TUBELESS TIRE SEATING TOOL

A tubeless tire seating tool is disclosed. The tubeless tire seating tool includes a tube and a sealing stem. The tube is inflatable to apply pressure to a tubeless tire on a tire side of a wheel to seat the tubeless tire on the wheel. The sealing stem is coupled to the tube to facilitate delivery of a fluid into the tube to apply the pressure to the tubeless tire. The sealing stem includes a sealing element external to the sealing stem and forming a seal on the wheel to prevent the fluid from escaping around the sealing stem from within the tubeless tire in response to a failure of the tube.

FIELD

This invention relates to seating tires and more specifically to a tool for seating tubeless tires.

BACKGROUND

Tubeless tires have many benefits over pneumatic or tube-lined tires. Generally, tubeless tires are lighter, have lower rolling resistance, have a slower decompression rate upon puncture (making them safer in some applications), have more even tire pressure, and can run lower pressures without the risk of a pinch flat. Due to these and other advantages, the use of tubeless tires is popular on many different types of vehicles.

SUMMARY

A tubeless tire seating tool is disclosed. The tubeless tire seating tool includes a tube and a sealing stem. The tube is inflatable to apply pressure to a tubeless tire on a tire side of a wheel to seat the tubeless tire on the wheel. The sealing stem is coupled to the tube to facilitate delivery of a fluid into the tube to apply the pressure to the tubeless tire. The sealing stem includes a sealing element external to the sealing stem and forming a seal on the wheel to prevent the fluid from escaping around the sealing stem from within the tubeless tire in response to a failure of the tube.

A tubeless tire system is also disclosed. The tubeless tire system includes a tubeless wheel, a tubeless tire, and a tubeless tire seating tool. The tubeless tire is disposed on the tubeless wheel. The tubeless tire seating tool is configured to seat and at least partially inflate the tubeless tire on the tubeless wheel. The tubeless tire seating tool includes a tube and a sealing stem. The tube is inflatable to apply pressure to the tubeless tire on a tire side of the tubeless wheel to seat the tubeless tire on the tubeless wheel. The sealing stem is coupled to the tube to facilitate delivery of a fluid into the tube to apply the pressure to the tubeless tire. The sealing stem includes a sealing element external to the sealing stem and forming a seal on the tubeless wheel to prevent the fluid from escaping around the sealing stem from within the tubeless tire in response to a failure of the tube.

A method is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a seating tool between a tire and a wheel. The method also includes securing a sealing stem of the seating tool in a wheel stem port of the wheel. The method also includes inflating the seating tool to a tire seating pressure to seat the tire on the wheel. The method also includes inflating the tire to an operating pressure to burst the seating tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method, and/or computer program product.

The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatuses, systems, and methods according to various embodiments of the present invention. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks, or portions thereof, of the illustrated Figures.

Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowchart and/or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the depicted embodiment. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted embodiment

Embodiments described pertain to a tire seating tool for seating tubeless tires. In the embodiments described below, the tire seating tool provides a system for seating a tubeless tire using a relatively thin tube with a sealing stem attached. In some example, the tire seating tool is inserted into a tubeless tire on a wheel. The sealing stem is secured in the wheel stem port. The tubeless tire is situated in position relative to the wheel for seating the tire on the wheel. The seating tool is inflated to a seating pressure sufficient to seat the tubeless tire on the wheel. Additional inflation is applied to bring the tubeless tire to an operating pressure of the tubeless tire. In some examples, the seating tool may burst or fail at pressures above the seating pressure. However, after the tire is seating, the bursting or failing of the seating tool does not affect the pressurization of the tire because the tubeless tire in combination with the sealing stem of the seating tool maintains the pressure of the tubeless system. In this manner, the difficulty of seating a new or previously used tubeless tire is reduced. Additional details are included below with respect to the various corresponding figures.

FIG. 1is a schematic view of one embodiment of a tire seating tool100. The illustrated embodiment of the seating tool100includes a tube102and a sealing stem104. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing stem104is attached to the tube102via a skirt106. In other embodiments, the skirt106is omitted.

