Abstract: A composite wheel is used with a pneumatic tire having at least one bead. The composite wheel includes a circular drum having an elongated skirt extending out from the circular drum substantial perpendicular thereto along the periphery of the circular drum. A tire bead retention member receives the bead of the pneumatic tire and is then removably secured to the elongated skirt with a nut and bolt fastening system. The removability of the tire bead retention member enables the pneumatic tire to be dismountable from the composite wheel. Run flat devices are attachable to or formed with the tire bead retention members prior to mounting the drum body which allow the pneumatic tire to run without air without destroying sidewalls of the pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A tire (1) a mounting rim (2) therefor, and a prop ring (3) for supporting the tread (10) of the tire when running at low or zero pressure. The tire (1) has a radial ply casing (13) on which the points that are furthest apart axially are radially apart close to seats (12B) of outwardly sloping beads (12). The seats (12B) engage sloping seats (23', 23") on the rim (2), which may have at least one mounting well (22), at least one cylindrical portion (21) for receiving the elongatable and circumferentially unstretchable rubber supporting ring (3) and a rim flange (24).

Abstract: A device for running on a flat tire, the device being formed by a split ring or by two half-rings that are connected together end to end and clamped onto the rim of a wheel, the half-rings being made of a polyamide that is reinforced with long glass fibers and it has a T-shaped section with an outer peripheral surface that forms a tread when running on a flat tire.

Abstract: The improved ring device for running on a flat tire for a vehicle wheel that is provided with a tubeless tire mounted on a one-piece rim having a well-base is constituted by a one-piece split ring received inside the tire and designed to fit over at least a portion of the shape of the rim. The ring is formed with a reinforced thermoplastic resin core having a rubber annular projecting portion thereon, and it is fitted with means for fastening together the end portions of the ring and for tightening them onto the rim.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle tire made of rubber or a rubber-like compound has a tire body with two sidewalls and a tread extending between the sidewalls. A carcass is embedded in the tire body and extends from a radially inner edge of a first sidewall to a radially inner edge of a second sidewall. A belt is embedded in the tire body radially inwardly of the tread and radially outwardly of the carcass. A rim-shaped support with fastening elements positioned radially outwardly at the support is provided. The support is connected to the tire body. Reinforcement elements in the form of cords and bands are connected to the fastening elements for forming the carcass. The reinforcement elements extend substantially without deflection from the fastening elements into a neutral bending line of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A device located within the tubeless tire wall of an automobile tire, capable of preserving this tire wall from the deterioration caused by its own rim, and making it possible for the vehicle to continue rolling even when said tire loses all the air contained in its interior. The device is characterized by a partially flexible ring-shaped nucleus within the tire, attached to the tire rim and adjustably positioned over the central zone of the tire rim. Obliquely projecting flexible wings rise from the base of the ring-shaped nucleus. Each wing has a projecting ring-shaped edge at the side. When the tire is in an uninflated state, the height of the central nucleus is greater than the height of the sum of the tire rim and the thickness of the folded uninflated tire sides. Each wing interposes into the space defined by the folded side walls of the uninflated tire, and the ring shaped edge maintains engagement of the bead with the rim.

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

Abstract: Support device S for the tread of a tire P, comprising a rigid support (1), an elastic cap (2) of rubber stock, a layer of lubricant (5) being arranged between said support (1) and said cap (2) to permit circumferential displacement of one with respect to the other, means (21, 23, 12, 121, 122, 125) being provided to assure the holding of the cap (2) transversely and radially on the support (1).

