Run-Flat Support System For A Pneumatic Tired Wheel and Method For Installing Same
AssigneeDefense Venture Group
InventorWilliam W. Gardetto
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A run-flat support system and method for installing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the run-flat support system includes a torque assembly removably coupled to a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel. A plurality of support segments are adapted for attachment to the torque assembly in order to support the pneumatic tired wheel in a flat condition such as an under-inflated condition or deflated condition.
Claims18
A system for installing a run-flat support system, the system comprising:
- means for forming a tubular support structure by positioning a plurality of support segments in a tire cavity of a pneumatic tired wheel;
- means for positioning a torque assembly within an interior circumference of the tubular support structure, the torque assembly including an integral and continuous substantially circular body;
- means for providing a spatial displacement between the plurality of support segments and an interior circumference of the tubular support structure to provide a portion of the cavity for clearance of fasteners;
- means for using the spatial displacement to couple the plurality of support segments to the torque assembly with the fasteners;
- means for coupling the plurality of support segments in an end-to-end mating engagement;
- and
- means for securing a split wheel rim to the torque assembly.
A run-flat support system, comprising:
- a plurality of support segments positioned in a tire cavity of a pneumatic tired wheel, the plurality of support segments being abutted for end-to-end mating engagement to provide a tubular support structure having an interior circumference defined by respective radial surfaces of the plurality of support segments;
- a torque assembly disposed within the interior circumference of the tubular support structure, the torque assembly including an integral and continuous substantially circular body;
- a plurality of fasteners for coupling the plurality of support segments in the end-to-end mating engagement, the plurality of fasteners using a spatial displacement between the plurality of support segments and an interior of the tubular support structure to provide for clearance therein;
- and
- a split wheel rim secured to the torque assembly.
A torque assembly removably mountable onto a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel, the torque assembly comprising:
- an integral and continuous substantially circular body having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, the plurality of mounting holes being spaced to align with a plurality of standard wheel mounting holes associated with the split wheel rim;
- a peripheral flange coupled to an outer edge of the substantially circular body, the peripheral flange being grooved to seat an “O” ring seal;
- and
- a plurality of coupling holes spaced around the peripheral flange.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.