Abstract: A rubberized fabric for a tire belt incorporating continuous reinforcing elements made from a shape-memory material and a tire incorporating same. The rubberized fabric forms the zero-degree belt layer of the tire. The fundamental characteristic of the fabric resides in its incorporation of means to stabilize the reinforcing elements in the predetermined position within the fabric. Stabilization of the reinforcing elements is accomplished by shaping the reinforcing elements in the form of side-by-side metal straps. The minimum width of each metal strap is about I mm and the thickness of the rubberized fabric incorporating the metal straps has a maximum value of about 0.4 mm and is preferably about 0.3 mm. Among other things, the rubberized fabric improves the vulcanization process of the tire by constraining the underlying belt layers, lessens the consequences of “flatspotting,” and permits the construction of a lighter weight tire.

Abstract: A bicycle may have a combination comprising a wheel and a rim with a hole in the rim, an inner tube with a valve stem in the hole in the rim, and a tire. If the air pressure is low in the inner tube and the bicycle is ridden with the wheel rotating, the valve stem and the wheel may move with respect to each other. The valve stem is in the opening in the rim. With the low air pressure in the inner tube, the inner tube may slip or move with respect to the rim. The slippage or moving places a stress on the valve stem with the possibility of damaging the inner tube and valve stem and causing the air leak as the valve stem is not definitely positioned. The subject invention is a decorative stabilizing device for definitely positioning the valve stem with respect to the rim and lessening the possibility of causing an air leak in the bicycle inner tube.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle wheel with valve emerging outside the wheel disk and having a safety element on the outside of the rim, the safety element consisting of a cylindrical wall of axial width p, so that, &PHgr; being the standard diameter of the wheel, there is the relationship: 10≦p/&PHgr;×1000≦35.

Abstract: An inflation and deflation device for an inner tube and an inner tube provided with this device are described. The inner tube is elastically expandable for the introduction of fluid into its internal volume and can be housed in the space between tire and rim, which can be isolated from the external environment at atmospheric pressure. The device does not have elements for connecting the internal volume of the inner tube and the environment outside the wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim includes a rim body with annular left and right tire retaining walls, an annular spoke mounting wall, and a tire retaining cavity. The tire retaining walls are spaced apart from each other. Each of the tire retaining walls has a radial inner edge proximate to a central axis of the rim body, and a radial out edge distal to the central axis. The spoke mounting wall interconnects the radial inner edges of the tire retaining walls, and is formed with a set of spoke mounting holes. The tire retaining cavity is formed between the tire retaining walls, and is configured to have two opposite lateral cavity parts and an intermediate cavity part between the lateral cavity parts. The lateral cavity parts are deeper than the intermediate cavity part with respect to the radial out edges of the tire retaining walls.

Abstract: A device for inflating and deflating a flexible container which is elastically expandable for introduction of pressurized fluid into an internal volume of the container is described. The device is housed inside a cavity isolable from a surrounding environment, the device being inserted in a wall of the container. Pressurized fluid can flow from the surrounding environment into the cavity and from the cavity out to the surrounding environment. The device does not have elements for connecting the internal volume of the container and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A tire is engaged with a wheel rim and a hole is defined through the wheel rim. A flexible valve is inserted in the hole and a passage is defined through the flexible valve. The passage is sealed by pressure when the tire is inflated.

Abstract: A rim for a bicycle wheel with tubeless tire comprises a radially inner peripheral wall, a radially outer peripheral wall, two circumferential side walls which connect the inner and outer peripheral walls and form two ribs which extend beyond the outer peripheral wall, for anchorage of a tubeless tire. The inner and outer peripheral walls have two holes facing one another, within which an intermediate tubular element is mounted, connected to which is a valve body of a standard type normally used for bicycle wheels provided with inner tubes.

