TIRE HAVING CANTILEVER SIDEWALL CONFIGURATION AND FLEXIBLE SUPPORT RING STRUCTURE - Patent application

Abstract

In one aspect, a tire assembly is provided that includes a tire having a tread, two shoulders, two sidewalls, and two bead portions, the sidewalls being radially oriented between a respective shoulder and a respective bead portion, each of the sidewalls being cantilevered in shape, each respective shoulder projecting axially outwardly from the entirety of the respective sidewall; a flexible sidewall support structure oriented axially outwardly of and in contact with each sidewall and its respective bead portion, the flexible sidewall support structure having an annular shape, being external to and separate from the tire; and a flexible panel oriented axially outwardly in contact with each of the tire and the flexible sidewall support structure in the region of each shoulder.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various aspects of a vehicle tire make it more or less efficient while operating on a road. Similarly, various materials used in vehicle tires increase the manufacturing costs of the vehicle tire.

[0002] One aspect that affects operating efficiency is the weight of the vehicle tires, which is directly related to the amount of energy required to rotate the tires during vehicle operation. Heavier tires require the vehicle to expend more energy, and lighter tires require the vehicle to expend less energy.

[0003] Another aspect that affects the operating efficiency is the drag force on the vehicle tire while traveling on the road. A vehicle tire having a conventional profile with a large portion of the sidewall portion in contact with the air experiences a larger drag force when the vehicle tire travels on the road, thus requiring the vehicle to consume more energy.

[0004] One aspect that affects manufacturing efficiency is the amount of expensive materials used in manufacturing a tire. Obviously, if the amount of expensive materials can be reduced, the overall cost of manufacturing a tire will be reduced.

[0005] Another aspect that impacts manufacturing efficiency is the ability to retread tires. Specifically, by replacing the worn tread of a tire with new tread, a user can significantly extend the life of the tire. On the other hand, if a tire with worn tread cannot be retread, the user must discard the tire entirely and purchase a new replacement tire. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] What is needed is a vehicle tire with improved operational and manufacturing efficiencies.

[0007] In one aspect, a tire assembly is provided that includes: a tire having a tread, two shoulders, two sidewalls, and two bead portions, the sidewalls being radially oriented between a respective shoulder and a respective bead portion, each of the sidewalls being cantilevered in shape, each respective shoulder projecting axially outwardly from an entirety of its respective sidewall; and a flexible sidewall support structure oriented axially outwardly of and in contact with each sidewall and its respective bead portion, the flexible sidewall support structure having an annular shape, being external to and separate from the tire.

[0008] In another aspect, a tire assembly is provided, the tire assembly including: a tire having a tread, two shoulders, two sidewalls, and two bead portions, the sidewalls being radially oriented between a respective shoulder and a respective bead portion, each of the sidewalls being cantilevered in shape, each respective shoulder projecting axially outwardly from an entirety of its respective sidewall; and a flexible sidewall support structure oriented axially outwardly of and in contact with each sidewall and its respective bead portion, the flexible sidewall support structure having an annular shape, being external to and separate from the tire; the tire assembly being mounted on a wheel having a two-split rim including a first rim half and a second rim half, each of the rim halves including a rim flange. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary aspects and are used only to illustrate various exemplary aspects, in which like elements have like reference numerals. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a tire assembly 100 having a cantilevered sidewall configuration and a flexible support ring structure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a tire assembly 200 having a cantilevered sidewall configuration and a flexible support ring structure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a side view of a tire assembly 300 having a cantilevered sidewall profile and a flexible support ring structure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of a tire assembly 300 having a cantilevered sidewall configuration and a flexible support ring structure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C illustrates a side perspective view of a tire assembly 300 having a cantilevered sidewall configuration and a flexible support ring structure. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D illustrates a front perspective view of a tire assembly 300 having a cantilevered sidewall configuration and a flexible support ring structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1 shows a tire assembly 100 having a cantilevered sidewall profile and a flexible support ring structure. The tire assembly 100 includes a tire 102. The tire 102 may be a pneumatic tire. The tire 102 includes a tread 104, two shoulders 106, two sidewalls 108, and two bead portions 110.

