Run-flat support system for a pneumatic tired wheel and method for installing same

• US 7,347,241 B2
• Filed: 04/06/2005
• Issued: 03/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hutchinson Industries Incorporated (Totalenergies Se)
• Original Assignee: William W. Gardetto
• Inventors: Gardetto, William W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stormer; Russell D.
• Application Number:
  US11/100,300
• Publication Number:
  US 20050217781A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,084 Days
• Field of Search: 152/158, 152/516, 152/520, 152/396
• US Class Current: 152/396
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 17/04 utilising additional non-inflatable supports which become load-supporting in emergency
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 17/041 characterised by coupling or locking means between rim and support
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 17/042 preventing sliding or rotation between support and rim
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53448 Vehicle wheel

Abstract

A run-flat support system and method for installing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the run-flat support system includes a torque assembly removably coupled to a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel. A plurality of support segments are adapted for attachment to the torque assembly in order to support the pneumatic tired wheel in a flat condition such as an under-inflated condition or deflated condition.

Claims

1. A method for installing a run-flat support system, the method comprising:

forming a tubular support structure by positioning a plurality of support segments in a tire cavity of a pneumatic tired wheel;

positioning a torque assembly within an interior circumference of the tubular support structure, the torque assembly including an integral and continuous substantially circular body;

providing a spatial displacement between the plurality of support segments and an interior circumference of the tubular support structure to provide a portion of the cavity for clearance of fasteners;

using the spatial displacement to couple the plurality of support segments to the torque assembly with the fasteners;

coupling the plurality of support segments in an end-to-end mating engagement; and

securing a split wheel rim to the torque assembly.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising positioning substantially concentrically the tubular support structure and torque assembly within the tire cavity.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising mounting the split wheel rim to an HMMWV.