Non-pneumatic tire

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 ...

Pneumatic tire and wheel allowing unassisted manual mounting of the tire and a method for designing such a tire and wheel

A tire and wheel assembly that permits hand-mounting of the tire on the wheel is provided. The following parameters are identified in a specific relationship so as to provide a tire that permits such hand mounting: C_t is the circumference of the wheel well, from the mounting side flange, H is the radial height of the rim flange, and Y is the axial width of the rim flange, and M represents an amount of additional length, preferably about 80 millimeters.

NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE, CAPABLE OF WIDELY USING AS SUBSTITUTES FOR A PNEUMATIC TIRE

PURPOSE: A non-pneumatic tire is provided to support a load with its structural components and exhibit pneumatic tire-like performance capabilities to serve as a replacement for pneumatic tires. CONSTITUTION: A non-pneumatic tire(100) comprises a tread portion(105) contacting with a road, a reinforced annular band(110) disposed radially inward of the tread portion, a plurality of web spokes(150), and a mounting band(160) at the radially inner end of the web spokes. The web spokes extend transversely across and radially inward from the annular band. The mounting band anchors the tire to a wheel(10) or hub. The web spokes are axially aligned or oblique to the tire axis. The reinforced annular band includes an elastomeric shear layer, a first membrane adhered to the elastomeric shear layer, and a second membrane(140) adhered to the radially outermost portion of the elastomeric shear layer. © KIPO 2008 ...

Non-pneumatic tire having web spokes

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 ...

NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

A structural supported tire includes a ground contacting tread portion (105), a reinforced annular band (110) disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and a plurality of web spokes (150) 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 (120), at least a first membrane (130) adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane (140) 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 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, the web spokes transmitting load forces between the annular band and the hub through tension in the ...

Non-pneumatic tire

A non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a thermoplastic elastomer that is pre-tensioned during a process of forming the non-pneumatic tire. The pre-tensioning is provided by a thermal manner that is naturally available in the forming process. This results in a combination of efficient manufacturing with the efficiency of pre-tensioning without the complexity of mechanically adding pre-tensioning.

Non-pneumatic tire

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 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, the web spokes transmitting load forces between the annular band and the hub through tension in the web spokes not connected to the ground contacting portion of the tire.

Non-Pneumatic Tire

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 ...

Wheel comprising non-pneumatic tire

A non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a thermoplastic elastomer that is pre-tensioned during a process of forming the non-pneumatic tire. The pre-tensioning is provided by a thermal manner that is naturally available in the forming process. This results in a combination of efficient manufacturing with the efficiency of pre-tensioning without the complexity of mechanically adding pre-tensioning.

ANNULAR RING AND NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

The present invention provides an annular beam of monolithic construction of one homogeneous material and a related efficient, low-cost non-pneumatic tire. Specific geometric design, combined with nonlinear elastomer physical properties, enable the suppression of all reinforcing belts, continuous fibers, or other strengthening layers in the annular beam. The annular beam consists of at least two bands that are continuous in the circumferential direction and connected by a web geometry. The non-pneumatic tire consists of the annular beam, a ground contacting portion, a central wheel, and a plurality of web spokes that connect the wheel and beam. When the tire is loaded to a design load against a flat surface over a design contact length, a contact area of essentially uniform pressure is produced, while the load is transmitted from the beam to the hub via tension in the web spokes. The tire can be economically manufactured. 1. An annular beam of monolithic construction , comprising:one homogeneous material having a modulus of at least 90 MPa;at least a first circumferentially continuous band lying on a radially inward extent of a web structure;at least a second continuous band lying on a radially outward extent of the web structure; andwherein a ratio of a shear deflection to a bending deflection of the annular beam at a center of a design contact length is at least 1.2:1, when a radially outward extent of the beam is deformed against a substantially flat surface over the design contact length.2. The beam of claim 1 , wherein the one homogeneous material is an elastomer having a modulus which is at least four times the value of a secant modulus at 100% elongation.3. The beam of claim 2 , wherein a flex fatigue of the material is at least 4 MPa.4. A non-pneumatic tire comprising:an annular beam of monolithic construction, comprising: one homogeneous material having a modulus of at least 90 MPa; at least a first circumferentially continuous band lying on a radially ...

Wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire

A wheel for a vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, or other off-road vehicle) or other device, in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire and may be designed to enhance its use and performance and/or use and performance of the vehicle or other device, including, for example, to be able to be used longer and/or in more challenging conditions, such as, for instance, by being more thermally efficient (e.g., to avoid or reduce adverse effects such as rapid degradation in material properties that could otherwise arise due to excessive temperatures) and/or more resistant to cracking or other damage which could lead to premature failure (e.g., due to manufacturing artifacts and/or rocks and other hazards that can cut, chip, or tear it during use).

ANNULAR RING AND NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

A non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle or other machine. The non-pneumatic tire may include an annular beam. The annular beam may include a plurality of layers of different elastomeric materials. The annular beam may be free of a substantially inextensible reinforcing layer running in a circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. The annular beam may include a plurality of openings distributed in the circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. Such an annular beam may be part of other annular devices. 155-. (canceled)56. A non-pneumatic tire comprising an annular beam , the annular beam being configured to deflect at a contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire , the annular beam comprising a plurality of layers of different elastomeric materials , the annular beam being free of a substantially inextensible reinforcing layer running in a circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire.57. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 56 , wherein a modulus of elasticity of a first one of the different elastomeric materials is different from a modulus of elasticity of a second one of the different elastomeric materials.58. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 57 , wherein a ratio of the modulus of elasticity of the first one of the different elastomeric materials over the modulus of elasticity of the second one of the different elastomeric materials is at least 2.59. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 58 , wherein the ratio of the modulus of elasticity of the first one of the different elastomeric materials over the modulus of elasticity of the second one of the different elastomeric materials is at least 3.60. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 57 , wherein the modulus of elasticity of the first one of the different elastomeric materials is at least 150 MPa and the modulus of elasticity of the second one of the different elastomeric materials is no more than 50 MPa.61. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 60 , wherein the modulus of elasticity of the first one of the different ...

NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE FOR CAMBER-STEERED VEHICLE OR OTHER VEHICLE

A wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle, such as a vehicle that is steerable and/or otherwise movable by leaning the vehicle (e.g., a bicycle, a motorcycle or another two-wheeled vehicle), in which the non-pneumatic tire may be designed to enhance its use and performance, including, for example, to avoid sudden failure, improve steering and/or other movement of the vehicle (e.g., when the vehicle is leaned and the non-pneumatic tire is cambered), improve ride comfort, and/or exhibit less rolling resistance. 1. A non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle on a ground surface , the vehicle being movable by leaning to create a camber angle of the non-pneumatic tire , the non-pneumatic tire comprising:an annular beam configured to deflect at a contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire with the ground surface; andan annular support disposed radially inwardly of the annular beam and configured to resiliently deform as the non-pneumatic tire engages the ground surface;{'sup': '2', 'wherein a ratio of a torsional rigidity of the annular beam over a rated load of the non-pneumatic tire is at least 1.5E4 N·mm/N.'}2. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the torsional rigidity of the annular beam over the rated load of the non-pneumatic tire is at least 2E4 N·mm/N.3. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the torsional rigidity of the annular beam over the rated load of the non-pneumatic tire is at least 3E4 N·mm/N.47.-. (canceled)8. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein a ratio of a width of the non-pneumatic tire over an outer diameter of the non-pneumatic tire is no more than 25%.9. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein a ratio of a width of the non-pneumatic tire over an outer diameter of the non-pneumatic tire is no more than 15%.10. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein a ratio of a width of the non-pneumatic tire over an outer diameter of the non-pneumatic tire is no more than 10%.11. The non-pneumatic tire of ...

