A system and method/apparatus are provided which dynamically and optionally automatically and individually adjust air pressure in the tire or tires of a vehicle. In one purely mechanical embodiment, the system is adapted for use with at least one tire mounted on a rim. The tire has an internal volume inflated with air. The rim is made up of two nested portions adapted such that relative rotation of the nested portions from a neutral position in which tire pressure is at a highest level causes a device in the system to increase the volume inside the tire so as to reduce the tire pressure, thereby increasing grip. The invention adjusts tire pressure quickly and dynamically, depending on braking or acceleration forces acting on the vehicle, and optionally, based on the terrain and the particular road or track conditions to which the vehicle is subjected.

A tire and securing element assembly includes a tire inflated at a first pressure and a securing element. The securing element is an inflatable hoop inflated at a second pressure at least 10% greater than the first pressure. The securing element abuts an inner surface of the tire across 30-90% of a tread width. The securing element has a cross sectional area between about 0.4 and 47.0 cm.sup.2.

A tire and securing element assembly includes a tire inflated at a first pressure and a securing element. The securing element is an inflatable hoop inflated at a second pressure at least 10% greater than the first pressure. The securing element abuts an inner surface of the tire across 30-90% of a tread width. The securing element has a cross sectional area between about 0.4 and 47.0 cm.sup.2.

An inflatable electronics band for use in a tire features an annular, flexible, inflatable, tubular body configured to contact an inner portion of a tire opposite the tread surface, such as an innerliner. The inflatable electronics band further features an inflation valve, disposed on the tubular body. The tubular body is configured to inflate to a pressure at least 10% greater than the recommended tire inflation pressure.

A tire tread cover for use with a vehicle wheel having a rim, a hub, and an opening between the rim and the hub. In one embodiment, the tire tread cover includes a flexible body and an attachment portion that extends from the body portion. The flexible body has a shape configured to cover a portion of a tire tread. The attachment portion is configured to (a) insert into the opening of the wheel and (b) engage the rim within the opening to hold the flexible body against the portion of the tire tread.

A self-healing pneumatic tire, which uses the sealant stored in the tire to fix a leak, is disclosed.

A self-healing pneumatic tire, which uses the sealant stored in the tire to fix a leak, is disclosed.

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.

The present invention discloses a type of secure and efficient wheel assembly using fluid or solid stuffing materials so as to minimize the blowout risks, a wheel rim transmission assembly, an energy exchanging arrangement used in transporting system, and a vehicle energy storage system, as well as corresponding methods for manufacturing and preparing such assemblies and arrangements in applications.