Abstract: This disclosure includes methods and apparatus for forming a non-pneumatic tire carcass comprising an inner hub, an outer band, and a plurality of spokes. The method includes arranging the inner hub, the plurality of spokes, and the outer band to form a curing assembly arranged in a first arrangement within a forming apparatus, where the inner hub is arranged concentrically within a radially inner annular side of the outer band and the plurality of spokes are arranged between the outer band and the inner hub. The plurality of spokes are forced in opposite radial directions from the first arrangement and to a second arrangement, where each spoke of the plurality of spokes is forced in a curing position against the inner hub and towards the outer band in a curing arrangement. The plurality of spokes are then cured to each of the inner hub and outer band.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a plurality of elements that move relative to a base. The elements have a central axis that extends in a longitudinal direction, and the elements are disposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis. The apparatus also includes a radial movement member that moves in a radial direction, a hub, a shear band, and a plurality of spokes that are attached to the hub. The radial movement member moves outward in the radial direction and urges the elements to move relative to the base such that the elements urge the spokes to move outward in the radial direction. Adhesive engages the spokes and the shear band at an attachment location of the spokes and the shear band.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire that includes a base and a plurality of elements that move relative to the base. The plurality of elements have a central axis, and the elements are disposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis and move in a radial direction towards and away from the central axis. A radial movement member, hub, and a plurality of spokes are also present. Each one of the spokes is disposed between adjacent ones of the elements. The elements and the spokes are moved inwards in the radial direction by the radial movement member towards the central axis so that the spokes are moved in the radial direction towards the hub. Adhesive engages the spokes and the hub at an attachment location of the spokes and the hub.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a spoke (12) for a non-pneumatic tire is provided that involves providing a first form (14) and a second form (16), where first and second components (18, 20) of the spoke are placed on the first form (14). A third component (22) of the spoke is placed on the second form (16). The first and second components are transferred to the second form (16). The first component, the second component, and the third component are transferred from the second form to a mold (48). Further, the first component, the second component, and the third component have heat and pressure applied thereto for curing.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes the steps of providing an outer shear band ring (12) that has an inner diameter. An intermediate section (14) is provided that has a supporting structure. An outer diameter (102) of the intermediate section (14) in the uncompressed state is greater than the inner diameter (70) of the outer shear band ring (12). The intermediate section is compressed from the uncompressed state to a compressed state, and is inserted inside of the outer shear band ring (12). Compression of the intermediate section is released when the intermediate section is inside of the outer shear band ring, and the intermediate section (14) moves from the compressed state to a state of interference fit with the outer shear band ring (12).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a spoke (12) for a non-pneumatic tire is provided that involves providing a first form (14) and a second form (16), where first and second components (18, 20) of the spoke are placed on the first form (14). A third component (22) of the spoke is placed on the second form (16). The first and second components are transferred to the second form (16). The first component, the second component, and the third component are transferred from the second form to a mold (48). Further, the first component, the second component, and the third component have heat and pressure applied thereto for curing.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes the steps of providing an outer shear band ring (56) and an intermediate section (14) that has a supporting structure (16). The intermediate section (14) is collapsed from an uncollapsed state to a collapsed state. The intermediate section in the collapsed state is inserted inside of the outer shear band ring such that the outer shear band ring is located outward from the intermediate section in a radial direction of the tire. Compression of the intermediate section (14) is released when the intermediate section (14) is inside of the outer shear band ring (56) so that the intermediate section returns to the uncollapsed state from the collapsed state. In one embodiment, the compressing step of the intermediate section (14) is performed by a compression device (68) that has a plurality of gripping members.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a plurality of spokes attached to a hub, a frame, and a plurality of mechanical elements disposed between and engaging successive spokes. The spokes extend to locations radially inward and radially outward of the locations of engagement with the mechanical elements. A radial movement member moves the mechanical elements in a radial direction. The spokes are compressed by the mechanical elements, and retaining elements engage the mechanical elements to hold them and the spokes in this position. Release by the retaining elements and outward radial movement of the mechanical elements urge the spokes toward a shear band that is outward in the radial direction. Adhesive located between the spokes and the shear band is pressed there between through this urging to result in the spokes being attached to the shear band in a state of pre-compression.