In some embodiments, the tube102has relatively thin walls. In some embodiments, the tube102has a wall thickness of approximately 0.45 millimeters. In other embodiments, the tube102has a wall thickness of less than approximately 0.45 millimeters. Other embodiments, may include other thicknesses.

In some embodiments, the tube102has a uniform wall thickness. In other embodiments, the tube102has a non-uniform wall thickness. In other words, in some embodiments, the tube102has two or more regions having different wall thicknesses. In some embodiments, the different regions of wall thicknesses are joined at a transition region in which the wall thickness gradually or abruptly changes from one thickness to the other.

In some embodiments, the tube102is configured to contain sufficient pressure to seat a bead of a tubeless tire onto corresponding region of a wheel. In some embodiments, the tube102is a sacrificial tube in that the tube102may burst or otherwise fail after seating the tubeless tire on the wheel and potentially before or after reaching an operating pressure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tube102is sacrificial because the tube102includes a weakness108. In some embodiments, the weakness108is a location on the tube102at which the tube wall is thinner or otherwise prone to failure. For example, the weakness may be a thinned area, a separation, a perforation, or other structural variation in the wall of the tube102. In some embodiments, the weakness108is intentionally formed in the tube102. In other embodiments, the weakness108is a consequence of a manufacturing process for forming the tube102. In other embodiments, no weakness is created in the tube102.

In some embodiments, the weakness108forms a location in the tube102at which the tube102will burst if the maximum pressure of the tube102is exceeded. In some embodiments, the maximum pressure of the tube102is between the seating pressure to seat the tubeless tire on the wheel and the operating pressure of the tubeless tire.

In the illustrated embodiment, the skirt106is a flexible or rigid structure connecting the sealing stem104to the tube102of the seating tool100. In some embodiments, the skirt106includes the same or similar material to that of the tube102. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the material of the skirt106is different from the material of the tube102.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing stem104includes a shaft110. In some embodiments, the shaft110includes a threaded portion. In other embodiments, the shaft110is a smoothed, notched, ridged, dimpled, or otherwise surfaced structure.

The illustrated embodiment of the sealing stem104also includes a securing nut112, a sealing element114, and a cap116. In some embodiments, the shaft110is a metal. In other embodiments, the shaft110is plastic.

In some embodiments, the shaft110of the sealing stem104is coated with a functional material. For example, the shaft110may be treated with a thread locker to reduce the chance that the securing nut112may become unintentionally loosened on the shaft110. In another example, the shaft110is coated with a lubricant to facilitate movement of the securing nut112relative to the shaft110. In another example, the shaft110includes a protective coating to reduce damage, oxidation, or other degradation that may occur on the shaft110.

In some embodiments, the securing nut112can be spun relative to the shaft110to move the securing nut112nearer to or further from the sealing element114. In other embodiments, the securing nut112is moved down the shaft110in other manners. For example, the securing nut112may include a friction lock, spring pin, or other mechanism to secure the securing nut112relative to the shaft110.

In some embodiments, the securing nut112is configured to be placed on the shaft110after the shaft110is inserted into a stem port of a wheel. In some embodiments, a major diameter of the securing nut112is greater than a diameter of the stem port of the wheel such that the securing nut112will not pass through the stem port.

In some embodiments, the securing nut112is tightened towards the sealing element114to secure the sealing element114against a tire side of the wheel with the securing nut112on an opposite side (or axle side) of the wheel. In other embodiments described below, the securing nut112and the sealing element114may be arranged in other manners.