Abstract: A run-flat tire that consists of about eight to twelve free-standing, separate and independent inserts, bonded to the inside of a conventional tubeless tire (30) that is mounted on a conventional one piece drop center wheel (31). The accompanying drawing shows a cross section view of one of these inserts in the tire. Each insert consists of a pair of rigid, load supporting, spread-apart legs (33); a rubber rim pad (34); a pair of rubber foot pads (35) which are bonded to the inside of opposite tire bead flanges.The rubber rim paid is bonded to the top of the leg pair to permit the legs to swing in and out, which is necessary during mounting and demounting the tire from the wheel. The pair of rubber foot pads are made to permit each leg pair to swing back and forth, independently, as needed, under run-flat driving. This tilting of the inserts automatically compensates for the difference between the rolling circumference of the set of inserts and the rolling circumference of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle drive wheel including a pneumatic tire mounted on a rim is provided with a track driven by the tire. The track comprises tire-supporting elements. At least those portions of the outer surfaces of the tire which come into contact with the inner portions of the tire-supporting elements comprise an outer rubber layer which has a high wear resistance and low-friction properties and 50-100% of the rubber is butadiene rubber. Also, an admixture of natural rubber and/or styrene-butadiene rubber can be added to the outer rubber layer in an amount of from 0 parts by weight of the admixture per part by weight of butadiene rubber to less than one part by weight of the admixture per part by weight of butadiene rubber.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating valve is formed on a steel rim of a car tire which includes an inner tire secured in an outer tire, whereby upon puncture of the outer tire, the inner tire, when compressed between the outer tire and the steel rim as loaded by a car weight, may release hot air outwardly through the heat-dissipating valve for dissipating frictional heat outwardly as produced by the friction between the inner tire and the steel rim or outer tire to prevent a fire accident.

Abstract: A vehicle safety support system including a rim having an annular drop center portion straddled by a pair of radially outwardly projecting flange portions each having an annular outer edge of greater diameter than a minimum diameter of the drop center portion; a pneumatic tire mounted on the rim and comprising a pair of annular bead portions, each of the bead portions being sealably seated on a different one of the flange portions, and with the drop center portion of the rim and an inner surface of the tire defining an annular cavity. Also included are a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart elements each comprising an inner portion supported by the drop center portion and an outer portion adapted for movement between an inactive position in which the outer portion does not project into the cavity radially outside the annular edges and an active position in which the outer portion projects into the cavity radially outside the annular edges.

Abstract: A nest tire structure to prevent a tire from blowing out completely; the inner surface of an outer tire is mounted with a solid inner tire, of which the sectional view is in a round or oblong shape. Whenever the outer tire has a leak, the solid inner tire can separate the steel rim from becoming direct contact with the ground surface and the outer tire so as to prevent the steel rim from becoming direct contact with the ground surface and the outer tire so as to prevent the steel rim from being deformed or a car losing its balance to result in falling down, and also to let a car to run at a given short distance.

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 core assembly for a pneumatic tire, which is fitted annularly to an outer peripheral surface of a well portion of a rim, and which rotates should the pneumatic tire collapse owing to a decline in its internal pressure, as an outer surface of the core assembly comes into contact with an inner peripheral surface of a crown portion of the pneumatic tire and an inner peripheral surface of the core assembly slides over the outer peripheral surface of the well portion of the rim. The core assembly includes a sliding portion formed of a resin material having good sliding properties and high heat resistance, and a main body to which the sliding member is secured and which is formed of a material having a high rigidity and a low specific gravity. Accordingly, since the surface of the core assembly contacting the rim is constituted by the sliding member, the core assembly is rotated smoothly when the internal pressure of the pneumatic tire declines, and the overal weight of the core assembly is reduced.

Abstract: A ring device for running with a flat tire and having articulated sectors is disclosed for a vehicle wheel equipped with a tubeless tire mounted on a one-piece rim with drop center, housed inside said tire and molding itself at least partially to the shape of the rim, the external surface of said ring being distant from the internal surface of the tread of the tire as long as the latter is in its normal operating condition, wherein said ring made from a composite material with a reinforced thermoplastic resin basis is formed so as to have in its part intended to come into contact with the rim drop center a stop lip for holding a bead of the tire in position, the other bead of which is subjected to the action of an elastomer wedge provided on the diametrical face of the ring opposite that carrying the stop lip, the articulated sectors being assembled together by mechanical fixing means providing positioning of the assembly of the ring and its component parts (elastomer wedge and stop lip) during actuation ther

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

Abstract: At lest a portion of a core assembly for a pneumatic tire, which is mounted on an outer surface of a well portion of an annular rim to which the pneumatic tire is attached, is formed from an elastomer material. The radial height of the core assembly in a condition where an inner surface of a crown portion of the tire is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the core assembly is set in a range of from 40% to 70% of the normal height of the tire, and the width of the outer peripheral surface of the core assembly is set at 0.5 or more times the radial height of the core assembly.

