Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a rim and a sub-air chamber member attached to the rim and serving as a Helmholtz resonator that cancels air column resonance noise in a tire air chamber. The sub-air chamber member includes: a main body portion including a top plate, a bottom plate, and a side plate connecting between the top plate and the bottom plate, the main body portion defining an inner space surrounded by the top plate, the bottom plate, and the side plate and serving as a sub-air chamber; and a communication through-hole that allows communication between the tire air chamber and the sub-air chamber. The main body portion further includes a substantially cone-shaped portion formed integrally with the bottom plate and the side plate.

Abstract: A bead exerciser system for an automated wheel assembly may include a center lift configured to lift a wheel assembly off of a conveyor belt, a drum roller configured to rotate the wheel assembly, a pair of pinch rollers driven by a driver and configured to apply force to a tire of the wheel assembly, a force sensor configured to detect a force of the tire against the pinch rollers, and a controller configured to receive the force from the force sensor and generate a command for an alert in response to the force falling outside of a predefined threshold range.

Abstract: A tire changing machine including enhanced control features for automated operator of tire change procedures with operator oversight and ability to manually adjust machine operation when desired. Dead man control input, user interfaces and programs for implementing the interfaces, methods for completing tire bead seating, informational displays of wheel rim and tire information, coordinated tool positioning, and automated lubrication features are described.

Abstract: A method for locking a tire to a wheel rim, includes the steps of mounting a tubular tire locking element on the wheel rim, which tubular locking member is arranged with a valve, which valve is pushed through a hole in the rim; mounting a tire on the rim such that the tire encloses the tubular tire locking element and a pressure chamber is obtained between the tire locking element and the tire; pressurizing the tubular tire locking element via the valve such that it expands, whereby the beads of the tire are pressed against the flanges of the wheel rim; inserting a hollow needle through the tire and into the pressure chamber, which hollow needle is connected to a pressurized air source; pressurizing the pressure chamber to desired pressure, removing the hollow needle; and sealing the hole caused by the needle with sealing fluid or plug.

Abstract: A single-cell workstation for processing a tire-wheel assembly including a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The single-cell workstation includes a mounting and indexing sub-station including a first plurality of tire engaging portions including one or more first tire-engaging surfaces, and a second plurality of tire engaging portions including one or more second tire-engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the wheel assembly for the vehicle are disclosed. The wheel assembly includes a rim and a tire. The tire includes a distal wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, with the first and second side walls extending from the distal wall and each of the side walls attached to the rim such that the distal wall is spaced from the rim to define an interior cavity between the tire and the rim. The wheel assembly also includes a resonator defining a hole such that the resonator presents an inner wall defining a boundary of the hole. The hole cooperates with the interior cavity. The resonator includes an insert mounted to the inner wall. The insert defines an aperture in fluid communication with the interior cavity for attenuating sound produced inside the interior cavity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes the step of determining a spatial location of a match-mark region of each of a tire and a wheel, wherein at least one of the tire and the wheel does not include a physical match mark formed upon a surface or within a body portion of the tire and the wheel. A system is also disclosed. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a wheel assembly. In this regard, a wheel assembly is provided comprising a wheel base having a side rim disposed about a circumference of the wheel base, and a lock ring disposed within a cavity between the wheel base and the side rim. An air seal may be disposed between the wheel base and the inside surface of the side rim. Lock ring has two non-contiguous surface contacts with the wheel base and two non-contiguous surface contacts with the side rim each enabling various torque paths of lock ring.

Abstract: A tire mounting device is configured to mount a tire to a wheel having a wheel well. The tire mounting device includes a plurality of tire engaging members including a first tire engaging member, a second tire engaging member, and a third tire engaging member. Each of the plurality of tire engaging members is configured to move into and out of engagement with a sidewall of the tire. The tire mounting device further includes a tire rotating device configured to rotate the tire about an axis. At least one member rotating apparatus is configured to rotate the second tire engaging member and the third tire engaging member about the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and removing a tire on and from a respective rim comprises: an element for moving a bead of the tire in order to insert/remove the bead into/from a respective groove in the rim, the element comprising a tool connected to a respective supporting arm for moving the bead; a rotatable support for the rim, in such manner as to turn the rim and the tire about a corresponding longitudinal axis of the rim; at least one sensor associated with the supporting arm for measuring the mechanical strain applied to the bead of the tire when the latter is mounted on, and removed from, the rim.

