Non-pneumatic tire having a reinforced support structure and method for producing the same

Abstract

The non-pneumatic tire includes a ring, a circumferential tread disposed about the ring, and a plurality of support structures extending downwardly from the ring, with the ends of each support structure including an axially extending member and each support structure including a reinforcing layer extending along the length of the support structure and wrapping around the axially extending member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforced support structure and a method of manufacturing the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforced spoke or web having a reinforcing material at least partially wound around an elongate member and a method of manufacturing the same.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0002] Various tire structures have been developed that allow a tire to travel in a non-inflated or under-inflated state. Non-pneumatic tires do not require inflation, but “run-flat tires” can continue to operate for an extended period of time at a relatively high speed after a puncture and the complete or partial loss of pressurized air. A non-pneumatic tire may include a plurality of spokes, webs, or other support structures that connect an inner ring to an outer ring.

[0003] In one embodiment, a non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly includes a non-pneumatic tire having a ring, a circumferential tread disposed around the ring, and a plurality of spokes extending radially downward from the ring. Each spoke terminates at a lower end defined by an axially extending member. Each spoke includes a reinforcing material that at least partially wraps around the axially extending member. The reinforcing material may be a plurality of cords of reinforcing material, a mesh of reinforcing material, or a sheet of reinforcing material. The assembly also includes a rim having a plurality of mounts. Each mount is configured to receive the axially extending member of a corresponding spoke.

[0004] In another embodiment, a method of making a non-pneumatic tire includes providing a ring, providing a plurality of elongate members, and disposing the elongate members inside the ring such that each elongate member extends axially relative to the ring. The method also includes providing a ribbon of reinforcing material and wrapping the ribbon of reinforcing material around each of the elongate members along a serpentine path along the inner surface of the ring.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, a non-pneumatic tire includes a ring, a circumferential tread disposed around the ring, and a plurality of support structures extending downwardly from the ring. Each end of each support structure includes an axially extending member, and each support structure includes a reinforcing layer that extends along the length of the support structure and wraps around the axially extending member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] In the accompanying drawings, structures that illustrate exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention are illustrated along with the detailed description provided below. Like elements are identified by the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced by a number of components, and elements shown as a number of components may be replaced by a single component. The drawings are not to scale, and the ratios of certain elements may be exaggerated for illustration.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0008] "Axial" and "axially" refer to a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the tire.

[0009] "Circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to a direction extending along the outer periphery of the surface of the tread that is perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0010] "Radial" and "radially" refer to a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the tire.

[0011] As used herein, "tread" refers to the portion of the tire that contacts the road or ground at normal inflation and normal load.

[0012] General tire components are described by similar terms used in the following description. However, it should be understood that since the terms have somewhat different implications, those skilled in the art will not consider any of the following terms to be purely interchangeable with other terms used to describe general tire components.

[0013] In this specification, directions are described with reference to the rotational axis of the tire. The terms "upward" and "upwardly" refer to the general direction toward the tread of the tire, and "downward" and "downwardly" refer to the general direction toward the rotational axis of the tire. Thus, when relative directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" or "top" and "bottom" are used in relation to 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 relation to an element, an element "above" another element is closer to the tread than the other element.

[0014] The terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to the general direction towards the equatorial plane of the tire, and "outward" and "outwardly" refer to the 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 relation to an element, the "inner" element is spaced closer to the equatorial plane of the tire than the "outer" element.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire 100. The non-pneumatic tire 100 includes an annular band or ring 110, and a circumferential tread 120 is disposed around the ring 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the tread 120 is a separate rubber component disposed around the ring 110. The tread 120 may include ribs, blocks, grooves, sipes, or other tread elements (not shown). The tread 120 may be attached to the ring 110 with an adhesive. Alternatively, the tread 120 may be attached to the ring 110 through a curing process or a chemical bonding process.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the ring itself forms the tread of the tire. Thus, it may include ribs, blocks, grooves, sipes, or other tread elements (not shown).

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of support structures in the form of spokes 130 extend downwardly (i.e., towards the axis of rotation) from the ring 110. In the illustrated embodiment, each spoke 130 extends axially across the entire ring 110. In an alternative embodiment, each spoke extends only partially across the ring. In such an embodiment, two or more rows of spokes may be used. These rows may be aligned with each other or offset from each other.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the spoke 130 is substantially linear and extends radially. In an alternative embodiment, the spoke may be curved or disposed at an acute angle to the radial direction. The spoke may also be V-shaped, cross-shaped, or may have any geometric shape. Alternatively, a webbing or other support structure may be used.

[0019] Each spoke 130 terminates at a lower end having an elongate member 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate member 140 is an axially extending member. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the elongate member may extend in a non-axial direction.

