Abstract: A modular non-pneumatic tire includes a first annular tire module and a second annular tire module coaxial with the first annular tire module. The first annular tire module includes a first inner ring, a first outer ring coaxial with the first inner ring, first support structure extending between the first inner ring and the first outer ring, and a first circumferential tread extending about the first outer ring. The second annular tire module includes a second inner ring, a second outer ring coaxial with the second inner ring, second support structure extending between the second inner ring and the second outer ring, and a second circumferential tread extending about the second outer ring. The first and second circumferential treads are asymmetrical. The first circumferential tread has a first orientation and the second circumferential tread has a second orientation that is different from the first orientation.

Abstract: A system for detection of non-pneumatic tire loading includes a non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire includes a ground-contacting annular tread, a central rim, and at least one spoke disk disposed between the rim and the tread. The spoke disk includes an inner ring mounted on the central rim, an outer ring, and spokes extending radially between the inner ring and the outer ring. A shear band is disposed between the outer ring of the spoke disk and the tread. A flange is disposed on an outboard surface of the spokes of the spoke disk. Indicating means are formed on the outboard surface of the plurality of spokes of the spoke disk radially outwardly of the flange. The flange interfaces with the indicating means when the tire is in an overloaded state or is in need of replacement.

Abstract: A tire assembly transfers rotation about an axis from an outer flexible ring to an inner central rim. The tire assembly includes a spoke structure extending radially between the inner central rim and the outer flexible ring. The spoke structure defines a plurality of radially extending closed cavities and an alternating plurality of radially extending inlet openings disposed concentrically about the axis and allowing the flexible ring to deflect under load. The closed cavities extend axially and circumferentially at a helical angle relative to the axis.

Abstract: A tire assembly transfers rotation about an axis from an outer flexible ring to an inner central rim. The tire assembly includes a spoke structure extending radially between the inner central rim and the outer flexible ring. The spoke structure defines a plurality of radially extending closed cavities and an alternating plurality of radially extending inlet openings disposed concentrically about the axis and allowing the flexible ring to deflect under load. The closed cavities extend axially and circumferentially at a helical angle relative to the axis.

Abstract: A spoke (100) for a wheel (10) attaching an outer tread (200) to a hub (20), the spoke having a first (142) and second (144) spoke elements joined by a joint body (130) comprised of an elastomer connecting the first spoke element to a second spoke element.

Abstract: An adjustable rim includes a first annular ring rotatable about a first axis, the first ring having radially extending first linear slots circumferentially spaced about the first ring, a first annular adjustment hoop rotatable about the first axis, the first hoop having circumferentially and radially extending first arcuate slots spaced about the first hoop, a second annular ring rotatable about a second axis, the second ring having radially extending second linear slots circumferentially spaced about the second ring, a second annular adjustment hoop rotatable about the second axis, the second hoop having circumferentially and radially extending second arcuate slots spaced about the second hoop, and an axially extending arcuate member having a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end is circumferentially and radially aligned with a first linear slot of the first annular ring and a first arcuate slot of the first annular hoop.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and radio frequency identification tag combination is provided. The combination includes a ground-contacting annular tread, a central rim and at least one spoke disk disposed between the rim and the tread. The at least one spoke disk includes an inner ring mounted on the central rim, an outer ring, and a plurality of spokes extending radially between the inner ring and the outer ring. A shear band is disposed between the outer ring of the at least one spoke disk and the tread. A radio frequency identification tag is attached to the inner ring or the outer ring of the at least one spoke disk.

Abstract: A tire includes an inner hoop, an outer hoop, and a plurality of spokes extending from the inner hoop to the outer hoop. Each of the spokes includes a y-shaped base, including a radially extending stem, a first concave branch, and a second concave branch. The spokes further include a convex member extending from the first concave branch to the second concave branch.

Abstract: An adjustable rim includes a first annular ring rotatable about a first axis, the first ring having radially extending first linear slots circumferentially spaced about the first ring, a first annular adjustment hoop rotatable about the first axis, the first hoop having circumferentially and radially extending first arcuate slots spaced about the first hoop, a second annular ring rotatable about a second axis, the second ring having radially extending second linear slots circumferentially spaced about the second ring, a second annular adjustment hoop rotatable about the second axis, the second hoop having circumferentially and radially extending second arcuate slots spaced about the second hoop, and an axially extending arcuate member having a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end is circumferentially and radially aligned with a first linear slot of the first annular ring and a first arcuate slot of the first annular hoop.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes: a body having a suction port; a plurality of wheels for movement of the body; and a plurality of driving devices configured to drive the plurality of wheels, respectively, wherein each of the plurality of wheels includes an inner wheel and an outer wheel having a thickness that is larger than a thickness of the inner wheel, and each of the inner wheel and the outer wheel includes a plurality of slits.

