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 molded article comprises an outer interface element, an inner interface element, and a plurality of web spokes positioned therebetween. The common surfaces of the inner and outer interface elements and a pair of adjacent web spokes form a void space. The surface of at least a portion of an interface element common to one of the voids has an edge radius with a variation from a maximum radius at a circumferential location corresponding to a mid point between a pair of adjacent web spokes to a minimum radius at a circumferential location corresponding to the intersection of the interface element with the web spoke.

Abstract: A passive tuned vibration absorber is used to attenuate unwanted vibrations in the spokes of a non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly. Each spoke has a cutaway central portion having a tuned vibration absorber n the form of a protruding member having an axial width and a radial height and the radial height of the protruding member is less than a radial height of the spoke. Additionally, a method of determining the vibrational characteristics of the spokes of a non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly is included.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting tread portion, a reinforced annular band disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the reinforced annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The reinforced annular band comprises an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer. Each of the membranes has a longitudinal tensile modulus sufficiently greater than the shear modulus of the shear layer, and a longitudinal compression modulus of a second membrane is at least equal to the longitudinal tensile modulus of a first membrane so that when under load the ground contacting portion of the tire deforms to a flat contact region through shear strain in the shear layer while maintaining constant the length of the membranes.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a non-pneumatic deformable structure having a variable stiffness spoke assembly that provides a method of adjusting the vertical stiffness. The structure comprises an outer annular band having a predetermined stiffness, a set of spoke elements having an outer end and an inner end, where the outer end is connected to the outer band, with the spoke element extending inward and having its inner end connected to a hub, the hub being configured to attach the structure to a vehicle axle or other apparatus capable of rotation about an axis. Each of the spoke elements has a curvilinear length greater than the length of a straight line segment extending from a point of connection of the outer end of the spoke element with the outer annular band to a point of connection of the inner end of the spoke element to the hub. The outer end of said spoke element is tangent to the straight line segment, and the inner end of said spoke element is tangent to the straight line segment.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes an outer annular band, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The annular band may further comprise a shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the shear layer, and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the shear layer. A preferred web spoke has a cutaway section transverse to the annular band. The cutaway section has a profile formed by straight line segments joined by a blending radius. The profile of the cutaway comprises a height and a maximum depth greater than five percent of the height and less than thirty percent of the maximum width. The profile has an angle alpha formed by a line tangent to the profile relative to the horizontal at least equal to ten degrees at the radially outermost and radially innermost extent of said profile.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting tread portion, a reinforced annular band disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the reinforced annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The reinforced annular band comprises an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer.

Abstract: The invention is a runflat insert comprising an outer contacting portion for contacting the interior surface of the tire during deflated operation; a reinforced annular band disposed radially inward of the outer contacting portion comprising an elastomeric shear layer, a membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer; a sidewall portion extending radially inward from the contacting portion for connecting the annular band to a base member fitted around the wheel rim for securing the insert to the rim; and a carcass layer adhered to the annular band and extending radially inward from the annular band and anchored in the base member. The elastomeric shear comprises a dienic composition that includes a metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and a peroxide curative agent.

Abstract: A run-flat insert 200 for enabling a vehicle to run for limited duration on a deflated tire 20, is mounted in an assembly comprising a pneumatic tire 20 and a wheel rim 10, and said insert is mounted inside the tire and secured to the wheel rim. The insert 200 has improved characteristics in load carrying, vehicle handling, mass, and shock transmission. Such a run-flat insert 200 comprises an outer, reinforced annular band 220 that is coupled with a sidewall portion 230 having little resistance to compressive loads, and the sidewall portion 230 tell mates in a base member 240 fitted around the wheel rim 10 for securing the insert 200 to the rim 10.

Abstract: A compliant wheel includes a compliant band and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and inward from the reinforced compliant band for attachment to a hub. The compliant band bends to comply with a contact surface and to envelope obstacles. The web spokes transmit load forces between the compliant band and the hub through tension in the web spokes not connected to the ground contacting portion of the wheel. The outer surface of the compliant band may be formed to include a tread, or a separate tread band may be attached.

Abstract: A resilient tire that supports a load without internal air pressure includes a ground contacting tread portion and sidewall portions extending radially inward from said tread portion and anchored in bead portions. A bias ply carcass extends between the beads to support the sidewalls. A reinforced annular band is disposed radially inward of the tread portion. The band comprises an elastomeric shear layer at a radially outer side of the bias ply carcass and a membrane adhered to a radially outward side of the elastomeric shear layer. Each of the bias ply and membrane has a longitudinal tensile modulus sufficiently greater than the shear modulus of the shear layer so that when under load the ground contacting portion of the tire deforms to a flat contact region through shear strain in the shear layer while maintaining constant the length of the membranes.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting tread portion, a reinforced annular band disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the reinforced annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The reinforced annular band comprises an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer.

Abstract: A resilient tire that supports a load without internal air pressure includes a ground contacting tread portion and sidewall portions extending radially inward from said tread portion and anchored in bead portions adapted to remain secure to a wheel during rolling of the tire. A reinforced annular band is disposed radially inward of the tread portion. The band comprises an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer. Each of said membranes has a longitudinal tensile modulus sufficiently greater than the shear modulus of said shear layer so that when under load the ground contacting portion of the tire deforms to a flat contact region through shear strain in the shear layer while maintaining constant the length of the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention is a runflat insert comprising:

Abstract: A run-flat insert 200 for enabling a vehicle to run for limited duration on a deflated tire 20, is mounted in an assembly comprising a pneumatic tire 20 and a wheel rim 10, and said insert is mounted inside the tire and secured to the wheel rim. The insert 200 has improved characteristics in load carrying, vehicle handling, mass, and shock transmission. Such a run-flat insert 200 comprises an outer, reinforced annular band 220 that is coupled with a sidewall portion 230 having little resistance to compressive loads, and the sidewall portion 230 tell mates in a base member 240 fitted around the wheel rim 10 for securing the insert 200 to the rim 10.

Abstract: A compliant wheel includes a compliant band and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and inward from the reinforced compliant band for attachment to a hub. The compliant band bends to comply with a contact surface and to envelope obstacles. The web spokes transmit load forces between the compliant band and the hub through tension in the web spokes not connected to the ground contacting portion of the wheel. The outer surface of the compliant band may be formed to include a tread, or a separate tread band may be attached.

Abstract: A resilient tire that supports a load without internal air pressure includes a ground contacting tread portion and sidewall portions extending radially inward from said tread portion and anchored in bead portions adapted to remain secure to a wheel during rolling of the tire. A bias ply carcass extends between the beads to support the sidewalls. A reinforced annular band is disposed radially inward of the tread portion. The band comprises an elastomeric shear layer at a radially outer side of the bias ply carcass and a membrane adhered to a radially outward side of the elastomeric shear layer. Each of the bias ply and membrane has a longitudinal tensile modulus sufficiently greater than the shear modulus of the shear layer so that when under load the ground contacting portion of the tire deforms to a flat contact region through shear strain in the shear layer while maintaining constant the length of the membranes.

Abstract: A resilient tire that supports a load Without internal air pressure includes a ground contacting tread portion and sidewall portions extending radially inward from said tread portion and anchored in bead portions adapted to remain secure to a wheel during rolling of the tire. A reinforced annular band is disposed radially inward of the tread portion. The band comprises an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer. Each of said membranes has a longitudinal tensile modulus sufficiently greater than the shear modulus of said shear layer so that when under load the ground contacting portion of the tire deforms to a flat contact region through shear strain in the shear layer while maintaining constant the length of the membranes.