[0011] The sidewalls 108 are oriented between a respective shoulder 106 and a bead portion 110. The sidewalls 108 are cantilevered in shape, with the shoulders 106 projecting axially outward from the entirety of the sidewalls 108. The axially outer sides of the sidewalls 108 are concave in shape. The sidewalls 108 are angled, with each bead portion 110 axially inward of its respective shoulder 106 and each sidewall 108 extending directly therebetween.

[0012] The sidewall 108 is axially thinner than a conventional sidewall for a similar tire size, aspect ratio, and load capacity. Because the sidewall 108 is thinner, less material is required to manufacture it.

[0013] The tire 102 may be similar to a standard tire construction, including beads, body plies, belts, etc. These features are not shown in the figures.

[0014] The tire assembly 100 may include a flexible sidewall support structure 111 that is external to the tire 102 and is a separate part from the tire. The flexible sidewall support structure 111 is annular in shape and has a size and contour configured to mate and engage with the sidewall 108. The structure 111 includes a solid inner ring 112 that is continuous around an inner circumference of the structure 111. The solid inner ring 112 may engage the sidewall 108. The solid inner ring 112 may engage the bead portion 110. The solid inner ring 112 may have an axially inward convex element that engages an axially outward concave element on the bead portion 110.

[0015] The structure 111 may include a plurality of radially outer vanes 114. The vanes 114 may extend radially outward from the solid inner ring 112. The vanes 114 may engage the sidewall 108. The vanes 114 may engage a radially inner portion of the shoulder 106. The vanes 114 may have an axially inward convex element that engages an axially outward concave element on the sidewall 108.

[0016] Alternatively, the structure 111 may include a solid radially outer ring in place of the vanes 114.

[0017] The flexible sidewall support structure 111 provides structural support to the sidewall 108. That is, forces applied in a radial, axial, or combination of radial and axial directions are supported by both the sidewall 108 and the structure 111 of the tire 102. The structure 111 may be bonded to one or more of the sidewall 108, the bead portion 110, and the shoulder 106. The structure 111 may be clamped between a rim flange (such as rim flanges 234A, 234B shown in FIG. 2) and the bead portion 110. The structure 111 may be bonded to the sidewall 108 and clamped between the rim flange and the bead portion 110.

[0018] The flexible sidewall support structure 111 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, including, for example, a polymeric material such as natural or synthetic rubber, or another elastomeric material. The choice of material used for the structure 111 may be an important consideration. The material used must be capable of supporting the load required in compression. Preferably, the structure 111 is made from a crosslinked or non-crosslinked polymer, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic urethane, or a thermoplastic vulcanizate. More generally, in one embodiment, the structure 111 may be made from a relatively hard material, preferably having a durometer measurement of about 40D with a high compression modulus E of about 21 MPa or about 3050 psi. However, this is a very general approximation, as compression modulus can vary significantly with rubber or other elastomeric materials. Additionally, durometer and compression modulus requirements can vary significantly along with load capacity requirements.

[0019] Other advantages may also be obtained when using polymeric materials such as polyurethane instead of the rubber of conventional tires to create the flexible sidewall support structure 111. Manufacturers of the claimed invention may require only a fraction of the square footage of work space and capital investment required to manufacture conventional rubber tires. Furthermore, waste generated by manufacturing components from polyurethane materials may be substantially less than if rubber were used. This is also reflected in the comparative cleanliness of polyurethane plants, allowing them to be built in cities without the need for segregation, thereby reducing transportation costs. Furthermore, products made from polyurethane may be more readily recyclable.