Abstract: A pneumatic rotary coupling (25) for an air pressure installation for one or more wheels of a vehicle, in which the wheel's axle (11) is used as the section of the pipe of the static installation, in accordance to the system of the coupling used. The coupling's stem (49) has one end formed in the shape of a nozzle which extends in the plane of the wheel, disposed as an axial extension of the wheel's axle end. The stem is located rotatable and slidable inside block (35) which is fixed to the wheel's hub cover. A cover (37) fixed to the block presents a cavity (45) with an edge that defines a seat for a plastic bushing (47) that supports the coupling's stem. The external surface of this bushing is conformed by grooves (53) that communicate the cavity towards the orifices linking with the tires. One method allows for the detection of bearing faults using the same coupling when the axial sliding of the stem is sufficient to vent the pressurized air.

Abstract: A wheel includes a rim having two sidewalls and a groove is defined between the two sidewalls. A plurality of apertures and a valve receiving aperture are respectively defined through the rim. A seal member is located in the groove and has a hole defined therethrough. The hole is located in alignment with the valve receiving aperture. Two sides of the seal member are located on tops of the two sidewalls of the rim so that when a tire is engaged with the groove, the two sides of the seal member on the tops of the two sidewalls are respectively compressed by the tire.

Abstract: A tire inflation valve stem comprises a stationary, radially outer stem part (3); a movable, radially inner stem part (4) slidable axially within the outer part; a compression reaction spring (20) extending between the core parts; and a flexible barrier (23) extending from one core part to the other to prevent air leakage between the parts. The flexible barrier comprises a thin walled, soft elastomeric tube sealed at its ends to the respective core parts and with an intermediate part curved back on itself in a free rolling manner within a variable length annular space between an external cylindrical surface (19) of the movable core part and an internal cylindrical surface (12) of the stationary part.

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

Abstract: A bicycle spoke rim wheel for a WO type tubeless tire is disclosed having a rim construction which can secure an airtightness, reduce a weight of the wheel, and easily fit a tire. Particularly, a seal material within a recess can be reduced in weight, and mounting of a tire bead on the rim is facilitated by placing the tire bead into the recess.

Abstract: A tire air valve (core) mounting and dismounting tool 20 includes a tool head portion 21, a shank portion 22 and a grip portion 23. The tool head portion 21 has a slot 32 for seizing and holding a valve core head portion 16, an axial bore 33 for accepting a valve core shaft portion 14 and its enlarged end 14a. The tool head portion 21 also has annular groove 34 formed along a cylindrical peripheral surface thereof. Balls 36 are retained in second bores 35 which are open to the annular groove 34 and also communicate with the axial bore 33 through openings 37 of a reduced diameter to allow the balls 36 to partially protrude into the axial bore 33. A coil spring 38 is anchored and fastened in the annular groove 34 to act to normally bias the ball 36 radially inwards and leave the balls 36 protruding into the axial bore 33.

Abstract: A sealing valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a passage defined by the interior surface of a tubular casing comprises a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal bore therethrough. The valve body is formed for releasable connection to the tubular casing when the valve body is inserted longitudinally into the passage of the tubular casing. A valve seat is disposed on the valve body. A sealing assembly comprises a sealing device adapted for sealing engagement with the valve seat. The sealing device is movable with respect to the valve seat from a closed sealing position in which the sealing device sealingly engages the valve seat to block fluid flow through the bore in the valve body to an open position in which the sealing device is spaced from the valve seat to permit fluid flow through the bore.

Abstract: To provide a tire which allows the motor vehicle to continue operation even when both a tire body thereof and a tube mounted therein are damaged. A tire houses therein a tube which is compartmented into an inner circumferential air chamber filled with air and an outer circumferential sealant chamber filled with a sealant. The tire has lateral beads held and hermetically sealed against lateral steps of a rim. Even when the tube is pierced, the sealant repairs the pierced hole, preventing air from leaking out. Even if air leaks from the tube into the tire body, because the pierced hole in the tire body is repaired by the sealant and the beads, of the tire body are sealed against the rim, the air is prevented from leaking out of the tire body.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly includes a tire, a rim, an air valve and a relief valve. The relief valve can be installed in the rim, in the tire, or incorporated into the housing of the air valve to communicate directly with the interior of the tire; or as an adapter attachable to the outer end of the air valve. The relief valve includes an aperture normally covered by pre-stressed flexible belt which seals the aperture, but upon the presence of excessive pressure in the tire is deforming to vent the excessive pressure to the atmosphere. A second described variation relief valve includes a weakened portion of its housing which is automatically ruptured upon the presence of excessive pressure; this variation provides a one-time venting adapter.

