REUSABLE RIM FOR AIRLESS TIRES

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to reusable rims for non-pneumatic tires. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a reusable tire rim that can be inserted and removed from a non-pneumatic tire.BACKGROUND

[0002] Current rim designs for non-pneumatic tires with support structures such as honeycomb or webbing geometry, are designed with a rim that adheres to the support structure with an adhesive such that the rim cannot be removed from the support structure without causing damage to the rim or support structure. When the tire reaches its end of life, the rim cannot be used again in a new tire as removing the adhesive destroys the rim. As tires and tire designs become larger, the cost of the non-reusable tires will also increase.

[0003] According to its abstract, US 2008 / 314486 Al describes 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.

[0004] According to its abstract, US 2010 / 084910 A1 describes a heavy duty rim assembly for use with a moulded or cast non-inflatable tyre, a wheel including such a rim assembly and tyre, a mould for such a tyre, and a method of manufacturing such a wheel. The rim assembly includes a nave for mounting on a vehicle axle, a hollow barrel around the nave, and a plurality of key members (16) around the barrel. The key members, in use, provide for effective bonding and keying of the rim assembly with the non-inflatable tyre. The key members define a belt (46) around the barrel, the belt being at least substantially concentric with and spaced apart from the barrel. The key members define holes (36) therethrough for tyre material to extend through in a completed wheel.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Aspects of the present invention are defined by the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined by the appended dependent claims.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, a non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly includes a non-pneumatic tire having an annular inner ring with an axis of rotation, an annular outer ring, and a webbing extending between the annular inner ring and the annular outer ring. The webbing defines a plurality of openings. The non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly further includes a rim assembly having a first rim component and a second rim component. The first rim component includes a first rim flange and a first lip, wherein the first rim component extends partially through a first side of the annular inner ring. The second rim component includes a second rim flange and a second lip, wherein the second rim component extends partially through a second side of the annular inner ring. The rim assembly further includes a plurality of lateral rim component support structures extending through the plurality of openings of the webbing. A first plurality of fasteners secure the plurality of lateral rim component support structures to the first rim flange. A second plurality of fasteners secure the plurality of lateral rim component support structures to the second rim flange.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling a non-pneumatic tire and reusable rim assembly includes providing a non-pneumatic tire, providing a first rim component, and providing a second rim component. The non-pneumatic tire includes a support structure between an annular inner ring and an annular outer ring. The annular inner ring defines a central opening, and the support structure defines a plurality of openings. The first rim component includes a first rim flange and a first lip. The second rim component includes a second rim flange and a second lip. The method further includes providing a plurality of lateral rim component support structures, and securing the plurality of lateral rim component support structures to the first rim flange with a first plurality of fasteners. The method also includes inserting the plurality of lateral rim component support structures through the plurality of openings at a first side of the non-pneumatic tire and securing the plurality of lateral rim component support structures to the second rim flange at a second side of the non-pneumatic tire with a second plurality of fasteners. The method further includes securing a centrally located mounting plate to the first and second rim components with a third plurality of fasteners.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled non-pneumatic tire with an exemplary reusable rim; Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary reusable rim; Figure 3A illustrates a partially assembled reusable rim before being inserted into the non-pneumatic tire; Figure 3B illustrates an assembled reusable rim separate from the non-pneumatic tire, wherein the components of the reusable rim would be inserted into the non-pneumatic tire during assembly; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled reusable rim inserted into the non-pneumatic tire; and Figure 4A illustrates a detail view of a portion of Figure 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The following is described in the context of utilizing a reusable rim for a non-pneumatic tire.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled non-pneumatic tire 100 with a reusable rim assembly inserted and secured onto the tire. The non-pneumatic tire 100 includes an annular inner ring 108 (hidden in this view, but shown in Figure 3A and 3B) having an axis of rotation, an annular outer ring 106 and a webbing 102 extending between the annular inner ring 108 and the annular outer ring 106. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a series of spokes may be used in place of the webbing. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), any connecting structure may be employed to connect the annular inner ring to the annular outer ring.

[0011] The webbing 102 includes a plurality of openings 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of openings 104 have a honeycomb geometry, including both hexagonal openings and trapezoid-shaped openings. In alternative embodiments, the openings may have any geometric shape.

[0012] The elements of the webbing 102 above an axis of rotation of the non-pneumatic tire 100 experience a tensile force, while the elements of the webbing 102 below the axis of rotation experience a compression force. In some embodiments, the elements of the webbing 102 below the axis of rotation may buckle from the compression force. The outer annular ring 106 can support the applied load on the non-pneumatic tire 100 as the applied load is transmitted by tension through the webbing 102. Accordingly, the outer annular ring 106 is sufficiently stiff to support the webbing 102 that is in tension and supporting the load. A substantial amount of the applied load may be supported by the plurality of the webbing working in tension. For example, in one embodiment, at least 75% of the load is supported in tension, in another embodiment at least 85% of the load is supported in tension and in another embodiment at least 95% of the load is supported in tension. In other embodiments, less than 75% of the load can be supported in tension.

