System and method for curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire

Abstract

A method of curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes providing a pneumatic host tire, providing a band, and placing the band about the pneumatic host tire. The method also includes providing an elastomeric tread and placing the elastomeric tread circumferentially about a top of the band. The method further includes securing a curing envelope about the pneumatic host tire, the band, and the elastomeric tread. The method also includes applying heat to the band and the elastomeric tread, thereby forming a tread band assembly.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CURING A TREAD BAND ASSEMBLY FOR A NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system including a host tire for curing a tread band assembly for a non- pneumatic tire and a method of using the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various tire constructions have been developed which enable a tire to run in an uninflated or underinflated condition. Non-pneumatic tires do not require inflation, while “run flat tires” may continue to operate after receiving a puncture and a complete or partial loss of pressurized air, for extended periods of time and at relatively high speeds. Non-pneumatic tires may include a plurality of spokes, a webbing, or other support structure that connects a lower ring to an upper ring. It is known to adhere a cured tread to an upper ring of a non-pneumatic with adhesive or cement. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In one embodiment, a method of curing a tread band assembly for a non- pneumatic tire includes providing a pneumatic host tire, a circular band, and an elastomeric tread. The pneumatic host tire includes a crown region having a pair of shoulders, including a first shoulder and a second shoulder. The pneumatic host tire also has a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region and a second bead region. The pneumatic host tire further has a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall extending from the first bead region to the first shoulder of the crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the second shoulder of the crown region. The method of curing a tread band assembly further includes placing the elastomeric tread circumferentially about a top surface of the circular band, and placing the circular band about the crown region of the pneumatic host tire. The method also includes securing a curing envelope about the pneumatic - 1 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAShost tire, the circular band, and the elastomeric tread. The securing includes securing a first side of the curing envelope to the first bead region of pneumatic host tire and securing a second side of the curing envelope to the second bead region of pneumatic host tire. The method also includes applying heat to the circular band and the elastomeric tread.

[0004] In another embodiment, a system for curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes a pneumatic host tire with a crown region having a circumferential top surface and a pair of shoulders, including a first shoulder and a second shoulder. The first shoulder extends from a first side of the circumferential top surface at an angle between 80–110°, and the second shoulder likewise extends from a second side of the circumferential top surface at an angle between 80–110°. The pneumatic host tire also has a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region and a second bead region. The pneumatic host tire additionally has a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall extending from the first bead region to the first shoulder of the crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the second shoulder of the crown region. The system further includes a curing envelope dimensioned to receive a tread band assembly and the pneumatic host tire. The system also has a pair of fasteners, including a first fastener configured to secure a first end of the curing envelope to the first bead region and a second fastener configured to secure a second end of the curing envelope to the second bead region.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, a method of curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes providing a pneumatic host tire, providing a band, and placing the band about the pneumatic host tire. The method also includes providing an elastomeric tread and placing the elastomeric tread circumferentially about a top of the band. The method further includes securing a curing envelope about the pneumatic host tire, the band, and the elastomeric tread. The method also includes applying heat to the band and the elastomeric tread, thereby forming a tread band assembly. - 2 - 1094399988\3\AMERICASBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] 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.

[0007] Figure 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire,

[0008] Figure 2 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a non- pneumatic tire,

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating a font view of one embodiment of a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire,

[0010] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating a half cross-sectional view of an exemplary prior art pneumatic tire,

[0011] Figure 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a half cross-sectional view of a pneumatic host tire,

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the pneumatic host tire with the tread band assembly disposed about its circumference,

[0013] Figure 7 is a close up view of a portion of the pneumatic host tire and the tread band assembly of Figure 6,

[0014] Figure 8 is a front view of one embodiment of a curing envelope, and

[0015] Figure 9 is a front view of one embodiment of a curing envelope disposed on the pneumatic host tire and the tread band assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and / or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of terms may be within the definitions. - 3 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAS

[0017] “Axial” and “axially” refer to a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation of a tire.

[0018] “Circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to a direction extending along the perimeter of the surface of the tread perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0019] “Radial” and “radially” refer to a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a tire.

[0020] “Tread” as used herein, refers to that portion of the tire that comes into contact with the road or ground under normal inflation and normal load.

[0021] While similar terms used in the following descriptions describe common tire components, it should be understood that because the terms carry slightly different connotations, one of ordinary skill in the art would not consider any one of the following terms to be purely interchangeable with another term used to describe a common tire component.

[0022] Directions are stated herein with reference to the axis of rotation of the tire. The terms “upward” and “upwardly” refer to a general direction towards the tread of the tire, whereas “downward” and “downwardly” refer to the general direction towards the axis of rotation of the tire. Thus, when relative directional terms such as “upper” and “lower” or “top” and “bottom” are used in connection with an element, the “upper” or “top” element is spaced closer to the tread than the “lower” or “bottom” element. Additionally, when relative directional terms such as “above” or “below” are used in connection with an element, an element that is “above” another element is closer to the tread than the other element.

[0023] The terms “inward” and “inwardly” refer to a general direction towards the equatorial plane of the tire, whereas “outward” and “outwardly” refer to a general direction away from the equatorial plane of the tire and towards the sidewall of the tire. Thus, when relative directional terms such as “inner” and “outer” are used in connection with an element, the “inner” element is spaced closer to the equatorial plane of the tire than the “outer” element.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire 10. The non-pneumatic tire 10 is merely an exemplary illustration and is not intended to be limiting. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-pneumatic tire 10 includes a - 4 - 1094399988\3\AMERICASgenerally annular lower ring 20 that engages a rim (not shown) to which the tire 10 is mounted. The generally annular lower ring 20 has a lower surface 23 and an upper surface 24 and can be made of a polymeric material or metal.

[0025] The non-pneumatic tire 10 further includes a generally annular upper ring 30 surrounding an interconnected web 40, which is a support structure connected to the generally annular lower ring 20. The upper ring 30 has a lower surface 33 and an upper surface 34. The upper ring 30 is coaxial with the lower ring 20 about an axis 12.

[0026] The web 40 is formed by generally radial elements 42 that form vertices 41 with the upper surface 23 of the lower ring 20 and vertices 43 with the lower surface 33 of the upper ring 30. The generally radial elements 42 also form vertices 44 with generally circumferential elements 45.

[0027] In one embodiment, the generally annular lower ring 20 and the generally annular upper ring 30 are made of the same material as interconnected web 40. In one particular embodiment, each of the lower ring 20, upper ring 30, and web 40 are constructed of steel. In alternative embodiments, each of the lower ring 20, upper ring 30, and web 40 are constructed of other metal, carbon fiber, resin, or a polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It should be understood, however, that other materials may be used and the rings and spokes are not limited to the listed materials.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the generally annular lower ring, the generally annular upper ring, and the interconnected web are made of a different material. For example, the upper ring 30 may be a steel band while the lower ring 20 and web 40 are constructed of other metal, carbon fiber, resin, or a polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the interconnected web 40 has at least two radially adjacent layers of web elements 42, 45 that define a plurality of generally polygonal openings 50. In other embodiments (not shown), other web configurations may be employed. - 5 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAS

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, a circumferential tread 70 is attached to the upper surface 34 of the upper ring 30. The circumferential tread 70 may be constructed of an elastomeric material, such as natural or synthetic rubber. The tread 70 may have a plurality of circumferential grooves that define a plurality of ribs. It should be understood that the tread may also include tread elements such as lateral grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, sipes, studs, and other elements. A shear band or other shear element or reinforcement structure (not shown) may be disposed between the upper ring 30 and the tread 70. Alternatively, a shear band or other shear element may be disposed within the tread.

[0031] In one embodiment, the circumferential tread 70 is affixed to a top of the upper ring 30, with no pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed between the upper ring 30 and the circumferential tread 70. In one such embodiment, the circumferential tread is 70 bonded directly to the top of the upper ring 30. In another such embodiment, a strip of cushion rubber (not shown) or a temperature sensitive adhesive is disposed between the circumferential tread 70 and the upper ring 30.

[0032] Figure 2 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a non- pneumatic tire 100. The non-pneumatic tire 100 includes an inner ring 110 having a first diameter, and an outer ring 120 having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The outer ring 120 is substantially coaxial with the inner ring 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner ring 110 is shown as being attached to a hub H. A plurality of spokes 130 extend between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120. It should be understood that the term “support structure” may refer to either webbing (such as the web 40 in Figure 1) or spokes (such as the spokes 130 in Figure 2).

[0033] In one embodiment, each of the lower ring 110, upper ring 120, and spokes 130 are constructed of the same material. In one particular embodiment, each of the lower ring 110, upper ring 120, and spokes 130 are constructed of steel. In alternative embodiments, each of the lower ring 110, upper ring 120, and spokes 130 are constructed of other metal, carbon fiber, resin, or a polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It should be - 6 - 1094399988\3\AMERICASunderstood, however, that other materials may be used and the rings and spokes are not limited to the listed materials.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the lower ring 110, upper ring 120, and spokes 130 are constructed of different materials. For example, the upper ring 120 may be a steel band while the lower ring 120 and spokes 130 are constructed of other metal, carbon fiber, resin, or a polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0035] A circumferential tread 140 is disposed about the upper ring 120 in the illustrated embodiment. The circumferential tread 140 may be constructed of an elastomeric material, such as natural or synthetic rubber. The tread 140 may have a plurality of circumferential grooves that define a plurality of ribs. It should be understood that the tread may also include tread elements such as lateral grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, sipes, studs, and other elements. A shear band or other shear element or reinforcement structure (not shown) may be disposed between the upper ring 120 and the tread 140. Alternatively, a shear band or other shear element may be disposed within the tread.

[0036] In one embodiment, the circumferential tread 140 is affixed to a top of the upper ring 120, with no pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed between the upper ring 120 and the circumferential tread 140. In one such embodiment, the circumferential tread is 140 bonded directly to the top of the upper ring 120. In another such embodiment, a strip of cured rubber (not shown) or a temperature sensitive adhesive is disposed between the circumferential tread 140 and the upper ring 120.

[0037] To make a non-pneumatic tire, such as the tire 10 or tire 100, a manufacturer may provide a tread band assembly that includes both a band and an elastomeric tread, and separately provide support structure. The tread band assembly may correspond to the tread and outer ring (or additional band) described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The tread band assembly may include any of the alternative embodiments described above. The support structure may be a new support structure, or it may be a previously used support that has had its tread removed or buffed. - 7 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAS

[0038] The tread and the band could be cured together to form a tread band assembly. The tread band assembly could then be applied to the support structure. For example, the tread band assembly could be adhered to the support structure with an adhesive, a chemical bonding process, or a brazing or welding process. Alternatively, the tread band assembly could be applied to the support structure through an additional curing process.

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating a font view of one embodiment of a tread band assembly 200 including a band 210 with a tread 220 extending around the circumference of the band. The band 210 may be constructed of steel or another metal. Alternatively, the band 210 may be constructed of a polymeric material. The tread 220 is constructed of rubber or another elastomeric material. The tread 220 may be constructed of green rubber or partially cured rubber. The tread 220 may also be constructed of vulcanized rubber.

[0040] In one embodiment, a strip of green rubber (i.e., cushion rubber) or a temperature sensitive adhesive (not shown) is first applied to either the tread 220 or the band 210. In an alternative embodiment, the tread 220 is directly placed on the band 210.

[0041] To prepare the tread band assembly 200 to be applied to a non- pneumatic tire structure, the components of the tread band assembly are assembled and then cured in a curing system. Where the tread 220 is green rubber or partially cured rubber, the curing system will cure the tread 220 such that the tread 220 bonds to the band 210. Alternatively, a layer of cushion stock or a temperature-sensitive adhesive (not shown) may be placed between the tread 220 and the band 210. During curing, the cushion stock or temperature-sensitive adhesive bonds the tread 220 to the band 210. In all instances, if a cushion stock or a temperature-sensitive adhesive is placed between the band 210 and the tread 220, the cushion stock or the temperature-sensitive adhesive will bond to both the band 210 and the tread 220 during the curing process.

[0042] In one embodiment, the curing system includes a pneumatic host tire, a curing envelope, and a pair of fasteners. The pneumatic host tire may be modified to receive a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire during a curing process. - 8 - 1094399988\3\AMERICASFor reference, Figure 4 is a schematic drawing showing a half cross-sectional view of an exemplary unmodified (i.e., prior art) pneumatic tire 300. The pneumatic tire 300 includes a crown region 310 having a circumferential tread 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential tread 320 includes a plurality of grooves that define a plurality of ribs. The circumferential tread 320 may include other tread elements, such as blocks, lateral grooves, sipes, notches, and other elements. The crown region 310 further includes a pair of shoulders, including a first shoulder 330A and a second shoulder 330B.

[0043] The pneumatic tire 300 also includes a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region 340A and a second bead region 340B. The pneumatic tire 300 additionally has a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall 350A extending from the first bead region 340A to the first shoulder 330A of the crown region 310 and a second sidewall 350B extending from the second bead region 340B to the second shoulder 330B of the crown region 310. As can be seen in this view, the first and second shoulders 330A, 330B are curved to provide a smooth transition from the crown region 310 to the first and second sidewalls 350A, 350B. The first and second sidewalls 350A, 350B are likewise curved as each sidewall transitions from the shoulder to an outermost point. The first and second sidewalls 350A, 350B are further curved from the outermost point to the respective bead region 340A, 340B.

[0044] The pneumatic tire 300 also includes a pair of belts 360. It should be understood that any number of belts may be employed.

[0045] In contrast to the prior art pneumatic tire 300 of Figure 4, Figure 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a half cross-sectional view of a pneumatic host tire 400. As shown here, the pneumatic host tire 400 includes a crown region 410 having a circumferential top surface 420 and a pair of shoulders, including a first shoulder 430A and a second shoulder 430B. The pneumatic host tire 400 also includes a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region 440A and a second bead region 440B. The pneumatic host tire 400 further includes a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall 450A extending from the first bead region 440A to the first shoulder 430A of the crown region 410 and a second sidewall 450B extending - 9 - 1094399988\3\AMERICASfrom the second bead region 440B to the second shoulder 430B of the crown region 410.

[0046] In comparison to the pneumatic tire 300 of Figure 4, the circumferential top surface 420 of the crown region 410 of the pneumatic host tire 400 is a flat circumferential top surface, without any grooves or other tread elements. In one embodiment, the flat circumferential top surface 420 is formed by buffing the tread of an existing, vulcanized pneumatic tire. In the illustrated embodiment, the tread has been buffed without exposing or removing any of the circumferential belts 460 of the pneumatic host tire 400. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the top belt may be exposed. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), one or more of the belts may be removed. However, it may be desirable to retain at least one belt in the host tire. In yet another alternative embodiment, a pneumatic host tire may be molded with a flat circumferential top surface so that no buffing is required.

[0047] Additionally, the shoulders 430A, 430B of the pneumatic host tire 400 have been built up compared to the shoulders 330A, 330B of the pneumatic tire 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulders 430A, 430B of the pneumatic host tire 400 have been built up so that they are square with (i.e., extending at a 90° angle with respect to) the flat circumferential top surface 420 of the pneumatic host tire 400. In alternative embodiments, the shoulders of the pneumatic host tire have been built up so that they extend from a top circumferential surface of the crown region of the tire at an angle between 80–110°.

[0048] In one embodiment, the shoulders 430A, 430B are built up by applying layers of rubber to each of the shoulders 430A, 430B, until the shoulders have the desired dimensions. In an alternative embodiment, the shoulders 430A, 430B are built up by extruding a pair of shoulder extensions and applying each of the shoulder extensions to a corresponding shoulder 430A, 430B. The shoulder extensions may be applied to the shoulders 430A, 430B by adhesive, chemical bonding. Alternatively, the shoulder extensions may be affixed to the shoulders 430A, 430B through a curing process. In any of these embodiments, the resulting pneumatic host tire 400 has a flat circumferential top surface 420 with a width greater than or equal to the width of the tread band assembly 200. - 10 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAS

[0049] After the pneumatic host tire 400 has been provided, the operator may place a tread band assembly 200 about the flat circumferential top surface 420 of the pneumatic host tire 400. The pneumatic host tire 400 may be inflated or deflated as necessary to accommodate the tread band assembly 200.

[0050] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the pneumatic host tire 400 with the tread band assembly 200 disposed about its circumference. As can be seen in this figure, the pneumatic host tire 400 has an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the inside diameter of the tread band assembly 200. Thus, the pneumatic host tire 400 can provide support to the tread assembly 200 during curing. After the tread assembly 200 is placed about the pneumatic host tire 400, the tread assembly 200 and host tire 400 can be placed in a curing envelope to provide an air tight curing assembly. The width of the pneumatic host tire 400 is equal to or greater than the width of the tread band assembly 200, so that the curing envelope can rest against the tire sidewall and make air evacuation easier as well as prolong the life of the curing envelope.

[0051] The combined host tire 400 and tread assembly 200 can be mounted on a J-hook for placement in a curing chamber. The curing assembly is then heated in the curing chamber to bond the tread 220 to the band 210. Importantly, the band 210 does not bond to the pneumatic host tire 400 during this curing process. Once the curing process is over and the envelope is removed, the cured tread band assembly 200 can be taken off the pneumatic host tire 400.

[0052] Figure 7 is a close up view of a portion of the pneumatic host tire 400 and the tread band assembly 200. As can be seen in this view, the first shoulder 430A has been built up so that it is square with the first sidewall 450A and the flat circumferential top surface 420, and so that the width of the flat circumferential top surface 420 is substantially the same as the width of the tread band assembly 200.

[0053] After the tread band assembly 200 has been placed about the pneumatic host tire 400, a curing envelope may be disposed about the assembly. Figure 8 is a front view of one embodiment of a curing envelope 500. The curing envelope is dimensioned to receive the tread band assembly and pneumatic host tire assembly, such that a first end 510 of the curing envelope 500 may be secured to the first bead - 11 - 1094399988\3\AMERICASregion 440A of the pneumatic host tire 400 and a second end 520 (not shown in this view) of the curing envelope 500 may be secured to the second bead region 440B of the pneumatic host tire 400. Due to the geometry of the pneumatic host tire 400 and the tread band assembly 200, the sides of the curing envelope 500 lay flat against the sidewalls 450A, 450B of the pneumatic host tire 400. This positioning makes air evacuation easier and may prolong the life of the curing envelope 500.

[0054] Figure 9 is a front view of one embodiment of the curing envelope 500 disposed on the pneumatic host tire 400 and the tread band assembly 200. A first arc ring 610 secures the first end 510 of the curing envelope 500 to the first bead region 440A and a second arc ring 620 secures the second end 520 of the curing envelope 500 to the second bead region 440B. Each arc ring 610, 620 has a ratchet assembly secured thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the ratchet assembly is configured to maintain the arc ring in a substantially circular configuration. The arc ring may be made of steel or other metal or rigid material.

[0055] The ratchet assembly includes a main body and a handle. The handle is pivotally connected to the main body at a pivot point. A spring mechanism is connected between the main body and the handle, and biases the ratchet assembly towards an opened position or a closed position.

[0056] In operation, the handle of the ratchet assembly may be moved to a first position, in which the end of handle is proximate to the main body. In this first position, the arc ring has a minimum diameter and it may be inserted into or removed from a sealing position with respect to a curing envelope 500 and the pneumatic host tire 400. When the arc ring is in a sealing position, the handle may then be moved to a second position, in which the end of handle is distal from the main body. In this second position, the arc ring expands to a maximum diameter, and abuts an end of the curing envelope 500 and a bead region of the pneumatic host tire 400. Thus, the arc ring seals the curing envelope 500 against the non- pneumatic tire 400.

[0057] Although arc bands are shown in this embodiment, it should be understood that any fasteners may be used to secure the curing envelope about the pneumatic host tire and the tread band assembly. - 12 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAS

[0058] The curing envelope 500 also includes a valve 530 that is configured to be connected to a vacuum pump 700 via a hose 710. After the curing envelope 500 is secured about the pneumatic host tire 400, the vacuum pump 700 is connected to the valve 530 and evacuates air from the curing envelope 500.

[0059] After air has been evacuated from the curing envelope 500, the total assembly can be placed in a chamber for curing. Heat is applied during the curing process. In one embodiment, the curing chamber applies heat between 200° and 300°. Heat is applied for 90 to 400 minutes, or until the tread band assembly 200 is cured, i.e., the tread 220 is bonded to the band 210 and the tread 220 is cured.

[0060] Once the tread band assembly 200 is cured, the arc rings 610, 620 are taken off and the curing envelope 500 is removed. The host tire 400 can then be removed from the inside of the cured tread band assembly 200. The cured tread band assembly 200 may now be mounted to a non-pneumatic tire structure.

[0061] The cured tread band assembly 200 may be mounted to an outer ring of a non-pneumatic tire structure, or the cured tread band assembly 200 may be mounted directly to the support structure (i.e., spokes or webbing) of a non- pneumatic tire structure. The cured tread band assembly 200 may be mounted to a non-pneumatic tire structure by adhesive, welding, brazing, or through a chemical bonding process. The cured tread band assembly 200 may also be mounted to a non-pneumatic tire structure through an additional curing process.

[0062] To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only - 13 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAS“directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.

[0063] While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described 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. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant’s general inventive concept. - 14 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAS

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire, the method comprising: providing a pneumatic host tire, wherein the pneumatic host tire includes: a crown region having a pair of shoulders, including a first shoulder and a second shoulder, a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region and a second bead region, and a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall extending from the first bead region to the first shoulder of the crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the second shoulder of the crown region; providing a circular band; providing an elastomeric tread; placing the elastomeric tread circumferentially about a top surface of the circular band; placing the circular band about the crown region of the pneumatic host tire; securing a curing envelope about the pneumatic host tire, the circular band, and the elastomeric tread, wherein the securing includes: securing a first side of the curing envelope to the first bead region of pneumatic host tire, and securing a second side of the curing envelope to the second bead region of pneumatic host tire; and applying heat to the circular band and the elastomeric tread.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the securing of the curing envelope includes securing the first side of the curing envelope to the first bead region with a first arc - 15 - 1094399988\3\AMERICASring and securing the second side of the curing envelope to the second bead region with a second arc ring.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying vacuum pressure within the curing envelope.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the providing of the pneumatic host tire includes providing a pneumatic host tire that has been molded with a flat top surface.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising buffing a tread of the pneumatic host tire.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising building up each of the pair of shoulders of the pneumatic host tire, such that each of the pair of shoulders extends from a top circumferential surface of the crown region of the pneumatic host tire at an angle between 80–110°.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the building up of the pair of shoulders includes applying layers of rubber to each of the pair of shoulders.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the building up of the pair of shoulders includes extruding a pair of shoulder extensions and applying each of the shoulder extensions to a corresponding shoulder.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the building up of each of the pair of shoulders results in a pneumatic host tire with a crown region having a width that is greater than or equal to a width of the circular band.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the curing envelope from the pneumatic host tire, the circular band, and the elastomeric tread, and removing the circular band and the elastomeric tread from the pneumatic host tire.

11. A system for curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire, the system comprising: - 16 - 1094399988\3\AMERICASa pneumatic host tire including: a crown region having a circumferential top surface and a pair of shoulders, including a first shoulder and a second shoulder, wherein the first shoulder extends from a first side of the circumferential top surface at an angle between 80–110°, and wherein the second shoulder extends from a second side of the circumferential top surface at an angle between 80–110°; a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region and a second bead region; a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall extending from the first bead region to the first shoulder of the crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the second shoulder of the crown region; a curing envelope dimensioned to receive a tread band assembly and the pneumatic host tire; and a pair of fasteners, including a first fastener configured to secure a first end of the curing envelope to the first bead region and a second fastener configured to secure a second end of the curing envelope to the second bead region.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the circumferential top surface of the crown region of the pneumatic host tire is a flat circumferential top surface.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first fastener and the second fastener is an arc ring.

14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a vacuum pump configured to be connected to the curing envelope. - 17 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAS15. The system of claim 11, wherein the pneumatic host tire is a vulcanized pneumatic tire. - 18 - 1094399988\3\AMERICAS

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