System and method for building a band assembly for a tire

Abstract

A system for building a tread band for a non-pneumatic tire includes a beltless, pneumatic host tire. The beltless, pneumatic host tire includes a crown region that lacks any steel belts and a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region and a second bead region. The beltless, pneumatic host tire also includes a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall extending from the first bead region to the crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the crown region.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BUILDING A BAND ASSEMBLY FOR A TIREFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for building a band for a tire, such as a tread band or a shear band. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system including a host tire for building a band for a 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 building a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes providing a beltless, pneumatic host tire. The beltless, pneumatic host tire includes a crown region that lacks any steel belts, and a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region and a second bead region. The beltless, pneumatic host tire also includes a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall extending from the first bead region to the crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the crown region. The method of building a tread band assembly further includes placing a circular band about the crown region of the beltless, pneumatic host tire and inflating the beltless, pneumatic host tire so that a top surface of the beltless, pneumatic host tire contacts a bottom surface of the circular band. The method further includes wrapping a strip of rubbercircumferentially about a top surface of the circular band to form a tread band assembly.

[0004] In another embodiment, a system for building a tread band for a nonpneumatic tire includes a beltless, pneumatic host tire. The beltless, pneumatic host tire includes a crown region that lacks any steel belts and a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region and a second bead region. The beltless, pneumatic host tire also includes a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall extending from the first bead region to the crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the crown region.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, a method of building a band for a tire includes providing a beltless, pneumatic host tire having a first diameter. The method also includes providing a first band component having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, and placing the first band component circumferentially about a crown region of the beltless, pneumatic host tire. The method further includes inflating the beltless, pneumatic host tire and wrapping a second band component about the first band component. The method also includes deflating the beltless, pneumatic host tire and removing the first band from the crown region of the beltless, pneumatic host tire.BRIEF 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 l 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 nonpneumatic tire,

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

[0010] Figure 4A is a schematic drawing illustrating a front view of one embodiment of a shear band for a tire,

[0011] Figure 4B is a schematic drawing illustrating a front view of one embodiment of a tread assembly for a tire,

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a half cross-sectional view of an exemplary prior art pneumatic tire,

[0013] Figure 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating a half cross-sectional view of a beltless, pneumatic host tire,

[0014] Figure 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a circular band disposed about a beltless, pneumatic host tire,

[0015] Figure 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tread strip being wrapped about the circular metal band of Figure 7,

[0016] Figure 9 is another perspective view of one embodiment of a tread strip being wrapped about the circular metal band of Figure 7, and

[0017] Figure 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a completed tread band assembly disposed about the beltless, pneumatic host tire of Figure 7.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] “Axial” and “axially” refer to a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation of a tire.

[0020] Circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to a direction extending along the perimeter of the surface of the tread perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0021] “Radial” and “radially” refer to a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a tire.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 generally 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.

[0027] 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 lowersurface 33 and an upper surface 34. The upper ring 30 is coaxial with the lower ring 20 about an axis 12.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 upperring 30 and the tread 70. Alternatively, a shear band or other shear element may be disposed within the tread.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 2 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a nonpneumatic tire 100. The non-pneumatic tire 100 includes a lower ring 110 having a first diameter, and an upper ring 120 having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The upper ring 120 is substantially coaxial with the lower ring 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower ring 110 is attached to a hub H. A plurality of spokes 130 extend between the lower ring 110 and the upper ring 120. It should be understood that the term “support structure” may refer to either webbing (such as the web 40 in Figures 1) or spokes (such as the spokes 130 in Figures 2).

[0035] 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 understood, however, that other materials may be used and the rings and spokes are not limited to the listed materials.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] To make a non-pneumatic tire, such as the tire 10 or tire 100, a manufacturer may provide a tread band that includes both a band and an elastomeric tread, and separately provide support structure. The tread band may correspond to the tread and upper ring (or additional band) described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The tread band 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 worn.

[0040] The tread band could be cured and then applied to the support structure. For example, the tread band could be adhered to the support structure with an adhesive, a chemical bonding process, or a brazing or welding process. Alternatively, the tread band could be applied to the support structure through an additional curing process.

[0041] 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 constructedof 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.

[0042] In one embodiment, a strip of green rubber (which may be referred to as a cushion stock) 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.

