INNER TUBE PROTECTIVE DEVICE

• US 20150075690A1
• Filed: 09/17/2013
• Published: 03/19/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RJ Engineering Enterprises Incorporated
• Original Assignee: RJ Engineering Enterprises Incorporated
• Inventors: MERRITT, David, HODSDON, Jeffery, BREEDING, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 10,105,996 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 152/501
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 21/12 Appurtenances, e.g. lining bands
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 2360/32 Plastic compositions
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 2900/212 Damage
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 19/127 for inner tubes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 152/10657 with means to protect inner tube from rim

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel solution for preventing pinch flats and installation flats incurred by an inner tube as a result of the wheel striking an object. Embodiments are directed to an inner tube protector that fits within a tire and provides mechanical protection to the inner tube against tire strikes. Embodiments may include an inner region adapted to support an inner tube installed around a rim of a wheel. Additionally, embodiments may include an outer region adapted for insertion within and against the rim lip of the rim which provide protection to the inner tube responsive to the wheel striking an object. As such, embodiments may be positioned between the rim and inner tube in a manner that dulls an edge of the rim lip and, thereby, provides protection to the inner tube when compressed against the otherwise sharp edges of the rim lip.

Claims

1. An inner tube protector comprising:

a generally circular flat member comprising;

an inner region adapted to support an inner tube installed around a rim of a bicycle wheel; and

an outer region adapted for insertion within and against a rim lip of said rim, wherein said outer region is adapted to extend radially outward to provide protection to said inner tube responsive to said wheel striking an object, said outer region adapted to be positioned between said rim and said inner tube to dull an edge of said rim lip and further adapted to be enclosed within an installed tire on said wheel.

2. An inner tube protector as described in claim 1, wherein said outer region protects said inner tube against punctures.

3. An inner tube protector as described in claim 2, wherein said punctures are associated with pinch flats.

4. An inner tube protector as described in claim 1, wherein said generally circular flat member is split to facilitate installation between said rim and said inner tube.

5. An inner tube protector as described in claim 4, wherein said flat member comprises a splice point that is operable to accommodate a tire lock installed on said wheel.

6. An inner tube protector as described in claim 1, wherein said generally circular flat member comprises a flexible and resilient resin material.

7. An inner tube protector as described in claim 1, wherein said generally circular flat member is slightly curved in cross section.

8. An inner tube protector as described in claim 1, wherein said inner tube and said generally circular flat member are integrated together.

9. An inner tube protector as described in claim 1, wherein said tire and said generally circular flat member are integrated together.

10. An inner tube protector as described in claim 1, wherein said rim and said generally circular flat member are integrated together.

11. A rim for protecting an inner tube comprising:

a channel region circumferentially located along an exterior portion of said rim, wherein said channel region is adapted for mounting a spoked wheel;

a generally circular flat member integrated into an outer periphery of a rim lip of said rim, comprising;

an inner region adapted to support an inner tube installed within said channel region; and

an outer region adapted to extend radially outward from said rim to provide protection to said inner tube responsive to said wheel striking an object, said outer region adapted to be positioned between said rim lip and said inner tube to dull an edge of said rim lip and further adapted to be enclosed within an installed tire on said wheel.

12. A rim as described in claim 11, wherein said outer region protects said inner tube against pinch flats.

13. A rim as described in claim 11, wherein said generally circular flat member comprises a flexible and resilient resin material.

14. A rim as described in claim 11, wherein said generally circular flat member is slightly curved in cross section.

15. A rim as described in claim 11, further comprising a plurality of spokes.

16. A rim as described in claim 11, wherein said rim is operable to accommodate an installable rim guard.

17. A tire for protecting an inner tube comprising:

a tread portion circumferentially located about an axis of said tire;

a tire bead, wherein said tire bead is coupled to said tread portion by a sidewall and adapted to connect a rim on a wheel; and

a generally circular flat member integrated into said sidewall and adjacent to said tire bead, said flat member, comprising;

an inner region adapted to support an inner tube installed within said sidewall; and

an outer region adapted to extend radially outward from said tire bead to provide protection to said inner tube responsive to said wheel striking an object, said outer region adapted to be positioned between a rim lip of said rim and said inner tube to dull an edge of said rim lip.

18. A tire as described in claim 17, wherein said outer region protects said inner tube against pinch flats.

19. A tire as described in claim 17, wherein said generally circular flat member comprises a flexible and resilient resin material.

20. A tire as described in claim 17, wherein said generally circular flat member is slightly curved in cross section.