Abstract: A valve for removable attachment to the rim of a heavy-vehicle tubeless t includes a valve base, a locking nut and a sealing joint. The valve base has a tubulure that passes through an opening in the rim, a shoulder for compressing the sealing joint against one surface of the rim and two diametrically opposite resting surfaces for engaging the rim surface and limiting the compression of the sealing joint. The locking nut cooperates with the opposite surface of the rim to compress the sealing joint against the rim.

Abstract: A wheel bracket for holding a variety of objects, such as valve extenders and air hoses, in a desired position on a vehicle wheel rim. The wheel bracket comprises a first end for attaching to a wheel rim, a wheel portion for abutting a wheel rim and supporting a freestanding portion, and a second end. The freestanding portion may comprise an elbow and a straight portion for positioning the second end. The wheel bracket may be used with dual wheel assemblies and wheel covers. The wheel bracket or portions of it may be flexible and pliable to allow the wheel bracket to be adjusted to fit different wheels and allow the position of an attached object to be adjusted.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for inhibiting particulate material in a pneumatic tire from adversely affecting operation of a tire valve assembly The method involves inserting a filter element into a valve stem passage of the valve assembly while the valve assembly is connected to the wheel assembly, and then installing a sealing valve in the valve stem passage. The invention also relates to a tool for inserting the filter element into the valve assembly to inhibit particulate material from passing into the valve assembly while allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The tool comprises a body selectively attachable to the valve assembly. The body has a plurality of passages therein, including a plunger passage, a filter passage and a fluid passage, and a selector valve having two bores therein for selective registry with the plurality of passages.

Abstract: A pressure relief tire valve for inflating a tire wheel assembly has a tire inflation valve body having a chamber therein with openings through the top and bottom ends thereof and having a relief opening formed in the tire valve body. An inflation valve having a spring loaded central core to allow to pass inward is located in the tire valve body adjacent the tire inflation valve body top end for inflating the tire therethrough. An overpressure valve is located in the tire valve body for releasing air from the tire when the air pressure in the tire exceeds a predetermined level.

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 modified air valve construction is provided for use in combination with a modern bicycle wheel having a rim for mounting a tire and an inner tube within the tire. Since many modern rims include relatively deep radiallyinwardly extending fairings which encompass air valves of conventional length, in accordance with the invention, an air valve adapter is received through an inwardly facing hole in the rim and attaches to the original valve stem. The adapter can be operated to selectively open or lock the unmodified valve. A nozzle from a pump can, in turn, be connected to the adapter to inflate the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a valve stem for a pneumatic tire and more specifically to a valve stem which is capable of allowing for the introduction of pulverulent matter into the tire directly through the valve while at the same time also being capable of filtering the air released from within the tire through the valve core to prevent pulverulent matter contained within the tire from entering the valve core seat assembly and the atmosphere. The present invention also prevents pulverulent matter which may be contained within a tire from being forced into the valve core over time through use of the tire and due to routine checking of tire air pressure. The invention is suited for use with any size wheel and tire assembly including those found on automobiles, light trucks, heavy duty over-the-road trucks, and heavy duty off-road trucks.

Abstract: In order to be able easily to inflate a tire mounted on a rim with a seal ring (6) arranged between the two beads, without presenting the ordinary inconveniences in mounting, the inflation device is formed of a valve (V, V') provided with a locking element (2, 2') intended to be associated with a locking member (83, 51) separate from the valve. The method of inflation consists then in introducing the valve (V, V') provided with its stem (1, 1') and its locking element (2, 2') into the orifice (64) provided in the ring 6 and into the locking member (83, 51), and then turning the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in co-operation with a conventional tire inflation valve which enables the pressure in a tire to be reduced to a pre-determined value in a one step process. A movable pressure regulator member, comprising a pin and slot arrangement, co-operates with a valve regulating spring to close a valve member, once the pressure in the tire has reached the required valve.

