TIRE ASSEMBLY HAVING A RUN-FLAT CAPABILITY AND INSERT FOR THE ASSEMBLY

摘要

A pneumatic run-flat insert for a pneumatic tire is provided with circumferential sections having different radii. During vehicle operation in a run-flat condition the different insert radii cause a vibratory disturbance at a wheel axle that alerts the driver of the existence of a run-flat condition or an abnormally low-pressure condition in the tire. During normal driving conditions there is clearance between the insert and the tire liner and no warning vibrations will occur in the wheel axle. In various embodiments of the invention the different insert radii correspond to two or more ply sections in an insert ply having different cord angles. A relatively high cord angle ply section will furnish a relatively larger radius than the ply section with a relatively low cord angle. In further embodiments of the invention a pneumatic or non-pneumatic run-flat insert includes one or more bumps on the insert crown formed of rubber strips for example that furnish the insert with an out-of-round condition that causes a similar vibrating disturbance to warn the driver of a low-tire pressure or run-flat condition.