Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a tire comprises an inner shell having a hollow interior space, an outer shell disposed radially outward from the inner shell, and at least one pump assembly disposed adjacent to the inner shell and having a compressible tube portion, wherein the tube portion of the pump assembly is configured to expand radially outwardly beyond the outer shell and to compress radially inwardly, and wherein the pump assembly is configured to direct a fluid from the tube portion of the pump assembly to the interior space of the inner shell.

Abstract: A vehicle tire includes a selectively actuated stud deployment system for increased traction. The studs are contained in cells in the surface of the tire and forced to deploy by pneumatic or fluid pressure. When the pressure is released, the studs retract.

Abstract: A vehicle tire includes a selectively actuated stud deployment system for increased traction. The studs are contained in cells in the surface of the tire and forced to deploy by pneumatic or fluid pressure. When the pressure is released, the studs retract.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a tire comprises an inner shell having a hollow interior space, an outer shell disposed radially outward from the inner shell, and at least one pump assembly disposed adjacent to the inner shell and having a compressible tube portion, wherein the tube portion of the pump assembly is configured to expand radially outwardly beyond the outer shell and to compress radially inwardly, and wherein the pump assembly is configured to direct a fluid from the tube portion of the pump assembly to the interior space of the inner shell.

Abstract: A vehicle tire includes a selectively actuated stud deployment system for increased traction. The studs are contained in cells in the surface of the tire and forced to deploy by pneumatic or fluid pressure. When the pressure is released, the studs retract.

Abstract: An all-weather tire includes features that enhance safety and usability in a variety of driving conditions as well as some manufacturing processes that may be used during the production and provides an all-weather tire having selectively deployable and retractable studs for greater traction when needed. The tire includes a toroidal shell enclosing an air-filled chamber and a plurality of stud actuation chambers contained within the shell for selectively deploying studs to extend past the tire's outer radial surface for engaging a roadway or surface. The studs may be retracted when no longer needed. A mechanical pump assembly or plurality of such assemblies powered by compression of the tire engaging the roadway may be used as a power source for generating pneumatic pressure and an internal valve assembly or assemblies may be used to route the pneumatic pressure appropriately. The pump and valve assemblies may be controlled either mechanically or electrically.

Abstract: An all-weather tire includes features that enhance safety and usability in a variety of driving conditions as well as some manufacturing processes that may be used during the production and provides an all-weather tire having selectively deployable and retractable studs for greater traction when needed. The tire includes a toroidal shell enclosing an air-filled chamber and a plurality of stud actuation chambers contained within the shell for selectively deploying studs to extend past the tire's outer radial surface for engaging a roadway or surface. The studs may be retracted when no longer needed. A mechanical pump assembly or plurality of such assemblies powered by compression of the tire engaging the roadway may be used as a power source for generating pneumatic pressure and an internal valve assembly or assemblies may be used to route the pneumatic pressure appropriately. The pump and valve assemblies may be controlled either mechanically or electrically.

Abstract: A vehicle tire includes a selectively actuated stud deployment system for increased traction. The studs are contained in cells in the surface of the tire and forced to deploy by pneumatic or fluid pressure. When the pressure is released, the studs retract.