In some embodiments, the sealing element114is a separate structure. In other embodiments, the sealing element114is a unified portion of the shaft110. In some embodiments, the sealing element114is unified with the skirt106. Other arrangements are also contemplated. Further examples are described below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cap116is secured on an end of the sealing stem104. In some embodiments, the cap116prevents dust and debris from entering the sealing stem104. In some embodiments, the cap116protects components which form a valve core within the sealing stem104. In some embodiments, the cap116may be unified with the securing nut112. In other embodiments, the cap116and the securing nut112are separate.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tube102is charged with sealant118. In some embodiments, the tube102does not include sealant. In some embodiments, in response to failure of the tube102, the seating tool100releases the sealant118to an interior of the tubeless tire to prevent leaks and pressure loss due to puncture or other compromises in the tire.

In some embodiments, the weakness108helps to distribute the sealant118in a corresponding pattern or rate in response to the tube102bursting at the weakness108. In other embodiments, the tube102does not include a weakness108and the sealant118escapes the tube102at whatever burst point(s) occurs in the tube102. Additional information and examples for the sealing stem104are described below with reference toFIGS. 3-10.

FIG. 2is a schematic view of another embodiment of a tire seating tool200. In many ways, the tire seating tool200ofFIG. 2is similar to the tire seating tool100ofFIG. 1. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the tube202ofFIG. 2is a “c-shaped” tube with free ends. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the tube202does not form a full circle. In some embodiments, the c-shape of the tube202facilitates feeding of the seating tool200into the tire without having to fully separate the tubeless tire from the wheel. In other words, the c-shape of the tube202may allow the seating tool200to be slid into a relatively small area at which the tubeless tire is separated from the wheel.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tube202includes the sealing stem204approximately midway between the ends of the tube202. In other embodiments, the sealing stem204is located on the tube202at a location nearer to one end of the tube202than the other. In some embodiments, the stem204may be located at one end of the tube202to provide a single end of the tube202to be fed into the tubeless tire. For example, with the sealing stem204located at or near one end of the c-shaped tube202, the other end may be fed into the tire near the stem port to install the seating tool200without having to feed the second end into the tire in the other direction. In some embodiments, this may help to prevent twisting of the tube202during installation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tube202includes a gap between the two ends. In some embodiments, the gap206is sufficient to allow expansion of the tube202during pressurization to close or nearly close the gap206. In some embodiments, the gap206is a separation in the ends without introducing any significant gap. In other words, in some embodiments, the gap206between the two ends of the tube202is approximately zero.

In the illustrated embodiments, the ends of the tube202at the gap206are flat. In other embodiments, the ends of the tube202at the gap206are rounded, partially rounded, pointed, conical, pinched, or have another geometry. In some embodiments, the ends of the tube202have the same geometry or different geometries. For example, the ends of the tube202may have a complimentary geometry to facilitate an aligning or joining of the ends together inside the tire during filling. For example, one end of the tube202may be convex while the other is concave to receive the convex end during pressurization of the tube202.

In some embodiments, the ends of the tube202include a harder or thicker material to facilitate insertion of the tube202into the tire to be inflated. In other embodiments, a string or other structure may be applied to one or both ends of the tube202to pull the corresponding end through the interior path of the tubeless tire.

FIG. 3is a schematic view of one embodiment of a sealing stem300for a tire seating tool. The illustrated embodiment is substantially similar to the sealing stem104ofFIG. 1as described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing stem300includes a shaft302. In some embodiments, the shaft302includes a threaded portion. In other embodiments, the shaft302is a smoothed, notched, ridged, dimpled, or otherwise surfaced structure.

The illustrated embodiment of the sealing stem300also includes a securing nut308, a sealing element306, and a cap310. In some embodiments, the shaft302is a metal. In other embodiments, the shaft302is plastic or another non-metal.

In some embodiments, the shaft302of the sealing stem300is coated with a functional material. For example, the shaft302may be coated with a thread locker to reduce the chance that the securing nut308may become unintentionally loosened on the shaft302. In another example, the shaft302is coated with a lubricant to facilitate movement of the securing nut308relative to the shaft302. In another example, the shaft302includes a protective coating to reduce damage, oxidation, or other degradation that may occur on the shaft302.

