Abstract: A method of durably assembling a rubber part and a thermoplastic elastomer part into a composite structure is proposed. The method may comprise providing a first part comprising curable rubber and a second part made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, mediating an adhesive affinity on the at least one of the first and second parts for the other one of the at least two parts, bringing the first and second parts into contact with each other so as to form a composite structure and heat-treating the composite structure to durably bond the first part to the second part. The adhesive affinity may be mediated through adhesive, such as e.g., RFL or neoalkoxy zirconate/titanate adhesive) applied on the at least one of the first and second parts or though additives, e.g., neoalkoxy zirconate/titanate, in the rubber part.

Abstract: A nonpneumatic tire and wheel assembly which includes a wheel, and a spoke ring structure having an inner ring that is mounted on an outer surface of the wheel. The spoke ring structure has a plurality of spoke members, and an outer tread ring is mounted on the outer circumference of the spoke ring.

Abstract: A shear band for a tire includes a first belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, a second belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, and a shear band radially interposed between the first belt layer and the second belt layer. The shear band includes a first reinforcing ply radially adjacent the first belt layer, a third reinforcing ply radially adjacent the second belt layer, and a second reinforcing ply radially interposed between the first reinforcing ply and the second reinforcing ply. The first reinforcing ply includes a first flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a first rubber layer. The second reinforcing ply includes a second flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a second rubber layer. The third reinforcing ply includes a third flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a third rubber layer.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly which includes a rim, and a spoke ring structure having an inner ring that is mounted on an outer surface of the rim. The inner ring has one or more retention nubs aligned for reception in complementary shaped grooves on the outer surface of the rim, wherein the spoke ring structure has a plurality of spoke members, and an outer tread ring is mounted on the outer circumference of the spoke ring.

Abstract: A shear band for a tire includes a first belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, a second belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, and a shear band radially interposed between the first belt layer and the second belt layer. The shear band includes a first reinforcing ply radially adjacent the first belt layer, a third reinforcing ply radially adjacent the second belt layer, and a second reinforcing ply radially interposed between the first reinforcing ply and the second reinforcing ply. The first reinforcing ply includes a first flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a first rubber layer. The second reinforcing ply includes a second flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a second rubber layer. The third reinforcing ply includes a third flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a third rubber layer.

Abstract: A shear band for a tire includes a first belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, a second belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, and a shear band radially interposed between the first belt layer and the second belt layer. The shear band includes a first reinforcing ply radially adjacent the first belt layer, a third reinforcing ply radially adjacent the second belt layer, and a second reinforcing ply radially interposed between the first reinforcing ply and the second reinforcing ply. The first reinforcing ply includes a first flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a first rubber layer. The second reinforcing ply includes a second flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a second rubber layer. The third reinforcing ply includes a third flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a third rubber layer.

Abstract: A shear band for a tire includes a first belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, a second belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, and a shear band coupon radially interposed between the first belt layer and the second belt layer. The shear band coupon includes a first reinforcing ply radially adjacent the first belt layer, a third reinforcing ply radially adjacent the second belt layer, and a second reinforcing ply radially interposed between the first reinforcing ply and the second reinforcing ply. The first reinforcing ply includes a first three dimensional layer enclosed by a first fabric layer. The second reinforcing ply includes a second three dimensional layer enclosed by a second fabric layer. The third reinforcing ply includes a third three dimensional layer enclosed by a third fabric layer.

Abstract: A method of making a non-pneumatic tire, the non-pneumatic tire comprising a ground contacting annular tread portion comprising a tread rubber composition, a shear band comprising a cord reinforced rubber composition and disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and at least one spoke disk disposed radially inward of the shear band; wherein the spoke disk has an outer ring, and an inner ring, and a first and second spoke extending radially between the outer ring and the inner ring, wherein the first and second spokes are connected at a joint; the method comprising the steps of: applying a curable adhesive as an interface between a radially outermost surface of the spoke disk and a radially innermost surface of the shear band in its uncured state; assembling the tread portion in an uncured state, the shear band in an uncured state, and the at least one spoke disk to form an pre-assembly; and curing the pre-assembly.

Abstract: A system determines average values for bending stiffness and shear rigidity of a shear band coupon.