Pneumatic Tires
The majority of tires utilized in modern times are considered to be pneumatic tires. The utilization of rubber in tires enabled the invention of pneumatic tires that allowed for a more comfortable ride. The world's contemporary transportation system relies entirely on pneumatic tires.
A pneumatic tire is a tire made of durable rubber and filled with compressed air. Motor vehicles including motorcycles, airplanes, cars, trucks and buses all utilize 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 created an inner-tube for a bicycle tire. This was when the term "pneumatic" appeared to describe tires.
In the year 1895, Edouard and Andre Michelin made the very first pneumatic tires for automobiles in France. The Michelin brothers' company was destined to become a top producer of automobile tires. The very first company in the US to produce tires was Goodyear Tire company founded in 1898, followed by the Firestone Tire & Rubber company in 1900, the second company in the US to produce tires.
Function
A rubber inner tube was utilized in all pneumatic tires during the first half 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 tire's shape and strengthen it. These "bias ply" tires had a tread pattern for traction.
The modern radial tire has been made with plies that run across the tire body. Inner tube is not necessary as the tire forms an airtight seal with the wheel. This was a creation of the Michelin company in the year 1948. The tires did not become widely utilized until the late 1970s. Radial tires provide better fuel economy and last longer.