Protective cover devices for tire retreading systems and methods of using same

Abstract

Protective cover devices securable on a sensor mounting receptacle of a pneumatic tire undergoing retreading. The sensor mounting receptacle has a cavity that removably receives a tire sensor. The protective cover devices include a cover body and an engagement wall. The cover body has an outer peripheral edge with a first surface portion facing toward an inner surface of the pneumatic tire. A cover recess extends into the cover body from along the first surface portion and receives the sensor mounting receptacle. The engagement wall is connected to the cover body such that a peripheral gap is disposed therebetween. At least a portion of the sensor mounting receptacle is received within the peripheral gap and operatively engaged by the engagement wall thereby retaining the cover body over and protecting the sensor mounting receptacle during the retreading process. Methods of retreading tires are also included.

Description

PROTECTIVE COVER DEVICES FOR TIRE RETREADING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING SAMEBACKGROUND[OOO1] The subject matter of the present disclosure broadly relates to the art of tire manufacturing and, more particularly, to protective cover devices for use in connection with retreading pneumatic tires that include removable tire sensors. Methods of retreading tires that utilize such protective cover devices are also included.

[0002] It is well known and understood that the structural casing or carcass of certain types and kinds of pneumatic tires, such as heavy-duty truck and bus tires, for example, are capable of withstanding use along roadways for distances totaling many hundreds of thousands of miles. However, it is also well known and understood that the outer tread layer of tires normally wears at a rate that is significantly greater than degradation occurs in the supporting structural casing of the tire. As such, pneumatic tires of certain types and kinds, such as heavy-duty truck and bus tires, for example, are often constructed to undergo retreading processes in which a worn tread layer is removed and replaced with a new tread layer. In some cases, such retreading processes can be repeated several times for a given tire casing.

[0003] In conventional retreading processes, a used pneumatic tire is typically inspected to identify areas in need of repair and any foreign objects that may be embedded within the tire tread layer and / or tire casing. Once the inspection is complete, the used tire has the worn tread layer removed, such as by way of a grinding or abrading process that is sometimes referred to as “buffing”. The resulting tread-free tire casing can then be repaired and / or reconditioned, such as to repair small holes and / or remove foreign objects remaining within the tire casing, for example. Thereafter, a new layer of uncured or “green” cushion rubber is applied around the tire casing, and then a new layer of precured tread rubber is applied over the cushion rubber in place of the original, worn tread layer. Once the new layers of uncured cushion material and precured tread material have been positioned, the retreaded tire assembly undergoes a curing process in which the layer of uncured cushion material is vulcanized or otherwise cured such that the layer of precured tread material is permanently bonded to the tire casing to form a completed retread tire.

[0004] In many cases, used tires with worn out treads are received at retreading facilities with one or more tire sensors installed thereon. Such tire sensors are typically used to sense, store and / or transmit data and other information associated with one or more of various aspects associated with the pneumatic tire. As non-limiting examples, such sensors can be used to store manufacturing data, historical repair data and / or reconditioning information, and / or used to acquire and / or store data associated with historical and / or recent performance of the associated pneumatic tire.

[0005] If installed, such tire sensors are typically supported within the tire chamber of the used pneumatic tire such that the tire sensor is - during use - exposed to the pressurized gas within the tire chamber. Known tire sensors can be supported on pneumatic tires within the tire chambers thereof in any one of a variety of different ways. In some cases, the sensors can be permanently attached on or along the inner liner of the tire casing that at least partially defines the tire chamber. One such known construction is Japanese Patent No. JP4742559B2, which discloses a construction that includes a sensor with a central passage and a sensor mount with a mounting patch portion that is permanently attached to the inner line of the pneumatic tire. A mounting post portion extends from the mounting patch portion and through the central passage of the sensor such that the cylindrical outer surface of the sensor is exposed during use.

[0006] Because the sensors in Japanese Patent No. JP4742559B2 are irremovably attached to the tire carcass, one disadvantage of such known constructions is that the sensors remain installed as used tire casings undergo retread operations. As such, the sensors remain exposed to physical impacts, electrical impulses, vacuum pressure levels, and / or other undesirable inputs to the sensors while the tire casings undergo different steps in the retreading process, such as have been discussed above, for example. In an effort to protect the sensors from such impacts, impulses and other undesirable inputs, the Japanese patent also discloses the use of a protective device that can be temporarily installed over the sensor to at least partially shield the sensor from such physical impacts, electrical impulses and other undesirable inputs. The Japanese patent describes the protective device as including a heat insulating member that at least partially defines a recess into which the sensor is received in an installed condition of the protective device. That is, the exposed outer surface of the sensor is received within the recess and covered by the heat insulating member in an effort to protect the irremovably installed sensor.

[0007] In other known arrangements, pneumatic tires can include an elastomeric mounting cup wall that is permanently attached to the inner liner within the tire chamber. The elastomeric mounting cup wall at least partially defines a sensor mounting cup with a cup chamber within which the sensor is received and retained during use of the pneumatic tire. In such arrangements, the sensor is removably installed on the pneumatic tire, such as may be due to frictional engagement of the elastomeric mounting cup wall with one or more surface portions of the installed sensor and / or due to a radially-coextensive overlap between part of the elastomeric mounting cup wall and the installed sensor.

[0008] In such known arrangements, the tire sensor is typically removed from the cup chamber of the elastomeric mounting cup prior to the used pneumatic tire undergoing the retreading process. By such removal, the sensor is protected from undesirably physical impacts, electrical impulses and other disadvantageous inputs that could occur during the tire retreading process, such as might shorten battery life of the sensor, degrade existing data and / or information stored on the sensor and / or alter the calibration or performance characteristics of the sensor, for example. The sensor is typically reinstalled within the cup chamber of the elastomeric (or sensor) mounting cup, such as by frictionally engaging one or more outer surfaces of the sensor with one or more inner surface portions of the elastomeric mounting cup wall and / or due to a radially-coextensive overlap between part of the elastomeric mounting cup wall and the installed sensor.

[0009] It has been recognized, however, that removal of the sensor leaves the elastomeric mounting cup wall unsupported during the various steps of the tire retreading process. As such, the elastomeric mounting cup wall that forms the sensor mounting cup can be inadvertently stretched, deformed or otherwise undesirably altered during the tire retreading process. Such stretching, deformation and / or other alteration of the elastomeric mounting cup wall can disadvantageously alter fitment of the sensor when reinstalled after one or more steps in the retreading process have been completed and / or potentially reduce the robustness with which the sensor is secured within the tire cavity once reinstalled.

[0010] Accordingly, it is believed desirable to develop protective cover devices for use in connection with retreading of pneumatic tires as well as methods of using such protective cover devices that protect and maintain the shape and integrity of elastomeric mounting receptacles (e.g., elastomeric sensor mounting cups) such as to aid in overcoming theforegoing and / or other problems and / or disadvantages of known systems and processes, and / or otherwise advance the art of tire manufacturing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0011] One example of a protective cover device in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure is dimensioned for securement to an associated sensor mounting receptacle disposed along an associated circumferential inner tire surface of an associated pneumatic tire. The associated sensor mounting receptacle can include an associated sensor mounting receptacle wall that can at least partially define an associated sensor mounting receptacle cavity dimensioned to removably receive an associated tire sensor. The protective cover device can include a cover body and an engagement wall. The cover body can have a longitudinal axis and can extend outward toward an outer peripheral edge. The cover body can include a first surface portion facing in a first axial direction and dimensioned to abuttingly engage the associated circumferential inner tire surface of the associated pneumatic tire. A second surface portion can face in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction and away from the first surface portion. A recess side surface portion can extend peripherally around the longitudinal axis and can be disposed radially inward of the outer peripheral edge. The recess side surface portion can at least partially define a cover recess extending into the cover body from along the first surface portion. The recess can be dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall. The engagement wall can be disposed within the cover recess and can be operatively connected to the cover body. The engagement wall can include an engagement outer surface portion facing outward toward the recess side surface portion. The engagement outer surface portion can be offset inwardly from the recess side surface portion such that a peripheral gap is at least partially defined therebetween. The peripheral gap can be dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall such that the engagement wall operatively engages the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall. In such an arrangement, the cover body can be retained over the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall with the first surface portion of the cover body in abutting engagement along the associated circumferential inner tire surface.

[0012] In some cases, a protective cover device according to the foregoing paragraph can include the engagement wall operatively engaging the associated sensor mounting receptaclewall by at least one of the cover body and the engagement wall frictionally engaging the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall.

[0013] In some cases, a protective cover device according to either of the foregoing two paragraphs can include the engagement wall operatively engaging the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall by the cover body and the engagement wall compressing the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall therebetween.

[0014] In some cases, a protective cover device according to any one of the foregoing three paragraphs can include the engagement wall operatively engaging the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall by the engagement wall being radially coextensive with the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall.

[0015] One example of a pneumatic tire assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can include at least a pneumatic tire and a protective cover device according to the foregoing paragraph. The pneumatic tire can have an axis of rotation and can include a circumferential inner tire surface extending peripherally around the axis of rotation that at least partially defines a pneumatic tire chamber. A sensor mounting receptacle can be supported on and extend radially inward from along the circumferential inner tire surface. The sensor mounting receptacle can have a mounting receptacle axis oriented in an approximately radial direction relative to the pneumatic tire. The sensor mounting receptacle can include a sensor mounting receptacle wall extending peripherally around the mounting receptacle axis. The sensor mounting receptacle wall can include an inner receptacle surface portion at least partially defining a mounting receptacle cavity and an outer receptacle surface portion facing opposite the inner receptacle surface portion. The mounting receptacle cavity can be dimensioned to receive and removably retain an associated tire sensor. The protective cover device according to any one of the foregoing four paragraphs can be secured along the circumferential inner tire surface and can cover the sensor mounting receptacle.

[0016] Another example of a pneumatic tire assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can include at least a pneumatic tire and a protective cover device. The pneumatic tire can have an axis of rotation and can include a circumferential inner tire surface extending peripherally around the axis of rotation that can at least partially define a pneumatic tire chamber. A sensor mounting receptacle can be disposed within the pneumatic tire chamber and can be supported on the circumferential inner tire surface. The sensor mounting receptacle can have a mounting receptacle axis oriented in an approximatelyradial direction relative to the pneumatic tire. The sensor mounting receptacle can include a sensor mounting receptacle wall extending peripherally around the mounting receptacle axis. The sensor mounting receptacle wall can include an inner receptacle surface portion at least partially defining a mounting receptacle cavity and an outer receptacle surface portion facing opposite the inner receptacle surface portion. The mounting receptacle cavity can be dimensioned to receive and removably retain an associated tire sensor. The protective cover device can be secured along the circumferential inner tire surface and can cover the sensor mounting receptacle. The protective cover device can have a cover axis and can include a cover body and an engagement wall. The cover body can extend outward toward an outer peripheral edge. The cover body can include a first cover surface portion facing toward the circumferential inner tire surface and a second cover surface portion facing opposite the first cover surface portion. The cover body can also include a recess side surface portion disposed radially inward of the outer peripheral edge. The recess side surface portion can at least partially define a cover recess extending into the cover body from along the first cover surface portion. The cover recess can be dimensioned to receive therein at least a portion of the sensor mounting receptacle wall. The engagement wall can be disposed within the cover recess and can be operatively connected to the cover body. The engagement wall can include an engagement outer side surface portion facing outward such that a peripheral gap is defined between the engagement outer side surface portion and the recess side surface portion. The sensor mounting receptacle wall can be at least partially disposed within the peripheral gap such that the engagement wall operatively engages the sensor mounting receptacle wall to retain the cover body on the sensor mounting receptacle along the circumferential inner tire surface.

