Pneumatic Tires
Most of the tires which have been used during the past 100 years have been pneumatic tires. They are constructed of rubber and allow for a far more comfy ride than other materials. The contemporary transportation system of the world relies entirely on pneumatic tires.
The pneumatic tire is a durable rubber tire and is then compressed with air. Motor vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, airplanes and motorcycles all utilize pneumatic tires. Wheeled vehicles which are not motorized, like for instance bicycles, also use pneumatic tires.
History
The tire started after the invention or iron bands utilized around wooden wheels. It wasn't until the middle part of the 19th century that the use of solid rubber in the creation of tires. The very first patent for a successful pneumatic tire was issued in the year 1888 to Irishman John Dunlop who invented an inner-tube for a bicycle tire in the year 1888. This was when the word "pneumatic" began to describe tires.
In 1895, Andre and Edouard Michelin made the first pneumatic tires for cars in France. The company of the Michelin brothers was destined to become a top manufacturer of car tires. The first United States company to make tires was Goodyear Tire company established in the year 1898, followed by the Firestone Tire & Rubber company in the year 1900, the second U.S. company to produce tires.
Function
A rubber inner tube was utilized in all pneumatic tires in the first part of the 20th century to be able help hold the air pressure. Tires were made of reinforced layers of cord or plies covered with rubber. The plies were laid on an angle or bias to strengthen it and to define the shape of the tire. These "bias ply" tires had a tread pattern for traction.
Modern radial tires are made with the plies running at 90 degrees across the tire body. Inner tube is not necessary because 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 last longer and provide better fuel economy.