Multiple layer foam insert for tires

Abstract

A multi-layer or multi-element foam insert for a pneumatic inner tube emulating the effect of air pressure, across a wide range of temperatures and pressures, while maintaining the weight of a conventional air-tilled pneumatic tube. By combining materials of different density and / or the orientation and thickness of such materials, favorable handling properties are achieved.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED INVENTION[0001]This application is a continuation (or divisional) of Non-Provisional Utility U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 292,664 entitled “Multiple Layer Foam Insert for Tires” and claims the benefit of, and priority to, Provisional Application No. 62 / 391,063, filed on Apr. 19, 2016, entitled “Round Tubular Structure Comprised of Multi Density Extruded Foam . . . [to] Allow the characteristics of Pressure, Performance and Weight to be Manipulated to Achieve any Desired Performance”. The benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of the United States provisional application is hereby claimed, and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUNDField of the Invention[0002]The invention pertains to the field of inner tubes for vehicle tires. More particularly, the invention pertains to a foam insert for use in tire and tube systems in bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, trucks and other vehicles.Description of Related Art[0003]T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The foam insert effectively replaces pneumatic tubes in vehicles, providing durability and resilience similar to pneumatic systems without significant weight increase, addressing the issue of punctures and ride quality, and can be tailored for different applications and pressures.

Problems solved by technology

When inflated, such elastomeric materials have the characteristics of providing both a cushioned ride and also giving greater traction than other materials, however this also has the unfortunate characteristic of having a decreased resistance to sharp objects.

Unfortunately sharp objects can easily penetrate the outer rubber casing and puncture the inner tube.

Flat tires can be very frustrating for all classes of riders.

Children's bikes with pneumatic tires can be especially bothersome.

However for the adult performance rider having a flat tire especially in a remote location can be a dangerous experience leaving the rider stranded without any means of transportation.

While many bike riders carry tire repair kits, tools and other devices such as air pumps and sealing materials for repairing flat tires, people often have difficulty in making such repairs especially when the need arises.

In any event, penetration of the outer tire by thorns or other sharp objects resulting in the puncture of the inner tube and a flat is often a very unpleasant and frustrating experience especially if you are in a relatively remote area.

In the past such liners have often been expensive and added significantly to the weight of the tire resulting in increased difficulty in propulsion for a cyclist.

While these do solve the problem of air loss, the high weight and lack of cushioning render the bicycle almost unrideable due to the sluggish nature and hard jarring ride that the bicycle with solid tubes imparts to the rider.

Solid tubes are not accepted by any performance cyclist.

Finally, injected liquid solutions with small fibers in suspension have also been employed, however these are short term, heavy and quite messy to install.

A disadvantageous associated with this trailer vehicle relates to the significant effort required to urge the inner carriage onto the floor platform.

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