U.S. patent application number 09/737885 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for method and apparatus for inflating objects.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pennzoil-Quaker State Company. Invention is credited to Fang, Jiafu, Scriven, Troy H..
Application Number | 20020112777 09/737885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24965691 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fang, Jiafu ; et
al. |
August 22, 2002 |
Method and apparatus for inflating objects
Abstract
A new sealant container and a tire sealing and inflating device
are described. Methods of utilizing the device also are described.
The new device includes a sealant container with a sealant
composition; but it preferably does not include an internal
propellant and preferably is not aerosol-based. In use, the sealant
container is connected to a flat tire and to a pressure source
which provides an external propellant. As the external propellant
passes through the sealant container, the sealant composition
inside the sealant container is carried to a flat tire. The tire
puncture is sealed by the sealant composition, and the flat tire is
inflated by the propellant.
Inventors: |
Fang, Jiafu; (Spring,
TX) ; Scriven, Troy H.; (Waterford, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. Benjamin Bai, Ph.D.
Jenkens & Gilchrist
A Professional Corporation
1100 Louisiana, Ste. 1800
Houston
TX
77002-5214
US
|
Assignee: |
Pennzoil-Quaker State
Company
|
Family ID: |
24965691 |
Appl. No.: |
09/737885 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/38 ;
141/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 73/166 20130101;
B29L 2030/00 20130101; B60C 29/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/38 ;
141/5 |
International
Class: |
B65B 031/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sealant container, comprising: a sealant composition inside
the container; an outlet port on the container for connection to an
inflatable object; and a inlet port on the container for connection
to an external propellant, wherein the sealant container does not
include an internal propellant and is under a pressure
substantially approximate the ambient pressure.
2. The sealant container of claim 1, wherein the outlet port is a
dip tube extending from the inside to the outside of the
container.
3. An apparatus for inflating an inflatable object, comprising: a
sealant container having a sealant composition, the sealant
container being substantially free of an internal propellant; an
external propellant; a first means for connecting the sealant
container to the external propellant; and a second means for
connecting the sealant container to the inflatable object, wherein
the external propellant, the sealant container, and the inflatable
object are connected such that at least a portion of the external
propellant passes through the sealant container as it inflates the
inflatable object.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first means includes a
flexible hose with a valve.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second means includes a
dip tube with a valve, and the dip tube extends from the inside to
the outside of the sealant container.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the external propellant is
provided by an air compressor.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the external propellant is
provided by an inflated tire.
8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the inflatable object is a
flat tire.
9. A method for inflating an inflatable object with a puncture,
comprising: providing a sealant container having a sealant
composition, the sealant container being substantially free of an
internal propellant; connecting the sealant container to the
inflatable object; connecting the sealant container to an external
propellant; and inflating the inflatable object by the external
propellant, wherein at least a portion of the external propellant
passes through the sealant container so that the sealant
composition is delivered to the puncture by the external
propellant.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sealant container includes a
dip tube connected to the inflatable object.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the sealant container includes
an inlet port connected to the external propellant.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the external propellant is
compressed air.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the compressed air is stored in
a can.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the compressed air is pumped by
hand.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the compressed air from an
inflated tire.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the compressed air is pumped by
an air compressor.
17. The method of claim 9, wherein the sealant composition includes
a sealant.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the sealant composition further
includes one or more components selected from the group consisting
of carrier, thickener, wetting agent, antifreeze, plug matrix, and
corrosion inhibitor.
19. The method of claim 9, wherein the external propellant is
nitrogen.
20. The method of claim 9, wherein the external propellant is
carbon dioxide.
21. The method of claim 9, wherein the inflatable object is a flat
tire.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for
inflating and sealing an inflatable objects. More particularly, the
invention relates to a tire sealant container and a method and
apparatus for using the sealant container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Portable tire sealing and inflating devices have been used
in emergency by a motorist to inflate and temporarily seal a
pneumatic tire with a puncture wound when a service station or
other repair facilities is not available to the motorist. The use
of such devices, typically for an automobile, allows the motorist
to drive the vehicle to a convenient location where the punctured
or flat tire can be inspected and repaired. The availability of
such devices obviates the need for the motorist to remove the flat
tire from an automobile and replace it with a spare tire in order
to reach a service station to repair the damaged tire. More
importantly, such portable devices are extremely desirable if the
motorist is stranded in a dangerous situation or if the motorist
either does not have a spare tire or is physically unable to
replace the flat tire with a spare tire.
[0006] Generally, a portable tire sealing and inflating device
includes a conventional aerosol can containing a particular sealant
composition which is introduced to the cavity of a flat tire
through a valve stem. Typically, a length of flexible tubing
connects a valve on the can with a threaded nozzle and connector on
the remote end for attachment to and activation of the valve stem.
Alternatively, the can is supplied with a pedestal valve for
activation and dispensing of the contents without flexible tubing.
A propellant within the can forces the sealant composition through
the opened valve and into the tire. In this way, the tire is
inflated and sealed.
[0007] At present time, most available portable tire sealing and
inflating devices are based on aerosol, which is formed by a
sealant composition and a propellant. The aerosol can include a
liquefied propellant or a solubilized gas or gaseous mixture.
Hence, the aerosol can is almost always under pressure. With
respect to propellants, various hydrocarbons and
chlorofluorocarbons have been used. It is known that hydrocarbon
propellants are extremely flammable, and that chlorofluorocarbon
(CFC) propellants have been found to have a detrimental effect on
the earth's ozone layer and use thereof has been severely limited.
Although some modified chlorofluorocarbons may not have substantial
ozone-depleting potential, they may pose other environmental
problems. For example, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluroethane has been used as a
non-flammable propellant. While not having stratospheric
ozone-depletion potential, this extremely stable gas has a very
significant global-warming potential (also referred to as the
"green-house effect"). It is about 2,250 times as potent as carbon
dioxide as a global-warming agent.
[0008] In addition to the environmental concerns, there also is a
safety concern because the aerosol can is under pressure. The U.S.
Department of Transportation has imposed an upper limit of 180 psig
@ 130.degree. F. for interstate shipping of pressurized cans. The
currently available aerosol container with the highest pressure
rating is the DOT 2Q can which is designed to withstand a pressure
of 180 psig @ 130.degree. F. without deformation.
[0009] It is well known that gas pressure generally is dependent
upon the ambient temperature. As the ambient temperature increases,
the gas pressure generally increases as well. This could have
significant impact on the safety of an aerosol container. A normal
storage place for a tire sealing and the inflator device is the
trunk of a motor vehicle. The temperature inside the trunk can go
beyond 130.degree. F. in a hot climate. Therefore, it is possible
that the aerosol can could deform and might even rupture, causing a
hazardous explosion. To avoid such situations, most tire sealing
and inflating devices are pressurized to a pressure substantially
less than 180 psig @ 130.degree. F. Lower propellant pressure
usually leads to a lesser amount of the propellant in the aerosol
can. Therefore, an alternative design of a tire sealing and
inflating device is needed to solve this dilemma.
[0010] Compared to hydrocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons, compressed
gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, and air) are
both environmentally-acceptable and non-flammable. However, these
gases, by themselves, have not been successfully used in
aerosol-based tire sealing and inflating devices. This is because
relatively little of these gaseous propellants can be compressed
into aerosol dispensers (regardless of the content) before the
pressure exceeds 180 psig at 130.degree. F. For example, if one
injects nitrogen gas into the largest aerosol can (about 48.6
in.sup.3 capacity) until the pressure reaches 140 psig and connects
this can to a relatively large P215/85R15 tire (about 2454 in.sup.3
capacity if not flattened), the tire pressure could raise from 0
psig to about 2.7 psig. As such, many cans of compressed nitrogen
gas would be required to obtain a reasonable tire pressure.
