Pneumatic Tires
Most of the tires that have been used over the past 100 years have been pneumatic tires. They are made from rubber and allow for a way more comfortable ride compared to other types of materials. The contemporary transportation system of the world completely relies on pneumatic tires.
The pneumatic tire is a durable rubber tire and is then compressed with air. Motor vehicles like for example cars, trucks, buses, airplanes and motorcycles all use pneumatic tires. Wheeled vehicles that are not motorized, such as bicycles, also utilize pneumatic tires.
History
The tire started after the invention or iron bands used around wooden wheels. It wasn't until the mid-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. This was when the word "pneumatic" began to describe tires.
In the year 1895, Edouard and Andre Michelin made the first pneumatic tires for automobiles in France. The company of the Michelin brothers was destined to become a leading manufacturer of car tires. The first company in the US to produce tires was Goodyear Tire company founded in the year 1898, followed by the Firestone Tire & Rubber company in the year 1900, the second company in the US to make tires.
Function
A rubber inner tube was used 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 a bias or angle to strengthen it and to define the tire's shape. These "bias ply" tires had a tread pattern for traction.
The modern radial tire has been constructed 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 latter parts of the 1970s. Radial tires provide better fuel economy and last longer.