Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel (1) comprises a crown reinforcing region (10) itself radially on the inside of a tread (7), the crown reinforcing region (10) comprising a plurality of reinforcing strips (12, 14) arranged in at least three layers of strips (12, 14) arranged in such a way that a virtual axis C-C substantially perpendicular to the strips intersects at least two strips in any axial position of the virtual axis in the crown reinforcing region.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle (100) having a riding configuration and a folded configuration includes a first wheel (102) and a second wheel (104) interconnected by a frame (106). At least the first wheel (102) has an open centre (108) and includes an annular rotor (110) engageable with the ground in the riding configuration of the bicycle (100) and an annular stator (114) carrying the annular rotor (110), and the frame (106) has a pivotal connection with the stator (114) of the first wheel (102) whereby the frame (106) is pivotable relative to the first wheel (102) for folding the bicycle (100). The frame (106) and the second wheel (104) connected thereto are together so dimensioned and arranged to fit within the open centre (108) of the first wheel (102) in the folded configuration of the bicycle (100).

Abstract: A green tire includes a plurality of sheets of green rubber having a substantially circular shape, wherein each sheet of green rubber includes an upper ring and a lower ring, and each sheet of green rubber further includes a plurality of spoke portions extending from the upper ring to the lower ring. The green tire further includes a plurality of reinforcements. Each reinforcement is disposed between adjacent sheets of green rubber. At least one reinforcement is sandwiched between the upper rings of adjacent sheets of green rubber, and at least one reinforcement is sandwiched between the spoke portions of adjacent sheets of green rubber.

Abstract: A system manufactures a tire assembly. The system includes a core having a cylindrical hub and radially protruding extensions projecting radially outward from the hub, a plurality of internal arcuate members for positioning a reinforcing layer of the about the core, the internal arcuate members each being wrapped with a reinforcement layer, the internal arcuate members being disposed in spaces circumferentially between the extensions of the core, a first side plate for securing the internal arcuate members in place relative to the core; and a second side plate for securing the core and internal arcuate members to each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure may relate to centerless wheel assembly that includes a centerless rim including a first center point laying in a first plane generally defined by the centerless rim. The centerless wheel assembly may also include a centerless ring gear coupled to the centerless rim such that rotation of the centerless ring gear causes a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim. The centerless ring gear may include a second center point laying in a second plane generally defined by the centerless ring gear, and the first plane may be generally parallel to the second plane. Additionally, the centerless ring gear may be shaped to interface with a drive gear that drives the centerless ring gear.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a first rotary mechanism supported on the frame, a second rotary mechanism rotatably engaging with the first rotary mechanism, and a driving mechanism operatively coupled to the second rotary mechanism and configured to impart rotation of the second rotary mechanism while the driving mechanism is being actuated. The second rotary mechanism is hubless. The second rotary mechanism is configured to absorb and retain an amount of the actuation of the driving mechanism as a moment of inertia while the second rotary mechanism rotates.

Abstract: This invention discloses a tire having enhanced wet traction and ice traction characteristics. These tires are comprised of a generally toroidal-shaped carcass with an outer circumferential tread, two spaced beads, at least one ply extending from bead to bead and sidewalls extending radially from and connecting said tread to said beads, wherein said tread is adapted to be ground-contacting, wherein the tread includes at least one circumferential groove which separates circumferential ribs, each circumferential groove having two sides and a base therebetween, and wherein the sides of each circumferential groove are comprised of a rubbery composition that includes silicate microflakes which are substantially aligned in an orientation which is parallel with the sides of the grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus makes a base layer of solid tire blanks having a radially inner rubber-under-core-ply, a middle core ply and a radially outer covering layer and includes a pivoting block having first and second winding drums and a winding system for depositing the rubber-under-core ply and the covering layer on the winding drums. A laying unit has a wire feeder and deposits the core ply on the winding drums. The pivot block defines an axis and is pivotable between first and second positions and is arranged between the winding system and the laying unit causing the first drum to be assigned to the winding system and the second drum to be assigned to the laying unit in the first position. The pivoting block pivots to the second position causing the first drum to foe assigned to the wire feeder and the second drum to be assigned to the winding system.

