GB2511651A

GB2511651A - A tyre warmer, inflation valve member, wheel and vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2511651A
Application number: GB1406901.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen James Slough
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-16
Filing date: 2014-04-16
Publication date: 2014-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-16
Also published as: GB201406901D0; GB2511651B

Abstract

A tyre warmer for use in warming a tyre of a vehicle, the tyre warmer including: a heating member configured to be secured around a wheel rim within an inflation volume of the tyre such that the heating member is generally adjacent the wheel rim, wherein a temperature of the heating member increases when electric power is supplied to the heating member.

Description

Title: A tyre warmer, inflation valve member, wheel and vehicle

Description of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tyre warmer, an inflation valve member for use with a tyre warmer, and a combined tyre warmer and inflation valve member, as well as associated kits and methods.

The tyres of vehicles must typically be within a predetermined temperature range in order to achieve the optimal grip and wear characteristics. As such, for vehicles for which tyre grip and wear characteristics are of particular importance (e.g. for vehicles involved in competitions), tyre warmers are often used to warm cold tyres to a temperature within or approaching the optimal temperature range.

Conventional tyre warmers comprise an elongate fabric strip carrying a plurality of electrical conductors. The remote ends of the elongate fabric strip are provided with an attachment system (such as hook and loop fasteners) to allow the remote ends to be coupled together to form a loop from the elongate fabric strip. Wires in electrical communication with the electrical conductors are provided to allow electricity to be supplied to the electrical conductors.

The electrical resistance of the electrical conductors causes them to heat up as a result of the electric current passing therethrough and this heat is transferred to the tyre. The heat is, as will be appreciated, applied to an external tread part of the tyre in such conventional examples.

Tyre warmers of this type may be used with cars and motorcycles, for example. Parts of the elongate fabric strip may also extend around at least part of sidewall of the tyre when fitted. In some conventional tyre warmers, a separate circular fabric panel is provided which can be secured around its circumferential edge to the elongate fabric strip -to cover at least part of a wheel of the vehicle. The separate circular fabric panel does not include electrical conductors and is intended to reduce the loss of heat due to convection, for example.

As will be understood, in order to wrap the conventional elongate fabric strip tyre warmer around a tyre on a vehicle, that tyre must be supported above a ground surface. If the tyre is in contact with the ground surface, then the elongate fabric strip cannot easily be wrapped around the entire circumference of the tyre. Therefore, it is necessary to lift the vehicle (i.e. jack the vehicle off the ground surface) in order to use the conventional tyre warmer to its greatest effect. As a result it is common for conventional fabric strip tyre warmers simply to be draped over part of the tyre when the tyre is in contact with the ground surface.

Heating the tread of a tyre may heat an operative part of the tyre. However, this can leave a large portion of the tyre, and the wheel to which the tyre is mounted, relatively cold. As such, the heat delivered to the tread of the tyre is quickly transferred away from the operative part of the tyre by conduction. In addition, of course, the fluid (typically air) inside the tyre is also relatively cold compared to the heated tread. With this in mind, it will be appreciated, that tyres warmed with a conventional tyre warmer have a tendency to cool rapidly after the tyre warmers are removed.

In many instances, particularly in competitions involving many vehicles, the tyre warmers must be removed a long time before the vehicles move from their starting positions. The tyres in such instances cool considerably during this time.

It is common for tyres to reach their optimal temperature only after a considerable period of use. Therefore, the rapid cooling of tyres warmed with conventional tyre warmers causes a significant safety risk because the tyres are operating outside of the optimal temperature range for a long period of time.

The conventional elongate fabric strip tyre warmers are long and difficult to fit.

Therefore, tyre warming is not usually undertaken except in circumstances in which having the optimal grip and wear characteristics is vital -such as in competitions. It is uncommon, for example, for the owner of a vehicle to use such conventional tyre warmers prior to their daily commute. Nevertheless, particularly in certain weather conditions, the tyres of a vehicle used for the daily commute are operating with less than ideal characteristics until they are sufficiently warm through use. This increases the risk of accidents.

Certain types of vehicle are more vulnerable to problems caused by poorly performing cold tyres. For example, motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds, all have relatively small contact patches with the ground surface. Therefore, additional grip from a warm tyre can be make a considerable difference to the safe operation of the vehicle.

In addition, when a tyre heats up, the fluid inside the tyre also heats up. This increases the fluid pressure in the tyre. The fluid pressure in a tyre can have an impact on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Therefore, overly cold tyres could mean that the vehicle is operating at a reduced fuel efficiency compared to the same vehicle using tyres operating in their optimal temperature range.

In addition to safety, there are also issues with tyre wear when the tyres are operating outside of the optimal temperature ranges. It is not uncommon for tyres which are too cold during competitions to suffer failures and premature wear because they were not within the optimal temperature range during the early stages of their use. Therefore, it is common for tyres to require more frequent replacement in such circumstances.

The production of tyres consumes valuable resources and the disposal of used tyres is environmentally hazardous. Therefore, there are considerable benefits in providing a means by which tyres can be brought into their optimal temperature range more quickly and/or maintained within their optimal temperature range for a longer period of time.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to ameliorate one or more

problems associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a tyre warmer for use in warming a tyre of a vehicle, the tyre warmer including: a heating member configured to be secured around a wheel rim within an inflation volume of the tyre such that the heating member is generally adjacent the wheel rim, wherein a temperature of the heating member increases when electric power is supplied to the heating member.

The heating member may include a heating element formed from a polymer impregnated with a conductive material.

The polymer may be an elastomer.

The conductive material may be a carbon containing material.