Consequently, using compressed gases in a tire sealing and
inflating device by themselves does not appear to be a viable
option.
[0011] For the foregoing reasons, there exists a need for a tire
sealing and inflating device that is not based on aerosol and thus
not pressurized. It would be desirable that such a device utilizes
a propellant that is relatively safe, nonflammable, and
environmentally friendly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The aforementioned need is met by one or more aspects of the
invention described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to
a sealant container which includes: (1) a sealant composition
inside the container; (2) an outlet port on the container for
connection to an inflatable object; and (3) an inlet port on the
container for connection to an external propellant. Moreover, the
sealant container does not include an internal propellant and is
under a pressure substantially approximate to the ambient pressure.
In some embodiments, the outlet port is a dip tube.
[0013] In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for
inflating an inflatable object. The apparatus includes: (1) a
sealant container with a sealant composition which is substantially
free of an internal propellant; (2) an external propellant; (3) a
first means for connecting the sealant container to an external
propellant; and (4) a second means for connecting the sealant
container to the inflatable object. The external propellant, the
sealant container and the inflatable object are connected in such a
way that at least a portion of the external propellant passes
through the sealant container as it inflates the inflatable
object.
[0014] In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method
for inflating an inflatable object with a puncture. The method
includes: (1) providing a sealant container with a sealant
composition which is substantially free of an internal propellant;
(2) connecting the sealant container to the inflatable object; (3)
connecting the sealant container to an external propellant; and (4)
inflating the inflatable object by the external propellant. At
least a portion of the external propellant passes through the
sealant container so that the sealant composition is delivered to
the puncture by the external propellant.
[0015] Additional aspects of the invention and attendant advantages
provided by embodiments of the invention become apparent with the
following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating a tire sealing and
inflating device utilizing an inflated tire to inflate a flat tire
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a tire sealing and inflating device
utilizing an air compressor to inflate a flat tire in accordance
with another embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Embodiments of the invention are based, in part, on the
discovery that a punctured tire can be repaired and inflated to a
desired pressure by a sealant container which does not include an
internal propellant. Instead, the sealant composition inside the
sealant container is delivered to the flat tire by an external
propellant, which also inflates the flat tire. Because an external
propellant is provided to deliver the sealant composition to the
tire puncture, it obviates the need for an internal propellant
(although its use is not completely precluded). Consequently,
aerosol-based formulations become unnecessary.
[0019] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a sealant
container for use in connection with an external propellant to
inflate and seal a flat tire is provided. The sealant container
includes (1) a sealant composition inside the container; (2) an
outlet port on the container for connection to an inflatable
object; and (3) an inlet port on the container for connection to an
external propellant. In some embodiments, the outlet port is a dip
tube, although other delivery mechanisms may be used. The dip tube
is used to allow the sealant composition to be delivered to an
inflatable object after the sealant container is connected to an
external propellant. Preferably, the sealant container should not
include an internal propellant to any significant amount and be
under a pressure substantially approximate the ambient pressure.
The term "ambient pressure" refers to one atmosphere at about
25.degree. C. The term "internal propellant" refers to those
propellants used in an aerosol can to deliver a sealant composition
and to inflate a tire. In contrast, an external propellant refers
to an external pressure source used to deliver the sealant
composition in a sealant container to a punctured tire and to
inflate the tire.
[0020] When using the sealant container to inflate an object, any
gas may be used as an external propellant; but certain preferences
exist. For example, to reduce the possibility of fire or explosion,
non-flammable gases preferably should be used as an external
propellant. To minimize adverse environmental impact, gases with
zero ozone depletion potential should be used. Preferably, they do
not contribute to the green house effect. In other words,
non-flammable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly propellants
are preferred as an external propellant in embodiments of the
invention. They include, but are not limited to, air, nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and noble gases. Because compressed
air is relatively inexpensive, it is the most preferred external
propellant.