Abstract: A programmable wheel and tire assembly machine and method of assembly is disclosed which compensates for different wheel and tire combinations, as well as dynamically manipulates the present arms during the mounting process. An upper present arm is supported in a manner to provide at least two axes of movement, the upper present arms capable of independent manipulation along/about each axis. A lower present arm is supported in a manner to provide at least one axis of movement, the lower present arm capable of manipulation in a horizontal plane. Wheel and tire data is collected and used to generate a mounting protocol for individual tire & wheel combination. Continuous position feedback of the present arms may be employed to further control movement throughout the mounting process.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire-wheel assembly comprising a single-cell workstation including a plurality of sub-stations. The plurality of sub-stations includes a weight application sub-station, and an audit balancing sub-station. The apparatus also includes a tire/wheel transporting device positioned within reach of all of the plurality of sub-stations. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel base and a side rim disposed about the wheel base. A recess is formed on an inside surface of the side rim. A cavity is disposed between the wheel base and the side rim. An air seal is disposed between the wheel base and the side rim. A locking mechanism secures the side rim in position around the wheel base. The locking mechanism is configured to prevent the air seal from disengaging with the inside surface and allowing air to exit the wheel assembly between the wheel base and the side rim when the locking mechanism is properly installed. The locking mechanism is also configured to permit the air seal to disengage the inside surface and allow air to exit the wheel assembly between the wheel base and the side rim when the locking mechanism is not properly installed.

Abstract: A nm-fiat tire 1 comprises a carcass 6, a pair of side reinforcing rubber layers 9, and a pair of sidewall rubber components 10. At a tire maximum-width position, a first side reinforcing rubber layer 9A disposed in the side of a first bead portion has a thickness B1 greater than a thickness B2 of a second side reinforcing rubber layer disposed in the side of a second bead portion, and a first sidewall rubber component disposed in the side of the first bead portion has a thickness A1 smaller than a thickness A2 of a second sidewall rubber component disposed in the side of the second bead portion.

Abstract: A method of coupling a tire to a wheel is disclosed. A bead of the tire is placed against a side rim that is movable with respect to the wheel base. The side rim is moved along the axis of the wheel base and against the tire bead to couple the tire to the wheel.

Abstract: An axle spindle and wheel end assembly includes a precision-formed axle spindle, wheel hub, and axle spindle nut. The axle spindle is formed with parallel inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, a shoulder that is perpendicular to the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, and threads for a spindle nut that are aligned with the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces. The wheel hub is formed with inboard and outboard bearing surfaces that are in parallel alignment with one another, and bearing axial stop surfaces that are perpendicular to the wheel hub bearing surfaces. The spindle nut is formed with threads on its inner periphery and a flat inboard surface that is perpendicular to the threads. The axle spindle, wheel hub, and spindle nut cooperate to enable an axle spindle nut assembly to consistently provide a light preload on a bearing cone and spacer group of the wheel end assembly.