Abstract: An airless tire includes a tread ring having a cylindrical form and a ground contact surface, a hub positioned on radial direction inner side of the tread ring and formed to be fixed to an axle, and a spoke structure connecting the tread ring and hub. The tread ring includes a tread rubber layer forming the ground contact surface, and a reinforcing rubber layer formed on tire radial direction inner side of the tread layer, and the reinforcing layer is formed of a rubber material obtained by co-crosslinking a rubber composition including a rubber component, an ?, ?-unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt and a peroxide such that the metal salt has amount in range of 10 to 80 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component and the rubber component has content rate of butadiene rubber in range of 10 to 100% by mass.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion; a shear band, and a connected spoke disk connected to the shear band. The connected spoke disk has two or more circumferential spokes joined together by a connecting web, wherein the spring rate of the connected spoke disk is greater than the spring rate of the shear band.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: A method for molding a non-pneumatic tire includes placing a hub into a lower mold portion, and associating at least one temperature sensor with the lower mold portion. The method further includes placing an upper mold portion onto the lower mold portion and the hub, heating the mold assembly, heating a molding material, and transferring the heated molding material into the interior of the mold assembly. The method further includes heating the mold assembly and molding material until the at least one temperature sensor indicates that the molding material has reached a first temperature, and maintaining the temperature of the molding material at the first temperature for a first predetermined period of time. The method further includes reducing the temperature of the molding material to a second temperature after the first predetermined period of time, and separating the upper mold portion and molded tire from the lower mold portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-pneumatic tire with a reinforcing member. The non-pneumatic tire includes a tread part which comes into contact with the ground, a rim part which is coupled to an axle, an outer annular band part which forms an interface with an inner surface of the tread part, an inner annular band part which forms an interface with the rim part, a spoke part which is disposed between the outer annular band part and the inner annular band part and functions as a support, a connector which connects spokes of the spoke part to each other, and a reinforcing member which has a plate wire structure. The non-pneumatic tire can effectively and sufficiently withstand the weight of a vehicle. Further, the performance of the tire is balanced with respect to the contact area, the displacement extent and the resistance to rolling.

Abstract: Vehicle tires with solid materials, such as rubber and polymer, are designed to increase the safety of the vehicle without the risk of having a flat tire. The tires are non pneumatic and have treads. The tires are for use on a variety of vehicles, including cars, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, trucks, buses, aircrafts, earthmovers, tractors, trailers, carts, heavy equipments, and lawnmowers.

Abstract: A system for molding a non-pneumatic tire includes a lower mold portion including a lower backing plate, a plurality of lower projections extending from the lower backing plate, and a plurality of lower sleeves configured to at least partially cover the lower projections. The system further includes at least one lower retention plate configured to be positioned proximate the lower backing plate and retain the lower sleeves on the lower projections. The system also includes an upper mold portion configured to be associated with the lower mold portion. The system further includes an upper backing plate, a plurality of upper projections extending from the upper backing plate, and a plurality of upper sleeves configured to at least partially cover the upper projections. The system also includes at least one upper retention plate configured to be positioned proximate the upper backing plate and retain the upper sleeves on the upper projections.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner surface, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, oriented and comprised of a material that facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a hub and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface may assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load. With the portion of the tire in the footprint region not bearing a significant portion of the load, non-pneumatic tire may exhibit a more comfortable ride subject to less noise and vibration and improved handling capabilities.

Abstract: A hollowed-out non-pneumatic tire with reinforcing ribs comprises a tire body. A row or rows of through holes are uniformly and annularly distributed in the tire body. The through holes are uniformly distributed in the tire body in 360 degrees by taking the central axis of the tire body as a center. The through holes transversely penetrate through the two sides of the tire body. The reinforcing ribs are arranged in the through holes. The hollowed-out non-pneumatic tire with the reinforcing ribs provided by the invention has the advantages that the elasticity is high, the friction area between the tire and the ground is reduced and the driving force of the bicycles, the motorcycles and the automobiles is effectively decreased.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire may include an inner circumferential portion configured to be coupled to a hub, and an outer circumferential portion radially spaced from the inner circumferential portion. The tire may further include a support structure extending between the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion and coupling the inner circumferential portion to the outer circumferential portion. The support structure may at least partially define a first axial side of the tire and a second axial side of the tire opposite the first axial side of the tire. The support structure may have a plurality of cavities at least partially extending between the first axial side of the tire and the second axial side of the tire, and at least some of the cavities may be reinforced with a synthetic reinforcing material.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner ring, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, curved, oriented, and comprised of varying thicknesses of material which facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a wheel and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface can assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load.

Abstract: A system for molding a non-pneumatic tire may include a lower mold portion including a lower face plate configured to provide a lower relief corresponding to a first side of the tire. The system may further include an upper mold portion configured to be coupled to the lower mold portion. The upper mold portion may include an upper face plate configured to provide an upper relief corresponding to a second side of the tire. The system may also include a plurality of mold inserts configured to be positioned between the lower and upper face plates. The mold inserts may include a shell portion at least partially enclosing a void configured to provide a cavity in the tire, and the shell portion of the mold inserts is configured to remain embedded in the tire upon removal of the tire from the lower and upper mold portions.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly incorporates a tire tread and a conventional vehicle wheel with an elastomer tire body element molded for engagement intermediate the tread and wheel. The tire body element includes multiple concentric layers with alternating spokes. A bonded multilayer cover may be employed which is received within a recess in an outer surface of the tire body element from the tire tread. A mounting plate is engaged to the cover and attached to the wheel.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner ring, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, curved, oriented, and comprised of varying thicknesses of material which facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a wheel and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface can assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner ring, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, curved, oriented, and comprised of varying thicknesses of material which facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a wheel and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface can assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load.

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 non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner ring, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, oriented and comprised of a material that facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a wheel and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface can assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner surface, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, oriented and comprised of a material that facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a hub and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface may assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load. Since the tire is non-pneumatic, it may be easier to maintain and may have a longer life than standard pneumatic tires since it eliminates the possibility of blowouts, flat tires, or tires operating with low air pressure.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes a spoke structure that can be easily mounted on a rim of a wheel. Durability is improved by suppressing the buckling of a spoke structure. A non-pneumatic tire includes a spoke structure (5) and a tread ring (11). The spoke structure (5) includes a cylindrical outer member (2) and a cylindrical inner member (3) which are concentrically arranged, and which are connected to each other with a plurality of fins (4, 4?) arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The tread ring (11) fits onto the outer periphery of the spoke structure (5). The spoke structure (5) is divided in the tire circumferential direction into at least two circumferential-direction separate structures (511, 521, 531).

Abstract: Drive sheaves are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a drive sheave includes a tire portion wherein the tire portion comprises an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface. The tire portion also includes a first surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface and a second surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, the second surface being oppositely disposed relative to the first surface. At least one hole in the tire portion extends between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A tire rim for a non-pneumatic tire. The tire rim has an outer hoop that slideably engages a mounting ring disposed on the non-pneumatic tire. The mounting ring is slideably engaged in a lateral direction on the outer hoop. The rim and mounting ring can be secured using one or more mounting plates. The rim allows for the non-pneumatic tire to be easily mounted and removed.

Abstract: A solid tire includes an annular tire body having opposite left and right side faces and a ground contacting face interconnecting the left and right side faces. Each of the left and right side faces is formed with a plurality of axially extending blind bores. Each of the blind bores has an open end, a closed end opposite to the open end, a reduced section extending inwardly from the open end, and an enlarged section extending from the reduced section to the closed end. The enlarged section of each of the blind bores reduces gradually in cross-section toward the reduced section and the closed end.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-pneumatic tire comprising a rim and one or more elastomeric materials bonded to the rim or to one another. The tire has an equatorial plane, an annular tread, and an annular elastomeric body having first and second spaced lateral sides equidistant from the equatorial plane and extending between the tread and the rim. The tire body has a plurality of equally spaced arches forming at least a first series of openings extending from the first side to the second side. The first openings having a height at least one-half the height of the tire side.

Abstract: A wheel for skates comprises a hub which is rotatably associable with a pivot and with which a tread is associated. A plurality of grooved regions are formed in the lateral surfaces of the tread and run gradually toward the median plane of the tread, so as to allow optimum stability when the lateral inclination assumed by the skate increases.

Abstract: A vehicle tire which comprises: a one piece tubular unit adapted to fit snugly over a vehicle wheel wherein said unit consists of a thick tire tread having a road-engaging surface and being formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber, synthetic rubber or the like; a plurality of deep grooves extending laterally through said thick tread and spaced around the entire periphery thereof; and a plurality of clamping members disposed within said grooves and extending therethrough to engage the wheel rim and to secure the one piece unit thereto, said clamps being inwardly spaced from the outer road-engaging surface of said tire tread.

Abstract: An improved nonpneumatic tire for a motor vehicle is described. The tire has a rim and one or more elastomeric materials bonded to the rim or to one another. The tire has an equatorial plane, an annular tread rotatable about an axis, and an annular elastomeric body. The elastomeric body has at least 48 openings, a first set of at least 24 openings extend from the first side and a second set of at least 24 openings extend from a second side, both sets extending toward the equatorial plane. The openings form equally spaced columns. The columns formed by the first set of openings are inclined to the radial direction. The columns formed by the second set of openings are inclined opposite to the columns of the first set. The improved tire is characterized by columns having cross sections equidistant from the equatorial plane. The cross section of each of the columns increases in thickness from a minimum to maximums at the radially inner and radially outer extremes of the column.

Abstract: A deformable nonpneumatic tire includes a radially inner, substantially annular, base which may be connected to a rigid element such as a wheel, a radially outer, substantially annular, cap to which a tread having a pattern may be mounted, and a substantially annular deformable structure connected between the base and the cap. The deformable structure includes a plurality of intrinsically dissymmetrical patterns formed by elongate slender elements of an elastically deformable material when seen in section perpendicular to the axial direction of the tire. The slender elements are arranged to define recesses extending crosswise over the entire axial width of the tire.

Abstract: A wheel for pallet conveyor systems. A roller bearing is provided with a flange about its perimeter; an elastic tire, with a groove matching the flange, may be snapped onto the bearing.

Abstract: A tire having an annular body of resilient elastomeric material with an outer member at the outer periphery which may carry a tread and an inner member at the inner periphery for mounting on a wheel rim. The inner member is supported and cushioned by a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart wall members extending from the inner member to the outer member. The annular body may have one or more supporting rings and the wall members of adjacent rings as well as the wall members of the same ring may be offset circumferentially of the tire. The wall members provide a lateral spring rate and a variable radial spring rate across the tread of the tire. The wall members, tread, inner member and outer member may be reinforced by cords extending at bias angles or generally circumferentially of the tire. Sidewalls between the inner and outer members may also be provided for low pressure inflation and exclusion of foreign matter from the spaces between the wall members.

Abstract: A nonpneumatic tire with generally cylindrical inner and outer members connected by radial wall members mounted on a split rim with tire-retaining flanges and a generally cylindrical tire-supporting surface. The diameter of at least some portions of the rim tire-supporting surface is greater than the diameter of adjacent portions of the inner member of the tire for nonrotatable engagement of the tire by the rim in the mounted condition. The tire may include a layer of compressible material spaced radially inward from a reinforcing ply embedded in the inner member. The tire and rim may also have transversely extending, circumferentially spaced-apart ribs and grooves in meshing engagement to prevent rotation of the tire relative to the rim.

Abstract: A free wheeling tire having the ability to resist increased rotational speed under load is comprised of a hub portion, rim portion, and a multiplicity of flexure members defining voids extending continuously from one side of the tire to another. Deleterious heat generated during operation is successfully dissipated through the increased surface area provided by the voids and by the nature of geometrical element configuration. The tires are placed in a gravity roller conveyor in arrays where each array may have different speed control characteristics permitting variations in speeds of objects as they move from one array to another.

Abstract: A puncture proof vehicle tire comprising two symmetrical halves mounted on a divided felly, wherein the tread and the foot of each tire half are connected by a resilient, reinforcing connecting portion which comprises a plurality of supporting members having been formed by axial cut-outs. It is preferred to arrange the axial cut-outs in such a way, that the supporting members of the connecting portion are segment-like and alternately arranged in opposite directions and thus in successive segments are orientated alternately towards the felly edge and the felly center.