Abstract: A tire unloading apparatus for separating a cured tire from a toroidally shaped segmented core body configured to carry the cured tire includes a plurality of tire engaging paddle mechanisms positioned in a spaced apart circular array defining a cured tire receiving central opening, the cured tire mounted to a core body. The paddle mechanisms operatively move between a radially outward tire release position and a radially inward tire gripping position. The tire unloading apparatus further includes a core segment manipulating apparatus operative to move individual core segments from a radially outward tire supporting core body position to a radially inward segment removal position. A plurality of segment support arms forming a circular array below the tire receiving opening are in an operative location to support respective core body segments.

Abstract: A solid tire for a wheel comprising electrically conducting means (15) made according to the method of any one of claims 1-16 comprising a cured first cylindrical layer (1) comprising a first outer circumferential surface (10) provided for contacting the ground, the first layer (1) having an electrical resistance being larger than 1010 ?cm, the tire (5) comprising an electrically conducting path (6) in electrical connection with the electrical conducting means (15) and extending through the first layer (1), the electrical conducting path (6) comprising a path-filling material (16) having a lower electrical resistance than the electrical resistance of the first layer (1), characterized in that the first layer (1) comprises less than 2 pphr carbon black, in that the first layer (1) comprises more than 30 pphr reinforcing filling material and in that the electrically conducting path (6) has a ground contacting surface (19) having an area of at least 150 mm2.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel has a rim for mounting a tire, a hub for rotatably attaching the wheel to a vehicle, and a means for connecting the rim and the hub. The rim of the wheel has a part which is rotatably connected to the hub and which, when radially rotating around the hub, engages the surface of the tire mounted on the rim for rolling the tire on the rim. Thus, when the wheel is engaging the ground, the tire rolling on the rim causes a side movement of the wheel in a plan orthogonal to the normal plan of rotation of the wheel when attached to the vehicle. A solid-core tire for use with the omni-directional wheel has treads patterns or a helical coil shape for engaging the rotatable part of the rim. A method for manufacturing a solid-core tire is also provided.

Abstract: This skew-symmetric non-pneumatic tire focuses on the mechanical aspects of the design of the design to solve problems associated with the ride comfort, durability and assembly of a non-pneumatic tire. The tire has a generally cylindrical hub surrounding the axis of rotation and a generally cylindrical outer surface sharing the common axis of rotation; a pair of disk-like side wall members comprising non-buckling webs extending between and mating with their respective hub and outer cylindrical surface; said pair of side wall members have webs sharing a common configuration resulting in an assembly with a skew-symmetric structure with respect to the loading direction; and a tread-band circumscribing the cylindrical outer surfaces of the side walls.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes a plurality of springs. Each spring comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming a toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the non-pneumatic tire. The toroidal structure is at least partially coated with an elastomer.

Abstract: A composite solid tire, including a worn solid rubber tire having a remaining rubber layer, and a thermo-setting polyurethane elastomer layer which is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rubber layer.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire with spokes easily mountable on and dismountable from a wheel. In the non-pneumatic tire (1), a spoke structure (10) including an annular outer peripheral member (3) and an inner peripheral member (5) connected to each other by a plurality of spokes (4) is joined to the inner peripheral side of a tread ring (2). The non-pneumatic tire is characterized in that the inner peripheral member (5) is divided into independent members (51) in the circumferential direction of the tire.

Abstract: The present application discloses a tire and wheel combination for a vehicle comprising a wheel comprising a rim; a tire comprising an annular side wall, an interior surface, wherein the tire is mounted on the rim; and a foam support insert comprising a compressible annular main body, wherein the annular main body comprises a central bore configured to received the wheel rim, and having an outer diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the interior surface of the tire and being compressed and mounted inside the air cavity of the tire and circumferentially secured to the interior surface of the tire, wherein the foam support insert further comprises a first foam insert having a different foam density than the annular main body, and the foam insert is coupled to the main body and configured with regular or irregular geometric design; wherein the tire and wheel combination is not air tight sealed and filled with pressurized air, and vehicle comprising such combination.

Abstract: In a non-pneumatic tire having a support structure body supporting a load from a vehicle, the support structure body (SS) comprises an inner annular portion (1) an intermediate annular portion (2) provided concentrically in an outer side of the inner annular portion (1), an outer annular portion (3) provided concentrically in an outer side of the intermediate annular portion (2), a plurality of inner coupling portions (4) coupling the inner annular portion (1) and the intermediate annular portion (2) and being independent in a circumferential direction, and a plurality of outer coupling portions (5) coupling the outer annular portion (3) and the intermediate annular portion (2) and being independent in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A tire having a core located in a tire cavity and a cured and foamed elastomeric material located in the tire cavity adjacent the core. The core is made of a solid material, a precured and foamed elastomeric material or a hollow rigid structure. The core may be a single piece or fabricated from multiple pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a tread which contains coal dust to promote a fast wearing tread running surface designed to expel internally heated tread rubber.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel having a tire mounted on a wheel rim with a precured and foamed elastomeric material in a closed cavity in the tire and a polyurethane formed in the closed cavity around the precured and foamed elastomeric material.

