RIM LINER
A rim assembly for receiving a tire includes a rim having an outer ring-shaped member defining an outer surface, and a rim liner having a ring-shaped body formed to generally match the contours of the outer surface of the rim. The rim liner is positioned within a recess formed in at least a portion of the outer surface of the rim so as to maintain an intended industry standard sizing for rims and tires.
1 . A rim assembly for receiving a tire, comprising:
a rim having an outer ring-shaped member defining an outer surface; and
a rim liner having a ring-shaped body formed to generally match the contours of said outer surface of said rim,
wherein said rim liner is positioned within a recess formed in at least a portion of said outer surface of said rim so as to maintain an intended industry standard sizing for rims and tires.
2 . The rim assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said rim liner is manufactured of a low permeation material.
3 . The rim assembly according to claim 2 , wherein said low permeation material is a thermoplastic polyester elastomeric-based material.
4 . The rim assembly according to claim 3 , wherein said thermoplastic polyester elastomeric-based material is Hytrel™.
5 . The rim assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said recess is provided substantially across said outer ring-shaped member.
6 . The rim assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said recess is limited to the regions defining the tire bead/rim interface.
7 . The rim assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said recess is provided with a depth that matches the thickness of the rim liner being used.
8 . The rim assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said rim liner is provided with a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and wherein said recess is dimensioned with a depth in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.
9 . The rim assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said rim liner is applied to said rim by way of spray application.
10 . The rim assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said rim liner is applied to said rim by way of over-molding.
11 . A rim liner for placement between a tire and a rim of an automotive wheel assembly, the rim liner comprising:
a ring-shaped body formed to generally match the contours of an outer surface of said rim, said ring-shaped body being configured to seat within a recess provided in said rim, so as to maintain an intended industry standard sizing for rims and tires.
12 . The rim liner according to claim 11 , wherein said rim liner is manufactured of a low permeation material.
13 . The rim liner according to claim 12 , wherein said low permeation material is a thermoplastic polyester elastomeric-based material.
14 . The rim liner according to claim 13 , wherein said thermoplastic polyester elastomeric-based material is Hytrel™.
15 . The rim liner according to claim 11 , wherein said rim liner is provided with a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.