[0021] Embodiments of the invention also provide an apparatus for
inflating and sealing an inflatable object. The apparatus includes:
(1) a sealant container as described in the above; (2) an external
propellant, (3) a first means for connecting the sealant container
to an external propellant; and (4) a second means for connecting
the sealant container to the inflatable object. The external
propellant, the sealant container, and the inflatable object are
connected in such a manner that at least a portion of the external
propellant passes through the sealant container as it inflates the
inflatable object. Any connection devices or means known or unknown
in the art may be used to connect the sealant container to an
external propellant and to any inflatable object. For example, a
flexible hose or a metal tube with a valve with adapters may be
used.
[0022] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a method
for inflating and sealing an inflatable object is provided. The
method includes: (1) providing a sealant container as described in
the above; (2) connecting the sealant container to the inflatable
object; (3) connecting the sealant container to an external
propellant; and (4) inflating the inflatable object by the external
propellant. At least a portion of the external propellant passes
through the sealant container so that the sealant composition is
delivered to the puncture by the external propellant. Any
connection method known in the art may be used to connect the
sealant container to the inflatable object and to an external
propellant. For example, when inflating a flat tire with a
puncture, an adapter/hose assembly may be used to connect the
sealant container to the valve stem of the flat tire. A flexible
hose of an appropriate length may be used to connect the sealant
container to a pressure source containing an external propellant,
such as a properly pressurized tire. A valve may be used between
the pressure source and the sealant container. Those connection
means described above also may be used.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention in which
an inflated tire is used as a pressure source. Referring to FIG. 1,
the tire sealing and inflating apparatus 10 includes a sealant
container 13, a flat tire 11, and an inflated tire 18 as the
external pressure source. In this embodiment, the inflatable object
is the flat tire 11 with a puncture. The sealant container 13
includes a sealant composition. A dip tube 12 extends from the
inside to the outside of the sealant container. The dip tube 12 may
include a valve 15. The dip tube 12 is connected to a tire valve 16
of the flat tire 11. The sealant container 13 also includes a port
which is connected to the inflated tire 18 by a hose assembly 19.
The hose assembly 19 includes a valve 14 and is connected to the
inflated tire 18 via its tire valve 17. When in use, both of the
valves 14 and 15 are open. The compressed air inside the inflated
tire 18 carries the sealant composition in the sealant container 13
to the flat tire 11 as the air passes through the sealant container
13. The air carrying the sealant composition inflates the flat tire
11 and seals the tire puncture.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in
which an air compressor is utilized as a pressure source. Referring
to FIG. 2, the tire sealing and inflating apparatus 20 includes a
flat tire 21 with a puncture, a sealant container 23, and an air
compressor 28. The air compressor 28 is connected to the sealant
container 23 by a flexible hose assembly 29, which includes a valve
24. The sealant container 23 includes a port for such connection. A
dip tube 22 extends from the inside to the outside of the sealant
container 23 and is connected to a tire valve 26 of the flat tire
21. The dip tube 22 may include a valve 25 which is closed before
use. When in use, both of the valves 24 and 25 are open. As the air
compressor 28 pumps compressed air through the sealant container
23, the compressed air carries the sealant composition to the flat
tire 21 and seals the tire puncture. In the meantime, the
compressed air inflates the flat tire 21. In addition to an air
compressor, a hand pump or a foot pump may be used instead. Other
pressure sources also may be used. For example, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/616,360, entitled "Inflating Device and
Method of Use," filed Jul. 14, 2000, in the name of Jiafu Fang, et
al., discloses a gas supply by chemical reaction. Such a gas supply
can be used as an external pressure source. The disclosure of the
above-referenced patent application is incorporated by reference in
its entirety herein. Moreover, a can of liquefied propellant or a
mixture of propellants can be used as an external pressure
source.
