System and method for constructing a band assembly for a tire

Abstract

A system for constructing a tread band for a non-pneumatic tire includes a beltless pneumatic host tire including a crown region lacking a steel belt 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

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to systems and methods for constructing bands for tires, such as tread bands or shear bands, and more particularly to systems including a host tire for constructing bands for tires, and methods of use thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Various tire designs have been developed that allow the tire to be run in an uninflated or underinflated state. Non-pneumatic tires do not require inflation, but "run-flat tires" can continue to operate at relatively high speeds for extended periods of time after a puncture that completely or partially loses pressurized air. Non-pneumatic tires may include multiple spokes, webbing, or other support structures connecting a lower ring to an upper ring. It is known to glue a cured tread to the upper ring of a non-pneumatic tire with adhesive or cement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a method of constructing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes providing a beltless pneumatic host tire. The beltless pneumatic host tire includes a crown area lacking a steel belt and a pair of bead areas including a first bead area and a second bead area. The beltless pneumatic host tire also includes a pair of sidewalls including a first sidewall extending from the first bead area to the crown area and a second sidewall extending from the second bead area to the crown area. The method of constructing the tread band assembly further includes placing a circular band around the crown area of ​​the beltless pneumatic host tire and inflating the beltless pneumatic host tire so that an upper surface of the beltless pneumatic host tire contacts a bottom surface of the circular band. The method further includes wrapping a strip of rubber circumferentially around the upper surface of the circular band to form the tread band assembly.

[0004] In another embodiment, a system for constructing a tread band for a non-pneumatic tire includes a beltless pneumatic host tire including a crown area lacking a steel belt and a pair of bead areas including a first bead area and a second bead area. The beltless pneumatic host tire also includes a pair of sidewalls including a first sidewall extending from the first bead area to the crown area and a second sidewall extending from the second bead area to the crown area.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, a method of constructing 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 greater than the first diameter and circumferentially disposing the first band component around 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 around 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0006] The accompanying drawings, together with the detailed description provided below, illustrate structures that describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Similar elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and that elements shown as multiple components may be replaced by a single component. The drawings are not to scale, and the proportions of certain elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a front view of one embodiment of a tread band for a non-pneumatic tire. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of one embodiment of a tire shear band. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of one embodiment of a tread assembly for a tire. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a half cross-section of an exemplary prior art pneumatic tire. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a half cross section of a beltless pneumatic host tire. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a circular band placed around a beltless pneumatic host tire. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tread strip wrapped around the circular metal band of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of one embodiment of a tread strip wrapped around the circular metal band of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a completed tread band assembly disposed about the beltless pneumatic host tire of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following includes definitions of some terms used herein. These definitions include various examples and / or forms of components that fall within the scope of the term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of a term may be within the scope of the definition.

[0008] "Axial" and "axially" refer to directions parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0009] "Circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to directions extending along the perimeter of the surface of the tread perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0010] "Radial" and "radially" refer to directions perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0011] As used herein, "tread" refers to that portion of the tire that comes into contact with the road or ground under normal inflation and normal load.

[0012] It should be understood that while similar terms are used in the following description to describe typical tire components, the terms, of course, have slightly different connotations and one of ordinary skill in the art would not consider any of the following terms to be purely interchangeable with another term used to describe a typical tire component.

[0013] As used herein, directions are stated with reference to the tire's axis of rotation. The terms "upward" and "upwardly" refer to the general direction toward the tire's tread, and "downward" and "downwardly" refer to the general direction toward the tire's axis of rotation. Thus, when relative directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" or "top" and "bottom" are used in connection with elements, the "upper" or "top" element is disposed 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 elements, an element that is "above" another element is closer to the tread than the other element.

[0014] The terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to the general direction toward the tire's equatorial plane, and "outward" and "outwardly" refer to the general direction away from the tire's equatorial plane, toward the tire's sidewall. Thus, when relative directional terms such as "inner" and "outer" are used in connection with elements, the "inner" element is disposed closer to the tire's equatorial plane than the "outer" element.

[0015] 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) on which the tire 10 is mounted. The generally annular lower ring 20 has a lower surface 23 and an upper surface 24 and may be made of a polymeric material or a metal.

[0016] Non-pneumatic tire 10 further includes a generally annular upper ring 30 surrounding interconnected webs 40, which are supporting structures connected to generally annular lower ring 20. Upper ring 30 has a lower surface 33 and an upper surface 34. Upper ring 30 is coaxial with lower ring 20 about axis 12.

[0017] Web 40 is formed by generally radial elements 42 that form apex 41 with upper surface 23 of lower ring 20 and apex 43 with lower surface 33 of upper ring 30. Generally radial elements 42 also form apex 44 with generally circumferential elements 45.

