Tyre and rim seal for vehicle wheels

Abstract

A tire and rim seal is disclosed for reliably sealing a bead (14) of a tire (1) against a rim (3) of a wheel (2) on which the tire is mounted to advantageously prevent tire leakage and slip from the bead of the rim. The tire and rim seal comprises an elastomer (12) seated on the rim (3) and a rigid backing (16) seated on top of the elastomer (12). A plurality of threaded bolts (9) extend from the rigid backing (16) and travel through the elastomer (12) and the rim (3) of the wheel (2). A corresponding plurality of threaded nuts (10) rotate about the threaded bolts (9) and are fastened against the rim to pull the rigid backing towards the rim. Thus, a compressive force is generated to cause the elastomer (12) to be sandwiched between the rigid backing (16) and the rim (3) so as to cause the elastomer (12) to expand along the rim and form a sealing engagement with the rim and the bead (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tire rim seal for wheels of the type found on motor vehicles or bicycles. The tire rim seal includes an elastomer to which a compressive force is applied, causing the elastomer to expand along the rim of the wheel and form a sealing engagement with the bead of the tire mounted on the rim, thereby preventing air leakage from the tire at the interface between the bead and the rim. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, traditional tube-type tires have an inner tube attached to them. A major drawback of this type of tire is that the rubber material of the inner tube is subjected to compression during use. This compression can cause tears and eventually lead to air leakage, rendering the tire unusable or requiring repair. The tools commonly used when installing new tube-type tires can also cause compression of the inner tube, thus damaging the tire.

[0003] In the same respect, inner tubes associated with traditional tubed tires are characterized by their large size, bulkiness, and corresponding weight. These characteristics are not well-suited for achieving the high performance required by racing cars using such tubed tires. In fact, when mounted on a wheel, such a traditional tubed tire can result in significant weight, which is likely to reduce vehicle speed and increase energy consumption (such as fuel).

[0004] Most vehicles use tires mounted on rims and inflated with air to allow the vehicle to travel smoothly on the road. However, when the road is rough or the tire is severely worn, air can leak out of the tire. Over time, the loss of air causes the tire to deflate, which can adversely affect vehicle handling and create safety hazards. In particular, air that has already been inflated into the tire can leak into the atmosphere at the interface between the tire and the rim on which it is mounted. Furthermore, in situations where the tire is no longer securely held to the rim, it is known that under certain driving conditions, the tire can slip off the bead from the rim.

[0005] Therefore, there is a desire for an inner tube tire that can be used on high-performance vehicles (such as racing cars) while possessing the characteristics of a tubeless tire to avoid the disadvantages associated with traditional inner tube tires to date. There is also a desire for a device that reliably seals the tire to the wheel rim to prevent air leakage from the tire at the tire-rim interface and to reduce the likelihood of the tire slipping off the rim. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In general, the present invention discloses a seal for a tire inflated with air and mounted on a wheel rim. The tire and rim seal includes a compressible elastomer seated on and around a bead groove in the rim, positioned between opposing beads formed in the sidewall of the tire. A rigid (i.e., hard) incompressible backing or rib is placed on the elastomer. A plurality of fasteners (e.g., threaded bolts) extend radially inward from the rigid rib through the bead groove of the rim and each of the elastomers seated on the rim. A plurality of corresponding complementary fasteners (e.g., threaded nuts) surround the threaded bolt at the end of the threaded bolt extending outward from the rim.

[0007] The nut rotates around the bolt to be fastened to the rim. Simultaneously, the bolt is pulled outward from below the bead groove on the rim, correspondingly pulling the rigid ridge against the elastomer. The rigid ridge exerts pressure on the elastomer, compressing it between the rigid ridge and the bead groove. Therefore, the elastomer expands laterally along the rim, moving to form a sealing engagement with the tire bead. In this way, a reliable seal is established to prevent air leakage from the tire at the interface between the tire and the rim. Furthermore, the tire bead is firmly pressed against the rim of the wheel to prevent the tire from slipping on the rim.

