Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a non-stretchable tread (30) flanked by two shoulder regions (34), and two non-stretchable bead regions (36) for mounting the tire to a wheel, each bead region being connected via a sidewall to the corresponding bead region. Each sidewall has a first portion (38) extending inwardly relative to a width of the tire from one of the bead regions (36) to a deflection region (40), and a second portion (42) extending outwardly relative to the width of the tire from the deflection region (40) to a corresponding one of the shoulder regions (34). A non-stretchable girth-limiting configuration (44, 46, 56) and a radial reinforcing structure (48, 50, 52) are associated with the first portion (38) of each of the sidewalls, thereby limiting radial flexing of first portion (38) and maintaining an annular concavity between the bead region (36) and the shoulder region (34).

Abstract: A tire and beadlock clip system for assembly on a rim employs a tire of a type having an annular recess in each sidewall of the tire. As a result of the recessed sidewall structure, one or more beadlock clip can be directly engaged, after seating of the tire, between a corresponding abutment surface region, provided on the outer surface of the sidewall and oriented to face away from the rim lip, and an opposing surface of the rim, thereby opposing separation of the bead region from the bead seat. Preferably, the clips are resilient clips which can be snap-fit into engagement manually or with a mallet. Alternatively, a positive clamping mechanism may be provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a non-stretchable tread (30) flanked by two shoulder regions (34), and two non-stretchable bead regions (36) for mounting the tire to a wheel, each bead region being connected via a sidewall to the corresponding bead region. Each sidewall has a first portion (38) extending inwardly relative to a width of the tire from one of the bead regions (36) to a deflection region (40), and a second portion (42) extending outwardly relative to the width of the tire from the deflection region (40) to a corresponding one of the shoulder regions (34). A non-stretchable girth-limiting configuration (44, 46, 56) and a radial reinforcing structure (48, 50, 52) are associated with the first portion (38) of each of the sidewalls, thereby limiting radial flexing of first portion (38) and maintaining an annular concavity between the bead region (36) and the shoulder region (34).

Abstract: A tire (10, 10?) for rotation about an axis of rotation (12) has a first wall portion (14) having a partially conical form, and a second wall portion (16) integrally formed and interconnected with the first wall portion at a transition region (18) so as to define an annular recess. A closure-limiting configuration includes a number of tubular reinforcing elements (20) arrayed around the annular recess. Each tubular reinforcing element has a wall with a closed cross-section. The tubular reinforcing elements (20) are spaced around the annular recess such that deformation of a compressed region of the tire under a load causes a change in shape of the tubular reinforcing elements in the compressed region.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a non-stretchable tread (30) flanked by two shoulder regions (34), and two non-stretchable bead regions (36) for mounting the tire to a wheel, each bead region being connected via a sidewall to the corresponding bead region. Each sidewall has a first portion (38) extending inwardly relative to a width of the tire from one of the bead regions (36) to a deflection region (40), and a second portion (42) extending outwardly relative to the width of the tire from the deflection region (40) to a corresponding one of the shoulder regions (34). A non-stretchable girth-limiting configuration (44, 46, 56) and a radial reinforcing structure (48, 50, 52) are associated with the first portion (38) of each of the sidewalls, thereby limiting radial flexing of first portion (38) and maintaining an annular concavity between the bead region (36) and the shoulder region (34).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a non-stretchable tread (30) flanked by two shoulder regions (34), and two non-stretchable bead regions (36) for mounting the tire to a wheel, each bead region being connected via a sidewall to the corresponding bead region. Each sidewall has a first portion (38) extending inwardly relative to a width of the tire from one of the bead regions (36) to a deflection region (40), and a second portion (42) extending outwardly relative to the width of the tire from the deflection region (40) to a corresponding one of the shoulder regions (34). A non-stretchable girth-limiting configuration (44, 46, 56) and a radial reinforcing structure (48, 50, 52) are associated with the first portion (38) of each of the sidewalls, thereby limiting radial flexing of first portion (38) and maintaining an annular concavity between the bead region (36) and the shoulder region (34).

