US3872907A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety support device for pneumatic tires
Assignee: Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co
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Filing: 1973-10-01
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Granted: 1975-03-25
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Expires: 1993-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A safety or emergency insert device positioned on a wheel rim inside a tire chamber to support the tire in a deflated condition. The device has an annular support surface beneath the tread adjacent each shoulder of the tire and when used with a belted tire, the support is beneath the axially outer edges of the belt. The device also has a sidewall buffer portion on each side which prevents excessive axial shifting of the sidewall during turns and upon deflation of the tire and a portion for preventing axially inward movement of the tire bead on the rim. In a preferred embodiment, the device has two annular resilient rings mounted on the rim in opposed relationship to each other.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr Walter W Curtiss
- 👤 Joseph M Forney
- 👤 William J Hampshire
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:18
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60C; B60C17/00; B60C17/04; B60C17/06; B60C17/041; B60C17/042; B60C17/045; B60C17/10; B60C2017/068
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A run flat device for use in conjunction with a pneumatic tire and rim assembly comprising: A. a pair of annular axially spaced apart members for supporting each axially outer portion of the tread of the tire when the tire is deflated, each of said spaced apart members comprising: 1. an annular side ring portion extending radially outwardly from the base of the wheel rim when the device is mounted thereon, 2. an axially extending resilient hoop portion concentrically spaced between the base of the wheel rim and an axially outer portion of the tire tread, 3. said hoop portion having one axial edge supported by the side ring and the opposite edge unsupported to permit deflection in the radial direction when the hoop portion is subjected to radial loads, and (B) means for retaining said spaced apart members in a fixed position relative to axial direction with respect to the rim.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A run flat device for use in conjunction with a pneumatic tire and rim assembly comprising: A. a pair of annular axially spaced apart members for supporting each axially outer portion of the tread of the tire when the tire is deflated, each of said spaced apart members comprising: 1. an annular side ring portion extending radially outwardly from the base of the wheel rim when the device is mounted thereon, 2. an axially extending resilient hoop portion concentrically spaced between the base of the wheel rim and an axially outer portion of the tire tread, 3. said hoop portion having one axial edge supported by the side ring and the opposite edge unsupported to permit deflection in the radial direction when the hoop portion is subjected to radial loads, and (B) means for retaining said spaced apart members in a fixed position relative to axial direction with respect to the rim.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
a substantially axially extending circumferentially continuous tire tread support portion for supporting a portion of the tire from inside thereof when deflated, and
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
a substantially axially extending circumferentially continuous tire tread support portion for supporting a portion of the tire from inside thereof when deflated, and
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A run flat device as claimed in claIm 1 for use with a tire of belted construction wherein the spaced apart member support the tread axially inwardly of the axially outer edges of the belt when such tire is deflated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
an axially extending resilient hoop portion concentrically spaced between the base of the wheel rim and an axially outer portion of the tire tread,
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
an axially extending resilient hoop portion concentrically spaced between the base of the wheel rim and an axially outer portion of the tire tread,
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
sidewall buffer means extending radially outwardly from the bead retaining means and spaced from the sidewall of the tire, to limit excessive axially inward movement of the tire sidewall upon deflation of the tire, and
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
sidewall buffer means extending radially outwardly from the bead retaining means and spaced from the sidewall of the tire, to limit excessive axially inward movement of the tire sidewall upon deflation of the tire, and
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
a curved resilient portion joining the radially extending portion and the tread support portion to permit relative deflection of the two joined portions when the tire tread support portion is subjected to dynamic load as when the tire is deflated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
a curved resilient portion joining the radially extending portion and the tread support portion to permit relative deflection of the two joined portions when the tire tread support portion is subjected to dynamic load as when the tire is deflated.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
a tread support means spaced radially inwardly of a portion of the tread axially inwardly of the shoulder of the tire and spaced axially from the tread support means on the other side portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
a tread support means spaced radially inwardly of a portion of the tread axially inwardly of the shoulder of the tire and spaced axially from the tread support means on the other side portion.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the annular spaced apart members are spaced axially inwardly from the axially inner surface of the tire bead and sidewall when the tire is inflated and unloaded.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
55 words
said hoop portion having one axial edge supported by the side ring and the opposite edge unsupported to permit deflection in the radial direction when the hoop portion is subjected to radial loads, and (B) means for retaining said spaced apart members in a fixed position relative to axial direction with respect to the rim.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
