AIR MAINTENANCE TIRE ASSEMBLY

A pumping mechanism for use with a pneumatic tire (10) and for mounting on a wheel rim (12) to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated is disclosed. The pumping mechanism (14) comprises a plurality of pumps (18) forming a linear belt, wherein the linear belt is configured for being attached circumferentially to a wheel rim (12); a plurality of pump holders (20) interconnecting the plurality of pumps (18) in a linear configuration; and a control valve (22) configured for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire (12). Also, a pneumatic tire and wheel system to keep the pneumatic tire (10) from becoming underinflated using such a pumping mechanism (14) is disclosed. The pneumatic tire (10) is mounted to a wheel rim (12).