[0020] Crosslinked and non-crosslinked polymers, including polyurethane and other similar non-rubber elastomeric materials, can operate at lower temperatures resulting in less wear and increased fatigue life for the flexible sidewall support structure 111 and / or the entire tire assembly 100. Additionally, the selection of materials for the structure 111 can significantly reduce rolling resistance and reduce fuel consumption by approximately 10% for vehicles using the tire assembly 100. Polyurethane has better abrasion resistance than traditional rubber tire sidewalls, and therefore more durable, and unlike rubber, is inert and resistant to oxidation or reaction with other materials that would harden or crack rubber.

[0021] In another embodiment, the flexible sidewall support structure 111 may also contain reinforcing components such as carbon fiber, KEVLAR®, or some additional reinforcing material to provide additional compressive strength to the structure 111. The structure 111 may include reinforcing layers, such as reinforcing cords or mesh, embedded or disposed on certain components (such as the inner ring 112 or the vanes 114). The reinforcement may be formed by cords constructed of nylon, polyester, fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid, glass, polyethylene (polyethylene terephthalate), steel, other metals, or other reinforcing materials.

[0022] In another alternative embodiment, the structure 111 may be constructed from a metal, such as steel, aluminum, or a metal alloy.

[0023] In another possible embodiment, the flexible support structure 111 may be formed from a polymeric material such as polyester, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0024] The tire assembly 100 may include a flexible panel 116 having an annular shape. The flexible panel 116 may include one or more enlarged placards 118 and one or more connecting portions 120, the sum of which form the annular shape of the flexible panel 116. The flexible panel 116 is oriented axially outwardly with respect to and in contact with each of the tire 102 and the flexible sidewall support structure 111 in the region of each shoulder 106.

[0025] The flexible panel 116 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, including, for example, a polymeric material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, or another elastomeric material. The flexible panel 116 overlaps a radially outer portion of the flexible support structure 111 and a radially inner portion of the shoulder 106 such that the flexible panel 116 covers the junction of the structure 111 and the shoulder 106. The flexible panel 116 may be adhered to the structure 111 and / or the shoulder 106, for example via chemical bonding.

[0026] The expanded placard 118 may include sidewall branding printed on the flexible panel 116. The connecting portion 120 may include printed information, branding, or decorative indicia.

[0027] 2 shows a tire assembly 200 having a cantilevered sidewall profile and a flexible support ring structure. The tire assembly 200 includes a tire 202. The tire 202 includes a tread 204, two shoulders 206, two sidewalls 208, and two bead portions 210. The tire 202 includes a centerline CL and a tread splitline PL. The tire 202 includes a shoulder notch 217 that is at least partially recessed into the shoulder 206.

[0028] The tire assembly 200 includes a flexible sidewall support structure 211. The flexible sidewall support structure 211 is annular in shape and has a size and contour configured to mate and engage with the sidewall 208. The structure 211 includes a solid inner ring 212 that is continuous around an inner circumference of the structure 211. The solid inner ring 212 may engage the sidewall 208. The solid inner ring 212 may engage the bead portion 210. The solid inner ring 212 may have an axially inwardly facing convex element that engages an axially outwardly facing concave element on the bead portion 210.

[0029] The structure 211 may include a plurality of radially outer vanes 214. The vanes 214 may engage the sidewall 208. The vanes 214 may engage a radially inner portion of the shoulder 206. The vanes 214 may have axially inward convex elements that engage axially outward concave elements on the sidewall 208.

[0030] The structure 211 may be bonded to the sidewall 208. The structure 211 may be clamped between the rim flanges 234A, 234B and the bead portion 210. The structure 211 may be bonded to the sidewall 208 and may be clamped between the rim flanges and the bead portion 210.

[0031] The tire assembly 200 may include a flexible panel 216 having an annular shape. The flexible panel 216 overlaps a radially outer portion of the flexible support structure 211 and a radially inner portion of the shoulder 206 such that the flexible panel 216 covers the junction of the structure 211 and the shoulder 206. The radially outer portion of the flexible panel 216 is located within and bonded to the shoulder notch 217. The radially outer portion of the flexible panel 216 may be located within the recessed shoulder notch 217 to form a flush junction between the remainder of the shoulder 206 and the flexible panel 216. The flexible panel 216 may hide and / or protect the tread split line PL. The flexible panel 211 may also be used to secure the radially outer portion of the structure 211 to the tire assembly 200.