said hoop portion having one axial edge supported by the side ring and the opposite edge unsupported to permit deflection in the radial direction when the hoop portion is subjected to radial loads, and (B) means for retaining said spaced apart members in a fixed position relative to axial direction with respect to the rim.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the annular spaced apart members include means to prevent excessive axial shifting of the tire sidewall upon deflation of the tire.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 including bead retaining means to prevent excessive axially inward movement of the tire beads off the bead seat portion of the rim.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hoop portion has an annular flange extending axially inwardly from a location adjacent each sidewall toward the axial center of the tire.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device is used with a split rim and is fastened to the rim by flanges extending radially inwardly between halves of the split rim.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device comprises two substantially identical annular members positioned within the tire chamber in opposed relationship to each other.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
52 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each side ring portion substantially conforms to the cross sectional contour of the inner surface of the adjacent tire bead and sidewall and is spaced in close proximity to said inner surface of the bead and sidewall when the tire is inflated.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
45 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the side ring of each spaced apart member has a radially outwardly extending substantially C-shaped arcuate portion which curves convexly axially outwardly then merges with the axially inwardly extending flange which comprises the hoop portion.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
52 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 8 wherein each annular member has a radially outwardly extending portion of substantially S-shaped cross section which curves axially inwardly from a position adjacent the tire bead then curves axially outwardly and merges with an axially outwardly extending flange which comprises the hoop portion.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
45 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each hoop portion has an outer circumferential surface inclined at an angle with respect to the axis of the wheel and tire and wherein the axial width of one hoop portion differs from the other.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein one of the hoop portions has a larger outside diameter than the other.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 including means for reducing the friction between the hoop portion and the tire.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
40 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the means for reducing the friction is a plurality of annular coaxial low friction bearing rings mounted on the outer periphery of each hoop portion for supporting the tire tread.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the means for reducing the friction is a surface on the hoop portion having a low coefficient of friction.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the means for reducing the friction is a lubricant which is releasable upon deflation of the tire.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each spaced apart tire tread supporting member includes a plurality of webs extending between the side ring portion and the hoop portion.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
54 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device is used on a one-piece rim and the means for retaining the annular tire tread support members in said fixed position includes a plurality of pivot arms which are swung into an axial position extending between the annular tire tread support members.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
34 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the annular spaced apart members support the tire axially inwardly of the axially outer edges of the ground contacting surface of the tire trEad.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
34 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each annular member has a plurality of concentric hoop portions integrally connected by a plurality of side ring portions having a semicircular cross section.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
67 words
A run flat device as claimed in claim 1 used on an axially split rim wherein each spaced apart member has a radially inwardly extending flange which extends in side-by-side relationship with the flange on the opposite spaced apart member, said flanges being secured between the two halves of the split rim to hold the run flat device in a fixed position with respect to the rim.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
86 words
A safety support device for use on a wheel rim having a pneumatic tire thereon, the device comprising: A. a pair of spaced apart annular side portions, each lying adjacent to the axially inner surface of a tire bead and sidewall; B. an axially extending intermediate portion joining said side portions and holding them in spaced apart relationship within the tire chamber; C. each of said side portions having a cross-sectional contour substantially opposite to that of the other side portion; D. each side portion comprising:
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
86 words
A safety support device for use on a wheel rim having a pneumatic tire thereon, the device comprising: A. a pair of spaced apart annular side portions, each lying adjacent to the axially inner surface of a tire bead and sidewall; B. an axially extending intermediate portion joining said side portions and holding them in spaced apart relationship within the tire chamber; C. each of said side portions having a cross-sectional contour substantially opposite to that of the other side portion; D. each side portion comprising:
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
75 words
A safety support device for use on a wheel rim having a pneumatic tire thereon, the device comprising: A. a pair of axially spaced apart annular side portions; B. an axially extending intermediate portion joining said side portions and holding them in spaced apart relationship when mounted on a wheel rim; C. each of said side portions having a cross-sectional contour substantially opposite to that of the other side portion; D. each side portion comprising:
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
75 words
A safety support device for use on a wheel rim having a pneumatic tire thereon, the device comprising: A. a pair of axially spaced apart annular side portions; B. an axially extending intermediate portion joining said side portions and holding them in spaced apart relationship when mounted on a wheel rim; C. each of said side portions having a cross-sectional contour substantially opposite to that of the other side portion; D. each side portion comprising:
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
A safety support device as claimed in claim 24 wherein the curved portion joins with the axially inner edge of the tread support portion.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
A safety support device as claimed in claim 24 wherein the curved portion joins with the axially outer edge of the tread support portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-24 | 1978-09-23 | 1979-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-24 | 1982-09-23 | 1983-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-24 | 1986-09-23 | 1987-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |