Abstract: A wheel that deforms to absorb force is provided. The wheel includes one or more deformable spokes that extend from a central portion of the wheel to an outer portion of the wheel. The spokes are configured to interface against neighboring spokes after a spoke is sufficiently deformed. The neighboring spoke provides some support to the deformed spoke, thereby requiring an increased marginal force to further deform the first spoke. In one embodiment the wheel includes a plurality of pairs of spokes that are configured to interface against each other.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide a non-pneumatic tire having a small temperature dependence of ride comfort, providing a good ride comfort over a wide temperature range, and having an excellent durability. A solution thereto is a non-pneumatic tire (1) using a resin composition for a framework member, the resin composition having a bending modulus of elasticity at ?20° C. according to ISO 178 of 1600 MPa or less, and a bending modulus of elasticity at 60° C. according to ISO 178 of 150 MPa or more.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel having spokes that are constructed such that collectively the plurality of spokes exhibit a fractional radial stiffness value within a range of 1 N/mm/deg to 10 N/mm/deg and a non-linearity of less than 20% when deflected under normal loading conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a plurality of elements that move relative to a base. The elements have a central axis that extends in a longitudinal direction, and the elements are disposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis. The apparatus also includes a radial movement member that moves in a radial direction, a hub, a shear band, and a plurality of spokes that are attached to the hub. The radial movement member moves outward in the radial direction and urges the elements to move relative to the base such that the elements urge the spokes to move outward in the radial direction. Adhesive engages the spokes and the shear band at an attachment location of the spokes and the shear band.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel includes an outer band, a hub and a plurality of spokes formed from a polyamine material. Each of the plurality of spokes is displaced to create pretension in the radial direction under a design load and the displacement is equal to or greater than the predetermined deflection of the outer band. The plurality of spokes is made from a polyamide material having a conditioned tensile modulus between 600 MPa and 3000 MPa, an equilibrium moisture content of no more than 1.5%, and a fatigue failure resistance that can withstand at least 1 million cycles.

Abstract: A support structure for a non-pneumatic tire and a tire incorporating such support structure. A continuous membrane extends between a radially-inner leg and a radially-outer leg. Joints and reinforcement may be provided on sides of the membrane. An annular band may be connected with the radially-outer leg. A wheel, hub, or other structure may be connected with the radially-inner leg.

Abstract: A spoke for a wheel attaching an outer tread to a hub, the spoke having a first and second spoke elements joined by a joint body comprised of an elastomer connecting the first spoke element to a second spoke element.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel having a hub (12), an outer tread band (200) and a plurality of spokes (100) connecting the hub (12) with the outer tread band (200), each of the plurality of spokes (10) having first and second support elements joined by a first elastomeric joint body (130) connecting the first support element to the second support element.

Abstract: A spoke (100) for a tire attaching an outer tread to a hub, the spoke (100) having first and second spoke elements (142, 144) possessing spoke element reinforcements, the spoke elements (142, 144) joined by a joint body (130) comprised of an elastomer connecting the first spoke element (142) to the second spoke element (144) and a reinforcement membrane (132) extending from the first spoke element (142) to the second spoke element (144) and having a first end (172) and a second end (170) and a middle portion (174), the first end (172) lying closer to the first spoke element reinforcements than the middle portion (174) and the second end (170) lying closer to the second spoke element reinforcements than the middle portion (174) of the spoke reinforcement membrane (132).

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel (100) including a hub (300) and a non-pneumatic tire (102), as well as a method for mounting the non-pneumatic tire (102) onto the hub (300). The hub (300) is formed, with grooves (318) that receive the radially-inner ends (110) of spokes (106) of the non-pneumatic tire (102). To secure the tire (102) onto the hub (300) during assembly, the grooves (318) with the radially inner ends (110) of the spokes (106) received therein are pulled radially inward to decrease the diameter of the hub (300) and increase tension in the spokes (106).

Abstract: A nonpneumatic tire includes a tread portion, an upper ring, and a plurality of spokes extending radially downward from the upper ring. Each spoke is configured to carry a load while in tension and while in compression. The upper ring and the plurality of spokes are part of a unitary component constructed of a single material. Each spoke terminates at a lower end having a spoke mount with an opening configured to engage a corresponding hub mount. Each spoke is under substantially no tension when the tread portion is not in contact with a ground surface and when each spoke mount is disengaged from its corresponding hub mount. Each spoke is under tension when the tread portion is not in contact with the ground surface and when each spoke mount is engaged with its corresponding hub mount.

Abstract: A nonpneumatic tire includes a tread portion, an upper ring, and a plurality of spokes extending radially downward from the upper ring. Each spoke terminates at a lower end having a spoke mount configured to engage a corresponding hub mount. Each spoke is under substantially no tension when the tread portion is not in contact with a ground surface and when each spoke mount is disengaged from its corresponding hub mount. Each spoke is under tension when the tread portion is not in contact with the ground surface and when each spoke mount is engaged with its corresponding hub mount.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire (11), includes: a mount body (111) that is mounted on a shaft (S); an outer cylindrical body (113) encircling the mount body from outside thereof in a radial direction of the tire; connecting members (115) arranged in a circumferential direction of the tire therebetween and connecting the mount body and the outer cylindrical body such that the mount body and the outer cylindrical body are resiliently movable relative to each other; and a cylindrical tread portion (116) encircling the outer cylindrical body from outside thereof in the radial direction of the tire. In addition, the outline of a cross-section of an outer surface (116c) of a central area (129) of the tread portion taken in a width direction of the tire is a curved line bulging outward in the radial direction of the tire, and the central area includes at least a tire equator (E).

