US 12,179,525 B2
Tire assembly with circumferential shape memory alloy configuration
Brian Yennie, Upland, CA (US); Earl Cole, Studio City, CA (US); and Jim Benzing, North Canton, OH (US)
Assigned to THE SMART TIRE COMPANY, INC., Akron, OH (US)
Filed by The SMART Tire Company, Inc., Akron, OH (US)
Filed on Dec. 20, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/390,316.
Application 18/390,316 is a continuation in part of application No. 17/946,402, filed on Sep. 16, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/435,016, filed on Dec. 23, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/244,928, filed on Sep. 16, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2024/0116313 A1, Apr. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. B60C 7/14 (2006.01); B60C 7/06 (2006.01); B60C 7/22 (2006.01)
CPC B60C 7/14 (2013.01) [B60C 7/06 (2013.01); B60C 7/22 (2013.01); B60C 2200/04 (2013.01); B60C 2200/12 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A tire assembly comprising:
a tread portion,
a rim, and
at least a first band assembly positioned between the tread portion and the rim, wherein the first band assembly includes
a first SMA element having an outer surface, wherein the first SMA element extends circumferentially about the tire assembly,
a first bead member having an outer surface, wherein the first bead member extends circumferentially about the tire assembly, and
a plurality of fiber reinforcement members, wherein each of the plurality of fiber reinforcement members extend around the outer surface of the first SMA element and the outer surface of the first bead member to form the first band assembly.