[0032] The tire 202 may be configured to be retreaded; that is, the tread 204 may be worn during operation, after which the worn tread 204 may be removed from the tire 202 at the splitline PL. The original flexible panel 216 may be ground away from the tire assembly 200 to allow for replacement of the tread 204. The replacement tread 204 may be adhered to the remainder of the tire 202 forming a seam at the splitline PL. The new flexible panel 216 may be oriented to cover, hide, or otherwise obscure the splitline PL for aesthetic and / or protective purposes.

[0033] The tire assembly 200 may be mounted on a wheel 230. The wheel 230 may have a split rim with a first rim half 232A and a second rim half 232B. Each rim half 232A, 232B includes a rim flange 234A, 234B. The first rim half 232A and the second rim half 232B may be connected at radial portions 236A, 236B.

[0034] 2, the arrows indicate the direction of the air friction DAF and represent the air moving past the tire assembly 200 during its operation. As can be seen, the cantilevered shape of the sidewall 208 and flexible sidewall support structure 211 reduces the amount of contact / resistance between the direction of the air friction DAF and the tire assembly 200. This reduction in drag improves the fuel economy of a vehicle equipped with the tire assembly 200.

[0035] 3A-3D show a tire assembly 300 having a cantilevered sidewall configuration and a flexible support ring structure.

[0036] The tire assembly 300 includes a tire 302. The tire 302 includes a tread 304, two shoulders 306, two sidewalls, and two bead portions 310.

[0037] Tire assembly 300 includes a flexible sidewall support structure 311. Structure 311 includes a solid inner ring 312 that is continuous around an inner circumference of structure 311. Structure 311 may include a plurality of radially outer vanes 314.

[0038] The tire assembly 300 may include a flexible panel 316 having an annular shape. The flexible panel 316 may include one or more enlarged placards 318 and one or more connecting portions 320, the sum of which defines the annular shape of the flexible panel 316.

[0039] In practice, the tire assemblies 100, 200, 300 are prepared by (1) building and curing the tire 102, 202, 302; (2) separately preparing the flexible sidewall support structures 111, 211, 311; (3) separately preparing the flexible panels 116, 216, 316; (4) mounting the structures 111, 211, 311 to the tire 102, 202, 302; and (5) bonding the flexible panels 116, 216, 316 to the structures 111, 211, 311 and the tire 102, 202, 302. Optionally, the process may include step (4.1) (between steps (4) and (5) above) of mounting the structure 111, 211, 311 and tire 102, 202, 302 onto a split rim having a first rim half 232A and a second rim half 232B, and (4.2) mounting the first rim half 232A and the second rim half 232B to each other.

[0040] The terms "includes" or "including", to the extent used herein or in the claims, are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising", as interpreted when used as a transitional word in the claims. Additionally, to the extent the term "or" is used (e.g., A or B), it is intended to mean "A or B, or both". When applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both", the term "only A or B but not both" is used. Thus, the use of the term "or" herein is inclusive, not exclusive. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d.Ed.1995). Additionally, the terms "in" or "into", to the extent used herein or in the claims, are intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto". To the extent that the term "substantially" is used herein or in the claims, it is intended to take into account the precision available in tire manufacturing. To the extent that the term "selectively" is used herein or in the claims, it is intended to refer to a state of a component where a user of the device can activate or deactivate a feature or function of the component as needed or desired when using the device. To the extent that the term "operably connected" is used herein or in the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected to perform a specified function. As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural. Finally, when the term "about" is used in conjunction with a numerical value, it is intended to encompass ±10% of that numerical value. In other words, "about 10" can mean from 9 to 11.

[0041] As mentioned above, the present application has been illustrated by the description of its embodiments and aspects, and while the embodiments and aspects have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present application. Thus, the present application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, examples shown, or any devices referenced. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and devices without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall inventive concept.

