WO2000053435A1

WO2000053435A1 - Multi-compartment tyre (2, 3, and 4, or more compartments) abbreviated as (mct)

Info

Publication number: WO2000053435A1
Application number: PCT/IB1999/000387
Authority: WO
Inventors: Izz El Din Ali Osman
Original assignee: Izz El Din Ali Osman
Priority date: 1998-12-24
Filing date: 1999-03-08
Publication date: 2000-09-14

Abstract

A multi-compartment tyre composed of two or more air compartments by means of separating walls between the adjacent compartments. Each of these walls is made from the same material of which the whole body of the tyre is made, and is structured as complete internal extension of the body of the tyre. Where these walls touch the metallic supporting rim (D) each of them is divided into two parts (P). These two parts (P) are separated from each other by a distance sufficient to cause them to fit exactly on the standing edge of rim (D) under the two sides of any wall between two adjacent air compartments of the tyre. The function of this part (P) is to keep each air compartment completely independent from the other adjacent air compartments. Thus if there is any defect at one compartment, it does not affect the others anyway.

Description

MULTI-COMPARTMENT TYRE (2, 3, AND 4, OR MORE COMPARTMENTS) ABBREVIATED AS (MCT)

Discription

This is a safety tyre meant to avoid sudden collapse of a tyre because of a puncture.

Functioning:

Usually when there is a puncture in the tyre, the hole is no more than 1 cm in diameter. This might lead to sudden collapse of the tyre itself, when the vehicle is loaded and travelling fast. What makes an MCT unique is that it is collapse-proof, because it is composed of more than one compartment (mostly 3). When there is a puncture in one compartment, the other compartments continue bearing the load and the vehicle runs normally. At the same time an electronic warning device which is fitted in each compartment^* alerts the driver at the dash board of low pressure in the affected compartment of the MCT. This will help the driver in fixing the narticular compartment at the next gas station.

The benefits of MCT thus, are: Allays the constant fear of the driver of a sudden collapse of tyre while driving on the highway.

• Avoids accidents due to sudden tyre collapse while the vehicle is moving fast.

• Avoids damage to the vehicle and injuries/deaths to the passengers. This saves money, thus has economical advantages.

• Does not cause any traffic jams, because of a broken down vehicle

9 In the snowy, stormy, rainy or any unfavourable weather conditions, drivers do not need to stop the vehicle and get down to replace the punctured tyre. The driver can fix the punctured tyre at his convenience. This is specifically convenient for women drivers, travelling alone.

There are excisting low-pressure warning systems produced by some car manufactures. One of these can be adopted for the (MCT). * Drawings from ( 1 to 1 1 ) at pages ( 1 /12 to 1 1/12) aie designed in photographic quality to be self explanatory This is why some of the descr iption is stated at the same pages where the drawings are, for the convenience of reading while catching the explanatory vision at the same time

Briefly May Be Described as Follows:

Page 1/12 Figure 1 :

It shows the complete model of the (MCT) with a sector about 25% cut away to project the inside details of the unit s composition of the (MCT) Briefly it is made of three main features

1- The central part (F) which is screwed with bolts to the wheel axis of the car, as usually the case Only this unit (F) is a combination that bears 6 latchs (E) - can be less or more dependent on need - that are to hold firm upper parts combination (feature - 2) Next

2- This is made of two rings combination The lower one (D) is metalic It is smooth at internal side which is facing the wheel axis, and has three grooves (with standing edges (N) in between) circling all around rim (D) to dwell the other combination of three air tightening plastic pads (C) that have the same shape of the grooves of (D) i e they have flat bed in the middle with standing edges (L) that are to rest leaning on standing edges (N) of metal rim (D) These plastic pads (C) are made of a few millimetres thick material of conventional internal car's tyre's tubes

The rim (D) is devided into 3 parts that have straight 3 slits along thickness of the rim, 1 slit between each two parts of the rim (D)