[0013] The non-pneumatic tire 100 also includes a reusable rim assembly 200. The reusable rim assembly 200 includes a first rim flange 208 connected to a plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 that extend through the plurality of openings 104 of the non-pneumatic tire webbing 102.

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the rim assembly 200. The rim assembly 200 includes a first rim component 202 and a second rim component 204. The first rim component 202 includes a first rim flange 208a and a first lip 214a, and is configured to extend partially (not shown in this figure) through a first side of the annular inner ring 106 of the non-pneumatic tire 100. The second rim component 204 includes a second rim flange 208b and a second lip 214b, and the second rim component 204 is configured to extend partially through a second side of the annular inner ring 106 of the non-pneumatic tire 100.

[0015] The rim assembly 200 also includes a plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212. The plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 are secured to the first rim component 202 and the second rim component 204 and inserted into the webbing 102 of the non-pneumatic tire 100. This secures the rim assembly 200 to the webbing 102 of the non-pneumatic tire 100. In one embodiment the plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 are stainless steel cores. In another embodiment, the plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 are aluminum cores. In another embodiment, the plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 are powder coated steel. In another embodiment, the plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 are carbon fiber composite.

[0016] The number of lateral rim component support structures 212 varies depending upon the geometry of the tire webbing 102. In one embodiment, the number of plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 matches the number of openings in the webbing 102 of the non-pneumatic tire 100. In such an embodiment, each of the plurality of openings 104 in the non-pneumatic tire webbing 102 will have a lateral rim component support structure 212. In another embodiment, the number of plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 equal less than the number of openings in the webbing 102 of the non-pneumatic tire 100 but still provide support to the overall webbing 102 allowing for a variable number of later rim component support structures 212 to be used. The dimensions of the plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 varies with the geometry of the tire support structure. The plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 can be dimensioned to fit snugly in the openings of the geometry of the tire support structure or there can be gaps between the structures and the webbing. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the openings had two or more lateral rim component support structures disposed therethrough.

[0017] A first plurality of fasteners 206a and a second plurality of fasteners 206b secure the plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 to the rim assembly when the plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 are inserted into the webbing 102 of the non-pneumatic tire 100. In one embodiment, the first plurality of fasteners 206a and the second plurality of fasteners 206b are screws. In another embodiment, the first plurality of fasteners 206a and the second plurality of fasteners 206b are locking bolts. In one particular embodiment, the fasteners 206a, 206b do not require specialized tools, but can be fastened by a standard tool such as a screwdriver or socket wrench. In an alternative embodiment, the fasteners 206a, 206b may be adapted to be used by specialized tools to prevent removal by unauthorized individuals.

[0018] The lateral rim component support structures 212 may be attached to the non-pneumatic tire such that they exert a radial force on the on the annular inner ring 108. Such a force would compress the annular inner ring 108 and may further apply a tensile force on the tire webbing 102. Alternatively, the lateral rim component support structure may not exert a force against the annular inner ring. In either embodiment, the lateral rim component support structures 212 apply a torque to the tire webbing 102 during rotation of the rim assembly.

[0019] A locking plate 210 is affixed to the first rim lip 214a and second rim lip 214b lips. The locking plate 210 is interchangeable. In one embodiment, the locking plate 210 is centrally located. In another embodiment, the locking plate 210 is offset from center within the rim assembly 200. The assembled rim assembly 200 can be inserted and locked to a tire support structure without the need of adhesive or other additional bonding agents aside from the fasteners. When the tire 100 and the rim assembly 200 are mounted to a vehicle, the vehicle axes will turn the rim and cause the plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 to exert a force against the webbing 102 of the tire 100 causing the tire 100 to rotate.

[0020] Figure 3A illustrates a partially assembled reusable rim before it is inserted into the non-pneumatic tire. The plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 are secured to a second rim component 204 using a second plurality of fasteners 206b. A locking plate 210 is also secured to the second rim component 204. The plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 are inserted into the webbing 102 around the inner annular ring 108 and the plurality of lateral rim component support structures 212 is secured to the first rim component 202 using the first set of fasteners 206a. As is further shown in Figure 3B, the cylindrical reusable rim can be completely removed from the webbing 102 of the non-pneumatic tire.

[0021] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled reusable rim 200 inserted into the non-pneumatic tire 100, and Figure 4A illustrates a detail view of a portion of Figure 4. As can be seen in these figures, the partially assembled reusable rim 200 is inserted into the non-pneumatic tire 100 such that the lateral rim component support structures 212 extend through the openings 104 adjacent the inner annular ring 108 and the rim flange of the first rim component 202 is in contact with a side of the tire. After the lateral rim component support structures 212 have been inserted through the openings 104, the second rim component (not shown in this view) may then be aligned with and fastened to the first rim component 202 and the lateral rim component support structures 212.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral rim component support structures 212 are shaped to correspond to the profile of the web shape as close as possible to efficiently transfer the load from the web to the rim. Therefore, in alternative embodiments in which the openings vary in size, the shape of the lateral rim component support structures may also vary in shape. In another alternative embodiment, however, the shape of the lateral rim component structures may differ significantly from the profile of the web.

[0023] While embodiments have been described and illustrated in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A non-pneumatic tire (100) and rim assembly (200), comprising: a non-pneumatic tire (100) including: an annular inner ring (108) having an axis of rotation; an annular outer ring (106); and a connecting structure (102) extending between the annular inner ring and the annular outer ring, the connecting structure defining a plurality of openings (104); a rim assembly (200) including: a first rim component (202), the first rim component including a rim flange (208a) and a lip (214a), wherein the first rim component extends through the annular inner ring; a plurality of lateral rim component support structures (212) extending through the plurality of openings of the connecting structure; and a first plurality of fasteners (206a) securing the plurality of lateral rim component support structures to the rim flange.

2. The non-pneumatic tire (100) and rim assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein: the first rim component (202) further includes a cylindrical portion, and wherein the rim flange (208a) extends radially outwards from a first end of the cylindrical portion, and the lip (214a) extends radially inwards from a second end of the cylindrical portion, and wherein the rim assembly further includes a locking plate (210) connected to the lip of the first rim component; and further comprising; a second plurality of fasteners (206a) securing the plurality of lateral rim component support structures (212) to the locking plate.

3. The non-pneumatic tire (100) and rim assembly (200) of claim 1: (a) wherein the connecting structure (102) is a webbing (102); or (b) wherein the connecting structure includes a plurality of spokes.

4. The non-pneumatic tire (100) and rim assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of lateral rim component support structures (212) is configured to apply a torque to the connecting structure (102) during rotation of the rim assembly.

5. The non-pneumatic tire (100) and rim assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the lateral rim component support structures (212) are interchangeable to correspond to the openings (104) defined by the connecting structure (102).

6. The non-pneumatic tire (100) and rim assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the number of lateral rim component support structures (212) is less than the number of openings (104) defined by the connecting structure (102).

7. The non-pneumatic tire (100) and rim assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the lateral rim component support structures (212) have different dimensions corresponding to the openings (104) defined by the connecting structure (102).

8. The non-pneumatic tire (100) and rim assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the first rim component (202) is configured to fit securely inside the annular inner ring (108).

9. The non-pneumatic tire (100) and rim assembly (200) of claim 2, wherein the first rim component (202) and the locking plate (210) are constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, powder coated steel, carbon fiber composite, and aluminum.

10. A method of assembling a non-pneumatic tire (100) and reusable rim assembly (200), the method comprising: providing a non-pneumatic tire, the non-pneumatic tire including a connecting structure (102) between an annular inner ring (108) and an annular outer ring (106), wherein the annular inner ring defines a central opening and an axis of rotation, and wherein the connecting structure defines a plurality of openings (104); providing a first rim component (202), the first rim component including a rim flange (208a) and a lip (214a); providing a plurality of lateral rim component support structures (212); securing the plurality of lateral rim component support structures to the rim flange with a first plurality of fasteners (206a); and inserting the plurality of lateral rim component support structures through the plurality of openings at a first side of the non-pneumatic tire.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first rim component (202) further includes a cylindrical portion, and wherein the rim flange (208a) extends radially outwards from a first end of the cylindrical portion, and the lip (214a) extends radially inwards from a second end of the cylindrical portion, and wherein the method further comprises: providing a locking plate (210); and securing the plurality of lateral rim component support (212) structures to the locking plate at a second side of the non-pneumatic tire with a second plurality of fasteners (206a).

12. The method of claim 10: (a) wherein the connecting structure (102) is a webbing (102); or (b) wherein the connecting structure includes a plurality of spokes.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of lateral rim component support structures (212) is configured to apply a torque to the connecting structure (102) during rotation of the reusable rim assembly (200).

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the lateral rim component support structures (212) are selected from a group of support structures having different dimensions corresponding to the openings (104) defined by the connecting structure (102).

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of providing a plurality of lateral rim component support structures (212) includes selecting a number of lateral rim component support structures that is less than the number of openings (104) defined by the connecting structure (102).