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

Abstract: An internal tire support wheel for vehicles which comprises a plurality of tire support plates along both corners of a tire rim wherein the corners are disposed between a drop center and both side flanges of the tire rim, a plurality of legs extending from the support plates, a plurality of foots disposed at ends of the legs, and fastening members for serially connecting the plurality of the plates, whereby upon the deflation of the tire, the internal tire support wheel prevent supports and stabilizes the vehicle, thus preventing the vehicle from tilting.

Abstract: A large annular ring is secured to a wheel rim to augment the load capability of a tire when it is partially or nearly fully deflated. The ring includes an outer elastomeric pad which contacts the ground as a tire collapses. An intermediate length of the ring serves as a brace against the buckling sidewall. As a result, the majority of load is assumed by the ground-engaging ring but the ring, in a state of equilibrium, braces the outwardly buckling sidewalls of the tire so that the collapsing tire is still capable of assuming a portion of the load.

Abstract: A device (20) for retaining the beads of a tire against the flanges of a rim. The bead retainer device (20) is a non rubber and non metallic ring structure of a composite material. The bead retainer device (20) is capable of being manually deformable in the axial direction. The bead retainer device is also capable of being manually deformable in the circumferential direction such as to be collapsible.

Abstract: A unitary, essentially cylindrical, rigid closed ring member is provided for use with pneumatic tires having spaced mounting beads at the inner diameter for engagement with edge flanges of a circumferentially divided two-part wheel rim, the wheel rim providing an essentially flat central bearing surface joining the flanges in bead receiving portions which may be angled 5.degree. or 15.degree.

Abstract: A circular insert is located within a tire and is adapted to contact the interior surface of the tire side walls when the tire becomes deflated. The insert is positionally interposed within the folds of a bulging side wall during deflation and transmits load between the side wall and a tire rim to prevent complete collapse of the run-flat tire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rim intended to form a safety unit with a tire and a body of oam rubber, which gives the tire the ability to roll in a deflated state. Lateral walls of a central groove receiving the body each include an undercut portion to retain the body effectively. The groove is delimited on opposite sides by lateral walls. The groove has an orifice formed therein for communication with atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle for overcoming obstacles includes a wheel having an elastomeric flexible annulus upon which the wheel normally rides. Parallel spaced sprockets receive the annulus and include individual cogs which extend less radially outwardly than the annulus. When an obstacle is encountered, the flexible annulus yields, thereby enabling a protruding cog to engage the obstacle and pivot around it thereby lifting the vehicle over the obstacle.

Abstract: A safety tire for vehicles consists of a rim and an air-filled elastic tire concentrically fastened thereto. In order to prevent a premature destruction of this tire in operation, a circular support body is provided, rotatably supported on the rim inside the tire.

Abstract: A safety device for suppporting the wheel of a vehicle that has a flat tire. In a first embodiment, two semiwheels are provided which are connected to the wheel hub by a layer of deformable elastomeric material which absorbs the shock that is generated when weight is transferred from the tire to the safety device. Additional support structure is provided that becomes engaged when sufficient weight is placed on the semiwheel. In a second embodiment, a tire is provided with a membrane separating its interior into two independent chambers. The membrane has a circumferential projection for supporting the outer tire tread should the outer chamber suddenly deflate. A novel tool for installing the safety devices of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel on which can be mounted a pneumatic tire which essentially includes rubber or rubber-like synthetic material, and has a carcass with load-carrying cords which are anchored in the bead regions of the tire via inextensible core rings. The wheel has a rigid rim with laterally outwardly disposed rim flanges; disposed axially inwardly of these rim flanges on the radially outer side of the rim are seating surfaces for the tire. To minimize disrupting effects on the tire tread, while at the same time improving the emergency operating conditions, a support member is disposed axially inwardly of the seating surfaces on the rim. This support member has a diameter which is greater than the diameter formed by the rim flanges. In the region of a given rim flange, the tire wall extends laterally outwardly from a given core ring in a substantially flat manner, and in particular in an angular range of from 0.degree. to 20.degree. relative to the axis of rotation of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel having a rigid rim on which can be mounted a pneumatic tire. The rim has rim flanges that essentially extend radially inwardly. The wheel also has a drop base that is centrally disposed relative to the rim, and is open radially outwardly. Disposed on the radially inner side of the rim, between the drop base and each rim flange, are respective recessed mounting portions for receiving the beads of a tire. To enlarge the supporting surfaces, an annular support member spans the drop base of the wheel, with the support member being in the form of a cylindrical ring that is exactly cylindrical or is at most slightly curved.

