Patent Description:
Recently, there is increasing awareness of environmentally friendly and low-carbon sports, and thus urban bicycles (sharing bicycles) are spreading all over the world. In addition, as the number of people who enjoy extreme sports using mountain bicycles and the like increases, technologies for tires of bicycles are being continuously developed. In the case of a pneumatic tire which is embedded with a tube and typically used, there is concern that the tire may be punctured when the tire is damaged by a sharp object during traveling.

Recently, there is an increasing demand for a solid tire in order to solve the problem. Because the solid tire is made of only rubber, for example, and air is not injected into the solid tire, there is no risk of puncture and the tire can be used for a long time.

However, the solid tire has a limitation in that the solid tire is heavier in weight than the pneumatic tire and has high rolling resistance. Accordingly, there is a need for developing technologies related to a tire that may ensure both the advantage of the solid tire capable of preventing puncture and the advantage of the pneumatic tire having low rolling resistance.

Patent Application Publication No. <CIT> discloses an insert for a tire. The document in the related art relates to an insert for a tube tire that may be used together with an air tube, and the tube is structured such that air is injected directly into the air tube from an air injection part of a rim. However, the document in the related art does not absolutely recognize circulation of a fluid in the tire which affects rolling resistance, puncture, and the like of the tubeless tire. <CIT> discloses a pneumatic tubeless tire assembly for a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim comprising an outer case, and a valve-less annular cushion composed of an elastomer material, said cushion comprising cavities which are permanently sealed off from each other and each contain a compressible fluid permanently trapped therein under pressure, said cushion being disposed in the part of the outer case nearest the center of the tire assembly and bearing on the sides of the outer case thereby ensuring that the outer case is air-tight, a free space being left between the outer part of the outer case relative to the center of the tire assembly and the cushion, and tire valve means extending through the cushion for inflating said free space. <CIT> discloses an insert for supporting a pneumatic tire which is intended to support substantially the entire internal face of the pneumatic tire and has a radially internal face intended to sit atop a wheel rim that accepts the pneumatic tire, has at least one cavity designed to be inflated by a valve of the wheel which valve is independent of the insert, via inflation gas conveying means opening onto said radially internal face and into said at least one cavity and discharge means for discharging the gas from this cavity, said at least one cavity and these conveying and discharge means being formed in and/or on the insert, the inflatable cavity being formed by an internal volume within the heart of the insert or alternatively by a concave external surface of the insert. <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 an emergency running ring for pneumatic tires mounted on vehicle rims. A lubricant is contained in cavities formed by virtue of the shape of the ring, or is contained in auxiliary members mounted in openings in the ring or mounted on the surface of the ring. In all instances, the loss of tire pressure due to emergency conditions causes the lubricant to be released so as to reduce the friction between the inner face of the tire cover and the ring. <CIT> discloses an emergency operation ring for tubeless pneumatic tires on motor vehicles made of an elastomeric material and mounted on a rim by means of axial clamping pressure. Two support sections extend diagonally upwards and outwards from the base section and define a circumferential channel. The support sections have step shaped outer flanks set back with respect to the base section. At least one circumferential groove is provided contiguous the circumferential channel, and slipping agent is positioned in the groove or grooves. Sealing lips close off the groove and slipping agent when the tire is intact. The wheel load working on the support sections at the beginning of an emergency operation brings the sealing lips into an open position, whereby the slipping agent is released and lubricates the surfaces of the pneumatic tire and the emergency operation ring in contact with each other. <CIT> discloses an assembly of a tire and a rim for a bicycle with the tire containing a cushioning material, mounted to the rim, the cushioning material comprises a rim side elastic ring body, a tire side first tube body and a second tube body included in the elastic ring body. The outer peripheral position of the elastic ring body is set into a height position <NUM>-<NUM>% of the basic height H of the tire, and a groove with a width <NUM>-<NUM>% of the bead part width of the cross section of the elastic ring body and a height <NUM>-<NUM>% of the cross-sectional height of the elastic ring body is provided as a groove for the second tube.

An object to be achieved by the present invention is to provide an insert for a tire capable of being applied to a tubeless tire.

Another object to be achieved by the present invention is to provide an insert for a tire capable of allowing a fluid in the tire to smoothly flow, absorbing external impact, and improving ride quality even in a state in which the insert is fastened to a rim and the tire.

Still another object to be achieved by the present invention is to provide an insert for a tire capable of being easily mounted when a tire and a rim are coupled.

However, technical problems to be solved by the exemplary embodiment of the present application are not limited to the aforementioned technical problem, and other technical problems may be present.

A first aspect of the present application provides an insert for a tubeless tire according to claim <NUM>.

Further embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. According to the present invention, the flow paths include a through flow path penetrating the inside of the insert while connecting the lower surface and the upper surface of the insert. Preferably, lateral flow path is a formed in a lateral surface of the insert; or a coupling flow path connecting the through flow path and the lateral flow path, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the rim may include a fluid injection part, and the through flow path and the lateral flow path may be directly or indirectly connected to the fluid injection part, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the through flow path and the lateral flow path may be directly or indirectly connected to the fluid injection part through a lower flow path formed in the lower surface of the insert, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the insert may further include a fluid receiving part connected to the fluid injection part, and the fluid receiving part may be connected to the through flow path, the lateral flow path, or the lower flow path, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the present invention, the insert includes an inner hollow portion and may include an upper groove, a lower groove, a lateral groove, or combinations thereof.

According to the present invention, the inner hollow portion includes an opening portion formed in a direction of the lower surface of the insert, and two ends of the opening portion are capable of being mechanically or chemically bound.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the lower groove may include a protruding portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the insert may include an upper groove having a slit shape, a lower groove, or a through hole, and a horizontal width of the slit may be smaller than a length between two hooks of the rim, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the lower groove or the inner hollow portion may include an inner pleated portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, in a state in which the insert for a tire, the tire, and the rim are coupled, a ratio hi/ht of a maximum height hi of the insert from an imaginary horizontal surface between two hooks of the rim to a maximum height ht of an interior of the tire from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks of the rim may be <NUM> to <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, in a state in which the insert for a tire, the tire, and the rim are coupled, the insert for a tire has hardness equal to or higher than Shore C hardness of <NUM> and equal to or lower than Shore A hardness of <NUM>, and a ratio wi/wt of a horizontal/transverse diameter wi of the insert to a horizontal/transverse diameter wt of the tire may be <NUM> to <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The tire is a tubeless tire, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

A second aspect of the present application provides a tire fastening structure in which the tire and the insert for a tire are fastened to the rim.

A third aspect of the present application provides a transportation means including the insert for a tire.

The technical solution is just illustrative but should not be interpreted as being intended to limit the present application. In addition to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, additional exemplary embodiments may be present in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention.

According to the present invention, since the insert for a tire according to the present application is provided in the tubeless tire, it is possible to prevent damage to the rim caused by external impact when the tubeless tire is used. In addition, in the event of the puncture of the tire, the tire including the insert for a tire may operate as a run flat tire.

Since the insert for a tire according to the present application has the flow path, the fluid in the tire may smoothly flow even in the state in which the insert is fastened together with the rim and the tire.

The tire including the insert for a tire according to the present application may absorb impact well, improve ride quality, and achieve excellent rolling resistance.

Further, the insert for a tire may be easily coupled to and mounted on the tire and the rim.

However, the effects, which can be obtained by the present application, are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects may be present.

The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

However, the present application may be implemented in various different ways and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, the present application may be implemented in various different ways and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. A part irrelevant to the description will be omitted in the drawings in order to clearly describe the present application, and similar constituent elements will be designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification of the present application, when one constituent element is referred to as being "connected to" another constituent element, one constituent element can be "directly connected to" the other constituent element, and one constituent element can also be "electrically connected to" or "indirectly connected to" the other element with other elements therebetween.

Throughout the specification, when one member is disposed "on", "at an upper side of", "at an upper end of", "below", "at a lower side of", or "at a lower end of" another member in the present specification of the present application, this includes not only a case where the one member is brought into contact with another member, but also a case where still another member is present between the two members.

Throughout the specification of the present application, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprise" or "include" and variations, such as "comprises", "comprising", "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated constituent elements, not the exclusion of any other constituent elements.

Throughout the specification, the term "combination(s) of" included in Markush type description means mixture or combination of one or more constituent elements selected from a group consisting of constituent elements described in Markush type and thus means that the disclosure includes one or more constituent elements selected from the Markush group.

A first aspect of the present application relates to an insert for a tire capable of being fastened together with a rim and a tire and provides the insert for a tire including a flow path connecting an upper surface and a lower surface of the insert.

Hereinafter, the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the present application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and the drawings.

The insert for a tire according to the first aspect of the present application may be formed in a ring or doughnut shape, for example, and fastened to (mounted on) the rim along a circumference of the rim. For example, the insert for a tire according to the present application may be manufactured by, but not limited to, an injection foaming process. As another example, the insert for a tire may be manufactured by an extrusion process, cut to a desired length, and then used in a state in which both ends of the insert are connected to each other. In addition, the insert according to the present application may include, for example, but not limited to, a material selected from a group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, thermosetting resin, thermoplastic resin, and combinations thereof.

Meanwhile, <FIG> are views assuming states in which the rim and the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application originally having a ring shape are partially cut and spread straight.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a cross section in a state in which the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is fastened together with the rim and the tire.

Referring to <FIG>, an insert <NUM> for a tire according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application includes an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> of the insert means a surface directed toward a portion (tread) of a tire <NUM> which comes into contact with the ground surface in a state in which the insert <NUM> is fastened to a rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> of the insert means a surface directed toward a center of the rim <NUM> in the state in which the insert <NUM> is fastened to the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM>.

In addition, the insert <NUM> includes a flow path <NUM> that connects the upper surface <NUM> of the insert and the lower surface <NUM> of the insert.

Specifically, referring to <FIG>, the flow path <NUM> is connected such that a fluid flows from a lower space below the lower surface <NUM> to an upper space above the upper surface <NUM>. Therefore, the fluid, which is injected through a fluid injection part <NUM> (see <FIG>) provided in the rim <NUM>, may smoothly move to the upper space above the upper surface <NUM> even in the state in which the insert <NUM> is fastened to the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM>.

On the contrary, during a process in which the fluid stored in the upper space above the upper surface <NUM> moves to the lower space below the lower surface <NUM> so as to be discharged, pressure is applied to the upper surface <NUM> in a direction from above to below, and as a result, the insert <NUM> comes into close contact with the rim <NUM>, and a gap between a lateral surface <NUM> of the insert and an inner surface of the tire <NUM> is removed, such that the fluid may be hardly discharged. In this case, when the flow path <NUM> is provided, the fluid may be discharged through the flow path <NUM> without difficulty. Therefore, since the insert <NUM> for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application includes the flow path <NUM>, it is easy to inject the fluid into the tire <NUM> or discharge the fluid from the tire <NUM>.

In addition, when a transportation means travels in the state in which the insert <NUM> is fastened to the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM>, the fluid may be smoothly circulated in the tire <NUM> through the flow path <NUM>, thereby improving ride quality.

For example, the fluid may be, but not limited to, a gas such as air, nitrogen, or oxygen, a sealant composition containing polypropylene glycol, a liquid such as a liquid polymer, or a combination thereof.

The gas such as air is injected into the tire <NUM> in the state in which the insert <NUM> is fastened to the tire <NUM> and the rim <NUM>, and the gas may serve to reduce rolling resistance and improve ride quality.

The liquid is injected into the tire <NUM> in the state in which the insert <NUM> is fastened to the tire <NUM> and the rim <NUM>, and the liquid may serve to reduce rolling resistance, improve braking force, and reduce deformation of the tire.

In particular, the fluid, for example, the sealant composition liquid may freely move in the tire <NUM> along the upper and lower surfaces of the insert <NUM>. In the event of the puncture of the tire <NUM>, the sealant composition moves to the portion where the puncture occurs and blocks the puncture, such that the tire may be restored by itself.

That is, even in the state in which the insert <NUM> is fastened to the tire <NUM> and the rim <NUM>, the fluid may be injected, and the injected fluid may freely move in the upper and lower spaces of the insert <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, for example, the flow path <NUM> may be penetratively connected from the lower surface <NUM> to the upper surface <NUM> straight, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As another example, the flow path <NUM> may be connected along the lateral surface <NUM>. Examples of the flow path <NUM>, which may be implemented in various forms, will be specifically described below with reference to <FIG>. Meanwhile, one or more flow paths <NUM> may be provided in the entire insert <NUM>. When the plurality of flow paths <NUM> is provided, the flow paths <NUM> are provided at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the flow paths <NUM> of the insert <NUM> for a tire may include through flow paths <NUM> penetrating the lower surface <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the insert <NUM>, lateral flow paths <NUM> formed in the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert or coupling flow paths <NUM> connecting the through flow paths <NUM> and the lateral flow paths <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of the flow path of the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application.

The through flow path <NUM> may mean a flow path penetrating the inside of the insert <NUM> while connecting the lower surface <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM>. That is, the through flow path <NUM> may mean a flow path having a periphery surrounded by the material of the insert <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the through flow path <NUM> may be formed in a vertical direction, for example. As another example, the through flow path <NUM> may be curved or bent. As still another example, the through flow path <NUM> may be formed in a spiral shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The lateral flow path <NUM> may be formed in the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert. At least a part of the lateral flow path <NUM> may be in contact with the inner surface of the tire <NUM> in the state in which the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM> are fastened. That is, the lateral flow path <NUM> may be construed as a gap between the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert and the inner surface of the tire <NUM>. In addition, at least a part of the lateral flow path <NUM> may be formed along the lower surface <NUM> of the insert so as to be connected to the lateral surface <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, for example, the lateral flow path <NUM> may be formed to the right along the lower surface <NUM> so as to be connected to the lateral surface <NUM> and formed along the lateral surface <NUM> so as to be connected to the upper surface <NUM>.

The coupling flow path <NUM> may be a flow path connecting the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM>. At least a part of the coupling flow path <NUM> may be connected to penetrate the inside of the insert <NUM>. In addition, at least a part of the coupling flow path <NUM> may be formed in the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert. Referring to <FIG>, for example, the coupling flow path <NUM> may be structured such that the coupling flow path <NUM> is formed to partially penetrate the inside of the insert <NUM> in the direction from the lower surface <NUM> to the upper surface <NUM>, curved (bent) in the direction of the lateral surface <NUM>, connected to the lateral surface <NUM>, and then connected to the upper surface <NUM> along the lateral surface <NUM>. In this case, the flow path connected from the lower surface <NUM> to the lateral surface <NUM> may correspond to the through flow path <NUM>, and the flow path connected to the upper surface <NUM> along the lateral surface <NUM> may correspond to the lateral flow path <NUM>. As another example, the coupling flow path <NUM> may be connected to the lower surface <NUM> through the lateral flow path <NUM> and connected to the upper surface <NUM> through the through flow path <NUM>. As still another example, the coupling flow path <NUM> may be connected to the lower surface <NUM> through the through flow path <NUM>, the through flow path <NUM> may be connected to the lateral flow path <NUM>, and the lateral flow path <NUM> may be connected to another through flow path <NUM> different from the through flow path <NUM> and then connected to the upper surface <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, <FIG> schematically illustrates the shapes of the through flow path <NUM>, the lateral flow path <NUM>, and the coupling flow path <NUM> in the cross section of the insert <NUM> in which the through flow path <NUM>, the lateral flow path <NUM>, and the coupling flow path <NUM> are indicated by solid lines. Further, <FIG> schematically illustrates the shapes of the through flow path <NUM>, the lateral flow path <NUM>, and the coupling flow path <NUM> positioned in the insert <NUM> in which the through flow path <NUM>, the lateral flow path <NUM>, and the coupling flow path <NUM> are indicated by dotted lines.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the rim <NUM> may include the fluid injection part <NUM>, and the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM> may be directly or indirectly connected to the fluid injection part <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the flow path of the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is connected to the fluid injection part.

In the case in which the insert <NUM> for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is fastened together with the tire <NUM> and the rim <NUM> including the fluid injection part <NUM>, the fluid injected through the fluid injection part <NUM> may be introduced into at least one of the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM>. Meanwhile, since the coupling flow path <NUM> connects the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM>, the fluid injected through the fluid injection part <NUM> may in turn be introduced into at least one of the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM> even in the case in which the fluid injection part <NUM> is connected to the coupling flow path <NUM>.

Referring to the fluid injection part <NUM> indicated by the solid line in <FIG>, the fluid injection part <NUM> may be directly connected to at least one of the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM>. In this case, the fluid injected through the fluid injection part <NUM> may be directly introduced into the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM>. Referring to the fluid injection part <NUM> indicated by the dotted line in <FIG>, the fluid injection part <NUM> may be indirectly connected to at least one of the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM>. In this case, the fluid injected through the fluid injection part <NUM> moves in the lower space below the lower surface <NUM> of the insert and then enters at least one of the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM> may be directly or indirectly connected to the fluid injection part <NUM> through a lower flow path <NUM> formed in the lower surface <NUM> of the insert <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, when the lower flow path <NUM> is formed, the fluid injected through the fluid injection part <NUM> may smoothly move from a position, at which the fluid is injected through the lower flow path <NUM>, to another position. In particular, the effect may be more greatly exhibited when the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM> are indirectly connected to the fluid injection part <NUM>. In addition, when the fluid smoothly flows, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to inject the fluid into the tire <NUM> or remove the fluid from the tire <NUM> in the state in which the insert <NUM> for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is fastened together with the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the insert <NUM> may further include a fluid receiving part <NUM> connected to the fluid injection part <NUM>, and the fluid receiving part <NUM> may be connected to the through flow path <NUM>, the lateral flow path <NUM>, or the lower flow path <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the fluid receiving part of the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is connected to the fluid injection part and the flow paths.

In the case in which the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM> are indirectly connected to the fluid injection part <NUM>, the through flow path <NUM> and the lateral flow path <NUM> may be connected to the fluid injection part <NUM> through the fluid receiving part <NUM>.

That is, the through flow path <NUM>, the lateral flow path <NUM>, or the lower flow path <NUM> may be connected to the fluid injection part <NUM> through the fluid receiving part <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, for example, the fluid receiving part <NUM> may be provided in a hemispheric shape, and a diameter of the fluid receiving part <NUM> may be larger than a diameter of a horizontal cross section of the fluid injection part <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the fluid receiving part <NUM> may be provided in various shapes. In addition, a diameter of the fluid receiving part <NUM> may be equal to or larger than a diameter or a width of the through flow path <NUM>, the lateral flow path <NUM>, or the lower flow path <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Since the insert <NUM> for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application includes the fluid receiving part <NUM>, the fluid injected through the fluid injection part <NUM> may easily reach the upper space of the insert <NUM> through the through flow path <NUM> or the lateral flow path <NUM> even though the portion of the through flow path <NUM>, the portion of the lateral flow path <NUM>, and the portion of the fluid injection part <NUM>, which are connected to one another, do not accurately match one another.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the insert <NUM> may include upper grooves <NUM>, a lower groove <NUM>, lateral grooves <NUM>, an inner hollow portion <NUM>, or combinations thereof, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(a) of <FIG> and (b) of <FIG> are views illustrating examples of the upper groove, the lower groove, the lateral groove, the inner hollow portion, and the like of the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application.

The upper groove <NUM>, the lower groove <NUM>, the lateral groove <NUM>, or the inner hollow portion <NUM> may reduce a weight of the insert <NUM> and enable the insert <NUM> to elastically absorb impact. For example, even though an upper portion of the insert <NUM> is pressed by external force, the insert <NUM> may be recessed to a vacant space of the inner hollow portion <NUM> and then restored to an original shape and an original position because the insert <NUM> includes the inner hollow portion <NUM>, such that it is possible to reduce impact to be applied to a lower portion of the insert <NUM>. For this reason, ride quality may be improved when the transportation means including the insert <NUM> operates (travels).

The upper groove <NUM> may mean a groove formed in the upper surface <NUM> of the insert. More specifically, the upper groove <NUM> may mean a groove recessed in the direction from the upper surface <NUM> of the insert to the lower surface <NUM> of the insert. Referring to (a) of <FIG>, for example, the upper grooves <NUM> may be formed in irregular shapes and at irregular intervals. As another example, the upper grooves <NUM> may be formed in regular shapes and at regular intervals. As still another example, the upper groove <NUM> may be continuously formed to have a predetermined cross-sectional shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The lower groove <NUM> may mean a groove formed in the lower surface <NUM> of the insert. More specifically, the lower groove <NUM> may mean a groove recessed in the direction from the lower surface <NUM> of the insert to the upper surface <NUM> of the insert. Referring to (a) of <FIG>, for example, the lower groove <NUM> may be continuously formed to have a predetermined cross-sectional shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the lower groove <NUM> may serve as the lower flow path <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The lateral groove <NUM> may mean a groove formed in the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert. More specifically, the lateral groove <NUM> may mean a groove recessed toward a center of the inside of the insert <NUM> from the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert. Referring to (a) of <FIG>, for example, the lateral groove <NUM> may be recessed to have a non-uniform depth. As another example, the lateral groove <NUM> may be recessed to have a uniform depth, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the lateral groove <NUM>, which is positioned at a relatively right upper side among the lateral grooves <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, may merge with the upper groove <NUM>. Meanwhile, the lateral groove <NUM> may serve as the lateral flow path <NUM> (see <FIG>). Meanwhile, in the case in which the insert <NUM> for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application includes the lateral groove <NUM>, a tool (e.g., a lever) may be fitted into the lateral groove <NUM> when the insert <NUM> for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is fastened together with the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM>, such that the insert <NUM> may be easily fastened (mounted). Meanwhile, depths and shapes of the upper groove <NUM>, the lower groove <NUM>, and the lateral groove <NUM> are not limited to those illustrated in <FIG>.

The inner hollow portion <NUM> may mean a hole formed in the insert <NUM>. Referring to (b) of <FIG>, for example, the inner hollow portion <NUM> may mean a hole having a circular cross section and continuously formed in the insert <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this case, a cross section and a size of the cross section of the inner hollow portion <NUM> may vary depending on various exemplary embodiments.

The insert <NUM> for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application may include a combination of one or more of the upper groove <NUM>, the lower groove <NUM>, the lateral groove <NUM>, and the inner hollow portion <NUM>. For example, the insert <NUM> may include a through hole including the upper groove <NUM>, the inner hollow portion <NUM>, and the lower groove <NUM> which are connected to one another, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the inner hollow portion <NUM> may include an opening portion formed in the direction of the lower surface <NUM> of the insert, and two ends of the opening portion may be mechanically or chemically bound, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(a) of <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the opening portion of the inner hollow portion of the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is opened, and (b) of <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the opening portion of the inner hollow portion of the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is bound.

