Abstract: A tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity and first and second sidewalls extending respectively from first and second tire bead regions to a tire tread region. The first sidewall has at least one bending region operatively bending within a rolling tire footprint and a sidewall groove defined by groove sidewalls positioned within the bending region of the first tire sidewall. The groove deforms segment by segment between a non-deformed state and a deformed constricted state in response to the bending of the first sidewall bending region within the rolling tire footprint. The sidewall groove, at an unloaded and fully pressurized condition, has a groove length of 2.0 mm to 2.2 mm and a groove angle of 30° to 31° relative to a road surface of the tire.

Abstract: A tire support apparatus includes a support plate for receiving a tire includes an optional inflatable inner tube for insertion into the tire cavity, and an upper plate having a hole for receiving a support member, the upper plate further includes a ring having an inner lip that seats against the bead region of the tire and a radially outer surface that seats against the lower sidewall region of the tire T.

Abstract: A tire support apparatus useful for installing components into a tire is described. The tire support apparatus includes a support plate for receiving the tire thereon; an optional inflatable inner tube for insertion into the tire cavity, and an upper plate plate having a hole for receiving a support member, the upper plate further including a ring having an inner lip that seats against the bead region of the tire and a radially outer surface seats against the lower sidewall region of the tire T.

Abstract: A tire assembly is disclosed, wherein the tire has a tread portion and a pair of sidewalls extending radially inward from the tread portion to join with a respective bead; a supporting carcass for the tread portion and sidewalls; and a pump passageway positioned within a bending region of the tire. The pump passageway is operative to open and close as the tire rotates. The tire assembly further includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the pump passageway. The tire further includes a pocket formed in the tire, and a filter assembly is mounted in the pocket.