Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a run-flat low inflation pressure all terrain vehicle (ATV) tire 10,11, wherein the tire 10,11 has at least one pair of elastomeric inserts 42,46, one insert 42,46 extending radially inward from each tread edge 14,16 toward a bead core 26. The radially inner end of the insert is radially inward of an elastomeric apex 48 located above the respective bead cores 26. The bead cores 26 have a wide substantially flat radially inner base which when the tire 10,11 is mounted on a conventional ATV design rim enable the tire 10,11 to remain seated onto the rim even when operating without any inflation. The preferred tire 10,11 has a unique tread 12. The central portion 13 of the tread 12 has circumferential rows of blocks or lugs 94. The lugs of laterally adjacent rows in a central region 13 of the tread 12 are connected by tie bars 93 which when employed on these run-flat tires keeps the tread lugs 94 in ground contact even when the tire is operated uninflated. The inventive tire 10,11 can be constructed providing limited run-flat capability or with a full run-flat capability never requiring air inflation during use.

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First Claim