System and method for curing tread band assemblies for non-pneumatic tires

Abstract

A method for curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes providing a pneumatic host tire, providing a band, and arranging the band around the pneumatic host tire. The method also includes providing an elastomer tread and arranging the elastomer tread circumferentially around the top of the band. The method further includes securing a curing envelope around the pneumatic host tire, the band, and the elastomer tread. The method also includes applying heat to the band and the elastomer tread to form a tread band assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[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 Art

[0002] Various tire structures have been developed that allow a tire to run in a non-inflated or under-inflated state. Non-pneumatic tires do not require inflation, while "run-flat tires" can continue to operate at a relatively high speed for a long period of time after a puncture and the complete or partial loss of pressurized air. Non-pneumatic tires can include a plurality of spokes, webbing, or other support structures that connect a lower ring to an upper ring. It is known to use an adhesive or cement to bond a cured tread to a non-pneumatic upper ring.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a method for curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes providing a pneumatic host tire, a circular band, and an elastomer 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 for curing the tread band assembly further includes circumferentially arranging the elastomer tread around the upper surface of the circular band and arranging the circular band around the crown region of the pneumatic host tire. The method also includes fixing a curing envelope around the pneumatic host tire, the circular band, and the elastomer tread. Fixing includes fixing the first side of the hardened envelope to the first bead area of ​​the pneumatic host tire and fixing the second side of the hardened envelope to the second bead area of ​​the pneumatic host tire. The method also includes applying heat to the circular band and the elastomer tread.

[0004] In another embodiment, a system for curing a treadband assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes a pneumatic host tire having a circumferential top surface and a crown region having 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 of 80–110°, and the second shoulder similarly extends from a second side of the circumferential top surface at an angle of 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 sized to receive the treadband assembly and the pneumatic host tire. The system also includes a pair of fasteners, which include a first fastener configured to secure a first end of the cured envelope to a first bead region, and a second fastener configured to secure a second end of the cured envelope to a second bead region.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, a method for curing a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire includes providing a pneumatic host tire, providing a band, and arranging the band around the pneumatic host tire. The method also includes providing an elastomer tread and arranging the elastomer tread circumferentially around the top of the band. The method further includes securing a curing envelope around the pneumatic host tire, the band, and the elastomer tread. The method also includes applying heat to the band and the elastomer tread to form a tread band assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] The attached drawings illustrate structures illustrating exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention, along with the detailed description provided below. Similar elements are identified by the same reference numeral. It should be understood that elements shown as single components may be replaced by multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced by single components. The drawings are not to exact scale, and the proportions of certain elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a font view of one embodiment of a tread band assembly for a non-pneumatic tire. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a half-section of an exemplary prior art pneumatic tire. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a half-section of a pneumatic host tire. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pneumatic host tire, with a tread band assembly arranged around it. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the pneumatic host tire and tread band assembly shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view of one embodiment of a hardened envelope. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view of one embodiment of a hardened envelope disposed on a pneumatic host tire and tread band assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0008] "Axial" and "in the axial direction" refer to the direction parallel to the tire's axis of rotation.

[0009] "Circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to the direction that extends along the outer circumference of the tread surface, perpendicular to the axial direction.

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

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

[0012] While common tire components are described using similar terminology in the following description, it should be understood that, naturally, the terms have slightly different implications, and therefore, those skilled in the art will not consider any of the following terms to be purely interchangeable with other terms used to describe common tire components.

[0013] In this specification, directions are described with respect to the tire's axis of rotation. The terms “upward” and “towards” refer to the general direction toward the tire's tread, while “downward” and “towards” refer to the general direction toward the tire's axis of rotation. Therefore, when relative directional terms such as “upper” and “lower” or “top” and “bottom” are used in relation to elements, the “upper” or “top” element is spaced further away from the tread than the “lower” or “bottom” element. Additionally, when relative directional terms such as “up” or “down” are used in relation to elements, an element “above” another element is closer to the tread than the other element.

[0014] The terms "inward" and "inward" refer to the general direction toward the tire's equatorial plane, while "outward" and "outward" refer to the general direction toward the tire's sidewall, away from the tire's equatorial plane. Therefore, when relative directional terms such as "internal" and "external" are used in relation to elements, "internal" elements are spaced further away from the tire's equatorial plane than "external" elements.

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire 10. The non-pneumatic tire 10 is merely an illustrative figure and is not intended to be limiting. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-pneumatic tire 10 includes a substantially annular lower ring 20 that engages with a rim (not shown) on which the tire 10 is mounted. The substantially annular lower ring 20 has a lower surface 23 and an upper surface 24 and may be made of a polymer material or metal.

