Abstract: Various method for repairing a tire tread are provided. In one embodiment, a method for repairing a tire tread comprises: providing a tire having a tire tread portion wherein the tire tread portion includes a tread element that is at least one of a tread block and a tread rib, and wherein the tread element includes a void resulting from wear or damage of the tire tread portion; removing a material from at least a portion of the tread element adjacent to the void to create a removed material portion, wherein the removed material portion includes a specific shape corresponding to a replacement element; applying an adhesive to at least one surface of the removed material portion; applying the replacement element to the removed material portion; and curing the adhesive.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temporary mobility kit for repairing tires, including: an air compressor; a sealant assembly selectively connected to the air compressor; a sealant hose in the sealant assembly, configured to connect the air compressor to a tire valve; and a first circuit configured to assess a connection condition.

Abstract: A tire repair tool includes a body portion and a cartridge portion. The tool is used to inject an adhesive or glue and a patch assembly into a puncture in a tire, while the tire is still engaged with the wheel, in order to permanently patch a punctured inner tube of the tire. More particularly, a spring is used to eject a patch assembly and adhesive through an outlet tube of the tool and into the existing puncture of the outer tire. A patch is affixed over a puncture in the inner tube by the adhesive to permanently patch the inner tube without having to remove the tire from the wheel or rim.

Abstract: A tire repair tool including a combined reamer and plugger wherein a single combined bit is fitted into a handle, the bit including a reamer element and a plugger element.

Abstract: A doubler repair apparatus includes a composite structure having a repair area, a susceptor having an adhesive film and at least one magnetic component extending within the adhesive film on the repair area, a repair doubler patch on the susceptor and a heat source having an induction coil generally above the repair doubler patch.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for stitching the interior surface of a tire, the steps of the method including rotating the tire about a central rotational axis, applying a force to maintain the tire in a substantially radial fixed position relative to a stitching wheel; applying a predetermined force to the interior surface of the tire with the stitching wheel, the stitching wheel contacting the interior surface of the tire while the tire is rotating; and, mechanically translating the stitching wheel laterally across the interior of the tire during tire rotation.

Abstract: A tire repair tool including a combined reamer and plugger wherein a single combined bit is fitted into a handle, the bit including a reamer element and a plugger element.

Abstract: The present inventions includes methods and apparatus for preparing a portion of a tire for repair, the methods having steps that include forming an edge along an opening within the tire, the edge extending between an interior and an exterior surface of the tire and including one or more tire reinforcement endings, the edge being formed to include an alternating arrangement of tire reinforcement endings. Particular embodiments of the present invention includes methods of preparing a portion of a tire for repair, the method having steps that include forming an edge within an opening of a tire, said edge extending between an interior and exterior tire surface and including one or more reinforcement endings of the tire; and, applying a wrap about the edge to substantially cover the one or more tire reinforcement endings.

Abstract: A tire patch for repairing an associated vehicle tire includes a patch body configured to overlay a portion of the associated vehicle tire, and a plurality of reinforcements received at least partially within the patch body, each reinforcement of the plurality having a first ending and a second ending, wherein the plurality of reinforcements are arranged to provide a staggered arrangement of the first endings.

Abstract: Methods of repairing tire portions have steps that include removing at least part of the damaged portion of the tire to form an aperture or opening through the tire; forming one or more grooves in the tire adjacent to and extending from the aperture; placing at least one repair reinforcement within each of the one or more grooves; placing a patch on the tire to cover the aperture and each repair reinforcement; and, applying material to fill the remainder of the opening.

Abstract: A gelling agent, and a method of use for the same, for gelling a puncture repair material, the puncture repair material including a natural rubber latex, a resin emulsion, and an antifreezing agent, the gelling agent comprising a compound (?) of the following Formula (1). In the following Formula 1, R1 is an alkyl group having from 13 to 30 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having from 13 to 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A polyurethaneurea system that includes in some embodiments Parts A and B reaction components for a polyurethaneurea, wherein an exemplary embodiment provides a Part A that comprises between 55 and 75 wt. % of an oligomeric polyol, between 3 and 7 wt. % of an aromatic diamine chain extender, and between 0.1 and 1.5% of a reactivity catalyst; Part B includes between 1 and 15 wt. % of a short aromatic diisocyanate and between 5 and 35 wt. % of an aromatic diisocyanate prepolymer that is the reaction product of a short aromatic diisocyanate and a diol. The polyurethaneurea system may further comprise an elastomer-surface activator comprising a second short aromatic diisocyanate and a second aromatic diisocyanate prepolymer, wherein at least one of the second diisocyanates may be the same as at least one of the diisocyanates of Part B.