[0008] Another tire seal of the present invention, to be attached to the rim of a wheel, includes a rigid yet flexible C-shaped ridge that extends continuously around the rim. Opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge are spaced apart, and a gear-driven tensioning device is located within this space to pull the opposite ends together. The tensioning device has a gear housing and a threaded bolt extending from the gear housing, the threaded bolt being received by a bead groove extending through the rim and a mounting hole in the bead groove for an elastomer positioned below the ridge. A threaded drive shaft extends from a first gear located in the gear housing, passes through the threaded bolt, and is surrounded by a drive shaft nut located below the bead groove. A pair of threaded gear shafts are connected at their first ends to corresponding second and third gears, the second and third gears being engaged (meshing into) the first gear within the gear housing. The opposite ends of the pair of gear shafts are received in threaded couplings of gear shaft end caps connected to the corresponding opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge.

[0009] The tire and rim seal is established when the drive shaft nut at the bottom of the drive shaft rotates toward the bead groove, causing the drive shaft and the first gear connected to the drive shaft to rotate. The rotation of the first gear is transmitted to the second and third gears meshing with it. The rotation of the second and third gears, in turn, rotates the pair of gear shafts connected to them. The rotating pair of gear shafts move in opposite directions through the threaded connector of the gear shaft end caps and axially through the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge. Therefore, the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge are pulled toward each other, thereby securing the ridge around the rim to compress an elastomer placed on the rim below the ridge. The elastomer is thus flattened and expands laterally and outward along the rim to move and form a sealing engagement with the tire bead.

[0010] The tire and rim seal of the present invention does not employ a single ridge extending continuously around the rim of the wheel to exert compressive force on an elastomer placed on the rim below the ridge, but instead may comprise multiple end-to-end aligned ridge segments. A threaded bolt extending radially from each ridge segment travels through corresponding multiple elastomer segments to be received by corresponding mounting holes formed in the rim. The threaded bolt is surrounded below the rim by a threaded nut. The nut rotates about the bolt to be tightened against the bottom of the rim. Therefore, pulling the bolt outward from the rim accordingly pulls the ridge segment against the elastomer segment, thereby exerting compressive force on the elastomer segment. The elastomer segment is thus compressed and flattened to expand laterally along the rim, moving to form a sealing engagement with the tire bead. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a wheel, including a tire mounted on the rim of the wheel and having a tire and rim seal forming the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line 2-2 in the figure shows the features of the tire and rim seal according to the first embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the tire and rim of the wheel. Figure 2 The tire and rim seal shown is placed on the rim and positioned below the rigid backing located between the tire bead;

[0014] Figure 4 From Figure 2 The enlarged detail shown in the image illustrates how the tire and rim seals expand after being compressed between the rigid backing and the rim, forming a sealing engagement with the tire bead.

[0015] Figure 5This is an exploded view of a wheel including a tire and a rim seal according to the second embodiment;

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a wheel, in which the tire is mounted on the rim, and includes the wheel resting on the rim. Figure 5 Tire and rim seals;

[0017] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of another tire and rim seal of the present invention, which includes an open C-shaped backing and a gear-driven tensioning device for closing the rim backing around the wheel.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The exploded view shown is of a tensioning device used to close a C-shaped backing around the rim above an elastomer placed on the rim.

[0019] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of a tensioning device that is surrounded by a tire and mounted on a rim to close the C-shaped backing and compress the elastomer against the rim.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a tensioning device that is mounted on the rim and operated to close the C-shaped backing against the rim.

[0021] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The top view taken in the direction of reference arrow 11-11 shows the C-shaped backing in the open configuration and mounted on the rim;

[0022] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A top view of the C-shaped backing, which is in a closed configuration and fastened against the rim;

[0023] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view taken by line 13-13 shows the elastomer placed on the rim below the C-shaped backing surrounded by the tire;

[0024] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing an elastomer in an expanded, relaxed configuration, which is placed under a C-shaped backing on a relatively wide wheel rim;

[0025] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing an elastic body under compression and stress, placed... Figure 14 Below the C-shaped backing of the relatively wide rim;

[0026] Figure 16This is an exploded view of another tire and rim seal of the present invention, the seal comprising a plurality of backing sections extending around a wheel rim and corresponding plurality of elastomeric sections and elastomeric constraint sections; and