[0017] One example of a method in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure of retreading a pneumatic tire can include providing a protective cover device as described in any one of the foregoing paragraphs. The method can also include receiving at a first processing station a pneumatic tire assembly that has an axis of rotation. The pneumatic tire assembly can include a pneumatic tire and a sensor mounting receptacle dimensioned to receive and retain a tire sensor on the pneumatic tire. The pneumatic tire can include a circumferential inner tire surface extending peripherally around the axis of rotation that at least partially defines a pneumatic tire chamber. The sensor mounting receptacle can be disposed within the pneumatic tire chamber and supported on the circumferential inner tiresurface. The sensor mounting receptacle can have a mounting receptacle axis oriented in an approximately radial direction relative to the pneumatic tire. The sensor mounting receptacle can include a sensor mounting receptacle wall extending peripherally around the mounting receptacle axis. The sensor mounting receptacle wall can include an inner receptacle surface portion at least partially defining a mounting receptacle cavity and an outer receptacle surface portion facing opposite the inner receptacle surface portion. The mounting receptacle cavity of the sensor mounting receptacle being devoid of a tire sensor such that the inner receptacle surface portion of the sensor mounting receptacle wall is exposed to the mounting receptacle cavity. The method can also include positioning the protective cover device over the sensor mounting receptacle with the first side surface of the cover body facing the circumferential inner tire surface. The method can further include operatively interengaging the engagement wall with the sensor mounting receptacle wall and thereby removably attaching the protective cover device on the pneumatic tire over the sensor mounting receptacle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is one example of a tire retreading system that includes a plurality of used pneumatic tires undergoing retreading and utilizing protective cover devices in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an exemplary used pneumatic tire and illustrating the removal / installation of a tire sensor and installation / removal of a protective cover device in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as is shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken from along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 of the exemplary used pneumatic tire with a protective cover device being installed, such as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken from along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 of the exemplary used pneumatic tire with one exemplary embodiment of a protective cover device being installed.

[0022] FIG. 5 is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 showing the exemplary embodiment of a protective cover device in an installed condition.

[0023] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the portion of the exemplary embodiment of the used pneumatic tire and installed protective cover device in FIG. 5 identified as Detail 6 therein.

[0024] FIG. 7 is the enlarged view of the portion of the exemplary embodiment of the used pneumatic tire in FIG. 6 showing another exemplary embodiment of a protective cover device in an installed condition.

[0025] FIG. 8 is the cross-sectional view of FIGS. 4-7 showing a further exemplary embodiment of a protective cover device being installed.

[0026] FIG. 9 is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 showing the exemplary embodiment of a protective cover device in an installed condition.

[0027] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the portion of the exemplary embodiment of the used pneumatic tire and installed protective cover device in FIG. 9 identified as Detail 10 therein.

[0028] FIG. 11 is the cross-sectional view of FIGS. 4-10 showing yet another exemplary embodiment of a protective cover device being installed.

[0029] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the portion of the exemplary embodiment of the protective cover device in FIG. 11 identified as Detail 12 therein.

[0030] FIG. 13 is the cross-sectional view of FIGS. 11 and 12 showing the exemplary embodiment of a protective cover device in an installed condition.

[0031] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the portion of the exemplary embodiment of the used pneumatic tire and installed protective cover device in FIG. 13 identified as Detail 14 therein.

[0032] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the exemplary embodiment of the protective cover device in the retracted position in FIG. 12 taken from along line 15-15 therein.

[0033] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the exemplary embodiment of the protective cover device in the retracted position in FIG. 12 taken from along line 16-16 therein.

[0034] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the exemplary embodiment of the protective cover device in the extended position in FIG. 14 taken from along line 17-17 therein.

[0035] FIG. 18 is the cross-sectional view of the portion of the exemplary embodiment of the protective cover device in FIG. 16 shown in the extended position.

[0036] FIG. 19 illustrates one example of a method of retreading tires in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Turning now to the drawings, it is to be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and that suchexamples are not to be interpreted as limiting. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the drawings are not to scale and that portions of certain features and / or elements may be exaggerated for purposes of clarity and / or ease of understanding.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a tire retreading system 100 in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure that is operable to receive used tires UTR, transfer each used tire through numerous tire processing stations, and deliver or otherwise output retreaded tires RTD that are in condition for further use, such as is represented by arrow DLV. As is represented by arrow RCV in FIG. 1, used tires UTR that are received for retreading will include an original tire casing OTC that is capable of further use as well as a worn tread layer WTL in need of replacement. In accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, used tires UTR also include (or can be modified to include) a sensor mounting receptacle that is dimensioned to receive and retain a tire sensor secured therein, which sensor mounting receptacle and tire sensor are collectively represented in FIG. 1 by reference characters SRR. As such, used tires UTR are shown as being received with a tire sensor installed within a sensor mounting receptacle, as identified by reference characters SRR, and retreaded tires RTD are shown as being delivered with a tire sensor installed within and retained by the sensor mounting receptacle, as identified by reference characters SRR in FIG. 1. For the avoidance of confusion, it will be appreciated that terms such as sensor mounting cup, sensor cup holder, elastomeric cup holder, and the like can be used interchangeably herein with the term sensor mounting receptacle.

[0039] Tire retreading system 100 includes a plurality of tire processing stations with one or more activities associated with an otherwise conventional tire retreading process performed at each of the tire processing stations. Non-limiting examples of otherwise conventional steps, processes and activities that can be performed at or in connection with one or more of such tire processing stations can include: receiving and initial inspection; electrical inspection; shearography; buffing; repair; building (e.g., applying cushion material and / or applying tread layer); enveloping; curing; and / or final inspection. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of processing stations of any suitable type and / or kind can be included or otherwise used. As a non-limiting example, tire retreading system 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as including tire processing stations STl-STn. In such case, tire processing station STI can represent a processing station at or toward the beginning of the tire retreading process, such as a used-tire receiving station or an initial inspection station, for example. The letter “n”of tire processing station STn can represent the number associated with a processing station at or toward the end the tire retreading process, such as a final quality control station, for example. As such, it will be appreciated that letter “n” can represent any suitable number or quantity of processing stations associated with an otherwise conventional tire retreading operation, such as a number within a range of 4-20 processing stations, for example.

[0040] In accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, tire retreading system 100 also includes a protective cover device 102 that is dimensioned for securement over a sensor mounting receptacle SMR once a tire sensor TSN has been removed therefrom. That is, protective cover device 102 is dimensioned to be received over an empty sensor mounting receptacle with one or more walls, wall portions or wall surface portions of the protective cover device operatively engaging one or more corresponding walls, wall portions, or wall surface portions of the sensor mounting receptacle. In this manner, protective cover device 102 extends across and shields sensor mounting receptacle SMR from stretching, deformation, tearing and / or other undesirable alterations that could otherwise occur during one or more retreading processes, such as could be performed at one or more of tire processing stations STl-STn, for example. As such, benefits may be obtained from installing protective cover device 102 at or toward the beginningof a tire retreading process and leaving the protective cover device in place (i.e., traveling in an installed position on the original tire casing as the used tire moves from station-to-station) until any or all retreading processes that could potentially damage or otherwise undesirably alter the sensor mounting receptacle have been performed. In some cases, this could be until at or toward the completion of the tire retreading process.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates tire retreading system 100 with one exemplary used tire and / or tire casing thereof moving sequentially through tire processing stations STl-STn. It will be appreciated, however, that such an arrangement is merely for illustrative purposes. In practice, a different used tire or tire casing will typically be disposed at each of tire processing stations STl-STn with each used tire or tire casing undergoing one or more retreading processes. As such, it will be appreciated that each used tire or tire casing will have a different one of protective cover devices 102 removably attached thereto that travels with the used tire or tire casing from tire processing station-to-tire processing station. As such, it will be appreciated that a plurality of protective cover devices 102 will normally be in use during any given period of operation of tire retreading system 100. Typically, tire retreading system 100will include a quantity of protective cover devices 102 sufficient to have a protective cover device attached to each used tire or tire casing that is undergoing the retreading process with one or more additional protective cover devices that are available for use, such as is represented by the plurality of protective cover devices 102 that are grouped together in FIG. 1. In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that protective cover devices in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can, in some cases, be removably attached to a sensor mounting receptacle on the original tire casing of a given used tire for the duration of the retreading process, and then removed and repeatedly (i.e., indefinitely) reused in the same manner on subsequent used tires.

[0042] Commonly, but without being required, used tires UTR will be received for retreading with a tire sensor TSN existing and installed within a sensor mounting receptacle SMR that is permanently secured on or along an inner surface of original tire casing OTC. It will be appreciated, however, that receiving used tires in such a condition is not required and that the subject matter of the present disclosure is broadly applicable for use with used tires received in other conditions and / or under other circumstances. For example, a used tire UTR may be received for retreading with a sensor mounting receptacle SMR secured in place on or along an inner surface of the original tire casing but without a tire sensor installed (e.g., with the tire sensor missing, lost or previously removed). Under such circumstances, systems and methods in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure may not include the removal of an existing tire sensor prior to securing protective cover device 102 in place over the sensor mounting receptacle. In other cases, used tire UTR could be received with both the tire sensor and the sensor mounting receptacle absent or unusable (e.g., missing, partially removed or damaged). In such cases, systems and methods in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can include installing a sensor mounting receptacle SMR on or along an inner surface of original tire casing OTC prior to completion of one or more retreading actions at one or more of tire processing stations STl-STn, such as is represented in FIG. 1 by arrow NST, for example. In such cases, protective cover device 102 can, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, thereafter be installed over sensor mounting receptacle SMR to inhibit damage or other undesirable alteration of the sensor mounting receptacle until such one or more remaining tire retreading processes have been completed and the risk of damage or undesirable alteration of sensor mounting receptacle SMR has been at least partially mitigated.

[0043] In view of the foregoing, it is to be appreciated and understood that the following discussion of tire retreading systems and methods is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. More specifically, with reference to at least FIGS. 1 and 2, used tire UTR is received at an initial tire processing station STI, such as is represented in FIG. 1 by arrow 104. If an existing tire sensor is installed within the sensor mounting receptacle when the used tire is received, tire sensor TSN is removed at tire processing station STI, such as is represented in FIG. 1 by arrow 106. As discussed above, such an action is optional and, thus, eliminated if the tire sensor is already absent for whatever reason, such as has been described above.

[0044] Thereafter, a protective cover device in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure (e.g., one of protective cover devices 102) can be installed over and securely engage the empty sensor mounting receptacle, whether: the sensor mounting receptacle arrives empty when used tire UTR is received; the sensor is removed at one of the tire processing stations (e.g., arrow 106 attire processing station STI); or a new empty sensor mounting receptacle SMR is installed after receipt of the used tire (e.g., arrow NST). That is, once sensor mounting receptacle SMR is empty, one of protective cover devices 102 can be selected from the group of available protective cover devices, such as is represented in FIG.1 by arrow 108. Protective cover device 102 that is selected is then positioned over and secured to an empty sensor mounting receptacle SMR, such as is represented in FIGS. 1 and2 by arrow 110. Once processing is complete at initial tire processing station STI, original tire casing OTC is transferred together with protective cover device 102, which remains positioned over and securely engaged with sensor mounting receptacle SMR, to tire processing station ST2 for further actions or steps in the retreading process, such as is represented by arrow 112 in FIG. 1. Once processing is complete at tire processing station ST2, original tire casing OTC is transferred together with protective cover device 102, which remains positioned over and securely engaged with sensor mounting receptacle SMR, to tire processing station ST3 for still further actions or steps in the retreading process, such as is represented by arrow 114 in FIG. 1. This sequential process is repeated with protective cover device 102 remaining in position over and secured to sensor mounting receptacle SMR until original tire casing OTC reaches processing station STn, such as is represented in FIG. 1 by arrow 116. In this respect, it will be appreciated that processing station STn merely represents a point in the retreading process at which sensor mounting receptacle SMR can be exposed with minimal risk of deformation or damage. In some cases, processing station STn can be associated withcompletion of the tire retreading process or a point at which a tire sensor can be reinstalled, such as at or just prior to final inspection, for example.