Abstract: This disclosure includes methods and apparatus for forming a non-pneumatic tire carcass comprising an inner hub, an outer band, and a plurality of spokes. The method includes arranging the inner hub, the plurality of spokes, and the outer band to form a curing assembly arranged in a first arrangement within a forming apparatus, where the inner hub is arranged concentrically within a radially inner annular side of the outer band and the plurality of spokes are arranged between the outer band and the inner hub. The plurality of spokes are forced in opposite radial directions from the first arrangement and to a second arrangement, where each spoke of the plurality of spokes is forced in a curing position against the inner hub and towards the outer band in a curing arrangement. The plurality of spokes are then cured to each of the inner hub and outer band.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire that includes a base and a plurality of elements that move relative to the base. The plurality of elements have a central axis, and the elements are disposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis and move in a radial direction towards and away from the central axis. A radial movement member, hub, and a plurality of spokes are also present. Each one of the spokes is disposed between adjacent ones of the elements. The elements and the spokes are moved inwards in the radial direction by the radial movement member towards the central axis so that the spokes are moved in the radial direction towards the hub. Adhesive engages the spokes and the hub at an attachment location of the spokes and the hub.

Abstract: A transporter and a method are provided for retrieving at least one reinforcing ply and conforming the at least one reinforcing ply to a forming surface of a rotatable forming drum having one or more tire components disposed thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a plurality of elements that move relative to a base. The elements have a central axis that extends in a longitudinal direction, and the elements are disposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis. The apparatus also includes a radial movement member that moves in a radial direction, a hub, a shear band, and a plurality of spokes that are attached to the hub. The radial movement member moves outward in the radial direction and urges the elements to move relative to the base such that the elements urge the spokes to move outward in the radial direction. Adhesive engages the spokes and the shear band at an attachment location of the spokes and the shear band.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a plurality of spokes attached to a hub, a frame, and a plurality of mechanical elements disposed between and engaging successive spokes. The spokes extend to locations radially inward and radially outward of the locations of engagement with the mechanical elements. A radial movement member moves the mechanical elements in a radial direction. The spokes are compressed by the mechanical elements, and retaining elements engage the mechanical elements to hold them and the spokes in this position. Release by the retaining elements and outward radial movement of the mechanical elements urge the spokes toward a shear band that is outward in the radial direction. Adhesive located between the spokes and the shear band is pressed there between through this urging to result in the spokes being attached to the shear band in a state of pre-compression.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes the steps of providing an outer shear band ring (56) and an intermediate section (14) that has a supporting structure (16). The intermediate section (14) is collapsed from an uncollapsed state to a collapsed state. The intermediate section in the collapsed state is inserted inside of the outer shear band ring such that the outer shear band ring is located outward from the intermediate section in a radial direction of the tire. Compression of the intermediate section (14) is released when the intermediate section (14) is inside of the outer shear band ring (56) so that the intermediate section returns to the uncollapsed state from the collapsed state. In one embodiment, the compressing step of the intermediate section (14) is performed by a compression device (68) that has a plurality of gripping members.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-pneumatic tire (10) is provided that includes the steps of providing an outer shear band ring (12), an intermediate section (14) with a supporting structure (16), and an inner shear band ring. The intermediate section (14) is positioned inside of the outer shear band ring (12) such that the outer shear band ring is located outward from the intermediate section in a radial direction of the tire. A hub (20) is positioned inside of the intermediate section such that the intermediate section (14) is located outward from the hub (20) in the radial direction.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes the steps of providing an outer shear band ring (12) that has an inner diameter. An intermediate section (14) is provided that has a supporting structure. An outer diameter (102) of the intermediate section (14) in the uncompressed state is greater than the inner diameter (70) of the outer shear band ring (12). The intermediate section is compressed from the uncompressed state to a compressed state, and is inserted inside of the outer shear band ring (12). Compression of the intermediate section is released when the intermediate section is inside of the outer shear band ring, and the intermediate section (14) moves from the compressed state to a state of interference fit with the outer shear band ring (12).

Abstract: A transporter and a method are provided for retrieving at least one reinforcing ply and conforming the at least one reinforcing ply to a forming surface of a rotatable forming drum having one or more tire components disposed thereon.