Thus the function of plastic pads (C) is to cover those 3 slits between the 3 parts of metalic πm (D) Plastic pads (C) have edges (L) - detailed at page (5) figure (5) - that lay between walls of (MCT) air compartments lower walls (P), and standing edges (N) of metalic rim (D) in this way when the (MCT) compartments are full of air, the plastic pads are very well shutting rim (D) slits, and causing the whole combination to be perfectly airtight Rim (D) has as well side groove at the outer side where latches (E) hold rim (D) very firmly bolted to central metal unit (F) in a robust manner, as if all units are one structure

3- This third feature is the most important of the (MCT) Because the whole safety function of the (MCT) is carried out by this feature It is simply composed of tyre body which is manufactured of conventional strong plastic of car tyres and suitable internal reinforcing wires etc

As visible in all figures, the MCT body (A) has normal external surface (with straight tiny lineal grooves at these drawings But can be with any other design of grooves as usually the case in different tyres) Under the surface and body (A) of the MCT there are several air containing compartments (B) units, at this model they appear as 3 compartments But can be any number dependent on vehicle s size, function, weight etc For instance, for trucks, heavy duty army transporting lorries, and buses etc the weadth of the MCT could reach about 40 to 50 centimetres with 3 to 4 compartments, large airoplanes like Airbuses and Boengs could use about 10 compartments, and so on the cross section of those air compartments of the MCT are structurally almost round (see page 7/12 figure 7) They are seperated from each other by tyre walls that keep each two adjacent compartments independent of each other as if each is a complete tyre of it s own This is as such because of three aspects at this structure, lurking at the design of part (N), (L) & (P) as shown at page (5/12)

The inner standing metalic edges (N) of πm (D) are as strong as the most outer standing edge at the outer side of the πm Those inner standing edges go deep enough in & between the wall partition body (of which base part's cross section appears at figure (5), (7) & (8) with two legs fitting exactly on the (N) unit - one leg at the side facing each one of the adjacent compartments - almost resembling someone on a saddle) Those base legs of the inner MCT partition walls are continuous all around the (N) unit Moreover the (L) standing edges of the (C) plastic pad unit are placed between the (N) unit and the legs (P) (base part) of the partition walls And because of internal wire and reinforcement of the MCT the very foot part is strongly fitted to the bottom base of rim (D) Thus the air contents of every compartment of the MCT stays within Even when one compartments is punctured, the air content of the adjacent compartment has no chance to scape out

^* The air blowing pipes and valves are of normal almost conventional style Only here are of different colors to indicate to which air compatment each valve belongs to Because there is different individual air valve belonging to every different compartment MCT of (3) compartments might be most probably the prevailing Thus blue color can be used to indicate valve for the outer compartment, yellow for the middle, and red for the rear

Important Notes:

1- The design of air tightening plastic pads (C) appear at this study as one (C) unit independently separate for each air compartment But practically it might be necessary to have all the (C) units linked together in one large piece of which cross section takes the shape of rim (D) cross section completley This can be easier to handle when fitting unit (D) to unit (A) with (C) in between Therefore the priority date and invention claimed here is for the (C) unit as individual pieces or as one connected piece (in any way) that helps to facilitate handling the assembly of the MCT

2- The latch (E) and grooved design of outer skirt of (D) to allow firmly bolting rim (D) to central metal unit (F) is not necessarly to be only at the outer skirt of πm (D). Most manufacturers of normal passenger car's wheels prefere ornamented cover for all that part of the wheel

Thus a grooved skirt can be produced as part (welded or moulded) of rim (D) at the bottom smooth side, as far as needed away from the zone needed for ornamentation or otherwise Thus the priority date and invention claim here is for the attached design or any (ornamented or otherwise) design for this combination Page (2/12) Figure (2)

This is the perspective of the general model of the MCT from back side angle The intersting clear feature here is the way the three air blowing pipes (G) extending from beneath the ground base of rim (D), one pipe out of each air compartment They are bent towards the outer side where through a special window - in this case it is the space between two (E) latches - they peer out adjacently (as shown at pages 3/12 & 7/12 as (J) units) another interesting feature is the projected part of rim (D) which is held to the central part (F) by latch (E) and bolted tight between latch (E) and central part (F) this rim could be structured to the inside under the smooth side of rim (D). For instance between the air blowing pipes of the outer compartment and the neighbouring one

This will leave the outer zone open to apply some ornamented cover for luxury cars or othewirse.

