Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing an annular multiaxial laid fabric and to an annular object produced therewith. The object of the invention is therefore to create a method and a device for forming a multiaxial laid fabric for annular structures which has no twisting or displacement of the thread layers. Furthermore, it should no longer be necessary to close a butt join or overlap separately to form a closed ring of the multiaxial laid fabric. This object is achieved in that at least a lower thread layer (2a) and an upper thread layer in the form of an endless thread array or an endless single thread, or in the form of thread-array sections or single-thread sections, are laid around the entire circumference of two mutually spaced ring elements (3) with differing thread orientations, and the first and upper thread layers (2a, 2b) are then fixed to each other at points.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having a wheel having a first and second bead ring, wherein the non-pneumatic tire has a crown region and a first and second sidewall region; wherein the first and second sidewall regions each extend from the crown and terminate into a first and second respective bead area, wherein the first and second bead area are each mounted on the first and second bead ring, respectively; wherein each bead area is located axially outward of the crown region of the non-pneumatic tire when mounted on the wheel, and wherein the non-pneumatic tire further includes a reinforcement ply which extends from the first bead area to the second bead area.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly including a wheel having a first and second bead ring, a non-pneumatic tire having a shear band and tread forming a tread band, and a first and second sidewall region; wherein the first and second sidewall regions each extend from the tread band and terminate into a first and second respective bead area, wherein the first and second bead area are each mounted on the first and second bead ring, respectively; wherein each bead area is located axially outward of the crown region of the non-pneumatic tire when mounted on the wheel, and wherein the first and second sidewall each have an upper sidewall region that is uncoupled from the outer lateral ends of the tread band.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular shear band and geodesic ply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a nonpneumatic tire is described. The method includes the steps of: mounting a rim on a spindle; providing a spoke structure having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, expanding the inner diameter and mounting the spoke structure over the rim; compressing the outer diameter of the spoke structure and then mounting a tread and shearband assembly over the outer diameter to form a nonpneumatic tire.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular shear band and geodesic ply.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular shear band and geodesic ply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a nonpneumatic tire is described. The method includes the steps of: mounting a rim on a spindle; providing a spoke structure having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, expanding the inner diameter and mounting the spoke structure over the rim; compressing the outer diameter of the spoke structure and then mounting a tread and shearband assembly over the outer diameter to form a nonpneumatic tire.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular hoop structure for supporting a load on the tire, a means for attachment to a vehicle rim, and a ply structure secured to a first axial limit and extending radially outward and between the hoop structure and the tread portion and further extending radially inward from between the hoop structure and tread portion to a second axial limit. The ply structure is secured to both the first axial limit and the second axial limit. The tread portion is secured to a radially outer surface of the ply structure. The hoop structure is secured to a radially inner surface of the ply structure.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular hoop structure for supporting a load on the tire, a means for attachment to a vehicle rim, and a ply structure secured to a first axial limit and extending radially outward and between the hoop structure and the tread portion and further extending radially inward from between the hoop structure and tread portion to a second axial limit. The ply structure is secured to both the first axial limit and the second axial limit. The tread portion is secured to a radially outer surface of the ply structure. The hoop structure is secured to a radially inner surface of the ply structure.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular hoop structure for supporting a load on the tire, a means for attachment to a vehicle rim, and a ply structure secured to a first axial limit and extending radially outward and between the hoop structure and the tread portion and further extending radially inward from between the hoop structure and tread portion to a second axial limit. The ply structure is secured to both the first axial limit and the second axial limit. The tread portion is secured to a radially outer surface of the ply structure. The hoop structure is secured to a radially inner surface of the ply structure.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular hoop structure for supporting a load on the tire, a means for attachment to a vehicle rim, and a ply structure secured to a first axial limit and extending radially outward and between the hoop structure and the tread portion and further extending radially inward from between the hoop structure and tread portion to a second axial limit. The ply structure is secured to both the first axial limit and the second axial limit. The tread portion is secured to a radially outer surface of the ply structure. The hoop structure is secured to a radially inner surface of the ply structure.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular shear band and geodesic ply.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular shear band and geodesic connecting web, preferably made of tire ply.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular hoop structure for supporting a load on the tire, a means for attachment to a vehicle rim, and a ply structure secured to a first axial limit and extending radially outward and between the hoop structure and the tread portion and further extending radially inward from between the hoop structure and tread portion to a second axial limit. The ply structure is secured to both the first axial limit and the second axial limit. The tread portion is secured to a radially outer surface of the ply structure. The hoop structure is secured to a radially inner surface of the ply structure.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular hoop structure for supporting a load on the tire, a means for attachment to a vehicle rim, and a ply structure secured to a first axial limit and extending radially outward and between the hoop structure and the tread portion and further extending radially inward from between the hoop structure and tread portion to a second axial limit. The ply structure is secured to both the first axial limit and the second axial limit. The tread portion is secured to a radially outer surface of the ply structure. The hoop structure is secured to a radially inner surface of the ply structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cutting an elastomeric laminate that may include a layer of reinforcement cords, into a desired length without cutting through the cords. The method includes the step of cutting through the gum portion of the elastomeric composite material at a desired skive angle, and then opening up the skived cut. Next, the cord reinforcement layer is cut without severing the reinforcement cords. An elastomeric composite strip cut to the desired length is produced and has cut ends. One of the cut ends has the gum portion cut at a desired skive angle adjacent an overhang portion of the reinforcement layer. The opposite end of the elastomeric composite segment also has a skived portion to mate with the skived portion of the first cut end, and a gap in the cord ply to mate with the cord overhang of the first end, resulting in a splice. An improved anvil having independently controlled vacuum zones is also provided, as well as improved cutting mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cutting an elastomeric laminate that may include a layer of reinforcement cords, into a desired length without cutting through the cords. The method includes the step of cutting through the gum portion of the elastomeric composite material at a desired skive angle, and then opening up the skived cut. Next, the cord reinforcement layer is cut without severing the reinforcement cords. An elastomeric composite strip cut to the desired length is produced and has cut ends. One of the cut ends has the gum portion cut at a desired skive angle adjacent an overhang portion of the reinforcement layer. The opposite end of the elastomeric composite segment also has a skived portion to mate with the skived portion of the first cut end, and a gap in the cord ply to mate with the cord overhang of the first end, resulting in a splice. An improved anvil having independently controlled vacuum zones and adjustable width vacuum zones is also provided, as well as improved cutting mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer of tire ply is disclosed. A first sheet of ply is provided st lateral end, and having a plurality of functional reinforcement cords and two or more dummy spacer cords at the first lateral end. A second sheet of ply is provided having a second lateral end to be joined together with the first lateral end of the first sheet of ply. The second sheet of ply has a plurality of functional reinforcement cords and two or more dummy spacer cords at the second lateral end. The first and second lateral ends are overlapped so that the dummy cord of one of the ends is located adjacent a functional cord of the second of the ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a calendering system is provided to allow for fine gauge adjustment of the product. The calender system has a first and second roller each having a first and second end mounted in opposed end supports. The end supports each have an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with one or more internal passages, wherein a heat transfer medium may be circulated through the one or more internal passages. The heat transfer medium may either heat or cool the internal passages of the end supports, resulting in the respective increase or decrease in the gauge of the product.