Pneumatic Tires
The majority of tires used in contemporary times are considered to be pneumatic tires. The utilization of rubber in tires allowed the invention of pneumatic tires which allowed for a much more comfy ride. The contemporary transportation system of the world completely depends on pneumatic tires.
The pneumatic tire is a durable rubber tire and is then compressed with air. Motor vehicles such as airplanes, motorcycles, buses, cars and trucks all use pneumatic tires. Wheeled vehicles that are not motorized, such as bicycles, also utilize pneumatic tires.
History
The history of tires begins with the invention of iron bands around wooden wheels. The utilization of solid rubber in the creation of tires began in the mid-19th century. The very first patent for a successful pneumatic tire was issued in 1888 to Irishman John Dunlop who invented an inner-tube for a bicycle tire in 1888. This was when the term "pneumatic" started to describe tires.
In 1895, Edouard and Andre Michelin produced the very first pneumatic tires for automobiles in France. The Michelin brothers' company was destined to become a leading manufacturer of tires for automobiles. The very first U.S. company to produce tires was Goodyear Tire company founded in 1898, followed by the Firestone Tire & Rubber company in 1900, the second U.S. company to produce tires.
Function
A rubber inner tube was used in all pneumatic tires during the first part of the 20th century to help hold the air pressure. Tires were constructed of toughened layers of cord or plies covered with rubber. The plies were laid on an angle or bias to define the shape of the tire and strengthen it. These "bias ply" tires had a tread pattern for traction.
The modern radial tire has been constructed with plies that run across the body of the tire. Inner tube is not necessary as the tire forms an airtight seal with the wheel. This was a creation of the Michelin company in 1948. The tires did not become widely utilized until the late 1970s. Radial tires last longer and provide better fuel economy.