Abstract: A tire and beadlock clip system for assembly on a rim employs a tire of a type having an annular recess in each sidewall of the tire. As a result of the recessed sidewall structure, one or more beadlock clip can be directly engaged, after seating of the tire, between a corresponding abutment surface region, provided on the outer surface of the sidewall and oriented to face away from the rim lip, and an opposing surface of the rim, thereby opposing separation of the bead region from the bead seat. Preferably, the clips are resilient clips which can be snap-fit into engagement manually or with a mallet. Alternatively, a positive clamping mechanism may be provided.

Abstract: A locomotion assembly is provided, suitable to be used in a vehicle. The locomotion assembly comprises a frustum-conical structure comprising at least one flexible member having a frustum-conical surface extending between its relatively narrow and wide ends along a frustum-conical axis, the frustum-conical member being reversibly deformable from its biased rounded shape corresponding to a frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is circular into a deformed frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is non-circular. The frustum-conical structure may serve for supporting at least one surface-engaging member convertible between a round wheel-like configuration, in which its side elevation is substantially circular, and a deformed configuration, in which its side elevation is non-circular and in which a larger portion of the surface-engaging member is in contact with a movement surface.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a non-stretchable tread (30) flanked by two shoulder regions (34), and two non-stretchable bead regions (36) for mounting the tire to a wheel, each bead region being connected via a sidewall to the corresponding bead region. Each sidewall has a first portion (38) extending inwardly relative to a width of the tire from one of the bead regions (36) to a deflection region (40), and a second portion (42) extending outwardly relative to the width of the tire from the deflection region (40) to a corresponding one of the shoulder regions (34). A non-stretchable girth-limiting configuration (44, 46, 56) and a radial reinforcing structure (48, 50, 52) are associated with the first portion (38) of each of the sidewalls, thereby limiting radial flexing of first portion (38) and maintaining an annular concavity between the bead region (36) and the shoulder region (34).

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a surface vehicle is presented. The wheel assembly comprises a tire comprising an envelope structure which by its inner surface encloses a cavity. The envelope structure comprises an outer, surface-engaging side having a circumferential surface, and opposite side walls which are integral with and extend from the surface-engaging side. The sides walls by their free ends define an inner, rim-engagement side of the tire by which the tire is connectable to a wheel hub. Each of the opposite side walls comprises a surface pattern defining a suspension assembly within the side wall to thereby prevent stretching of the tire envelope towards its maximal volume when the envelope is compressed with gas, while allowing deformation of the tire envelope when loaded or depressurized such that the surface engaging side of the tire maintains a substantially constant contact with the surface.

Abstract: A locomotion assembly is provided, suitable to be used in a vehicle. The locomotion assembly comprises a frustum-conical structure comprising at least one flexible member having a frustum-conical surface extending between its relatively narrow and wide ends along a frustum-conical axis, the frustum-conical member being reversibly deformable from its biased rounded shape corresponding to a frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is circular into a deformed frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is non-circular. The frustum-conical structure may serve for supporting at least one surface-engaging member convertible between a round wheel-like configuration, in which its side elevation is substantially circular, and a deformed configuration, in which its side elevation is non-circular and in which a larger portion of the surface-engaging member is in contact with a movement surface.

Abstract: A locomotion assembly is provided, suitable to be used in a vehicle. The locomotion assembly comprises a frustum-conical structure comprising at least one flexible member having a frustum-conical surface extending between its relatively narrow and wide ends along a frustum-conical axis, the frustum-conical member being reversibly deformable from its biased rounded shape corresponding to a frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is circular into a deformed frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is non-circular. The frustum-conical structure may serve for supporting at least one surface-engaging member convertible between a round wheel-like configuration, in which its side elevation is substantially circular, and a deformed configuration, in which its side elevation is non-circular and in which a larger portion of the surface-engaging member is in contact with a movement surface.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a surface vehicle is presented. The wheel assembly comprises a tire comprising an envelope structure which by its inner surface encloses a cavity. The envelope structure comprises an outer, surface-engaging side having a circumferential surface, and opposite side walls which are integral with and extend from the surface-engaging side. The sides walls by their free ends define an inner, rim-engagement side of the tire by which the tire is connectable to a wheel hub. Each of the opposite side walls comprises a surface pattern defining a suspension assembly within the side wall to thereby prevent stretching of the tire envelope towards its maximal volume when the envelope is compressed with gas, while allowing deformation of the tire envelope when loaded or depressurized such that the surface engaging side of the tire maintains a substantially constant contact with the surface.

Abstract: A locomotion assembly is provided, suitable to be used in a vehicle. The locomotion assembly comprises a frustum-conical structure comprising at least one flexible member having a frustum-conical surface extending between its relatively narrow and wide ends along a frustum-conical axis, the frustum-conical member being reversibly deformable from its biased rounded shape corresponding to a frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is circular into a deformed frustum-conical shape in which its side elevation is non-circular. The frustum-conical structure may serve for supporting at least one surface-engaging member convertible between a round wheel-like configuration, in which its side elevation is substantially circular, and a deformed configuration, in which its side elevation is non-circular and in which a larger portion of the surface-engaging member is in contact with a movement surface.

Abstract: A vehicle (for example an unmanned robot vehicle) which includes a main body provided with a main locomotion mechanism for traveling over a terrain. The device is provided with at least one arm for enhanced support and maneuverability, the arm pivotally attached to the main body. The arm is controllable and capable of being rotated to a position where the arm or at least a substantial portion of the arm is placed in contact with the terrain or obstacle, so as to provide support or leverage to the main body.

Abstract: A traction system for a vehicle has a support frame that defines a circular track belt support that is revolvable about an axis at its center, a flexible track belt; and a track belt stretching assembly comprising one or more track belt stretching rollers. The system has one traction configuration in which the flexible traction belt is held on said support track forming a substantially circular, wheel-like traction surface, and can change to a stretching state in which said rollers engage said belt and stretch it from its state in said one traction configuration to a stretched state to define one or more other traction configurations of the system.

Abstract: A traction system for a vehicle has a support frame that defines a circular track belt support that is revolvable about an axis at its center, a flexible track belt; and a track belt stretching assembly comprising one or more track belt stretching rollers. The system has one traction configuration in which the flexible traction belt is held on said support track forming a substantially circular, wheel-like traction surface, and can change to a stretching state in which said rollers engage said belt and stretch it from its state in said one traction configuration to a stretched state to define one or more other traction configurations of the system.

Abstract: A vehicle (for example an unmanned robot vehicle) which includes a main body provided with a main locomotion mechanism for traveling over a terrain. The device is provided with at least one arm for enhanced support and maneuverability, the arm pivotally attached to the main body. The arm is controllable and capable of being rotated to a position where the arm or at least a substantial portion of the arm is placed in contact with the terrain or obstacle, so as to provide support or leverage to the main body.

Abstract: A traction system for a vehicle has a support frame that defines a circular track belt support that is revolvable about an axis at its center, a flexible track belt; and a track belt stretching assembly comprising one or more track belt stretching rollers. The system has one traction configuration in which the flexible traction belt is held on said support track forming a substantially circular, wheel-like traction surface, and can change to a stretching state in which said rollers engage said belt and stretch it from its state in said one traction configuration to a stretched state to define one or more other traction configurations of the system.

Abstract: A traction system for a vehicle has a support frame that defines a circular track belt support that is revolvable about an axis at its center, a flexible track belt; and a track belt stretching assembly comprising one or more track belt stretching rollers. The system has one traction configuration in which the flexible traction belt is held on the support track forming a substantially circular, wheel-like traction surface, and can change to a stretching state in which the rollers engage the belt. In the stretched state, the rollers stretch the belt from its state in the one traction configuration to a stretched state to define one or more other traction configurations of the system.