Resilient tires and wheels – Tires – resilient – Wheel securing means
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-10
2001-10-09
Morano, S. Joseph (Department: 3617)
Resilient tires and wheels
Tires, resilient
Wheel securing means
C152S323000, C152S396000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298891
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses for wheels and tires, and more specifically to methods and apparatuses for non-pneumatic wheels and tires used in off-the-road applications.
BACKGROUND ART
Many types of non-pneumatic tires have been disclosed in the art for use in off-the-road applications. It is often required to change such tires. The reasons for changing tires may include the need for tires with different ride, handling or wear characteristics. Another reason for changing a tire may be that its tread has worn out.
Current methods for changing tires in the field have disadvantages. One method requires that the tire/rim combination on the associated vehicle be removed. Then, the tire is taken off the rim. A different tire is then positioned on the rim so that the new tire/rim combination can be remounted on the associated vehicle. Another common method is to transport different tires already mounted on rims to the field site. Though this method simplifies the field assembly work, it requires that more rims, with tires already mounted on them, be transported to the field site. All such methods are difficult and cumbersome.
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for overcoming the disadvantages mentioned above. Thus, the difficulties inherent in the prior art are overcome in a way which is simple and efficient, while providing better and more advantageous results.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a non-pneumatic tire assembly which includes a tread and a tire fill medium which may be urethane, rubber, or some other suitable material. A metal membrane separates the tread from the tire fill medium. The tread, tire fill medium, and metal membrane are positioned on a double notched rim. The rim has a first notch for holding the tread and a second notch for holding the tire fill medium and the metal membrane. If a different tread is required, the tread on the rim is removed and a different tread is placed on the rim.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a double notched rim for use in supporting a tire assembly. The double notched rim has a first notch for holding a tread and a second notch for holding both a tire fill medium and a metal membrane. A split ring secures the tread, tire fill medium, and metal membrane to the double notched rim.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for constructing a non-pneumatic tire assembly. A metal membrane is positioned in a notch on a first side of a double notched rim. The second side of the double notched rim is then placed onto the metal membrane and a split ring, which secures the assembly, is mounted. Next, a flowable curable material is injected through an injection valve, becoming a tire fill medium when it cures. The split ring and the second side of the double notched rim are then removed. A tread is then positioned in the second notch of the double notched rim. Finally, the second side of the double notched rim and the split ring are reconnected.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for re-treading a non-pneumatic tire assembly. A split ring is removed and a second side of a double notched rim is detached. The tread is then removed and a different tread is positioned in its place. The second side of the double notched rim is re-attached and finally the split ring is remounted.
One advantage of the present invention is that in-the-field tire changing difficulties are reduced. There is no need to take a tire off of its rim or to transport additional rim/tire combinations to the field site.
Another advantage of the invention is the ease of changing treads. If a tire requires different tread characteristics or if the tread is worn out, the sectional design of the invention allows one tread to be replaced by another tread.
Still another advantage of the invention is the variety of tire characteristics that can be constructed. By combining different treads with different tire fill mediums a wide range of spring rates, rolling resistances, and handling distinctives are possible.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
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Bellinger Jason R.
Emerson Roger D.
Morano S. Joseph
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
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