The tyre warmer may further comprise an inflation valve member which is configured to provide fluid and electrical communication from outside of the inflation volume to inside the inflation volume, the electrical communication being at least for powering the heating member.

The inflation valve member may include a channel member configured to allow the passage of fluid into the inflation volume and a plug or socket to allow the flow of electricity into the inflation volume for powering the heating member.

The chamber member and plug or socket may extend in directions substantially perpendicular to each other.

The tyre warmer may further comprise an electrical coupling system which is configured to transfer electrical power from a first part of a vehicle to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel is configured to rotate with respect to the first part of the vehicle and the electrical coupling system is configured to transfer electrical power whilst the wheel is rotating.

The electrical coupling system may comprise a slip ring arrangement.

The slip ring arrangement may comprise two or more carbon brushes biased into contact with two or more generally annular conductor rails.

The slip ring arrangement may further comprise a substrate to which the two or more generally annular conductor rails are mounted.

The slip ring arrangement may further include one or more bracket members configured to space the substrate from a brake disc of a vehicle.

The slip ring arrangement may further include one or more hollow mounting members which are configured to provide a channel for one or more electrical conductors and which are further configured to amount a brake disc and/or the substrate to a wheel.

The tyre warmer may further include a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to be located outside of the inflation volume of the tyre.

Another aspect provides a vehicle including a tyre warmer.

Another aspect provides an inflation valve member including: a channel member configured to allow the passage of fluid into an inflation volume of a tyre; and a plug or socket configured to allow the flow of electricity into the inflation volume, wherein the inflation valve member configured to be secured to a wheel rim to which the tyre is fitted and to provide fluid and electrical communication from outside of the inflation volume to inside the inflation volume.

Another aspect provides a wheel for a vehicle, the wheel including an inflation valve member and/or a tyre warmer.

Embodiments of the present invention are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a tyre warmer; Figures 2a and 2b show schematic views of tyre warmers; Figure 3 shows a wheel with an inflation valve member; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle; Figures 5a and Sb show partial cross-sections through a tyre and wheel rim; Figure 6 shows a heating member; Figure 7 shows daisy-chained heating members; Figures a to 10 show an inflation valve member; Figure 11 shows a substrate and conductive rails; Figure 12 shows a side view of a substrate, conductor rails, and brackets; Figure 13 shows a side view of a substrate, conductor rails, brackets and brake disc; Figure 14 shows a substrate, conductor rails, and brake disc; and Figure 15 shows a side view of an axle, suspension member, substrate, conductor rails, brake disc, and carbon brushes.

Embodiments of the present invention include a tyre warmer 1 (see figures 1, 2a and 2b). The tyre warmer 1 is configured to be fitted to a wheel 102 of a vehicle 100 (see figures 3 and 4).

The wheel 102 may comprise a wheel hub 105 which is configured to be mounted to an axle 108 (see figure 15) of the vehicle 100. The wheel hub 105 is attached to a wheel rim 103 by one or more wheel spokes 104 which each extend generally radially outwardly from the wheel hub 105. The wheel rim 103 has a generally circular cross-section and is configured to receive at least a portion of a tyre 101 such that the tyre 101 is carried by the wheel rim 103 and may be at least partially supported thereby.

In some embodiments, the tyre 101 may be a tubeless tyre 101 in that there is generally no separately inflatable inner tube which, once inflated, supports at least part of the tyre 101 with respect to the wheel rim 103. Instead, in a tubeless tyre 101, the tyre 101 and wheel rim 103 define an inflation volume into which an inflation fluid (such as air or nitrogen, for example) can be delivered to inflate the tyre 101. The fluid pressure within the inflation volume acting on an inner surface of the tyre 101 and an outer surface of the wheel rim 103 serves to support the tyre 101 with respect to the wheel rim 103.

Embodiments of the invention may be configured for use with a tyre 101 including an inner tube.

As will be appreciated, the tyre 101 includes a tread lOla (see figure 5a) of annular form supported by a pair of sidewalls lOlb which each extend from the tread lOla towards respective tyre beads 101 c. The tyre beads 101 c define respective inner circumferential edges of the tyre 101 and the tread lOla defines an outer circumferential surface of the tyre 101. The tyre beads lOic, when the tyre 101 is fitted to the wheel rim 103, are located between a pair of flanges 103a which extend generally radially away from a main wall 103b of the wheel rim 103. The main wall 103b may be profiled such that is defines an annular recess 103c around the circumference of the wheel rim 103. The annular recess 1 03c may be useful in the fitting of the tyre 101 to the wheel rim 103 (which is typically levered into position such that the tyre beads lOic pass over one of the pair of flanges 103a). Once fitted, the tyre beads lOic are retained by the pair of flanges 103a such that the inflation volume is defined between the inner surface of the tyre 101 and the outer surface of the wheel rim 103.

An inflation valve aperture 103d (see figure Sb) is defined by the wheel rim 103. The inflation valve aperture 103d extends from an inner circumferential surface of the wheel rim 103 to the outer circumferential surface of the wheel rim 103 and is a through-hole (i.e. it extends through an entire depth for the wheel rim 103). The inflation valve aperture 103d provides a channel which, with the tyre 101 fitted to the wheel rim 103, allows fluid to be delivered into the inflation volume. The inflation valve aperture 103d may be shaped and sized (or otherwise configured) to receive an inflation valve member 41 as described herein.

The tyre warmer 1 of embodiments of the invention comprises a heating system 2 and may also include a control unit 3, and/or a power delivery system 4 (see figures 1, 2a and 2b).

The heating system 2 includes at least one heating member 21 and could include a plurality of heating members 21 (also see figure 6). The heating member 21 is configured to be fitted around at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel rim 103 such that it is within the inflation volume when the tyre 101 is fitted to the wheel rim 103. The heating member 21 is also configured such that the temperature of the heating element 21 increases when an electric current is passed therethrough.

The heating member 21 is configured, therefore, to heat one or more of the wheel rim 103, fluid in the inflation volume, and at least part of the tyre 101 (which may include the tread lOla, and/or the sidewalls 101 b).

The heating member 21 may be spaced apart from the tyre 101 (e.g. spaced apart from the tread lOla and may be spaced apart from the sidewalls bib).

As such, heating of the tyre 101 by the heating member 21 may be via the wheel rim 103 and/or the inflation fluid. Heating may be through conduction and/or convection and/or radiation (e.g. through infra-red emission) or any combination thereof.

The heating member 21 may be substantially or partially located within the annular recess 103c defined by the wheel rim 103. The width of the heating member 21 may, therefore, correspond to a width of the annular recess 103c or may be less than that width.

The heating member 21 may comprise a support structure and a heating element. The heating element may be mounted to the support structure which is configured to provide structural support and/or protection for the heating element. In some embodiments, the support structure and heating element are flexible such that they may both be wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of the wheel rim 103.

In some embodiments, the support structure and/or the heating element include an attachment system. The attachment system is configured to secure one part of the support structure and/or heating element with respect to another part of the support structure and/or heating element. The attachment system may include an adhesive, a hook and loop system, a latch or clip system, or the like. In some embodiments, the attachment system may include a clip system which can be engaged and then tightened (to reduce a dimension of a loop formed by the heating member 21); the clip system may in such embodiments include a worm drive clamp arrangement. Accordingly, the heating member 21 (in the form of a band) may be wrapped around the wheel rim 103 and the attachment system used to secure the heating member 21 around the wheel rim 103. The heating member 21 may have a length which has been selected to allow the heating member 21 to be wrapped around the entire (or substantially the entire) circumference of the wheel rim 103. In some embodiments, different versions of the heating member 21 are provided -with each version being of a different length. In some embodiments, the attachment system is further configured to secure parts of the heating member 21 (e.g. the support structure and heating element) together in more than one configuration -such that one heating member 21 can be wrapped around wheel rims 103 of different circumferences and secured by the attachment system.

In some embodiments, the support structure includes a rigid curved portion with a degree of curvature which corresponds with a degree of curvature of the wheel rim 103. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a hinged portion such that two rigid, and possibly curved, portions of the support structure may be fitted around the wheel rim 103 by use of the hinged portion.

The heating member 21 may be configured such that when it is secured to the wheel rim 103, the support structure is between the wheel rim 103 and the heating element. In some embodiments the heating member 21 may be configured such that when it is secured to the wheel rim 103, the heating element is between the wheel rim 103 and the support structure. In some embodiments, the heating element is sandwiched between parts of the support structure such that a first part of the support structure is between the heating element and the wheel rim 103, and a second part of the support structure is spaced apart from the wheel rim 103 by the heating element and the first part of the support structure.

The support structure may in some embodiments, therefore, be configured to contain and/or protect the heating element from damage.

The support structure (which may be in the form of a carrier or belt) may be constructed at least in part from a rubber, or synthetic rubber material, or an aramid fibre material (which may be in the form of a woven or non-woven belt and which may be made from a para-aramid fibre material (such as Kevlar(RTM))), or a composite material (which may include aramid fibres (e.g. para-aramid fibres) such as Kevlar(RTM)). In some embodiments, the support structure includes at least a portion which is formed from a plastic material. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a fabric sheath housing the heating element. The support structure may be formed from an electrical insulator. The support structure may be between 5cm and 20cm in width and of a suitable length to extend substantially around the circumference of the wheel rim 103. The heating element may be of a corresponding width (e.g. 5-20cm) In embodiments, the heating member 21 is configured to extend around substantially the entire circumference of the wheel rim 103. In some embodiments, the support structure of the heating member 21 is configured to extend around substantially the entire circumference of the wheel rim 103 and heating element extends around only a portion of the circumference of the wheel rim 103. In other embodiments, the heating element extends around substantially the entire circumference of the wheel rim 103.

The heating member 21 may be configured to be removably fitted around a wheel rim 103 such that the heating member 21 (and/or other part of the heating system 2 or tyre warmer 1) may be provided as an aftermarket kit and the heating member 21 may be retrofitted to a wheel rim 103.

In some embodiments, the heating element of the heating member 21 includes a reinforcement layer. The reinforcement layer may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric embedded in the heating element (e.g. in a polymer forming the heating element). The woven or non-woven fabric may comprise an aramid fibre material (which may be a para-aramid fibre material such as Kevlar(RTM)). In some embodiments, the reinforcement layer forms a substrate on which the rest (or at least a part) of the heating element is provided.

The heating member 21 includes or is associated with a heating member electrical connector 22 which is configured to be coupled to one or more of the control unit 3, the power delivery system 4, the inflation valve member 41, or another heating member 21.

In some embodiments, therefore, multiple heating members 21 may be secured around the outer circumferential surface of the wheel rim 103 and linked to each other (i.e. daisy-chained) -see figure 7. In such embodiments, each heating member 21 is provided with at least two heating member electrical connectors 22. The daisy-chained heating members 21 may, for example, extend around substantially an entire circumference of the wheel rim 103. Such heating members 21 may have attachment systems which are configured to couple one heating member 21 to another.