[0045] As described above with regard to a non-limiting example of the operation of tire retreading system 100, in cases in which a tire sensor is installed when used tire UTR is received as is represented by arrow RCV in FIG. 1, tire sensor TSN can be removed at tire processing station STI, such as is indicated by arrow 106 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In some cases, the tire sensor can be one of a plurality of tire sensors of a common type and kind. In such cases, the removed tire sensor can be added to a group of unused tire sensors TSN’ awaiting installation and reuse at a later time, such as is represented by arrow 118 in FIG. 1. In some cases, data and / or information can, optionally, be deleted or otherwise cleared from the tire sensors either prior to being added to the group of unused tire sensors TSN’ or prior to being placed into use after being retrieved from the group of unused tire sensors. In alternate circumstances, the tire sensor installed on used tire UTR at arrival could contain data and / or information specific to that particular used tire and / or the original tire casing thereof. In such cases, the tire sensor could be intended to remain with that specific original tire casing after the retread process is complete, such as to retain historical data and / or information regarding performance, use, repair and / or retreading of the original tire casing, for example. In such cases, the tire sensor, which is identified in FIG. 1 as tire sensorTSN”, is removed from sensor mounting receptacle SMR but can be transported together with the original tire casing as original tire casing OTC moves sequentially through tire processing stations STI STn, such as is represented by arrows 120, for example.

[0046] Protective cover device 102 can be removed, as is represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 by arrow 122, once original tire casing OTC has reached a point in the retread process at which sensor mounting receptacle SMR can be exposed with minimal risk of deformation or damage, such as upon completion of the tire retreading process or a point at which a tire sensor can be reinstalled prior to final inspection, for example. In such situations, protective cover device 102 can be returned to the group or plurality of protective cover devices that are currently unused and awaiting further use, such as is represented by arrow 124 in FIG. 1.

[0047] Additionally, at this stage, tire sensorTSN can be reinstalled in the sensor mounting receptacle, which is now exposed and accessible due to the removal of the protective cover device. It will be appreciated that tire sensor TSN can be selected or otherwise drawn from group of tire sensors TSN’ that are currently unused and / or awaiting use, such as isrepresented by arrow 126 in FIG. 1, for example. As discussed above, data and / or information can, optionally, be deleted, added or updated to, from or otherwise in connection with tire sensor TSN, such as by way of a data communication device 128 adapted for communicative coupling with tire sensors, such as is represented by arrow 130, for example. Alternately, tire sensor TSN can be dedicated tire sensor TSN” that was original to used tire UTR and has followed original tire casing UTC through the retreading process, such as is represented by arrow 126” in FIG. 1. Again, data and / or information can, optionally, be deleted, added or updated to, from or otherwise in connection with tire sensor TSN”, such as by using data communication device 128 as is represented by arrow 130, for example. After removal of protective cover device 102, tire sensor TSN can then be installed or reinstalled on and secured within sensor mounting receptacle SMR, as is represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 by arrow 132. Thereafter, retreaded tire RTD is output from tire processing station STn, as is represented by arrow 134, for delivery as is represented by arrow DLV in FIG. 1.

[0048] For background and discussion purposes and without operating as a limitation, FIGS. 2-11, 13 and 14 illustrate one example of a pneumatic tire 200 that includes an exemplary sensor mounting receptacle to which a protective cover device in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can be attached and / or with which a method of retreading pneumatic tires in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can be used. Pneumatic tire 200 is merely representative of one example of a suitable construction for used tires UTR, retreaded tires RTD and original tire casings OTC, such as have been discussed above in connection with at least FIGS. 1 and 2. It will be appreciated, however, that pneumatic tires of a wide variety of types, kinds and / or constructions have been developed and / or used in different applications and / or environments, and that constructions of pneumatic tires and sensor mounting receptacles shown and described herein are merely exemplary.

[0049] As such, as one non-limiting example, pneumatic tire 200 is shown and described herein as being of a type, kind and construction that utilizes a quantity of pressurized gas (e.g., compressed air) contained therein as a working medium. It will be appreciated, however, that the subject matter of the present disclosure is broadly applicable to tires of other types, kinds, constructions and / or configurations that include any combination of tread-defining features on or along an exterior and / or rolling surface thereof (e.g., longitudinal grooves,lateral grooves, ribs, blocks, sipes) and that pneumatic tire 200 shown and described herein is merely exemplary and not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0050] Pneumatic tire 200 extends circumferentially about an axis of rotation AXR and includes a tire casing 202, such as may be representative of original tire casing OTC, for example, that has a crown portion 204 and axially-spaced sidewalls 206 and 208 that extend radially inward from along crown portion 204. The crown portion includes an outer surface 210 and can, optionally, include an inner surface 212 that at least partially defines a tire cavity 214. A tire tread 216 is formed along outer surface 210 and can include any combination of one or more lateral and / or longitudinal grooves 218 along outer surface 210 of crown portion 204 in any desired pattern or configuration to form the tire tread, such as is well known in the art.

[0051] In some cases, pneumatic tires 200 can include bead areas 220 (which, in some cases, may be alternately referred to as “mounting beads” or “mounting bead areas”) that form the radially-inward extent of sidewalls 206 and 208. The bead areas are dimensioned or otherwise adapted to form an air-tight relationship along bead seats of an associated wheel or rim in an installed condition of the tire. Additionally, it will be appreciated that bead areas having a wide variety of combinations of shapes, sizes, components, features and elements have been developed and can be included on pneumatic tires 200. Non-limiting examples of such components, features and elements include bead toe features, bead heel features, bead flippers, bead chippers, and chaffing strips.

[0052] Regardless of the one or more other components, features and / or elements that may be included on or along the bead areas of pneumatic tires 200, the bead areas of the tire can also include at least one bead reinforcing element, such as a bead core 222 and / or a bead filler 224. Bead cores 222 take the form of substantially-inextensible, endless rings that are embedded within bead areas 220. One function of bead reinforcing elements (e.g., bead cores 222) is to establish and maintain the cross-sectional dimension of bead areas 220 and the openings formed thereby such that the tire can be mounted along corresponding bead seats of an associated wheel, such as may be established by industry standards and conventions.

[0053] Additionally, pneumatic tire 200 can also include one or more plies containing a multiplicity of closely-spaced radial reinforcing cords or wires that extend across the crown portion of the tire casing and radially inward along the sidewalls of the tire casing. As a non-limiting example, tire casing 202 is shown as being reinforced by a radial ply 226 that extends across crown portion 204 and along sidewalls 206 and 208 toward bead areas 220. Radial ply 226 can be fabricated of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as steel wires or suitable textile fibers, for example, such as is well known in the art. Further reinforcement and / or structure of pneumatic tire 200 is provided by one or more annular belts 228 that is / are disposed outwardly of radial ply 226 and extend circumferentially along crown portion 204. Annular belts 228 are fabricated from any combination of substanti ally- inextensible materials, such as steel wires coated or otherwise embedded in elastomeric material, for example.

[0054] Another function of bead reinforcing elements (e.g., bead cores 222) is to anchor radial plies, such as radial ply 226, for example, as the same extend across the tire casing between the opposing bead areas. It will be appreciated that such radial plies can be anchored by bead cores 222 in any suitable manner. For example, radial ply 226 is shown in FIGS. 3-11, 13 and 14 as extending along sidewalls 206 and 208 toward bead areas 220. Radial ply 226 extends in a radially-inward direction along an axi ally-inward side of bead core 222 and through the opening formed by the bead core. Outer ends 230 of radial ply 226 are turned up along an axially-outward side of bead core 222 and return in a radially-outward direction along sidewalls 206 and 208. Bead fillers 224 are shown disposed adjacent bead cores 222 in an area between radial ply 226 and outer ends 230, and can operate to at least partially fill any gap between radial ply 226 and outer end 230 and / or can operate to provide added rigidity and / or stiffness to the bead area. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements and / or configurations could alternately be used, and that the arrangement shown is merely exemplary.

[0055] A tread layer 232 is disposed radially outward of annular belt 228 and extends radially outward along crown portion 204 to outer surface 210. Tread layer 232 extends axially from a shoulder area 234 adjacent sidewall 206 to a shoulder area 236 disposed along sidewall 208. Lateral and / or longitudinal grooves 218 extend from along outer surface 210 into tread layer 232 in a direction toward annular belts 228. In a conventional retreading process, the original tread layer (e.g., tread layer 232) can be removed and replaced with a new tread layer that is permanently attached to crown portion 204 of tire casing 202 radially outward of annular belts 228.

[0056] Pneumatic tire 200 also includes a sensor mounting receptacle permanently attached, secured or otherwise affixed (i.e., inseparable without damage, destruction or material alteration of at least one of the component parts) on or along an inner surface of the tire casing. It will be appreciated that sensor mounting receptacles having a wide variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations are known and can be used. As such, it is to be recognized and understood that the sensor mounting receptacles shown and described herein are merely exemplary and not intended to be in any way limiting.

[0057] With particular reference to FIGS. 4, 8 and 11, pneumatic tire 200 includes, as one non-limiting example, a sensor mounting receptacle 238 that is suitable for use as and representative of sensor mounting receptacle SMR discussed herein in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. Sensor mounting receptacle 238 is shown as being permanently attached, secured or otherwise affixed (i.e., inseparable without damage, destruction or material alteration of at least one of the component parts) on or along inner surface 212 of tire casing 202. Sensor mounting receptacle 238 can include a mounting receptacle axis RAX that can, in some cases, be oriented at least approximately radially relative to axis of rotation AXR of pneumatic tire 200. Sensor mounting receptacle 238 includes a mounting receptacle wall 240 that extends peripherally around mounting receptacle axis RAX and longitudinally from along inner surface 212 of tire casing 202 toward a distal end 242 that is offset or otherwise spaced away from inner surface 212 of tire casing 202, such as in a direction along mounting receptacle axis RAX.

[0058] Mounting receptacle wall 240 can include an inner surface (or inner surface portion) that at least partially defines a mounting receptacle chamber within sensor mounting receptacle 238 and an outer surface (or outer surface portion) facing opposite the inner surface. In some cases, mounting receptacle wall 240 can include a side wall portion 244 that extends from along inner surface 212 of tire casing 202 toward distal end 242. In such cases, the inner surface of mounting receptacle wall 240 can include an inner side surface portion 246 extending along side wall portion 244 and facing inwardly. Additionally, or in the alternative, the outer surface of mounting receptacle wall 240 can include an outer side surface portion 248 extending along side wall portion 244 and facing outwardly. The inner surface of mounting receptacle wall 240, including inner side surface portion 246 thereof, if included, can at least partially define a mounting receptacle chamber 250 within sensor mounting receptacle 238. Mounting receptacle chamber 250 is dimensioned to receive andretain a tire sensor, such as one of tire sensors TSN (or TSN' or TSN”), for example. Mounting receptacle wall 240 can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, such as rigid or semi-rigid polymeric materials (e.g., thermoplastics) and / or elastomeric materials (e.g., rubber, thermoplastic elastomers).

[0059] In some cases, mounting receptacle wall 240 can be dimensioned such that inner side surface portion 246 frictionally engages an outer surface portion of the tire sensor to thereby at least partially retain the tire sensor on sensor mounting receptacle 238 and within mounting receptacle chamber 250 during use in operation. For example, tire sensor TSN (or TSN’ or TSN”) can be received within mounting receptacle chamber 250 such that a press fit is formed between mounting receptacle wall 240 and / or side wall portion 244 thereof (e.g., along inner side surface portion 246), such as in cases in which mounting receptacle wall 240 and / or side wall portion 244 thereof is / are at least partially formed from a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material. As another example, tire sensor TSN (or TSN’ or TSN”) can be received within mounting receptacle chamber such that mounting receptacle wall 240 and / or side wall portion 244 thereof is / are stretched around the tire sensor, such as in cases in which the mounting receptacle wall and / or the side wall portion thereof are at least partially formed from an elastomeric material.

[0060] In some cases, mounting receptacle wall 240 can, optionally, include an end wall portion 252 oriented transverse to mounting receptacle axis RAX. If included, end wall portion 252 can extend from along side wall portion 244 in an inward direction toward an inner peripheral edge 254. In some cases, side wall portion 244 can at least partially define an opening 256 along distal end 242 that is in communication with mounting receptacle chamber 250. Alternately, in cases in which end wall portion 252 is included, inner peripheral edge 254 can at least partially define opening 256. In either case, tire sensor TSN (or TSN’ or TSN”) can be installed or otherwise positioned within mounting receptacle chamber by way of or otherwise through opening 256.

