Abstract: A system for curing a portion of a tire assembly includes: an axially placement shaft; a first actuator; a first retainer plate; a core on the axially placement shaft; a plurality of first inserts each axially and radially engaging a radially outer surface of the core with first ends of the first inserts axially engaging the first retainer plate; a plurality of second inserts each axially and radially engaging the radially outer surface of the core with first ends of the second inserts axially engaging the first retainer plate, each second insert disposed circumferentially between two of the plurality of first inserts; a second retainer plate; and a second actuator.

Abstract: A system for curing a portion of a tire assembly includes: an axially placement shaft; a first actuator; a first retainer plate; a core on the axially placement shaft; a plurality of first inserts each axially and radially engaging a radially outer surface of the core with first ends of the first inserts axially engaging the first retainer plate; a plurality of second inserts each axially and radially engaging the radially outer surface of the core with first ends of the second inserts axially engaging the first retainer plate, each second insert disposed circumferentially between two of the plurality of first inserts; a second retainer plate; and a second actuator.

Abstract: A system cures and manufactures a partially-cured tire assembly. The system includes an annular hub member slid into a corresponding annular, radially inner surface, a plurality of elongate spacer members for maintaining corresponding uniform cavity dimensions by fastening the spacer members to the hub member with flap members thereby enclosing a radially outermost surface of each of the spacer members, a first annular curing platen for axially securing the hub member and spacer members relative to each other, a second annular curing platen for axially securing the hub member and spacer members relative to each other; and a plurality of elongate inserts.

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 tire assembly about the core, the internal arcuate members being disposed in spaces 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: 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 non-pneumatic tire is described which includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, a shear band, and a reinforcement structure positioned radially inward of the tread. The reinforcement structure is formed from a plurality of strips, wherein each strip has a first end located radially outward of the shear band and a second end secured to a bead, wherein the plurality of strips do not extend completely across the annular tread portion.

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 tire assembly about the core, the internal arcuate members being disposed in spaces 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: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular shear band and geodesic ply.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire is described which includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, a shear band, and a reinforcement structure positioned radially inward of the tread. The reinforcement structure is formed from a plurality of strips, wherein each strip has a first end located radially outward of the shear band and a second end secured to a bead, wherein the plurality of strips do not extend completely across the annular tread portion.

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 tire assembly about the core, the internal arcuate members being disposed in spaces 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: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular shear band and geodesic ply.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a reinforced rubber component is described. The apparatus includes a support frame; a rotatable drum mounted upon the support frame; a rubber strip forming apparatus mounted in close proximity to the rotatable drum for applying a rubber strip onto the rotatable drum; and a reinforcement applier apparatus for applying a reinforcement onto the rotatable drum. The method includes the steps of: providing a rotatable drum; applying a rubber strip onto the rotatable drum to form a first rubber layer in a first direction; applying a reinforcement over the first rubber layer in a second direction opposite the first direction to form a first reinforcement layer; applying a rubber strip over the first reinforcement layer.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for forming a strip of rubber is described. The apparatus comprises a support frame; a first and second roller mounted on the support frame, wherein the first and second rollers are spaced apart from each other; and an application roller located adjacent a head, and a channel formed between the head and the outer surface of the application roller and the inner surface of the head; wherein said channel has an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is located near the second roller, and the outlet is located adjacent a die. A method of forming a rubber strip is also described which includes the steps of providing a support frame with a first and second roller mounted thereon, wherein the first and second rollers are spaced apart from each other; threading a rubber stock about the first and second roller, and then through a channel formed between a head and a rotating application roller, and then through an outlet die.

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 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 tire assembly about the core, the internal arcuate members being disposed in spaces 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: 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 at least one spoke disk connected to the shear band, wherein the spoke disk has at least one spoke, wherein the spoke extends between an outer ring and an inner ring in a first parabolic curve. The spoke disk may further includes a second spoke having a second parabolic curve different from the first curve, and overlapping with the first spoke.

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.