[0025] In embodiments of the invention, the sealant container need
only include a sealant composition; however, other additives may be
used. Suitable sealants include any composition that may be used to
seal an opening in inflatable objects. For example, a suitable
composition includes any polymer latex emulsion, such as
styrene-butadiene rubber ("SBR") latex emulsion, or a mixture of
different latex emulsions, such as SBR and acrylic latex emulsions,
or high-polymer resins dissolved in an appropriate solvent system.
The solvent system may be aqueous or non-aqueous. If the system is
aqueous, an additional emulsion stabilizer, i.e. emulsifier or
mixtures thereof, may be added to the sealant to enhance its
stability under both acidic and alkaline conditions. Suitable
emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, cationic surfactants
or quaternary surfactants such as Arquad.RTM., Duoquad.RTM.
manufactured by Akzo Nobel, nonionic surfactants such as Triton
X100.RTM., and amphoteric surfactants such as Amphoterge.RTM.,
Amphoteric.RTM..
[0026] In some embodiments, an anti-freeze agent, such as ethylene
or propylene glycol or mixtures thereof, is used to lower the
freezing point of the sealant for applications at lower ambient
temperatures. In other embodiments, a fabric material, such as wood
flour and synthetic or natural fibers, also is incorporated into
the composition to help plug punctures on a flat tire. Other
ingredients, such as wetting agents such as Aerosol OT (i.e.,
sodium dis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate), foaming agents such as
Foamtaine.RTM. or defoaming agents such as Defoamer.RTM. and Dow
Coming Antifoam.RTM., corrosion inhibitors such as ammonia, sodium
nitrite, and sodium chromate, and dispersing agents such as
Dispex.RTM., can be added if so desired. Table I in the following
shows some exemplary sealant compositions. The listed ingredients
and composition ranges are merely exemplary, and are not limitative
of the invention as described herein. The numerical ranges are mere
preferences, and compositions outside the numerical ranges also are
acceptable. It should be understood that the numbers are
approximate values.
1TABLE I Exemplary Sealant Composition Ingredient Typical Wt %
Preferred Range Formula 1 SBR latex emulsion 40.0 5.0.about.90.0%
ethylene glycol 4.0 0.1.about.20.0 Fiber, e.g., wood flour, 1.0
0.1.about.10.0 synthetic or natural fibers emulsifier(s) 5.0
0.1.about.20.0 additional water balance 0.1.about.20.0 Formula 2
polyacrylate latex emulsion 50.0 5.0.about.90.0% propylene glycol
4.0 0.1.about.20.0 Fiber, e.g., wood flour, 1.0 0.1.about.10.0
synthetic or natural fibers emulsifier(s) 5.0 0.1.about.20.0
dispersing agent 5.0 0.1.about.20.0 water balance
[0027] In addition, petroleum residual resins, such as petroleum
resins, vacuum residuums, and asphalt may be used as a sealant. The
use of a petroleum resin in a tire sealer and inflator composition
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,618,912 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,705,604, and the disclosures of these two patents are
incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. In addition, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,501,825 teaches various components suitable for a tire
sealant and the inflator composition and the disclosure of this
patent is also incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
Any component suitable for formulating a tire sealing and inflating
composition as disclosed in any of the above three U.S. patents may
be used in embodiments of the invention.
[0028] The following examples demonstrate methods of using the new
tire sealing and inflating device to inflate a flat tire. These
examples are given to illustrate embodiments of the invention and
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as otherwise
described herein. It should be noted that any numerical values are
approximate numbers.
EXAMPLE 1
[0029] About 300 grams of a sealant composition according to Table
II were packed in a container. The sealant container was connected
to a flat tire and an inflated tire according to FIG. 1. The
inflated tire had an initial pressure of about 30 psig. After about
two minutes, the flat tire reached a pressure of about 13 psi while
the inflated tire serving as the pressure source had a pressure of
about 17 psig. The vehicle with the flat tire was then driven
satisfactorily at all speeds up to about 55 mph. More air was added
to the tire to the pressure level specified by the tire
manufacturer when an air source became available.
