Wheel and tire assembly, method of manufacture and use thereof

A wheel assembly incorporating a non-pneumatic tire, said assembly including;

• inner web or rib members and one or more outer web or rib members;
• said assembly including a core means forming at least part of a wheel hub;
• an annular ring that separates the inner and outer web or rib members where the inner web or rib members are non-linear and extend from the core means to the annular ring,
• said inner and outer web or rib members comprising polymer material characterized in that the inner and outer web or rib members form a series of resilient or flexible fingers including at least one bend or curve in the region where the inner or outer web or rib members meets or attaches to the annular ring;
• the outer web or rib members are encased in a polymeric material thereby preventing them from going beyond their elastic limit and providing protection to the inner web or rib members from frequent small impacts during the course of use;
• and
• wherein the outer web or rib members extend from the annular ring and are thinner and more flexible than the inner web or rib members to provide a degree of protection of the inner web or rib members from frequent small impacts during the course of use.