[0016] The non-pneumatic tire 10 further comprises a substantially annular upper ring 30 surrounding interconnected webs 40, the webs being a support structure connected to a substantially 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 around the axis 12.

[0017] The web 40 is formed by substantially radial elements 42 that form a vertex 41 together with the upper surface 23 of the lower ring 20 and a vertex 43 together with the lower surface 33 of the upper ring 30. The substantially radial elements 42 also form a vertex 44 together with substantially circumferential elements 45.

[0018] In one embodiment, the substantially annular lower ring 20 and the substantially annular upper ring 30 are made of the same material as the interconnected web 40. In a particular embodiment, each of the lower ring 20, the upper ring 30, and the web 40 is constructed of steel. In an alternative embodiment, each of the lower ring 20, the upper ring 30, and the web 40 is constructed of other metals, carbon fiber, resin, 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 materials listed.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the substantially annular lower ring, the substantially annular upper ring, and the interconnected web is made of a different material. For example, the upper ring 30 may be a steel band, while the lower ring 20 and the web 40 are constructed of other metals, carbon fiber, resin, 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 substantially polygonal openings 50. In other embodiments (not shown), other web configurations may be used.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the 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 rubber or synthetic rubber. The tread 70 can 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 grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, siping, studs, and other elements. A shear band or other shear element or reinforcing 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.

[0022] In one embodiment, the circumferential tread 70 is attached to the top of the upper ring 30, and no pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed between the upper ring 30 and the circumferential tread 70. In such an embodiment, the circumferential tread 70 is directly joined 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.

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

[0024] In one embodiment, each of the lower ring 110, the upper ring 120, and the spokes 130 is constructed from the same material. In a particular embodiment, each of the lower ring 110, the upper ring 120, and the spokes 130 is constructed from steel. In alternative embodiments, each of the lower ring 110, the upper ring 120, and the spokes 130 is constructed from other metals, carbon fiber, resin, 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 materials listed.

[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 polymer materials such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, a circumferential tread 140 is disposed around an upper ring 120. The circumferential tread 140 may be constructed of an elastomer material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber. The tread 140 may have a plurality of circumferential grooves defining a plurality of ribs. It should be understood that the tread may include tread elements such as grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, sipes, studs, and other elements. A shear band or other shear element or reinforcing 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.

[0027] In one embodiment, the circumferential tread 140 is attached to the top of the upper ring 120, and no pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided between the upper ring 120 and the circumferential tread 140. In such an embodiment, the circumferential tread 140 is directly bonded 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 provided between the circumferential tread 140 and the upper ring 120.

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

[0029] The tread and band can be cured together to form a treadband assembly. The treadband assembly can then be attached to a support structure. For example, the treadband assembly may be bonded to the support structure using adhesives, chemical bonding processes, or brazing or welding processes. Alternatively, the treadband assembly may be attached to the support structure through additional curing processes.

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing 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 polymer material. The tread 220 may be constructed of rubber or another elastomer material. The tread 220 may be constructed of raw rubber or partially cured rubber. The tread 220 may also be constructed of vulcanized rubber.

[0031] In one embodiment, a strip of raw rubber (i.e., cushioning rubber) or thermosensitive 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 on the band 210.

[0032] To prepare the tread band assembly 200 to be attached to a non-pneumatic tire structure, the components of the tread band assembly are assembled and then cured in a curing system. If the tread 220 is made of raw rubber or partially cured rubber, the curing system cures the tread 220 so that it bonds to the band 210. Alternatively, a layer of cushion stock or thermosensitive adhesive (not shown) may be placed between the tread 220 and the band 210. During curing, the cushion stock or thermosensitive adhesive bonds the tread 220 to the band 210. In all cases, if the cushion stock or thermosensitive adhesive is placed between the band 210 and the tread 220, the cushion stock or thermosensitive adhesive bonds to both the band 210 and the tread 220 during the curing process.

[0033] 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 the curing process. For reference, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a half section 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 defining a plurality of ribs. The circumferential tread 320 may include other tread elements such as blocks, transverse 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.

[0034] 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 figure, 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 similarly curved as each sidewall transitions from the shoulder to its outermost point. The first and second sidewalls 350A and 350B are further curved from their outermost points to their respective bead regions 340A and 340B.

[0035] The pneumatic tire 300 also includes a pair of belts 360. It should be understood that any number of belts may be used.

[0036] In contrast to the prior art pneumatic tire 300 shown in Figure 4, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a half-section of a pneumatic host tire 400. As shown herein, the pneumatic host tire 400 includes a circumferential top surface 420 and a crown region 410 having a pair of shoulders including a first shoulder 430A and a second shoulder 430B. 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 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 from the second bead region 440B to the second shoulder 430B of the crown region 410.