Abstract: A tire valve stem stabilizing and supporting device that is used with a valve stem of an inner tire mounted on a dual wheel, the dual wheel having an access opening through which the valve stem passes. The device has a passageway through which the valve stem passes and is adapted to being removably secured in the access opening. In this way, the valve stem is stabilized and supported in the access opening. An associated kit, dual wheel system and method are also provided.

Abstract: The problem of a visible, rim-mounted valve stem for inflating a customized wheel-mounted tire is obviated by a wheel configuration that translates the tire inflation location from a valve stem mounted on the wheel rim to a hub location where a readily accessible tire inflation port can be effectively hidden beneath a locking center cap, making the access port tamperproof. A tire inflation passageway is integral with a spoke that connects the wheel hub to the wheel rim. In a preferred embodiment the wheel is a unitary cast structure, with the tire inflation passageway integrally cast as part of one of the spokes. The hub portion of the wheel has an inflation access port in fluid communication with the tire inflation fluid passageway, thereby providing for the application of pressurized air to the fluid passageway, so that inflation air flowing therethrough may be supplied to the interior of a tire mounted on the wheel rim and thereby control the tire pressure of the tire.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improvement in securing a tire stem assembly. Specifically, a rubber packing piece, washer and securing nut-containing rubber packing piece are employed in this assembly, which cause the tire stem to bind tightly to the hub when the inner tube is inflated. The merit is that air cannot escape quickly from the space between the stem and the hub when the inner tube of a tire is punctured by a sharp object, thereby allowing the motor-driven vehicle to continue to operate.

Abstract: A self-regulating tire pressure system and method employs a bistable valve (10) that allows air from a high pressure reservoir (6) to replenish the pressure within a tire (4) when it has fallen below an actuating pressure, and discontinues its operation only after the tire pressure has increased to a closing pressure that is greater than the actuating pressure. The system is capable of sensing the valve's (10) frequency of operation as an indication of a slow tire leak when the frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, of sensing the number of valve (10) operations and the duration of each operation as an indication of a flat tire condition when the number of operations for a predetermined duration exceeds a second threshold, and of sensing the duration of the valve's (10) operation as an indication of a low reservoir (6) pressure condition when that duration exceeds a third threshold.

Abstract: A quick disconnect pressure relief valve for a tire mounted on a rim includes a manually operated on/off valve mountable on the rim to provide a discrete pneumatic path between the tire interior and the outer atmosphere. The on/off valve is normally closed. A normally closed pressure operated valve insertable into the on/off valve opens the on/off valve to the passage of air through the inserted pressure operated valve to the exterior atmosphere. A plurality of such pressure operated valves calibrated to release air at different preselected tire pressure levels may be interchanged in the on/off valve. A latch is provided for securing the selected pressure operated valve in the manually operated on/off valve. Thus, to rapidly change the tire pressure level, the user need only insert a pressure operated valve calibrated to the desired tire pressure into the manually operated on/off valve.

Abstract: A tire pressure-controlling system is provided for vehicles in which the wheel is displaceable on the driven axle, in the axial direction, for adjusting different track widths, for example, for adapting the track width to agricultural requirements. The system includes a flexible conduit for providing pressurized air for the tire and a flexible conduit for providing a control air pressure to operate a valve located on the wheel to control pressurized air flow into the tire.

Abstract: The rim (1), which is intended to be equipped with a tire P of tubeless t, has a groove (11) adjacent the rim lip (10). This groove (11) is closed by an annular packing (2) having a valve (3). The valve body (32) is surrounded by a sheathing (21) of vulcanized rubber; the secant modulus of elasticity of which, under compression, is equal to at most 0.20 times the secant modulus of compression of the vulcanized rubber constituting the packing, these two moduli being measured under a relative deformation of 10%. A slot is provided in the rim for the entrance of inflation air.