Abstract: This specification discloses a run flat insert for use with a tire and rim assembly. The insert comprises an annular band having radially inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of circumferentially spaced supporting legs extending toward the axis of rotation of the tire from the radially inner surface of the annular band. Preferably, the supporting legs are inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the insert; half are inclined in one direction away from the mid-circumferential plane and the other half are inclined in the opposite direction away from such plane.The circumferential spacing between each supporting leg and the next circumferentially adjacent supporting leg inclined in the same axial direction is at least thirty percent of the circumferential width of the supporting legs at the radially inner ends.

Abstract: A safety support system in which an annular safety support of resilient material having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the tire is positioned around a rim and within the tire. The resilient material of the safety support is under pressure and reinforcing cords are wrapped around the annular safety support to control expansion and maintain the safety support in position between the bead portions in the deflated condition of the tire. The resilient material may be of foam having closed cells containing gas under pressure or it may be a generally solid material which is compressed upon installation or formed under pressure in the tire. The safety support may also have safety support flanges at the edges for positioning between folded portions of the tire sidewalls during operation of the tire in the deflated condition.

Abstract: A safety support system for a tubeless tire and rim assembly which is adaptable for field mounting of the tire on the rim. The tire cavity within the tire contains a safety support body made up of an outer ring member and an inner ring member. The outer ring member is of resilient foam material providing cushioning and support of the tire. The inner ring member is of a substantially incompressible material which is flowable for injection into the tire cavity of the outer ring member and maintain the bead portions of the tire on said bead seats of said rim during operation.

Abstract: A banded radial run-flat pneumatic tire with a transversely segmented band that varies the bending stiffness of the band circumferentially relative to the bending stiffness across the band. The band can be segmented into annular side-by-side hoop-like coaxial band elements either of the same or of different diameters. An elastomer bonded between adjoining circumferential edges of the band elements connects them for cooperative association to give the band its desired operating characteristics. The elasticity of the elastomer and the spacing between the band elements can be selected to tailor the performance of the band. Preferably the bending stiffness of the band is 1000 times as great circumferentially as it is transversely across the band.

Abstract: A rim for a pneumatic vehicle tire, the beads of which are adapted to be mounted on the radially inner periphery of the rim. The rim has a rim ring that is provided radially inwardly with seating surfaces for the tire beads. On the lateral edges, the rim ring has essentially radially inwardly extending rim flanges. Furthermore, the rim ring is provided radially outwardly with support surfaces for emergency operation when a puncture, flat tire, etc. is encountered. In order to increase the ability to operate with a flat tire, the wall of the rim ring, in the vicinity of each of the rim flanges, is bent radially outwardly, and is then bent back axially inwardly at a radial spacing relative to the remainder of the rim ring, so that two annular supports are formed for supporting a flat tire.

Abstract: A safety device and a tubeless tire construction comprising a tubeless tire having beads the thickness of which is equal to e and an integral height H and a safety ring supported by a rim having a width equal to L. The dimensional relationships between the safety device and the tubeless tire are calculated so that:the width L' at the top of the safety ring is such that:L-3e.ltoreq.L'.ltoreq.L-e,andthe height H' of the safety device is such that: ##EQU1## the rigidity R of the safety ring is such that:750 Kg/cm.ltoreq.R.ltoreq.1050 Kg/cm,and the weight of the safety ring, expressed as a percentage of the weight of the tire, and its SHORE A hardness correspond so that, when the latter is between 70 and 80, the weight is between 60% and 70% of the weight of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel and tire assembly. In the event of an emergency operation, the pneumatic tire contacts a support member of the rim. A stabilizing arrangement protects the wheel and tire assembly from moving in an uncontrolled manner. This stabilizing arrangement is in the form of a corrugation, which is provided both on the inner surface of the tire and on the support member of the rim. This corrugation, which can be a fine groove system, reliably assures that the tire and the rim are provided with steering stability, especially when driving in curves.

