Abstract: A spoke for a non-pneumatic tire is provided that has a nose that engages first and second panels that extend from the nose. An extended nose reinforcement engages the first panel, the second panel, a first foot, and a second foot. Also, the extended nose reinforcement is located between the first panel and the first foot and is located between the second panel and the second foot.

Abstract: A spoke (12) for a non-pneumatic tire (10) is provided that has a nose (28) that engages a first panel (16) and a second panel (18). A first foot (20) is carried by the first panel and has a first foot first concave surface (46) and an adhesion deflector (48). A second foot (22) is present and is carried by the second panel. A reinforcement layer (24) engages the first foot first concave surface and the adhesion deflector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a nonpneumatic tire that is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer which is pre-tensioned during the process of its formation. The Pretention is provided by a thermal means that is naturally available in the forming process. This creates an efficient process of manufacturing by creating pretention without the complexity of adding pretention from mechanical means. The method for forming the non-pneumatic tire includes inserting a tread portion (101) and an annular beam (102) having circumferential reinforcement into a mold, the mold supporting the tread pattern only on an outer radial extent of the tread pattern, inserting a rim (104) extending radially inward from the annular beam (102), and forming an annular support (103) comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer extending radially inward from the annular beam (102)). The thermoplastic elastomer is allowed to harden and the tire is removed from the mold.

Abstract: Provided is an non-pneumatic tire that includes thermoplastic elastomer which is pre-tensioned during the process of forming the non-pneumatic tire. The pre-tension is provided by a thermal means that is naturally available in the forming process. This results in an efficient manufacturing combined with efficiency of pre-tension, without a complexity of adding a pre-tension from mechanical means.

Abstract: Provided is an non-pneumatic tire that includes thermoplastic elastomer which is pre-tensioned during the process of forming the non-pneumatic tire. The pre-tension is provided by a thermal means that is naturally available in the forming process. This results in an efficient manufacturing combined with efficiency of pre-tension, without a complexity of adding a pre-tension from mechanical means.

Abstract: An improved spoke for a tire attaching an outer tread to a hub, the spoke having a spoke element possessing spoke element reinforcements, the spoke element joined by a joint body comprised of an elastomer connecting the spoke element to an outer compliant band where the joint body possesses an improved profile for increased robustness.

Abstract: An improved resilient composite structure for connecting two surfaces together where the structure includes an elastomeric joint body connected to one of the two surfaces and at least one reinforcement membrane at one end of the resilient composite structure, where the reinforcement membrane wraps around the end of the resilient composite structure such that one end of the reinforcement membrane is positioned along a side of the resilient composite structure and the other end of the reinforcement membrane is positioned on the opposite side of the resilient composite structure.

Abstract: A casting method is provided that includes a mold, a mixer, and first and second materials. A first pour and a second pour are dispensed from the mixer. The first pour has different proportions of the first and second materials as compared to the second pour. The first pour forms a first layer of a molded part, and the second pour forms a second layer of the molded part.

Abstract: A casting method is provided that includes a mold, a mixer, and first and second materials. A first pour and a second pour are dispensed from the mixer. The first pour has different proportions of the first and second materials as compared to the second pour. The first pour forms a first layer of a molded part, and the second pour forms a second layer of the molded part.

Abstract: An improved spoke edge geometry for a non-pneumatic or hybrid tire. The spoke edge geometry possesses a reduced cross-section that reduces the bending stresses locally and allows a unique mold construction that changes the placement and orientation of potential flash.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved spoke edge geometry for a non-pneumatic or hybrid tire that is less prone to fatigue when used. The present invention also provides a way to manufacture such geometry in a mold, In particular the spoke edge geometry is provided with a reduced cross-section that reduces the bending stresses locally and allows a unique mold construction that changes the placement and orientation of potential flash and reduces other potential molding flaws when a liquid such as polyurethane is introduced into the cavity of the mold to form a spoke. This change results in a reduction in the possibility of a stress riser being found near the edge of the spoke, enhancing the durability of the tire.

Abstract: A chuck includes an integrally molded body member having a nose section and tail section. A plurality of jaws are slidably positioned in angularly disposed passageways in the nose section. A nut is rotatably mounted on the body and is in engagement with threads on the jaws. A reinforcing member is co-molded with the nose section about at least a portion of the outer circumference of the nose section. The tail section extends radially outward to form a gripping surface and axially forward to form a thrust bearing surface in operative engagement with the nut so that the nut transfers rearward axial force to the thrust bearing surface.

Abstract: A chuck includes an integrally molded body member having a nose section and tail section. A plurality of jaws are slidably positioned in angularly disposed passageways in the nose section. A nut is rotatably mounted on the body and is in engagement with threads on the jaws. A reinforcing member is co-molded with the nose section about at least a portion of the outer circumference of the nose section. The tail section extends radially outward to form a gripping surface and axially forward to form a thrust bearing surface in operative engagement with the nut so that the nut transfers rearward axial force to the thrust bearing surface.

Abstract: A molded chuck for a hand or powered driver including oblique jaws movable by rotation of a threaded nut engaged therewith to selectively clamp and release a tool.

Abstract: A chuck is provided for use with a manual or powered driver, such as a drill. The chuck has a body member with angularly disposed passageways formed therethrough. A plurality of jaws are slidably positioned within the angularly disposed passageways. The jaws grip upon a tool shank inserted into the body member. A nut is rotatably mounted on the body member and has nut threads defined on an inner circumference thereof in engagement with the jaw threads. A sleeve member is in driving rotational engagement with the nut whereby when the sleeve is rotated with respect to the body member, the jaws are also moved within the passageways. A rotational stop is defined between the nut and jaws wherein upon the jaws reaching a predetermined position within the passageways, further rotation of the nut in an opening direction is prevented. The stop comprises a radially extending surface defining an end of the nut threads. The radially extending surface contacts a side surface of at least one of the jaws.

Abstract: A molded chuck for a hand or powered driver including oblique jaws movable by rotation of a threaded nut engaged therewith to selectively clamp and release a tool.

Abstract: Chuck for use with manual or powered driver having rotatable shaft, the chuck including a nosepiece configured to maintain a nut member in engagement with threads on jaws that are actuated by a nut and sleeve arrangement.

Abstract: A chuck for use with a manual or powered driver having a rotatable drive shaft is provided. A generally cylindrical body member has a nose section and a tail section. A plurality of jaws are disposed within the body longitudinally with respect to a nose section axial bore. A self-contained anti-friction bearing assembly is in communication with the body. The bearing assembly has an inner race, an outer race and bearing elements cooperating together. A nut is integrally attached to the bearing assembly and in operative communication with the jaws. A generally cylindrical front sleeve member is in driving engagement with the nut and overlies the nose section of the body member whereby when the front sleeve member is rotated with respect to the body member, the jaws will be moved radially with respect to the axial bore of the nose section.