Abstract: A disk type wheel has integrally formed air passages that open to the tire and through a central, closed bottom hub. Pressurized air is supplied axially through the bearing to an outlet surrounded by a mounting boss of the wheel bearing. When the wheel is added in conventional fashion to the boss, the central hub forms an air plenum in cooperation with the boss.

Abstract: A take-apart tire and wheel assembly including a multi-piece wheel rim having axially spaced bead flanges, a rim base, and a pneumatic tubeless tire, preferably adapted to removably receive in its tire inflation chamber a safety runflat insert. The wheel assembly also includes a safety vent for preventing inflation of the tire cavity in the event of improper assembly or disassembly of the safety tire and wheel assembly, including an O-ring seal disposed between opposing portions of rim segments of the wheel assembly, and mounting studs and associated nuts that releasably clamp the rim segments together with the O-ring captured in compression therebetween. The outboard wheel rim segment includes a wheel mounting disc and also a safety inflation valve coupling fixed to the outboard rim segment. The rim segment and coupling each have a through passageway and together define an interior air passage which communicates with the tire cavity.

Abstract: A tire valve assembly is provided that includes a valve stem with external threads and a valve core which is placed in an axial passage in the valve stem. The valve stem is installed in a hole provided in a wheel rim using a locknut that secures the stem to the rim. The valve stem in particular has at least one flat surface for applying a hand tool to hold and to prevent the valve stem from rotating while the locknut is tightened.

Abstract: A tire fill valve having pressure relief and tire fill fluid gas flow limiting characteristics for use in filling tires to a predetermined pressure form a large flow capacity gas source delivering fill gas at a substantially greater pressure. Gases utilized typically are air or nitrogen. The valve of the invention is wheel mounted intermediate the gas pressurizing source and the tire gas valve inlet. Tire fill gas from a high pressure high capacity source passes through a flow limiting orifice having a positive closure or shutoff member and passes through a pressure sensitive chamber as it enters the tire. Chamber pressure is sensed by a spring loaded valve disk controlling relief or venting orifices. When fill pressure in the pressure sensing chamber exceeds a pre-determined value established by the valve disk area and valve disk springs, the disk lifts allowing the venting of the fill gas.

Abstract: A flexible air valve extension for filling an inaccessible vehicle spare tire includes an elongated flexible tube having a rigid elbow portion at one end which terminates in an internally threaded fitting dimensioned for engagement with a conventional tire valve. An externally threaded valve body at an opposite end of the flexible tube is received through a transverse flange of a mounting bracket. A pair of lock nuts are in threaded engagement with the valve body on opposite sides of the flange and secure the valve body to the bracket. The valve body includes a spring biased valve dimensioned for cooperation with conventional automotive pressure gages and air lines. The bracket is dimensioned for securement on an accessible portion of a vehicle, such as the frame of a spare tire carrier.

Abstract: A piston type TPM actuator valve has enough clearance between the piston and the wall of the cylindrical passage that it slides to prevent sticking, but still avoids excessive bypass leakage through the same clearance. A plug located in the passage between the piston and the check valve has a vent to atmosphere that prevents leaking air from compressing behind the advancing piston. The plug also carries a seal that is compressed when the piston bottoms out to prevent further venting.

Abstract: In order to provide for the deflation of a tire, there is provided an orie in the rim of a wheel, a pusher element extending through the rim in a gas tight manner, the pusher element having one end communicating with gas pressure inside the tire and including means for selectively closing the orifice. The pusher element is mounted to the rim for movement between a first position wherein the means for selectively closing closes the orifice and a second position wherein the means for selectively closing opens the orifice. The pusher element has another end outside of the tire with a cam mounted thereto. A presser means mounted to be stationary relative to the rotation of the tire selectively engages the cam and moves the pusher element to the second position to control the opening of a valve to deflate the tire.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus including an assembly of parts for use in preparing the rim of a vehicle wheel having either a tube type or tubeless tire for use in dispensing liquid in the tire to fight fire in and around the area of the vehicle.

Abstract: A take-apart tire and wheel assembly including a multi-piece wheel rim having axially spaced bead flanges, a rim base, and a pneumatic tubeless tire, preferably adapted to removably receive in its tire inflation chamber a safety runflat insert. The wheel assembly also includes a safety vent for preventing inflation of the tire cavity in the event of improper assembly or disassembly of the safety tire and wheel assembly, including an O-ring seal disposed in a triangular cavity formed between opposing portions of rim segments of the wheel assembly, and mounting studs and associated nuts that releasably clamp the rim segments together with the O-ring captured in compression therebetween. The outboard wheel rim segment includes a wheel mounting disc and may also have a safety inflation valve coupling fixed to the outboard rim segment.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel that includes a valve which has a check device, with the wheel being intended for use with a pneumatic tire that even when operating as a tire which is flat or has otherwise lost pressure permits great distances to be covered at a reduced speed. To prevent misuse of the tire, in other words reinflation of a tire subsequent to flat-tire operation and before the tire has been checked for leaks, the valve is provided with a mechanism that prevents such misuse. This mechanism is pneumatically disposed in series with the check device and is installed in an open position and in such a way that it changes over into a closed position upon commencement of a flat-tire operation, with a special tool and/or special replacement parts being required in order to reestablish the open position of the mechanism.

Abstract: A tire valve incorporates a visual gauge, an element for setting different air pressures. The valve cannot overinflate, as the valve locks at a maximum pressure. Further, an indicator actuates when underinflated, and the valve is designed to keep pressure for an indefinite period.

Abstract: A pneumatic check valve actuator assembly for a tire pressure management system uses a snap action disk to provide quick and positive on-off response.

Abstract: To assure inflation of a tire 2 during its rotation, a hose 3 is placed on he inside periphery of rim 1. A pressure roller 5, solid with the wheel carrier and therefore non-rotatable, causes a local reduction in the section of hose 3. During rotation of tire 2, air is forced from an orifice 31 forming an air intake, to an inside volume 20 of tire 2, via a check valve 4. To provide deflation, a roller rests on a pusher which controls the opening of valve 4.

Abstract: A central tire deflation system for emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, rescue vehicles located at airports, enabling the operator to deflate all of the tires of the emergency vehicle to a predetermined minimum pressure while traveling to a crash site so that the "footprint" of the tires is increased at or about the time the vehicle reaches soft terrain. The minimum tire pressure is obtained by controlling the duration of time that the tires are being deflated.

Abstract: A tire valve with a tire air pressure indicator incorporated therein to provide a continuous visual indication of the air pressure within the tire. The tire valve includes a rigid tubular main stem having means on its inner end for mounting on a tire rim together with an external sleeve spaced from and sealingly engaged with the main stem to form an air chamber. A spring biased piston is slidably disposed in the air chamber for movement longitudinally therein with air passages communicating the interior of the stem with the air chamber with the air pressure in the tire also occurring in the air chamber thereby moving the piston outwardly by compressing a calibrated spring in accordance with the air pressure. The external sleeve is transparent and the piston serves as an indicator associated with a graduated scale on the sleeve to indicate the air pressure in the tire.

Abstract: An air inlet and automatic pressure adjustment assembly comprising a smaller closed ended inner cylinder with a partially common wall with a larger outer cylinder with there being a vent hole in the common cylinder wall and an adjustable spring loaded to close vent valve in the inner cylinder so that excess air pressure opens this valve to vent air from the tire to the outside. The layer outer cylinder contains a normal air inlet valve that will be held closed by inlet air pressure of the tire.

Abstract: A system for inflating and deflating pneumatic tires of a vehicle through pneumatically actuated tire isolating valves is disclosed which isolates air under pressure in the tires from the system and which utilizes electronically controlled valves for achieving opening of the tire isolating valves and inflating, deflating or eluding the pressure. The system is improved by incorporation of a dump valve at each tire which permits rapid deflation of the tire pressure upon demand. The dump valve is tire and system pressure responsive and is integrated into the system in a manner to be responsive to any number of deflated tire pressures.