[0061] Additionally, or in the alternative, sensor mounting receptacle 238 and / or mounting receptacle wall 240 thereof can, optionally, include a base wall portion 258 that is positioned opposite distal end 242 and can be dimensioned to extend on or along inner surface 212 of tire casing 202. For example, in some cases, base wall portion 258 can include a section 260 disposed within and / or otherwise extending along or across mounting receptacle chamber 250 opposite opening 256. Additionally, or in the alternative, base wallportion 258 can include a section 262 that extends outward beyond side wall portion 244 and peripherally around receptacle axis RAX to at least partially form an outer peripheral flange or skirt of base wall portion 258. Whether base wall portion 258 is included or not, sensor mounting receptacle 238 is, in a preferred arrangement, permanently attached, secured or otherwise affixed (i.e., inseparable without damage, destruction or material alteration of at least one of the component parts) on or along inner surface 212 of the tire casing 202 in a suitable manner, such as by way of a flowed-material joint (e.g., adhesive) and / or a cured-material connection (e.g., vulcanization), such as is represented in FIG. 4 by dashed line 264.

[0062] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate one non-limiting example of a protective cover device PCD in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as may be suitable for use as protective cover devices 102 shown and described in connection with FIGS. 1-3, for example. Protective cover device PCD includes a cover device body 300 and an engagement wall (or engagement wall portion) 400 dimensioned to operatively engage a sensor mounting receptacle (e.g., sensor mounting receptacle 238) of a tire casing (e.g. tire casing 202) of a pneumatic tire (e.g., pneumatic tire 200). For purposes of discussion and ease of understanding, engagement wall 400 is differentiated from cover device body 300 by dashed line 302 in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, which represents an exemplary but non-limiting boundary or delimiter between the cover device body and the engagement wall, such as discussed hereinafter in additional detail.

[0063] Cover device body 300 includes a cover body axis CBX and extends outward to an outer peripheral edge 304 that extends peripherally around cover body axis CBX. Cover device body 300 includes a first side surface (or first side surface portion) 306 and a second side surface (or second side surface portion) 308 facing opposite the first side surface. In some cases, outer peripheral edge 304 can extend axially and / or radially between and operatively connect first and second side surfaces 306 and 308.

[0064] It is believed to be beneficial for protective cover devices in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure (e.g., protective cover devices PCD) to minimize or at least reduce the potential for components and devices of one or more retreading processes from snagging on, catching on or otherwise inadvertently engaging the protective cover device during use in an installed condition, such as might thereby potentially dislodging the protective cover devices and / or damage the components and / or devices of the retreading station, forexample. It is also believed desirable to minimize or at least reduce the potential for the protective cover devices to obstruct or otherwise interfere with retreading processes and / or operations. As such, it may be desirable for the outer peripheral edge of the cover device body to be maintained in contact with or positioned near to or otherwise closely along inner surface 212 of tire casing 202 in an installed position of the protective cover device. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement can be achieved in any suitable manner.

[0065] In some cases, outer peripheral edge 304 can have a rounded or curvilinear cross- sectional shape or profile, such as is illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, for example. Without acting as a limitation, it will be appreciated that such a configuration may, in some cases, find particular benefit during use in connection with cover device bodies 300 that are at least partially formed from a comparatively rigid or semi-rigid material (relative to the rubber material of tire casing 202), such as a metal material (e.g., aluminum), reinforced polymeric material (e.g., comparatively rigid fiber-reinforced thermoplastic), or an unreinforced polymeric material (e.g., a comparatively rigid and / or high-strength thermoplastic). More specifically, the contoured or rounded cross-sectional shape or profile the outer peripheral edge may impart minimal or at least reduced stress concentrations on or along inner surface 212 of tire casing 202, such as in comparison with a sharp corner or edge of a comparatively rigid cover device body, for example. Such an arrangement can beneficially minimize or at least reduce the generation of inadvertent abrasions or other discontinuities on or along inner surface 212 of the tire casing, such as could potentially occur during the installation and / or use of protective cover device PCD during one or more retread processes, for example.

[0066] In other cases, outer peripheral edge 304 can have a cross-sectional shape or profile that tapers to a thin edge, such as are illustrated and identified in FIG. 5 by item numbers 310, for example. Without acting as a limitation, it will be appreciated that such a configuration may, in some cases, find particular benefit during use in connection with cover device bodies 300 that are at least partially formed from a flexible material, such as a rubber material or a thermoplastic elastomer, for example. More specifically, the thin tapered edge may be beneficially adapted to conform to the shape, contours and / or configuration of inner surface 212 of tire casing 202. In some cases, such a configuration and / or construction may aid in minimizing or at least reducing the potential for components and devices of one or more retreading processes to snag on, catch on or otherwise inadvertently engage the outer peripheral edge of the protective cover device.

[0067] Additionally, or in an alternative construction that can be used alone or in connection with any combination of one or more ofthe features described in at least the three foregoing paragraphs, first side surface portion 306 can, in some cases, have a cross- sectional profile, shape and / or other configuration that at least approximately cooperates or otherwise conforms to a cross-sectional profile, shape and / or other configuration of inner surface 212, such as is represented in FIGS. 4-7 by first side surface portion 306 having a curvilinear cross-sectional profile or shape that at least approximately conforms with the cross-sectional profile or shape of inner surface 212. In such an arrangement, outer peripheral edge 304 can be positioned and maintained in close proximal position relative to inner surface 212 in an installed condition of protective cover device PCD, such as is represented by dashed line 312 in FIG. 4 and shown in an installed condition in FIGS. 5-7, for example. Without acting as a limitation, it will be appreciated that such configurations may, in some cases, find particular benefit during use in connection with cover device bodies 300 that are at least partially formed from comparatively rigid or semi-rigid materials, such as have been discussed above.

[0068] In other cases, first side surface portion 306 can have an approximately planar cross-sectional profile, shape and / or configuration (or a cross-sectional profile, shape and / or configuration that is at least comparatively less-contoured relative to the compound contour of inner surface 212), such as is represented in FIG. 4 by dashed lines 314, for example. In such an arrangement, engagement of protective cover device PCD with sensor mounting receptacle 238 can urge or force cover device body 300 to at least partially deflect and / or otherwise conform to the shape and / or configuration of inner surface 212 of the tire casing. That is, when protective cover device PCD is in an installed positioned on or along inner surface 212 of tire casing 202 in engagement with sensor mounting receptacle 238, outer peripheral edge 304 can deflect into approximate conformity with the compound contours of the inner surface of the tire casing, such as is represented in FIG. 4 by arrows 316, for example. Without acting as a limitation, it will be appreciated that such configurations may, in some cases, find particular benefit during use in connection with cover device bodies 300 that are at least partially formed from elastomeric materials (e.g., rubber or thermoplastic elastomers), such as have been discussed above.

[0069] Furthermore, or as a further alternative that can be used alone or in connection with any combination of one or more of the features described in at least the five foregoingparagraphs, protective cover device PCD preferably has a low profile when installed to thereby aid in minimizing or at least reducing the potential for the protective cover devices to obstruct or otherwise interfere with retreading processes and / or operations. Additionally, such a low profile can aid in minimizing or at least reducing the potential for components and devices of one or more retreading processes from snagging on, catching on or otherwise inadvertently engaging the protective cover device, such as has been discussed above, for example. As such, second side surface portion 308 of cover device body 300 has an end surface section 318 oriented approximately transverse to cover body axis CBX and an outer peripheral surface section 320 that is disposed between end surface section 318 and outer peripheral edge 304. As one non-limiting example, outer peripheral surface section 320 is shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 and 13 as having an approximately linear cross-sectional profile or shape that is disposed at an acute included angle AG1 (e.g., within a range of from approximately 45 degrees to approximately 85 degrees) relative to cover body axis CBX such that outer peripheral surface section 320 has an approximately frustoconical shape or configuration. As another non-limiting example, outer peripheral surface section 320 can have a curvilinear cross-sectional profile or shape. In some cases, the curved cross-sectional profile can be convex such that cover device body 300 has a semi-spherical or other continuously curved overall shape or configuration, such as is represented by dashed line 322 in FIG. 5, for example. In other cases, the curved cross-sectional profile can be concave such that cover device body 300 has a comparatively reduced thickness extending out toward outer peripheral edge 304, such as is represented by dashed line 324 in FIG. 5, for example.

[0070] Cover device bodies 300 also include a recess inner surface that at least partially defines a cover recess within the cover device body. The cover recess is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of sensor mounting receptacle 238 in an installed condition of protective cover device PCD. In some cases, the recess inner surface can include a recess (or inner) side surface portion 326 that extends into the cover device body from along first side surface portion 306. If included, recess side surface portion 326 can extend peripherally around cover body axis CBX to at least partially define a cover recess 328 extending into cover device body 300 from along first side surface portion 306. In some cases, the recess inner surface of cover device body 300 can also include a recess end surface portion 330 that is oriented transverse to cover body axis CBX and at least partially defines an end of the cover recess. In some cases, cover device body 300 can, optionally, include a base recess 332extending into cover device body 300 a depth less than cover recess 328. If included, base recess 332 can be dimensioned to at least partially receive section 260 and / or section 262 of base wall portion 258 if included on or along sensor mounting receptacle 238.

[0071] In accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, protective cover device PCD includes an engagement wall 400 that is dimensioned to operatively engage sensor mounting receptacle 238 to thereby at least partially retain the protective cover device on or over the sensor mounting receptacle while also protecting sensor mounting receptacle 238 from stretching, deformation, tearing and / or other undesirable alterations that could otherwise occur during one or more retreading processes. Engagement wall 400 is shown in FIGS. 4-7 as including an outer side surface portion 402 that extends peripherally around cover body axis CBX to at least partially define an outer peripheral extent of the engagement wall. Engagement wall 400 can also, optionally, include an end surface portion 404 that can be oriented transverse to cover body axis CBX. Additionally, or in the alternative, engagement wall 400 can, optionally, include an end surface portion 406 that can be oriented transverse to the cover body axis. Engagement wall 400 can be positioned relative to cover device body 300 such that outer side surface portion 402 is disposed inwardly of recess side surface portion 326 of cover device body 300 such that a peripheral gap 408 is at least partially defined therebetween. In some cases, peripheral gap 408 can extend endlessly around cover body axis CBX. Peripheral gap 408 is dimensioned such that at least a portion of mounting receptacle wall 240 can be received therein. Engagement wall 400 can also, optionally, be positioned relative to cover device body 300 such that end surface portion 406, if included, is axially offset or otherwise spaced axially away from recess end surface portion 330, if included, such that an axial gap 410 is at least partially defined therebetween. If included, axial gap 410 can be oriented transverse to cover body axis CBX and can extend inward from along outer side surface portion 402 and / or peripheral gap 408 such that peripheral gap 408 and axial gap 410 form a substantially contiguous void within which at least a portion of mounting receptacle wall 240 can be received.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the engagement wall can be operatively connected to cover device body 300 in any suitable manner. In some cases, the engagement wall can be permanently attached, secured or otherwise affixed (i.e., inseparable without damage, destruction or material alteration of at least one of the component parts) to the cover body in a fixed position within the cover recess. One non-limiting example of such an arrangement isshown in FIGS. 4-7 in which engagement wall 400 is either unitarily formed from a common material together with cover device body 300 or formed separately from but permanently attached to the cover device body in a fixed position relative thereto. That is, in some cases, cover device body 300 and engagement wall 400 can be unitarily formed from one quantity of material, such as by way of any combination of one or more conventional machining processes, near-net-shape manufacturing processes, injection molding processes, additive manufacturing processes, and / or other suitable processes, for example. Alternately, cover device body 300 could be formed from a first quantity of material and engagement wall 400 could be formed from a second quantity of material with the cover device body and the engagement wall permanently attached, secured or otherwise affixed (i.e., inseparable without damage, destruction or material alteration of at least one of the component parts) to one another, such as by way of a flowed-material joint, for example.

[0073] As discussed above, engagement wall 400 is differentiated from cover device body 300 in FIG. 4 by dashed line 302. It is to be recognized and understood in view of the foregoing discussion that a line of demarcation between cover device body 300 and engagement wall 400 may or may not exist in actuality depending on the method or methods of manufacture that are adopted to construct protective cover devices PCD according to this embodiment. Rather, dashed line 302 is included for illustrative and discussion purposes merely as a nonlimiting representation of a boundary or line of demarcation between the cover device body and the engagement wall.

