Run-flat support system for a pneumatic tired wheel and method for installing same

Abstract

A run-flat support system and method for installing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the run-flat support system includes a torque assembly removably coupled to a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel. A plurality of support segments are adapted for attachment to the torque assembly in order to support the pneumatic tired wheel in a flat condition such as an under-inflated condition or deflated condition.

1 . A system for installing a run-flat support system, the system comprising:
 means for forming a tubular support structure by positioning a plurality of support segments in a tire cavity of a pneumatic tired wheel;   means for positioning a torque assembly within an interior circumference of the tubular support structure, the torque assembly including an integral and continuous substantially circular body;   means for providing a spatial displacement between the plurality of support segments and an interior circumference of the tubular support structure to provide a portion of the cavity for clearance of fasteners;   means for using the spatial displacement to couple the plurality of support segments to the torque assembly with the fasteners;   means for coupling the plurality of support segments in an end-to-end mating engagement; and   means for securing a split wheel rim to the torque assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising means for positioning substantially concentrically the tubular support structure and torque assembly within the tire cavity. 
     
     
         3 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising means for mounting the split wheel rim to an HMMWV. 
     
     
         4 . A run-flat support system, comprising:
 a plurality of support segments positioned in a tire cavity of a pneumatic tired wheel, the plurality of support segments being abutted for end-to-end mating engagement to provide a tubular support structure having an interior circumference defined by respective radial surfaces of the plurality of support segments;   a torque assembly disposed within the interior circumference of the tubular support structure, the torque assembly including an integral and continuous substantially circular body;   a plurality of fasteners for coupling the plurality of support segments in the end-to-end mating engagement, the plurality of fasteners using a spatial displacement between the plurality of support segments and an interior of the tubular support structure to provide for clearance therein; and   a split wheel rim secured to the torque assembly.   
     
     
         5 . The run-flat support system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the torque assembly further comprises:
 a plurality of mounting holes through the integral and continuous substantially circular body, the plurality of mounting holes being spaced to align with a plurality of standard wheel mounting holes associated with the split wheel rim; and   a peripheral flange coupled to an outer edge of the integral and continuous substantially circular body, the peripheral flange provided with a plurality of coupling holes spaced therearound for fastening the plurality of support segments to the peripheral flange.   
     
     
         6 . The run-flat support system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the split wheel rim comprises two wheel half-sections. 
     
     
         7 . The run-flat support system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of support segments remain substantially centered with respect to interior walls of the pneumatic tired wheel during a flat condition. 
     
     
         8 . The run-flat support system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the pneumatic tired wheel comprises a tire selected from the group consisting of radial ply tires and bias ply tires. 
     
     
         9 . The run-flat support system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of support segments comprises a crown member for engaging an inner wall of the pneumatic tired wheel in a flat condition. 
     
     
         10 . The run-flat support system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the tubular support structure engages the interior of the tubular structure between beads of the pneumatic tired wheel in the flat condition. 
     
     
         11 . The run-flat support system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the tubular support structure engages the interior of the tubular structure during a flat condition, the flat condition being selected from a group consisting of under-inflated conditions and deflated conditions. 
     
     
         12 . A torque assembly removably mountable onto a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel, the torque assembly comprising:
 an integral and continuous substantially circular body having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, the plurality of mounting holes being spaced to align with a plurality of standard wheel mounting holes associated with the split wheel rim;   a peripheral flange coupled to an outer edge of the substantially circular body, the peripheral flange being grooved to seat an “O” ring seal; and   a plurality of coupling holes spaced around the peripheral flange.   
     
     
         13 . The torque assembly as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the substantially circular body further comprises a diameter sized to compliment the split wheel rim. 
     
     
         14 . The torque assembly as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the substantially circular body further comprises a diameter sized for insertion into a tire opening of the pneumatic tired wheel. 
     
     
         15 . The torque assembly as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the substantially circular body further comprises a diameter of approximately 16 inches. 
     
     
         16 . The torque assembly as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of mounting holes comprises 12 evenly spaced mounting holes. 
     
     
         17 . The torque assembly as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the peripheral flange comprises a shape that complementarity encircles a drop-centered surface of the split wheel rim. 
     
     
         18 . The torque assembly as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of coupling holes comprises 16 evenly spaced coupling holes.