ON MULTI-PIECE WHEELS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to pneumatic tires, and methods for using pneumatic tires with wheels.

[0002] The present invention is generally directed to tubeless tires having a sealing piece extending from bead to bead, and the temporary repair of such tire when mounted on a wheel, such as a multi-piece wheel.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Pneumatic tires may be mounted on a variety of different wheels. Wheels generally include a central barrel and a pair of rim-flanges spaced axially along the central barrel and between which a tire is installed. Certain wheels, such as multi-piece wheels, are easily disassembled by removing a rim flange, which may form a single component or multiple components. By disassembling, a tire may be easily mounted on the wheel, after which the rim flange is reinstalled for use.

[0004] In certain instances, a sealing piece is used to form a seal between the tire and the wheel, thereby sealing the internal pressurization chamber formed between the tire and the wheel, such as when using a tubeless tire. When a tubeless tire is damaged, if repairable, a patch may be used in certain instances to make the repair. This repair, however, may require special equipment and expertise not present when and where the tire becomes damaged, which is often remote to a tire repair location. Due to the limited availability of spare tires or the time and equipment required to tow a vehicle in for repair of the tire, it is desirous to avoid the reliance on these solutions when a vehicle having a damaged tire is sufficiently remote from a tire service location.

[0005] Accordingly, when using tubeless tires, there is a need to provide temporary use of the damaged tire until it can be repaired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention, in different embodiments, comprises a pneumatic tire, a tire-wheel assembly, a method of repairing a tire-wheel assembly, and a repair kit for repairing a tire-wheel assembly. [0007] In certain embodiments, the pneumatic tire includes a pair of sidewalls each extending radially outward from a terminal end forming a bead portion, each bead portion being arranged along one of the pair of rim flanges. The tire also includes a sealing piece configured to be disposed between the wheel and each of the bead portions of the tire when arranged in a tire-wheel assembly. The sealing piece is configured to extend from one bead portion to the other bead portion. The sealing piece includes a sealing piece opening configured to be at least partially aligned with the valve opening of the wheel. The sealing piece opening has an inner diameter sized equal to or greater than a cross-sectional extent of an insertable portion of a valve stem tube to extend from a flexible, inflatable tube configured for insertion into a pressurization chamber of the tire-wheel assembly. The tire also includes a valve base having an orifice configured to be at least partially aligned with both the valve opening of the wheel and the sealing piece opening to provide a common passage when arranged in a tire-wheel assembly, wherein the valve base orifice has an inner diameter sized greater than a cross-sectional extent of the insertable portion of the valve stem tube.

[0008] In embodiments of the invention pertaining to the repair kit, in certain embodiments the tire repair kit is for repairing a tire-wheel assembly. The tire-wheel assembly includes a pneumatic tire having a pair of sidewalls each extending radially outward from a terminal end forming a bead portion, each bead portion being arranged along one of the pair of rim flanges. The tire- wheel assembly also includes a wheel upon which the tire is mounted, the wheel including a pair of rim flanges spaced apart and configured to receive a tire and a valve opening arranged between the pair of rim flanges. The assembly further includes a sealing piece disposed between the wheel and each of a pair of bead portions of the tire. The sealing piece extends from one bead portion to the other bead portion and includes a sealing piece opening at least partially aligned with the valve opening of the wheel. The sealing piece opening has an inner diameter. The assembly also includes a valve base having an orifice at least partially aligned with both the valve opening of the wheel and the sealing piece opening to provide a common passage. The kit includes a flexible, inflatable tube configured for insertion into a pressurization chamber of the tire-wheel assembly and a valve stem tube configured to extend from the flexible, inflatable tube. The valve stem has an insertable portion configured for insertion into the common passage formed by the sealing piece opening and the valve base orifice.

[0009] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a tire-wheel assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0011] FIGS. 2A depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the tire-wheel assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2B is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 2A, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 3A depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the tire-wheel assembly of FIG. 2A following temporary repair of the tire-wheel assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 3B is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 3A, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of at least a portion of a valve base arranged within a valve base support structure and attached to a first valve stem extension, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a configuration of the valve base support structure shown in FIG. 4 having a conical frustum shape, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 6 depicts an alternative exemplary configuration of a valve base support structure having an inverted conical frustum shape, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 7 depicts another exemplary configuration of a valve base support structure in which the valve base support structure is integrated with the sealing piece, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 8 depicts a portion of one embodiment of a wheel including two or more wheel pieces, wherein at least one wheel piece of the two or more wheel pieces is removable from the wheel to permit removal of the tubeless tire and insertion of an inflatable tube therein, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; and [0020] FIG. 9 is flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process for temporarily repairing a tire-wheel assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In general, when a tubeless tire is damaged during use, commonly the tire must be repaired by installing a tire patch. In certain instances, it is preferred to temporarily repair the tire for temporary use until the tire can be properly repaired. In instances when using a tubeless tire mounted on a multi-piece wheel, the multi-piece is easily disassembled, permitting partial or full dismounting of the tire.

[0022] The present invention provides a manner of temporarily repairing the tire, or tire- wheel assembly, for temporary use by installing a flexible tube (also referred to as an inner tube) configured to inflate and generally consume the pressurization chamber of the tubeless tire-wheel assembly. To facilitate use of the flexible inner tube, a valve stem tube extends through the inner tube and through an opening arranged in a sealing piece extending from one bead portion to another bead portion of the tire. The sealing piece is a flexible sheet or membrane configured to provide a seal between the tire and the wheel at each bead portion of the tire. The opening in the sealing piece is at least partially aligned with an orifice in a valve base, the valve stem tube extending through the opening and orifice and into fluid communication with a valve stem extension extending outwardly from an outer side of the wheel, the valve stem extension having a terminal end having an opening for engaging a pressure source for inflating the inner tube. The orifice of the valve base extends fully through the valve base, the orifice having an inner diameter sized greater than a portion of the valve stem tube extending through the orifice. The valve stem extension in a repaired configuration has an orifice to receive and provide a threaded connection with a terminal end of the valve stem tube.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention include a pneumatic tire configured for temporary repair, a method for temporarily repairing a tire-wheel assembly, and a repair kit for temporarily repairing a tire-wheel assembly that includes a valve stem tube insertable into a valve base within the tire-wheel assembly. By virtue of employing the present invention, when a tire becomes damaged, a tire-wheel assembly may be temporarily repaired before the damaged tire can be replaced or repaired. [0024] With regard to particular embodiments of the tire, the tire comprises a pneumatic tire configured to be mounted on a wheel. The pneumatic tire comprises a crown area that includes a tread, the tread forming an outer, ground-engaging side of the tire. The tire also includes a pair of sidewalls extending radially inward from the crown area, the pair of sidewalls also extending radially outward from a terminal end, each terminal end forming a bead portion. When the tire is installed on the wheel, each bead portion is arranged along the wheel, whether or not each bead portion is directly arranged in contact with the wheel. In certain instances, the pneumatic tire is a tubeless tire, where a seal is created between the tire and the wheel to create a pressurization chamber between the tire and the wheel. In other instances, the pneumatic tire is a tube-type tire where a tube is arranged between the tire and the wheel, the tube being inflated to pressurize the tire.

[0025] Ultimately, the tire is mounted on a wheel to form a tire wheel assembly. The wheel may comprise any wheel having a pair of rim flanges spaced apart and configured to receive the tire. Each of the pair of bead portions is generally arranged along or adjacent to one of the pair of rim flanges. In certain instances, at least one of the rim flanges is removable from the wheel to permit removal of the pneumatic tire and insertion of an inflatable tube into an inflation chamber arranged between the tire and wheel. A removable lock ring may be used to secure the removable rim flange in an installed arrangement. The wheel also includes a valve opening arranged between the pair of rim flanges. The valve opening forms an aperture or passage extending through a structure from which one or both of the rim flanges extend. This structure, in certain exemplary embodiments, forms a rim portion of the wheel. The rim portion is also referred to as a drum or barrel. While in the mounted state, damage to the tire may occur or prior damage may become recognized. It is also possible that some portion of the wheel may become damaged, in lieu of or in addition to the tire being damaged. In the mounted state, upon recognition of tire or wheel damage, sufficient to cause a leak in the tire-wheel assembly, the wheel may be partially disassembled to insert (1) a flexible, inflatable tube into a pressurization chamber of the tire wheel assembly that substantially extends annularly around the tire within the pressurization chamber and (2) a valve stem tube connected to the flexible, inflatable tube to facilitate inflation of the flexible inflatable tube and the temporary repair of the tire- wheel assembly.

[0026] A sealing piece is used with the tire, the sealing piece being configured to be arranged or disposed between a wheel and the tire when forming a tire-wheel assembly, and more specifically between each of the bead portions of the tire, such that the sealing piece extends from one bead portion to the other bead portion. The sealing piece generally forms a thin membrane or sheet that is generally flexible and compliant. For example, the sealing piece may be formed from an elastomeric or polymeric material, such as any natural or synthetic rubber, and which may or may not be reinforced with suitable reinforcements. Any known reinforcement may be employed suitable for its intended purpose, and may comprise, for example, a twisted fabric or a textile formed of woven fabric. The sealing piece also has a sealing piece opening arranged in the sealing piece and extending through the sealing piece (that is, through a thickness of the sealing piece), such that the sealing piece opening forms an aperture or passage through the sealing piece. When installed between the tire and wheel, the sealing piece opening is at least partially aligned with a valve opening of the wheel. The sealing piece opening has an inner diameter sized equal to or greater than a cross-sectional extent of an insertable portion of a valve stem tube, which is connected to a flexible, inflatable tube. While any size may be employed, so long as satisfying this relative size relationship, in certain instances, for example, the sealing piece opening inner diameter is greater than 8 mm when the cross-sectional extent of the insertable portion of a valve stem tube is 8 mm or less. It is appreciated that the sealing piece may be connected or affixed to one or both bead portions of the tire, before or upon installation onto a wheel. Accordingly, the sealing piece may be provided as part of the tire (that is, as a component thereof) or as a component separate from the tire for assembly between the tire and the wheel when forming a tire-wheel assembly.

[0027] The tire also utilizes a valve base having an orifice configured to be at least partially aligned with both the valve opening of the wheel and the sealing piece opening to provide a common passage, such that when assembled in a tire-wheel assembly, the valve base orifice is at least partially aligned with both the valve opening of the wheel and the sealing piece opening to provide a common passage. The valve base is arranged within the tire-wheel assembly before the tire becomes damaged to the extent temporary repair is required. It is appreciated that the valve base may be arranged between the sealing piece and the wheel, within the sealing piece, or such that the sealing piece is arranged between the valve base and the wheel (that is, on the pressurization chamber side of the sealing piece). The valve base orifice has an inner diameter sized greater than a cross-sectional extent of an insertable portion of a valve stem tube, configured to be inserted into the valve base orifice for temporary repair. While any size may be employed, so long as satisfying this relative size relationship, in certain instances, for example, the inner diameter of the valve base is greater than 8 mm when the cross-sectional extent of the insertable portion of a valve stem tube is 8 mm or less. In certain instances, the valve base is also configured to removably receive a first valve stem extension extending from an outer side (that is, an external side) of the wheel. The valve stem extension comprises a tube having a passage extending between opposing terminal ends of the valve stem extension. Optionally, the valve stem extension includes an inflation valve configured for engagement with a pressurized gas source. A pressurized gas source commonly is an inflation hose extending from a tank of pressurized gas operably connected to a compressor, but it is appreciated that any source of pressurized gas may be employed. In being configured to removably receive a first valve stem extension, each of the valve base and the first valve stem extension may be configured in any desired manner to achieve removable attachment. For example, in certain instances, the inner diameter of the valve base orifice is threaded for removably receiving the first valve stem extension. It is appreciated that the valve base may be may be provided as part of the tire (that is, as a component thereof), such as when the valve base forms a portion of the sealing piece, or as a component separate from the tire for assembly with the tire-wheel assembly.

[0028] In particular embodiments, the valve base is at least partially arranged within a valve base support structure. The valve base support structure is flexible and compliant. While the valve base support structure may be made of any desired material or combination of materials, in certain instances, the valve base support structure is at least in part made of an elastomeric or polymeric material, such as any natural or synthetic rubber, and may or may not include reinforcements as generally contemplated in association with the sealing piece, although it is not required that the reinforcements are the same. The valve base support structure may be integrated with the sealing piece of the tire-wheel assembly, or the valve base support structure may be a separate, independent component. In certain instances, the valve base support structure may have a variable thickness, with the thickness tapering to a reduced thickness from a central portion of the valve base support structure to its outer extents. In certain instances, this tapering is embodied in a valve base support structure having a conical frustum shape, with the larger base of the conical frustum shaped structure facing toward the tire and the smaller top of the conical frustum shaped structure facing the wheel. In another instance, the variable thickness may give rise to the valve base support structure having an inverted conical frustum shape, with the smaller bottom of the structure facing the tire and the larger top of the structure facing the wheel. If the valve base support structure is an independent component, it may be arranged between the sealing piece and the wheel, or it may be arranged so that the sealing piece is arranged between the valve base support structure and the wheel.

[0029] When the tire is damaged, such as when sufficient to generate a pressurization leak or to create a risk of future leakage, a flexible, inflatable tube (also referred to as an "inflation tube") is inserted into the tire-wheel assembly to place the tire-wheel assembly into a temporarily repaired arrangement. This flexible, inflatable tube may or may not be annular, but when arranged in the tire-wheel assembly, the flexible, inflatable tube extends substantially around the annular pressurization chamber. A valve stem tube extends from inflatable tube to facilitate inflation thereof, and includes a passage extending from opposing terminal ends and through which pressurized gas passes from a pressurized gas source and to the inflatable tube. This valve stem tube may form a component of the flexible, inflatable tube or may be provided as a separate component, attachable or connectable to the flexible, inflatable tube. With inserting the inflatable tube and valve stem tube into the tire-wheel assembly, at least a portion of the valve stem tube is arranged to extend at least partially through the sealing piece and the valve base. The portion extending into and at least partially through the sealing piece and the valve base is the insertable portion of the valve stem tube. It is appreciated that the cross-sectional extent of the insertable portion may form any desired shape, and for example, in certain embodiments, the cross-sectional extent forms an outer diameter of the cross-sectional extent of the insertable portion of the valve stem tube. It is understood that valve stem tubes may be made in a wide variety of sizes, and the sealing piece opening and valve base orifice may, in various embodiments, be sized accordingly to accommodate larger or smaller valve stem tubes. In placing the tire-wheel assembly into the temporarily repaired arrangement, the first valve stem extension is removed and a second valve stem extension is attached to the vale stem tube extending from the inflatable tube and through the common passage of the wheel opening, valve base orifice, and sealing piece opening. The valve stem tube may be attached to the second valve extension by any known manner, such as via threaded attachment. Once the inflatable tube has been inserted into the pressurization chamber and the valve stem tube and second valve extension have been attached to the tire-wheel assembly, the second valve extension may be connected to a pressurized gas source to inflate the inflatable tube through the valve stem tube, allowing for the damaged tire-wheel assembly to be sufficiently inflated to permit use of the tire-wheel assembly until the tire can be fully repaired or replaced. In particular instances, a protective structure is disposed between the inflatable tube and the sealing piece of the tire-wheel assembly. The protective structure may be referred to as a "flap," and generally is provided to so that the inflatable tube rests on the protective structure rather than directly along the sealing piece and any bead portion of the pneumatic tire, as direct contact increases the risk that the inflatable tube may become damaged, such as by rubbing or pinching. The protective structure may be annular or, if not annular, it is arranged to extend substantially around the annular pressurization chamber formed between the tire and wheel. It is appreciated that this protective structure may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible.

[0030] With regard now to embodiments of the invention comprising a tire repair kit for repair of a tire-wheel assembly. In particular embodiments, the repair kit is configured for use with tire-wheel assembly that includes a pneumatic and wheel as described above. The tire wheel assembly further includes a sealing piece in accordance with any embodiment thereof described herein, the sealing piece being disposed between the wheel and each of a pair of bead portions of the tire and extending from one bead portion to the other bead portion. The sealing piece includes a sealing piece opening at least partially aligned with the valve opening of the wheel and having an inner diameter. The tire-wheel assembly further includes a valve base as described in accordance with any embodiment described herein, the valve base having an orifice at least partially aligned with both the valve opening of the wheel and the sealing piece opening to provide a common passage. It is appreciated that the repair kit may include any one or more components described herein for temporarily repairing the tire-wheel assembly. For example, in particular embodiments, the kit comprises a flexible, inflatable tube configured for insertion into a pressurization chamber of the tire- wheel assembly and a valve stem tube configured to extend from the flexible, inflatable tube and having an insertable portion configured for insertion into the common passage formed by the sealing piece opening and the valve base orifice. In certain instances, the valve base orifice is configured for removably receiving a first valve stem extension extending from an outer side of the wheel, the valve stem extension including an inflation valve configured for engagement with a pressurized gas source, where the insertable portion of the valve stem tube is configured to removably receive a second valve stem extension. Optionally, in further instances, the valve base is at least partially arranged within a valve base support structure being a flexible structure. The tire repair kit may also include, along with the valve stem tube and inflatable tube, a protective structure that is designed to at least be disposed between the inflatable tube and the sealing piece of the tire-wheel assembly. The protective structure may be referred to as a "flap," and generally is provided to protect the inflatable tube, as direct contact increases the risk that the inflatable tube may become damaged, such as by rubbing or pinching. The protective structure may be annular or, if not annular, it is arranged to extend substantially around the annular pressurization chamber formed between the tire and wheel. In addition to any other components for temporarily repairing the tire-wheel assembly as described above, the repair kit may include one or more conventional tire repair patches for repairing a damaged portion of the tire, which, if successful, would obviate the need for using the flexible, inflatable tube. If, however, the damage is too large, a person is incapable or unwilling to perform the repair, or if the sealing piece is damaged and cannot sufficiently retain pressurized gas within the pressurization chamber, the tire patch does facilitate sufficient repair of the damaged tire. As a result, use of the flexible, inflatable tube is needed. Further, the repair kit may include any tools required for facilitating such repair may be included within the kit, such as, for example, any wrench or the like.

[0031] With regard now to embodiments of the invention comprising methods for temporarily repairing a tire of a tire-wheel assembly, such methods generally providing a tire- wheel assembly in any embodiment discussed herein before the tire becomes damaged or otherwise requires repair. This includes providing a tire-wheel assembly having at least a sealing piece and a valve base in accordance with any embodiments contemplated herein, where the valve base has an orifice configured to be at least partially aligned with both a valve opening of the wheel and a sealing piece opening to provide a common passage when arranged in the tire-wheel assembly, where the valve base orifice has an inner diameter sized greater than a cross-sectional extent of an insertable portion of a valve stem tube to extend from a flexible, inflatable tube for insertion into a pressurization chamber of the tire-wheel assembly. The method further includes at least partially separating the tire (a damaged tire) from a sealed or seated arrangement on the wheel, inserting the flexible, inflatable tube between the tire and the wheel within a pressurization chamber with a valve stem tube extending therefrom, and inserting the insertable portion of the valve stem tube into the common passage formed by the opening in the sealing piece and the orifice in the valve base. Thereafter, the tire is reseated on the wheel into an installed arrangement and the wheel reassembled and the inflatable tube is inflated. In particular instances, inflation is facilitated by attaching a valve stem extension, forming a tube, to one of the valve base or valve stem tube and the flexible. In more specific instances, a first valve stem extension is removed from the valve base and a second a second valve stem extension attached to the valve base as described elsewhere herein. Further, a protective structure configured to prevent or inhibit the flexible, inflatable tube from collapsing closer to the wheel or bead portions from a desired location, where the tube may become pinched or repeatedly rub along any bead portion of the tire, before installing the flexible, inflatable tube within the tire-wheel assembly, the protective structure is installed substantially around the pressurization chamber such that the protective structure is arranged between the flexible, inflatable structure and the sealing piece. Removal of the tire from the tire-wheel assembly may be facilitated by the wheel comprising two or more wheel pieces, as described above, so that at least one piece of the two wheel pieces is removable. After the one removable piece has been removed, the tire may be easily removed from the tire-wheel assembly to allow insertion of the inflatable tube (and protective structure if applicable). Once the inflatable tube is inserted, the tire may be replaced and the removable wheel piece replaced, and the inflatable tube may be inflated as described above.

[0032] Certain exemplary embodiments of the preceding discussion will now be discussed in association with the figures provided herewith.

[0033] With reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a tire- wheel assembly 10 is shown, where a tubeless pneumatic tire 20 is mounted on a multi-piece wheel 30. The tire has opposing sidewalls 24 extending radially inward from a crown area 22, of which includes a tread. At the radially inward ends of each sidewall are bead portions 26 for mounting the tire onto the wheel. At least one of the rim flanges 32 may be removable, such as is shown in one example in FIG. 8. Wheel 30 further includes a valve opening 34 arranged between the pair of rim flanges to accommodate a first valve extension 70i and second valve extension 70 ₂ , as further described below. The valve opening is arranged along a barrel portion of the wheel, between the rim flanges. It will be appreciated that many different multi-piece wheels are known, and as such, any other multi-piece wheel may be employed with the invention, including wheels where a rim-flange comprises a plurality of ring components.

[0034] The exemplary embodiment of tire-wheel assembly 10 from FIG. 1 is shown in a partial cross-sectional view in FIG. 2A, during normal use of tire-wheel assembly and prior to a temporary repair. Tire-wheel assembly 10 includes a sealing piece 40 that extends from one bead portion 26 to another bead portion 26 of tire 20. The sealing piece 40 has an opening 42, which is at least partially aligned with an orifice 52 of valve base 50, and is at least partially aligned with wheel valve opening 34. Sealing piece 40 comprises a flexible material, such as rubber or other elastomeric material, and facilitates providing an air-tight seal between tire 20 and wheel 30, particularly in embodiments in which wheel 30 comprises two or more wheel pieces, wherein at least one wheel piece of the two or more wheel pieces is removable from the wheel to permit removal of the tubeless tire and insertion of a tube within the tire. The valve base 50 is at least partially arranged in a valve base support structure 60. Valve base 50 has an inner diameter that is threaded for removably receiving a first valve stem extension 70i. First valve stem extension 70i in turn is removably received by valve base 50 at a first terminal end 72i by threaded attachment and through wheel valve opening 34, as more clearly seen in the partial close-up view of FIG. 2B. The orifice 52 of valve base 50 is at least partially aligned with both wheel valve opening 34 and the sealing piece opening 42 to provide a common passage for first valve stem extension 70i. First valve stem extension 70i extends outwardly from an outer side of the wheel to a second terminal end 74i configured for engagement with a pressurized gas source. The terminal end may include an inflation valve to control the entry and exit of pressurized gas during inflation or deflation of tire 20 in ordinary use.

[0035] FIG. 3A depicts the tire-wheel assembly of FIG. 2A after performing, at least in part, a temporary repair in which an inflatable tube 80 has been placed within a pressurization cavity of the tire- wheel assembly 10'. Inflatable tube 80 is placed within tire- wheel assembly 10' by, for example, removing one portion of wheel 30, such as a removable rim flange 32' as depicted in FIG. 8, removing the tire at least partially from the wheel or from its installed (mounted) arrangement along the wheel, and inserting inflatable tube 80 within the pressurization cavity as shown. As further described below, inflatable tube 80 may then be inflated to temporarily provide pressure for tire-wheel assembly 10' even if tire 20 remains damaged and is otherwise unable to maintain pressure within the pressurization cavity without use of the inflatable tube. To protect inflatable tube 80, the inflatable tube 80 may rest on or within a protective structure 82, which may be referred to as a "flap." Protective structure 82 extends at least across an inner width of the tire 20 and is disposed between sealing piece 40 and inflatable tube 80, so that the protective structure 82 provides a protective barrier between inflatable tube 80 and beads 26 of tire 20. The inflatable tube 80 and protective structure 82 are both annular, as each extends substantially around the tire.

[0036] To facilitate inflation of the inflatable tube 80, a valve stem tube 84 extends through (or into) the inflatable tube 80 and through each of the protective structure 82, the sealing piece 40, and the valve base 50, as shown in FIG. 3A and as shown in closer detail in the partial close-up view of FIG. 3B. The orifice 52 of valve base 50 has an inner diameter sized greater than a cross-sectional extent of a portion of valve stem tube 84 inserted through orifice 52 and through sealing piece opening 42. Valve base 50 thus is sized and configured to both receive and attach the first terminal end 72i of first valve stem extension 70i and to receive and allow insertion of valve stem tube 84. Valve stem tube 84 further extends through the wheel valve opening 34 and to a second valve stem extension 70 ₂ , the portion of the valve stem tube being referred to as the insertable portion of the valve stem tube. The second valve stem extension 7Ο2 generally differs from the first valve stem extension 70i. In particular, the first valve stem extension 70i has a first terminal end 72i that extends into the valve base 50 for threaded attachment thereto, while the first terminal end 722 of the second valve stem extension 7Ο2 has an orifice 732 for threaded attachment of a terminal end 88 of the valve stem tube 84. A second terminal end 742 of second valve stem extension 7Ο2 facilitates inflation of inflatable tube 80 to provide temporary repair and use of tire 20.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment, orifice 52 of valve base 50 has an inner diameter of about 9.4 mm, and an interior screw pitch dimension of about 0.794 mm. It will be understood by those with skill in the art that the screw pitch dimension refers to a separation between peaks of any two adjacent screw threads. Orifice 52 of valve base 50 having dimensions as in the exemplary embodiment above may accommodate a valve stem tube 84 having an exterior maximum diameter of about 8 mm or less in other variations. It will be appreciated that valve base 50 may have other diameter and pitch dimensions to accommodate valve stem tubes 84 with different external diameters; so long as valve base 50 has dimensions selected to be larger than a desired valve stem tube 84, the valve stem tube 84 may be inserted to inflate an inflatable tube 80 within tire-wheel assembly 10, 10'.

[0038] FIG. 4 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a valve base 50 arranged within a valve base support structure 60 and attached to a first valve stem extension 70i. Valve base support structure 60 may comprise a flexible material, such as rubber, plastic, or another elastomeric material. Valve base support structure 60 may, as depicted in FIG. 4, have a variable thickness such that the thickness Τβο is greatest at a central portion at or near valve base 50 and tapers to a reduced thickness at edges of valve base support structure 60. The variable thickness may result, in exemplary embodiments, in valve base support structure 60 having a conical frustum shape. A valve base support structure 60 having a conical frustum shape will generally have, as shown in FIG. 4, a bottom side 62 and a top side 64 where the bottom side 62 has a greater surface area than the top side 64. (As referenced in FIG. 4 and following figures, bottom side 62 refers to the side of valve base support structure 60 arranged to face the sealing piece, and top side 64 refers to the side arranged to face the wheel.) In alternative embodiments, described further below, valve base support structure 60 may have an inverted conical frustum shape.

[0039] FIG. 4 further illustrates a covering structure 76i arranged overtop the valve opening of the wheel. Covering structure 76i may comprise any structure suitable for its intended purpose of substantially or fully covering the valve opening of the wheel to deter or prevent at least the sealing piece from extending into or through the valve opening. It is appreciated that the covering structure 76i may form any shape, such as an annular disk, rectangle, or oval, for example, of any desired thickness. In the embodiment shown, covering structure 76i is a disk, such as a washer, and is secured by a securing mechanism 79i, such as a hex nut, for example, arranged along the outer side of the wheel (not shown in FIG. 4). Covering structure 76i substantially or fully covers the valve opening of the wheel to deter or prevent the sealing piece from extending into or through the valve opening. Valve base 50 may include an interior portion disposed within valve base support structure 60 and an exterior portion disposed outside valve base support structure 60 and through the valve opening of the wheel (not shown in FIG. 4). The exterior portion may have an exterior screw thread with screw dimensions selected for receiving and securing nut 79i. In one example, the exterior screw thread has an exterior screw thread diameter of about 12.2 mm and an exterior screw pitch dimension of about 0.977 mm. It is appreciated that the covering structure may form part of, or be integrated with, the sealing piece. In such instances, there may be no need for a securing mechanism. Therefore, in such instances, the exterior of valve base may or may not be threaded.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates configuration of a valve base support structure 60 shown in FIG. 4, having a conical frustum shape with valve base 50 arranged along a central axis of the valve base support structure. In the example of FIG. 5, valve base support structure 60 may be a piece separate from a sealing piece 40 of a tire-wheel assembly. Bottom side 62 of valve base support structure may face a sealing piece 40 (not shown in FIG. 5) and may, in one instance, have a diameter W ₆ o of about 80 mm. A maximum thickness Τβο of valve base support structure 60 may be about 8 mm and an exterior portion of valve base 50 may extend a distance Dso _x about 6 mm beyond top surface 64 of valve base support structure 60, so that an overall span Ηχ of the valve base 50 and valve base support structure 60 is about 14 mm from bottom side 62 to end of valve base 50. In other variations, distance Dso _x is equal to 1 to 12 mm. [0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative exemplary configuration of a valve base support structure 60' having an inverted conical frustum shape with valve base 50' arranged along a central axis of the valve base support structure. In the example of FIG. 6, valve base support structure 60' may be a piece separate from a sealing piece 40 of a tire-wheel assembly. Bottom side 62' of valve base support structure may face a sealing piece 40 (not shown in FIG. 6), and top side 64' of valve base support structure may face the wheel (not shown in FIG. 6) and may, in one instance, have a diameter Wee of about 80 mm. A maximum thickness Τβο' of valve base support structure 60' may be about 8 mm and an exterior portion of valve base 50' may extend a distance Dso _X ' about 8 mm beyond top surface 64' of valve base support structure 60', so that an overall span H _T > of the valve base 50' and valve base support structure 60' is about 16 mm from bottom side 62' to end of valve base 50'. In other variations, distance Dso _X ' is equal to 1 to 12 mm.

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another exemplary configuration of a valve base support structure 60, in which valve base support structure 60 is integrated with sealing piece 40. Valve base support structure 60 may be made of the same material as sealing piece 40 or, in alternative embodiments, may be made of a different material from sealing piece 40 that may be integrated with sealing piece 40. In any case, valve base support structure 60 and sealing piece 40 may form a unitary or monolithic part that may effectively provide an air-tight seal between tire 20 and wheel 30, particularly in embodiments in which wheel 30 comprises two or more wheel pieces, as well as an airtight valve base 50 and valve base support structure 60 for the tire-wheel assembly. Valve 50 may have an exterior portion that extends a distance D50 _X about 8 mm beyond valve base support structure 60 and sealing piece 40. In other variations, distance Dso _x is equal to 1 to 12 mm.