Abstract: A solid tire for a wheel comprising electrically conducting means (15) made according to the method of any one of claims 1-16 comprising a cured first cylindrical layer (1) comprising a first outer circumferential surface (10) provided for contacting the ground, the first layer (1) having an electrical resistance being larger than 1010 ?cm, the tire (5) comprising an electrically conducting path (6) in electrical connection with the electrical conducting means (15) and extending through the first layer (1), the electrical conducting path (6) comprising a path-filling material (16) having a lower electrical resistance than the electrical resistance of the first layer (1), characterised in that the first layer (1) comprises less than 2 pphr carbon black, in that the first layer (1) comprises more than 30 pphr reinforcing filling material and in that the electrically conducting path (6) has a ground contacting surface (19) having an area of at least 150 mm2.

Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.

Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.

Abstract: An improved means for retreading a solid tire is disclosed. The retreading means comprises wrapping uncured rubber around the periphery of the tire, clamping the tire body and uncured rubber assembly in a C mold comprising a tread ring and a sidewall ring and curing the tire.

Abstract: A tire comprising a tread, where said tread includes a vulcanized rubber, where said vulcanized rubber includes from about 0.5 to about 40 weight percent epoxidized rubber; from about 1 to about 35 parts by weight of a functionalized polyolefin per 100 parts by weight of said vulcanized rubber; and from about 1 to about 100 parts by weight silica per 100 parts by weight of said vulcanized rubber.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polyurethane filled vehicle tire. The tire at least partially defines a hollow cavity, which is at least partially filled with cured frothed polyurethane foam. A method of producing a polyurethane filled tire is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.

Abstract: A method for expanding and curing formable elastomeric material 2, which is placed in the cavity 14 of a previously molded tire 10, is disclosed. The tire 10 when filled with foamable rubber material 2 is mounted on a curing rim 20 and contacted with heat to simultaneously foam and cure the elastomeric material 2 within the tire cavity 14. The curing rim 20 has a finished or a coated surface 30 that permits the cured foam filled tire 10 to be removed after curing by slipping the cured tire 10 off the coated surface 30 of the curing rim 20.

Abstract: An improved means for retreading a solid tire is disclosed. The retreading means comprises wrapping uncured rubber around the periphery of the tire, clamping the tire body and uncured rubber assembly in a C mold comprising a tread ring and a sidewall ring and curing the tire.

Abstract: A method for expanding and curing formable elastomeric material 2, which is placed in the cavity 14 of a previously molded tire 10, is disclosed. The tire 10 when filled with foamable rubber material 2 is mounted on a curing rim 20 and contacted with heat to simultaneously foam and cure the elastomeric material 2 within the tire cavity 14. The curing rim 20 has a finished or a coated surface 30 that permits the cured foam filled tire 10 to be removed after curing by slipping the cured tire 10 off the coated surface 30 of the curing rim 20.

Abstract: A support for a tire tread band comprising an outer portion for contacting a tread and a base, wherein the base comprises a reinforcement framework having at least two plies of reinforcement elements. Each of the plies has mutually parallel reinforcement elements, and said elements are crossed from one ply to a next ply. The support further comprising a polymer material having a modulus greater than 30 MPa.

Abstract: A safety support including a body and a base having a substantially cylindrical radially internal face intended to be mounted around a tire rim, the base including a set of substantially inextensible circumferential reinforcing wires wrapped in an elastomer substance, the support being provided by injection under pressure into a closed cavity from feed points located on the support body, the base including supplementary reinforcing elements arranged radially, at least in part, externally relative to all the circumferential reinforcing wires and axially with respect to the feeding points.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a cured tire filling composition and the composition resulting from such a method. A mixture of a polyisocyanate having an average functionality of at least 2.3; a high molecular weight polyol having a hydroxyl number in the range of about 20 to about 31 and having an actual functionality of greater than 2.1; 6 to 65 weight percent of a polar plasticizing extender oil; and no greater than 0.5 weight percent polyamine is cured in the presence of a catalyst to form a polyurethane elastomer having a vertical rebound of greater than about 60% based on ASTM D2632 and a Durometer hardness in the range of about 5 to 60 (Shore A). The mixture is used to fill a tire prior to curing the composition within the tire casing and results in a deflation-proof tire that has considerably longer road testing life than tire filling compositions currently available.