Abstract: A bead lock device includes a plurality of bows and a frame for connecting the bows together to form an annular structure. The structure is placed in the interior of a tire which is placed onto a wheel. Wheel flanges compress the bows which, in turn, effectively lock the tire beads against the wheel flanges. A method of making a bead lock device by attaching bows onto a pair of flexible rods and joining the rods at their ends to form hoops is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel having a one-piece wheel rim on which can be mounted a pneumatic tire. The tire has a tread strip, two sidewalls, a carcass, and two tire beads which are laterally spaced from one another and contain substantially inextensible bead cores. The wheel rim has two rim shoulders, which are laterally spaced from one another and extend outwardly into a respective rim edge or into a respective rim flange. The rim also has a radially recessed rim base. The wheel further includes an emergency operation support member which is disposed in the recessed rim base and has a supporting surface which is located radially outwardly of the rim flange. The emergency operation support member is provided with a radially inner surface which faces the rim shoulder and is disposed at a distance from the latter, this distance corresponding to at least the thickness of the tire bead. An annular chamber is provided which extends further radially inwardly to the recessed rim base, and is widened axially inwardly.

Abstract: An emergency operation ring for tubeless pneumatic tires on motor vehicles made of an elastomeric material and mounted on a rim by means of axial clamping pressure. Two support sections extend diagonally upwards and outwards from the base section and define a circumferential channel. The support sections have step shaped outer flanks set back with respect to the base section. At least one circumferential groove is provided contiguous the circumferential channel, and slipping agent is positioned in the groove or grooves. Sealing lips close off the groove and slipping agent when the tire is intact. The wheel load working on the support sections at the beginning of an emergency operation brings the sealing lips into an open position, whereby the slipping agent is released and lubricates the surfaces of the pneumatic tire and the emergency operation ring in contact with each other.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel having a one-piece rim and being provided for a pneumatic belted tire. The seats for the tire beads are located on the radially inner surface of the rim. In order to assure trouble-free emergency operation of the tire in the event of damage or a defect, on the rim and/or on the tire, structures are provided which, at least in the region of the support surface of the tire, effect a disengagement of the tire beads from the rim seats during a loss of air pressure, and which prevent an only periodic return of the tire beads to the seats while driving.

Abstract: An annular ring-shaped run flat device is used in tires to permit continued use of the tire even when the tire is operating at low pressure or is completely deflated. This device is comprised of a rigid section and a non-rigid section. The tire, when it collapses, due to a reduction in pressure, comes to rest on the surface of the non-rigid, resilient, impact resistant section. This device is easy to assemble, can be used with conventional multi-piece rims, is light weight, durable and capable of absorbing impact under both inflated and deflated conditions. The device can also be used as a positive and non-positive bead spacer to prevent dismounting of the tire beads when tire pressure drops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle wheel with internally located emergency wheel, which is composed of a plurality of segments, preferably four segments. The segments have a substantially double T-shaped cross-section. Each segment is clamped in the well-base channel of the wheel rim by means of two clamp screws. In order to facilitate assembly of the emergency wheel, a clear space kept totally free from other installations is provided between the segments and the tire beads supported at the wheel rim. This space permits easy alignability and mobility of the segment pieces in the circumferential direction. Axial grooves on the radial inner sides of the segments, at an interval corresponding approximately to the diameter of the clamp screws, permits the circumferential alignment of the segments during the assembly by means of a screwdriver or the like. The segments are fastened with two screws each.

Abstract: Apparatus for splicing successive exposed photographic films end-to-end by means of uniting bands one side of which is coated with hotmelt has a ribbon which is severed at regular intervals at the splicing station to yield a succession of uniting bands. Each band is caused to overlie the ends of films at the splicing station and is thereupon pressed against the films by two heated rams which move toward each other as soon as a fresh band is separated from the ribbon. The ribbon is retracted from the splicing station immediately upon severing to avoid the flow of hotmelt thereon as a result of heating action of the rams.

Abstract: The liner includes a generally C-shaped, flexible band of bearing material disposed to be placed around the .[.drop.]. center .Iadd.section .Iaddend.of a tire rim. .[.Two, complimentary, generally semi-circular.]. .Iadd.A plurality of arcuate .Iaddend.members made from a polyester elastomer are then mounted as a ring coaxially around the outside of the band with the inner peripheral surfaces thereof slidably seated in a circumferential groove that is formed in the outer periphery of the band. The confronting ends of the members are releasably secured together by a pair of rigid links, each of which is releasably and pivotally mounted at one end in a recess in one end of a member, and has its opposite end connected to a rotatable eccentric that is mounted in the confronting end of the other member.