As will be appreciated, the heating element may be a part of the heating member 21 which increases in temperature when an electric current passes therethrough. Accordingly, the heating element is electrically conductive but may have a high electrical resistance. The heating element could take a number of different forms. For example, the heating element may include one or more wires. In some embodiments the heating element comprises a woven or non-woven fabric of an electrically conductive material. The heating element could, for example, comprise a composite material. The heating element may include carbon fibres. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises a material which has been impregnated with a conductive material in sufficient quantities to render the heating element sufficiently conductive to operate as a heating element when an electric current is passed therethrough. For example, the heating element may include a polymer carrying a conductive material. The heating element may include an elastomer carrying a conductive material. The conductive material may be a carbon-containing material such as carbon black. The elastomer may be a silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, the conductive material is substantially evenly distributed within the polymer. However, in some embodiments, the distribution is not even such that one or more "hot spots" may be created (i.e. regions of the heating element which have a higher electrical resistance than neighbouring regions). Such a distribution may be advantageous in relation to wheels 102 which (through the nature of their design) have non-uniform heat transfer properties. For example, the region of the wheel rim 103 close to the wheel spoke or spokes 104 may lose heat faster than other regions.

Therefore, a part of the heating element with a high electrical resistance could be aligned with the wheel spoke or spokes 104.

In some embodiments, the heating element comprises a plurality of layers of polymer carrying a conductive material. The heating element may, therefore, comprise a laminated structure. A degree of movement of one layer of the plurality of layers with respect to another may be permitted.

The heating element may be in the form of a mesh with an array of openings defined by the material of the heating element.

The control unit 3 may include one or more control unit electrical connectors 32 which may each be configured to be coupled (directly or indirectly) to the heating member electrical connector 22 associated with one or more respective heating members 21.

The control unit 3 may be configured to control the flow of electrical current to the or each heating member 21 coupled thereto. This may be achieved by the positioning of the control unit 3 in an electrical circuit between a power supply 44 and the or each heating member 21 (such that the control unit 3 modifies power output by the power supply 44 before delivery to the heating member 21). Alternatively, this may be achieved by the control unit 3 being coupled to the power supply 44 (which may include a transformer 42 or the like) and being configured to control the operation thereof to alter the flow of electric power directly to the or each heating member 21. The control of the flow of electric power may be dependent on a sensed temperature associated with the tyre warmer 1 and/or the tyre 101 and/or the wheel 102 and/or an ambient temperature.

Accordingly, the control unit 3 may include one or more temperature sensors 31. In some embodiments, one or more temperature sensors 31 may be located within the inflation volume of the tyre 101 (irrespective of whether or not any other parts of the control unit 3 are located in the inflation volume). In some embodiments, one or more temperature sensors 31 are attached to the wheel 102 (e.g. to the wheel rim 103) and/or to a pad of the tyre 101 and/or to some other pad of the vehicle 100.

The control unit 3 may be configured, for example, to control the supply of electrical current to the or each heating member 21 coupled thereto such that when the sensed temperature is relatively low, a high current is supplied and when the sensed temperature is relatively high, a low (or no) current is supplied. The control unit 3 may be configured to control the operation of one or more heating members 21 to maintain (or seek to maintain) the sensed temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The control unit 3 may be configured to control the operation of the or each heating member 21 in accordance with any suitable control regime. As will become apparent, some embodiments allow for operation of the heating system 2 whilst the vehicle 100 to which the heating system 2 is fitted is moving. The control unit 3 may, therefore, have at least two modes of operation: a static vehicle mode and a moving vehicle mode. In the static vehicle mode, the control unit 3 may be operated on the basis that the desired temperature is to be obtained substantially using the heating system 2 (i.e. the heating member or members 21). In the moving vehicle mode, the control unit 3 may be operated on the basis that the desired temperature may be at least padially reached through heat generated by movement of the vehicle 100 (i.e. movement of the tyre 101 across the ground surface) as well as through use of the heating system 2.

The two control modes may allow the desired temperature or temperature range to be reached more efficiently and/or with less risk of exceeding the desired temperature. The control unit 3 may, therefore, be configured to determine whether or not a wheel 102 to which the heating system 2 is fitted is moving (i.e. whether or not the vehicle 100 is moving) -e.g. the control unit 3 may include an acceleration sensor.

In some embodiments the control unit 3 is configured to be located within the inflation volume and secured to the wheel rim 103 -see figure 1. As such, the control unit 3 may be configured to be coupled to the power delivery system 4 such that the control unit 3 is located in an electrical circuit between the or each heating member 21 and the inflation valve member 41. In some embodiments, therefore, the control unit 3 includes at least one control unit electrical connector 32 which is configured to be coupled to a heating member electrical connector 22 and at least one control unit electrical connector 32 which is configured to be coupled to an inflation valve member electrical connector 41a.

In other embodiments, the control unit 3 is configured to be located outside of the inflation volume (see figures 2a and 2b). In such embodiments, the inflation valve member 41 may be located in an electrical circuit between the control unit 3 and the or each heating member 21 (see figure 2a). Therefore, the control unit 3 may include at least one control unit electrical connector 32 which is configured to be coupled to a plug or socket 41c of the inflation valve member 41 and at least one control unit electrical connector 32 which is configured to be coupled to an electrical connector of the power delivery system 4 (such as an output connector 43).

In some embodiments, the control unit 3 (located outside of the inflation volume) includes at least one control unit electrical connector 32 which is configured to be coupled to one or more components of the power delivery system 4 such that the control unit 3 may control an aspect of the operation of the power delivery system 4 through the at least one control unit connector 32.

In such embodiments, the power delivery system 4 (which may include the power supply 44 and transformer 42) may be directly connected to the heating member 21 (i.e. not through the control unit 3).

In some embodiments, the control unit 3 is configured to be attached to another pad of the vehicle 100 (such as a pad of the body or chassis of the vehicle 100).

In some embodiments, the control unit 3 is configured to determine a temperature or likely temperature associated with the tyre 101 based on a sensed characterised of the heating member 21. For example, electrical resistance of the heating member 21 (and the heating element, if provided) may vary in dependence on the temperature of the heating member 21 (and the heating element, if provided). By measuring the current drawn by the heating member 21 (and heating element, if provided) the control unit 3 may determine a temperature or likely temperature associated with the tyre 101.

In some embodiments, the inflation valve member 41 includes the inflation valve member electrical connector 41a which is configured to be coupled to the heating member electrical connector 22 or control unit electrical connector 32. This coupling may be selective such that the inflation valve member electrical connector 41a may be coupled to the heating member electrical connector 22 (or control unit electrical connector 32) and decoupled repeatedly without causing substantive damage to either the inflation valve member electrical connector 41a or the heating member electrical connector 22 (or control unit electrical connector 32).

The inflation valve member 41 (see figures 8-10) is configured to be fitted to the wheel rim 103 of a wheel 102 and, in particular, may be configured to be fitted to the inflation valve aperture 103d of the wheel rim 103. The inflation valve member 41 is configured to provide for fluid and electrical communication from outside of the inflation volume to inside the inflation volume. One or more temperature sensors 31 may be integrated into or secured to the inflation valve member 41 (inside or outside of the inflation volume or both). In some embodiments, the inflation valve member 41 is also configured to provide control communication from inside the inflation volume to outside the inflation volume. For example, control communication may include data from one or more temperature sensors 31.

The inflation valve member 41 may be configured to be removably fitted around a wheel rim 103 such that the inflation valve member 41 (and/or other part of the heating system 2 or tyre warmer 1) may be provided as an aftermarket kit and the inflation valve member 41 may be retrofitted to a wheel rim 103.

As such the inflation valve member 41 includes at least two electrical conductors (such as wires, metal strips, or the like) which extend from outside the inflation volume to a position inside the inflation volume. The electrical conductors may, therefore, allow the transmission of electrical power from outside to inside the inflation volume. The electrical conductors may be in electrical communication (and may be attached to) the inflation valve member electrical connector 41a.

The at least two electrical conductors may be terminated outside of the inflation volume in a plug or socket 41c. In some embodiments, the electrical conductors are terminated in a socket 41c which includes an outer annular conductor and a coaxial inner pin conductor. The plug or socket 41c is configured to be coupled to (and in electrical communication with) a corresponding plug or socket (such as output connector 43) of a power supply 44 of the power delivery system 4.

The inflation valve member 41 also defines a channel for the passage of a fluid into the inflation volume. The channel may be defined by a channel member 41b of the inflation valve member 41. The channel may be configured to receive a valve core and may, therefore, include an internal thread which is configured to mate with an external thread of a valve core. The valve core is configured to inhibit or substantially prevent the passage of fluid therethrough when in a closed configuration and to permit the passage of fluid therethrough when in an open configuration. Thus, the delivery of fluid to the inflation volume through the inflation valve member 41 may require actuation of the valve core to the open configuration. Once the desired fluid pressure has been achieved in the inflation volume, then the valve core may be actuated to the closed configuration to hold the fluid within the inflation volume (or at least to inhibit the leakage of fluid from the inflation volume through the inflation valve member 41).

The channel member 41b may be configured to be attached to an inflation system conduit (which delivers inflation fluid from an inflation system (e.g. a pump) to the channel member 41 b). The channel member 41 b may, therefore, include an external thread towards a distal end thereof which is configured to mate with a correspondingly threaded internal portion of the inflation system conduit.

The plug or socket 41c and the channel member 41b may be provided in the same housing of the inflation valve member 41 -a housing which is configured to be mounted to a wheel 102 (e.g. to a wheel rim 103) for use with a vehicle 100.

In some embodiments, the plug or socket 41c and the channel member 41b are integrally formed.

In some embodiments, the plug or socket 41c and channel member 41b are configured such that at least part of the channel member 41 b and/or valve core include the at least two electrodes of the plug or socket 41 c. As such, the plug or socket 41 c and the channel member 41 b may be a combined structure.

In such a combined structure, the channel member 41b may be configured to receive or be received by at least part of the plug or socket of the power supply 44. The plug or socket of the power supply 44 may be configured to be coupled to the channel member 41b in such a manner that the valve core is not actuated to the open configuration by the coupling but remains in the closed configuration. For example, the at least two electrodes may extend along a length of an internal surface of an outer wall of the channel member 41 b. The plug or socket of the power supply 44 may be configured to fit within the channel member 41 b and to contact the at least two electrodes; however, in some embodiments, the plug or socket of the power supply 44 is tubular such that, when so coupled, no substantive force is applied to an actuation member of the valve core (an actuation member which may be in the form of a pin member generally coaxially mounted within the channel defined by the channel member 41b).

In some embodiments, such as those depicted, the channel member 41b and the plug or socket 41 c are integrally formed and are mounted at an angle with respect to each other which provides sufficient clearance to permit the attachment of the output connector 43 (e.g. the plug or socket) of the power supply 44 and an inflation system conduit to the plug or socket 41c and the channel member 41b respectively. In some embodiments, the channel member 41b and plug or socket 41c have respective longitudinal axes which are perpendicular to each other. The channel member 41 c and plug or socket 41c may meet at a common hub 41d. In embodiments, the inflation valve member 41 may be configured such that the channel member 41b extends generally parallel to the wheel rim 103 and the plug or socket 41c may extend generally radially inwardly with respect to the wheel 102 (i.e. towards the wheel hub 105).

The inflation valve member 41 includes, in some embodiments, an abutment portion 41e which is configured to abut the wheel rim 103 (e.g. the inner circumferential surface of the wheel rim 103). The abutment portion 41 e may be coated, sheathed or otherwise provided with a material which promotes a generally fluid tight seal between the wheel rim 103 and the abutment portion 41e. As such the abutment portion 41e (or a coating or sheathing thereof) may be deformable to conform to the surface of the wheel rim 103. One or more washers or other sealing members may be provided in the region of the abutment portion 41 e to promote the generally fluid tight seal.

The inflation valve member 41 may include a clamp system 41f which may be configured to assist in the securing of the inflation valve member 41 to the wheel rim 103. The clamp system 41f may also or alternatively assist in the securing of the inflation valve member electrical connector 41a to the inflation valve member 41.

The clamp system 41f may include a threaded spigot 4lfa which is configured to mate with a correspondingly threaded nut 41b. The threaded spigot 4lfa may be inserted through the inflation valve aperture 103d such that the abutment portion 41e abuts a surface of the wheel rim 103. The threaded nut 4lfb may then be mated with the threaded spigot 4lfa and used to clamp the inflation valve member 41 to the wheel rim 103. In some embodiments, the threaded nut 4lfb may additionally or alternatively be configured to clamp an electrical conductor associated with the inflation valve member electrical connector 41a to the wheel rim 103 and/or to the inflation valve member 41 and/or to the abutment portion 41e.

The abutment portion 41 e may be formed from a material which is an electrical insulator.

A cap 41g may be provided for an end of the channel member 41b and may be configured to inhibit the ingress of dirt and debris into the channel of the channel member 41b. A cap may also be provided for an end of the plug or socket 41 c, again, to inhibit the ingress of dirt or debris. The or each cap may be tethered to the inflation valve member 41 or a part thereof. The or each cap may be formed from an electrical insulator.

The inflation valve member 41 may be configured such that it is electrically insulated from the wheel rim 103 (by the abutment portion 41 e or otherwise).

In some embodiments, the power delivery system 4 includes a transformer 42 which is configured to reduce an AC supply voltage (such as a mains supply voltage) to a lower voltage. In some embodiments, the transformer 42 includes a rectifier which is configured to convert an AC electrical supply into a DC electrical output. In some embodiments, therefore, the heating system 2 is configured to operate using a DC electrical output from the power delivery system 4.

The power delivery system 4 may include a plug which is configured to be connected, in electrical communication, with a mains supply, a generator, or the like. The transformer 42, if provided, may be positioned in an electrical circuit between the plug and the output connector 43.

In some embodiments, the power delivery system 4 includes an electrical generator which is configured to generate electricity for output through the output connector 43. In some embodiments, the power delivery system 4 may include one or more batteries which are configured to provide electricity for use by the tyre warmer 1 via the output connector.

In some embodiments, the power delivery system 4 is configured or further configured to be coupled to an electrical system of the vehicle 100 which includes the wheel 102 to which the tyre warmer 1 is fitted.

In some embodiments, an electrical coupling system 5 may be provided which allows electrical power generated by, for example, the vehicle 100 to be delivered to the inflation valve member 41 secured to a wheel 102 which may be rotating with respect to the source of the electrical power (see figures ii- 15). The electrical coupling system 5 may, therefore, comprise a slip-ring arrangement 51. The electrical coupling system S may form part of the power delivery system 4 of some embodiments. As will be appreciated, some embodiments including the electrical coupling system 5 need not include the inflation valve member 41.

The slip-ring arrangement 51 includes at least two conductor rails Sla which may be generally annular conductor rails 51 a. The conductor rails 51 a may be mounted to a substrate Sib which is formed from an electrical insulator. The conductor rails Sia may be made of copper or aluminium or graphite, for example. The substrate Sib may be a plate-like member with a generally annular or circular form. The substrate Sib may be formed from a hydrophobic material or may have a hydrophobic coating or treatment applied thereto -so as to resist water extending between the conductor rails Sla and causing a short circuit. The substrate Sib may have a diameter which is considerably less than a diameter of the wheel 102.

The substrate Sib is configured to be mounted to the wheel i02 for rotation therewith by one or more bracket members Sic. The bracket members Sic may be configured to be attached the substrate Sib to mounting positions for a brake disc of the vehicle 100 such that the brake disc and substrate Sib are spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the bracket members Sic serve as spacers and one or more bolts may be provided which attach the substrate Sib to wheel 102. The substrate Sib and brake disc may be arranged such that they are configured to be rotated around a common axis (which may be an axle axis for the wheel 102).

The slip-ring arrangement 51 includes a plurality of carbon brushes Sid each of which is associated with a respective one of the at least two conductor rails 51a. The carbon brushes 51d are mounted with respect to a part of the vehicle 100 which respect to which the wheel 102 is configured for rotation.

This part of the vehicle 100 may be an axle tube, a frame member (such as a swing arm) or a suspension member 107 (such as part of the forks of a motorcycle).

Each carbon brush 51 d is associated with a biasing arrangement 51 e which may be a resilient biasing arrangement and may be in the form of a helical spring. The biasing arrangement 51e is configured to bias the associated carbon brush 51 d towards and into contact one of the conductor rails 51 a.

Each carbon brush 51d is, therefore, in electrical communication with a respective conductor rail 51a and is configured to remain substantially in electrical communication therewith as the substrate 51 b rotates (e.g. with the wheel 102) with respect to the carbon brush 51 d.

The carbon brushes 51 d are connectable in an electrical circuit such that electrical power may be delivered (from the power supply 44) through the carbon brushes Sid to the generally circular conductor rails Sla. The carbon brushes bid may, accordingly, be connectable to the control unit 3 (e.g. to the control unit electrical connector 32) and/or to one or more parts of the power delivery system 4 (such as the output connector 43).

The conductor rails 51a are connected in electrical communication with the heating member electrical connector 22. This may be achieved in a number of different ways. For example, electrical conductors (such as wires) may extend between the conductor rails 51a and the plug or socket 41c of the inflation valve member 41. The electrical conductors may be secured to, for example, one or more of the wheel spokes 104 for support.

In other embodiments, the electrical conductors may extend through an aperture defined by the wheel 102 and into an interior of the wheel 102. For example, the electrical conductors may extend through a wall of the wheel hub and/or wheel spoke 104 and into an interior thereof. The electrical conductors may then pass into the inflation volume through one or more apertures defined by the wheel rim 103. In some embodiments, a bolt which is used to secure the brake disc to the wheel 102 is replaced with a bolt defining a through-hole. The electrical conductors may pass through the through-hole and into an interior of the wheel 102. In some embodiments, two such hollow bolts are provided (i.e. bolts defining respective through-holes).

In some embodiments in which the control unit 3 is located within the inflation volume, the electrical conductors are in electrical communication with the heating member electrical connector 22 via the control unit 3 (e.g. via the control unit electrical connector 32).

In some embodiments, the control unit 3 includes or is coupled to a control interface 33. The control interface 33 may be a panel including a number of lights and controls and/or may include a display screen (such as an LCD screen, for example). The control interface 33 is configured to display, to a user, information about one or more aspects of the operation of the tyre warmer 1 -for example, a temperature associated with the tyre 101 to which the tyre warmer 1 is fitted (or any other temperature monitored by the or each temperature sensors 31). In some embodiments, the control interface 33 is configured to receive one or more user inputs (e.g. via the controls) to control the operation of one or more aspects of the operation of the tyre warmer 1 (e.g. a set point for a temperature associated with the tyre 101).

In some embodiments the control interface 33 is configured to control the operation of (and/or display information relating to) more than one tyre warmer 1.

The control interface 33 may be wirelessly connected to other parts of the control unit 3 (e.g. the or each temperature sensor 31 and/or any processing system of the control unit 3). Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of the connections may be wired connections.

Embodiments of the present invention include the inflation valve member 41 configured to be fitted to a wheel 102. Embodiments of the present invention also include a wheel 102 to which the inflation valve member 41 has been fitted. Embodiments of the present invention further include a vehicle 100 including a wheel 102 to which the inflation valve member 41 has been fitted.

The wheel 102 of embodiments may include the tyre warmer 1 or a part thereof (such as the heating system 2). Embodiments of the present invention also include the heating system 2.

Some embodiments of the present invention include a kit of parts comprising one or more of the tyre warmer 1 (or any component part thereof), a wheel 102, and a vehicle 100.

As will be appreciated, embodiments of the present invention may be configured to be used in relation to any vehicle 100 which includes a wheel 102 with a tyre 101 -for example, a car, a lorry, a truck, a motorcycle, a moped, a scooter, an aeroplane, a helicopter, a caravan, a campervan, a trailer, a bicycle, an amphibious vehicle, off road vehicle, a bus, a coach, an excavator, a backhoe loader, an ambulance, a fire engine, a police car, a forklift truck, a loader, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or the like.

In some embodiments, with the control unit 3 outside of the inflation volume, the weight of the wheel 102 including the tyre warmer 1 is reduced -which is advantageous.

The inflation valve member 41 is configured to allow the passage of enough electric current therethrough to operate the heating system (e.g. the heating member 2) -which may be considerable.

Embodiments of the present invention are configured such that the tyre 101 may be removed from the wheel rim 103 without removing the heating member 21 fitted thereto. Indeed, in embodiments in which the heating member 21 is configured to fit the annular recess 103c, the fitting or re-fitting or removal of a tyre 101 from the wheel rim 103 may be eased compared to embodiments in which this is not the case.

It will be appreciated that heating elements comprising a polymer and conductive material mix have been used in other applications previously. It had been thought that such materials would not reach the required temperatures for use in tyre warmers and/or that they would be too delicate. It has been found, however, that such materials can be used in tyre warmers. In addition, the provision of a support structure aids in ensuring that the structural integrity of the heating element is retained during repeated temperature cycles.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the polymer and conductive material mix provides more even heating and is less prone to failure than some alternatives. Indeed, in some embodiments, the heating member 21 of the present invention using a polymer and conductive material mix is more robust in the event of exposure to water and other contaminants in the air which is commonly found in the inflation volume of tyres -compared to one or more other heating members.

The heating member 21 of embodiments of the present invention is configured to be positioned adjacent the wheel rim 103 (i.e. remote from the tread lOla of the tyre 101). Accordingly, in embodiments, the wheel rim 103 is heated and is involved in the primary heat transfer mechanism to the tyre 101 (e.g. via conduction). Therefore, unlike prior tyre warmers, the wheel rim 103 does not act as a heat sink to cause rapid cooling of the tyre 101 after the tyre warmer 1 is turned off and/or removed (as would be the case for conventional tyre warmers). The heating member 21 may be configured to reach a temperature of 80°C or above or 90°C or above or 100°C or above, in some embodiments.