Abstract: Tire has a casing defining a hollow interior, a fill disposed in the interior of the casing, and the fill including at least one layer having an initial diameter substantially the same as the initial diameter of the casing. The fill layer includes an expansion joint. When the casing expands the expansion joint expands and causes the first layer to substantially continuously contact the casing.

Abstract: A method for making a non-metallic, fiber reinforced wheel for an in-line skate and similar rolling articles. Resin impregnated carbon fibers are compression molded to form a high strength and very stiff (i.e. rigid) annular hub having a central channel extending longitudinally therethrough to accommodate an axle. Bearing cavities are formed at opposite ends of the central channel in which to receive and retain respective axle bearings. A hollow air pocket is established so as to extend around and through the interior of the hub in order to occupy a majority of the volume of the hut) and thereby reduce the overall weight of the wheel. A scalloped wheel retaining rim is formed around the circumference of the hub to which an outer urethane tire is bonded to enable the wheel to roll along a flat surface.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is directed to a pneumatic tire having a plurality of layers of high density foam rubber formed therein and methods of manufacturing and installing the layers therein. The preferred method of forming the layers of fill to be inserted in the pneumatic tire casing includes the following steps. Forming an elongated strip of elastomeric material of a size sufficient to form at least two concentric layers in a predetermined size casing of a pneumatic tire at a manufacturing site. At least one dimension of the elongated strip is the same as at least one dimension of the two concentric layers when inserted in the casing. Formulating data sheet having information from which the elongated strips can be cut to form the at least two layers for at least one predetermined condition. Transporting the elongated strip of the elastomeric material and the data sheet to an installation site remote from the manufacturing site.

Abstract: A wheel (10) having a tire (12 ) is provided with a liquid molasses as a ballast (100). The tire can be tubeless or can contain a tube (28). The molasses is preferably desugared (less than 30% by weight sucrose) and is able to sustain a temperature of -30.degree. F. (-34.4.degree. C. and below) without freezing. The molasses is non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-abrasive and is environmentally friendly. Farm, utility, industrial, lawn and garden and commercial vehicles use ballasted tires.

Abstract: An industrial solid tire for heavy-load, off-road use having a cast polyurethane tire thereon is produced by a batch method. The tire is a heat cured polyurethane produced from a dispersion of a prepolymer, a curative and an amount of a silicone dispersing and lubricant agent. The amount of silicone is between 1.0 and 4.0 parts per hundred of the prepolymer. A method for manufacturing the tire is included.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is directed to a pneumatic tire having a plurality of layers of high density foam rubber formed therein and methods of manufacturing and installing the layers therein. The preferred method of forming the layers of fill to be inserted in the pneumatic tire casing includes the following steps. Forming an elongated strip of elastomeric material of a size sufficient to form at least two concentric layers in a predetermined size casing of a pneumatic tire at a manufacturing site. At least one dimension of the elongated strip is the same as at least one dimension of the two concentric layers when inserted in the casing. Formulating data sheet having information from which the elongated strips can be cut to form the at least two layers for at least one predetermined condition. Transporting the elongated strip of the elastomeric material and the data sheet to an installation site remote from the manufacturing site.

Abstract: This invention is a method of filling a tire with a composite-foam to eliminate rapid deflation "blow-outs" and for all practical purposes, eliminate flats. The composite-foam tire filling is comprised of a multiplicity of preconstructed, hollow, pressurized, elastomeric, one-piece, seamless cells bonded together into a configuration whereby substantially all of the exterior cell wall surface of all cells in the composite-foam tire filling, is engaged with portions of exterior cell wall surfaces of surrounding cells. This composite-foam mass is placed inside a tire to provide the tire with a composite-foam filled interior.

Abstract: A molded polypropylene foam tire core suitable for all types of wheels. The core may be inserted, in one or more sections, into a pneumatic-type tire casing and mounted on a wheel rim to provide puncture-proof and rupture-proof internal support for said tire casing.