Abstract: In a filling system for sealing and inflating tires, comprising at least one pressure source, in particular a compressor, and at least one container for receiving tire sealant, the container for receiving tire sealant is to be of tire-like design.

Abstract: A polyurea adhesive composition that is obtainable by reaction of reaction components that include a polyisocyanate comprising isocyanurate rings, the polyisocyanate having a functionality equal to or greater than 3, a polyamine having an average molecular weight greater than about 500 dalton and a carboxylic acid. Additionally, the reaction components may comprise an aromatic diamine chain extender. The molar ratio of the isocyanate groups to whole amine and carboxylic acid functions of the reaction components is between 1.5 and 3.5. Further provided is an article comprising a component bonded to the article with the polyurea adhesive described above. The bonded faces between the component and the article may be of cross-linked rubber composition. The article may be, for example, a tire, a tread band and/or a patch applied to the tire.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying a patch to an interior surface of a tire, the apparatus comprising a patch holder having the top surface shaped to a contour of the interior surface of the tire, the patch holder comprising a patch receptacle and a plurality of orifices extending there through in fluid communication with a vacuum source, and, an adhesive barrier surrounding the patch receptacle. The steps of a method include placing a patch into a patch receptacle in a tire patch holder, the patch holder having the top surface shaped to a contour of the interior tire surface, directing the patch holder to obliquely contact the interior surface of the tire, and, pressing the patch into substantial adhesive contact with the interior tire surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for repairing a damaged area of tire include a tire patch, a patch body having a length extending longitudinally, a width extending laterally, and a thickness vertically within the patch; and, a plurality of reinforcements extending in a lengthwise direction of the patch, the plurality of reinforcements being arranged in a spaced-apart, side-by-side arrangement, where at least a portion of the plurality of reinforcements are arranged to laterally alternate between two or more elevations respective of the patch thickness. Methods of applying the patch include attaching the tire patch to a portion of the tire to cover the damaged area of the tire, wherein the arrangement reinforcements alternating along the path is positioned in close relation to the damaged area of the tire.

Abstract: Methods of repairing tire portions have steps that include removing at least part of the damaged portion of the tire to form an aperture or opening through the tire; forming one or more grooves in the tire adjacent to and extending from the aperture; placing at least one repair reinforcement within each of the one or more grooves; placing a patch on the tire to cover the aperture and each repair reinforcement; and, applying material to fill the remainder of the opening.

Abstract: A repair patch for repairing radial tires that reduces the size of a bulge as typically appears in the sidewall of a repaired radial tire. The patch includes a ply package having a first reinforcement ply and a second reinforcement ply superimposed on the first reinforcement ply. The first reinforcement ply package comprises a tissue of first reinforcement cords that are arranged in a radial direction while the second reinforcement play comprises a tissue of second reinforcement cords that are arranged essentially in a 0 degrees direction. The patch of particular embodiments may further include a top cushion gum layer and a bottom cushion gum layer, wherein the ply package is interposed between the top and bottom cushion gum layers. Also included are methods for using the repair patch to repair radial tires.

Abstract: Methods and articles utilizing a bonding material comprising ultra-accelerators and solvent-swollen diene rubber. Particular embodiments include a method for bonding surfaces of vulcanized diene rubber components. The method includes the steps of applying a bonding material having the solvent-swollen diene rubber and one or more ultra-accelerators to a surface of a first vulcanized rubber component and positioning a surface of a second vulcanized rubber component to oppose the surface of the first vulcanized rubber component with the bonding material between the opposing surfaces. The method further includes the step of bonding the opposing surfaces through the bonding material therebetween.