Claims

1. 1. A tire assembly comprising: A tire having a tread, two shoulders, two sidewalls, and two bead portions, the sidewalls are radially oriented between the respective shoulders and the respective bead portions; a tire, each of said sidewalls being cantilevered in shape, each respective shoulder projecting axially outwardly from the entirety of its respective sidewall; a flexible sidewall support structure oriented axially outwardly of and in contact with each sidewall and its respective bead portion, It has an annular shape, a flexible sidewall support structure external to and separate from said tire.

2. 2. The tire assembly of claim 1, further comprising a flexible panel oriented axially outwardly relative to and in contact with each of said tire and said flexible sidewall support structure in the region of each shoulder.

3. The tire assembly of claim 1 wherein said flexible sidewall support structure comprises a solid inner ring.

4. The tire assembly of claim 1 , wherein said flexible sidewall support structure includes a plurality of radially outer vanes.

5. The tire assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible sidewall support structure is bonded to one or more of the sidewall, the bead portion, and the shoulder.

6. 2. The tire assembly of claim 1, wherein the tire assembly is mounted on a split rim having a rim flange, and the flexible sidewall support structure is clamped between the rim flange and the bead portion.

7. 2. The tire assembly of claim 1, wherein the tire assembly is mounted on a split rim having a rim flange, and the flexible sidewall support structure is clamped between the rim flange and the bead portion and bonded to one or more of the sidewall, the bead portion, and the shoulder.

8. The tire assembly of claim 2 , wherein said shoulder includes a shoulder notch, and said radially outer portion of said flexible panel is located within said shoulder notch.

9. The tire assembly of claim 2 , wherein the flexible panel overlies each of the tire and the flexible sidewall support structure.

10. The tire assembly of claim 2 , wherein the tire includes a tread split that extends to the shoulder, the flexible panel concealing the tread split.

11. The tire assembly of claim 8 , wherein the tire includes a tread split that extends to the shoulder notch, and the flexible panel conceals the tread split.

12. 1. A tire assembly comprising: A tire having a tread, two shoulders, two sidewalls, and two bead portions, the sidewalls are radially oriented between the respective shoulders and the respective bead portions; a tire, each of said sidewalls being cantilevered in shape, each respective shoulder projecting axially outwardly from the entirety of its respective sidewall; a flexible sidewall support structure oriented axially outwardly of and in contact with each sidewall and its respective bead portion, It has an annular shape, a flexible sidewall support structure external to and separate from the tire, The tire assembly is mounted on a wheel having a two-part rim including a first rim half and a second rim half, each of the rim halves including a rim flange.

13. 13. The tire assembly of claim 12, further comprising a flexible panel oriented axially outwardly relative to and in contact with each of said tire and said flexible sidewall support structure in the region of each shoulder.

14. The tire assembly of claim 12 wherein said flexible sidewall support structure comprises a solid inner ring.

15. The tire assembly of claim 12 , wherein the flexible sidewall support structure includes a plurality of radially outer vanes.

16. The tire assembly of claim 12 , wherein the flexible sidewall support structure is bonded to one or more of the sidewall, the bead portion, and the shoulder.

17. The tire assembly of claim 12 , wherein the flexible sidewall support structure is clamped between the rim flange and the bead portion.

18. 13. The tire assembly of claim 12, wherein the flexible sidewall support structure is clamped between the rim flange and the bead portion and is bonded to one or more of the sidewall, the bead portion, and the shoulder.

19. The tire assembly of claim 13 , wherein the shoulder includes a shoulder notch, and the radially outer portion of the flexible panel is located within the shoulder notch.

20. The tire assembly of claim 13 , wherein the flexible panel overlies each of the tire and the flexible sidewall support structure.

21. The tire assembly of claim 13 , wherein the tire includes a tread split that extends to the shoulder, the flexible panel concealing the tread split.

22. 20. The tire assembly of claim 19, wherein the tire includes a tread split that extends to the shoulder notch, and the flexible panel conceals the tread split.

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