Low pressure tire
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A low pressure tire, comprising:
- a torus of flexible, substantially inelastic material, wherein the material will not deform at temperature of about 225°
F., the torus includes an inner diameter surface for engaging a tire supporting rim and an outer diameter surface for contacting a support surface, wherein the torus flattens under a load to facilitate movement of the tire over soft or irregular support surfaces; and
a sealable opening for inflating and deflating the torus.
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Abstract
A low pressure tire including a torus of flexible, substantially inelastic material. The material will not deform at a temperature of about 225° F. The torus includes an inner diameter surface for engaging a tire supporting rim and an outer diameter surface for contacting a support surface. The torus can flatten under a load to facilitate movement of the tire over soft or irregular support surfaces. A sealable opening permits the inflation and deflation of the torus.
57 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A low pressure tire, comprising:
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a torus of flexible, substantially inelastic material, wherein the material will not deform at temperature of about 225°
F., the torus includes an inner diameter surface for engaging a tire supporting rim and an outer diameter surface for contacting a support surface, wherein the torus flattens under a load to facilitate movement of the tire over soft or irregular support surfaces; and
a sealable opening for inflating and deflating the torus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
a radially inwardly extending flange.
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6. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the outer diameter surface that contacts the support surface is at least substantially free from reinforcing fabrics or cords.
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7. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the tire is inflated to a pressure of about 1 psi to about 10 psi.
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8. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the flexible inelastic material flexes or flattens under a load but does not stretch, whereby upon further inflation the tire will not expand substantially outward.
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9. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the flexible inelastic material flexes to deform but does not stretch upon encountering an obstacle when under a load.
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10. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the tire is blow molded.
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11. A tire and wheel combination, comprising:
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a low pressure tire comprising a torus of flexible, substantially inelastic material, wherein the material will not deform at temperature of about 225°
F., the torus includes an inner diameter surface for engaging a tire supporting rim and an outer diameter surface for contacting a support surface, wherein the torus flattens under a load to facilitate movement of the tire over soft or irregular support surfaces, and a sealable opening for inflating and deflating the torus; and
a tire supporting rim comprising a cylindrical center section for engaging the inner diameter surface of the tire, a pair of support flanges axially extending from opposite sides of the center section for engaging the tire as it flattens under a load. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification