Runflat device and fitting method

Abstract

A runflat device, and a method of fitting a runflat device. The runflat device can include a chain of segments which is flexible enough to be manipulated for fitting, while also being laterally stable to ensure correct positioning and to avoid misalignment when tightening onto a wheel. The fitting method initially expands the runflat device within the cavity of the tyre, retaining the runflat device securely in place against the inside of the tyre's tread area. This advantageously leaves the beads of the tyre unobstructed for fitting to a wheel.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of fitting a runflat device comprising a flexible body having two ends, the method comprising the steps of:
 coiling the flexible body to a diameter smaller than an interior diameter of a tyre;   inserting the coiled body into a cavity of the tyre;   uncoiling the body within the tyre cavity and connecting the ends of the body with an adjustable connection means, thereby forming a ring; and   expanding the ring with the adjustable connection means, thereby locating the ring against an inside of a tread area of the tyre.   
     
     
         20 . A method of fitting a runflat device according to  claim 19 , further comprising the step of fitting an outer sleeve to the flexible body before coiling the flexible body. 
     
     
         21 . A method of fitting a runflat device according to  claim 19 , further comprising the step of fitting the tyre to a wheel after expanding the ring, and subsequently tightening the adjustable connection means, thereby tightening the ring and locate locating the runflat device on the wheel in abutment with beads of the tyre. 
     
     
         22 . A method of fitting a runflat device according to  claim 21 , further comprising the steps of positioning the adjustable connection means adjacent a valve hole in the wheel, and accessing the adjustable connection means via the valve hole. 
     
     
         23 . A method of fitting a runflat device according to  claim 22 , comprising the additional step of further tightening the adjustable connection means, thereby deforming the flexible body and forcing parts of the flexible body against the beads of the tyre. 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A method of fitting a runflat device according to  claims 19 , wherein the flexible body is formed as a chain of individual segments joined together in abutment with one another, the chain being flexible, and ends of the chain being joined together by the adjustable connection means, which adjusts a distance between the ends of the chain, and thereby forms the ring with the body diameter being adjustable.