[0074] Regardless of the manner in which cover device body 300 and / or engagement wall 400 is / are manufactured, protective cover device PCD in FIGS. 4-7 is installed over and / or otherwise on sensor mounting receptacle 238 at least by axially displacing the protective cover device relative to the sensor mounting receptacle, as represented in FIG. 4 by arrows 110, until at least a portion of engagement wall 400 is received within mounting receptacle chamber 250. In some cases, such axial displacement of the protective cover device relative to the sensor mounting receptacle can include sliding or otherwise forcing at least of a portion of mounting receptacle wall 240 into peripheral gap 408 and / or axial gap 410 of protective cover device PCD such that the protective cover device is operatively engaged with sensor mounting receptacle 238 as is discussed hereinafter. That is, in an installed condition, at least a portion of mounting receptacle wall 240 extends into at least a portion of the peripheral gap 408 such that at least one or more portions of mounting receptacle wall 240 is coextensivewith cover device body 300 and / or engagement wall 400. For example, in such an arrangement, side wall portion 244 of mounting receptacle wall 240 can extend into peripheral gap 408 coextensively with and between outer side surface portion 402 of engagement wall 400 and recess side surface portion 326 of cover device body 300.

[0075] It is to be recognized and understood that protective cover devices in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can be constructed or otherwise configured to operatively engage the sensor mounting receptacle in any combination of one or more of the arrangements shown and described herein. In some cases, the protective cover device can be dimensioned such that an outer surface portion of the engagement wall frictionally engages an inner surface portion of the sensor mounting receptacle to at least partially retain the protective cover device on or along the inner surface of the tire casing in position on or over the sensor mounting receptacle. Additionally, or in the alternative, the protective cover device can, in some cases, be dimensioned such that at least a portion of the mounting receptacle wall of the mounting receptacle is compressed between the engagement wall and the cover body of the protective cover device to at least partially retain the protective cover device on or along the inner surface of the tire casing in position on or over the sensor mounting receptacle. In some cases, the protective cover device can be dimensioned such that the engagement wall frictionally engages an inner surface portion of the sensor mounting receptacle and at least a portion of the mounting receptacle wall of the mounting receptacle is compressed between the engagement wall and the cover body. Furthermore, or as a further alternative, the protective cover device can be dimensioned such that at least a portion of the receptacle mounting wall of the sensor mounting receptacle extends inward beyond the outermost periphery of the engagement wall such that a portion of the mounting receptacle wall and the engagement wall are radially coextensive with one another. In such cases, the radial overlap between the portion of the mounting receptacle wall and the engagement wall at least partially retains the protective cover device on or along the inner surface of the tire casing in position on or over the sensor mounting receptacle. In some cases, such a radial overlap can, optionally, be combined with frictional engagement between the engagement wall and the mounting receptacle wall, such as has been described above. In some cases, such a radial overlap can, optionally, be combined with radial compression of the mounting receptacle wall between the engagement wall portion and the cover body, such as has been described above. In some cases, such a radial overlap can, optionally, be combined with bothfrictional engagement between the engagement wall and the mounting receptacle wall and with radial compression of the mounting receptacle wall between the engagement wall portion and the cover body, such as has been described above. As such, it is to be recognized and understood that any combination of such configurations can be used and are intended to find support in the subject application.

[0076] As a non-limiting example of one suitable configuration for generating operative engagement between the protective cover device and the sensor mounting receptacle, engagement wall 400 can be dimensioned to frictionally engage an inner surface portion of the sensor mounting receptacle to thereby at least partially retain protective cover device PCD on or along inner surface 212 of tire casing 202, such as are represented by frictional engagement lines FRL in at least FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10, 13 and 14. For example, at least a portion of engagement wall 400 can be axially coextensive with side wall portion 244 of mounting receptacle wall 240. And, at least part of outer side surface portion 402 of the engagement wall can frictionally engage inner side surface portion 246 of side wall portion 244 of mounting receptacle wall 240, as represented by frictional engagement lines FRL in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this manner, protective cover device PCD is received and retained on or over top of sensor mounting receptacle 238. In some cases, additional frictional engagement can be generated through abutting contact between other surfaces or surface portions of engagement wall 400 and / or cover device body 300 with corresponding wall portions of mounting receptacle wall 240.

[0077] As discussed above, in some cases, outer side surface portion 402 of engagement wall 400 can be frictionally engaged with inner side surface portion 246 of side wall portion 244. Additionally, or in the alternative, cover recess 328 can, in some cases, be dimensioned such that outer side surface portion 248 of side wall portion 244 of mounting receptacle wall 240 abuttingly engages recess side surface portion 326 of cover device body 300, such as is shown in FIG. 5, for example. In some cases, at least a portion of mounting receptacle wall 240 can be radially compressed between outer side surface portion 402 of engagement wall 400 and recess side surface portion 326 of cover device body 300, such as is represented by reference dimension RCP in FIGS. 6, 10 and 14, for example. In other cases, however, cover recess 328 can be dimensioned such that recess side surface portion 326 is offset from or otherwise spaced apart from outer side surface portion 248 of side wall portion 244, such as is represented by dashed lines 334 in FIGS. 5-7, for example.

[0078] In cases in which mounting receptacle wall 240 includes end wall portion 252, axial gap 410, if included, can receive at least some of end wall portion 252. In such an arrangement, end wall portion 252 of mounting receptacle wall 240 extends inwardly along engagement wall 400 such that mounting receptacle wall 240 and engagement wall 400 are radially coextensive, such as is represented by reference dimension RCE in FIGS. 6, 7, 10 and 14, for example. In some cases, outer side surface portion 402 of engagement wall 400 can be spaced inward of inner side surface portion 246 of side wall portion 244 such that a space or gap is at least partially defined therebetween, such as is represented in FIG. 7 by reference dimension RSP, for example. In such case, the radial overlap between end wall portion 252 of mounting receptacle wall 240 and engagement wall 400 operates to at least partially retain protective cover device PCD on or along inner surface 212 of tire casing 202 in position on or over sensor mounting receptacle 238.

[0079] In some cases, end wall portion 252 can frictiona lly or otherwise abuttingly engage recess end surface portion 330 of cover device body 300, such as is shown in FIGS. 5-7, 9,10. 13 and 14, for example. In some cases, end wall portion 252 of receptacle wall 240 can be axially compressed between end surface portion 406 of engagement wall 400 and recess end surface portion 330 of cover device body 300, such as is represented by reference dimension ACP in FIGS.6 and 10, for example. In other cases, end surface portion 406 of engagement wall 400 and / or recess end surface portion 330 of cover device body 300 can be offset from or otherwise spaced apart from end wall portion 252, such as is shown in FIGS.7. 13 and 14 and / or such as is represented by dashed lines 334 in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10, 13 and 14, as discussed above. Additionally, or in the alternative, in an installed position of protective cover device PCD, end surface portion 404 of engagement wall 400 can abuttingly engage inner surface 212 of tire casing 202 or section 260 of base wall portion 258, if included. In other cases, end surface portion 404 can be offset from or otherwise spaced apart from the inner surface of tire casing 202 and / or from section 260 of base wall portion 258, such as is represented by dashed line 336 in FIGS. 5-7 and / or such as is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example.

[0080] In accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, an alternate construction of a protective cover device PCD is shown and described in connection with FIGS. 8-10 as including cover device body 300 and an engagement wall 500 that is / are dimensioned to operatively engage sensor mounting receptacle 238 to thereby at leastpartially retain the protective cover device on or over the sensor mounting receptacle while also protecting sensor mounting receptacle 238 from stretching, deformation, tearing and / or other undesirable alterations that could otherwise occur during one or more retreading processes. That is, engagement wall 500 is shown as being used in place of engagement wall 400, such as has been discussed above in connection with FIGS. 4-7.

[0081] It will be appreciated that engagement wall 500 differs from engagement wall 400 at least in that engagement wall 500 is provided separately from cover device body and is constructed to be removably secured thereto whereas engagement wall 400 is shown and described as being unitarily formed with or otherwise permanently attached to the cover device body. As such, engagement wall 500 can be installed within mounting receptacle chamber 250 of sensor mounting receptacle 238. Cover device body 300 can, thereafter, be positioned over top of or otherwise on or along the sensor mounting receptacle and secured to engagement wall 500 to thereby secure protective cover device PCD in position on or along sensor mounting receptacle 238 in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure. It is to be recognized and understood that pneumatic tire 200 and cover device body 300 are fully described above and that such descriptions are fully and equally applicable to the present construction. Additionally, it is to be recognized and understood that the foregoing descriptions of examples of operative engagement of cover device body 300 and / or engagement wall 400 with sensor mounting receptacle 238 and mounting receptacle wall 240 thereof are equally applicable to constructions of protective cover device PCD that include engagement wall 500 unless otherwise described herein.

[0082] As a non-limiting example of one suitable construction, engagement wall 500 can include an outer side surface portion 502 that extends peripherally around cover body axis CBXto at least partially define an outer peripheral extent of the engagement wall. Engagement wall 500 also includes an end surface portion 504 that can be oriented transverse to cover body axis CBX and an end surface portion 506 that can be oriented transverse to the cover body axis. It will be appreciated that cover device body 300 and engagement wall 500 can be secured together or otherwise operatively connected to one another in any suitable manner. For example, engagement wall 500 can include one or more securement devices 508 suitable for operatively connecting cover device body 300 and the engagement wall to one another. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 8-10, securement device 508 includes a threaded hole extending into the engagement wall from along at least one of end surface portion 504and end surface portion 506. In some cases, securement device 508 can extend through the engagement wall and, thus, can be accessible from along both end surface portion 504 and end surface portion 506. In such an arrangement, engagement wall 500 could be installed or otherwise positioned within mounting receptacle chamber 250 without regard to whether end surface portion 504 or end surface portion 506 is oriented toward opening 256 of sensor mounting receptacle 238.

[0083] In such an exemplary arrangement, cover device body 300 includes a passage 338 extending therethrough coextensively with cover body axis CBX and into communication with cover recess 328. In some cases, passage 338 can include a countersink, counterbore or other suitable feature for at least partially receiving a fastener or device and thereby maintaining a low and / or substantially continuous exposed surface and / or profile of the protective cover device, such as is represented by item number 340, for example. Protective cover device PCD and / or engagement wall 500 thereof also includes a securement device 510 that operatively connects cover device body 300 and engagement wall 500. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 8-10, securement device 510 includes a threaded fastener. In some cases, such a threaded fastener can include with a fastener head, such as is represented in FIGS. 8-10 by item number 510H, for example.

[0084] Use of protective cover device PCD including cover device body 300 and engagement wall 500 includes installing engagement wall 500 within mounting receptacle chamber 250 of sensor mounting receptacle 238 such that end surface portions 504 and 506 are oriented transverse to cover body axis CBX with one of end surface portions 504 and 506 oriented toward opening 256 of sensor mounting receptacle 238. In such an arrangement, outer side surface portion 502 of engagement wall 500 operatively engages mounting receptacle wall 240, such as is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example. Thereafter, cover device body 300 can be positioned overtop of or otherwise on or along sensor mounting receptacle 238 such that at least a portion of mounting receptacle wall 240 is received within cover recess 328. Securement device 510 can be positioned within passage 338 and operatively engaged with securement device 508 to removably attach cover device body 300 and engagement wall 500 to one another in position on or along sensor mounting receptacle 238. In some cases, securement devices 508 and 510 can be threadably engaged such that fastener head 510H is at least partially received within receiving feature 340 of cover device body 300, such as is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example.

[0085] Additionally, in an installed condition of protective cover device PCD that includes cover device body 300 and engagement wall 500, it will be appreciated that engagement wall 500 is positioned relative to cover device body 300 such that outer side surface portion 502 is disposed inward of recess side surface portion 326 of cover device body 300 such that a peripheral gap 512 is at least partially defined therebetween. In some cases, peripheral gap 512 will extend endlessly around cover body axis CBX. Peripheral gap 512 is dimensioned such that at least a portion of mounting receptacle wall 240 is received therein. Engagement wall 500 can also, optionally, be positioned relative to cover device body 300 such that one of end surface portions 504 and 506 is spaced axially away from recess end surface portion 330, if included, such that an axial gap 514 is at least partially defined therebetween. If included, axial gap 514 can be oriented transverse to cover body axis CBX and can extend inward from along outer side surface portion 502 and / or peripheral gap 512 such that peripheral gap 512 and axial gap 514 form a substantially contiguous void within which at least a portion of mounting receptacle wall 240 can be received.

[0086] In such an arrangement, side wall portion 244 of mounting receptacle wall 240 can extend into gap 512 coextensively with and between outer side surface portion 502 of engagement wall 500 and recess side surface portion 326 of cover device body 300. As discussed above, outer side surface portion 502 is frictional ly engaged with inner side surface portion 246 of side wall portion 244. In some cases, cover recess 328 can be dimensioned such that outer side surface portion 248 of side wall portion 244 of mounting receptacle wall 240 abuttingly engages recess side surface portion 326 of cover device body 300, such as is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example. In other cases, however, cover recess 328 can be dimensioned such that outer side surface portion 248 is offset from or otherwise spaced apart from outer side surface portion 248 of side wall portion 244, such as is represented by dashed lines 334 in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example.

[0087] In cases in which mounting receptacle wall 240 includes end wall portion 252, gap 512 can at least partially receive end wall portion 252. In some cases, end wall portion 252 can frictionally or otherwise abuttingly engage one of end surface portions 504 and 506 of engagement wall 500 and / or recess end surface portion 330 of cover device body 300, such as to compressively retain end wall portion 252 therebetween, for example. In other cases, one of end surface portions 504 and 506 of engagement wall 500 and / or recess end surface portion 330 of cover device body 300 can be offset from or otherwise spaced apart from endwall portion 252, such as is represented by dashed lines 334 in FIGS. 9 and 10, as discussed above. Additionally, or in the alternative, in an installed position of protective cover device PCD, the one of end surface portions 504 and 506 of engagement wall 500 oriented toward inner surface 212 of tire casing 202 can abuttingly engage the inner surface of the tire casing or section 260 of base wall portion 258, if included. In other cases, the end surface portion can be offset from or otherwise spaced apart from the inner surface of tire casing 202 and / or from section 260 of base wall portion 258, such as is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example.

[0088] For the avoidance of confusion, it is to be recognized and understood that It will be appreciated protective cover devices PCD that include cover device body 300 and engagement wall 500 are dimensioned for and / or otherwise configured to operatively engage sensor mounting receptacle 238 by any one or more of: frictionally interengaging protective cover device PCD with sensor mounting receptacle 238, such as has been discussed above in connection with frictional engagement lines FRL; compressively interengaging protective cover device PCD with sensor mounting receptacle 238, such as has been discussed above in connection with radial compression RCP and / or axial compression ACP; and / or radial coextension between the engagement wall(s) of protective cover device PCD and sensor mounting receptacle 238, such as has been discussed above in connection with reference dimension RCE.

[0089] Another alternate construction of a protective cover device PCD is shown and described in connection with FIGS. 11-18 as including cover device body 300 and an engagement wall 600 (which can alternately be referred to herein as an engagement wall assembly 600) in place of engagement wall 400, such as has been discussed above in connection with FIGS. 4-7, and in place of engagement wall 500, such as has been discussed above in connection with FIGS. 8-10. It will be appreciated that engagement wall 600 differs from engagement wall 400 at least in that engagement wall 600 is provided separately from cover device body and is constructed to be movably supported thereon whereas engagement wall 400 is shown and described as being unitarily formed with and / or otherwise permanently attached to the cover device body. Additionally, it will be appreciated that engagement wall 600 differs from engagement wall 500 at least in that engagement wall 600 is constructed to remain assembled on cover device body 300 within cover recess 328 while having one or more engagement walls expandable and retractable relative to the cover device body. Whereas, engagement wall 500 is shown and described as being removably attached to thecover device body. As such, protective cover device PCD can be installed over sensor mounting receptacle 238 in an assembled condition with the one or more engagement walls positioned in mounting receptacle chamber 250 of sensor mounting receptacle 238 while in a retracted position and then displaced into an expanded position in which the one or more engagement walls operatively engages sensor mounting receptacle 238 in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure. It is to be recognized and understood that pneumatic tire 200 and cover device body 300 are fully described above and that such descriptions are fully and equally applicable to the present construction. Additionally, it is to be recognized and understood that the foregoing descriptions of examples of operative engagement of cover device body 300, engagement wall 400, and / or engagement wall 500 with sensor mounting receptacle 238 and mounting receptacle wall 240 thereof are equally applicable to constructions of protective cover device PCD that include engagement wall 600 unless otherwise described herein.

[0090] As a non-limiting example of one suitable construction, engagement wall 600 can include at least one engagement wall portion 602 that is displaceable between a retracted condition and an engaged condition. In the retracted condition, such as is shown in at least FIGS. 11, 12, 15 and 16, the at least one engagement wall portion is disposed in an inward or otherwise inboard position such that an outer side surface portion 604 thereof is offset from or otherwise spaced apart from recess side surface portion 326 of cover device body 300 such that a peripheral gap PHG is at least partially defined therebetween. In the engaged condition, such as is shown in at least FIGS. 13, 14, 17 and 18, the at least one engagement wall portion is disposed in an outward or otherwise outboard position such that at least part of outer side surface portion 604 is operatively engaged with mounting receptacle wall 240, as is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example.

[0091] It will be appreciated that engagement wall 600 can include any suitable number of one or more engagement wall portions that are displaceable between retracted and engaged conditions, such as from one (1) to twenty (20) engagement wall portions, for example. In some cases, engagement wall 600 can include a plurality of engagement wall portions with a non-limiting exemplary arrangement including three engagement wall portions shown and described herein in connection with FIGS. 11-18. Additionally, it will be appreciated that engagement wall 600 and the one or more engagement wall portions thereof can be of any suitable size, shape, configuration and / or construction, and can include any suitablecombination of wall sections, surface and / or surface portions. As such, it is to be appreciated and distinctly understood, however, that the construction and configuration shown and described herein are merely exemplary and not intended to be in any way limiting.

[0092] For example, engagement wall portions 602 are shown as including outer side surface portion 604 facing outward and can also include an inner side surface portion 606 facing inward. Engagement wall portions 602 are also shown as extending between end surface portions 608 and 610 that are spaced peripherally from one another. Engagement wall portions 602 extend in an axial or heightwise direction between end surface portions 612 and 614. In some cases, engagement wall portions 602 can include one or more curved or otherwise contoured shoulder surface portions 616 extending between and interconnecting outer side surface portion 604 with one or more of end surface portions 608-614. Engagement wall 600 can be positioned within cover recess 328 and relative to cover device body 300 such that end surface portion 610 is axially offset or otherwise spaced axially away from recess end surface portion 330 such that an axial gap AXG is at least partially defined therebetween.

[0093] As illustrated in at least FIGS. 15 and 17, outer side surface portions 604 of engagement wall portions 602 can have a curved or contoured cross-sectional shape or profile, such as may be at least approximately complementary to the shape and / or size of mounting receptacle wall 240 of sensor mounting receptacle 238. Though optional, the use or inclusion of edge reliefs (e.g., shoulder surface portions 616) along and / or around the periphery of outer side surface portion 604 can be beneficial to help minimize or at least reduce the generation of inadvertent abrasions or other discontinuities on or along inner side surface portion 246 of side wall portion 244 of mounting receptacle wall 240, such as might otherwise occur during installation, removal and / or use of protective cover device PCD, for example.

[0094] Additionally, it will be appreciated that engagement wall 600 and the at least one engagement wall portion thereof that is displaceable between the retracted and engaged conditions can be operatively connected to cover device body 300 in any suitable manner. Furthermore, engagement wall 600 can be actuatable between the retracted and engaged conditions by way of any suitable combination of devices and / or constructions. As one nonlimiting example of a suitable construction, engagement wall 600 can include an actuationdisk 618, a slide body 620 and a rotational actuator 622 operatively connecting the actuation disk and the slide body with cover device body 300.

[0095] As illustrated in at least FIGS. 12, 14, 15 and 17, one exemplary construction of actuation disk 618 can include a disk wall 624 that extends radially outward to an outer peripheral edge 626. Disk wall 624 includes side surfaces 628 and 630 that face opposite one another. A torsional connection 632 is operatively connected to rotational actuator 622 and through which rotational motion of rotational actuator 622 can be transmitted to generate corresponding rotational movement of actuation disk 618. Additionally, one or more actuation slots 634 can extend at least partially into disk wall 624 from along at least one of side surfaces 628 and 630. In some cases, actuation slots 634 can extend through disk wall 624 such that the actuation slots are exposed and accessible from along both of side surfaces 628 and 630. Additionally, in some cases, actuation disk 618 includes at least one actuation slot for each of engagement wall portions 602. For example, actuation disk 618 includes a plurality of actuation slots 634 with one actuation slot operatively connected to a corresponding one of engagement wall portions 602.

[0096] Again, in some cases, actuation slots 634 extend from a slot end 636 outward in a spiral configuration toward a slot end 638. In such an arrangement, slot end 636 represents a radially inward extent of each actuation slot and slot end 638 represents a radially outward extent of each actuation slot. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, due to the spiral configuration of the actuation slots, travel of components that are operatively connected to engagement wall portions 602 along actuation slots 634 in a direction toward slot end 636 is associated with or otherwise corresponds to displacement toward an inward position associated with the retracted condition of engagement wall 600. Whereas, travel of components that are operatively connected to engagement wall portions 602 along actuation slots 634 in a direction toward slot end 638 is associated with or otherwise corresponds to displacement of engagement wall 600 toward an outward position associated with an engaged condition of use.

[0097] As illustrated in at least FIGS. 12, 14, 16 and 18, one exemplary construction of slide body 620 can include a slide body wall 640 that includes a central wall portion 642 that can, in some cases, operatively engage rotational actuator 622, such as by providing axial support thereto, for example. In some cases, central wall portion 642 can include a bearing recess 644 extending into central wall portion 642 and into which at least a portion ofrotational actuator 622 can be received. In such an arrangement, central wall portion 642 can provide radial and / or axial support to rotational actuator 622, and / or can operate as a rotational bearing surface or connection for rotational actuator 622.

[0098] A plurality of channel wall portions 646 extend outwardly from central wall portion 642. Channel wall portions 646 each at least partially define a slide channel 648. In some cases, slide body 620 includes at least one slide channel for each of engagement wall portions 602. For example, slide body 620 includes a plurality of slide channels 648 with one slide channel operatively connected to one of engagement wall portions 602. Channel wall portions 646 and slide channels 648 thereof are shown as extending from a channel end 650 outward from along central wall portion 642 toward a channel end 652.

[0099] Channel wall portions 646 and slide channels 648 thereof are shown as being oriented or otherwise extending radially outward from along central wall portion 642. As such, slide channels 648 have a different arrangement and / or configuration (i.e., radial versus spiral) than actuation slots 634, which have a spiral configuration, as discussed above. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, travel of components that are operatively connected to engagement wall portions 602 along slide channels 648 in a direction toward slot end 650 is associated with or otherwise corresponds to displacement toward an inward position associated with the retracted condition of engagement wall 600. Whereas, travel of components that are operatively connected to engagement wall portions 602 along slide channels 648 in a direction toward slot end 652 is associated with or otherwise corresponds to displacement of engagement wall 600 toward an outward position associated with an engaged condition of use.

[0100] Engagement wall portions 602 can be operatively connected with actuation disk 618, slide body 260 and / or rotational actuator 622 as well as to cover device body 300 in any suitable manner and through any suitable combination of components and / or devices. As one non-limiting example, engagement wall portions 602 can include an extension wall section 654 that projects outwardly from along inner side surface portion 606 in a direction away from outer side surface portion 604 toward a distal end 656. A securement device 658 (e.g., a passage) can extend through extension wall section 654 and can be dimensioned to operatively engage a connection device 660 that extends between and operatively engages or otherwise operatively connects engagement wall portions 602 with actuation disk 618, slide body 620 and rotational actuator 622. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 11-18, a plurality of connection devices 660 are used and are shown as taking the form of elongated pins with one connection device extending through one of actuation slots 634 in actuation disk 618, through a corresponding one of securement devices 658 in extension wall section 654, and into a corresponding one of slide channels 648 of slide body 620. A plurality of engagement wall portions 602 are disposed in peripherally spaced relation to one another around cover body axis CBX. As such, a plurality of connection devices 660 can be disposed in spaced relation to one another peripherally about cover body axis CBX with each operatively connecting one of engagement wall portions 602 to actuation disk 618, slide body 620, and rotational actuator 622 as well as cover device body 300.