2TABLE II Ingredient Function Wt. % Range Water Carrier 68.2
balance Gum xanthan Thickener 0.2 0.02.about.5 Synthetic rubber
latex Resin/binder 20.0 2.about.50 emulsion sodium
dis(2-ethylhexyl) Wetting agent 0.1 0.01.about.0.5 sulfosuccinate
Ethylene glycol Antifreeze 10.0 1.about.30 Fiber flock Plug matrix
1.0 0.05.about.5 Aqueous ammonia, 28% Corrosion inhibitor 0.5
0.01.about.2 Total 100.0
EXAMPLE 2
[0030] A sealant composition similar to the one used in Example 1
was packed in another can. The sealant container was connected to a
flat tire and an air compressor according to FIG. 2. The flat tire
had a puncture made by a 16D nail. The tire was inflated to about
28 psig. The vehicle with the flat tire was driven, and the
puncture was sealed. The test drive was satisfactory.
[0031] As demonstrated above, embodiments of the invention provide
a novel tire sealing and inflating device, which is not based on
aerosol and does not include an internal propellant to any
significant amount (i.e., is substantially free of an internal
propellant). As such, the sealant container is not substantially
pressurized. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention may offer
one or more of the following advantages. First, the sealant
container and the tire sealing and inflating device are safer than
conventional tire inflators because there is no substantial
pressurization during storage. This design avoids the potential
problems associated with deformation or even explosion due to
increase of the internal pressure. Second, the performance of the
tire sealing and inflating device is relatively independent of the
ambient temperature. This is in contrast to a conventional device
whose performance is strongly affected by the ambient temperature.
For example, a conventional tire inflator containing a liquefied
propellant may not inflate a flat tire in extremely cold weather
due to the drop in the vapor pressure of the propellant. Such
problems are eliminated in embodiments of the invention because no
substantial amount of an internal propellant is used. Moreover,
because no substantial amount of an internal propellant is used,
costs associated with the internal propellant are reduced or
completely eliminated. Hence, it is more cost-effective to
manufacture the tire sealing and inflating device in accordance
with embodiments of the invention. Because the embodiments of the
invention are not aerosol-based, there is no aerosol valve for a
consumer to depress during use. Consequently, it is relatively easy
to use the tire sealing and inflating device. Additionally, in
those embodiments which use air or nitrogen as the external
propellant, the tire sealing and inflating device is extremely
environmentally friendly because neither air nor nitrogen has any
adverse impact on the environment. Moreover, air or nitrogen is not
flammable. Therefore, the device is safe for the consumers. Other
advantages are apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0032] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, other modifications or variations
exist. For example, although non-flammable, non-toxic, and
environmentally friendly gases are preferred as an external
propellant, any other gases which do not meet the above three
requirements may still be used in embodiments of the invention. In
fact, any gas may be used as an external propellant, albeit they
are not preferred. While it is preferred that the pressure of the
sealant container be approximate the ambient pressure, the sealant
container may be slightly over-pressurized or under-pressurized. A
small amount of an internal propellant may be present in the
sealant container so long as an external pressure source is the
main propellant. As to the method of inflating a flat tire, any
steps may be used as long as the objective of inflating a flat tire
and sealing a tire puncture is achieved. With respect to the
construction of the tire sealing and inflating device, one or more
components may be merged into another as long as they operate to
achieve the results of the device. While the invention is described
with respect to a flat tire, the application the invention is not
limited only to a flat tire. Rather, the invention is applicable to
any inflatable object. Such objects include, but are not limited
to, inflatable boats, balloons, inflatable toys, lifesavers, etc.
As to a suitable sealant composition, any sealant alone or in
combination with any additives which function to seal a puncture
may be used in embodiments of the invention. The appended claims
are intended to cover all such modification and variations which
fall within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *