Importance

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Abstract

A tire apparatus is provided, the apparatus including a tire body for attachment to a wheel rim to define a first inflatable volume. An inner chamber defines a second inflatable volume which is located within the first inflatable volume of the tire body. A first fluid communication path is provided between the first and second inflatable volumes and a second fluid communication path is provided between the first inflatable volume and the atmosphere. A first valve opens and closes the first fluid communication path, and a second valve opens and closes the second fluid communication path. The tensile strength and pressure-containing capacity of the material structure of the second inflatable volume is greater than that of the tire first inflatable volume. A first fluid pressure within the first inflatable volume of the tire body is optimisable by opening the first valve to allow pressure transfer from the second inflatable volume into the tire body, and/or opening the second valve to allow pressure to vent from the tire body to atmosphere. A vehicle wheel and active tire pressure control system incorporating the tire apparatus are also provided.

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First Claim