ANNULAR RING AND NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

The present invention provides an annular beam of monolithic construction of one homogeneous material and a related efficient, low-cost non-pneumatic tire. Specific geometric design, combined with nonlinear elastomer physical properties, enable the suppression of all reinforcing belts, continuous fibers, or other strengthening layers in the annular beam. The annular beam consists of at least two bands that are continuous in the circumferential direction and connected by a web geometry. The non-pneumatic tire consists of the annular beam, a ground contacting portion, a central wheel, and a plurality of web spokes that connect the wheel and beam. When the tire is loaded to a design load against a flat surface over a design contact length, a contact area of essentially uniform pressure is produced, while the load is transmitted from the beam to the hub via tension in the web spokes. The tire can be economically manufactured. 114.-. (canceled)16. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 15 , wherein each of the spokes extends from the annular beam to the hub without being intersected at more than one point.17. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 16 , wherein each of the spokes extends from the annular beam to the hub without being intersected.18. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 15 , wherein each of the spokes extends from the annular beam to the hub without being connected to other ones of the spokes at more than one point between the annular beam and the hub.19. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 15 , wherein each of the spokes is unconnected to other ones of the spokes from the annular beam to the hub.20. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 18 , wherein the flex fatigue limit of the elastomeric material is at least 7 MPa.21. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 18 , wherein a Young's modulus of the elastomeric material is at least 90 MPa.22. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 18 , wherein the elastomeric material is a thermoplastic co-polymer.23. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 18 , wherein the ...

WHEEL COMPRISING A NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

A wheel for a vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, or other off-road vehicle) or other device, in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire that may be designed to enhance its use and performance, including, for example, to be able to be used longer and/or in more challenging conditions, such as, for instance, by being more resistant to cracking or other damage which could lead to premature failure (e.g., due to manufacturing artifacts and/or rocks and other hazards that can cut, chip, or tear it during use). The non-pneumatic tire comprises an annular beam configured to deflect at a contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire and an annular support extending radially inwardly from the annular beam and configured to support loading by tension. An elastomeric material of at least one of the annular beam and the annular support may have selected properties, including greater crack propagation resistance when subject to tensile stress. 2. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein the crack propagation rate of the thermoset elastomeric material is no more than 1e-5 mm/cycle at the strain energy release rate of 3 N-mm/mm.3. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein the crack propagation rate of the thermoset elastomeric material is no more than 1e-5 mm/cycle at the strain energy release rate of 6 N-mm/mm.4. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein a modulus of elasticity of the thermoset elastomeric material is at least 90 MPa.5. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein a modulus of elasticity of the thermoset elastomeric material is at least 130 MPa.6. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein the annular beam comprises an outer annular portion claim 1 , an inner annular portion claim 1 , and a shearing annular portion between the outer annular portion and the inner annular portion that are elastomeric and configured to cause the annular beam to deflect more by shearing than by bending at the contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire ...

Non-pneumatic tire and other annular devices

A non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle or other machine. The non-pneumatic tire may comprise an annular beam. The annular beam may comprise a plurality of layers of different elastomeric materials. The annular beam may be free of a substantially inextensible reinforcing layer running in a circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. The annular beam may comprise a plurality of openings distributed in the circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. Such an annular beam may be part of other annular devices.

WHEEL COMPRISING A NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

A wheel for a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a construction vehicle, etc.) or other device, in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire and may be designed to enhance its use and performance and/or use and performance of the vehicle or other device, including, for example, to improve a shock-absorbing capability of the wheel, to improve a lateral stability of the vehicle or other device, and/or to enhance other aspects of its use and performance and/or that of the vehicle or other device. 1. A wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire , the non-pneumatic tire comprising:an annular beam configured to deflect at a contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire; andan annular support disposed radially inwardly of the annular beam and configured to resiliently deform as the wheel engages the ground;{'sup': '2', 'wherein a ratio of a mass of the wheel over an outer diameter of the wheel normalized by a width of the wheel is no more than 0.0005 kg/mm.'}2. (canceled)3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. The wheel of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the mass of the wheel over the outer diameter of the wheel normalized by the width of the wheel is no more than 0.00015 kg/mm.6. The wheel of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the mass of the wheel over the outer diameter of the wheel normalized by the width of the wheel is no more than 0.00011 kg/mm.7. (canceled)8. The wheel of claim 5 , wherein a radial stiffness of the wheel is no more than 15 kgf/mm.9. The wheel of claim 5 , wherein a radial stiffness of the wheel is no more than 11 kgf/mm.10. The wheel of claim 5 , wherein a radial stiffness of the wheel is no more than 8 kgf/mm.11. The wheel of claim 8 , wherein: the annular support comprises a plurality of spokes extending from the annular beam to a hub of the wheel; and a ratio of a volume occupied by the spokes over a volume bounded by the annular beam and the hub of the wheel is no more than 15%.12. (canceled)13. The wheel of claim 8 , wherein: the annular support comprises ...