[0027] Figure 17 It is along Figure 16 The cross-sectional view taken by line 17-17 shows a backing section, an elastomer section, and an elastomer constraint section stacked on top of each other and held abutting against the rim. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The tire and rim seal of the present invention is now disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is applicable to any pneumatic tire mounted on a rim, providing the particular advantage of enabling tubeless tires to replace conventional tubed tires. Such tires include, but are not limited to, tires associated with motor vehicles and bicycles. As described below, the tire and rim seal of the present invention provides a resilient, elastic material to ensure that the tire will be reliably sealed to its rim to prevent undesirable air leakage, which would cause the tire to deflate over time. In this case, a tubed tire can function as if its inner tube had been removed. Furthermore, a compression force generating device is provided for firmly pressing the tire bead against the rim, thereby preventing undesirable slippage of the tire on its rim.

[0029] The attached image Figure 1 The diagram shows a wheel 2 and a tire 1 mounted on a rim 3 of the wheel. The tire 1 includes a tire and a rim seal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The wheel 2 shown has a hub 5 at its center, which is used for connection to an axle (not shown). The hub 5 is surrounded by a rim 3. A set of spokes 7 extends outward from the hub 5 to connect to the rim 3 of the wheel 2.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a single layer of elastomer 12 is placed on and extends continuously around the bead groove 4 of the rim 3. The elastomer 12 can be any suitable elastic material adapted to change its shape in response to applied compressive force, such as rubber, etc. The elastomer 12 is sized to be positioned between bead 14s located at the bottom of the opposite sidewall 15 of the tire 1, where it engages with the lip of the rim 3. A rigid (i.e., hard) ridge 16 covers the top of the elastomer 12. For example, the rigid ridge 16 is made of metal (such as aluminum). As with the elastomer 12, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The rigid ridge 16 shown extends continuously around the bead groove 4 of the rim 3. The ridge 16 serves as an incompressible backing for the resilient elastomer 12 and extends between the bead 14 located at the bottom of the sidewall 15.

[0031] One of the plurality of threaded bolts 9 is shown extending from the spur 16 and passing parallel to each other through mounting holes 17 formed in the bead groove 4 and the elastomer 12 resting on the bead groove. One of the corresponding plurality of threaded nuts 10 is shown engaging with the end of each threaded bolt 9 extending outward from the bottom of the bead groove 4. The nut 10 is fastened against the spacer 11 below the rim 3 to hold the bolt 9 in place and maintain the bead groove 4, the elastomer 12, and the rigid spur 16 one on top of the other.

[0032] Turn now Figure 3 and Figure 4 The advantages that this first embodiment provides to the tire and rim seals will now be explained. Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 One specific bolt (designated 9-1) of the plurality of bolts extends radially inward from the rigid ridge 16, passing parallel to each of the elastomer 12 and the mounting holes 17 formed in the bead groove 4. The designated bolt 9-1 communicates with the interior of the tire. In this example, bolt 9-1 is hollow to function as a valve providing a channel 18 through which the tire 1 can be inflated with air. A pressure control valve closure 20 is located in the channel 18 of the hollow bolt 9-1 to prevent leakage of air already inflated into the tire 1.

[0033] Figure 3 The diagram shows a threaded nut 10 loosely secured to the bead groove 4, thereby applying a corresponding minimum compressive force to the elastomer 12 located between the bead groove 4 and the rigid ridge 16. In this case, the elastomer 12 is relaxed and has a relatively large thickness. Simultaneously, the elastomer 12 is separated from the opposing bead 14 of the tire 1 (the elastomer is positioned between opposing bead 14s). Therefore, a space 24 exists between the elastomer 12 and the bead 14 of the tire 1. As in the case of a conventional tire without the tire and rim seal of the present invention, the interior of the tire 1 can communicate with the rim 3, which may cause air to undesirably leak from the tire 1 into the atmosphere through the space 24 and the interface between the bead 14 and the rim 3.

[0034] By rotating the threaded nut 10 around the threaded bolt 9-1 until the nut is tightened against the bottom of the bead groove 4 of the rim 3, the aforementioned space 24 is eliminated, and the tire and rim seal is established. Accordingly, the bolt 9-1 is tightened along... Figure 4The direction indicated by the middle arrow is pulled outward from the bead groove 4. Simultaneously, the ridge clamp 16 is pulled towards and against the rim 3 by the bolt 9-1, thereby applying pressure to the elastomer 12. The elastomer 12 is now compressed in all directions and thus clamped between the rigid ridge clamp 16 and the bead groove 4. In response to being pulled towards the rim 3, the elastomer 12 presses against the rim to seal any cracks in the rim or any holes created by the spokes 7 or bolts 9. In the case where the rim is an unsealed tubed rim, the compressed elastomer will seal the rim, allowing it to be used with tubeless tires.