Referring to (a) of <FIG>, the inner hollow portion <NUM> may be opened in the direction of the lower surface <NUM>. When the opening portion is in the opened state, the inner hollow portion <NUM> may not be the hole formed in the insert <NUM> any further. Meanwhile, as the inner hollow portion <NUM> is opened, the lower portion of the insert <NUM> may be separated toward two sides. Referring to (b) of <FIG>, the two sides of the lower portion of the insert <NUM>, which are illustrated as being separated in (a) of <FIG>, that is, the two ends of the opening portion may be bound. In this case, the methods of binding the two ends of the opening portion may be understood as broadly including binding methods such as mechanical binding or chemical binding that may form the hole in the insert <NUM> again.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the lower groove <NUM> may include protruding portions, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(a) of <FIG> and (b) of <FIG> are views illustrating examples of protruding portions in the lower groove of the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application.

It can be seen that the lower groove <NUM> of the insert is opened in the direction of the lower surface <NUM> in accordance with a point of view. In this case, the lower groove <NUM> may be structured such that the two sides of the lower portion of the insert <NUM>, which face each other with the lower groove <NUM> interposed therebetween, may be at least partially bound. An example of the structure, which may be bound, will be specifically described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the protruding portion <NUM> may be formed to protrude in the direction from an inner surface of the lower groove <NUM> to a vacant space in the lower groove <NUM>. Referring to (a) of <FIG>, for example, the protruding portions <NUM> may be formed at both sides of the lower portion of the insert <NUM> with the lower groove <NUM> interposed therebetween. In addition, the protruding portions <NUM> may be continuously formed in a circumferential direction along the lower surface <NUM> of the insert. The protruding portions <NUM> may be staggered in a vertical direction and bound to overlap each other.

As another example, referring to (b) of <FIG>, the plurality of protruding portions <NUM> may be formed at both sides of the lower portion of the insert <NUM> with the lower groove <NUM> interposed therebetween, and the plurality of protruding portions <NUM> may be formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction along the lower surface <NUM> of the insert. The protruding portions <NUM> may be bound to overlap one another in the vertical direction. In this case, portions, which correspond to the intervals between the plurality of protruding portions <NUM> formed at the predetermined intervals, may be still opened. Therefore, the fluid, which is injected from the fluid injection part <NUM> (see <FIG>) as described above, may move along the internal space of the lower groove <NUM>, such that the lower groove <NUM> may serve as the lower flow path <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In the case in which the lower portion of the insert <NUM> for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is opened in the direction of the lower surface <NUM>, the two sides of the lower portion of the insert <NUM> are bound, such that the insert <NUM> may be fixed in place when the insert <NUM> is fastened together with the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a safety accident that may occur as the insert <NUM> is separated from the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM> during traveling.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the insert <NUM> may include the upper groove <NUM> having a slit shape, the lower groove <NUM>, or the through hole, and a horizontal width of the slit may be smaller than a length between two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, the through hole may be formed in a cylindrical shape penetrating the lower surface <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the insert <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(a) of <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, which has the upper groove having a slit shape, is fastened to the rim, and (b) of <FIG> is an enlarged view of the slit-shaped upper groove of the insert for a tire illustrated in (a) of <FIG> when viewed from above.

Referring to (a) of <FIG> and (b) of <FIG>, for example, a horizontal width d of the slit of the upper groove <NUM> may be smaller than a length <NUM> between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM>. If the horizontal width d of the slit of the upper groove <NUM> is equal to or larger than the length <NUM> between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM>, a thickness of the insert <NUM>, which may be disposed above the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> to protect the rim <NUM> when external impact is applied during traveling, is relatively smaller than a thickness of the insert <NUM> when the horizontal width d of the slit is smaller than the length <NUM> between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM>. For this reason, a relatively larger impact may be applied to the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM>.

In addition, referring to (a) of <FIG> and (b) of <FIG>, the plurality of slit-shaped upper grooves <NUM> may be provided at predetermined intervals. A vertical width s of one slit-shaped upper groove <NUM>, among the plurality of slit-shaped upper grooves <NUM>, may be within a predetermined range. If the vertical width s of the slit of the upper groove <NUM> exceeds the predetermined range, force with which the insert <NUM> spreads the tire <NUM> in the direction toward both sides is insufficient, and as a result, rolling resistance may be increased.

The configurations related to the horizontal width d of the slit and the vertical width s of the slit may be equally applied to the slit-shaped lower groove <NUM> or the slit-shaped through hole. In this case, the horizontal width d of the slit may mean a width above upper end surfaces of the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the lower groove <NUM> or the inner hollow portion <NUM> may include an inner pleated portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(a) of <FIG> is a view illustrating the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application having the lower groove, and (a') of <FIG> is a view illustrating the inner pleated portion of the lower groove of the insert for a tire illustrated in (a) of <FIG> and (b) of <FIG> is a view illustrating the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application having the inner hollow portion, and (b') of <FIG> is a view illustrating the inner pleated portion of the inner hollow portion of the insert for a tire illustrated in (b) of <FIG>.

Referring to (a') of <FIG> and (b') of <FIG>, more specifically, the inner pleated portion may be formed on the inner surface of the insert which is directed toward the upper surface <NUM> of the insert. When the fluid is injected into the tire, the insert <NUM> is compressed and retracted (shrunk) in a direction in which the insert relatively receives force, that is, in the direction from the upper surface <NUM> to the lower surface <NUM>. Therefore, when the inner pleated portion is formed on the inner surface of the lower groove <NUM> or the inner hollow portion <NUM> which is directed toward the upper surface <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the insert from being retracted (shrunk). In addition, since the insert is prevented from being retracted (shrunk), it is possible to prevent rolling resistance from increasing.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert may be concave or convex with respect to the center of the inside of the insert <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a lateral side of the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Referring to <FIG>, the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert may be concave or convex with respect to the center of the inside of the insert <NUM>. More specifically, referring to the dotted line having dots having a relatively short length and illustrated in <FIG>, the configuration in which the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert is concave with respect to the center of the inside of the insert <NUM> may mean that the insert <NUM> has a shape concave with respect to the center of the inside of the insert <NUM>. In this case, the insert <NUM> may be more easily fastened to (mounted on) the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM> in comparison with a case in which the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert has a shape indicated by the solid line. In addition, a volume of the insert <NUM> may be reduced, such that a weight of the insert <NUM> and manufacturing costs may be reduced.