Abstract: A polyurea adhesive composition that is obtainable by reaction of reaction components that include a polyisocyanate comprising isocyanurate rings, the polyisocyanate having a functionality equal to or greater than 3, a polyamine having an average molecular weight greater than about 500 dalton and a carboxylic acid. Additionally, the reaction components may comprise an aromatic diamine chain extender. The molar ratio of the isocyanate groups to whole amine and carboxylic acid functions of the reaction components is between 1.5 and 3.5. Further provided is an article comprising a component bonded to the article with the polyurea adhesive described above. The bonded faces between the component and the article may be of cross-linked rubber composition. The article may be, for example, a tire, a tread band and/or a patch applied to the tire.

Abstract: A cushion gum for bonding a tire tread to a tire carcass, the cushion gum comprising an essentially unsaturated diene elastomer, between (0.5) and (25) phr of a metal salt of a carboxylic acid and a peroxide curing system. The essentially unsaturated diene elastomer may be, in some embodiments, a highly unsaturated diene elastomer such as, for example, natural rubber.

Abstract: A tire-patching tool and its patching method includes a pneumatic tool for producing a rotation force with a preset rotating speed, and a tire-patching needle with a tire seal strip assembled on the pneumatic tool to be driven into a broken hole of a tire. In using, the pneumatic tool is started to transmit a rotation force to the tire-patching needle so that the tire-patching needle can be vertically driven into the tire in the direction of the broken hole to let the tire seal strip stuck in the broken hole of the tire, and then remove out the tire-patching needle to finish tire patching work. By the pneumatic tool driving the tire-patching needle to produce a rotation force, the tire seal strip can quickly and accurately be stuck in the broken hole of the tire, saving time and labor in carrying out tire patching work.

Abstract: The invention relates to (I) a method for repairing an inner face portion of a pneumatic tire 11, characterized in that a repairing site J in the inner face portion of the pneumatic tire 11 having an innerliner in its inner face portion is repaired by (IA) attaching a thin-film repair member 22 made from a resin having a high air impermeability to the repairing site J with an adhesive 24 or (IB) attaching a thin-film repair member 22 made from a thermoplastic resin having a high air impermeability through solvent welding as well as (II) a repair member 26 for an inner face portion of a pneumatic tire 11, characterized in that the repair member is constructed by bond-laminating a rubber layer 27 made of a vulcanized rubber with a resin layer 28 made from a resin having a high air impermeability and attached to a repairing site J in the inner face portion of the pneumatic tire 11 to repair the repairing site J.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying a patch to an interior surface of a tire, the apparatus comprising a patch holder having the top surface shaped to a contour of the interior surface of the tire, the patch holder comprising a patch receptacle and a plurality of orifices extending there through in fluid communication with a vacuum source, and, an adhesive barrier surrounding the patch receptacle. The steps of a method include placing a patch into a patch receptacle in a tire patch holder, the patch holder having the top surface shaped to a contour of the interior tire surface, directing the patch holder to obliquely contact the interior surface of the tire, and, pressing the patch into substantial adhesive contact with the interior tire surface.

Abstract: A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles, comprises an electric compressor unit; a container of sealing fluid connectable to the compressor unit; a plug for connecting the compressor unit to a power outlet; electronic control means connected to the plug and to the compressor unit; and an electronic switch connected to the electronic control means and for transmitting a control signal to activate the compressor unit. In particular, the electronic control means is designed to only activate the compressor unit when the control signal is received after a power signal transmitted when the plug is connected to the power outlet.

Abstract: A patch plug is provided that has a coating continuous over both the patch and plug portions, providing a strong and continuous seal to prevent seal failure and water and air introduction. The patch and plug portions may be formed separately, each with a coating element, and fused together in a press which bonds the coatings of the patch and plug portions together to form a single, continuous coating. Means known in the art, for example rubber cement, can also be employed to further ensure a firm seal between the patch plug and the tire. Methods of manufacturing and using the patch plug are also taught herein.