[0043] FIG. 8 depicts a portion of one embodiment of a wheel 30 that includes two or more wheel pieces, wherein at least one wheel piece of the two or more wheel pieces, such as one rim flange 32' of the pair of rim flanges 32, 32', is removable from the wheel to permit removal of the tubeless tire and insertion of an inflatable tube therein. When one rim flange 32' is removed, a tire 20 (not depicted in FIG. 8) may be easily mounted on the wheel 30, after which the rim flange 32' is reinstalled for use, or removed from the wheel 30 to permit repair of the tire 20 as described above and in the process described further below. After a tire has been installed or repaired and replaced on wheel 30, the one removable rim flange 32' may be replaced to allow use of the tire-wheel assembly. In alternative embodiments other portions of a wheel with two or more wheel pieces may be removable other than a single rim flange 32', such as a rim flange with a separate locking ring, or other pieces in addition to a rim flange may be removable.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 100 for temporarily repairing a tire-wheel assembly. The process begins at block 110 with removing a tire at least partially from an installed arrangement along the wheel of the tire-wheel assembly, at block 120 with inserting a inflatable tube (as illustrated in FIG. 3A) in the tire. It is appreciated that the tire may be fully removed from the wheel or partially from the wheel sufficient to insert a flexible, inflatable tube into a pressurization chamber arranged between the when and tire. Partial removal may include, for example, removing one bead portion from the wheel sufficient to gain access to the pressurization chamber. At block 130 the process continues with inserting a valve stem tube through a valve base and an opening in a sealing piece and into the inflatable tube, as described in detail above, where the sealing piece is disposed between the wheel rim and the tire of the tire-wheel assembly. Thereafter, at block 140 the tire is replaced to an installed arrangement on the wheel with the inflatable tube disposed in the tire. Finally, the process at block 150 includes providing air through the valve stem tube to inflate the inflatable tube. Optionally, in certain variations, process 100 may include inserting a protective structure (as illustrated in FIG. 3A) between the inflatable tube and a valve base support structure of the tire-wheel assembly, the valve base support structure having the valve base disposed inside it. In any variation, it is appreciated that the wheel of the tire-wheel assembly may comprise two or more wheel pieces, with at least one of the two or more wheel pieces being removable, and in any such instance, the method includes removing the removable wheel piece prior to removing the tire, so as allow easier removal of the tire from the tire-wheel assembly, and replacing the removable wheel piece once the tire and inflatable tube have been replaced on the wheel. Optionally, the repair kit may include any tools required or helpful in temporarily repairing the tire as disclosed herein. In certain variations, before providing air through the valve stem, a valve extension is operably attached to the valve stem tube.

[0045] In another aspect, the present invention may be embodied by a tire repair kit for repair of a tire-wheel assembly, such as a tire-wheel assembly 10, 10' as described above. A tire repair kit may include an inflatable tube (such as the inflatable tube 80 illustrated in FIG. 3A) and a valve stem tube. The valve stem tube (such as the valve stem tube 84 illustrated in FIG. 3A) has at least a first portion having an exterior diameter sufficiently small to permit insertion of the valve stem tube into a valve base of the vehicle tire assembly and through an opening of a sealing piece of the vehicle tire assembly, and at least a second portion being attachable to a removable valve stem extension. In one instance, the exterior diameter of the first portion of the valve stem tube may be about 8 mm or less. In one embodiment, the tire repair kit may also include a protective structure (such as the protective structure 82 illustrated in FIG. 3A). The protective structure may generally be designed to at least be disposed between the inflatable tube and the sealing piece of the vehicle tire assembly, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 3A. Further, the tire repair kit may include a tire repair patch, which may be used to temporarily or permanently patch damage to the tire.

[0046] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having," as used in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. The terms "a," "an," and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably. The term "single" shall be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as "two," are used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms "preferably," "preferred," "prefer," "optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (i.e., not required) feature of the invention. Ranges that are described as being "between a and b" are inclusive of the values for "a" and "b" unless otherwise specified.

[0047] While this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the scope and content of the invention are to be defined only by the terms of the following claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any specific embodiment discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any one or more embodiments otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.