[0018] In one embodiment, the generally annular lower ring 20 and the generally annular upper ring 30 are made from the same material as the interconnected webs 40. In one particular embodiment, the lower ring 20, the upper ring 30, and the webs 40 are each constructed of steel. In alternative embodiments, the lower ring 20, the upper ring 30, and the webs 40 are each constructed from other metals, carbon fiber, resins, or polymeric materials such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, it should be understood that other materials may be used and the rings and spokes are not limited to the listed materials.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the generally annular lower ring, the generally annular upper ring, and the interconnected webs are made from different materials. For example, the upper ring 30 may be a steel band, while the lower ring 20 and webs 40 are constructed from other metals, carbon fiber, resins, or polymeric materials such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0020] 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 used.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 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 include tread elements such as lateral grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, sipes, studs, and other elements. Shear bands or other shear elements or reinforcing structures (not shown) may be disposed between the upper ring 30 and the tread 70. Alternatively, the shear bands or other shear elements may be disposed within the tread.

[0022] In one embodiment, the circumferential tread 70 is affixed to the 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 70 is bonded directly to the top of the upper ring 30. In another such embodiment, a strip of cushion gum (not shown) or a heat sensitive adhesive is disposed between the circumferential tread 70 and the upper ring 30.

[0023] 2 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic 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 larger 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" can refer to either a webbing (such as web 40 in FIG. 1) or spokes (such as spokes 130 in FIG. 2).

[0024] In one embodiment, the lower ring 110, the upper ring 120, and the spokes 130 are each constructed from the same material. In one particular embodiment, the lower ring 110, the upper ring 120, and the spokes 130 are each constructed from steel. In alternative embodiments, the lower ring 110, the upper ring 120, and the spokes 130 are each constructed from other metals, carbon fiber, resins, or polymeric materials such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, it should be understood that other materials may be used, and the rings and spokes are not limited to the listed materials.

[0025] In alternative embodiments, one or more of the lower ring 110, upper ring 120, and spokes 130 are constructed from different materials. For example, the upper ring 120 may be a steel band, while the lower ring 120 and spokes 130 are constructed from other metals, carbon fiber, resin, or polymeric materials such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, a circumferential tread 140 is disposed about the upper ring 120. 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 include tread elements such as lateral grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, sipes, studs, and other elements. Shear bands or other shear elements or reinforcing structures (not shown) may be disposed between the upper ring 120 and the tread 140. Alternatively, the shear bands or other shear elements may be disposed within the tread.

[0027] In one embodiment, the circumferential tread 140 is affixed to the 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 140 is bonded directly to the top of the upper ring 120. In another such embodiment, a strip of cured rubber (not shown) or a heat-sensitive adhesive is disposed between the circumferential tread 140 and the upper ring 120.

[0028] To manufacture a non-pneumatic tire such as tire 10 or tire 100, a manufacturer may provide a tread band including both a band and an elastomeric tread, and may provide a support structure separately. 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 a previously used support structure from which the tread has been removed or worn.

[0029] The tread band may be cured and then applied to a supporting structure. For example, the tread band may be adhered to the supporting structure with an adhesive, a chemical bonding process, or a brazing or welding process. Alternatively, the tread band may be applied to the supporting structure through an additional curing process.

[0030] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a tread band assembly 200 including a band 210 and a tread 220 extending therearound. The band 210 may be constructed of steel or other metal. Alternatively, the band 210 may be constructed of a polymeric material. The tread 220 is constructed of rubber or other elastomeric material. The tread 220 may be constructed of raw or partially cured rubber. The tread 220 may also be constructed of vulcanized rubber.

[0031] In one embodiment, a strip of raw rubber (sometimes called cushion stock) or a heat sensitive adhesive (not shown) is first applied to either the tread 220 or the band 210. In an alternative embodiment, the tread 220 is placed directly onto the band 210.

[0032] To prepare the tread band assembly 200 for application to a non-pneumatic tire structure, the components of the tread band may be assembled on a build system. If the tread 220 is raw or partially cured rubber, a curing process may be used to bond the tread 220 to the band 210. If 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 the curing process.

[0033] Shear bands may also be used in non-pneumatic or pneumatic tires, such as run-flat tires. The shear band may be positioned radially below the tire tread. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing a front view of one embodiment of a tire shear band 300A. The shear band 300A includes a shear layer 310A (also referred to as a tensile 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 membrane 320A, 330A has a longitudinal tensile modulus that is significantly greater than the dynamic shear modulus of the shear layer 310A, such that under load, the tire's contact patch deforms into a flat contact area due to shear strain in the shear layer 310A while maintaining a constant length of the membranes 320A, 330A. The relative displacement of membranes 320A, 330A is caused substantially by shear strain in shear layer 310 A. In alternative embodiments, additional shear layers and membranes can be used in the shear bands.

[0034] Shear layer 310A may be constructed from rubber or other elastomeric material. Membranes 320A, 330A may be constructed from steel or other metal, or polymeric materials. In one particular embodiment, membranes 320A, 330A are steel belt layers. In an alternative embodiment, membranes 320A, 330A are solid steel bands.

[0035] The tread assembly can include a shear band. Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing a front view of one embodiment of a tire tread assembly 300B. 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. The shear layer 310B 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 can be constructed of the same materials as described above with respect to Figure 4A.

[0036] Additionally, tread assembly 300B includes tread layer 340. Tread layer 340 is an elastomeric material, such as rubber, and may include carbon black, silica, and other compounds. Tread assembly 300B may be assembled using uncured or partially cured shear layer 310B and tread layer 340. After the layers are assembled, tread assembly 300B is cured. Alternatively, tread assembly 300B may be assembled with a fully cured shear layer 310B and tread layer 340, such that the entire assembly does not need to be cured.

[0037] The tread band (such as tread band assembly 200), shear band (such as shear band 300A), and tread assembly (such as tread assembly 300B) may be assembled on a build system that includes a beltless pneumatic host tire. The beltless pneumatic tire can function like an inner tube. An operator may be provided with a beltless pneumatic host tire having a first diameter and a first band component having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The first band component may be a circular band or belt. The band or belt may be constructed from steel, other metals, carbon fiber, or a polymer material. The operator then places the first band component around the crown region of the beltless pneumatic host tire and then inflates the host tire so that the top surface of the host tire contacts the bottom surface of the first band component. The absence of a belt in the host tire allows the tire to inflate until the host tire exerts equal pressure around the entire inner surface of the first band component. The operator can then wrap one or more additional components around the top surface of the first band component.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first band component is a circular band and the second band component is a strip of elastomeric material. Assembly of these components may result in tread band assembly 200 of FIG. 3 having band 210 and tread 220. Alternatively, an operator may subsequently wrap a belt around the strip of elastomeric material. Assembly of these components may result in shear band 300A of FIG. 4A having first membrane 320A, shear layer 310A, and second membrane 330A. Alternatively, an operator may subsequently wrap a second strip of elastomeric material around the belt. Assembly of these components may result in tread assembly 300B of FIG. 4B having first membrane 320B, shear layer 310B, second membrane 330B, and tread layer 340.

[0039] 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 described above. Assembly of these components can result in the tread band assembly 200 of FIG. 3, having the band 210 and the tread 220. The operator can subsequently wrap a second belt around the strip of elastomeric material. Assembly of these components can result in the shear band 300A of FIG. 4A, having the first membrane 320A, shear layer 310A, and second membrane 330A. The operator can subsequently wrap a second strip of elastomeric material around the second belt. Assembly of these components can result in the tread assembly 300B of FIG. 4B, having the first membrane 320B, shear layer 310B, second membrane 330B, and tread layer 340.

[0040] In any of the described embodiments, adhesive or cushion stock may be placed between the layers to bond them together. After the desired band is assembled, the operator can deflate the host tire and remove the assembly. The assembly can then be cured, if desired.

[0041] A beltless pneumatic host tire may be made by retrofitting an existing tire, which may be a new tire or a used tire, for example, a tire that has been used on a vehicle and whose tread has worn to the point where the tire is no longer useful.

[0042] 5 is a schematic diagram showing a half cross-section 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.

[0043] The pneumatic tire 400 also includes a pair of bead areas, including a first bead area 440A and a second bead area 440B. The pneumatic tire 400 further includes a pair of sidewalls, including a first sidewall 450A extending from the first bead area 440A to a first shoulder 430A of the crown area 410, and a second sidewall 450B extending from the second bead area 440B to a second shoulder 430B of the crown area 410. As can be seen in this figure, the first and second shoulders 430A, 430B are curved to provide a smooth transition from the crown area 410 to the first and second sidewalls 450A, 450B. The first and second sidewalls 450A, 450B are similarly curved as each sidewall transitions from the shoulder to its outermost point. The first and second side walls 450A, 450B then curve from the outermost points to the respective bead regions 440A, 440B.

[0044] 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 beneath the circumferential tread 420. It should be understood that any number of belts may be used. The pneumatic tire 400 also includes a body ply 470 that extends from the first bead region 440A, through the first sidewall 450A, through the crown region 410, through the second sidewall 450B, and to the second bead region 440B.

[0045] 6 is a schematic diagram showing a half cross-section of a beltless pneumatic host tire 500 created by removing the crown region 410 of the pneumatic tire 400 shown in FIG. 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 belt 460. The resulting host tire 500 has a crown region 510 that is devoid of a steel belt. The upper circumferential surface of the crown region 510 of the beltless pneumatic host tire 500 is a smooth upper circumferential surface.

[0046] The host tire 500 also includes a pair of bead areas including a first bead area 520A and a second bead area 520B. The host tire 500 also has a pair of sidewalls including a first sidewall 530A extending from the first bead area 520A to the crown area 510 and a second sidewall 530B extending from the second bead area 520B to the crown area 510. The beltless pneumatic host tire 500 also includes a body ply 540 extending from the first bead area 520A, through the first sidewall 530A, through the crown area 510, through the second sidewall 530B, and to the second bead area 520B.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, a beltless pneumatic host tire may be constructed by assembling a beltless green tire and then vulcanizing the beltless green tire. Such a process eliminates the need to remove the belt from an existing tire.

[0048] The crown region 510 of the host tire 500 may be described as having a "tread" and "shoulders" because these are common tire terms and may be useful references for operators. However, the host tire 500 is not used on a vehicle, and the "tread" and "shoulders" of the host tire 500 do not have the same function as in prior art tires.

[0049] 7-10 illustrate an example of steps for constructing an exemplary tread band 600. The tread band 600 is similar to the tread band assembly 200 described above. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a circular metal band 610 disposed around a beltless pneumatic host tire 700. The beltless pneumatic host tire 700 is similar to the beltless pneumatic host tire 500 described above. In this illustration, the host tire 700 is inflated so that the top surface of the host tire contacts the bottom surface of the circular metal band 610.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the crown area 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 alternative embodiments, the crown area of ​​the beltless pneumatic host tire may be equal to or greater than the width of the circular metal band.

[0051] 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tread strip 620 being wrapped around a circular metal band 610. An operator can move the host tire 700 both clockwise and counterclockwise. For example, the operator may use a foot pedal on the builder to rotate the host tire 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the tread strip 620 is a fully cured tread strip. 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.

[0052] 9 is another perspective view of one embodiment of a tread strip 620 being wrapped around a circular metal band 610. At this stage, the host tire 700 has been rotated one full revolution. A clamp 710 is used to secure the position of the tread strip 620. Although only one clamp 710 is shown, additional clamps can be used if desired. In the illustrated embodiment, a straight edge is used to adjust the position of the tread strip 620.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the tread strip 620 has a length such that after the tread strip 620 is wrapped around the circular metal band 610, a first end of the strip abuts a second end of the strip. In another embodiment, the tread strip is longer and trimmed to size so that the first end abuts the 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.

[0054] 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a completed tread band assembly 600 disposed around a beltless pneumatic host tire 700. The completed tread band 600 includes a circular metal band 610 and a tread strip 620. After the tread band assembly 600 is completed, the host tire 700 is shrunk and the tread band assembly 600 is removed.

[0055] The completed tread band assembly 600 may be cured as needed and attached to an upper ring (not shown) of a non-pneumatic tire structure. Alternatively, the completed tread band 600 may be attached directly to the support structure (i.e., spokes or webbing) (not shown) of the non-pneumatic tire structure. In all cases, curing may occur before or after the tread band assembly 600 is attached to the non-pneumatic tire structure. The completed tread band 600 may be attached to the non-pneumatic tire structure by adhesive, welding, brazing, or via a chemical bonding process. The completed tread band 600 may also be attached to the non-pneumatic tire structure through an additional curing process.

[0056] 7-10 illustrate steps for constructing an exemplary tread band 600, it should be understood that a similar process may be used to construct a shear band.

[0057] To the extent that the terms "includes" or "including," as used herein or in the claims, are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising," as interpreted when used as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is used (e.g., A or B), it is intended to mean "A or B, or both." Where applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both," the term "only A or B but not both" is used. Thus, the use of the term "or" herein is inclusive, not exclusive. 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 herein or in the claims, they are intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is used in this specification or the claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to," but also "indirectly connected to," such as by connecting through one or more other components.

[0058] While the present application has been illustrated by the description of its embodiments, and those 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 details. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present application in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and 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

1. 1. A method of constructing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire, said method comprising: A beltless pneumatic host tire is provided, the beltless pneumatic host tire comprising: a crown region lacking a steel belt; 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 crown region and a second sidewall extending from the second bead region to the crown region; disposing a circular band around 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; and wrapping a strip of rubber circumferentially around the upper surface of said circular band to form a tread band assembly.

2. providing the beltless pneumatic host tire, providing a pneumatic tire having a crown region including 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 the at least one steel belt from the crown region comprises buffing the tread of the pneumatic tire.

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

5. 10. 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. 2. 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 greater than the first width.

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

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

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

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

11. 1. A system for constructing a tread band for a non-pneumatic tire, said system comprising: A beltless pneumatic host tire, a crown region lacking a steel belt; 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 area to the crown area and a second sidewall extending from the second bead area to the crown area.

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

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

14. The system of claim 11 further comprising a circular band.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the beltless pneumatic host tire has a first diameter and the circular band has a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

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