[0035] In further response to its compression, the elastomer 12 also expands laterally outward along the rim 3 toward the bead 14 of the tire 1. The elastomer 12 is now flattened, resulting in a reduction in thickness. Accordingly, the laterally outwardly expanding elastomer 12 is moved to form an airtight seal with the inner surface of the bead 14, thereby advantageously preventing air from escaping from the tire at the interface between the bead 14 and the rim 3.

[0036] While forming the tire and rim seal, the outwardly expanding elastomer 12 presses the tire bead 14 toward the rim 3 lip to seal the tire bead to its interface with the rim lip. For the above reasons, when the tire 1 rotates under high speed and severe lateral load, the tire 1 is less likely to spin on the rim 3 and slip off the bead (this phenomenon is commonly referred to as "burping").

[0037] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rigid ridge 16 shown is pulled toward the elastomer 12 and pressure is applied to compress the elastomer 12 against the bead groove 4. This rigid ridge 16 is a single annular force-generating backing that extends continuously around the rim 3 to cover the elastomer 12. In a second embodiment of the tire and rim seal according to the invention, the rigid ridge that compresses and expands the elastomer is not a single continuously extending backing, but can be manufactured to include more than one backing member. For example, in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the case of the tire 1 and wheel 2-1 shown, the annular ridge includes multiple (e.g., nine) rigid ridge segments 32, which are aligned end-to-end with each other to extend completely around the rim 3. Threaded bolts 34 extend radially inward from each ridge segment 32 toward the hub 5 of the wheel 2-1, traveling through holes 38 formed in a corresponding one of the multiple elastomeric segments 35. The bolts 34 continue through mounting holes 39 formed in the rim 3 (against which the elastomeric segments 35 are held). The bolts 34 are surrounded by spacers 37 and threaded nuts 36. Figure 5 and Figure 6Bolt 34 and nut 36 shown are referenced above. Figures 1 to 4 The bolt 9 and nut 10 described perform the same function. In this respect, Figure 6 One of the bolts in bolt 34-1 is hollow to create a channel through which tire 1 is inflated with air.

[0038] As another embodiment of the present invention, in the accompanying drawings Figures 7 to 15 The image shows a tire and rim seal including a one-piece C-shaped ridge clamp 42. (Compared to...) Figures 1 to 6 The tire and rim seals shown are the same. Figures 7 to 15 The tire and rim seals are configured to apply compressive force to the elastomer mounted on the rim 48 of the wheel 40. The C-shaped ridge 42 is preferably a rigid backing, such as a band or belt made of aluminum or nylon. In this case, a gear-driven tensioning device 44 is connected to the wheel 40 to secure and close the C-shaped ridge 42 around the rim 48 and against the elastomer. The tensioning device 44 is held in space 46 ( Figure 7 In the space, the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge hoop 42 are separated, and a force is generated here to pull the opposite ends toward each other in order to close the ridge hoop, and thereby generate the compressive force required to create the seal.

[0039] For example only, the tensioning device 44 used to close the C-shaped ridge hoop 42 around the rim 48 can be a mini winch, rack and pinion, wire puller, or hydraulic device. In this regard, particular reference is made to... Figures 8 to 12 The figure shows a specific example of a gear-driven tensioning device 44, which includes a gear housing 50. Extending downwards from a gear receiver 51 surrounded by the gear housing 50 is a threaded mounting shaft 52 for connecting the gear housing 50 to the wheel 40. Figure 8 As best shown, the mounting hole 54 is formed through the rim 48 and the elastomer 56, which rests on and travels around the bead groove 58 of the rim. The gear housing 50 of the tensioning device 44 is connected to the rim 48 by inserting a threaded mounting shaft 52 into the mounting hole 54. A beveled washer 60 surrounds the bottom of the threaded mounting shaft 52 below the bead groove 58, and a corresponding threaded locking nut 62 is located below the washer 60 to rotate about and be secured against the shaft 52. Thus, the threaded mounting shaft 52 is locked against the rim 48 of the wheel 40, such that the gear housing 50 is held in place between the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge 42, with the inner surface of the tire 1 facing upwards (in... Figure 9 and Figure 10 (best shown in the middle).