Page (3/12) Figure (3)

This is the same model of the MCT with centeral part (F) disassembled in asymmetrical perspective. It also shows the (3) plastic rings pads (C) at different positions at each compartment. At innermost compartment (the one to extreme right side) unit (C) is coming outside the air compartment to reflect it alone, and shows how it is running inside the air compartment between the two standing edges of rim (D), then how further deeper the edges (L) of plastic ring (C) disappear between standing edges (N) - of metalic rim (D) - and internal walls (P) of air compartments (B). Consequently, when one looks deeper into the air compartments - as shown at this illustration - while bearing in mind the above described sequence - one could easily get the very vivid vision of how well each air compartment is perfectly independantly airtight, and could easily run continuously without being affected by any puncture or whatsoever defect at the adjacent air compartment

^* Further it is interesting to notice the disassembled parts of centeral unit (F) with the different latches (E) from different angles This shows how these units work. However these units are not included in the claim of this invention; because it already exist in the market Page (4/12) Figure (4)

This is front angle perspective of the MCT model without the central metalic unit (F) which is not included in the claim

The mam feature illustrated here is how metalic rim (D) is disassembled into three sectors. There is a simple straight slit across the unit (from outer untill inner side) between each two adjacent sectors Thus when holding latches (E) are unbolted, and central unit (F) is removed, then rim (D) sectors can easily be pushed out of it's fitting place manually.

There is already available in the market simillar rims, but without grooves for several air compartments. This is why I am including this new type - designed for several air compartments - as part of this (MCT) invention. Figure (4) also shows (C) plastic pads complete with their standing edges (L), just for the purpose of some clear envisage about their relation with πm (D) and it's standing edges (N) as shown at the sector of (D) which is pushed out of place beneath Page (5/12) Figure (5)

Detailed fiont side zoom of above mentioned descπption trom page 0 to page (0-5) with some description at the page (5) itself Page (6/12) Figure (6)

Detailed rear side zoom of the same Page (7/12) Figure (7)

Detailed face middle angle zoom of the same Most interesting feature here is the way of how outer lower side of rim (D) is bolted tight between central unit (F) and latch (E) by bolt of (E) and unit (K) nut.

Page (8/12) Figure (8)

Detailed zoom of the same (at previous page 7/12) from higher face middle angle. The most interesting feature here is unit (Q) and unit (R) for the internal roots of the air blowing valves (J). The plastic small ring base (R) is placed on plastic pad (C) part; which is pierced by the root of air blowing pipes (G). Thus unit (R) is dressed around the part of (G) which is peering inside the air compartment (B), and nut (Q) is screwed on top of that. This will cause unit (R) to be pressing strongly against the screw grooves under the nut. Thus shutting off any tiny space that might cause air leakage outside the air compartment.

^* Note that the design of pipe (G) roots axiomaticly has screw threads for nuts (Q). Page (9/12) Figure (9)

This is above side perspective of the mam (3) claimed component of the (MCT) invention. 25% of component (1 ) is here cut off to show the cross section of the different air compartments details. The complete component (1 ) - without any cut away part - is shown at page with reference (title) of this study.

