Importance

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Abstract

The liner includes a generally C-shaped, flexible band of bearing material disposed to be placed around the .[.drop.]. center .Iadd.section .Iaddend.of a tire rim. .[.Two, complimentary, generally semi-circular.]. .Iadd.A plurality of arcuate .Iaddend.members made from a polyester elastomer are then mounted as a ring coaxially around the outside of the band with the inner peripheral surfaces thereof slidably seated in a circumferential groove that is formed in the outer periphery of the band. The confronting ends of the members are releasably secured together by a pair of rigid links, each of which is releasably and pivotally mounted at one end in a recess in one end of a member, and has its opposite end connected to a rotatable eccentric that is mounted in the confronting end of the other member. When the associated eccentric is rotated, it causes the attached link to be reciprocated further into, or out of, the end of the associated member, thereby causing the link selectively to shift confronting ends of the members toward or away from each other. In one embodiment the C-shaped band is a one-piece element, while in another a layer of metal (for example galvanized steel) is mounted in the outer groove of the band to be interposed between the band and the ring members. The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/000,540, filed 04/09/84, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).

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First Claim