[0040] A threaded drive shaft 64 extends axially below the gear housing 50, passing through the mounting shaft 52 of the tensioning device 44. A corresponding threaded drive shaft nut 66 is rotated to engage with the drive shaft 64 below the bottom of the mounting shaft 52. Figure 9 (Best shown in the image). The purpose of the drive shaft nut 66 in controlling the tension applied by the tensioning device 44 to the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge 42 will be explained below. A first helical gear 68 is attached to the top of the drive shaft 64 and positioned opposite the drive shaft nut 66. A second helical gear 70 and a third helical gear 72 are arranged face-to-face to engage (i.e., mesh) with the opposite sides of the first gear 68. A first threaded gear shaft 74 passes horizontally through a first hole 76, which is formed through the gear receiver 51 of the gear housing 50 of the tensioning device 44. A second threaded gear shaft 78 passes horizontally through a second hole 79, which is formed through the opposite side of the gear receiver 51.

[0041] The second gear 70 is attached to the inner end of the first gear shaft 74 within the gear receiver 51 of the gear housing 50, and the third gear 72 is attached to the inner end of the second gear shaft 78 within the gear receiver 51. Therefore, as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As best shown, the first gear 68, the second gear 70, and the third gear 72 are all meshed together within the gear receiver 51 of the gear housing 50, thereby applying rotation of the first gear 68 to the second gear 70 and the third gear 72.

[0042] Gear shaft end caps 80 and 82 are attached to each of the opposite ends of a C-shaped ridge 42, and the gear housing 50 of the tensioning device 44 is held between the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge 42. End caps 80 and 82 are connected to the ridge by pairs of threaded fasteners 84 and 86 extending through holes 88 and 90 formed in the end caps, and axially aligned threaded holes 92 and 94 formed in the opposite ends of the ridge 42. A shaft through-hole 96 is formed on each of the gear shaft end caps 80 and 82. These through-holes 96 are axially aligned with threaded cylindrical connectors 98 and 100 extending from the end caps 80 and 82 to be received within a channel 102 extending longitudinally through each of the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge 42. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As best shown, the outermost ends of the first gear shaft 74 and the second gear shaft 78, which are positioned opposite to gears 70 and 72, are connected to the corresponding end caps in the gear shaft end caps 80 and 82 attached to the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge hoop 42.

[0043] Now, for specific reference Figures 9 to 12 Describe the operation of the tensioning device 44 to close the C-shaped ridge hoop 42 around the rim 48. For example... Figures 9 to 11 As best shown, the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge 42 surrounding the elastic body 56 mounted on the rim 48 of the wheel 40 are initially spaced apart from each other. In order to generate the tension required to pull the opposite ends of the ridge 42 toward each other, the drive shaft nut 66 is rotated about the bottom of the drive shaft 64 toward the rim 48.

[0044] Rotation of the drive shaft nut 66 causes a corresponding rotation of the drive shaft 64, which in turn causes rotation of the first gear 68 connected to the drive shaft. Since the first gear 68 meshes with the second gear 70 and the third gear 72 within the gear receiver 51 of the gear housing 50 of the tensioning device 44, rotation of the first gear 68 causes corresponding rotation of gears 70 and 72. The rotation of gears 70 and 72 is applied to the first gear shaft 74 and the second gear shaft 78 connected to them.

[0045] Therefore, and now refer to Figure 12 The rotating first gear shaft 74 and the second gear shaft 78 will move in opposite directions, and the shafts passing through the gear shaft end caps 80 and 82 axially through the holes ( Figure 8 (Note 96 in the original text) causes the free ends of gear shafts 74 and 78 to protrude outward from the corresponding outlet slots 102 and 104 formed in the adjacent opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge 42. The outward movement of gear shafts 74 and 78 from the outlet slots 102 and 104 causes the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge 42 to be pulled towards each other, as... Figure 12 As shown by the reference arrow. With the space between the opposite ends of the spine hoops 42 ( Figure 7 The rib 42 (marked as 46) is shortened and closed and tightened around the rim 48 of the wheel 40 to correspondingly increase the compressive force exerted by the rib on the elastic body 56 on which the rib is placed.