Abstract: A tire for a handling vehicle, designed to transport heavy loads, over short distances and at low speeds, and a mounted assembly consisting of a tire mounted on a rim. Also, a method for producing such a mounted assembly. A mounted assembly includes a tire mounted on a rim, having a tread designed to come into contact with a ground, two sidewalls extending radially inwards from the ends of the tread, and two beads extending the sidewalls radially inwards and in contact with the rim, an internal cavity containing a filling component consisting of at least one incompressible solid element, and which is a granular filling component consisting of granules at least partly separated from one another by interstices containing at least gas, and the fill rate, which is the ratio between the total volume of the granules, the total of the elementary volumes of the granules, and the volume of the internal cavity, is at least equal to 0.8.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless tire. The wheel includes a cylindrical rim portion that is parallel with an axis of rotation of the wheel and includes a transversely flat outer surface corresponding to at least eighty percent of the total width of the rim portion. The tire is mounted on the rim portion of the wheel and includes a cylindrical tire body presenting a transversely flat inner surface that engages the outer surface of the wheel. A plurality of traction lugs are spaced circumferentially around the tire and extend radially outwardly from the tire body. A plurality of drive lugs are spaced circumferentially around the tire, extend radially inwardly from the tire body and engage corresponding receptacles on the rim portion of the wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to bicycle work stands for making repairs and changing and mounting tubeless tires. There is provided a one-sided wheel work stand with a pivotal upper wheel bracket which allows the user to work unobstructed on the wheel and then acts as a device to lay the wheel flat for better sealing. In related embodiments, the work stand is configured to assist a user in adapting 32 mm 15 QR axle hubs and in truing a bicycle wheel while attached to the work stand.

Abstract: An axle spindle and wheel end assembly includes a precision-formed axle spindle, wheel hub, and axle spindle nut. The axle spindle is formed with parallel inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, a shoulder that is perpendicular to the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, and threads for a spindle nut that are aligned with the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces. The wheel hub is formed with inboard and outboard bearing surfaces that are in parallel alignment with one another, and bearing axial stop surfaces that are perpendicular to the wheel hub bearing surfaces. The spindle nut is formed with threads on its inner periphery and a flat inboard surface that is perpendicular to the threads. The axle spindle, wheel hub, and spindle nut cooperate to enable an axle spindle nut assembly to consistently provide a light preload on a bearing cone and spacer group of the wheel end assembly.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly incorporates a tire tread and a conventional vehicle wheel with an elastomer tire body element formed by introducing elastomer into mold elements with a center plug and releasably carried chamber forms to provide integral wall elements extending radially inward from the tire body element for sealing engagement with the wheel. The tire body element includes multiple concentric layers with alternating spokes formed with strut and aperture dimensions in the mold elements and mating rubber cast blocks adapted for the desired spoke design. After curing, the tire assembly is mounted on the conventional wheel with conventional mounting tools to deform the integral side walls and a pneumatic chamber formed by the side walls is inflated.

Abstract: A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes a tire having a pair of annular sidewalls each extending to a terminal end including a bottom surface for mounting onto a wheel. The tire further includes indicia arranged along each sidewall adjacent a bottom of each sidewall terminal end. The indicia extends radially outward from an initial position to extend from a top side of a rim flange of a tire wheel for indicating concentric mounting of the tire on a wheel. In particular embodiments, the tire is mounted on a rim of a wheel having rim flanges, each of the rim flanges extending along one of the tire sidewalls such that the indicia is adjacently arranged the rim flange along each sidewall such that the indicia extends radially outward from a top of the rim flange. Methods include using the indicia to determine whether the tire is concentrically mounted on the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel, which is divided in an axial direction of a tire into two pieces which are an in-side half wheel and an out-side half wheel that are connected to each other and fixed to an axle hub, includes wheel coupling bolts joining a mating surface of the in-side half wheel and a mating surface of the out-side half wheel together, and hub bolts joining the out-side half wheel and the axle hub together. The wheel coupling bolts and the hub bolts are respectively screwed into nuts from the out-side half wheel side.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one linear mounter sub-station that couples the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. The apparatus also includes a transporting device that transports one of the wheel and the tire along a linear path that traverses the at least one linear mounter sub-station. The component of the at least one linear mounter sub-station resists, but does not prevent, movement of one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel along the linear path in order to spatially manipulate one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel in order to at least partially couple the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A handling device for a resistant load includes a guide track (2) or a plurality of parallel guide tracks, a pair of slides or carriages (10a, 10b) slidingly mounted on a guide track (2) or a respective guide track, removable locking means (6a, 6b) associated with each slide or carriage (10a, 10b) and designed to keep in position its respective slide or carriage along the respective guide track (2), a linear actuator means (3) associated with each slide or carriage (10a, 10b) and having at least one first component (4) and at least one second component (5a) which can be displaced, upon control, one with respect to the other parallely to the guide track (2) or plurality of parallel guide tracks, the at least one first component (4) being displaceable together with a slide or carriage (10a) of the pair, and the at least one second component (5a) being displaceable together with the other slide or carriage (10b) of the pair, engagement means (7a, 7b) for a resistant load displaceable together with the linear act

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rim, a rib surrounding and radially spaced apart from the rim, and a resilient member that engages the rib. The resilient member is tied to the rim, such that the rim is resiliently held in relation to the round rib at least in part by tension in the resilient member.

