Tire mousse is a component in certain types of off-road run-flat tires, designed to allow them to maintain functionality despite a puncture. It is a ring of flexible foam that is placed inside a tire before it is fitted on the rim.[1] The original run-flat mousse, called Bib-Mousse, was developed in 1984 by Michelin, for use on motorbikes in enduro, rally-raid and motocross events.[1] In 1987, Michelin debuted its ATS system (Appui Temporaire Souple, or Flexible Temporary Support) on the works Renault 11sofJean Ragnotti and François Chatriot on the Acropolis Rally.[1] It won the Technological Innovation Award in 1988.[1]
The mousse is compressed as soon as the tire is inflated. Once the tire begins being used, it heats up and becomes primed for use.[1] In the event of an air leak, and subsequent loss of pressure, the mousse expands to fill the void, giving a pressure almost equal to that of a properly inflated tire.[1][2]
Mousse is used on cars and motorcycles in certain types of off-road racing such as the Dakar Rally.[3][4]
Bib-Mousse is a Tire mousse made by French tire manufacturer Michelin. The Bib-Mousse was named after Michelin's well-known mascot, Bibendum.[citation needed] It is a ringofbutyl honeycomb foam with its cells filled with nitrogen.[citation needed] It has a smooth-molded outer skin that is designed to slip into specific size off-road motorcycle tires.[citation needed]
