Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a tubeless tire insert, to a tubeless tire assembly comprising the tubeless tire insert, and to a vehicle comprising the tubeless tire assembly.

Tubeless vehicle tires are notoriously hard to initially pressurize. The process often involves the installation of the tubeless tire onto the rim and then a cargo strap, an injected gas that can be lit, a large air compressor with the ability to push a large volume of air, or the like, to initially cause the tubeless tire to form a seal with the rim. As such, putting a tubeless tire in use will also cause the user to carry the proper equipment to reseal the tire if the tire bead is separated from the rim due to loss of pressure as a result of tire damage (e.g., via a rock, a dent, a poke, etc.). In an automobile, such as an off-road truck, there is cargo space, available extra power and room to carry heavy straps, air-compressors, and the like.

However, in smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, ATV's and the like, there is often not the space or weight bearing ability to carry the required tools. As such, the advantages of using tubeless tires is lost on these smaller vehicles.

Embodiments pertain to a system and method for a tubeless tire insert. One embodiment may include an annular body having shock absorbing characteristics. A positioning system may be configured to vary a mean inner diameter of the insert is also included. The insert may have a mean inner diameter X when the tire is being installed on the rim, and the insert may have a mean inner diameter Y when the tire is installed on the rim, where X is greater than Y.

According to some embodiments there is provided a tubeless tire insert. The tubeless tire insert may comprise an annular body having shock absorbing characteristics. A positioning system may be configured to vary a mean inner diameter of the insert. The insert may have a mean inner diameter X when the tire is being installed on the rim. The insert may have a mean inner diameter Y when the tire is installed on the rim, where X may be greater than Y.

In some embodiments, which are not covered by the subject-matter of the claims, the positioning system may be a pneumatic structure, or may be a pneumatic system configured to provide directional biased expansion of the insert.

In some embodiments the positioning system may be a cable or a wire or a chain or a cord or a helical structure or a sheet-like structure.

In some embodiments the positioning system may be a shape memory actuated positioning system.

In some embodiments the insert may have a structure selected from the group consisting of:.

In some embodiments the positioning system may be a standoff pneumatic positioning system which may have a static portion and a dynamic portion.

In some embodiments the positioning system may be a standoff element.

In some embodiments the positioning system may further comprise an adjusting device.

In some embodiments the insert may further comprise an electrical connection configured to actuate the shape memory actuated positioning system.

In some embodiments at least a portion of the annular body may comprise a material which is different from the material used in the rest of the annular body.

In some embodiments the annular body may comprise a shape memory material.

According to some embodiments there is provided a tubeless tire assembly. The tubeless tire assembly may comprise a tire which may comprise beads. There may be a wheel rim which may comprise a rim bed. There may be an insert which may comprise an annular body having shock absorbing characteristics. There may be a positioning system which may be configured to vary a mean inner diameter of the insert. The insert may have a mean inner diameter X when the tire is being installed on the rim. The insert may have a mean inner diameter Y when the tire is installed on the rim, where X may be greater than Y.

According to some embodiments there is provided a system for sealing a tubeless tire with a wheel rim. The system may comprise a wheel rim comprising a rim bed with sidewalls. The system may comprise a tubeless tire. The tubeless tire may comprise a first bead and a second bead. The tubeless tire may further comprise an internal fluid chamber when the tubeless tire is mounted on the wheel rim. The system may comprise an insert disposed within the internal fluid chamber. The insert may be configured to be pressed into the rim bed once the tubeless tire is mounted on the wheel rim. The system may comprise a positioning system which may be configured to vary a mean inner diameter of the insert. The insert may have a mean inner diameter X when the tire is being installed on the rim. The insert may have a mean inner diameter Y when the tire is installed on the rim. X may be greater than Y.

According to some embodiments there is provided a system for sealing a tubeless tire with a wheel rim. The system may comprise a wheel rim comprising a rim bed with sidewalls. There may be a tubeless tire. The tubeless tire may comprise a first bead and a second bead. The tubeless tire may comprise an internal fluid chamber when the tubeless tire is mounted on the wheel rim. The system may comprise an insert disposed within the internal fluid chamber. The insert may be configured to be pressed into the rim bed once the tubeless tire is mounted on the wheel rim. The system may comprise a positioning system configured to vary a mean inner diameter of the insert. The insert may have a mean inner diameter X when the tire is being installed on the rim. The insert may have a mean inner diameter Y when the tire is installed on the rim. X may be greater than Y.

