Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.a.

Other

Michelin Recherche Et Techniques S.a.

Preston Butler Kemp, Jr

Paul Phillip Grosskopf

Cecil B Young

David Kevin Stafford

Ibrahim Mustafa Janjareh

Raymond Balzer

Raymond J Balzer

Todd Stanton Ramsey

Benoit M Foucher

Shoulder of a tire

Tire tread

The present invention provides a tire monitor apparatus and monitored vehicle tire. A module which monitors tire information is supported by a rubber ply affixed to the inside surface of the tire. The module has electrical components for monitoring tire information by collecting, storing and/or reading information about the tire. A retainer assembly is used to secure the module to the rubber ply such that the module is support within the tire's cavity. The module is mounted to be removed, exchanged, etc. In one embodiment, the monitor module may be isolated from tire loads such that the durability of the monitoring system is improved. The fastener assembly has first parts carried by the rubber ply and second fastener parts built into the module. The first and second fastener parts cooperate to support said module from said rubber ply. The first part may be in the form of a shaft or stem having an axial length which allows the module to be retained at an offset distance from the ply and tire. A damping element may also be used to limit movement and vibrations of the module, all of which adds to the reliability and life of the monitor.

Tire module attachment mount

Wide tire tread

Tire sidewall

An opaque article having a surface and substantially asymmetric striae extending along the surface. A portion of the striae reside in a first area and have an orientation. Another portion of the striae reside in a second area and have an orientation substantially opposite the striae in the first area. The first area striae and the second area striae create an optical contrast therebetween at a wide range of viewing angles and illumination angles. The opaque article can be a tire. The striae can reside at numerous locations on the tire, including, for example, the sidewall, tread ribs or blocks, and stone ejectors.

Design pattern for a tire

The present invention provides a tire monitor retainer assembly and monitored vehicle tire. A module which monitors tire information is supported by a rubber ply affixed to the inside surface of the tire. The module has electrical components for monitoring tire information by collecting, storing and/or reading information about the tire. A fastener assembly is used to secure the module to the rubber ply such that the module is support within the tire's cavity. The module is mounted to be isolated from tire loads such that the durability of the monitoring system is improved. The fastener assembly has first parts carried by the rubber ply and second fastener parts built into the module. The first and second fastener parts cooperate to support said module from said rubber ply. The module is made with a retainer opening having edges to receive a fastener device having standoff or indexing elements. The fastener device can also be in the form of a strap with free ends that wrap around the module having hook and loop first fastener parts for holding the module adjacent the rubber ply. In another embodiment, the fastener assembly can be semi-rigid straps with slotted fasteners to contact second fastener parts of the module. The tire monitor retainer assembly may allow the module to be removed for inspection, repairs or updating.

Monitored vehicle tire and monitor retainer assembly

Growing community of inventors

Greenville, SC, United States of America

Preston Butler Kemp, Jr