Abstract: A patch plug is provided that has a coating continuous over both the patch and plug portions, providing a strong and continuous seal to prevent seal failure and water and air introduction. The patch and plug portions may be formed separately, each with a coating element, and fused together in a press which bonds the coatings of the patch and plug portions together to form a single, continuous coating. Means known in the art, for example rubber cement, can also be employed to further ensure a firm seal between the patch plug and the tire. Methods of manufacturing and using the patch plug are also taught herein.

Abstract: A tire sealant system in accordance with the present invention includes a tire sealant powder, a water-soluble bag which hermetically encloses the powder and a predetermined volume of water corresponding to the amount of enclosed powder. The powder comprises a plurality of heavy metal inorganic salts, a plurality of crystalline silicate clays and a plurality of mica particles. The water-soluble bag is made a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) polymer. For deployment in the repair of a puncture in a tire, a tire bead is separated from the wheel rim. This establishes a gap between the bead and the rim, and the water-soluble bag (and enclosed sealant powder) is inserted through the gap and placed in the tire well. Next, the predetermined volume of water is poured through the gap into the tire well. The bead is remounted to the rim, and the tire is inflated. The bag dissolves in the water, and the powder contacts the bag to form an aqueous suspension.

Abstract: A monitoring device and patch assembly and method for forming the assembly is disclosed wherein the patch includes a platform and at least a portion of the monitoring device is positioned adjacent the patch. At least a portion of the monitoring device and platform are encapsulated to connect the monitoring device to the patch.

Abstract: A sealing preparation for tire problems is proposed which seals in wet conditions, at low and high temperatures and with defects at the transition between the tread and the side wall of the tire. The sealing preparation contains natural rubber latex or a combination of rubber latex and compatible adhesive resin. Furthermore, various devices are proposed for introducing the sealing preparation into the tire and for the pumping up. An air compressor, or liquefied dinitrogenoxide, or sulphur hexafluoride are preferably used with these devices as a pressure source.

Abstract: Tire patches are described for off-the-road (OTR) tires. At least the base cushion gum layer and the top cushion gum layer include a bis-imide in an effective amount to reduce reversion of the gum rubber composition during repair and during use. The bis-imides are significantly more effective in this application than other reversion inhibitors.

Abstract: Process and device for treating vulcanized rubber surfaces before bonding by creating surface roughness and elimination of degraded surface particles through the use of a high pressure fluid jet.

Abstract: A sealant composition especially useful for stopping punctures in vehicle tires includes: (a) a viscous fluid such as propylene glycol or polypropylene glycol; (b) one or more fibrous materials such as cellulose, wool, nylon, rayon, hair, wollastonite, rock-wool, glass wool fibers, polyester, polypropylene, or other material of like nature; and (c) flat plate-like particles, such as mica. In one embodiment, the composition is too viscous to be readily passed through a pneumatic tire valve stem, so the viscous product is installed into the tire while the tire is dismounted from the wheel. In another embodiment, the composition is made of two parts, each of which is sufficiently low in viscosity to pass readily through the valve stem, but which react on mixing inside the tire form a liquid of higher viscosity.

Abstract: An adhesive-backed patch of reinforcement material has a central aperture and is applied to the pierced earlobe of a person's ear in position with the aperture aligned with the orifice of the earlobe to support the weight of the pierced earring installed in the orifice and distribute that weight to the tissue of the earlobe surrounding the orifice to which the patch is adhered. The patch may be used as a preventative measure to prevent damage to a person's earlobe as a result of wearing pierced earrings or may be used to reconstruct a torn or damaged orifice to regain usage of the earlobe.

Abstract: A tire repair plug that is stretched in an insertion tool and inserted into a bored-out tire injury. The plug includes a cylindrical stem and a conical head disposed at the leading end of the cylindrical stem. A circular transverse opening is located slightly axially interior to the leading end of the cylindrical stem. A bearing surface is located at the bottom of the transverse opening to prevent the plug from sliding off the insertion tool. A transverse slit extends from the transverse opening to a trailing end of the stem and bisects the cylindrical stem into two halves with semi-circular cross-sections. The two halves have adjoining inner walls. Disposed along the outside of the cylindrical stem and along the inner walls is cushion gum sheet. A protective covering is disposed along the outside of the cushion gum sheet until the plug is ready for use.