[0046] The attached image Figure 13 It shows in Figure 10 After the drive shaft nut 66 rotates and the opposite ends of the C-shaped ridge 42 are pulled toward each other to increase the compressive force applied to the elastomer 56 placed on the bead groove 58 of the rim 48, the cross-section of the wheel 40 is [expanded / reduced]. As previously described, the compressive force generated by the ridge 42 flattens the elastomer 56 and causes it to expand laterally and outward along the rim 48, thereby firmly pressing it against the rim and the bead 14 of the tire 1 to form a reliable airtight rim seal. Figure 13 In this case, the elastomer 56 is a single piece that extends continuously and circumferentially around the rim 48 of the wheel 40 between the bead groove 58 and the single-piece C-shaped ridge 42.

[0047] Turn to the attached diagram Figure 14 and Figure 15 , Figures 7 to 13The single-piece elastomer 56 shown is replaced by a pair of resilient elastomer segments 106 and 108 spaced apart from each other, which abut against the bead 14 located on opposite sidewalls of the tire 1. When the wheel 40-1 and rim 48-1 are... Figures 7 to 13 When the wheel 40 shown is relatively wide compared to the rim 48, the use of a pair of elastomers 106 and 108 is ideal. In this case, the elastomer segments 106 and 108 are seated on the relatively wide rim 48-1 on the outside of the bead groove 58-1 to create a correspondingly wider rim wheel.

[0048] A rigid (i.e., hard) backing or ridge 112, having sufficient length to extend across the bead groove 58-1, is placed on top of the elastomers 106 and 108. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The spine hoop 112 shown can be used with Figures 7 to 13 The single-piece C-shaped ridge hoop marked 42 is identical. A pair of elastomer containers 114 are received in and held in place within corresponding grooves 116 formed in the ridge hoop 112. The containers 114 are located within the elastomer sections 106 and 108 to press the elastomer against the bead 14 of the tire 1 and to limit the lateral expansion of the elastomer in response to the compressive force applied to it by the ridge hoop 112.

[0049] Figure 14 The diagram shows that when the spur 112 is at rest and the spur does not apply compressive force to the elastomers, the pair of elastomer segments 106 and 108 are relaxed and expanded. In this case, the elastomers 106 and 108 located next to the tire bead 14 have a first thickness labeled d1. Figure 15 The diagram shows the state of the pair of elastomer segments 106 and 108 after the ridge hoop 112 compresses and flattens them against the rim 48-1. In this case, the thickness of the elastomers 106 and 108 is reduced to a thickness designated d2.

[0050] While the spine hoop 112 is fastened against the elastomer segments 106 and 108 to apply compressive force, the elastomer container 114 slides upward through the groove 116 formed in the spine hoop. Figure 15 (Best shown in the diagram). As previously described, the elastomer container 114 restricts the elastomeric segments 106 and 108 from expanding laterally along the rim 48-1 in response to the pressure generated when the rib 112 is tightened and the elastomer is pressed against the bead 14 of the tire 1 to create a reliable rim seal.

[0051] The attached image Figure 16 and Figure 17 The reference just now was shown Figure 14 and Figure 15The modifications and details of the tire and rim seals are described. Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the case of a wheel 40-1 with a wider rim 48-1, the tire and rim seal include a plurality of elastomeric segments 120 aligned end-to-end around the circumference of the rim. The elastomeric segments 120 are located between corresponding plurality of rigid (i.e., hard) ridge segments 122 and elastomeric containers 124. Each ridge segment 122 is a solid rectangular backing member, and each elastomeric segment 122 and elastomeric container 124 is a rectangular frame surrounding an open interior.