[0037] Compared to the pneumatic tire 300 in 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 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 is buffed without any exposure or removal of the circumferential belts 460 of the pneumatic host tire 400. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the uppermost 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 within the host tire. In yet another alternative embodiment, the pneumatic host tire may be molded to have a flat circumferential top surface so that buffing is unnecessary.

[0038] Additionally, the shoulders 430A and 430B of the pneumatic host tire 400 are constructed in comparison to the shoulders 330A and 330B of the pneumatic tire 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulders 430A and 430B of the pneumatic host tire 400 are constructed to be perpendicular to the flat circumferential top surface 420 of the pneumatic host tire 400 (i.e., extending at an angle of 90° thereto). In an alternative embodiment, the shoulders of the pneumatic host tire are constructed to extend at an angle of 80 to 110° from the upper circumferential surface of the crown region of the tire.

[0039] In one embodiment, the shoulders 430A and 430B are constructed by applying layers of rubber to each of the shoulders 430A and 430B until the shoulders have the desired dimensions. In an alternative embodiment, the shoulders 430A and 430B are constructed by extruding a pair of shoulder extensions and applying each of the shoulder extensions to the corresponding shoulders 430A and 430B. The shoulder extensions may be applied to the shoulders 430A and 430B by adhesive, chemical bonding, or by a curing process. In any of these embodiments, the resulting pneumatic host tire 400 has a flat circumferential top surface 420 having a width greater than or equal to the width of the tread band assembly 200.

[0040] After the pneumatic host tire 400 is provided, the operator may position the tread band assembly 200 around the flat circumferential upper 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.

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pneumatic host tire 400, with a tread band assembly 200 positioned around it. As can be seen from this figure, the pneumatic host tire 400 has substantially the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the tread band assembly 200. Therefore, the pneumatic host tire 400 can provide support to the tread assembly 200 during curing. After the tread assembly 200 is positioned around the pneumatic host tire 400, the tread assembly 200 and the host tire 400 can be positioned within a curing envelope to provide an airtight curing assembly. The width of the pneumatic host tire 400 is greater than or equal to the width of the tread band assembly 200, so that the curing envelope leans against the tire sidewall, making air release easier and extending the life of the curing envelope.

[0042] The assembled host tire 400 and tread assembly 200 can be attached to 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 complete and the envelope is removed, the cured tread band assembly 200 can be removed from the pneumatic host tire 400.

[0043] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the pneumatic host tire 400 and the tread band assembly 200. As can be seen in this figure, the first shoulder portion 430A is constructed to be perpendicular to the first sidewall 450A and the flat circumferential upper surface 420, and the width of the flat circumferential upper surface 420 is substantially the same as the width of the tread band assembly 200.

[0044] After the tread band assembly 200 is positioned around the pneumatic host tire 400, a hardened envelope may be positioned around the assembly. Figure 8 is a front view of one embodiment of the hardened envelope 500. The hardened envelope is sized to accommodate the tread band assembly and the pneumatic host tire assembly, so that a first end 510 of the hardened envelope 500 can be fixed to the first bead region 440A of the pneumatic host tire 400, and a second end 520 (not shown in this figure) of the hardened envelope 500 can be fixed to the second bead region 440B of the pneumatic host tire 400. Due to the shape of the pneumatic host tire 400 and the tread band assembly 200, each side of the hardened envelope 500 is flat with respect to the sidewalls 450A, 450B of the pneumatic host tire 400. This positioning facilitates air release and can extend the life of the hardened envelope 500.

[0045] Figure 9 is a front view of one embodiment of a hardened envelope 500 disposed on a pneumatic host tire 400 and a tread band assembly 200. A first arc ring 610 secures the first end 510 of the hardened envelope 500 to the first bead region 440A, and a second arc ring 620 secures the second end 520 of the hardened envelope 500 to the second bead region 440B. Each arc ring 610, 620 has a ratchet assembly attached 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 another metal or rigid material.

[0046] The ratchet assembly includes a body and a handle. The handle is pivotably connected to the body at a pivot point. A spring mechanism is connected between the body and the handle and biases the ratchet assembly toward the open or closed position.

[0047] During operation, the handle of the ratchet assembly may move to a first position in which the end of the handle is close to the body. In this first position, the arc ring has its minimum diameter and can be inserted into or removed from a sealed position relative to the hardened envelope 500 and the pneumatic host tire 400. When the arc ring is in the sealed position, the handle may then move to a second position in which the end of the handle is distal to the body. In this second position, the arc ring expands to its maximum diameter and contacts the end of the hardened envelope 500 and the bead area of ​​the pneumatic host tire 400. In this way, the arc ring seals the hardened envelope 500 relative to the non-pneumatic tire 400.