[0101] Rotational actuator 622 can include an actuator head 662 and can extend through passage 338 in cover device body 300 such that actuator head 662 is at least partially disposed within receiving feature 340 in the cover device body. Rotational actuator 622 extends through cover device body 300 and is operatively connected to actuation disk 618 such that the rotational actuator and actuation disk corotate with one another (i.e., synchronously rotate through an approximately common angular dimension). In some cases, rotational actuator 622 can be supported in axially-spaced relation to slide body 620, such as by being axially supported on or along cover device 300, for example. Additionally, or in the alternative, rotational actuator can be supported for rotational motion relative to slide body 620, such as by way of bearing recess 644, for example. In some cases, slide body 620 can be maintained, during use, in an approximately fixed rotational position relative to the rotation of rotational actuator 622 and actuation disk 618. For example, in some cases, slide body 620 can be axially positioned in abutting engagement with inner surface 212 of tire casing 202 or section 260 of base wall portion 258, if included.

[0102] As such, during use, rotational actuator 622 is displaced in a first rotational direction RT1 until engagement wall portions 602 are in or toward the retracted condition, such as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 15 and 16. In such an arrangement, protective cover device PCD can be positioned on or over top of sensor mounting receptacle 238. Protective cover device PCD can then be axially displaced until engagement wall 600 extends through opening 256 of mounting receptacle wall 240 and into mounting receptacle chamber 250. As discussed above, in some cases, slide body 620 can be axially positioned in abutting engagement with inner surface 212 of tire casing 202 or section 260 of base wall portion 258, if included. With protective cover device PCD in such a position, rotational actuator 622can be rotated in a second rotational direction RT2 that is opposite first rotational direction RT1. During such rotational motion, actuation disk 618 corotates with rotational actuator 622. Such rotation of actuation disk 618 forces connection devices 660 to travel along actuation slots 634 from a position toward slot end 636 toward slot end 638. The arrangement of slide channels 648 substantially inhibits connection devices and, thus, engagement wall portions 602 from being displaced rotationally around cover body axis CBX. As such, the spiral configuration of actuation slots 634 urges connection devices 660 and, thus, engagement wall portions 602 radially outward as the connection devices move through the actuation slots. Slide channels 648 permit connection devices 660 and, thus, engagement wall portions 602 to move radially therealong. As such, slide channels 648 maintain connection devices 660 and engagement wall portions 602 in an approximately fixed rotational position relative to mounting receptacle wall 240 as engagement wall portions 602 are displaced radially inward and outward between retracted and engaged conditions, respectively. In such an arrangement, outer side surface portions 604 can be moved into and out of operative engagement with inner side surface portion 246 of side wall portion 244 of mounting receptacle wall 240.

[0103] As discussed above, in some cases, cover recess 328 can be dimensioned such that outer side surface portion 248 of side wall portion 244 of mounting receptacle wall 240 abuttingly engages recess side surface portion 326 of cover device body 300, such as is shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 17, for example. Additionally, or in the alternative, if end wall portion 252 is included on mounting receptacle wall 240, cover recess 328 can be dimensioned such that end wall portion 252 abuttingly engages recess end surface portion 330, such as is shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 17, for example. In other cases, however, cover recess 328 can be dimensioned such that outer side surface portion 248 and / or end wall portion 252 is / are offset from or otherwise spaced apart from recess side surface portion 326 and / or recess end surface portion 330, such as is represented by dashed lines 334 in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example.

[0104] For the avoidance of confusion, it is to be recognized and understood that protective cover devices PCD that include cover device body 300 and engagement wall 600 are dimensioned for and / or otherwise configured to operatively engage sensor mounting receptacle 238 by any one or more of: frictional ly interengaging protective cover device PCD with sensor mounting receptacle 238, such as has been discussed above in connection withfrictional engagement lines FRL; compressively interengaging protective cover device PCD with sensor mounting receptacle 238, such as has been discussed above in connection with radial compression RCP and / or axial compression ACP; and / or radial coextension between the engagement wall(s) of protective cover device PCD and sensor mounting receptacle 238, such as has been discussed above in connection with reference dimension RCE.

[0105] One example of a method 700 in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as is shown in FIG. 19, can include providing one or more protective cover devices (e.g., protective cover devices 102 and PCD), such as is represented in FIG. 19 by reference number 702. Method 700 can also include receiving a used tire UTR to be retreaded that can include a sensor mounting receptacle SMR / 238 and, in some cases, a tire sensor TSN installed therein (which are collectively represented as by reference characters SRR in FIG. 1), such as is indicated in FIG. 1 by arrow RCV and represented in FIG. 19 by reference number 704. Optionally, method 700 can, in some cases, include removing an existing sensor TSN that may installed in used tire UTR when received, such as is represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 by arrow 106 and by reference number 706 in FIG. 19. Method 700 also includes installing one of protective cover devices 102 / PCD over an empty sensor mounting receptacle SMR / 238, as is represented by arrow 110 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and by reference number 708 in FIG. 19. It will be appreciated that installing protective cover device 102 / PCD as indicated by reference number 708 can include any one or more of: fictionally interengaging protective cover device PCD with sensor mounting receptacle 238, such as has been discussed above in connection with frictional engagement lines FRL; compressively interengaging protective cover device PCD with sensor mounting receptacle 238, such as has been discussed above in connection with radial compression RCP and / or axial compression ACP; and / or radial coextension between the engagement wall(s) of protective cover device PCD and sensor mounting receptacle 238, such as has been discussed above in connection with reference dimension RCE.

[0106] Method 700 can further include performing one or more actions, activities, steps and / or processes of or otherwise associated with retreading used tire UTR and converting the same into retreaded tire RTD, as is represented by reference number 710 in FIG. 19. Method 700 can further include removing the installed protective cover device 102 / PCD from over sensor mounting receptacle SMR / 238 and thereby exposing the sensor mounting receptacle once retreading actions, activities, steps and / or processes that could potentially damage orotherwise undesirably alter the sensor mounting receptacle have been performed, represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 by arrow 122 and in FIG. 19 by reference number 712. In some cases, this could be until at or toward the completion of the tire retreading process. Though optional, method 700 can also include returning the now removed protective cover device 102 / PCD to a group or collection of unused protective cover devices that are awaiting further use, such as is represented by arrow 124 in FIG. 1 and reference number 714 in FIG. 19. Method 700 can also include installing or reinstalling a tire sensor TSN in the now exposed sensor mounting receptacle SMR / 238, such as is represented by arrows 132 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and by reference number 716 in FIG. 19, for example.

[0107] As used herein with reference to certain features, elements, components and / or structures, numerical ordinals (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used to denote different singles of a plurality or otherwise identify certain features, elements, components and / or structures, and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. Additionally, the terms “transverse,” and the like, are to be broadly interpreted. As such, the terms “transverse,” and the like, can include a wide range of relative angular orientations that include, but are not limited to, an approximately perpendicular angular orientation. Also, the terms “circumferential,” “circumferentially,” and the like, are to be broadly interpreted and can include, but are not limited to circular shapes and / or configurations. In this regard, the terms “circumferential,” “circumferentially,” and the like, can be synonymous with terms such as “peripheral,” “peripherally,” and the like.

[0108] It is to be recognized and appreciated that terms such as “can”, “may”, “might” and the like are to be interpreted as being permissive rather than required. As such, any reference to items with which terms such as “can”, “may”, “might” and the like are used shall be interpreted as being optional rather than required by the subject matter of the present disclosure unless otherwise specifically set forth herein.

[0109] It will be recognized that numerous different features and / or components are presented in the embodiments shown and described herein, and that no one embodiment may be specifically shown and described as including all such features and components. As such, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is intended to encompass any and all combinations of the different features and components that are shown and described herein, and, without limitation, that any suitable arrangement of features and components, in any combination, can be used. Thus, it is to be distinctly understood claimsdirected to any such combination of features and / or components, whether or not specifically embodied herein, are intended to find support in the present disclosure. To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and any resulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicant does not intend any of the appended claims or any claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

[0110] Thus, while the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the foregoing embodiments and considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the structures and structural interrelationships between the component parts of the embodiments disclosed, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the principles hereof. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understandingthe preceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the subject matter of the present disclosure and not as a limitation. As such, it is intended that the subject matter of the present disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 01 February 2026 (01.02.2026)1. A protective cover device securable to an associated sensor mounting receptacle disposed along an associated circumferential inner tire surface of an associated pneumatic tire, the associated sensor mounting receptacle including an associated sensor mounting receptacle wall at least partially defining an associated sensor mounting receptacle cavity dimensioned to removably receive an associated tire sensor, said protective cover device comprising: a cover body having a longitudinal axis and extending outward toward an outer peripheral edge, said cover body including a first surface portion facing in a first axial direction and dimensioned to abuttingly engage the associated circumferential inner tire surface of the associated pneumatic tire, a second surface portion facing in a second axial direction opposite said first axial direction and away from said first surface portion, and a recess side surface portion extending peripherally around said longitudinal axis and disposed radially inward of said outer peripheral edge, said recess side surface portion at least partially defining a cover recess extending into said cover body from along said first surface portion, said recess dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall; and, an engagement wall disposed within said cover recess and operatively connected to said cover body, said engagement wall including an engagement outer surface portion facing outward toward said recess side surface portion, said engagement outer surface portion offset inwardly from said recess side surface portion such that a peripheral gap is at least partially defined therebetween, said peripheral gap dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall such that said engagement wall operatively engages the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall to at least partially retain said cover body over the associated sensor mounting receptacle with said first surface portion of said cover body disposed along the associated circumferential inner tire surface.

2. A protective cover device according to claim 1, wherein an axial gap between said cover body and said engagement wall extends radially inward from along said engagement outer surface portion such that a portion of the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall disposed within said axial gap is radially coextensive with said engagement wall.

3. A protective cover device according to claim 1, wherein an axial gap between said cover body and said engagement wall is dimensioned to receive a portion of the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall and thereby at least partially retain said cover body over the associated sensor mounting receptacle.

4. A protective cover device according to claim 3, wherein said cover body includes a recess end surface portion oriented transverse to said longitudinal axis with said recess side surface portion and said recess end surface portion at least partially defining said recess, and said engagement wall includes an engagement end surface portion oriented transverse to said longitudinal axis, said engagement end surface portion facing toward said recess end surface portion and spaced axially therefrom such that said axial gap is at least partially defined between said cover body and said engagement wall.

5. A protective cover device according to claim 3, wherein the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall includes an associated receptacle side wall portion and an associated receptacle end wall portion oriented transverse to the associated receptacle side wall portion, and at least a portion of the associated receptacle end wall portion is disposed within said axial gap radially coextensive with said engagement wall.

6. A protective cover device according to claim 1, wherein the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall includes an associated inner surface portion, and said peripheral gap is dimensioned to receive at least said portion of the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall with at least said engagement outer surface portion of said engagement wall frictionally engaging the associated inner surface portion of the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall to at least partially retain said cover body over the associated sensor mounting receptacle.

7. A protective cover device according to claim 1, wherein said cover body is formed from a first quantity of material, and said engagement wall is integrally formed with said cover body from said first quantity of material.

8. A protective cover device according to claim 7, wherein said first quantity of material includes one of a metal material, an elastomeric polymeric material, and a thermoplastic polymeric material.

9. A protective cover device according to claim 1, wherein said cover body is formed from a first quantity of material, and said engagement wall is formed from a second quantity of material that is separate from said first quantity of material.

10. A protective cover device according to claim 9, wherein said engagement wall is detachably secured to said cover body by way of a securement device accessible from along said second surface portion of said cover body.

11. A protective cover device according to claim 9, wherein said engagement outer surface portion is one of a plurality of engagement outer surface portions, and said engagement wall is one of a plurality of engagement walls disposed within said cover recess with each of said plurality of engagement walls including one of said plurality of engagement outer surface portions facing radially outward such that said peripheral gap is defined between said plurality of engagement outer surface portions and said recess side surface portion.