Abstract: To mount a pneumatic tire (R) on a drop base rim (F), the pneumatic tire (R) is gripped by a gripper (2), which is arranged on a handling device (1), on the tread, and the first tire bead thereof is slipped over a flange of the rim (F) by controlled movement of the gripper (2). Subsequently, the gripper (2) is released from the pneumatic tire (R), and the tire (R) is moved into an initial position for mounting the second tire bead by adjustment members (33, 34). Mounting tools (27, 28, 29) arranged on the gripper (2) are guided along on the rim (F) by rotating the gripper (2) about the axis of the rim (F), resulting in the second tire bead being slipped over the rim (F).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a runflat device (2), particularly, but not exclusively, a combined runflat and double sided beadlock that can be fitted to any size and type of wheel (1) regardless of the shape and depth of the wheel well (10). The runflat device (2) can be fitted using standard tools and tightened through manipulation of a valve assembly (52).

Abstract: A system for mounting a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The system includes a robotic arm pivotably-connected to an end effector. The system also includes a tire-supporting portion including a support surface and a pair of wheel-engaging and tire-manipulating portions disposed upon the support surface. The pair of wheel-engaging and tire-manipulating portions includes a first wheel-engaging and tire-manipulating portion fixedly-disposed relative the support surface and a second wheel-engaging and tire-manipulating portion movably-disposed relative the support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and demounting a tire on and from a rim of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus comprises at least one fitting or removal tool for mounting and demounting the tire, and a control unit for controlling movement of the fitting or removal tool. A load measuring device measures the load applied on the tool while mounting or demounting the tire. A counterpart method comprises moving the fitting or removal tool towards or away from the vehicle wheel for mounting or demounting the tire to and from the rim, capturing the load applied to the tire by the fitting or removal tool, calculating the load applied to the tire by the fitting or removal tool while mounting or demounting the tire, and controlling movement of the fitting or removal tool on the basis of the load applied to the tire by the tool.

Abstract: A tyre changing apparatus for removing a tyre from a corresponding rim of a wheel, comprising a frame having a supporting element configured to support the wheel rotatably about an axis of rotation, a bead breaker tool associated with the frame and movable towards and away from the supporting element along a movement direction, an actuator connected to the tool in order to move the latter along the movement direction and control means connected to the actuator. The control means comprise a processor which is set up to receive data representing a curve of the feed speed of the bead breaker tool towards the supporting element and which is programmed to identify a position of contact of the tool with the tyre as a function of a deceleration of the bead breaker tool.

Abstract: An inner tube of tire includes a stick-shaped hollow tube body. For installing the inner tube of tire, the tube body is wound into a ring-shaped body having an adjustable size by crossing two lateral ends through each other, so that the tube body is applied to at least two wheel rims of different diameters. Since the user or the manufacture does not need to prepare many kinds of inner tube of tires with different lengths and the inner tube of tire could be easily replaced without the need of disassembling the wheel axle component, the process of replacing or repairing the inner tube of tire is time-saving.

