Pneumatic Tires
Most tires utilized in modern times are considered to be pneumatic tires. The use of rubber in tires allowed the creation of pneumatic tires that allowed for a much more comfy ride. The world's contemporary transportation system depends entirely on pneumatic tires.
The pneumatic tire is a toughened rubber tire and is then compressed with air. Motorized vehicles like motorcycles, airplanes, buses, cars and trucks all use pneumatic tires. Wheeled vehicles which are not motorized, like for instance bicycles, also use pneumatic tires.
History
The tire began following the invention or iron bands utilized around wooden wheels. It wasn't until the middle part of the 19th century that the utilization of solid rubber in the construction of tires. The 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.
Seven years after, in 1895, Edouard and Andre Michelin made pneumatic tires for an automobile in France. The Michelin brothers' company was destined to become a top producer of tires for cars. The very first U.S. company to make tires was Goodyear Tire company established in the year 1898, followed by the Firestone Tire & Rubber company in 1900, the second U.S. company to make tires.
Function
A rubber inner tube was utilized 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 a bias or angle to define the shape of the tire and strengthen it. These "bias ply" tires had a tread pattern for traction.
Modern radial tires are constructed with the plies running at 90 degrees across the body of the tire. Inner tube is not required because the tire forms an airtight seal with the wheel. This was the Michelin's brother's invention in the year 1948. The tires did not become commonly utilized until the late 1970s. Radial tires last longer and provide better fuel economy.