Meanwhile, referring to the dotted line having dots having a relatively long length and illustrated in <FIG>, the configuration in which the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert is convex toward the center of the inside of the insert <NUM> may mean that the insert <NUM> has a shape convex with respect to the center of the inside of the insert <NUM>. In this case, this configuration may be advantageous in terms of impact absorption because a thickness of the portion, which may absorb impact applied to the rim <NUM>, is increased. In addition, the force with which the insert <NUM> pushes (spreads) the inner surface of the tire in the direction toward both sides may be increased, thereby reducing rolling resistance.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, in the state in which the insert <NUM> for a tire, the tire <NUM>, and the rim <NUM> are coupled, a ratio hi/ht of a maximum height hi of the insert <NUM> from an imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> to a maximum height ht of an interior of the tire <NUM> from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the maximum height of the interior of the tire from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks of the rim and the maximum height of the insert from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks of the rim in the state in which the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is coupled to the tire and the rim.

For example, the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> may be a horizontal surface formed by extending the upper end surface of the hook <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the maximum height ht of the interior of the tire <NUM> may mean a height of the inner surface of the tire <NUM> which is most distant in the direction from the imaginary horizontal surface between the hooks <NUM> to the portion where the tire <NUM> comes into contact with the ground surface, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the maximum height hi of the insert <NUM> may mean a height of the upper surface <NUM> of the insert which is most distant in the direction from the imaginary horizontal surface between the hooks <NUM> to the interior of the tire <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the following examples, but the following examples are provided only for the purpose of explanation but not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

As a condition of Example <NUM>, a Maxxis-Minion DHR <NUM> (<NUM> × <NUM>) tire was used, and an air pressure in the tire was <NUM> psi.

In an experimental method of Example <NUM>, the tire coupled to the insert was installed on a pressure measurement device called a load cell, a weight of <NUM> was dropped onto the tire from a height of <NUM>, the amount of force or load (kgf) applied to the load cell for each time was measured, and a maximum load point (kgf) thereof was selected as an index for evaluating impact absorption performance.

In Example <NUM>, the vibration was measured by using a vibration measurer capable of measuring in µm units by bringing the tire into contact with a drum and rotating the drum. In this case, a speed of the drum was <NUM>/h, and a weight of the drum was <NUM>. The vibration was measured for <NUM> minutes after starting the operation, and an average value was obtained. For reference, measured vibration values shown in the following Table <NUM> are displacement values. For example, the measured vibration value of <NUM> means that the vibration is generated with a width of <NUM>, and specifically, means that the vibration moves to the left by <NUM> and to the right by <NUM>.

In Example <NUM>, rebound resilience was measured by setting a center, at which the tire and the insert were mounted, as a drop point, dropping a weight of <NUM> from a height of <NUM>, and measuring a height at which the weight additionally bounced by elasticity.

Meanwhile, the impact absorption performance, which is evaluated using the maximum load point as an index, relates to impact applied to the rim <NUM> or the tire <NUM> to the extent that the rim <NUM> or the tire <NUM> cannot be reusable, and the impact absorption performance, which is evaluated using the vibration as an index, relates to lower impact that allows the transportation means to continue traveling.

In addition, the rebound resilience is an index that may indicate restoring force of the insert <NUM>, and it can be determined that the rolling resistance decreases as the restoring force increases, that is, the rebound resilience increases. In addition, considering that the solid has lower rebound resilience than the gas, when the ratio hi/ht of the maximum height hi of the insert <NUM> from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> to the maximum height ht of the interior of the tire <NUM> from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> increases, a ratio of the solid (e.g., the insert) to the gas (e.g., air) in the tire <NUM> increases, such that the rebound resilience may decrease, and thus the rolling resistance value may increase.

Based on the ratio hi/ht of the maximum height hi of the insert <NUM> from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> to the maximum height ht of the interior of the tire <NUM> from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM>, the maximum load point, the vibration, and the rebound resilience were measured by the experiment, and the result of comprehensively determining suitability/non-suitability based on the measurement result is shown in the following Table <NUM>.

Impact absorption performance: the impact absorption performance is evaluated as satisfying an appropriate level when the maximum load point is <NUM> kgf or less.

Impact absorption performance and ride quality: the impact absorption performance against low impact is evaluated as satisfying an appropriate level and the ride quality is evaluated as being satisfied when the vibration (amplitude of the vibration of the tire) is <NUM> or less.

Rolling resistance: the rolling resistance value is evaluated as satisfying a predetermined range (appropriate level) when the rebound resilience is <NUM> or more.

Suitable (O): a state in which the maximum load point is <NUM> kgf or less, the vibration is <NUM> or less, and the rebound resilience is <NUM> or more is evaluated as being suitable.

Unsuitable (X): a state in which the maximum load point is higher than <NUM> kgf, the vibration is larger than <NUM>, or the rebound resilience is smaller than <NUM> is evaluated as being unsuitable.

According to the result shown in Table <NUM>, when the ratio hi/ht of the maximum height hi of the insert <NUM> from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> to the maximum height ht of the interior of the tire <NUM> from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> is smaller than <NUM>, the impact absorption performance cannot satisfy the appropriate level, and a function of absorbing impact applied to the tire <NUM> from the outside may deteriorate. For example, when the tire collides with a protruding object in a state in which air pressure in the tire is low or when the tire bounces into the air and then lands on the road surface, the tire <NUM> and the road surface come into close contact with the rim <NUM>, such that pinch flat or snakebite (similar to a shape having four holes formed when a snake bites) puncture may occur, and the rim <NUM> may also be damaged.