Abstract: An auxetic wheel according to the invention comprises a line defining an axis of rotation; and a plurality of concentric rings of unit cells surrounding the axis, each unit cell being constructed of a plurality of members defining a Negative Poisson's Ratio (NPR) structure. The outermost ring of unit cells is arranged to facilitate rolling terrain contact, such that the stiffness of the structure in the localized region of loading due to terrain contact increases as the wheel rotates. A layer of material may be disposed between the concentric rings of unit cells which in preferred embodiments comprise a plurality of nested-V shapes. A cover may be provided over the outermost ring of unit cells forming a tire which may, or may not, be inflated.

Abstract: A wheel with a rim as well as a wheel spider, where the wheel spider has a hub and spokes. The wheel includes spokes including one or more linearly stretched textile strands as reinforcement material of a fiber composite and each linearly stretched textile strand runs at least once from the rim to the hub and back without interruption and thus forms at least one spoke. The textile strands are connected in a positive-locking manner and/or in substance with the hub and the rim. A process is provided for the manufacture of the wheel.

Abstract: A connecting member (15) includes connecting plates (21, 22) configured to connect an attachment body and a ring-shaped body (13), a plurality of curved sections (21d to 21j, 22d to 22j) curved in a tire circumferential direction are formed at the connecting plates (21, 22) in a direction in which the connecting plates (21, 22) extend in a side view of a tire when seen from a tire width direction, and in the plurality of curved sections (21d to 21j, 22d to 22j) of one of the connecting plates (21, 22), the thickness of a maximum curved section having largest central angles (?d to ?j) about a center of curvature of the curved section (21d to 21j, 22d to 22j) is maximized, and the thickness of a minimum curved section having the smallest central angles (?d to ?j) is minimized.

Abstract: In a non-pneumatic tire (1), a plurality of connecting members (13) that connects a mounting body (11) and an annular body (12) are provided along a tire-circumferential direction. The annular body is split into a plurality of split bodies (12a) along the tire-circumferential direction. A resilient member (16) that is extended along the tire-circumferential direction and connects the plurality of split bodies in the tire-circumferential direction is provided in the annular body. This non-pneumatic tire (1) secures satisfactory ride quality, maneuverability and durability by suppressing increase in weight, hardness and rolling resistance, ensures uniform contact-pressure distribution, and prevents the occurrence of a puncture.

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 system for adjusting the compliance of a wheel is provided. In one embodiment, wheel segments are adjusted, causing the stiffness of the wheel to change. Such adjustments can be made while the wheel is rotating, allowing the wheel compliance to be changed while a vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel assembly (10) which has an outer rim assembly (26), an inner vehicle hub connection member (11), a compartment located between the outer rim assembly (26) and the inner hub connection member (11) which has a plurality of spring elements (21, 22) wherein at least some of the spring elements (21, 22) are attached to the outer rim assembly (26) and/or the inner hub connection member (11) characterised in that the spring elements (21, 22) are oriented in opposed or counteracting orientations.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel assembly (10) which has an outer rim assembly (26), an inner vehicle hub connection member (11), a compartment located between the outer rim assembly (26) and the inner hub connection member (11) which has a plurality of spring elements (21, 22) wherein at least some of the spring elements (21, 22) are attached to the outer rim assembly (26) and/or the inner hub connection member (11) characterised in that the spring elements (21, 22) are oriented in opposed or counteracting orientations.

Abstract: A wheel including an annular hub and a plurality of curved spokes extending radially outward from the hub. Each spoke has an inner base adjacent the hub and an outer tip opposite the base. The wheel further includes an annular rim concentric with the hub and connected to the spokes adjacent their tips.

Abstract: A ground-engaging wheel for a vehicle comprises a hub rotatable about a wheel axis, an inextensible wheel rim encircling and spaced from the hub, and a plurality of similar circumferentially spaced spoke assemblies connected between the hub and wheel rim. Each spoke assembly comprises a rigid inner spoke element connected to the hub and an outer leaf-spring element connected to the rim. The spoke elements are connected together by a pivot to permit relative angular movement between them, and the leaf-springs are pre-stressed so as resiliently to retain the elements in a datum position against the rim. When the wheel is not subjected to an external load, other than the weight of the vehicle to which it is fitted, the spoke elements remain in the datum position and the wheel acts as a conventional rigid wheel.

Abstract: A wheel structure having a rim and a hub interconnected by spokes with a longer portion and a shorter portion meeting at an angle or direction change region at locations all of which lie on a notional circle closer to the hub than to the rim. Preferably, the rim locations lie, in each case, beyond that radius including the spoke-hub origin point. Spurs can be provided at these locations, generally as extensions of the longer portion, to protrude into the back of the next location around the circle and thereby limit the distortion under load.