12. A protective cover device according to claim 11, wherein said plurality of engagement walls are disposed in peripherally-spaced relation to one another about said longitudinal axis.

13. A protective cover device according to claim 11, wherein said plurality of engagement walls are movably supported on said cover body.

14. A protective cover device according to claim 11, wherein said plurality of engagement walls are radially displaceable between a retracted position in which said plurality of engagement outer surface portions are disposed a first radial distance from said recess side surface portion and a deployed position in which said plurality of engagement outer surface portions are disposed a second radial distance from said recess side surface portion that is less than said first radial distance.

15. A protective cover device according to claim 14 further comprising a rotational actuating device accessible from along said second surface portion of said cover body and operatively connected between said cover body and said plurality of engagement walls, said rotational actuating device operative to displace said plurality of engagement walls between said retracted and deployed positions upon rotational displacement of at least a portion of the rotational actuating device.

16. A protective cover device according to claim 14, wherein said peripheral gap has a first cross-sectional dimension in said retracted position of said plurality of engagement walls and a second cross-sectional dimension in said deployed position of said plurality of engagement walls that is less than said first cross-sectional dimension.

17. A protective cover device according to claim 16, wherein the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall includes an associated inner surface portion, and said first cross- sectional dimension permits the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall to be slidingly received between said plurality of engagement outer surface portions and said recess side surface portion with at least one of said plurality of engagement outer surface portions radially disengaged from the associated inner surface portion of the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall.

18. A protective cover device according to claim 16, wherein said second cross-sectional dimension is sufficient to radially compress the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall between two or more of said plurality of engagement outer surface portions and said recess side surface portion.

19. A protective cover device according to claim 1, wherein the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall has an associated mounting receptacle side wall portion and an associated mounting receptacle end wall portion extending radially inward from along the associated mounting receptacle side wall portion.

20. A protective cover device according to claim 19, wherein the associated mounting receptacle end wall portion at least partially defines an associated mounting receptacle opening in communication with the associated sensor mounting receptacle cavity and through which said engagement wall is displaced into the associated sensor mounting receptacle cavity.

21. A protective cover device according to claim 1, wherein said cover body includes a recess end surface portion oriented transverse to said longitudinal axis and axially offset from said first surface portion in said second axial direction toward said second surface portion, said recess end surface portion together with said recess side surface portion at least partially defining said cover recess.

22. A protective cover device according to claim 1, wherein said engagement outer surface portion of said engagement wall is an engagement outer side surface portion of said engagement wall, and said engagement wall includes an engagement end surface portion oriented transverse to said engagement outer side surface portion.

23. A protective cover device according to claim 22, wherein said cover body includes a recess end surface portion oriented transverse to said longitudinal axis and axially offset from said first surface portion in said second axial direction toward said second surface portion, said engagement wall positioned within said cover recess such that said engagement end surface portion of said engagement wall is axially offset from recess end surface portion such that an axial gap is formed therebetween.24 A protective cover device according to claim 23, wherein the associated sensor mounting receptacle wall has an associated mounting receptacle side wall portion and an associated mounting receptacle end wall portion extending radially inward from along the associated mounting receptacle side wall portion, and the associated receptacle end wall portion is disposed within said axial gap between said engagement end surface portion and said recess end surface portion such that the associated receptacle end wall portion is radially coextensive with said engagement wall.

25. A pneumatic tire assembly comprising: a pneumatic tire having an axis of rotation, said pneumatic tire including a circumferential inner tire surface extending peripherally around said axis of rotation and at least partially defining a pneumatic tire chamber, a sensor mounting receptacle supported on and extending radially inward from along said circumferential inner tire surface, said sensor mounting receptacle having a mounting receptacle axis oriented in an approximately radial direction relative to said pneumatic tire, said sensor mounting receptacle including a sensor mounting receptacle wall extending peripherally around said mounting receptacle axis, said sensor mounting receptacle wall including an inner surface portion at least partially defining a mounting receptacle cavity and an outer receptacle surface portion facing opposite said inner receptacle surface portion with said mounting receptacle cavity dimensioned to receive and removably retain an associated tire sensor; and, a protective cover device according to any one of claims 1-24 secured along said circumferential inner tire surface and covering said sensor mounting receptacle.

26. A pneumatic tire assembly comprising: a pneumatic tire having an axis of rotation, said pneumatic tire including a circumferential inner tire surface extending peripherally around said axis of rotation and at least partially defining a pneumatic tire chamber, a sensor mounting receptacle disposed within said pneumatic tire chamber and supported on said circumferential inner tire surface, said sensor mounting receptacle having a mounting receptacle axis oriented in an approximately radial direction relative to said pneumatic tire, said sensor mounting receptacle including a sensor mounting receptacle wall extending peripherally around said mountingreceptacle axis, said sensor mounting receptacle wall including an inner receptacle surface portion at least partially defining a mounting receptacle cavity and an outer receptacle surface portion facing opposite said inner receptacle surface portion with said mounting receptacle cavity dimensioned to receive and removably retain an associated tire sensor; and, a protective cover device secured along said circumferential inner tire surface and covering said sensor mounting receptacle, said protective cover device having a cover axis and including a cover body and an engagement wall, said cover body extending outward toward an outer peripheral edge, said cover body including a first cover surface portion facing toward said circumferential inner tire surface, a second cover surface portion facing opposite said first cover surface portion, and a recess side surface portion disposed radially inward of said outer peripheral edge, said recess side surface portion at least partially defining a cover recess extending into said cover body from along said first cover surface portion, said cover recess dimensioned to receive therein at least a portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall, said engagement wall disposed within said cover recess and operatively connected to said cover body, said engagement wall including an engagement outer side surface portion facing outward such that a peripheral gap is defined between said engagement outer side surface portion and said recess side surface portion; said sensor mounting receptacle wall at least partially disposed within said peripheral gap such that said engagement wall operatively engages said sensor mounting receptacle wall to retain said cover body on said sensor mounting receptacle along said circumferential inner tire surface.

27. A pneumatic tire assembly according to claim 26, wherein said protective cover device includes an axial gap between said cover body and said engagement wall, said axial gap dimensioned to receive a portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall and thereby at least partially retain said cover body over said sensor mounting receptacle.

28. A pneumatic tire assembly according to claim 26, wherein said protective cover device includes an axial gap between said cover body and said engagement wall, said axial gap extending radially inward from along said engagement outer side surface portion, and a portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall is disposed within said axial gap such that said portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall is radially coextensive with said engagement wall.

29. A pneumatic tire assembly according to claim 28, wherein said cover body includes a recess end surface portion oriented transverse to said longitudinal axis with said recess side surface portion and said recess end surface portion at least partially defining said recess, and said engagement wall includes an engagement end surface portion oriented transverse to said longitudinal axis, said engagement end surface portion facing toward said recess end surface portion and axially offset from said recess end surface portion such that said axial gap is at least partially defined between said cover body and said engagement wall.

30. A pneumatic tire assembly according to any one of claims 27-29, wherein said sensor mounting receptacle wall includes a receptacle side wall portion and a receptacle end wall portion oriented transverse to said receptacle side wall portion, and at least a portion of said receptacle end wall portion is disposed within said axial gap radially coextensive with said engagement wall.

31. A pneumatic tire assembly according to any one of claims 26-29, wherein said sensor mounting receptacle wall includes an inner surface portion, and said peripheral gap is dimensioned to receive at least said portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall with at least said engagement outer surface portion of said engagement wall frictionally engaging said inner surface portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall to at least partially retain said cover body over said sensor mounting receptacle.

32. A pneumatic tire assembly according to any one of claims 26-29, wherein said cover body is formed from a first quantity of material, and said engagement wall is integrally formed with said cover body from said first quantity of material.

33. A pneumatic tire assembly according to any one of claims 26-29, wherein said cover body is formed from a first quantity of material, said engagement wall is formed from a second quantity of material that is separate from said first quantity of material.

34. A pneumatic tire assembly according to claim 33, wherein said engagement wall is detachably secured to said cover body by way of a securement device accessible from along said second surface portion of said cover body.

35. A pneumatic tire assembly according to claim 33, wherein said engagement outer side surface portion is one of a plurality of engagement outer side surface portions, and said engagement wall is one of a plurality of engagement walls disposed within said cover recess with each of said plurality of engagement walls including one of said plurality of engagement outer side surface portions facing outward such that said annular cover channel is defined between said plurality of engagement outer side surface portions and said recess side surface portion.

36. A pneumatic tire assembly according to claim 35, wherein said plurality of engagement walls are displaceable between a retracted position in which said plurality of engagement outer surface portions are disposed a first distance from said recess side surface portion and a deployed position in which said plurality of engagement outer surface portions are disposed a second distance from said recess side surface portion that is less than said first distance.

37. A pneumatic tire assembly according to claim 36, wherein said protective cover device includes a rotational actuating device accessible from along said second surface portion of said cover body and operatively connected between said cover body and said plurality of engagement walls, said rotational actuating device operative to displace said plurality of engagement walls between said retracted and deployed positions upon rotational displacement of at least a portion of said rotational actuating device.

38. A method of retreading a pneumatic tire, said method comprising: providing a protective cover device according to any one of claims 1-24;receiving at a first processing station a pneumatic tire assembly that has an axis of rotation and includes a pneumatic tire and a sensor mounting receptacle dimensioned to receive and retain a tire sensor on said pneumatic tire, said pneumatic tire including a circumferential inner tire surface extending peripherally around said axis of rotation that at least partially defines a pneumatic tire chamber, said sensor mounting receptacle disposed within said pneumatic tire chamber and supported on said circumferential inner tire surface, said sensor mounting receptacle having a mounting receptacle axis oriented in an approximately radial direction relative to said pneumatic tire, said sensor mounting receptacle including a sensor mounting receptacle wall extending peripherally around said mounting receptacle axis, said sensor mounting receptacle wall including an inner receptacle surface portion at least partially defining a mounting receptacle cavity and an outer receptacle surface portion facing opposite said inner receptacle surface portion, said mounting receptacle cavity of said sensor mounting receptacle being devoid of a tire sensor such that said inner receptacle surface portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall is exposed to said mounting receptacle cavity; positioning said protective cover device over said sensor mounting receptacle with said first side surface of said cover body facing said circumferential inner tire surface; and, operatively interengaging said engagement wall with said sensor mounting receptacle wall and thereby removably attaching said protective cover device on said pneumatic tire over said sensor mounting receptacle.

39. A method according to claim 38, wherein one of positioning said protective cover device and operatively interengaging said engagement wall with said sensor mounting receptacle wall includes positioning a portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall radially coextensive with said engagement wall within said cover recess in offset relation to said circumferential inner tire surface of said pneumatic tire.

40. A method according to claim 38, wherein one of positioning said protective cover device and operatively interengaging said engagement wall with said sensor mounting receptacle wall includes positioning said engagement wall within said mounting receptaclecavity such that said engagement outer surface portion frictionally engages said inner receptacle surface portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall.

41. A method according to claim 40, wherein said one of positioning said protective cover device and operatively interengaging said engagement wall with said sensor mounting receptacle wall includes attaching said engagement wall to said cover body using a securement device.

42. A method according to claim 38, wherein one of positioning said protective cover device and operatively interengaging said engagement wall with said sensor mounting receptacle wall includes compressing said sensor mounting receptacle wall between said engagement wall and said cover body.

43. A method according to claim 38, wherein one of positioning said protective cover device and operatively interengaging said engagement wall with said sensor mounting receptacle wall includes expanding a plurality of engagement walls radially outward into abutting engagement with said inner receptacle surface portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall.

44. A method according to claim 38, wherein receiving at said first processing station includes receiving said pneumatic tire assembly with said tire sensor installed within said mounting receptacle cavity of said sensor mounting receptacle, and, said method further comprises removing said tire sensor from said sensor mounting receptacle such that at least said inner receptacle surface portion of said sensor mounting receptacle wall is exposed.

45. A method according to claim 38 further comprising: performing at least one tire retreading process on said pneumatic tire; removing said protective cover device from said pneumatic tire; and, reinstalling a tire sensor within said mounting receptacle cavity of said sensor mounting receptacle.

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