Abstract: A method for the production of patch-rubbers intended to repair radial-ply and bias-ply tires. The patch-rubbers, although having the same strength as those known, are more flexible and do not affect the original mechanical features and performances of the regions of the tires repaired therewith, and are also suitable to perform retreading operations on tires by both high pressure molding machines and autoclaves. The method consists in superposing the plies (1a, 1b), embedding a fabric made by fiber cords, in such a way that their medium axes diverge from the longitudinal or symmetry axes A of the patch-rubbers, and in superposing on the plies, a further ply (2) of smaller area having rectilinear metallic cords forming a different angle with the above mentioned axes A.

Abstract: A repair apparatus for tire punctures is operable upon a damaged tubeless tire in situ and includes a hollow probe initially containing a rubber boot disposed in a collapsed condition but subsequently automatically unfolding when urged into the tire interior by a plunger rod in the probe. A stem integral with a circular main body of the rubber boot is connected to the plunger rod by a flexible tether that serves to retain the unfolded boot juxtaposed the puncture point inside the tire while a drive rod forces a measured amount of rubber bonding fluid through the probe to sealingly secure the boot. Alignment and retention of the probe and drive rod is facilitated by a mounting unit secured to the tire by adjustable attachment elements clampingly engaging the rim of the wheel mounting the tire while threads on the probe and drive rod cooperate with tapped bores in the mounting unit to permit controlled advancement and retraction of the probe and drive rod.

Abstract: A tire repair insert having a body defined by a pair of ends, a pair of parallel sides, and a pair of edges, with one of said edges being tapered from one of the ends to the other of the ends such that the cross-sectional area of the body increases from a minimum at one end, to a maximum at the other end. The body includes a pair of outer layers of semi-cured rubber, and an intermediate layer of semi-cured rubber. A layer of cured rubber is positioned between the intermediate layer and each of the outer layers. The rubber layers are free of any internal reinforcement and have an elongation factor of approximately 600%. In a method for repairing tires with the above described tire repair insert, a technician first observes the puncture within the tire. If the puncture is small, then the smallest cross-sectional portion of the tire repair insert is placed within an eye of an end slot needle.

Abstract: A repair of a hollow tubular member adapted to contain a fluid under pressure, is performed by securing to the hollow tubular member to be repaired one end of a flexible tape consisting of continuous longitudinal fibers that occupy from 30-60% of the cross section of the tape, the fibers being encased in a thermoplastic matrix, the elastic limit of the material of the fibers being greater than the elastic limit of the material of the tubular member. The tape is caused to revolve around the tubular member while displacing the tape axially along the tubular member in order to wind the tape around the tubular member in a helix. The tape is heated immediately prior to its application to the tubular member and is cooled immediately following its application to the tubular member.

Abstract: An improved golf ball comprising a hollow, spherical shell of a polymeric material; a unitary, noncellular core of a material which, at the time of introduction into the shell, is a liquid and a one-piece spherical cover over the center. The spherical shell, as opposed to the core, is primarily responsible for the high initial velocity obtained when the golf ball is struck by a golf club so as to allow the golf ball to be driven long distances both in the air and on the ground when it lands. In an alternate embodiment, the center and cover are of a one-piece, blow-molded construction.

Abstract: A repair plug for sealable insertion into puncture holes in tires has a conical shank carrying one or more buttress threads which may extend onto a head portion adapted for rotation with a screwdriver.