According to some embodiments there is provided an anti-puncture insert designed to be carried within a pneumatic tire casing mounted on a wheel rim. The insert may comprise an annular body with shock absorbing characteristics. There may be a positioning system configured to vary a mean inner diameter of the insert. The insert may have a mean inner diameter X when the tire is being installed on the rim. The insert may have a mean inner diameter Y when the tire is installed on the rim. X may be greater than Y.

According to some embodiments there is provided an assembly. The assembly may comprise a tire comprising beads. The assembly may comprise a rim comprising a rim bed. There may be an anti-puncture insert. The anti-puncture insert may comprise an annular body with shock absorbing characteristics. The anti-puncture insert may comprise a positioning system configured to vary a mean inner diameter of the insert. The insert may have a mean inner diameter X when the tire is being installed on the rim. The insert may have a mean inner diameter Y when the tire is installed on the rim; X may be greater than Y.

According to some embodiments there is provided a vehicle comprising any one of: a tubeless tire insert, a tubeless tire assembly, a system for sealing a tubeless tire and an anti-puncture insert, each of which may comprise one or more of the respective features described above. The vehicle may be, but not limited to, a motorcycle, a bicycle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

<CIT> discloses an insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least <NUM>% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst.

<CIT> discloses a reinforcement system for a wheel comprising a hoop configured to be arranged inside a space located between a rim and a tire of the wheel.

<CIT> discloses a tire assembly comprising a wheel rim, a tyre fitted to the wheel rim, and an annular insert located inside the tyre around the rim.

<CIT> discloses a ring-shaped buffer body which is arranged within the inner cavity of a motorcycle tire.

<CIT> discloses a bead lock for a tire of a vehicle wheel.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted. Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration of the present invention, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In some instances, well known methods, procedures, objects, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.

Inserts are used in tubeless pneumatic tires to prevent damage to the tire and rim that may occur while riding and to provide a user with improved riding performance if the tire loses pressure due to a puncture or a cut. Such inserts can significantly hinder the installation of the tires on the rim. One of the problem a user faces during the installation of the tire on the rim, with a conventional insert, is that when a first tire bead has been inserted in a bead well of the rim, and the insert has been placed on the rim, the insert obstructs the bead well and it becomes incredibly difficult to insert a second tire bead into the bead well and thereby to position the second tire bead onto the rim bed between the sidewalls of the rim.

Such an installation often requires the user to apply considerable efforts and use specific tools to install the second tire bead between the rim sidewalls, thereby increasing the assemblage time and also the risk of tire and/or rim damage. Moreover, the above described installation procedures reduce the overall convenience of the user from riding a cycled vehicle, especially, when the need to reinstall the tire occurs at an off-road site, where the user may not have proper tools or enough time to perform the installation.

The solution revealed herein provides an insert that provides anti-puncture and rim impact protection, allows for installation of the tire on the rim in a more convenient manner, and has sufficient shock absorbing and tire bead retaining characteristics if the rider would need to ride on an otherwise under inflated or flat tire. In one embodiment, the insert provides a new and novel method of sealing the beads of the tubeless tire with the rim without the need for straps, air compressors, or other tools or devices that are normally a required part of mounting a tubeless tire to a rim. In general, the insert is installed within an internal fluid chamber of a tubeless tire at a first larger mean inner diameter. After the tubeless tire is mounted on the rim, the mean inner diameter of the insert is reduced to a second smaller mean inner diameter allowing the insert to press into the rim bed. As the insert is pressed into the rim bed, it exerts a force on the beads of the tubeless tire. This force causes the beads of the tubeless tire to form a seal with the rim bed. This force may result in displacement on the tire beads from their initial installed positions to new positions on the rim bed that are at a larger mean diameter than the initial position. Once the seal is formed, the tire can be fully seated and inflated with minimal or no leakage. In one embodiment, bead locks can be additionally used for facilitating of coupling the tire beads to the rim bed.

It should be pointed out that, for purposes of the present application, measurements such as, for example, a diameter may be referred to as a mean diameter. It will be understood that slight variations in the diameter may exist, for example, for the insert at various radial locations of the insert. Hence, for purposes of clarity and accuracy, the present application will refer to a mean diameter. It should be understood that terms such as "a mean diameter X", "a mean diameter Y" and the like are not intended to indicate that the diameter has an exact value of "X" or "Y". Instead, it should be understood that slight variations may occur from the mean or typical diameter recited.

Referring now to <FIG>, a perspective view of a bicycle having a front and rear wheel one or both of which have an insert therein is shown in accordance with an embodiment. Bicycle <NUM> has a frame <NUM> with a suspension system comprising a swing arm portion <NUM> that, in use, is able to move relative to the rest of frame <NUM>; this movement is permitted by, inter alia, a rear shock absorber and/or damping assembly <NUM>. The front forks <NUM> also provide a suspension function via a damping assembly in at least one fork leg; as such the bicycle <NUM> is a full suspension bicycle (such as an ATB or mountain bike).

In one embodiment, swing arm portion <NUM> is pivotally attached to the main frame <NUM> at pivot point <NUM> which is located above the bottom bracket axis <NUM>. Although pivot point <NUM> is shown in a specific location, it should be appreciated that pivot point <NUM> can be found at different distances from bottom bracket axis <NUM> depending upon the rear suspension configuration. The use of the specific pivot point <NUM> herein is provided merely for purposes of clarity. Bottom bracket axis <NUM> is the center of the pedal and front sprocket assembly <NUM>. Bicycle <NUM> includes a front wheel <NUM> which is coupled to the main frame <NUM> via front fork <NUM> and a rear wheel <NUM> which is coupled to the main frame <NUM> via swing arm portion <NUM>. A seat <NUM> is connected to the main frame <NUM> in order to support a rider of the bicycle <NUM>.

The front wheel <NUM> is supported by a front fork <NUM> which, in turn, is secured to the main frame <NUM> by a handlebar assembly <NUM>. The rear wheel <NUM> is connected to the swing arm portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> at rear axle <NUM>. A shock absorber (e.g., damper assembly <NUM>) is positioned between the swing arm portion <NUM> and the frame <NUM> to provide resistance to the pivoting motion of the swing arm portion <NUM> about pivot point <NUM>. Thus, the illustrated bicycle <NUM> includes a suspension member between swing arm portion <NUM> and the frame <NUM> which operate to substantially reduce rear wheel <NUM> impact forces from being transmitted to the rider of the bicycle <NUM>.

Bicycle <NUM> is driven by a chain <NUM> that is coupled with both front sprocket assembly <NUM> and rear sprocket <NUM>. As the rider pedals the front sprocket assembly <NUM> is rotated about bottom bracket axis <NUM> a force is applied to chain <NUM> which transfers the energy to rear sprocket <NUM>. Optional chain tension device <NUM> provides a variable amount of tension on chain <NUM>. The need for chain <NUM> length variation can be due to a number of different gears that may be on one or both of front sprocket assembly <NUM> and/or rear sprocket <NUM> and/or changes in chain stay length as the distance between bottom bracket axis <NUM> (where front sprocket assembly <NUM> attaches to bicycle frame <NUM>) and the rear axle <NUM> changes due to suspension articulation as shown in further detail in herein.

Although <FIG> is a full suspension bicycle, the embodiments described herein are not limited to use on full suspension bicycles. They can be utilized on any vehicle having a tubeless tire such as, but not limited to, a unicycle, bicycle, tricycle, motorcycle, <NUM>-wheeled vehicle, a car, and the like.

Referring now to <FIG>, a number of cross-sectional views (<NUM>-<NUM>) of front wheel <NUM> (or similarly rear wheel <NUM> of <FIG>) are shown. The different cross-sectional views include one or more embodiments of a process of installing an insert <NUM> into tubeless tire <NUM> and installing tubeless tire <NUM> onto the wheel rim <NUM>. In one embodiment, wheel rim <NUM> includes a rim bed <NUM> having a first sidewall <NUM>, a second sidewall <NUM>, and a base portion extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the base portion further comprises a central channel or recess called a bead well <NUM>. A depth of the bead well <NUM> varies for different embodiments of the wheel rim <NUM>. In one embodiment the base portion of the rim bed <NUM> further comprises protrusions defining bead seats. In one embodiment, sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the rim bed <NUM> further comprise hooks to further retain the beads. In other words, with the basic structural features of the front wheel <NUM> described above, the following is one embodiment for installing insert <NUM> and tubeless tire <NUM> onto rim <NUM> of wheel <NUM>. Although a number of cross-sectional views are shown, it should be appreciated that there may be more, fewer, or different ways of performing the installation of insert <NUM> and tubeless tire <NUM> onto the wheel rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the insert <NUM> is a non-inflatable component formed from any of the following materials or combinations thereof: a foam material, a resilient material, a multi-cellular butyl material, a polymer material, a composite material, a multi-layered material, a shape memory material, a multi-layered material having at least one layer comprising a shape memory material, or the like, and/or at least a part of the insert is formed from a shape memory material. In general, the insert <NUM> provides an amount of run-flat type of performance. For example, if the tire is underinflated or flat, the insert <NUM> will keep the tire mounted on the rim if the rider continues to ride the bike with an underinflated or flat tire. In addition, insert <NUM> will also provide an amount of impact absorption between the rim <NUM> and tire <NUM> that will provide an amount of protection for the rim <NUM> and tire <NUM> when forces are applied to them by the external terrain.

At <NUM> of <FIG>, prior to installation of insert <NUM>, the first side of tubeless tire <NUM> including bead <NUM> is installed onto the rim bed <NUM> between the rim sidewalls <NUM> , <NUM> about rim <NUM>. This is achieved by locating the majority of the tire bead <NUM> within a smaller mean diameter Da of the bead well <NUM>. This permits the remaining portion of tire bead <NUM> to pass over a larger mean diameter Dc of the first rim sidewall <NUM>. A mean inner diameter of the tire beads <NUM> and <NUM> is substantially sized to seal around the mean diameter Db of the rim bed <NUM>. This half installation of tubeless tire <NUM> begins forming the internal fluid chamber <NUM> of tubeless tire <NUM>. Tubeless tire <NUM> includes a pair of tire sidewalls and a tire end wall extending between the pair of tire sidewalls. Each tire sidewall includes an outer surface and an opposing inner surface. The sidewalls extend away from the tire end wall and terminate in respective first bead <NUM> and second bead <NUM>. In general, first bead <NUM> and second bead <NUM> are to be received against respective sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the rim bed <NUM> to interconnect the tubeless tire <NUM> to the wheel rim <NUM>. The tire end wall also includes an inner surface and an outer surface, with the outer surface preferably having traction or gripping elements formed therein. The tubeless tire <NUM> may be formed of rubber or other suitable materials known by those skilled in the art.

At <NUM> of <FIG>, after the first side of tubeless tire <NUM> is installed about rim <NUM>, insert <NUM> is introduced into the partially formed internal fluid chamber <NUM> of tubeless tire <NUM> about the entire circumference of the rim <NUM> through the opening between rim <NUM> and the far side of tubeless tire <NUM> that includes bead <NUM>. The overall size of the internal fluid chamber <NUM> of tubeless tire <NUM> is larger than the size of insert <NUM>, which facilitates installation thereof. At this point, insert <NUM> does not necessarily need to be located near the rim bed <NUM> or tire beads <NUM>, <NUM>, but instead is able to be placed anywhere within the partially formed internal fluid chamber <NUM> of tubeless tire <NUM>. As such, the insert can be at a larger inner diameter than Db of the rim bed <NUM>. At this point, insert <NUM> has a mean inner diameter X.

At <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, in one embodiment, once insert <NUM> is installed into the partially formed internal fluid chamber <NUM> of tubeless tire <NUM>, e.g., between the rim <NUM> and the tubeless tire <NUM>, the second side of tubeless tire <NUM> that includes bead <NUM> is installed onto rim bed <NUM>. At this point, the bead well <NUM> in rim bed <NUM> is not obstructed by insert <NUM> and a user can place second bead <NUM> into bead well <NUM> without any interference by insert <NUM>. This permits installation of the second bead <NUM> between the rim sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> in the same method as described for the first bead <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the insertion of the second side of tubeless tire <NUM> will require the use of a tool such as a tire lever, screwdriver, credit card, or the like to lever the second side of tubeless tire <NUM> over the rim sidewall <NUM> onto the rim bed <NUM> of rim <NUM>.

At <NUM> of <FIG>, the mean inner diameter of insert <NUM> is being reduced. In one embodiment, once the first bead <NUM> and second bead <NUM> are mounted between the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of rim bed <NUM>, the inner surface of tubeless tire <NUM> and rim bed <NUM> defines an internal fluid chamber <NUM>. In one embodiment, the internal fluid chamber is in fluid communication with a valve (such as valve <NUM> of <FIG>) which allows for selective inflation/deflation of the internal fluid chamber <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the valve includes a conventional valve stem which is capable of extending through the wheel rim <NUM> when the tubeless tire <NUM> is installed on the wheel rim <NUM>. The valve is further adapted to be engaged with an air pump, or other pressurized fluid source for inflating the internal fluid chamber of tubeless tire <NUM>. In this respect, it is understood that the internal fluid chamber <NUM> of tubeless tire <NUM> may be filled with air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or the like. In one embodiment, the valve may be fluidly coupled to a pressure sensor and/or display gauge to monitor and display the pressure within the internal fluid chamber of tubeless tire <NUM>. In one embodiment, the valve includes features that create an unobstructed flow path even when subjected to any radial obstruction that insert <NUM> may present.

At <NUM> of <FIG>, once both bead <NUM> and bead <NUM> of tubeless tire <NUM> are within rim sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of rim bed <NUM>, valve <NUM> provides the ability to begin to increase the pressure in the internal fluid chamber <NUM> of the tubeless tire <NUM>. In one embodiment the internal fluid chamber <NUM> of tubeless tire <NUM> begins to be inflated after the valve <NUM> is connected to a pressurized fluid source.

In one embodiment, the insert <NUM> is installed within the internal fluid chamber of tubeless tire <NUM> and is designed to at least partially fill the rim bed <NUM> and bead well <NUM> of rim <NUM> to mitigate the likelihood of breaking the coupling between beads <NUM>, <NUM> and the rim sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>.

In one embodiment, insert <NUM> is formed in a shape that corresponds to rim bed <NUM>. In one embodiment, insert <NUM> is formed in a pliable shape that will correspond to universal rim bed shape.

At <NUM> of <FIG>, in one embodiment, as the mean inner diameter X of insert <NUM> is reduced to the mean inner diameter Y, and insert <NUM> is tightened against rim bed <NUM>, it also imparts a force on the inside of both bead <NUM> and bead <NUM> which causes both bead <NUM> and bead <NUM> to move outward from Da of bead well <NUM> to larger Db of rim bed <NUM>. As the insert <NUM> assumes a tight, complimentary fit against rim bed <NUM>, bead <NUM> and bead <NUM> are forced out of bead well <NUM> onto larger diameter sections of rim bed <NUM>. Once bead <NUM> and bead <NUM> are sealed tightly against rim bed <NUM>, a coupling is formed between rim <NUM> and tubeless tire <NUM>. After the coupling is formed, the pressure within internal fluid chamber <NUM> can be increased or continue to be increased until the beads <NUM> and <NUM> are seated against sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of rim bed <NUM>, the pressure can then be either increased or decreased within the internal fluid chamber for use in the desired application.

In one embodiment, an optional step of externally applying a force to the end wall of tubeless tire <NUM> and correspondingly to insert <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>) can be used to position insert <NUM> against rim bed <NUM> of rim <NUM>.

It is to be appreciated that specific dimensions, proportions, shapes and configurations of each of the tubeless tire <NUM>, insert <NUM>, rim bed <NUM>, bead well <NUM>, sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> and internal fluid chamber <NUM> are shown in accordance with one embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that any or all of the described components could be of any suitable shape, such as oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or the like.

Referring now to <FIG>, a number of cross-sectional views (<NUM>-<NUM>) of front wheel <NUM> (or similarly rear wheel <NUM> of <FIG>) are shown. The different cross-sectional views include a number of configurations for installing insert <NUM> into tubeless tire <NUM> and installing tubeless tire <NUM> onto the wheel rim <NUM>. In one embodiment, tubeless tire <NUM> includes a first bead <NUM> on a first side of the tubeless tire <NUM>, and a second bead <NUM> on the opposite side of the tubeless tire <NUM>. In one embodiment, wheel rim <NUM> includes a rim bed <NUM> having a first sidewall <NUM>, a second sidewall <NUM>, and a base portion extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the base portion further comprises a central channel or recess called a bead well <NUM>. A depth of the bead well <NUM> varies for different embodiments of the wheel rim <NUM>. In one embodiment the base portion of the rim bed <NUM> further comprises protrusions defining bead seats. In one embodiment, the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the rim bed <NUM> further comprise hooks to further retain the beads.

With reference now to <NUM> of <FIG>, in one embodiment, insert <NUM> comprising an annular body and a positioning system is designed to be carried within a pneumatic tire casing (e.g., tubeless tire <NUM>) mounted on wheel rim <NUM>. In one embodiment, positioning system <NUM> is used to vary a mean inner diameter of insert <NUM>. For example, as shown at <NUM> in <FIG>, insert <NUM> has the mean inner diameter X when the tubeless tire <NUM> is being installed on rim <NUM>. At <NUM> of <FIG>, insert <NUM> has the mean inner diameter Y when the tubeless tire <NUM> is installed on rim <NUM>, where X is greater than Y.

In one embodiment, (as shown in cross-sectional views <NUM>-<NUM>), insert <NUM> includes an annular cavity <NUM> fully enclosed within insert <NUM>. This cavity <NUM> could be positioned in such a manner as to not compromise the performance of insert <NUM> in its protective and shock absorbing functions, but in such a manner that the positioning system <NUM> will be able to influence the mean inner diameter of insert <NUM>.

In one embodiment, positioning system <NUM> can be located within the insert <NUM>, for example, it can be located in the cavity <NUM>, or it can be externally fixed to insert <NUM>, or it can be placed in the insert <NUM> in any other appropriate manner. The positioning system <NUM> can be a wire, a chain, a helical structure, a cord or cable comprising metal, a metal alloy, a polymer material, a shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy or shape memory polymer, or any other acceptable material or combinations thereof, and/or at least a part of the positioning system <NUM> can comprise the shape memory material.

For example, in <NUM> of <FIG> in one embodiment, the insert <NUM> having a mean inner diameter of X includes the cable as positioning system <NUM>. In <NUM> of <FIG>, one embodiment shows insert <NUM> after the positioning system <NUM> is utilized to reduce the insert <NUM> to a mean inner diameter of Y.

In one embodiment, the positioning system <NUM> includes an adjusting device, such as a spool or a cord lock, a rotating bolt, or any other suitable device, which allows the user to adjust the positioning system <NUM> and thereby force the insert <NUM> to contract and reduce its mean inner diameter. In general, one or more systems, such as handles, stoppers, ratchets, nuts, and others, which facilitate adjusting the positioning system <NUM> and reducing the mean inner diameter of the insert <NUM> could be included in the positioning system. In one embodiment, the positioning system <NUM> may be externally adjustable by the user. In one embodiment, the positioning system <NUM> may be irreversibly adjusted once the tubeless tire <NUM> is mounted on rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, positioning system deviates around a valve (such as valve <NUM> of <FIG>) to pressurize fluid chamber <NUM> of the tubeless tire <NUM> without obstruction of a fluid flow, when the tubeless tire <NUM> is mounted on the rim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when the insert is installed on the rim <NUM>, the insert comes into contact with the base portion of the rim bed <NUM> or the bead well <NUM>.

In one embodiment, there is a clearance between the base portion of the rim bed <NUM> (or the recess <NUM> of the rim bed) and the insert <NUM> installed on the rim. The clearance prevents obstruction of a fluid flow through a valve by the insert when the tubeless tire is being pressurized.

In one embodiment, the insert <NUM> or a portion therein, can be linearly expanded or contracted by applying corresponding temperatures.

In one embodiment, the positioning system comprises a shape memory polymer or alloy, or at least a part of the positioning system comprises the shape memory polymer or alloy. In one embodiment, the shape memory actuated positioning system is a helical structure, or a wire-like structure, or a cable-like structure, or a sheet like structure, which extends along the insert. In one embodiment, the shape memory actuated positioning system is located in the cavity, or it is externally fixed to insert <NUM>, or it is placed in the insert <NUM> in any other appropriate manner.

The shape memory positioning system can also be implemented in a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, the shape memory activated positioning system is a stand-off element.

The shape memory actuated positioning system is actuated to change the mean inner diameter of the insert <NUM> by applying external heating or electric resistive heating, or applying a magnetic field to the system. In one embodiment, electrical connection for actuating the shape memory positioning system is integrated with the air valve to connect to an external power supply. In another embodiment, electrical connection is provided as a dedicated or stand-alone system.

In general, insert <NUM> or at least a part of the insert <NUM> can have a continuous structure, an integral structure, a solid structure, a layered structure, a composite structure, a segmented structure, or any combinations thereof. The insert <NUM> or at least a part of the insert <NUM> can be made in various shapes, such as oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or the like. The insert <NUM> or at least a part of the insert <NUM> can be made in a shape that complies with a shape of the rim bed <NUM> or with a shape of a portion of the rim bed <NUM>. The insert <NUM> or at least a part of the insert <NUM> can be corrugated, or the like. In general, insert <NUM> or at least a part of the insert <NUM> can comprise or can be made of foam or another material that can be compressible, expandable, extendable, resilient, or the like, a multi-cellular butyl material, a cellular cushioning material comprising void cells, a polymer material, a composite material, a multi-layered material, a shape memory material, a multi-layered material having at least one layer comprising the shape memory material, or the like, or any combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the insert <NUM> has a continuous structure at any point of a cross-section of the insert excluding the area around a valve. In one embodiment, the insert <NUM> has a continuous structure at any point of a cross-section of the insert.

In one embodiment, the insert <NUM> comprises at least one part and/or at least one layer made of a material different from a material or materials used in the rest of the insert <NUM>. In one embodiment, the insert <NUM> comprises a plurality of parts and /or layers comprising different materials. In one embodiment, the insert comprises at least two parts comprising the same material.

In one embodiment, the insert or at least a part of the insert comprises a cellular cushioning material having void cells. In one embodiment, at least a part of the insert comprises a material having deformable and/or deflectable features.

With reference now to cross-sections <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, in one embodiment not covered by the subject matter of the claims, positioning system <NUM> can be a pneumatic structure or a pneumatic system capable of providing directional biased expansion of insert <NUM>. For example, cross-section <NUM> of <FIG> shows insert <NUM> having a first mean inner diameter and pneumatic positioning system <NUM>. Position <NUM> of <FIG> shows the insert having a second mean inner diameter that is smaller than the first mean inner diameter and the pneumatic positioning system <NUM>.

With reference now to cross-sections <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, the change to the mean inner diameter of the insert <NUM> is achieved with use of a standoff pneumatic positioning system <NUM> (not covered by the subject matter of the claims) having a static and dynamic portion, whereby the static portion is rigid, and the dynamic portion is somewhat flexible and may be able to translate with respect to the static portion. The dynamic portion may also be flexible in nature. For example, the structure of pneumatic positioning system <NUM> can be selectively inflatable and can be configured to connect with a valve for the inflation or deflation thereof. This valve may be integrated into the existing valve system (valve <NUM> of <FIG>) used to inflate the tubeless tire <NUM> in the conventional system, or may be a dedicated or stand-alone system. In one embodiment, when the positioning system is the standoff pneumatic positioning system <NUM>, the system includes a piston. In one embodiment, when the insert has the mean inner diameter X, the standoff pneumatic positioning system <NUM> is inflated. To reduce the mean inner diameter of the insert to the mean inner diameter Y, the standoff pneumatic positioning system <NUM> is deflated.

In general, the standoff pneumatic positioning system <NUM> can be integrally formed with the insert or it can be provided as a separate part. In one embodiment, the insert is configured to accommodate at least a part of the standoff pneumatic positioning system <NUM>. In one embodiment, the standoff pneumatic positioning system <NUM> is sealed at the end which is in contact with the insert.

With reference to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the positioning system is a stand-off element <NUM>. The stand-off element <NUM> can be centered or off-centered relative to the center of insert <NUM>. In one embodiment, the stand-off element interacts with insert <NUM> in a bistable nature, where in one state insert <NUM> has a larger inner diameter of X, and in the other state has smaller inner diameter Y. In one embodiment, insert <NUM> is positioned in a bistable nature from inner diameter X to inner diameter Y by applying an external force through tubeless tire <NUM> onto insert <NUM>. In one embodiment, as shown in the comparison of cross-sections <NUM> and <NUM> at least a portion of the stand-off element can be accommodated within the insert <NUM>.

In one embodiment, stand-off element <NUM> is connected to insert <NUM>. In one embodiment, stand-off element <NUM> extends along insert <NUM>.

In one embodiment, stand-off element <NUM> can be provided at the surface of rim bed <NUM> and be directed towards the insert <NUM>. In one embodiment, stand-off element <NUM> is integrated into rim bed <NUM>. In one embodiment, stand-off element <NUM> extends along rim bed <NUM>.

In one embodiment, stand-off element <NUM> is provided as a separate part. In one embodiment, stand-off element <NUM> is a stem-like structure, or the like. In one embodiment, stand-off element comprises at least two parts. In one embodiment, said at least two parts are movable with respect to each other. In one embodiment, said at least two parts are connected to each other. In one embodiment, said at least two parts comprise a part that is retractable into another part. In one embodiment, at least one part of the stand-off element is accommodated in the insert <NUM>. In one embodiment, the stand-off element <NUM> comprises deformable and/or deflectable features.

