Flywheel tire inflation device
First Claim
1. A device for maintaining desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a rotating vehicle wheel, said device utilizing inertial forces from changes in vehicle speed, the device comprising:
- a flywheel rotatably attached to said vehicle wheel such that said flywheel is disposed concentrically with respect to said wheel; and
a fluid compressor attached to the vehicle wheel in fluid communication with said tire, said compressor of the reciprocating piston type having a cylinder adapted to receive a sliding piston responsive to rotation of said flywheel relative the vehicle wheel, causing air to pass into the tire.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for automatically maintaining desired air pressure within a vehicle tire utilizes inertial forces from changes in vehicle speed. The device includes a flywheel attached to and concentric with the vehicle wheel but free to rotate relative the wheel, and an air compressor attached to the vehicle wheel and connected to the tire, the compressor piston responsive to rotation of the flywheel with respect to the vehicle wheel to pass air into the tire. Preferably a connecting rod converts the rotation of the flywheel relative the wheel into the reciprocating sliding of a piston to operate the air compressor. Additionally, a centrifugal intake valve is preferably provided that seals off the inlet passageway to the air compressor when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly to prevent contaminants from entering. Advantageously, the device of the present invention may easily be attached to or removed from the vehicle wheel and is entirely contained on the wheel, without the need for a rotating joint or any physical contact to the vehicle frame or body.
96 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A device for maintaining desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a rotating vehicle wheel, said device utilizing inertial forces from changes in vehicle speed, the device comprising:
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a flywheel rotatably attached to said vehicle wheel such that said flywheel is disposed concentrically with respect to said wheel; and a fluid compressor attached to the vehicle wheel in fluid communication with said tire, said compressor of the reciprocating piston type having a cylinder adapted to receive a sliding piston responsive to rotation of said flywheel relative the vehicle wheel, causing air to pass into the tire. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A device for maintaining desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a rotating vehicle wheel, said device utilizing inertial forces from changes in vehicle speed, the device comprising:
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a mounting member releasably attached to said vehicle wheel; a flywheel rotatably attached to said mounting member such that said flywheel is disposed concentrically with respect to said wheel; and a fluid compressor attached to the mounting member in fluid communication with said tire, said compressor responsive to rotation of said flywheel relative the vehicle wheel, causing air to pass into the tire; whereby the device is attachable to the vehicle wheel without alteration to the vehicle wheel. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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Specification