In contrast, when the ratio hi/ht of the maximum height hi of the insert <NUM> from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> to the maximum height ht of the interior of the tire <NUM> from the imaginary horizontal surface between the two hooks <NUM> of the rim <NUM> is larger than <NUM>, the rolling resistance value cannot satisfy the predetermined range (appropriate level). In this case, because the interior of the tire <NUM> is mostly filled with the insert <NUM> which is a solid, the rolling resistance value may be further increased than the criterion to be satisfied. In addition, an overall weight of the tire may increase.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, in a state in which the insert <NUM> for a tire, the tire <NUM>, and the rim <NUM> are coupled, the insert <NUM> for a tire has hardness equal to or higher than Shore C hardness of <NUM> and equal to or lower than Shore A hardness of <NUM>, and a ratio wi/wt of a horizontal/transverse diameter wi of the insert <NUM> to a horizontal/transverse diameter wt of the tire <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a horizontal/transverse diameter of the tire and a horizontal/transverse diameter of the insert in the state in which the insert for a tire according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is coupled to the tire and the rim.

In this case, for example, the horizontal/transverse diameter wt of the tire <NUM> may mean a length between two portions of the inner surface of the tire <NUM> which are most distant from each other in the horizontal direction based on the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the horizontal/transverse diameter wi of the insert <NUM> may mean a length between two portions of the lateral surface <NUM> of the insert <NUM> which are most distant from each other in the horizontal direction based on the drawing, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this case, the lateral surface <NUM> may mean a surface that may be in contact with the inner surface of the tire <NUM>.

As a condition of Example <NUM>, a Maxxis-Minion DHR <NUM> (<NUM> × <NUM>) tire was used, and an air pressure in the tire was <NUM> psi. In addition, the tire horizontal/transverse diameter was set to <NUM>, the horizontal/transverse diameter of the insert was adjusted within a range of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and then the experiment was performed. That is, the insert in which the ratio wi/wt of the horizontal/transverse diameter of the insert to the horizontal/transverse diameter of the tire was increased by <NUM> within a range of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less was used.

The hardness in Example <NUM> was adjusted by a foaming rate under the same mixing condition. In addition, the hardness of the insert <NUM> was measured by applying a hardness test method based on ASTM D <NUM>. The insert in which the hardness according to the foaming amount is increased by <NUM> within a range of Shore C hardness of <NUM> or more, Shore C hardness of <NUM> or less, Shore A hardness of <NUM> or more, and Shore A hardness of <NUM> or less was used.

In other words, the experiment was performed on the insert having Shore C hardness of <NUM> or more and Shore A hardness of <NUM> or less for each ratio wi/wt of the horizontal/transverse diameter of the insert to the horizontal/transverse diameter of the tire. However, the experiment for measuring the rolling resistance, the vibration, and the rebound resilience used the insert <NUM> having the hardness typically used within the hardness range (Shore C hardness is <NUM> or more and Shore A hardness is <NUM> or less; see the following Table <NUM>) that was determined as being suitable for the experiment based on the hardness and the ratio of the horizontal/transverse diameter.

A rim-off Test was performed as an experimental method in Example <NUM>. The rim-off test refers to a test that measures a force applied when the tire is separated from the hooks of the rim as the force is applied to the lateral surface of the tire in the state in which the tire engages with the hooks of the rim.

The rolling resistance in Example <NUM> was measured by using a torque cell by rotating a drum in a state in which the tire was in contact with the drum. In this case, a speed of the drum was <NUM>/h, and a weight of the drum was <NUM>. For reference, in the following Table <NUM>, the watt (W) of the rolling resistance values are values made by converting torque values (N-m) into power consumption (W), and the force required to roll the tire decreases as the rolling resistance value decreases.

In Example <NUM>, the vibration was measured by using a vibration measurer capable of measuring in µm units by bringing the tire into contact with a drum and rotating the drum. In this case, a speed of the drum was <NUM>/h, and a weight of the drum was <NUM>. The vibration was measured for <NUM> minutes after starting the operation, and an average value was obtained.

Rolling resistance: the rolling resistance value is evaluated as being at an appropriate level when the rolling resistance is <NUM> W or less.

Vibration: the vibration is evaluated as being at an appropriate level when the vibration is <NUM> or less.

Rebound resilience: the rebound resilience value is evaluated as being at an appropriate level when the rebound resilience value is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

Suitable (O): a state in which a highest load value at which the detachment occurs when the rim-off test is performed after the insert is fastened is larger than a highest load value at which the detachment occurs when the rim-off test is performed in a state in which the insert is not fastened to the tire and mounting force of the tire (the highest load value) increases in accordance with the increase in hardness is evaluated as being suitable.

Unsuitable (X): a state in which the highest load value at which the detachment occurs when the rim-off test is performed after the insert is fastened is equal to or smaller than the highest load value at which the detachment occurs when the rim-off test is performed in the state in which the insert is not fastened to the tire is evaluated as being unsuitable, and a state in which the mounting force of the tire (the highest load value) does not increase in accordance with the increase in hardness is evaluated as being unsuitable even though the highest load value at which the detachment occurs when the rim-off test is performed after the insert is fastened is larger than the highest load value at which the detachment occurs when the rim-off test is performed in the state in which the insert is not fastened to the tire.

According to the result shown in Table <NUM>, when the hardness of the insert <NUM> is less than Shore C hardness of <NUM>, the insert <NUM> is not fixed and may be easily separated from the rim <NUM> during traveling even though the insert <NUM> is fastened (mounted) together with the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM>. This means that there is no advantageous effect in terms of the mounting force of the tire <NUM> in comparison with the state in which the insert <NUM> is not fastened. In addition, the rolling resistance value may be larger than the criterion to be satisfied. When the hardness of the insert <NUM> is less than a predetermined level in the state in which the insert <NUM>, the rim <NUM>, and the tire <NUM> are fastened, a strain rate of the tire <NUM> may be increased, and thus a value to be converted into thermal energy is increased, such that the rolling resistance value may be larger than the criterion to be satisfied.

In contrast, when the hardness of the insert <NUM> is higher than Shore A hardness of <NUM>, it may be difficult to fasten (mount) the insert <NUM> together with the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM> by a method being typically used. In addition, when the hardness of the insert <NUM> is large enough to exceed a predetermined level, the impact absorption performance during traveling may deteriorate. Therefore, the amount of impact transmitted to the rim <NUM> is large, and as a result, the rim <NUM> may be damaged.

In addition, according to the results shown in Tables <NUM> and <NUM>, when the ratio wi/wt of the horizontal/transverse diameter wi of the insert <NUM> to the horizontal/transverse diameter wt of the tire <NUM> exceeds <NUM>, it may be difficult to fasten the insert <NUM> together with the rim <NUM> and the tire <NUM> by a method being typically used.

In addition, according to the result shown in Table <NUM>, when the ratio wi/wt of the horizontal/transverse diameter wi of the insert <NUM> to the horizontal/transverse diameter wt of the tire <NUM> is less than <NUM>, there may be no advantageous effect in terms of the mounting force of the tire <NUM> in comparison with the state in which the insert <NUM> is not fastened. In addition, a function of the insert <NUM> for protecting the rim <NUM> from external impact may deteriorate.

Meanwhile, referring to Table <NUM>, it can be ascertained that the rolling resistance value decreases as the ratio wi/wt begins to be larger than <NUM> (i.e., the horizontal/transverse diameter of the insert <NUM> begins to be larger than the horizontal/transverse diameter of the tire <NUM>). As the horizontal/transverse diameter of the insert <NUM> having the predetermined hardness begins to be larger than the horizontal/transverse diameter of the tire <NUM>, the portion (area) of the tire <NUM> where friction occurs with the ground surface is changed, that is, specifically, a width of the portion of the tire <NUM> where the friction occurs with the ground surface is increased in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tire <NUM> moves. This plays a key role in decreasing the rolling resistance value.

For example, when the width is <NUM> and the width when the tire having air pressure of <NUM> psi comes into contact with the ground surface is <NUM>, the width when the tire comes into contact with the ground surface becomes larger than <NUM> when the horizontal/transverse diameter of the insert inserted into the tire becomes larger than the horizontal/transverse diameter of the tire. This is because the insert stretches the tire in the direction of the horizontal/transverse diameter.

In general, it can be said that the rolling resistance value increases as the rebound resilience value decreases. As the specific gravity of air (gas) in the tire increases, the rebound resilience value increases, and the rolling resistance value decreases. However, referring to Table <NUM>, it can be ascertained that as the horizontal/transverse diameter of the insert <NUM> increases, the rolling resistance value decreases even though the rebound resilience value decreases. That is, it can be seen that when the horizontal/transverse diameter of the insert <NUM> becomes larger than the horizontal/transverse diameter of the tire <NUM> (i.e., when the ratio wi/wt is larger than <NUM>), the effect of decreasing the rolling resistance value due to the change in ground contact area of the tire <NUM> is greater than the effect of increasing the rolling resistance value in accordance with the decrease in rebound resilience value. In other words, when the ratio wi/wt of the horizontal/transverse diameter wi of the insert <NUM> to the horizontal/transverse diameter wt of the tire <NUM> exceeds <NUM>, the rolling resistance value decreases even though the rebound resilience value decreases.

According to the present application, the tire <NUM> is a tubeless tire, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Since the insert <NUM> is used for the tubeless tire, the impact absorption performance may be improved and the probability of damage to the rim <NUM> may be reduced in comparison with the tubeless tire in the related art in which no insert <NUM> is included.

A second aspect of the present application provides a tire fastening structure in which the insert <NUM> for a tire and the tire <NUM> are fastened to the rim <NUM>.

Regarding the tire fastening structure according to the second aspect of the present application, a detailed description of the parts, which have been described in the first aspect of the present application, will be omitted. Even though the description is omitted, the contents disclosed in the first aspect of the present application may be equally applied to the second aspect of the present application.

A third aspect of the present application provides a transportation means (vehicle) including the insert <NUM> for a tire.

The transportation means may be, for example, a bicycle, a vehicle, a motorcycle, a scooter, a wheelchair, a stroller, a kickboard, an electric kickboard, an electric wheel, an electric skate, a tricycle, a roller skate, a skateboard, a shopping cart, or a cart, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Regarding the transportation means according to the third aspect of the present application, a detailed description of the parts, which have been described in the first and second aspects of the present application, will be omitted. Even though the description is omitted, the contents disclosed in the first and second aspects of the present application may be equally applied to the third aspect of the present application.

It will be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of the present application have been described above for purposes of illustration, and those skilled in the art may understand that the present application may be easily modified in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or the essential features of the present application. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present application. For example, each component described as a single type may be carried out in a distributed manner. Likewise, components described as a distributed type can be carried out in a combined type.

Claim 1:
An insert (<NUM>) for a tubeless tire (<NUM>), the insert comprising:
an upper surface (<NUM>),
a lower surface (<NUM>),
a lateral surface (<NUM>) formed between the upper surface (<NUM>) and the lower surface (<NUM>), and
a through flow path (<NUM>) penetrating the inside of the insert (<NUM>) while connecting the lower surface (<NUM>) and the upper surface (<NUM>) of the insert (<NUM>),
characterized in that the insert further comprises:
an inner hollow portion (<NUM>) comprising an opening portion formed in a direction of the lower surface (<NUM>) of the insert (<NUM>), wherein two ends of the opening portion are capable of being mechanically or chemically bound.