Runflat device and fitting method
AssigneeRun Flat Systems Limited
InventorRichard LUST
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A runflat device, and a method of fitting a runflat device. The runflat device can include a chain of segments which is flexible enough to be manipulated for fitting, while also being laterally stable to ensure correct positioning and to avoid misalignment when tightening onto a wheel. The fitting method initially expands the runflat device within the cavity of the tyre, retaining the runflat device securely in place against the inside of the tyre's tread area. This advantageously leaves the beads of the tyre unobstructed for fitting to a wheel.
Claims25
A runflat device for a wheel comprising a tyre, the device comprising:
- a flexible body with two ends, the ends of the body being joined together by an adjustable connection means, which adjusts a distance between the ends of the flexible body, and thereby forms a ring with an adjustable diameter,
- wherein the connection means comprises one or more rigid elements, the diameter of the ring being forcibly increased by adjustment of the connection means, and wherein the increased diameter locates the ring against an inside of a tread area of the tyre.
A runflat device for a wheel comprising a tyre, the device comprising:
- a body formed as a chain of individual segments joined together in abutment with one another, the chain being flexible in a first direction and ends of the chain being joined together by an adjustable connection means, which adjusts a distance between the ends of the chain, and thereby forms a ring with an adjustable diameter, that
- the diameter of the ring being forcibly increased by the adjustable connection means, and wherein the increased diameter locates the ring against an inside of a tread area of the tyre.
(canceled)
A method of fitting a runflat device comprising a flexible body having two ends, the method comprising the steps of:
- coiling the flexible body to a diameter smaller than an interior diameter of a tyre;
- inserting the coiled body into a cavity of the tyre;
- uncoiling the body within the tyre cavity and connecting the ends of the body with an adjustable connection means, thereby forming a ring;
- and
- expanding the ring with the adjustable connection means, thereby locating the ring against an inside of a tread area of the tyre.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.