Page (10/12) Figure (10)

This drawing shows the same (3) claimed components of the (MCT) invention. Component number (1 ), (2) & (3) - that represent the following:

(1) Is for the body of the tyre which is refered to at the description and all different drawings as unit (A) with air compartment (B)

(2) Is for the flexible air tightening plastic pads that are refered to at the description and all different drawings as unit (C)

(3) Is for the foldable supporting metalic rim (D) which is refered to at the description, and all different drawings, as unit (D)

Page (11/12) Figure (11)

The same claimed (3) components of the (MCT) - components number (1 ), number (2) & number (3) - semi - assembled to focuss final envisage of the (MCT) invention claimed at this study. Notes:

* All dimensions of the (MCT) may vary according to need. For instance, the (D) πm diamer can be longer than usually the case; and the tyre body (A) can be shorter than usual; between the πm (D) and the surface that touch the ground. This can reinforce the strength - and power of functioning - of the tyre; without reducing the shock-absorbing competence than at normal single compartment tyre.

^* Please neglect any spelling, gramatical, or any lingual mistakes, or any mistake at the description that might have occured unintentionally and recognize the proper described arrangement by the drawings List of What the Alphabetical

Letters Used at the Illustrations

Are Indicating

From Page (1/12) Figure (1 ) Untill Page (11/12) Figure (11)

(i.e) The letter (A) used to indicate body of (MCT). Simillar to that:

(A) For body of the (MCT).

(B) For the different air compartments.

(C) For the (3) plastic air tightening pads.

(D) For the foldable supporting metalic rim (in this case composed of 3 parts) and several grooves - in this case 3 grooves - circulating all along the side of the rim which is attached to (A).

(E) For the latch that hold tight rim (D) (above) to centeral metal part (F) (below).

(F) For central metal unit.

(G) For air blowing pipes. Should be different colours for each compartment.

(H) For internal side of bolts to be screwed to vehicle axis.

{]} For internal side of bolts of the latch (E).

(J) For heads of air blowing valves.

(K) For nut of latch (E) bolt.

(L) For standing edges of plastic pads (C).

(N) For standing edges of rim (D).

(01 For holes of bolts of latch (E).

(P) For internal walls of air compartments (B).

(Q) For nuts tightening air blowing pipes to ground base of plastic piece (R) resting on plastic pads (C).

(R) For plastic small ring base to reinforce air-tightedness when nut (Q) is tightened.

Claims

CLAIM

The new features of the (MCT) claimed are:

1 - The complete Multi-Compartment Tyre; which is one tyre composed of any number of 2 (two) or more air compartments as shown at the drawings at page (9/12), (10/12) and (11/12). There are seperating walls between the adjacent air compartments. Each of these walls is made from the same material of which the whole body of the tyre is made, and is structured as complete internal extension of the body of the tyre. At the internal bottom side of the tyre - where these walls touch the metalic supporting rim (D) - each of these walls is devided into two parts as shown at figure 7 page 7/12 as parts (P). These two parts (P) are designed seperated from each other by enough distance that couse them to fit exactly on part (N) which is the standing edge of rim (D) under the two (P) sides of any wall between two adjacent air compartments of the tyre. Thus at a cross-section drawing as at figure (7) page (7/12), they appear like two legs of some one on a saddle. The function of this (P) part is to keep each air compartment-together with it's air contents -completely independent from the other adjacent air compartments. Thus if there is any defect at one compartment, it does not affect the others in anyway...

2- The supporting metalic rim (D) with the standing part (N) and as many channels as the air compartments of the tyre it is supporting. It is also divided into three sections by cutting slits running straight across the rim from outer to inner edge; as shown at figure (9), (10) & (11 ) at page (9/12), (10/12) & (11/12). The new feature of this rim is standing edges (N) that functions to keep the air compartments independent from each other as if each is a complete tyre of it's own. This feature has two metal short walls joined together by metal roof (almost resembling that of a house - a converted wide angle v shape) like it appears at the drawing of it's cross-section at figure 7 page 7/12.

3- The three plastic pads (C) either seperated from each other or connected to take the shape of metalic rim (D) cross section.