Abstract: A pneumatic runflat tire includes ribs mounted axially outwardly of the carcass ply. The ribs are each made of a non-elastomeric material. The preferred rib is compound composite material having first, second, and third layers. The first and third layers of the rib are a fiberglass and epoxy composite and the second layer is an elastomer. The ribs provide primarily radial stiffness support capability of a sufficient level to support the weight of the vehicle in the absence of tire inflation.

Abstract: A tire assembly comprising outer and inner tires having at least one vent and one plug is described. The vents and plugs mate in the assembly providing an air tight seal in the bead seal region of the tires. The vents or plugs permit air to escape from the outer tire if an attempt is made to mount the outer tire on a rim without a mating inner tire.

Abstract: A device (20) for retaining the beads of a tire against the flanges of a rim. The bead retainer device (20) is capable of being manufally deformable in the axial direction. The bead retainer device is also capable of being manually deformable in the circumferential direction such as to be collapsible.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire is made by applying a restricting member circumferentially around a cylindrical radial tire carcass. Shaping pressure inflates the carcass to a toroidal shape having a section height less than a predetermined section height so that the carcass can be enclosed by a mold for vulcanization. After vulcanization, normal inflation pressure is sufficient to further expand the restricting member and carcass to a shape having a section height greater than the predetermined section height so that the carcass may be pressed into gripping engagement with a replaceable tread belt.

Abstract: A radial ply tire and rim assembly in which the rim has an axially extended flange with a special configuration to provide a double register for the bead area. The tire when mounted on the rim and inflated has its carcass distorted radially outwardly from the natural equilibrium curvature in which it was molded and the carcass curves axially inwardly to meet the bead core at a very small angle with respect to the axis of the tire.