TRACK SYSTEM FOR TRACTION OF A VEHICLE

A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an agricultural vehicle, etc.) may be designed (e.g., may comprise non-pneumatic tires) to enhance its use or performance and/or that of the vehicle such as, for example, by being lightweight and/or by better handling loads, including, for instance, those resulting from track tension within the track system and/or from unevenness or other aspects of the ground, including encounters (e.g., impacts) with obstacles on the ground (e.g., rocks, portions of trees, debris, bumps, abrupt changes in ground level, etc.). The track system may comprise tension-based non-pneumatic tires. 1. A track system for traction of a vehicle , the track system comprising:a) a track for engaging the ground; and i. a drive wheel for driving the track; and', an annular beam configured to deflect at an area of contact of the non-pneumatic tire with the track; and', 'an annular support disposed radially inwardly of the annular beam and configured to resiliently deform under loading on the idler wheel for supporting the loading on the idler wheel by tension., 'ii. an idler wheel contacting a bottom run of the track, the idler wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire, the non-pneumatic tire comprising], 'b) a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly, the track-engaging assembly comprising2. The track system of claim 1 , wherein the annular support is resiliently deformable such that a portion of the annular support between an axis of rotation of the idler wheel and the area of contact of the idler wheel with the track is compressed and a portion of the annular support between the axis of rotation of the idler wheel and a peripheral part of the idler wheel not in contact with the track is in tension.3. The wheel of claim 1 , wherein the annular support comprises a plurality of spokes.4. The track system of claim 3 , wherein the spokes are resiliently deformable such that ...

ANNULAR RING AND NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

The present invention provides an annular beam of monolithic construction of one homogeneous material and a related efficient, low-cost non-pneumatic tire. Specific geometric design, combined with nonlinear elastomer physical properties, enable the suppression of all reinforcing belts, continuous fibers, or other strengthening layers in the annular beam. The annular beam consists of at least two bands that are continuous in the circumferential direction and connected by a web geometry. The non-pneumatic tire consists of the annular beam, a ground contacting portion, a central wheel, and a plurality of web spokes that connect the wheel and beam. When the tire is loaded to a design load against a flat surface over a design contact length, a contact area of essentially uniform pressure is produced, while the load is transmitted from the beam to the hub via tension in the web spokes. The tire can be economically manufactured. 114-. (canceled)15. A non-pneumatic tire comprising:an annular beam comprising:an outer band extending circumferentially at an outer radial extent of the annular beam;an inner band extending circumferentially at an inner radial extent of the annular beam;an intermediate band extending circumferentially and disposed radially between the outer band and the inner band;a first web structure disposed between the outer band and the intermediate band;a second web structure disposed between the intermediate and the inner band; andan annular support disposed radially inward of the annular beam and configured to develop tension forces when the annular beam is loaded to a design load against a flat surface.16. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 15 , wherein the annular support is configured to carry the design load primarily by the tension forces.17. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 15 , wherein the annular support comprises a plurality of hollow spaces.18. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 17 , wherein given ones of the hollow spaces of the annular support are ...

