Abstract: Pural non-pneumatic (NPTs) are unitarily fitted, side-by-side, on a wheel rim, forming a multiple NPT (MNPT) to carry a load by sharing the load between the side-by-side NPTs. By "unitarily" is meant that the NPTs are fitted to the rim as a whole, without cutting or sectioning. With this construction, a MNPT is provided with characteristics which are surprisingly better than those attributable to a single NPT having the same or a different outer hoop diameter but the same mass of resin as the plural NPTs. The NPTs may be formed as rings, then by heat-distending them, unitarily post-fitted to the surface of an adhesively prepped wheel rim, for operation at relatively low torque; alternatively, and more preferably the NPTs are cast or otherwise thermoformed, as for example by injection molding, onto the wheel rim and self-adhesively autogenously secured, so as to provide the plural NPTs integrally bonded to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A tire for use on a vehicle capable of spinning the tire relative to the ground surface that the vehicle is operable upon. The tire includes a plurality of ground engagable tread elements. Each of said tread elements at least partially defines a transversely extending groove. The improvement comprises a relief located at the intersection of the groove and the ground engaging portion of the tread element. The relief reduces the propensity of chunking of a leading edge of the tread element during operation of the tire.

Abstract: An improved radial tire is reinforced with at least two carcass plies of radial rubberized cords wherein a radial inner or first ply extends continuously from one bead portion to another bead portion through the sidewall areas and across the crown of the tire and a radial outer or second ply in continuous contact with the inner ply has two sections disposed such that the second ply is discontinuous or interrupted in the crown area. The second ply is also foreshortened in the bead portion of the tire rather than being wrapped around the bead. An inner liner is also in constant contact with the inner ply from bead portion to bead portion without being wrapped therearound.

Abstract: A method of building a tire comprises providing an apexed bead with a first bead ribbon having a first bead portion including rubberized parallel extending bead wires. A first rubber apex leaf extends laterally from the first bead portion. A second bead ribbon has a second bead portion with rubberized parallel extending bead wires. A second rubber apex leaf extends laterally from the second bead portion. The second bead portion is located radially of said first bead portion to form a bead. The first and second apex leafs radially contact each other to form an apex with a substantially triangular cross-section taken in a plane extending transverse to the bead wires. The apex extends laterally from and integral with the bead. The apexed bead is placed radially of a cylindrically formed tire carcass ply. An axial end of the carcass ply is turned around the apexed bead. The apex portion is moved from an axial surface of the bead portion to a radial surface of the bead portion.

Abstract: The relatively harsh "ride" of a non-pneumatic tire ("NPT") is greatly improved by a ring of elastomeric material referred to as a "ride-enhancing insert" ("RI"). The RI is pre-positioned on the outer surface of a wheel rim on which the NPT is to be molded of elastomeric material, most preferably a polyurethane, which is peculiarly well-suited to survive normal use on various vehicles, particularly as a replacement for a conventional spare tire, or "minispare" in an automobile. The RI is surprisingly tolerant of stress and heat loads generated by operation of the NPT/RI. The RI has a large effect on the spring rate of the NPT when deflected over a cleat, and a reduction in spring rate when deflected over a smooth laminar surface. This is of particular importance since the deflection over a cleat is where the improvement in ride is most noticeable.