[0048] While this embodiment shows an arc-shaped band, it should be understood that the hardened envelope can be secured around the pneumatic host tire and tread band assembly using any fasteners.

[0049] The hardened envelope 500 also includes a valve 530 configured to be connected to a vacuum pump 700 via a hose 710. After the hardened envelope 500 is secured around the pneumatic host tire 400, the vacuum pump 700 is connected to the valve 530 to expel air from the hardened envelope 500.

[0050] After the air is expelled from the curing envelope 500, the entire assembly can be placed in the chamber for curing. Heat is applied during the curing process. In one embodiment, the curing chamber is heated to 200° to 300°. The heat is applied for 90 to 400 minutes, or until the tread band assembly 200 is cured, i.e., until the tread 220 is bonded to the band 210 and the tread 220 is cured.

[0051] Once the tread band assembly 200 is hardened, the arc rings 610, 620 are removed and the hardened envelope 500 is removed. The host tire 400 can then be removed from the inside of the hardened tread band assembly 200. The hardened tread band assembly 200 can then be attached to a non-pneumatic tire structure.

[0052] The cured tread band assembly 200 may be attached to the outer ring of the non-pneumatic tire structure, or it may be attached directly to the support structure (i.e., spokes or webbing) of the non-pneumatic tire structure. The cured tread band assembly 200 may be attached to the non-pneumatic tire structure by adhesive, welding, brazing, or through a chemical bonding process. The cured tread band assembly 200 may also be attached to the non-pneumatic tire structure through an additional curing process.

[0053] The terms “includes” or “including” are intended to be inclusive, as with the term “comprising,” to the extent that they are used herein or in the claims, and are interpreted as transitional words in the claims. Furthermore, the terms “or” are intended to mean “A or B, or both” to the extent that they are used (e.g., A or B). When the 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). Additionally, the terms “in” or “into” are intended to mean “on” or “onto” to the extent that they are used herein or in the claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “connect” is used herein or in 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.

[0054] Although this application has been illustrated by the description of its embodiments, and its embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the applicant's intention to limit the appended claims to such detail or to restrict them in any way. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader embodiments of this application are not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and examples illustrated and described. For this reason, deviations from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A method for hardening a tread band assembly for non-pneumatic tires, A pneumatic host tire, wherein the pneumatic host tire is 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, To provide a pneumatic host tire, which includes a pair of sidewalls: 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. To provide a circular band, To provide elastomer red, The elastomer thread is arranged circumferentially around the upper surface of the circular band, The circular band is positioned around the crown region of the pneumatic host tire, The hardened envelope is fixed around the pneumatic host tire, the circular band, and the elastomer tread, The first side of the hardened envelope is fixed to the first bead region of the pneumatic host tire, This includes fixing the second side of the hardened envelope to the second bead region of the pneumatic host tire, A method comprising applying heat to the circular band and the elastomer red.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein fixing the cured envelope includes fixing the first side of the cured envelope to the first bead region using a first arc ring, and fixing the second side of the cured envelope to the second bead region using a second arc ring.

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

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein providing the pneumatic host tire includes providing a pneumatic host tire that is molded to have a flat upper surface.

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

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising constructing each of the pair of shoulders of the pneumatic host tire such that each of the pair of shoulders extends at an angle of 80 to 110° from the upper circumferential surface of the crown region of the pneumatic host tire.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein constructing the pair of shoulder portions includes applying a layer of rubber to each of the pair of shoulder portions.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein constructing the pair of shoulder portions includes pushing out a pair of shoulder extensions and applying each of the shoulder extensions to the corresponding shoulder portion.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein by constructing each of the pair of shoulder portions, a pneumatic host tire having a crown region having a width greater than or equal to the width of the circular band is obtained.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising removing the hardened envelope from the pneumatic host tire, the circular band, and the elastomer tread, and removing the circular band and the elastomer tread from the pneumatic host tire.

11. A system for hardening tread band assemblies for non-pneumatic tires, It is a pneumatic host tire, A crown region having a circumferential upper surface and a pair of shoulder portions including a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion, The first shoulder portion extends from the first side of the circumferential upper surface at an angle of 80 to 110°, The second shoulder portion extends from the second side of the circumferential upper surface at an angle of 80 to 110°, and has a crown region. A pair of bead regions, including a first bead region and a second bead region, A pneumatic host tire comprising 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 tread band assembly and a hardened envelope sized to receive the pneumatic host tire, A system comprising a pair of fasteners, including a first fastener configured to fix a first end of the hardened envelope to the first bead region, and a second fastener configured to fix a second end of the hardened envelope to the second bead region.

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

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

14. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a vacuum pump configured to be connected to the curing envelope.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the pneumatic host tire is a vulcanized pneumatic tire.

Images