WHEEL COMPRISING A NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

A wheel for a vehicle in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire that may be designed for robust, long-lasting performance in challenging conditions, including by using a process to make the non-pneumatic tire that may be specified such that a material of the non-pneumatic tire retains most or all of its inherent capabilities. For example, an annular beam and an annular support of the non-pneumatic tire may be injection molded together from elastomeric material flowing first where at least part of the annular beam is before flowing where at least part of the annular support is (e.g., using a molding apparatus that comprises a mold including a mold cavity and outer gating to inject thermoplastic material at an outer part of the mold into the mold cavity adjacent to where the annular beam is to be formed). 2. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric material is thermoplastic material.3. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein the annular beam and the annular support are injection molded together using a mold comprising outer gating to inject the elastomeric material into the mold adjacent to where at least part of the annular beam is to be formed.4. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 3 , wherein the outer gating comprises a plurality of outer gates to inject respective portions of the elastomeric material.5. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 4 , wherein the outer gates are evenly distributed around the mold.6. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein the annular support comprises a plurality of spokes.7. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of weld lines where at least part of the annular beam is are formed at a temperature of at least 190° C.3. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of weld lines where at least part of the annular beam is are formed with a final injection pressure of at least 10 MPa.9. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1 , wherein the annular beam is configured to deflect more by shearing ...

ANNULAR RING AND NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

The present invention provides an annular beam of monolithic construction of one homogeneous material and a related efficient, low-cost non-pneumatic tire. Specific geometric design, combined with nonlinear elastomer physical properties, enable the suppression of all reinforcing belts, continuous fibers, or other strengthening layers in the annular beam. The annular beam consists of at least two bands that are continuous in the circumferential direction and connected by a web geometry. The non-pneumatic tire consists of the annular beam, a ground contacting portion, a central wheel, and a plurality of web spokes that connect the wheel and beam. When the tire is loaded to a design load against a flat surface over a design contact length, a contact area of essentially uniform pressure is produced, while the load is transmitted from the beam to the hub via tension in the web spokes. The tire can be economically manufactured. 114-. (canceled)15. A non-pneumatic tire comprising: an outer annular portion;', 'an inner annular portion; and', 'a shearing annular portion between the outer annular portion and the inner annular portion of the annular beam;, 'an annular beam configured to deflect at a contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire as the non-pneumatic tire rolls on a ground surface, the annular beam comprisingthe outer annular portion, the inner annular portion, and the shearing annular portion of the annular beam being elastomeric, at least one of the outer annular portion and the inner annular portion of the annular beam being free of substantially inextensible reinforcement running in a circumferential direction of the annular beam, the annular beam being configured to deflect more by shearing than by bending at the contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire; andan annular support extending radially inwardly from the annular beam and configured to deform as the non-pneumatic tire rolls on the ground surface.16. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 15 , wherein each of the ...

WHEEL COMPRISING A NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

A wheel (e.g., a caster wheel) for a vehicle or other device, in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire and may be designed to enhance its use and performance and/or use and performance of the vehicle or other device, including, for example, by being less laterally stiff (e.g., less torsionally stiff) to better manage lateral loading on the wheel (e.g., when the vehicle or other device turns and/or encounters an obstacle, such as a stump, root, curb, etc., at a lateral side of the wheel) and/or by better distributing pressure applied by the wheel onto the ground (e.g., to reduce, minimize or eliminate potential for damaging the ground). 1. A wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire , wherein: a lateral direction of the wheel is parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheel; and the wheel is resiliently deformable in the lateral direction of the wheel.2. The wheel of claim 1 , wherein: a vertical direction of the wheel is normal to the axis of rotation of the wheel; a horizontal direction of the wheel is normal to the axis of rotation of the wheel and the vertical direction of the wheel; and the wheel is resiliently deformable in the lateral direction of the wheel by being resiliently deformable torsionally about the horizontal direction of the wheel.3. The wheel of claim 1 , wherein the non-pneumatic tire comprises an annular beam configured to deflect at a contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire.4. The wheel of claim 3 , comprising an annular support disposed radially inwardly of the annular beam and resiliently deformable such that claim 3 , when the non-pneumatic tire is loaded claim 3 , a lower portion of the annular support below the axis of rotation of the wheel is compressed and an upper portion of the annular support above the axis of rotation of the wheel is in tension.5. The wheel of claim 1 , wherein a lateral stiffness of the wheel is lower than a radial stiffness of the wheel.6. The wheel of claim 5 , wherein a ratio of the lateral stiffness of the ...

Annular ring and non-pneumatic tire

The present invention provides an annular beam of monolithic construction of one homogeneous material and a related efficient, low-cost non-pneumatic tire. Specific geometric design, combined with nonlinear elastomer physical properties, enable the suppression of all reinforcing belts, continuous fibers, or other strengthening layers in the annular beam. The annular beam consists of at least two bands that are continuous in the circumferential direction and connected by a web geometry. The non-pneumatic tire consists of the annular beam, a ground contacting portion, a central wheel, and a plurality of web spokes that connect the wheel and beam. When the tire is loaded to a design load against a flat surface over a design contact length, a contact area of essentially uniform pressure is produced, while the load is transmitted from the beam to the hub via tension in the web spokes. The tire can be economically manufactured.

Non-pneumatic tire and other annular devices

A non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle or other machine. The non-pneumatic tire may include an annular beam. The annular beam may include a plurality of layers of different elastomeric materials. The annular beam may be free of a substantially inextensible reinforcing layer running in a circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. The annular beam may include a plurality of openings distributed in the circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. Such an annular beam may be part of other annular devices.

Non-pneumatic tire for camber-steered vehicle or other vehicle

A wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle, such as a vehicle that is steerable and/or otherwise movable by leaning the vehicle (e.g., a bicycle, a motorcycle or another two-wheeled vehicle), in which the non-pneumatic tire may be designed to enhance its use and performance, including, for example, to avoid sudden failure, improve steering and/or other movement of the vehicle (e.g., when the vehicle is leaned and the non-pneumatic tire is cambered), improve ride comfort, and/or exhibit less rolling resistance.

Wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire

A wheel for a vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, or other off-road vehicle) or other device, in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire that may be designed to enhance its use and performance, including, for example, to be able to be used longer and/or in more challenging conditions, such as, for instance, by being more resistant to cracking or other damage which could lead to premature failure (e.g., due to manufacturing artifacts and/or rocks and other hazards that can cut, chip, or tear it during use). The non-pneumatic tire comprises an annular beam configured to deflect at a contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire and an annular support extending radially inwardly from the annular beam and configured to support loading by tension. An elastomeric material of at least one of the annular beam and the annular support may have selected properties, including greater crack propagation resistance when subject to tensile stress.

Non-pneumatic tire

A structural supported tire includes a ground contacting tread portion (105), a reinforced annular band (110) disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and a plurality of web spokes (150) 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 (120), at least a first membrane (130) adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane (140) 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 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, the web spokes transmitting load forces between the annular band and the hub through tension in the web spokes not connected to the ground contacting portion of the tire.

Non-pneumatic tire for camber-steered vehicle or other vehicle

A wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle, such as a vehicle that is steerable and/or otherwise movable by leaning the vehicle (e.g., a bicycle, a motorcycle or another two-wheeled vehicle), in which the non-pneumatic tire may be designed to enhance its use and performance, including, for example, to avoid sudden failure, improve steering and/or other movement of the vehicle (e.g., when the vehicle is leaned and the non-pneumatic tire is cambered), improve ride comfort, and/or exhibit less rolling resistance.

NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE

Non-pneumatic tire and other annular devices

A non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle or other machine. The non-pneumatic tire may comprise an annular beam. The annular beam may comprise a plurality of layers of different elastomeric materials. The annular beam may be free of a substantially inextensible reinforcing layer running in a circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. The annular beam may comprise a plurality of openings distributed in the circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. Such an annular beam may be part of other annular devices.

Track system for traction of a vehicle

A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an agricultural vehicle, etc.) may be designed (e.g., may comprise non-pneumatic tires) to enhance its use or performance and/or that of the vehicle such as, for example, by being lightweight and/or by better handling loads, including, for instance, those resulting from track tension within the track system and/or from unevenness or other aspects of the ground, including encounters (e.g., impacts) with obstacles on the ground (e.g., rocks, portions of trees, debris, bumps, abrupt changes in ground level, etc.). The track system may comprise tension-based non-pneumatic tires.

Track system for traction of a vehicle

A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an agricultural vehicle, etc.) may be designed (e.g., may comprise non-pneumatic tires) to enhance its use or performance and/or that of the vehicle such as, for example, by being lightweight and/or by better handling loads, including, for instance, those resulting from track tension within the track system and/or from unevenness or other aspects of the ground, including encounters (e.g., impacts) with obstacles on the ground (e.g., rocks, portions of trees, debris, bumps, abrupt changes in ground level, etc.). The track system may comprise tension-based non-pneumatic tires.

Wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire

A wheel for a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a construction vehicle, etc.) or other device, in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire and may be designed to enhance its use and performance and/or use and performance of the vehicle or other device, including, for example, to improve a shock-absorbing capability of the wheel, to improve a lateral stability of the vehicle or other device, and/or to enhance other aspects of its use and performance and/or that of the vehicle or other device.

Wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire

Non-pneumatic tire

Luftreifen und rad für die werkzeuglose manuelle montage des reifen und verfahren zum entwerfen eines solchen luftreifens und rades

Wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire

A wheel for a vehicle in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire that may be designed for robust, long-lasting performance in challenging conditions, including by using a process to make the non-pneumatic tire that may be specified such that a material of the non-pneumatic tire retains most or all of its inherent capabilities. For example, an annular beam and an annular support of the non-pneumatic tire may be injection molded together from elastomeric material flowing first where at least part of the annular beam is before flowing where at least part of the annular support is (e.g., using a molding apparatus that comprises a mold including a mold cavity and outer gating to inject thermoplastic material at an outer part of the mold into the mold cavity adjacent to where the annular beam is to be formed).

Track system for traction of a vehicle

A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an agricultural vehicle, etc.) may be designed (e.g., may comprise non-pneumatic tires) to enhance its use or performance and/or that of the vehicle such as, for example, by being lightweight and/or by better handling loads, including, for instance, those resulting from track tension within the track system and/or from unevenness or other aspects of the ground, including encounters (e.g., impacts) with obstacles on the ground (e.g., rocks, portions of trees, debris, bumps, abrupt changes in ground level, etc.). The track system may comprise tension-based non-pneumatic tires.

Pneumatic tire and wheel allowing unassisted manual mounting of the tire and a method for designing such a tire and wheel

A tire and wheel assembly permits hand-mounting of the tire on the wheel by specifying the relationship of the tire bead circumference and the wheel geometry so that: formula (I) where, Ct is the circumference of the tire bead seat, Cw is the circumference of the wheel well, G is the depth of the wheel well, W is the axial distance of the wheel well from the mounting side flange, H is the radial height of the rim flange, and Y is the axial width of the rim flange, and m represents and amount of additional length, preferably about 80 millimeters.

Pneumatic tire and wheel allowing unassisted manual mounting of the tire and a method for designing such a tire and wheel

A tire and wheel assembly permits hand-mounting of the tire on the wheel by specifying the relationship of the tire bead circumference and the wheel geometry so that: formula (I) where, Ct is the circumference of the tire bead seat, Cw is the circumference of the wheel well, G is the depth of the wheel well, W is the axial distance of the wheel well from the mounting side flange, H is the radial height of the rim flange, and Y is the axial width of the rim flange, and m represents and amount of additional length, preferably about 80 millimeters.

Luftreifen und rad für die werkzeuglose manuelle montage des reifen und verfahren zum entwerfen eines solchen luftreifens und rades

Wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire

A wheel for a vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, or other off-road vehicle) or other device, in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire and may be designed to enhance its use and performance and/or use and performance of the vehicle or other device, including, for example, to be able to be used longer and/or in more challenging conditions, such as, for instance, by being more thermally efficient (e.g., to avoid or reduce adverse effects such as rapid degradation in material properties that could otherwise arise due to excessive temperatures) and/or more resistant to cracking or other damage which could lead to premature failure (e.g., due to manufacturing artifacts and/or rocks and other hazards that can cut, chip, or tear it during use).

Tire tread