In general, it should be appreciated that any or all of the described positioning systems, or at least a part of any or all of the described positioning systems could have any suitable structures, such as continuous, integral, segmented, solid, composite, layered, or any combinations thereof.

In general, it should be appreciated that any or all of the described positioning systems, or at least a part of any or all of the described positioning systems could be of any shapes, such as oval, square, rectangular, triangular, helical, spherical, cylinder, conical, pyramid, or the like.

In general, it should be appreciated that any or all of the described positioning systems, or at least a part of any or all of the described positioning systems could comprise any suitable materials, such as polymers, metals, metal alloys, shape memory materials, composite materials, or the like.

In one embodiment, to remove the tubeless tire <NUM> and/or the insert <NUM>, positioning system is adjusted (e.g., released, loosened, depressurized, pressurized, heated, or the like), and valve <NUM> is opened, which allows the pressurized fluid to be exhausted from the internal fluid chamber <NUM>. The adjustment of positioning system causes insert <NUM> to reduce the pressure exerted on bead <NUM> and bead <NUM>, which facilitates removing of the tubeless tire and/or the insert from the rim. In one embodiment, the adjustment of positioning system <NUM> causes insert <NUM> to expand from the mean inner diameter Y back to the larger mean inner diameter X. In one embodiment, when the mean inner diameter of insert <NUM> is increased, insert <NUM> will move away from rim bed <NUM> of rim <NUM>.

It is to be appreciated that specific dimensions, proportions, shapes and configurations of each of the tubeless tire <NUM>, insert <NUM>, rim bed <NUM>, and internal fluid chamber <NUM> are shown in accordance with one embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that any or all of the described components, or at least a part of any or all of the described components, could be of any suitable shape, such as oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or the like.

Furthermore, although the foregoing describes insert <NUM> and tubeless tire <NUM> in the context of bike <NUM> and wheel <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the insert <NUM> and tubeless tire <NUM> may be particularly adapted for use in road bicycles, off-road bicycles, motorcycles, other on-road wheeled vehicles, other off-road wheeled vehicles, and the like.

Claim 1:
A tubeless tire insert (<NUM>) for use in installing a tubeless vehicle tire (<NUM>) on a rim (<NUM>),
the tubeless vehicle tire comprising a pair of tire sidewalls and a tire end wall extending between the pair of tire sidewalls, the pair of tire sidewalls extending away from the tire end wall and terminating in a respective first bead (<NUM>) and a second bead (<NUM>), each tire sidewall of said pair of tire sidewalls including an outer surface and an opposing inner surface;
the rim (<NUM>) comprising:
a rim bed (<NUM>) having a first sidewall (<NUM>), a second sidewall (<NUM>) and a base portion extending therebetween; and
a valve including a conventional valve stem which is capable of extending through the rim (<NUM>) when the tubeless vehicle tire (<NUM>) is installed on the rim, the valve adapted to be engaged with an air pump, or other pressurized fluid source;
which tubeless tire insert (<NUM>) comprises:
an annular body having shock absorbing characteristics;
characterised by:
a shape memory actuated positioning system (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to vary a mean inner diameter of the insert (<NUM>), wherein
the insert has a mean inner diameter X when the tire (<NUM>) is being installed on the rim (<NUM>), and once said first bead (<NUM>) and said second bead (<NUM>) are mounted between the first sidewall and second sidewall of the rim bed (<NUM>) at respective initial installed positions, the inner surface of each said tire sidewall and said rim bed defines an internal fluid chamber (<NUM>), and the internal fluid chamber is in fluid communication with said valve which allows for selective inflation/deflation of the internal fluid chamber; and
the insert has a mean inner diameter Y when the tire (<NUM>) is installed on the rim (<NUM>), where X is greater than Y, inflation of the internal fluid chamber (<NUM>) causing the insert to press into the rim bed exerting a force on the first (<NUM>) and second (<NUM>) beads of the tubeless vehicle tire the force causing the first and second beads to displace the first bead and second bead from said respective initial installed positions to new positions on said rim bed (<NUM>) that are at a larger mean diameter than the initial position and to form a seal with the rim bed, so that once the seal is formed, the tubeless vehicle tire (<NUM>) can be fully seated and inflated with minimal or no leakage.