In some embodiments, the securing nut308can be spun relative to the shaft302to move the securing nut308nearer to or further from the sealing element306. In other embodiments, the securing nut308is moved down the shaft302in other manners. For example, the securing nut308may include a friction lock, spring pin, or other mechanism to secure the securing nut308relative to the shaft302.

In some embodiments, the securing nut308is configured to be placed on the shaft302after the shaft302is inserted into a stem port of a wheel. In some embodiments, a major diameter of the securing nut308is greater than a diameter of the stem port of the wheel such that the securing nut308will not pass through the stem port.

In some embodiments, the securing nut308is tightened towards the sealing element306to secure the sealing element against a tire side of the wheel with the securing nut308on an opposite side (or axle side) of the wheel.

In some embodiments, the sealing element306is a separate structure. In other embodiments, the sealing element306is a unified portion of the shaft302. In some embodiments, the sealing element306is unified with the skirt304. Other arrangements are contemplated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cap310is secured on an end of the sealing stem300. In some embodiments, the cap310prevents dust and debris from entering the sealing stem300. In some embodiments, the cap310protects components forming a valve core within the sealing stem300. In some embodiments, the cap310may be unified with the securing nut308. In other embodiments, the cap310and the securing nut308are separate.

FIG. 4is a schematic view of another embodiment of a sealing stem400for a tire seating tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing stem400includes a sealing element402that has a partially conical geometry. In some embodiments, the conical geometry of the sealing element402allows the sealing element to engage and form a seal with a stem port of a wheel.

FIG. 5is a schematic view of another embodiment of a sealing stem500for a tire seating tool. In some embodiments, the sealing stem500includes a sealing element502and a backing element504. In some embodiments, the sealing element502is similar in function to the sealing elements shown in previous Figures and described above.

In some embodiments, the sealing element502is proximal a backing element504. In some embodiments, the backing element504provides structural support to the sealing element502. In some embodiments, the backing element504improves the seal or engagement of the sealing element502with the wheel. In some embodiments, the backing element504is bonded or otherwise attached to the sealing element502. In other embodiments, the backing element504is not coupled to the sealing element502. In some embodiments, the sealing element502and the backing element504have similar or disparate diameters or geometries.

FIG. 6is a schematic view of another embodiment of a sealing stem600for a tire seating tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing stem600includes a compound sealing element602. In some embodiments, the compound sealing element602includes two larger diameter portions and a smaller diameter portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the smaller diameter portion of the compound sealing element602has a diameter to fit within the diameter of a stem port.

In some embodiments, the larger diameter portions are configured to form a seal on the axle side and the tire side, respectively, of the wheel to prevent air loss at the sealing stem600. In some embodiments, the compound seal602is applied while inserting the sealing stem600into the wheel. In other embodiments, the compound sealing element602is applied to the wheel separately and the sealing stem600is inserted into the compound sealing element602.

FIG. 7is a schematic view of another embodiment of a sealing stem700for a tire seating tool. The illustrated embodiment of the tire seating tool700includes a sealing element702which has a curved geometry to match a geometry of a wheel at a tire side surface of the wheel. In some embodiments, the sealing element702is flexible. In other embodiments, the sealing element702is rigid or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, the sealing element702includes a first portion which has a first characteristic and a second portion having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic of the first portion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element702is curved in one dimension. In other embodiments, the sealing element702may be curved in another dimension or in multiple dimensions.

FIG. 8is a schematic view of another embodiment of a sealing stem800for a tire seating tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing stem800includes a sealing element802which is coupled to a skirt804. In some embodiments, the sealing element802is formed of a first material and the skirt804is formed of a second material. In other embodiments, the sealing element802and the skirt804are formed of the same or similar materials.

In some embodiments, the sealing element802is thicker than the skirt804. In other embodiments, the sealing element802includes a reinforcement to provide structural resilience to the sealing element802. In some embodiments, the sealing element802includes other structural elements different from the skirt804. In other embodiment, the sealing element802includes a surface treatment or coating not applied to the skirt804.

