Patent ID: 6109319
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
A run-flat support assembly mountable onto the rim of a pneumatic tired wheel in an operative position for supporting a pneumatic tire in an under-inflated or deflated condition, said rim being intersected by a plurality of coupling apertures and said support assembly comprising:a plurality of support segments adapted for attachment to the rim of a pneumatic tired wheel in the operative position, each support segment including a crown member for engaging an inner wall of a pneumatic tire during run-flat operation;the crown member of each support segment including a first end portion and a second end portion, said end portions including complementary male and female coupling members, the male and female coupling members being disposed in end-to-end mating engagement with each other when the support segments are mounted on the rim in the operative position;each support segment including a coupling web for engaging the rim and a coupling aperture formed in the coupling web, the web aperture being aligned with one of the rim apertures in the operative position;a fastener bolt retainer disposed in alignment with the web aperture on each support segment; and,a threaded fastener bolt extending through an aligned pair of the coupling apertures and disposed in threaded engagement with the retainer on each support segment, respectively.