[0052] A threaded bolt 126, extending radially inward from a ridge section 122, extends through the open interior of an elastomer section 120 located below the ridge section 122 and an elastomer container 124 located below the elastomer section. The threaded bolt 126 passes through mounting holes 128 formed in the bead groove 58-1 of the rim 48-1. Figure 17 (best shown in the image) is accepted. Threaded nut 130 (also shown in the image) Figure 17 (Best shown in the image) The bottom of the bolt 126, which extends outward below the bead groove 58-1, is used to hold the bolt in place and maintain the stacked alignment of the rib section 122, which is positioned above and presses the elastomeric section 120 and elastomeric container 124 against the rim 48-1. One of the plurality of bolts 126 is hollow (not shown) to allow the tire 1 to be inflated with air.

[0053] Figure 17 The details of the aforementioned stacking alignment are shown, in which a rectangular elastomer container 124 is surrounded by a rectangular elastomer segment 120 located below a ridge segment 122. The ridge segment 122 creates a robust backing to press the elastomer segment 120 against the rim 48-1 of the wheel 40-1. As previously described, a threaded bolt 126 extending radially inward from the ridge segment 122 is connected to the rim 48-1 through a mounting hole 128, such that a compressive force is generated when the bolt 126 pulls the ridge segment 122 toward the elastomer segment 120 resting on the rim. Also as previously described, the rectangular elastomer container 124 is located within the rectangular elastomer segment 120 to limit the lateral expansion of the elastomer along the rim 48-1 in response to the pressure generated when the ridge segment 122 is pulled against the elastomer segment 122 as the nut 130 rotates about the bolt 126 and moves against the bottom of the rim 48-1.

[0054] like Figure 15As shown in the tire and rim seal example, when the ridge section 122 presses against the elastomer section 120 to generate pressure, the elastomer container 124 slides upward through the groove 132 formed in the ridge section 122. Therefore, the elastomer section 120 is compressed against the rim 48-1 to fill and close the gap 134 between the elastomer and the tire bead 14 of the tire 1, thereby creating a reliable airtight seal.

Claims

1. A wheel (2), comprising: Wheel rim (3); Tire (1), said tire (1) is mounted on said rim to be inflated with air, said tire includes a pair of sidewalls (15) said pair of sidewalls (15) having corresponding bead (14) said bead (14) is placed on said rim, wherein each said bead has an inner surface and an outer surface; as well as An elastic sealing material (12) is placed on the rim of the wheel and between the bead of the tire, and in response to a compressive force for compressing the elastic sealing material, the elastic sealing material undergoes a change in shape to move along the rim and press against the inner surfaces of the rim and the bead, correspondingly pressing the outer surface of the bead against the rim, so as to seal a first interface between the elastic sealing material (12) and the rim (3) and a second interface (24) between the elastic sealing material and the inner surfaces of the bead, thereby preventing air inflating the tire from leaking out of the tire through the first interface and the second interface.

2. The wheel (2) according to claim 1 further includes a force-generating backing (16) surrounding the rim (3) of the wheel and placed on the resilient sealing material (12), the force-generating backing moving toward the rim and the resilient sealing material placed on the rim to generate the compressive force for compressing the resilient sealing material between the backing and the rim, thereby causing the resilient sealing material to undergo a change in its shape so as to move along the rim and press against the rim and the bead (14) of the tire (1) to seal the first interface and the second interface, and thereby prevent air inflating the tire from leaking out of the tire.

3. The wheel (40) according to claim 2, wherein, The force-generating backing placed on the elastic sealing material (56) is a C-shaped ridge hoop (42) having a first end and an opposite end and a space (46) between the first end and the opposite end. The wheel also includes a ridge hoop tensioning device (44) connected between the first end and the opposite end of the C-shaped ridge hoop and operable to pull the first end and the opposite end toward each other through the space between them, so that the C-shaped ridge hoop is tightened around the elastic sealing material to generate a compressive force, so that the elastic sealing material is compressed between the C-shaped ridge hoop and the rim (48) of the wheel.

4. The wheel (40) according to claim 3, wherein, Mounting holes (54) are formed in each of the elastic sealing material (56) and the rim (48) on which the elastic sealing material is placed. The ridge tensioning device (44) has fasteners (52) that are received through the mounting holes of the elastic sealing material and the rim, and the ridge tensioning device is attached to the rim by the fasteners.

5. The wheel (40) according to claim 4, wherein, The ridge tensioning device (44) also has: a rotatable drive shaft (64) that extends below the rim (48) of the wheel on which the elastic sealing material (56) is placed; And a first gear (68), which is coupled to the rotatable drive shaft, rotates in response to the rotation of the rotatable drive shaft so that the first end and the opposite end of the C-shaped ridge (42) are pulled toward each other.