Abstract: A road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a circular mounting flange having a dished wall extending radially outwards and circumferentially therefrom, a peripheral rim having a first edge and a second edge with the rim connected to an outer edge of the dished wall at an intermediate region of the rim, and a first lip extending from the first edge. Another road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a mounting flange, a peripheral rim, at least one inner dished wall, at least one outer dished wall offset from the inner dished wall along the flange, and at least two connector walls with each connector wall extending between the inner dished wall, outer dished wall, and the peripheral rim.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for locking a tyre to a wheel rim, includes the steps of mounting a tubular tyre locking element on the wheel rim, which tubular locking member is arranged with a valve, which valve is pushed through a hole in the rim; mounting a tyre on the rim such that the tyre encloses the tubular tyre locking element and a pressure chamber is obtained between the tyre locking element and the tyre; pressurizing the tubular tyre locking element via the valve such that it expands, whereby the beads of the tyre are pressed against the flanges of the wheel rim; inserting a hollow needle through the tyre and into the pressure chamber, which hollow needle is connected to a pressurized air source; pressurising the pressure chamber to desired pressure, removing the hollow needle; and sealing the hole caused by the needle with sealing fluid or plug.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes a cylindrical pressure vessel with a pistol grip extending radially from the tank. The tool includes a rapid opening gas valve positioned between the cylindrical pressure vessel and a nozzle. In some embodiments the nozzle includes a jet configured to receive pressurized gas from the cylindrical pressure vessel into a chamber of the nozzle so that as the stream of gas enters the chamber, the Venturi effect causes air to enter the chamber through air intake ports and the stream of gas and air from the air intake ports is blown out of the outlet of the nozzle. The tire is seated on the rim by positioning the system so that the air from the nozzle rapidly blows into the tire between the bead of the tire and the rim upon the valve being opened.

Abstract: A nozzle for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes an outlet, a jet configured to accept pressurized gas and emit a stream of gas through an orifice into a chamber. As the stream of gas enters the chamber, the Venturi effect causes air to enter the chamber through air intake ports and the stream of gas and air from the air intake ports is blown out of the outlet of the nozzle. A system for seating a tubeless tire on a rim includes the nozzle, a tank and a valve configured to control the flow of pressurized gas from the tank to the nozzle. The tire may be seated on the rim by positioning the system so that the air from the nozzle blows into the tire between the bead of the tire and the rim if the valve is opened.

Abstract: A system for providing at least a partially mounted tire and wheel assembly is disclosed. The system includes the steps of using a prime mover to bring a tire and wheel together and using the primer mover to work on at least one of the tire or the wheel to mount the tire and the wheel together, wherein the work performed by the prime mover is the only positive work introduced into the tire/wheel system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spoked wheel rim for a wheeled vehicle, a mounted assembly incorporating this rim for such a vehicle and a method for assembling this mounted assembly. The invention applies in particular to the mounted assemblies for bicycles. This rim (1) has two rim edges (5 and 6) and a rim bottom (2) covered by an annular ribbon (10) that is flexible and sealed against the inflation gas that is intended to receive a tire and that is fitted with an inflation valve for inflating this tire, this ribbon having a central portion (12) conforming to the shape of this rim bottom and two lateral portions (15 and 16) protruding axially from these rim edges. According to the invention, these lateral portions are capable of having a portion of their axial width cut off by the detachment of two respective peripheral sections (15a and 16a) of these lateral portions, so that this ribbon extends from one of the said edges to the other following this detachment.

Abstract: A fixing element (470) that enables an electronic unit (440) to be fixed on the inside of a tire-wheel assembly, on the tubular insert (433) of an inflation valve (430) of the tire-wheel assembly, the fixing element comprising: an interface piece (471) comprising means to establish a connection with the tubular insert of the valve and a housing (488) for a seal (460); at least one container (473) holding or designed to hold the electronic unit; and at least one attachment piece(472) that enables elastic coupling between the interface piece and the container. A method for mounting an electronic unit (440) on a tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a tire boot for installation over a bicycle wheel, typically a rear wheel, and the wheel's associated tire. The tire boot is intended for use in conjunction with an indoor training device wherein the boot includes a wear surface that is relatively resistant to wear when spun in contact with a roller of the training device.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the useful life of inflated articles such as a pneumatic tire includes shipping a concentrate to the location of the tire, adding a diluent to the concentrate to form a composition, and introducing some or all of the composition into the inflation chamber of the tire. Concentrates and compositions, useful in this (and other) methods also are provided.