An insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least 10% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst.

An insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least 10% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst.

An insert specifically adapted for use with an off-road tire, such as an off-road tire of a motocross motorcycle, or an off-road bicycle. The insert includes an inflatable tube and a foam element which generally conforms to the contours of the off-road tire to provide support to the tire when the tube is inflated. The ability to deflate the insert facilitates installation of the insert between the wheel rim and off-road tire. When inflated, the insert occupies the space between the wheel rim and tire to support a load during use of the wheel.

A self-locking device with continuous locking positions includes a housing with an internal cavity, a wall of the cavity including a first frictional contact face and a fourth frictional contact face; a locking member with a second frictional contact face and a third frictional contact face, which is movable in the cavity, with the second and third frictional contact faces facing the first and fourth frictional contact faces, respectively; and a first lock block and a second lock block, with the first lock block being arranged between and contacting with the first and second frictional contact faces, and the second lock block being arranged between and contacting with the third and fourth frictional contact faces. The first and second lock blocks allow the locking member to be movable with respect to the housing in a first direction but locked in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

A self-locking device with continuous locking positions includes a housing with an internal cavity, a wall of the cavity including a first frictional contact face and a fourth frictional contact face; a locking member with a second frictional contact face and a third frictional contact face, which is movable in the cavity, with the second and third frictional contact faces facing the first and fourth frictional contact faces, respectively; and a first lock block and a second lock block, with the first lock block being arranged between and contacting with the first and second frictional contact faces, and the second lock block being arranged between and contacting with the third and fourth frictional contact faces. The first and second lock blocks allow the locking member to be movable with respect to the housing in a first direction but locked in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Vehicle systems and components are set forth, which aim to reduce rolling friction caused in part by the contact between the vehicle's tires and the ground surface over which the vehicle is traversing. These systems and/or components thereof may increase the overall fuel efficiency of a vehicle. In the examples provided, the systems and/or components change the tread contact patch of one or more tires during movement of the vehicle.

Vehicle systems and components are set forth, which aim to reduce rolling friction caused in part by the contact between the vehicle's tires and the ground surface over which the vehicle is traversing. These systems and/or components thereof may increase the overall fuel efficiency of a vehicle. In the examples provided, the systems and/or components change the tread contact patch of one or more tires during movement of the vehicle.