[0043] To prepare the tread band assembly 200 to be applied to a nonpneumatic tire structure, the components of the tread band may be assembled on a building system. Where the tread 220 is green rubber or partially cured rubber, a curing process may be used to bond the tread 220 to the band 210. Where the tread 220 is fully vulcanized, it may be adhered to the band 210 with an adhesive. Alternatively, cushion stock may be used to bond the tread 220 to the band 210 during a curing process.

[0044] Shear bands may also be employed in non-pneumatic tires or in pneumatic tires, such as run-flat ties. A shear band may be disposed radially below a tread of a tire. Figure 4A is a schematic drawing illustrating a front view of one embodiment of a shear band 300A for a tire. The shear band 300A includes a shear layer 310A (also referred to as an extensible layer), a first membrane 320A (also referred to as a first inextensible layer) connected to the lower surface of the shear layer 310A, and a second membrane 330A (also referred to as a second inextensible layer) connected to the upper surface of the shear layer 310A. Each of the membranes 320A, 330A has a longitudinal tensile modulus sufficiently greater than the dynamic shear modulus of the shear layer 310A 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 310A while maintaining constant length of the membranes 320A, 330A. Relative displacement of the membranes 320A, 330A occurs substantially by shear strain in the shear layer 310A. In an alternative embodiment, additional shear layers and membranes may be employed in the shear band.

[0045] The shear layer 310A may be constructed of rubber or another elastomeric material. The membranes 320A, 330A may be constructed of steel or other metal, or a polymeric material. In one specific embodiment, the membranes 320A, 330A are steel belt layers. In an alternative embodiment, the membranes 320A, 330A are solid steel bands.

[0046] A tread assembly may include a shear band. Figure 4B is a schematic drawing illustrating a front view of one embodiment of a tread assembly 300B for a tire. The tread assembly 300B includes a shear layer 310B, a first membrane 320B connected to the lower surface of the shear layer 310B, and a second membrane 330B connected to the upper surface of the shear layer 310B. Together, the shear layer 31 OB and the first and second membranes 320B, 330B form a shear band similar to the shear band 300A of Figure 4A. The shear layer 310B and the first and second membranes 320B, 330B may be constructed of the same materials described above with respect to Figure 4A.

[0047] Additionally, the tread assembly 300B includes a tread layer 340. The tread layer 340 is an elastomeric material, such as rubber, and may include carbon black, silica, and other compounds. The tread assembly 300B may be assembled using a shear layer 310B and a tread layer 340 that are uncured or partially cured. After the layers are assembled, the tread assembly 300B is then cured. Alternatively, the tread assembly 300B may be assembled with a fully cured shear layer 310B and tread layer 340, so that it is not necessary to cure the entire assembly.

[0048] Tread bands (such as the tread band assembly 200), shear bands (such as the shear band 300A), and tread assemblies (such as the tread assembly 300B) may be assembled on a building system that includes a beltless, pneumatic host tire. A beltless, pneumatic tire may function like an inner tube. An operator may be provided with a beltless, pneumatic host tire that has a first diameter, and a first band component that has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The first band component may be a circular band or a belt. The bands or belts may be constructed of steel, other metal, carbon fiber, or a polymeric material. The operator then places the first band component about a crown region of the beltless,pneumatic host tire, and then inflates the host tire so that a top surface of the host tire contacts a bottom surface of the first band component. The lack of belts in the host tire allows the tire to expand until the host tire exerts equal pressure about the entire inner surface of the first band component. The operator can then wrap one or more additional components around a top surface of the first band component.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first band component is a circular band and the second band component is a strip of elastomeric material. The assembly of these components may result in the tread band assembly 200 of Figure 3 with the band 210 and the tread 220. Alternatively, the operator may continue by wrapping a belt about the strip of elastomeric material. The assembly of these components may result in the shear band 300A of Figure 4A with the first membrane 320A, the shear layer 310A, and the second membrane 330A. Alternatively, the operator may continue by wrapping a second strip of elastomeric material about the belt. The assembly of these components may result in the tread assembly 300B of Figure 4B with the first membrane 320B, the shear layer 310B, the second membrane 330B, and the tread layer 340.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the first band component is a belt instead of a circular band. The second band component is a strip of elastomeric material, and the process is otherwise as that described above. The assembly of these components may result in the tread band assembly 200 of Figure 3 with the band 210 and the tread 220. The operator may also continue by wrapping a second belt about the strip of elastomeric material. The assembly of these components may result in the shear band 300A of Figure 4A with the first membrane 320A, the shear layer 310A, and the second membrane 330A. The operator may also continue by wrapping a second strip of elastomeric material about the second belt. The assembly of these components may result in the tread assembly 300B of Figure 4B with the first membrane 320B, the shear layer 310B, the second membrane 330B, and the tread layer 340.

[0051] In any of the described embodiments, an adhesive or a cushion stock may be placed between layers to bond the layers to each other. After the desiredband has been assembled, the operator may deflate the host tire and remove the assembly. The assembly may then be cured, if needed.

[0052] A beltless, pneumatic host tire may be made by modifying an existing tire. The existing tire may be a new tire or a used tire. For example, the tire may have been used on a vehicle and the tread may have been worn to a point where the tire is no longer useful.

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a half cross-sectional view of an exemplary prior art pneumatic tire 400. The pneumatic tire 400 includes a crown region 410 having a circumferential tread 420. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential tread 420 includes a plurality of grooves that define a plurality of ribs. The circumferential tread 420 may include other tread elements, such as blocks, lateral grooves, sipes, notches, and other elements. The crown region 410 further includes a pair of shoulders, including a first shoulder 430A and a second shoulder 430B.

[0054] The pneumatic tire 400 also includes a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region 440A and a second bead region 440B. The pneumatic 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 from the second bead region 440B to the second shoulder 430B of the crown region 410. As can be seen in this view, the first and second shoulders 430A, 430B are curved to provide a smooth transition from the crown region 410 to the first and second sidewalls 450A, 450B. The first and second sidewalls 450A, 450B are likewise curved as each sidewall transitions from the shoulder to an outermost point. The first and second sidewalls 450A, 450B then curve from the outermost point to the respective bead region 440A, 440B.

[0055] The pneumatic tire 400 also includes a pair of belts 460. The belts 460 are located in the crown region 410 of the tire 400, below the circumferential tread 420. It should be understood that any number of belts may be employed. The pneumatic tire 400 also includes a body ply 470 extending from the first bead region 440A, through the first sidewall 450A, through the crown region 410, and through the second sidewall 450B to the second bead region 440B.

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating a half cross-sectional view of a beltless, pneumatic host tire 500 that is made by removing the crown region 410 of the pneumatic tire 400 shown in Figure 5. The crown region 410 may be removed by a cutting, buffing, or grinding process. The removal process removes both the tread 420 and the belts 460. The resulting host tire 500 has a crown region 510 that lacks any steel belts. The circumferential top surface of the crown region 510 of the beltless, pneumatic host tire 500 is a smooth circumferential top surface.

[0057] The host tire 500 also includes a pair of bead regions, including a first bead region 520A and a second bead region 520B. The host tire 500 also has a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall 530A extending from the first bead region 520A to the crown region 510 and a second sidewall 530B extending from the second bead region 520B to the crown region 510. The beltless, pneumatic host tire 500 also includes a body ply 540 extending from the first bead region 520A, through the first sidewall 530A, through the crown region 510, and through the second sidewall 530B to the second bead region 520B.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, a beltless, pneumatic host tire may be built by assembling a green tire without any belts, and then vulcanizing the beltless, green tire. Such a process would eliminate the need to remove belts from an existing tire.

[0059] The crown region 510 of a host tire 500 may be described as having a “tread” and “shoulders,” because these are common tire terms and may be useful references for an operator. The host tire 500 would not, however, be used on a vehicle and the “tread” and “shoulders” of the host tire 500 would not have the same functionality as in prior art tires.

[0060] Figures 7-10 illustrate one example of the steps of building an exemplary tread band 600. The tread band 600 is similar to the tread band assembly 200 discussed above. Figure 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a circular, metal band 610 disposed about a beltless, pneumatic host tire 700. The beltless, pneumatic host tire 700 is similar to the beltless, pneumatic host tire 500 discussed above. In this figure, the host tire 700 has been inflated, such that a topsurface of the host tire is in contact with the bottom surface of the circular, metal band 610.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, a crown region of the beltless, pneumatic host tire 700 has a first width and the circular, metal band 610 has a second width that is greater than the first width. In an alternative embodiment, a crown region of the beltless, pneumatic host tire may be equal to or greater than a width of the circular, metal band.

[0062] Figure 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tread strip 620 being wrapped about the circular metal band 610. An operator can move the host tire 700 both clockwise and counterclockwise. For example, the operator may use foot pedals on the builder to rotate the host tire 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the tread strip 620 is a fully cured tread strip. An adhesive or cushion stock (not shown) is used to bond the tread strip 620 to the circular metal band 610. In alternative embodiments, the tread strip may be green (i.e., uncured) or partially cured.

[0063] Figure 9 is another perspective view of one embodiment of a tread strip 620 being wrapped about the circular, metal band 610. At this stage, the host tire 700 has been rotated by a full revolution. A clamp 710 has been employed to secure the position of the tread strip 620. While only one clamp 710 is shown, additional clamps may be employed as needed. In the illustrated embodiment, a straight edge is used to adjust the position of the tread strip 620.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the tread strip 620 has a length such that a first end of the strip abuts a second end of the strip after the tread strip 620 is wrapped around the circular, metal band 610. In another embodiment, the tread strip is longer and is trimmed to size to that a first end abuts a second end. In yet another embodiment, the tread strip is shorter and one or more additional tread strips are wrapped around the circular, metal band 610.

[0065] Figure 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a completed tread band assembly 600 disposed about the beltless, pneumatic host tire 700. The completed tread band 600 includes the circular, metal band 610 and the tread strip620. After the tread band assembly 600 has been completed, the host tire 700 is deflated and the tread band assembly 600 is removed.

[0066] The completed tread band assembly 600 may then be cured, as needed, and mounted to an upper ring of a non-pneumatic tire structure (not shown). Alternatively, the completed tread band 600 may be mounted directly to the support structure (z.e., spokes or webbing) of a non-pneumatic tire structure (not shown). In all cases, the curing may occur before or after the tread band assembly 600 is mounted. The completed tread band 600 may be mounted to a non-pneumatic tire structure by adhesive, welding, brazing, or through a chemical bonding process. The completed tread band 600 may also be mounted to a non-pneumatic tire structure through an additional curing process.

[0067] While Figures 7-10 show the steps of building an exemplary tread band 600, it should be understood that a similar process may be used for building a shear band.

[0068] 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 “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.

[0069] 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 andmodifications 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.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 26 August 2024 (26.08.2024)CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of building a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire, the method comprising: providing a beltless, pneumatic host tire including: a crown region that lacks any steel belts, 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 crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the crown region; placing a circular band about the crown region of the beltless, pneumatic host tire; and inflating the beltless, pneumatic host tire so that a top surface of the beltless, pneumatic host tire contacts a bottom surface of the circular band; wrapping a strip of rubber circumferentially about a top surface of the circular band to form a tread band assembly.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the providing of the beltless, pneumatic host tire includes: providing a pneumatic tire having a crown region that contains at least one steel belt; and removing the at least one steel belt from the crown region.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the removing of the at least one steel belt from the crown region includes buffing a tread of the pneumatic tire.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the providing of the beltless, pneumatic host tire includes building a pneumatic tire without steel belts.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the crown region of the beltless, pneumatic host tire has a first width and the circular band has a second width that is less than the first width.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the crown region of the beltless, pneumatic host tire has a first width and the circular band has a second width that is greater than the first width.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the strip of rubber is a strip of cured rubber.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying adhesive to one of the circular band and the strip of rubber prior to the wrapping of the strip of rubber circumferentially about the top surface of the circular band.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising wrapping an elastomeric layer about the circular band, and then wrapping a belt about the elastomeric layer.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising deflating the beltless, pneumatic host tire and removing the circular band.

11. A system for building a tread band for a non-pneumatic tire, the system comprising: a beltless, pneumatic host tire including: a crown region that lacks any steel belts, 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 crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the crown region; and a tread band assembly configured to be disposed about the beltless, pneumatic host tire, the tread band assembly including: a circular band, and a strip of rubber.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the crown region of the beltless, pneumatic host tire has a smooth circumferential top surface.

13. The system of claim 11, further comprising at least one body ply extending from the first bead region, through the first sidewall, through the crown region, and through the second sidewall to the second bead region.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the circular band is constructed of steel.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the beltless, pneumatic host tire has a first diameter and the circular band has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

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