphragm having a center portion disposed between the cap and the bolt assembly body, the center portion of the diaphragm being deflectable to enable the biasing of the bolt carrier in the retracted position, the center portion of the diaphragm being oppositely deflectable to apply an actuation force to the cap end of the bolt carrier so as to move the bolt carrier from the retracted position to an extended position relative to the bolt assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Norman S. Fink
  • Publication number: 20140338806
    Abstract: The invention relates to a studded tire the tread of which comprises a first part in contact with the ground and a second part placed radially to the inside of the first part, and at least one stud protruding from the tread, and the head of the stud being entirely anchored in the second part of the tread, in which the complex modulus G*(0° C.) of the rubber composition forming the first part of the tread is less than 1.5 MPa and in which the complex modulus G* of the rubber composition forming the second part of the tread varies with temperature such that G*(5° C.) is equal to or greater than 5 MPa and G*(20° C.) is less than or equal to 0.5G*(5° C.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Fabing, Illyes Batnini, Pierre Lesage, Beatrice Lopez
  • Publication number: 20140332134
    Abstract: A wheel for mounting a tire thereon is provided. The wheel includes a wheel rim including a pressurized air reservoir, at least one air input to the wheel rim being coupled to the pressurized air reservoir, and at least one valve coupled between the pressurized air reservoir and a corresponding at least one air output from the wheel rim, the at least one valve configured to selectably supply pressurized air to an interior of the tire when mounted on the wheel rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Norman S. Fink
  • Publication number: 20140326384
    Abstract: Tire designed to roll on ground that may be covered with ice, comprising: a tread made of at least one rubber compound and having a tread surface, a plurality of housings opening onto the tread surface via an orifice and containing a stud, the orifice having a maximum dimension D0 on the tread surface when the stud is in the housing; the stud comprising: a base, designed to anchor the stud in the tread; a tip, designed to project from the tread in order to come into contact with the ice; a body connecting the base and the tip, the body having an axis of symmetry; and a longitudinal axis passing through the axis of symmetry of the body; wherein the tread surrounding the stud forms an anchoring platform for the stud, this platform in turn being surrounded by a cavity opening onto the tread surface so that the volume of recess opening onto the tread surface in a radius greater than or equal to D0/2 and less than or equal to D0/2+2 mm about the longitudinal axis of the stud is less than or equal to 20 mm3; and th
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Fabing, Illyès Batnini
  • Publication number: 20140116592
    Abstract: An all-weather tire includes features that enhance safety and usability in a variety of driving conditions as well as some manufacturing processes that may be used during the production and provides an all-weather tire having selectively deployable and retractable studs for greater traction when needed. The tire includes a toroidal shell enclosing an air-filled chamber and a plurality of stud actuation chambers contained within the shell for selectively deploying studs to extend past the tire's outer radial surface for engaging a roadway or surface. The studs may be retracted when no longer needed. A mechanical pump assembly or plurality of such assemblies powered by compression of the tire engaging the roadway may be used as a power source for generating pneumatic pressure and an internal valve assembly or assemblies may be used to route the pneumatic pressure appropriately. The pump and valve assemblies may be controlled either mechanically or electrically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Innovative Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond B. Bushnell, Bradley K.S. Larson
  • Patent number: 8534332
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a tread with a cellular rubber running surface to promote a fast wearing tread running surface designed to expel internally heated tread rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Paul Harry Sandstrom, Thomas Charles Lippello, III, Steven Wayne Cronin, Mark Alan Keto, Larry Alan Kraus, Ping Zhang
  • Patent number: 8376007
    Abstract: A structure for a tread pattern of a pneumatic tire includes a radially extending pedestal, a first set of cylindrical voids extending radially through the pedestal, a second set of cylindrical voids extending radially through the pedestal, and a radially extending void ring circumscribing the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: André Cuny, Frank Pierre Severens, Jean Joseph Victor Collette, Vincent Dominique Claude Rion, Tibor Fülöp, Anne-France Gabrielle Jeanne-Marie Cambron, Jerome Marcel Germain Delu
  • Publication number: 20130000807
    Abstract: An anti-skid stud for insertion into the tread of a vehicle tire is disclosed. The stud comprises a support body part extending in an axial direction and a pin body part, the support body part comprising a bottom portion, a middle portion, and a head portion having an upper surface, wherein the pin body part extends beyond the upper surface of the head portion, and wherein, when viewed in top view onto the head portion, (i) the location of the center of gravity of the head portion is laterally offset from the center of gravity of the bottom portion; or (ii) the location of the center of gravity of the pin body part is laterally offset from the center of gravity of the bottom portion; or (iii) the location of the center of gravity of the pin body part is laterally offset from the center of gravity of the head portion; or (iv) the location of the center of gravity of the middle portion is laterally offset from the center of gravity of the bottom portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Frederic Michel-Jean Pons, Sebastien Willy Fontaine, Jerome Marcel Germain Delu