6. The wheel (40) according to claim 5, wherein, The ridge tensioning device (44) also has a rotatable drive shaft controller (66) that engages with the rotatable drive shaft (64) below the rim (48) of the wheel. The rotatable drive shaft controller is rotated to cause a corresponding rotation of each of the rotatable drive shaft (64) and the first gear (68) connected to the rotatable drive shaft, for pulling the first end and the opposite end of the C-shaped ridge (42) toward each other.

7. The wheel (40) according to claim 6, wherein, The ridge hoop tensioning device (44) also has a pair of rotatable gear shafts (74, 78) and a second gear (70) and a third gear (72) connected to the corresponding gear shaft in the pair of rotatable gear shafts (74, 78), the second gear (70) and the third gear (72) being coupled to the first gear (68), the pair of rotatable gear shafts being coupled to the first end and the opposite end of the C-shaped ridge hoop (42) such that rotation of the first gear is applied to the second gear and the third gear to cause corresponding rotation of the pair of rotatable gear shafts and to pull the first end and the opposite end of the C-shaped ridge hoop toward each other.

8. The wheel (40) according to claim 7 further includes a first end cap (80) and a counter-end cap (82), each of the first end cap and the counter-end cap being connected to a corresponding end of the first end and the counter-end of the C-shaped ridge (42) and having a threaded connector (98, 100), each of the pair of rotatable gear shafts (74, 78) being threaded and received by a corresponding connector of the threaded connector of the first end cap and the counter-end cap so as to move in opposite directions axially within the first end and the counter-end of the C-shaped ridge via the threaded connector in response to rotation of the second gear (70) and the third gear (72) and the pair of rotatable gear shafts (74, 78) connected to the second gear (70) and the third gear (70, 72), thereby moving the first end and the counter-end toward each other.

9. The wheel (2) according to claim 2, wherein, The force-generating backing (16) is a rigid ridge that is placed on the elastic sealing material (12) to apply the compressive force to it.

10. The wheel (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The rigid rib (16) placed on the elastic sealing material (12) and applying the compressive force thereto extends completely around the rim (3) of the wheel.

11. The wheel (2) according to claim 10, further comprising at least one fastener (9) extending from the rigid ridge (16) and passing through each of the resilient sealing material (12) and the rim (3) of the wheel on which the resilient sealing material is placed, the at least one fastener pulling the rigid ridge against the resilient sealing material such that the resilient sealing material is compressed between the rigid ridge and the rim.

12. The wheel (2) according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one fastener is a threaded bolt (9) having a threaded nut (10) that rotates around the threaded bolt and is fastened against the bottom of the rim (3) of the wheel through which the threaded bolt extends, thereby causing the threaded bolt to pull the rigid ridge (16) toward the rim where the elastic sealing material is placed, thereby compressing the elastic sealing material between the rigid ridge and the rim.

13. The wheel (2) according to claim 12, wherein, The threaded bolt (9-1) is hollow, thereby creating an air passage through which the tire is inflated with air.

14. The wheel (40) according to claim 1, wherein, The rim is a one-piece rim (48) having a bead groove (58) and a pair of lips extending continuously around the periphery of the bead groove. The tire (1) is mounted on the one-piece rim (48) such that the sidewall of the tire is located within the bead groove and abuts against the pair of lips of the rim. The resilient sealing material (56) is located within the bead groove and between the bead (14) of the pair of sidewalls. Thus, the resilient sealing material abutting against the bead groove of the one-piece rim is compressed and pressed against the inner surface of the bead, thereby causing the outer surface of the bead to correspondingly press against the pair of lips of the one-piece rim to seal the first interface and the second interface to prevent air inflated to the tire from leaking out of the tire.

15. The wheel (40) according to claim 14 further includes a force-generating backing (42) placed on the resilient sealing material (56) to generate the compressive force to compress the resilient sealing material and cause the sealing material to change its shape and expand along the bead groove (58) of the one-piece rim (48) toward the bead (14) of the tire, the resilient sealing material extending continuously around the bead groove of the one-piece rim.

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