Abstract: A wheel and tire assembly with a solid rubber tire for use on heavy construction equipment. The assembly comprises a mounting disc, a large diameter rim, having a cylindrical surface, rigidly affixed to the mounting disc and having actually opposed peripheral sides. Cross rib means are rigidly fastened to and laterally extending across the cylindrical surface. There are side support means rigidly affixed to and radially projecting from each peripheral side of the cylindrical rim surfaces. A base layer of even thickness of substantially flat rubber is cemented to the cylindrical surface interposed between the cross ribs and the side supports. Multiple additional layers of even thickness substantially flat sheet rubber are bonded to the base layer and each succeeding additional layer of even thickness substantially flat sheet rubber is bonded to the preceding additional layer until a low profile solid rubber tire is obtained, which tire is bonded directly to the large diameter rim.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is shown for simultaneously retreading all of the tires in a stack of rubber tires that have been placed in an autoclave or the like. Each of the tires is covered respectively with a precured tread and enclosing envelope having a U-shaped cross section that surrounds the periphery of the tire to be retreaded, the inner edges of the respective envelopes being pressed to seal against the rims or shoulders of the tires. Proper sealing of the edges of the U-shaped envelopes against the sides of the tires is effected by compressing the stack against a back-up means adjustably supported on and locked in position on a post that extends centrally through the stack. The improved means for producing compression in the tire stack includes an inflatable tire means that surrounds the post to press the stack against the back-up means.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire for a wheelchair or other wheeled apparatus includes an endless integrally molded solid core rubber tire with a tensile member embedded in the tire to minimize chance of roll-off of the tire from an associated rim. A method for producing the tire is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for recapping a solid tire with precured tread rubber is disclosed. The method comprises preparing a used solid tire for recapping, including buffing down the tire to remove the old tread and to prepare the surface; applying intermediate bonding material including cushion gum; adding precured padding stock for a base layer where needed; applying and splicing together the precured tread rubber strip; placing wicking material across the tread rubber surface, for air bleeding; enveloping the tire; placing the enveloped tire assembly in a curing module having annular sealing means that can be pressed against the envelope at both tire sidewalls to form a sealed space around the envelope; and supplyng heat and pressure in the space to press the envelope and tread rubber against the tire carcass while curing the internal layer(s) of bonding material, thereby securing the layers together and forming an integral retreaded tire.

Abstract: An endless tread assembly is fabricated on a ring having grooves and ridges which mold the radially inward surface of the tread assembly. The ring is a thin walled cylinder having a single slit or gap. The tread assembly on the ring is suspended by rotatable wheels rollable on the inward surface of the ring, so as to position an arcuate portion of the ring and tread assembly between a fixed press arm and a single movable heated press mold shoe operable to mold about a 40 degree arc of the tread assembly between the shoe and the ring backed by the press arm. Lugs on the inward surface of the ring cooperate with a latch fixed on the press arm to index selected increments of the tread assembly and ring between the press arm and mold segment. After all arcuate increments of the tread assembly have been molded and cured, the ring is opened at the gap and then simply flexed to reduce its diameter sufficiently to remove the cured tread assembly.

Abstract: A fixture for bonding an elastomeric solid tire to a rim of a wheel. The fixture has mating first and second die portions defining an annular cavity constructed and arranged to receive the wheel and the tire with a bonding agent therebetween to be cured. The cavity and the tire define a circumferentially continuous passage into which a fluid is admitted under pressure to urge the tire radially inward into firm engagement with the rim of the wheel and heating elements are disposed radially inward of and adjacent the rim to raise the rim to an elevated temperature to cure the bonding agent and thereby firmly adhere the tire to the wheel.

Abstract: A method of making a resilient expandible inking ring by forming a ring of elastomeric ink-absorbent material of generally rectangular cross-section, seating the ring in a thin wall U-shaped shell of unvulcanized rubber leaving the outer portion of the ring outwardly to extend from the shell introducing a bonding material formed of an uncured rubber slurry between the shell and the ring and vulcanizing the assembly. The ring may be formed by end to end bonding of a strip of said ink-absorbent elastomeric material.

Abstract: A plurality of solid tires are retreaded simultaneously in a stacked configuration in an autoclave or the like. Each tire periphery is provided with a U-shaped cover which engages and seals with the rims or shoulders of the tire. The sealing is effected by placing rigid plates between tires and compressing the stack vertically with an internal tension device, the edges of the envelopes being compressed between the plates and the respective tire rims or shoulders.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming annular articles from elongated workpieces of thermoplastic material is provided with clamps for grasping the ends of the workpiece, and a heating plate with two opposed surfaces; the clamps apply the ends of the workpiece to the plate to heat them and then bring the ends together.