It is envisaged that tyre warmers 1 according to embodiments may be used by a wider range of users than current tyre warmers 1. Accordingly, more tyres 101 will be operating within optimal temperature ranges for longer -potentially improving safety and reducing environmental damage (because of less frequent tyre replacement).

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

Claims: 1. A tyre warmer for use in warming a tyre of a vehicle, the tyre warmer including: a heating member configured to be secured around a wheel rim within an inflation volume of the tyre such that the heating member is generally adjacent the wheel rim, wherein a temperature of the heating member increases when electric power is supplied to the heating member.
2. A tyre warmer according to claim 1, wherein the heating member includes a heating element formed from a polymer impregnated with a conductive material.
3. A tyre warmer according to claim 2, wherein the polymer is an elastomer.
4. A tyre warmer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the conductive material is a carbon containing material.
5. A tyre warmer according to any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an inflation valve member which is configured to provide fluid and electrical communication from outside of the inflation volume to inside the inflation volume, the electrical communication being at least for powering the heating member.
6. A tyre warmer according to claim 5, wherein the inflation valve member includes a channel member configured to allow the passage of fluid into the inflation volume and a plug or socket to allow the flow of electricity into the inflation volume for powering the heating member.
7. A tyre warmer according to claim 6, wherein the chamber member and plug or socket extend in directions substantially perpendicular to each other.
8. A tyre warmer according to any preceding claim, further comprising an electrical coupling system which is configured to transfer electrical power from a first part of a vehicle to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel is configured to rotate with respect to the first part of the vehicle and the electrical coupling system is configured to transfer electrical power whilst the wheel is rotating.
9. A tyre warmer according to claim 8, wherein the electrical coupling system comprises a slip ring arrangement.
10. A tyre warmer according to claim 9, wherein the slip ring arrangement comprises two or more carbon brushes biased into contact with two or more generally annular conductor rails.
11. A tyre warmer according to claim 10, wherein the slip ring arrangement further comprises a substrate to which the two or more generally annular conductor rails are mounted.
12. A tyre warmer according to claim 11, wherein the slip ring arrangement further includes one or more bracket members configured to space the substrate from a brake disc of a vehicle.
13. A tyre warmer according to claim 12, wherein the slip ring arrangement further includes one or more hollow mounting members which are configured to provide a channel for one or more electrical conductors and which are further configured to amount a brake disc and/or the substrate to a wheel.
14. A tyre warmer according to any preceding claim, further including a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to be located outside of the inflation volume of the tyre.
15. A vehicle including a tyre warmer according to any preceding claim.
16. An inflation valve member including: a channel member configured to allow the passage of fluid into an inflation volume of a tyre; and a plug or socket configured to allow the flow of electricity into the inflation volume, wherein the inflation valve member configured to be secured to a wheel rim to which the tyre is fitted and to provide fluid and electrical communication from outside of the inflation volume to inside the inflation volume.
17. A wheel for a vehicle, the wheel including an inflation valve member according to claim 16 and/or a tyre warmer according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
18. A tyre warmer substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
19. A vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. A wheel substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
21. An inflation valve member substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
22. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims: 1. A tyre warmer for use in warming a tyre of a vehicle, the tyre warmer including: a heating member configured to be secured around a wheel rim within an inflation volume of the tyre such that the heating member is generally adjacent the wheel rim, wherein a temperature of the heating member increases when electric power is supplied to the heating member; and an inflation valve member which is configured to provide fluid and electrical communication from outside of the inflation volume to inside the inflation volume, the electrical communication being at least for powering the heating member.2. A tyre warmer according to claim 1, wherein the heating member includes a heating element formed from a polymer impregnated with a o conductive material.o 3. A tyre warmer according to claim 2, wherein the polymer is an elastomer.4. A tyre warmer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the conductive material is a carbon containing material.5. A tyre warmer according to any preceding claim, wherein the inflation valve member includes a channel member configured to allow the passage of fluid into the inflation volume and a plug or socket to allow the flow of electricity into the inflation volume for powering the heating member.6. A tyre warmer according to claim 5, wherein the channel member and plug or socket extend in directions substantially perpendicular to each other.7. A tyre warmer according to any preceding claim, further comprising an electrical coupling system which is configured to transfer electrical power from a first part of a vehicle to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel is configured to rotate with respect to the first part of the vehicle and the electrical coupling system is configured to transfer electrical power whilst the wheel is rotating.8. A tyre warmer according to claim 7, wherein the electrical coupling system comprises a slip ring arrangement.9. A tyre warmer according to claim 8, wherein the slip ring arrangement comprises two or more carbon brushes biased into contact with two or more generally annular conductor rails.10. A tyre warmer according to claim 9, wherein the slip ring arrangement o further comprises a substrate to which the two or more generally annular conductor rails are mounted.11. A tyre warmer according to claim 10, wherein the slip ring arrangement further includes one or more bracket members configured to space the substrate from a brake disc of a vehicle.12. A tyre warmer according to claim 11, wherein the slip ring arrangement further includes one or more hollow mounting members which are configured to provide a channel for one or more electrical conductors and which are further configured to amount a brake disc and/or the substrate to a wheel.13. A tyre warmer according to any preceding claim, further including a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to be located outside of the inflation volume of the tyre.14. A vehicle including a tyre warmer according to any preceding claim.15. A wheel for a vehicle, the wheel including a tyre warmer according to any one of claims ito 13.16. A tyre warmer substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.17. A vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.18. A wheel substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.