FIG. 9is a schematic view of another embodiment of a sealing stem900for a tire seating tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing stem900includes a sealing element902located on an opposite side of the skirt904from a securing nut906of the sealing stem900.

In some embodiments, the sealing element902applies force to a portion of the skirt904to provide a seal at the sealing stem900in response to the securing nut902being tightened toward the sealing element902. The sealing element902may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, the sealing element902separates a portion of the skirt904from the rest of the skirt904in response to a force applied by the securing nut906.

FIG. 10is a schematic view of another embodiment of a sealing stem1000for a tire seating tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing stem1000includes a sealing element1002located below a skirt1004. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing stem1000also includes a securing nut1006with a corresponding securing seal1008. In some embodiments, the securing seal1008creates a seal to prevent pressure loss at the sealing stem1000. In some embodiments, the securing seal1008supplements a seal formed by the sealing element1002.

In some embodiments, the securing nut1006and the securing seal1008are separate structures. In other embodiments, the securing nut1006and the securing seal1008are coupled or form a unified structure.

FIG. 11is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a seating tool installed in a tubeless tire system1100. In the illustrated embodiment of the tubeless tire system1100, a seating tool1102is inserted into the tubeless tire1104and the sealing stem1106of the seating tool1102is passed through the wheel1108at a stem port of the wheel1108.

In the illustrated embodiment, the seating tool1102includes a sealing element1110to form a seal on the tire side of the wheel1108in response to a tightening of the securing nut1112along the sealing stem1106on an axle side of the wheel. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element1110is attached to a tube1114. In some embodiment, the sealing stem1106includes an internal valve or valve core to allow air to be driven into the tube1114and prevent air from escaping through an internal channel of the sealing stem1106. As pressure increases in the tube1114, the tire1104is seated on the wheel1108by outward forces1116which provide a seating pressure of the tube1114applied to the tire1104.

In some embodiments, the tube1114is filled to an operating pressure of the tire1104. In some embodiments, the tube1114bursts at, above, or prior to reaching the operating pressure of the tire1104. In other embodiments, the tube1114does not burst before reaching the operating pressure of the tire1104. If the tube1114does burst, the sealing element1110prevents air from escaping through the wheel next to the sealing stem1106.

FIG. 12is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method1200for using the seating tool. The illustrated embodiment of the method1200includes, at block1202, inserting the seating tool between the tubeless tire and the tubeless wheel. In some examples, the seating tool may be at least partially pressurized to aid in inserting the seating tool between the tubeless tire and the tubeless wheel.

At block1204, the method1200includes securing the sealing stem in the wheel stem port. In some embodiments, the sealing stem is secured in the wheel stem port with a securing nut. In some embodiments, the securing nut is tightened down against the tubeless wheel at approximately the wheel stem port. In other embodiments, the sealing stem includes a sealing element which secures the sealing stem relative to the wheel stem port.

At block1206, the method1200includes inflating the seating tool to a tire seating pressure to seat the tubeless tire on the tubeless wheel. In some embodiments, the sealing stem accepts air or other fluid driven into the seating tool via a pump or pre-pressurized delivery system. In some embodiments, the seating tool is inflated by a chemical reaction yielding a product capable of filling the seating tool. In some embodiments, the seating pressure is a pressure sufficient to seat a bead of the tubeless tire onto a corresponding portion of the tubeless wheel.

At block1208, the method includes inflating the tubeless tire to an operating pressure to burst the seating tool. In some embodiment, the seating stem of the seating tool is used to provide sufficient pressure to the tubeless tire to reach an operating pressure of the tubeless tire. In some embodiments, the operating pressure of the tubeless tire is dependent on the terrain or type of use the tubeless tire will experience. In other embodiments, the operating pressure is a pressure suggested by a manufacturer of the tubeless tire. In some embodiments, the operating pressure is a pressure greater than the seating pressure. In some embodiments, a user selects the operating pressure based on other criteria.