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Dec. 13, 1960 . . TUEBS 2,964,084
MULTIPLE CHAMBER PNEUMATIC TIRE AND
INFLATING MEANS THEREFOR
Filed July 29, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2

INVENTOR,
Arzl 7 vaas
 2,964,084
United States Patent Office Patented Dec. 13, 1960
1. 2
and 12 that are receivable in the rim of a wheel. The
wheel 13 has a portion 14 that extends toward the center
and a flat portion 16 which has a projection 7 against
2,964,084 which the bead 12 of the tire rests. An annular rim
portion 18 has an extending portion 19 against which the
MULTIPLE CHAMBER PNEUMATIC TRE AND other bead 11 of the tire rests. Rim portion 13 is
NFLATING MEANS THEREFOR formed with an annular downwardly extending portion
rl Tubbs, Mount Vernon, Iowa 21 which may be attached to the wheel 14 by suitable
fastening means as for example bolts 22 and nuts 23.
Filed July 29, 1957, Ser. No. 674,644 10 The nuts 23 are welded to the wheel 13 behind aligned
openings.
7 Claims. (C. 152-341) An annular opening 24 is formed between the portion
21 and the wheel portion 14 for clamping an annular
bead 26 of an inner liner 27 mounted within the casing
This invention relates in general to a means for in 5 10. The other end 28 of the inner liner 27 has a sec
flating a pneumatic tire and in particular to a new valve ond bead 29 of larger diameter than the bead 26 and has
structure and method of constructing a tire. a flexible portion 3 which provides an air seal between
It is very desirable for safety purposes to have a tire the inner chamber 30 and the outer chamber 32 between
on an automobile which is not subject to the hazards of the liner and casing.
blowouts or sudden failure. To overcome this danger 20 A valve insert 33 of this invention extends through the
recent developments in tires have provided a pair of air sidewall 34 of the casing 10 and the sidewall 36 of inner
chambers with one mounted inside the other so that liner 27 to inflate the inner chamber 30 within the inner
rupture of the outer casing will not cause the tire to go liner and the outer chamber 32 between the inside of the
down completely. Such structures have generally re casing and the outside of the inner liner.
quired two valves communicating with the two air cham 25 Figure 2 illustrates the valve insert 33. It comprises
bers. One valve being metallic and passing through the an external disc-shaped portion 38 which is formed with
rim of the wheel and the other being a valve in the side an annular opening 39 and a key-way 41 for a purpose
wall of the tire such as described in Tubbs Patent Number to be later described. A cylindrical portion 42 extends
2,634,785. down from the disc portion.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a 30 Cylindrical portion 42 extends through the casing of
double chamber tire which has a single valve mounted the tire and has a central opening of generally elliptical
in the sidewall of the tire which is capable of inflating shape which is held closed by the casing.
both air chambers. A generally conical-shaped member 43 is attached to
Another object of this invention is to provide an im the cylindrical portion 42 and is formed with a transverse
proved inner liner for a tubeless tire which may be 35 slot 44 which communicates with the elliptical central
mounted to a wheel of an automobile with an improved opening of the valve insert. m
rim structure. A reenforcement 46 of rubber or other substance is an
It is another object of this invention to provide an integral part of the inner liner 27 and is formed with an
improved valve structure with which an inflating needle opening through which a lower cylindrical portion 47 of
may be used to inflate both chambers of the tire. 40 the valve insert extends. An enlarged portion 48 is
Yet another object is to provide a pair of valves in formed about portion 47.
aligned relationship through the sidewall of a tire and an The lower portion 47 has an internal slit 45 which
inner liner. communicates with the central opening through the valve
A feature of the invention is found in the provision insert and which is held closed by the innerliner. The
for a tire with an inner and outer chamber and with a 45 internal slit meets a slant cut 49 formed in the lower
flexible valve structure extending through the sidewall of portion 47 above its end 51.
the tire and inflatable with a needle. Figures 5 through 8 illustrate the valve insert in section.
Further objects, features and advantages of this inven As shown in Figure 6, the central opening 40 is elliptical
tion will become apparent from the following description shaped within the cylindrical portion 42.
and claims when read in view of the drawings, in which: 50 Figure 7 shows how the central elliptical opening 40
Figure 1 is a sectional view of a two-chambered tire communicates with the transverse slot 44. This view
with the valve in place. also shows that the downwardly extending portion 52 of
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the valve. the conical shaped portion 43 is decreased in diameter on
Figure 3 illustrates a needle for inflating both cham two sides So as to increase the flexibility thereof for a
bers of the tire. 55 purpose to be later described. Figure 8 shows the slit 45
Figure 4 illustrates a modification of the needle. formed through the portion 47 of the valve.
Figure 5 is a sectional view of the valve. Figure 3 illustrates a needle for inflating the tire
Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6-6 of through the valve insert of this invention. It comprises
Figure 5. a top cylindrical portion 53 which has a valve stem 54
Figure 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of 60 threadedly or otherwise mounted therein.
Figure 5. An inflating shaft 56 is attached to the cylindrical por
Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8-8 of tion 53. A transverse member 57 is attached to the shaft
Figure 5. 56 adjacent to the cylinder 53. The shaft 56 is hollow
Figure 9 is a view showing the improved rim structure and has a first pair of openings 58 formed in the sidewall
of this invention. 65 thereof and a second pair of openings 59 formed adjacent
Figure 10 is a sectional view of a modified valve. the end 6i. An indicating gauge 62 has an indicating
Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on line 11-11 of needle 63 which moves in response to pressure within the
Figure 10; and, opening in the shaft 56.
Figure 12 is a sectional view taken on line 12-12 of The operation of the embodiments shown in Figures
Figure 10. 70 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 is as follows. The bolts 22 are re
Figure 1 illustrates a tire casing 10 which may be of moved from the nuts 23 and the rim portion 18 is dis
the conventional tubeless type and which has beads 11 connected from the wheel 13. The bead 12 of the casing
 2,964,084
3. 4.
10 is pushed against the projection 17 and the bead 29 of inserted into the valve insert 33 completely to inflate the
the inner liner 27 is put over the portions 16 and against inner chamber 30. When this chamber has been suffi
the beads 12. ciently inflated the needle is removed and the sleeve 83
The valve insert 33 is inserted through an opening in is reattached to the needle. Then the needle is reinserted
the casing 10 and through an opening in the liner 27. in the valve insert to inflate the outer chamber. The
The bead of smaller diameter 26 of the inner liner 27 is lower end 84 of the flexible cover is pushed up on the shaft
then placed in the annular opening 24. The bead it is 77 during this operation. The needle shown in Figure 4
mounted within the projection 19 of the rim portion and may also be used to check the pressure in both chambers
the bolts 22 are replaced and tightened to firmly com of the tire by inserting it into either the inner or outer
plete the assembly. Bead 26 forms an air-tight seal. O chamber.
The inflating needle shown in Figure 3 is inserted into The key-way indicated that the tire is a double chamber
the valve insert with the projection 57 in key-way 41. structure according to this invention.
The lower end 61 of the needle passes through the cen In summary it is seen that this invention provides the
tral opening of the valve insert and hits the slant portion following advantages:
49 in the bottom of slot 45 and pushes the lower end 51. 5
(1) A valve with two valve casings and a common valve
of the valve insert sideways so that the lower end 61 and COC.
the openings 59 extend into the inner chamber 30 of (2) Both chambers of a tire may be simultaneously in
the liner. flated.
The openings 58 in the shaft 56 align with the trans (3) Both chambers simultaneously inflated with the pres
verse opening 44 formed through the conical portion 43 20
sure of the inner chamber maintained ahead of the
of the valve insert to inflate the outer chamber 32 between
the inside of the casing and the outside of the liner. pressure in the outer chamber.
The openings 59 are larger than the openings 58 so (4) Equalization of pressure in chambers at the end of
inflation.
that the inner liner will be inflated to the shape shown in (5) Indication that equalization has taken place.
Figure 1. The gauge 62 indicates the pressure within (6) Outer end of valve indicates that the tire is a two
both chambers of the tire. Both chambers of the tire chambered one.
may be inflated with a conventional air hose as found at (7) Split rim, tire and valve assembly in which common
filling stations and garages. gasket seals split in rim and seals the two chambers
The sidewall 34 of the casing 10 holds the cylindrical from each other.
portion 42 of the valve insert to maintain the eliptical 30
(8) A service instrument that inflates both chambers
opening 40 closed to form an air-tight seal when the simultaneously with pressure of the inner maintained
inflating needle is removed. ahead of the outer chamber during inflation, equalizes
Likewise the inner liner holds the opening through the pressures in chambers after inflation and indicates when,
portion of the valve insert which extends therethrough to equalization is completed.
form an air-tight seal when the needle is removed. 35
(9) Both chambers are sealed individually when service.
It is generally desirable to moisten or lubricate the in is completed.
flating needle before inserting it into the valve insert.
The reduced portion 52 of the conical portion 43 al Although this invention has been described with re
lows flexure between the portions of the valve insert that spect to particular modifications it is not to be so limited
extend through the casing and the liner. Thus in the 40 as changes and modifications which are within the full
event of a blowout in the casing which allows air to intended scope of the appended claims are covered.
escape from the outer chamber 32, the inner chamber I claim:
will remain inflated and relative motion may occur in the 1. A double-chambered tire combination comprising a
valve insert due to the flexibility in the portion 52. tire casing, an inner liner mounted within the casing, and
Figure 10 illustrates a modified valve insert wherein a 45 a valve insert, said valve insert comprising a cylindrical
head portion 66 has a downwardly extending portion 67 flexible portion extending through said casing and said
which is formed with central elliptical opening 68 as best inner liner, a central opening extending longitudinally
shown in Figure 11. A rim 69 is formed at the lower through said flexible portion, a transverse opening ex
end of cylindrical portion 67 and a cylinder of flexible tending through said flexible portion between the casing
pervious webbing material 7 is attached to the rim 69. 50 and the inner liner and fluidly connected to said central
Air may freely pass through material 71. The lower end opening and said central opening held shut by the casing
of the webbing 71 is attached to a rim 72 of a lower por and the liner.
tion 73 which is formed with a central slot 74. A third 2. A double-chambered tire combination comprising a
rim 76 is formed about the portion 73. This modifica tire casing, an inner liner mounted within the casing, and
tion shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12 which has flexible 55 a valve insert, said valve insert comprising a cylindrical
webbing 7 allows movement between the casing 10 flexible portion extending through the casing, means for
mounted between the rim 69 and the head 66 and the preventing longitudinal motion of the valve insert rela
liner mounted between the rims 72 and 76. tive to the casing, means for preventing longitudinal
A modified inflating needle is shown in Figure 4. This motion of the valve insert relative to the inner liner, a
needle allows the two chambers of the tire to be inde 60 central opening formed longitudinally through the valve
pendently inflated and comprises a cylindrical portion 76 insert and normally held closed by the casing and the
which has a downwardly extending inflating shaft 77 with inner liner and a transverse, opening formed through the
openings 78 formed adjacent its lower end. A flexible valve insert between the casing and the liner and in com
cylindrical sleeve 79 has an opening 81 through which the munication with the central opening.
shaft 77 extends. Sleeve 83 acts as a stop to place orifices 65 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the valve
78 in place to inflate the outer chamber. Its upper end insert is reduced in cross-section between the casing and
is attached to a sleeve 83 which mates with a threaded the inner liner to allow relative motion between the casing
portion 82 on shaft 77. The lower end 84 of sleeve 79 and the inner liner.
is compressed when the shaft 77 is inserted into a valve 4. A double-chambered tire combination comprising a
insert. A guage 86 indicates the pressure within the shaft 70 tire casing, an inner liner mounted within the casing, and
77. Lubricant may be placed within sleeve 83 to lubricate a valve insert, said valve insert comprising: a cylindrical
shaft 77 to facilitate insertion into the valve insert. flexible portion extending through the tire casing and the
In use the needle of Figure 4 is attached to an air hose. inner liner and held so as to prevent longitudinal motion
A conventional valve stem is mounted in the cylindrical relative thereto, a longitudinal opening formed through
member 76. The sleeve 83 is removed and the needle is 75 the body portion and said opening held closed by the tire
 2,964,084
5 6
casing and the inner liner, a transverse opening formed 7. A double-chambered tire combination comprising a
through the body portion between the tire casing and the tire casing, an inner liner mounted within the casing, and
inner liner and communicating with the longitudinal open a valve insert, said valve insert comprising a cylindrical
ing and said longitudinal opening extending through the flexible portion and a longitudinal opening formed there
wall of the body portion within the inner liner. through, a first pair of shoulders attached to the cylin
5. A double-chambered tire combination comprising a drical flexible portion and engageable with the inside and
tire casing, an inner liner mounted within the casing, and outside of the tire casing, a second pair of shoulders at
a valve insert, said valve insert comprising a cylindrical tached to the flexible portion and engageable with the in
flexible portion extending through the casing and the inner side and outside of the inner liner, and a transverse open
liner, said body portion having a flexible pervious portion O ing formed through the body portion between the first and
extending between the casing and the liner, and openings second pairs of shoulders and in communication with the
formed through the portions of the valve insert which ex longitudinal opening.
tend through the casing and the inner liner.
6. A rubber valve for a pneumatic tire having two con References Cited in the file of this patent
centric individually sealed chambers, comprising a rubber 5
UNITED STATES PATENTS
valve insert extending from the interior of the tire to the
exterior thereof and having a passage extending longitudi 1,672,905 Riddell ---------------- June 12, 1928
nally thereof, a transverse port extending through the 2,026,933 De Laney -------------- Jan. 7, 1936
valve insert intermediate its ends and fluidly connected to 2,136,929 Adams ---------------- Nov. 15, 1938
the longitudinal passage, and adapted to allow fluid to be 20 2,248,739 Benson et al. ------------ July 8, 1941
inserted into the outer chamber of the tire, the inner end 2,400,969 Baker--------- as sers asso as as uru May 28, 1946
of the valve insert terminating within the inner chamber 2,513,817 Pennington -------------- July 4, 1950
of the tire to allow fluid to be inserted into the inner 2,540,403 Meyers ---------------- Feb. 6, 1951
chamber, and an inflating needle receivable in said valve 2,549,075 Fox ------------------ Apr. 17, 1951
insert and formed with a pair of openings to inflate the 25 2,634,785 Tubbs --------------- Apr. 14, 1953
inner and outer chambers of the tire. 2,754,875 King et al. ------------ July 17, 1956