Abstract: A punctured, substantially deflated pneumatic automotive tire is internally sealed using a specially designed sealant canister containing CO.sub.2 gas propellant and a tire sealant mixture. The canister sealant comprises approximately 97% by weight of an acrylic latex material which is present with the propellant under a pre-use internal pressure of about 55-65 psig. An outlet cone portion of the canister is removably connectable to the tire inflation valve, and the internal volume and pre-use pressure of the canister are related to the internal volume and normal full inflation pressure of the tire in a manner such that the canister is operative to deliver essentially its entire contents into the tire, yet only partially inflates the substantially deflated tire past its initial pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device to repair ruptures in the wall of a flexible pressurizable enclosure. The device has an apertured plate on the wall's outer surface, and has a threaded fastener protruding through the aperture and rupture into the enclosure. A butterfly member threaded to the fastener within the enclosure has clamping members swingable out from the fastener so that engagement surfaces on the clamping members face the ruptured zone of the wall. A layer on the engagement surfaces has a curable adhesive resin initially segregated from a setting agent therefor, which is also in the layer. The segregation of resin and setting agent is achieved by enclosing at least one of these substances in capsules distributed within the layer. Once the clamping members swing away from the fastener, turning the fastener moves the clamping members to press them on the inner surface zone of the enclosure wall. The wall is thus sealingly pressed between the clamping members and the plate on the wall's outer surface.

Abstract: A process for making a sectional repair to a tire which increases the range of repairable injuries and includes a number of steps culminating in a repaired tire. The steps are broadly characterized as preparing the tire (including inspecting the tire and preparing a generally Y-shaped skive), lacing the prepared skive, blocking the base of the skive, filling the skive with a plug of unvulcanized rubber and vulcanizing the plug.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for repairing a ruptured sidewall in a truck tire which eliminates bulging. The method includes the inventive step of removing the sidewall reinforcement pad from the interior of the repair area after curing the tire. The apparatus used to perform this operation comprises a sidewall reinforcement pad having a metal layer disposed between two layers of rubber. In one preferred embodiment, the metal layer is comprised of longitudinally disposed metal cords. The metal cords give additional strength to the section repair patch and prevent bulging of the ruptured repair area during the curing process.

Abstract: An improved golf ball having a coefficient of restitution of at least 0.700 and comprising a hollow, spherical shell of a deformable polymeric material which is filled with either a liquid or a unitary, non-cellular core of a material which, at the time of introduction into the shell, is a liquid. The spherical shell may be solid or cellular. The core material may be added through a hole in the shell as a liquid, a gel or a melt. In the preferred embodiment, the spherical shell is formed from two half shells which are bonded to each other. The mating edges of the half shells may have surface configurations which maximize their contact area.

Abstract: A trapezoidally-shaped rubber patch for patching the sidewall of a radial-ply tire with broken or damaged cords. The rubber patch has a first layer of rubber containing radial metallic cords and at least one second layer of rubberized fabric with synthetic cords under the first layer. Beneath the second layer is at least one third layer of rubber. The patch has a knurled attachment surface for attaching it to a coresponding knurled tire attachment surface. The rubber patch also has a trapezoidally-shaped rubber plug extending outwardly from the attachment surface. The rubber plug fits into a window which is cut in the sidewall of the tire in the area of the broken or damaged cords. The first layer of rubber is raised with respect to the attachment surface. The first layer of rubber is as wide as the base of the plug in the area beneath it.

Abstract: A unitary threaded plug for emergency tire repair is provided, of thermoplastic polymer composition, together with an optional pre-applied coating of uintaite asphalt as an integral adhesive and leak sealant to be activated by a small amount of waste oil from engine.

Abstract: The invention refers to an elastic body by synthetic material or rubber which is equipped with tube like hollow spaces in which capsules, containing a foam creating liquid, are arranged. At an explosion or other outer pressure influence the capsules will break and the liquid (foam) will fill up the hollow spaces and will get stiff to an elastic foam. The invention can be used for example manufacturing of tires.

Abstract: A tire repair method includes assembling a harness having straps, a first (or outside) air bag and a first (or outside) heating pad, placing a tire having an area in need of repair so that the repair site is over the heating pad and the tires axis of rotation is parallel to the harness straps, then inserting a second (or inside) heating pad and a second (or inside) air bag on the inside of the tire, and finally putting in place a pair of complementary mandrel halves of the same size. These mandrel halves when in place overlie the repair area of the tire and the other items of equipment. Each mandrel half includes a top surface (which is placed in proximity with a tire bead), a convex outside surface which generally has the same contour as that of the inside of the tire sidewall, a flat inside surface, a bottom surface which is preferably convex, and two ends.