1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tire tread monitoring system and more particularly pertains to a system for detecting the initial signs of tire tread separation while the vehicle is in motion.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of tire monitoring and warning devices are known in the prior art. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,998 to O'Neal discloses a pressure warning apparatus for a pneumatic tire. U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,388 to Johnsen illustrates a tire air pressure detection and signalling device. U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,223 to Barabino discloses a tire pressure warning system. U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,225 to Kraska discloses a system for residual tire life prediction. U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,152 to Melon discloses a magnetic tire monitor system. U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,905 to Morrison Jr. discloses a warning system for monitoring a condition such as air. U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,584 to Tanaka discloses a distance measuring device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,814,744 to Collins discloses a low pressure warning system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,612 to Aduddell discloses a audible vehicle monitoring apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,285 to Wehinger discloses a method and device for monitoring a tire on a vehicle.
In this respect, the monitoring system of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, by providing a means specifically designed to detect the initial signs of tire tread separation while the vehicle is in motion.