GB2480859A

GB2480859A - Improvements applied in band for protection of vehicular wheel and tyre

Info

Publication number: GB2480859A
Application number: GB201009347A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexandre Schunn Vianna
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-04
Filing date: 2010-06-04
Publication date: 2011-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-04
Also published as: GB2480859B; GB201009347D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a system that lies inside a tyre allowing the vehicle may be driven normally (in emergency situations), even with a flat tyre. The system comprises two semicircular rubber segments of trapeziform profile [1-11 in half moon, with bottom made up by two blunt planes [8 and 9] at different angles and having a plurality of transverse oval holes [10], being ends united by assemblies of ratchet [2] which draw whether steel cables or high-strength strap [3] in order to unite the ends of bands [1 and 11, and said continued steel cables or high-strength strap [4] inserted inside on segments of band [1 and 11 uniting parts of the ratchet [2] in each segment, being that each ratchet [2] has a half provided with one holed main axle [5], having a longitudinal slot [6] which receives steel cables or high-strength strap [3] which has one of the ends linked to another half of each ratchet [2], being the axle [5] trespassed by one transverse threaded hole [7] in order to fix the locking screw of steel cable or strap [3]. Lead counterweights are inserted inside the rubber in order to improve the system balance.

Description

"IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO A BAND FOR PROTECTION OF VEHICULAR WHEELS AND TYRES" This invention relates to improvements to the arrangements disclosed in Brazilian patent application no. 030 1446-0 filed on 04/04/2003.

It is well-known that many vehicles nowadays are factory equipped with wheels, or adapted later with wheels, formed from materials known as "light alloys", that is, metal alloys comprising elements such as titanium, magnesium and aluminum.

Tyre structuring systems involving light alloys which use materials having high surface toughness and/or high mechanical strength, such as steel, carbon fibre, engineered plastic (Nylon, Teflon, etc.) and similar, involve a high risk of fracture of the light alloy base metal wheels if the wheels are exposed to sharp impacts, which are unfortunately quite common given the conditions of many roads.

The state of the art at the time filing of Brazilian patent application no. 0301446-0 includes the following examples of systems for protecting wheels: a) Steel bands: these products only attach a tyre to the wheel hub via a lateral strap, which simply serves to prevent the tyre from becoming separated from the wheel when the tyre loses pressure, and therefore does not add any structural strength to the tyre.

When using a steel band of this type, it is effectively impossible to steer a flat-tyred vehicle or to drive a vehicle that has lost a tyre completely.

b) Carbon fibre bands or bands of engineered plastic: when a tyre loses pressure, this equipment supports the weight of the vehicle in order to allow the vehicle to maintain a satisfactory driving condition. However, this requires the tyre to remain in place to provide adherence to the road surface. If the tyre becomes detached completely, this device loses its effectiveness due to its lack of adherence to the road surface. Also, as discussed above, since this product is made from a high toughness material, strong impacts will be transmitted effectively to the wheel and there is therefore a high risk of breakage of the wheel.

c) Seal gel: because this product is a gel, its performance is limited to the repair of small holes, and it does not provide any additional structure for the tyre, making it impossible to steer a flat-tyred vehicle or to drive a vehicle that has lost a tyre completely.

Furthermore, considering that gel is not rigid, and is effectively a body in constant movement, use of gel can severely affect the balance of wheel and tyre assembly.

Furthermore, gels can lead to oxidation of steel wheels and other components.

In an attempt to address those problems, the arrangements disclosed in Brazilian patent application no. 030 1446-0 included a device formed from a rubber band, attached around the wheel of a vehicle, under the tyre, forming a sub-tyre, smaller in diameter than the tyre and having a larger diameter than the wheel.

Structural steel reinforcements improved the stability of the system. The reinforcements are made up of curved steel plate, inserted inside the rubber, forming a steel band, the ends of which are united by steel cables. This frame is responsible for attaching the system onto the wheel.

The band disclosed in Brazilian patent application no. 030 1446-0 is made up of elastomer, having similar characteristics to those used in industrial tyre manufacturing.

The reinforcements are formed of high-carbon steel (such as improved plow type steel), galvanized in accordance with the ASTM international Standard, that provide the mechanical strength necessary to deal with impacts and stresses arising from torque transfer, from rolling friction and from cornering, which will result from the natural dynamics of a conventional passenger vehicle in movement.

However, after several tests, it has transpired that the steel band can lead to excessive rigidity in the system. This excessive rigidity could make it difficult to mould the system onto the wheel, increasing the difficulty of installation and impairing the locking efficiency.

It is an aim of the present invention to address these difficulties. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a protection arrangement for a vehicle wheel, comprising: first and second curved band members, each having a pair of free ends, and being configured so that, if free ends of the first and second band members are placed together, the band members together form a generally circular shape; and a retraction arrangement which, in an open state, allows the first free ends of the first and second band members to be spaced apart from one another, and is operable to move to a closed state, in which the first free ends of the first and second band members are drawn towards one another, so that the band members may be placed around the outer surface of a wheel with the retraction arrangement in the open state, and the retraction arrangement may subsequently be placed in the closed state to tighten the band members around the wheel.

Advantageously the retraction arrangement has a first part, which is installed at or near the first free end of the first band member, a second part, which is installed at or near the first free end of the second band member, and a connecting element extending between the first part and the second part; and in the open state, the first free ends of the first and second band members are spaced apart from one another, with a first length of the connecting element extending between the first free ends of the first and second band members, and when the retraction arrangement is moved to the closed state the retraction arrangement is operated to draw the connecting element towards one or more of the first and second parts so that the first and second parts are drawn closer to one another, and the first free ends of the first and second band members are nearer to one another than in the open state, with a second length, which is shorter than the first length, of the connecting element extending between the first free ends of the first and second band members.

Preferably, the first and second band members are each generally semicircular.

Conveniently, a further retraction arrangement is provided between second free ends of the first and second band members.

Advantageously, the band members are formed from a resilient substance.

Preferably, the resilient substance is a rubber.

Conveniently, the resilient substance is an elastomer.

Advantageously, each of the band members is moulded, vulcanised or otherwise cured so as to be formed into the curved shape.

Preferably, a cross-sectional profile of one of the band members includes an inner edge, which faces generally towards the centre of curvature of the band member, and the inner edge comprising two inner surfaces which are arranged at an angle to one another.

Conveniently, the inner faces are, in a default state of the band member, substantially flat.

Advantageously, the angle between the inner faces is at least 5°.

Preferably, one of the inner faces is longer than the other of the inner faces.

Conveniently, the cross-sectional profile of the band member further comprises respective first and second side walls and an outer edge.

Advantageously, one or both of the band members has one or more transverse holes formed therethrough.

Preferably, one or more counterweights are arranged in or on one or both of the band members.

Conveniently, the effect of the one or more counterweights is to increase the degree of symmetry of the weight distribution of the two band members when connected together, as compared to the situation where no counterweights are provided.

Advantageously, at least one of the first part and the second part includes a ratchet mechanism to allow the connecting element to be drawn towards the part.

Preferably, both the first part and the second part include respective ratchet mechanisms to allow the connecting element to be drawn towards the part.

Conveniently, a main axle of the ratchet mechanism includes a slot into which an end of the connecting element may be inserted.

Advantageously, a main axle of the ratchet mechanism has a threaded hole formed therein, with a threaded member received in the hole, which may be tightened to hold the connecting element in place with respect to the main axle.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a protection arrangement for a vehicle wheel, comprising a curved band member, formed in a generally circular shape and adapted to be fitted around the outer surface of a wheel, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the band member includes an inner edge, which faces generally towards the centre of curvature of the band member, and the inner edge comprising two inner surfaces which are arranged at an angle to one another.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a protection arrangement for a vehicle wheel, comprising: a band member having a break provided therein to form a pair of free ends, and being configured so that, if free ends of the first and second band members are placed together, the band member forms a generally circular shape; and a retraction arrangement which, in an open state, allows the free ends of the band members to be spaced apart from one another, and is operable to move to a closed state, in which the free ends of the band member to be drawn towards one another, so that the band member may be placed around the outer surface of a wheel with the retraction arrangement in the open state, and the retraction arrangement may subsequently be placed in the closed state to tighten the band member around the wheel.

A first feature of the invention provides a flexible frame. The prior system was comprised of a rubber band with a rigid steel plate strap inserted inside it, with the ends of the strap attached by steel cables. The steel band was responsible for the attachment of the rubber band to the wheel.

It is proposed to substitute the rigid frame of the steel plate by a flexible frame, also inserted inside the rubber of the band, which has at least one break formed therein, forming a pair of free ends. This frame can be made up of steel cable, and/or high-strength strap. The attachment of the system to the wheel can be achieved by tightening this flexible frame, preferably through a ratchet system provided at one of the free ends.

This ratchet allows the free ends of the rubber band to be retracted towards one another, thus tightening the rubber band against the wheel.

This situation provides increased flexibility of the system, allowing it to be attached more easily and conveniently to the wheel. This in turn makes the assembly of the system easier, and improves the reliability of its locking to the wheel.

Embodiments of the invention provide high drivability when the tyre loses pressure, because the system keeps the tyre securely in its place. Furthermore, if the tyre becomes completely detached from the wheel, the vehicle is still drivable, as the frame is held reliably in place.

There is very little risk of breakage of the wheel, because the resilience of the frame absorbs almost entirely the energy that is generated by impacts, transferring only a very small part of the energy of the impacts to the centre of the wheel hub, which is its weakest part.

The system does not cause oxidation of steel wheels or other components. The system is also easy to install, and can be assembled and disassembled in any conventional garage.

A second feature of the invention relates to a ratchet.

The substitution of the rigid frame of steel plate by a flexible frame of steel cable and/or high-strength strap has necessitated the development of a retracting system.

Two types of ratchet have been developed, with different retracting systems. The ratchets are fixed at an end of the flexible frame, and inserted inside the rubber band.

Another end of the flexible frame is positioned to allow retraction of the ratchet.

A first type of ratchet is primarily for steel cables. The second type of ratchet is adapted to allow the retraction both steel cables and of high-strength strap.

The first ratchet has a substantially flat retracting axle, with a fixing arrangement where the steel cable is anchored.

The second ratchet has a slot inside the main retracting axle. Through the slot it is possible to pass either steel cable or high-strength strap (or both). A threaded hole is formed in the main axle, and is adapted to receive a screw for attaching the steel cable or high-strength strap and holding it in place.

A third feature of the invention relates to the profile, shape and mass of the system.

The profile of the rubber band used in the systems disclosed in Brazilian patent application no. 030 1446-0 was unidirectional in shape. This arrangement has led to many different distortions of the band when the system was installed in different models of vehicle that had differently-shaped wheel hubs. The previous system presented only one possible shape to the outer edge of the rim of the vehicle wheel.

In order to address this, in embodiments of the invention the inner side profile of the rubber band has been altered, so that two surfaces are present, disposed at an angle to one another.

This has been found to be ideal for installing the system in vehicles having wheels with hubs that presents outwardly-facing protrusions (such as carbon steel wheels) and having wheels with substantially flat outer profiles (such as light alloy wheels).

In preferred embodiments of the invention the band has an elastomer composition which, in combination with the profile described above, allows the system to be easily and securely installed in many different types of wheel.

Another feature of the present invention relates to the way in which the rubber band (preferably formed from an elastomer) is vulcanised or otherwise cured. In previous designs, the rubber band was vulcanised in a generally straight shape, and took on a circular configuration only when installed on the wheel of a vehicle, through the fastening of its locking system.

This initial straight shape of the rubber band caused some inconveniences, however.

Firstly, adapting a generally straight band to any wheel hub proved to be difficult.

Secondly, excessive stress was placed on the locking system, which needed not only to lock the band in place, but needed to resist forces arising from the tendency of the band to resume its default shape. Thirdly, internal stresses arose in the rubber of the band, resulting from the fact that the band was distorted out of its default shape, and forced to adopt a generally circular shape.

Therefore, it is proposed to mould, vulcanise or otherwise cure the rubber band in a semicircular or generally semicircular shape, so that its final shape, following moulding, vulcanisation or other curing, is a section of a generally circular circumference.

Forming the band in this shape brings significant benefits. Firstly, it eases the installation of the system onto a wheel. Secondly, it reduces the stress that must be borne by the locking system, because the locking system is no longer placed under stresses arising from distortion of the band in order to adopt the circular shape of the wheel hub. Thirdly, there is a drastic reduction of stress within the rubber of the band, because it is deformed to a much lesser degree.

Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to note that, since the wheels and tyres of a vehicle are already relatively heavy, it is desirable to provide a protection system that does not add unduly to the weight of the wheels and tyres.

An elastomer has therefore been developed that has a greater mechanical capacity than conventional elastomers, which allows the mass of the system to be reduced, without compromising the mechanical properties of the system A fourth feature of the present invention relates to a two-part construction of the rubber band, and the inclusion of counterweights in the band.

The profile of the rubber band used in previous system made the band quite difficult to install on a wheel, because the band was long and needed to be curved through a large angle in order to fit around the wheel hub. Furthermore, when the system was installed the rubber band became very asymmetric, with only one locking system being provided where the ends of the band met, leading to a lopsided distribution of mass.

II has therefore been proposed to provide a band that is made up of two smaller sub-bands or band members, each of generally semicircular shape, each comprising its own flexible frame and having a locking ratchet. The free end of one of the smaller bands is fixed by the locking ratchet of the other of the smaller bands. Each one of the smaller bands protects one half of the wheel.

Those two smaller bands require less curvature in order to be installed on a wheel, thus increasing the ease with which the system is placed around a wheel and subsequently locked in place.

Since the rubber band is provided in two parts, that may be substantially equal in size and therefore constitute two halves of a "full" band, the mass distribution of the fully assembled band is greatly improved and far more symmetric. The balance of the system if therefore improved. It should be understood that the two parts may not be of equal size, and for instance one may describe 1200 of arc and the other may describe 240° of arc Notwithstanding this improvement, it is also proposed to include counterweights, for instance formed from lead, at locations around the band, in order to the balance and weight distribution still further.

The features discussed above make embodiments of the invention lighter than previous systems, without compromising its mechanical properties, and also easier and more practical to handle and maintain than previous systems.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 show details of a traction ratchet and steel cable or high-strength strap which constitute a flexible frame, suitable for use with the present invention; Figures 5 and 6 show an elevation and profile, respectively, of a system embodying the present invention; and Figures 7 and 8 show details of the system shown in figure 6, showing the profile of the band and the locking system.

Referring firstly to figures 1 to 4, a locking ratchet 2 is shown. The ratchet has a toothed wheel 11 which is mounted on a rotatable main axle 5, and a ratchet arm 12 which allows rotation of the toothed wheel 11 in one direction (in practice, a tightening direction) but prevents, aside from small movements, rotation of the toothed wheel 11 in the other direction. A longitudinal slot 6 is formed in the main axle 5, which is adapted to receive one end of a cable or high-strength strap. The main axle 5 also has a threaded hold 7 in which a screw (not shown) may be inserted to lock the cable or high-strength strap in place.

Referring to Figure 5, two generally semicircular sub-bands 1, 1' are shown. Each of the sub-bands 1, 1' has two free ends, and has a locking ratchet 2 installed at each of the free ends. The sub-bands 1, 1' are arranged together to form a generally circular shape, and where free ends of the sub-bands 1, 1' face each other a cable (for instance, made from steel) or a high-strength strap 3 extends between the locking ratchets 2 that are installed in the free ends, as can be seen more clearly in figures 6 and 8.

Initially, the sub-bands 1, 1' can be spaced apart, with lengths of cable or high-strength strap 3 extending between the sub-bands 1, 1', as shown in figure 5. This allows the arrangement to be placed easily around a wheel hub (not shown). Then, one or both of each pair of locking ratchets 2 can be tightened, retracting the lengths of cable or high-strength strap 3 and drawing the sub-bands 1, 1' towards one another so that the free ends thereof meet and are connected firmly together, so that the arrangement is fixed easily and securely in place around the wheel hub.

Figure 7 shows a close-up view of a cross-section through one of the sub-bands 1, 1'.

The profile of the sub-band 1, 1' comprises an outer edge, including an end face 13 and first and second angled faces 14, which connect the end face to respective side faces 15.

The profile also comprises an inner edge which, following installation, will face generally inwards, towards the outer face of the wheel hub. The inner edge is, in its default "relaxed" state, made up of two inner faces 8, 9 which are disposed at an angle to one another. Preferably, the inner faces 8, 9 are substantially flat. Advantageously, one of the inner faces 8 is longer than the other of the inner faces 9. Preferably the angle between the inner faces 8, 9 is at least 5°. This arrangement allows the sub-bands 1, 1' to be installed effectively on many different types of wheel hub.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A protection arrangement for a vehicle wheel, comprising: first and second curved band members, each having a pair of free ends, and being configured so that, if free ends of the first and second band members are placed together, the band members together form a generally circular shape; and a retraction arrangement which, in an open state, allows the first free ends of the first and second band members to be spaced apart from one another, and is operable to move to a closed state, in which the first free ends of the first and second band members are drawn towards one another, so that the band members may be placed around the outer surface of a wheel with the retraction arrangement in the open state, and the retraction arrangement may subsequently be placed in the closed state to tighten the band members around the wheel.
2. A protection arrangement according to claim 1 wherein: the retraction arrangement has a first part, which is installed at or near the first free end of the first band member, a second part, which is installed at or near the first free end of the second band member, and a connecting element extending between the first part and the second part; and in the open state, the first free ends of the first and second band members are spaced apart from one another, with a first length of the connecting element extending between the first free ends of the first and second band members, and when the retraction arrangement is moved to the closed state the retraction arrangement is operated to draw the connecting element towards one or more of the first and second parts so that the first and second parts are drawn closer to one another, and the first free ends of the first and second band members are nearer to one another than in the open state, with a second length, which is shorter than the first length, of the connecting element extending between the first free ends of the first and second band members.
3. A protection arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second band members are each generally semicircular.
4. A protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein a further retraction arrangement is provided between second free ends of the first and second band members.
5. A protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the band members are formed from a resilient substance.
6. A protection arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the resilient substance is a rubber.
7. A protection arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the resilient substance is an elastomer.
8. A protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the band members is moulded, vulcanised or otherwise cured so as to be formed into the curved shape.
9. A protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein a cross-sectional profile of one of the band members includes an inner edge, which faces generally towards the centre of curvature of the band member, and the inner edge comprising two inner surfaces which are arranged at an angle to one another.
10. A protection arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the inner faces are, in a default state of the band member, substantially flat.
11. A protection arrangement according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the angle between the inner faces is at least 5°.
12. A protection arrangement according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein one of the inner faces is longer than the other of the inner faces.
13. A protection arrangement according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the band member further comprises respective first and second side walls and an outer edge.
14. A protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein one or both of the band members has one or more transverse holes formed therethrough.
15. A protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more counterweights are arranged in or on one or both of the band members.
16. A protection arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the effect of the one or more counterweights is to increase the degree of symmetry of the weight distribution of the two band members when connected together, as compared to the situation where no counterweights are provided.
17. A protection system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first part and the second part includes a ratchet mechanism to allow the connecting element to be drawn towards the part.
18. A protection system according to claim 17, wherein both the first part and the second part include respective ratchet mechanisms to allow the connecting element to be drawn towards the part.
19. A protection system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein a main axle of the ratchet mechanism includes a slot into which an end of the connecting element may be inserted.20. A protection mechanism according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein a main axle of the ratchet mechanism has a threaded hole formed therein, with a threaded member received in the hole, which may be tightened to hold the connecting element in place with respect to the main axle.
20. A protection arrangement for a vehicle wheel, comprising a curved band member, formed in a generally circular shape and adapted to be fitted around the outer surface of a wheel, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the band member includes an inner edge, which faces generally towards the centre of curvature of the band member, and the inner edge comprising two inner surfaces which are arranged at an angle to one another.
21. A protection arrangement for a vehicle wheel, comprising: a band member having a break provided therein to form a pair of free ends, and being configured so that, if free ends of the first and second band members are placed together, the band member forms a generally circular shape; and a retraction arrangement which, in an open state, allows the free ends of the band members to be spaced apart from one another, and is operable to move to a closed state, in which the free ends of the band member to be drawn towards one another, so that the band member may be placed around the outer surface of a wheel with the retraction arrangement in the open state, and the retraction arrangement may subsequently be placed in the closed state to tighten the band member around the wheel.
22. A protection arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
23. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.