Abstract: A laminated product (10) comprises at least: a layer (1) of silicone rubber, in particular of the high temperature crosslinking type, such as, for example, a silicone rubber of VMQ or PVMQ grade the said layer (1) of silicone rubber being sandwiched between two layers (2) of fibre-resin composite comprising filaments (3) of an inorganic substance (4), in particular glass, embedded in a thermoset resin (5), such as, for example, a vinyl ester resin. The silicone layer has a thickness, denoted T1, of between 1.5 and 3 times the thickness T2 of each layer of fibre-resin composite, which is between 0.25 and 2 mm. Such a laminate may be used in the manufacture of a finished article, in particular of a non-pneumatic wheel or tire.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic elastic wheel (30) defining three perpendicular directions, circumferential (X), axial (Y) and radial (Z), comprises at least: —a hub (31), for example made of metal; an annular band referred to as a shear band (32) oriented in the circumferential direction (X), surmounted by a tread (33); and a plurality of support elements (34) connecting the hub (31) to the annular shear band (32). The annular shear band (32) is formed by a laminate comprising at least one layer of silicone rubber, in particular of the high temperature crosslinking type, such as, for example, a silicone rubber of VMQ or PVMQ grade, the said layer being sandwiched between two layers of fibre-resin composite comprising filaments of an inorganic substance, in particular glass, embedded in a thermoset resin such as, for example, a vinyl ester resin.

Abstract: A method of mounting a non-pneumatic tire onto a hub to provide a non-pneumatic wheel is provided. Certain portions of spokes of the non-pneumatic tire are connected to grooves along the hub. The tire is repeatedly rotated and deformed to allow the remaining portions of the spokes to be connected with the grooves in order to fully mount the tire onto the hub.

Abstract: An exemplary spoke for a non-pneumatic wheel. The spoke can be manufactured with a reinforcement structure having reinforcement elements and one or more layers of material. The spoke can also be provided in various shapes and configurations. The spoke includes anchors that allow the spoke to be more readily incorporated into, or removed from, a non-pneumatic wheel. More particularly, the anchors also allow the spoke to be joined as one-piece with the non-pneumatic wheel or releasably connected on one or both ends with the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparation of a continuous composite element formed of reinforcement fibers impregnated with a resin that includes photo-initiators for curing. Reinforcement fibers are pulled through a vacuum chamber (110) and then a vertical impregnation chamber (122) where impregnation with the resin occurs. The elongate composite is then deposited onto a rotating wheel of conformation (140). During rotation, a radiation source (146) such as e.g., LEDs (light emitting diodes) are used to activate the photo-initiators and provide at least partial curing of the resin. From the wheel of conformation, the continuous composite element is passed along a vertical course (148) where additional radiation sources (150) activate the photo-initiators and provided additional curing.

Abstract: An exemplary method of manufacture for a spoke (100) of a non-pneumatic wheel. The spoke can be manufactured with a reinforcement structure having reinforcement elements and one or more layers of material. The spoke can also be provided in various shapes and configurations. The spoke includes anchors (112, 114) that allow the spoke to be more readily incorporated into, or removed from, a non-pneumatic wheel. More particularly, the anchors also allow the spoke to be joined as one-piece with the non-pneumatic wheel or releasably connected on one or both ends with the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: A hub (300) for a non-pneumatic wheel (102) and the non-pneumatic wheel (102) incorporating such hub (300). The hub (300) includes an annular receiver (302) with a plurality of projections (312) and grooves (318) arranged in an alternating manner along the circumferential direction of the hub (300). The grooves (318) are configured to receive tension-transmitting elements or spokes (106) of the non-pneumatic wheel (102). The annular receiver (302) may be manufactured from a single sheet of metal that 2 is folded and welded to create the projections (312) and grooves (318).

Abstract: A method of mounting a non-pneumatic tire (102) onto a hub (300) to provide a non-pneumatic wheel (100). Certain portions of spokes (106) of the non-pneumatic tire (102) are connected to grooves (318) along the hub (300). The tire (102) is repeatedly rotated and deformed to allow the remaining portions of the spokes (106) to be connected with the grooves (318) in order to fully mount the non-pneumatic tire (102) onto the hub (300).

Abstract: A laminated product (10) comprises at least: a layer (1) of silicone rubber, in particular of the high temperature crosslinking type, such as, for example, a silicone rubber of VMQ or PVMQ grade the said layer (1) of silicone rubber being sandwiched between two layers (2) of fibre-resin composite comprising filaments (3) of an inorganic substance (4), in particular glass, embedded in a thermoset resin (5), such as, for example, a vinyl ester resin. The silicone layer has a thickness, denoted T1, of between 1.5 and 3 times the thickness T2 of each layer of fibre-resin composite, which is between 0.25 and 2 mm. Such a laminate may be used in the manufacture of a finished article, in particular of a non-pneumatic wheel or tire.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic elastic wheel (30) defining three perpendicular directions, circumferential (X), axial (Y) and radial (Z), comprises at least: —a hub (31), for example made of metal; an annular band referred to as a shear band (32) oriented in the circumferential direction (X), surmounted by a tread (33); and a plurality of support elements (34) connecting the hub (31) to the annular shear band (32). The annular shear band (32) is formed by a laminate comprising at least one layer of silicone rubber, in particular of the high temperature crosslinking type, such as, for example, a silicone rubber of VMQ or PVMQ grade, the said layer being sandwiched between two layers of fibre-resin composite comprising filaments of an inorganic substance, in particular glass, embedded in a thermoset resin such as, for example, a vinyl ester resin.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel having a plurality of lengthwise reinforced spokes each spoke having at least one separation extending from the radially inner end of each of the plurality of spokes to the radially outer end of each of the plurality of spokes forming at least two spoke web sections where the radially inner end of each spoke is mechanically attached to the hub and the radially outer surface of each spoke is bonded to the outer annular band.

Abstract: A method of constructing a non-pneumatic wheel by securing a plurality of spokes around the outer circumference of a hub, positioning at least one spoke support at the radially outer end of each spoke such that the at least one spoke support holds the radially outer end of each spoke in a radially outward annular orientation, placing an outer annular band concentrically over the radially outer ends of the spokes, bonding the spokes to the outer annular band, contracting the at least one spoke support radially inward; and separating the at least one spoke supports from the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel having a plurality of spokes attached within slots in a hub, the slots having a first retaining surface and a second retaining surface, the radially outer portion of the first retaining surface possesses a flared edge such that the radially outer portion of the first retaining surface curves away from the radially outer portion of the second retaining surface.

Abstract: An exemplary method of manufacture for a spoke (100) of a non-pneumatic wheel. The spoke can be manufactured with a reinforcement structure having reinforcement elements and one or more layers of material. The spoke can also be provided in various shapes and configurations. The spoke includes anchors (112, 114) that allow the spoke to be more readily incorporated into, or removed from, a non-pneumatic wheel. More particularly, the anchors also allow the spoke to be joined as one-piece with the non-pneumatic wheel or releasably connected on one or both ends with the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: An exemplary spoke for a non-pneumatic wheel. The spoke can be manufactured with a reinforcement structure having reinforcement elements and one or more layers of material. The spoke can also be provided in various shapes and configurations. The spoke includes anchors that allow the spoke to be more readily incorporated into, or removed from, a non-pneumatic wheel. More particularly, the anchors also allow the spoke to be joined as one-piece with the non-pneumatic wheel or releasably connected on one or both ends with the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparation of a continuous composite element formed of reinforcement fibers impregnated with a resin that includes photo-initiators for curing. Reinforcement fibers are pulled through a vacuum chamber (110) and then a vertical impregnation chamber (122) where impregnation with the resin occurs. The elongate composite is then deposited onto a rotating wheel of conformation (140). During rotation, a radiation source (146) such as e.g., LEDs (light emitting diodes) are used to activate the photo-initiators and provide at least partial curing of the resin. From the wheel of conformation, the continuous composite element is passed along a vertical course (148) where additional radiation sources (150) activate the photo-initiators and provided additional curing.