[0020] The elongate member 140 defines the inner diameter of the tire 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each elongate member 140 is a cylindrical rod such as a pin, post, tab, or threaded rod.

[0021] The non-pneumatic tire 100 further includes a reinforcing layer 150 extending along the ring 110 and the spokes 130. The reinforcing layer 150 is at least partially wound around each elongate member 140. The reinforcing layer 150 may take the form of a plurality of cords of reinforcing material, a mesh of reinforcing material, and a sheet of reinforcing material. Exemplary reinforcing materials include steel or other metals, nylon, polyester, glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid, glass, polyethylene (polyethylene terephthalate). However, the reinforcing layer is not limited to any particular reinforcing material.

[0022] To construct the non-pneumatic tire 100, the reinforcing layer 150 may first be embedded in the embedding material. For example, the reinforcing layer may be co-extruded with an untreated elastomer material to form an untreated reinforcing ribbon. Alternatively, the reinforcing layer 150 may be a separate layer used in the tire structure, which is then covered with the embedding material. For example, a ribbon or sheet of reinforcing material can be applied to the tire structure, and then a ribbon or sheet of embedding material can be applied to the reinforcing layer. Next, the tire structure can be cured in a vulcanization mold or autoclave, or by other curing means. As another example, a ribbon or sheet of reinforcing material is applied to the tire structure, and then the tire structure may be overmolded with the embedding material in an injection molding mold or a compression molding mold.

[0023] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer is a plurality of cords embedded in a ribbon of untreated elastomer material. In a particular embodiment, the cords extend in the longitudinal direction of the ribbon. In such an embodiment, the cords extend radially along each spoke. In an alternative embodiment, the cords may be oblique to the longitudinal direction or may extend transversely. In such an embodiment, the cords extend in an oblique direction or a transverse direction along each spoke.

[0024] In all embodiments, the embedding material may be further coated with a protective material. For example, the embedding material may be coated with a material formulated to have material properties that are more resistant to ozone exposure than the embedding material. Such materials may include tire sidewall compounds, veneer compounds, such as synthetic rubbers like ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, neoprene, butyl rubber, hydrogenated diene rubber, or other compounds formulated to be resistant to ozone exposure. The coating may be a different color than the embedding material.

[0025] Although a single reinforcing layer 150 is shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that two or more reinforcing layers may be used. Additionally, the number of reinforcing layers may vary in different portions of the tire 100. For example, the ring 110 may have more reinforcing layers than the spoke 130. Alternatively, the spoke 130 may have more reinforcing layers than the ring 110.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the framework 200 of the non-pneumatic tire 100 of FIG. 1. The framework 200 includes a framework ring 210 and a plurality of framework spokes 230. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the framework spoke 230 of the non-pneumatic tire of FIG. 1. The framework 200 is described with respect to both FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0027] The framework 200 is for illustrative purposes only and shows the relationship between the reinforcing layer 150 and other elements of the non-pneumatic tire 100. The framework 200 can represent a partial construct by one method of making a reinforced tire, but here it is presented simply to show how the tire 100 would theoretically look if all the embedded materials could be removed.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing layer 150 is shown as a mesh. The reinforcing layer 150 is shown as a meandering ribbon that is continuously disposed around the central axis of the framework 200 and follows a serpentine path around the elongate member 140 of each framework spoke 230 along the inner portion of the framework ring 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing layer 150 follows a substantially radial path from the framework ring 210 to the elongate member 140. In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing layer may follow a path other than a radial path from the framework ring to the elongate member. For example, the reinforcing layer may follow a curved path or an inclined path.

[0029] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer 150 is adhered to each elongated member 140 using an adhesive or through a curing process or chemical bonding. In such embodiments, the reinforcing layer 150 may be directly adhered to the elongated member 140, or an embedding material encapsulating the reinforcing layer may be adhered to the elongated member 140.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing layer 150 is not adhered to the elongated member 140. In such an embodiment, the elongated member 140 is free to rotate or translate relative to the reinforcing layer 150. The mechanical interaction between the elongated member 140 and the reinforcing layer 150 can thus be selected to achieve different performances. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the elongated member to be fixed relative to the reinforcing layer. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the elongated member to rotate without translating relative to the reinforcing layer. In still other embodiments, it may be desirable for the elongated member to translate without rotating relative to the reinforcing layer. In yet other embodiments, it may be desirable for the elongated member to rotate and translate relative to the reinforcing layer.

[0031] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2 and 3, the elongated member 140 is a rod. In one embodiment, the rod is a threaded rod. Alternatively, the rod may be a smooth rod having threaded ends. In such an embodiment, the rod may be configured to receive threaded nuts at both ends. In yet another embodiment, the rod is a smooth rod.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of the skeletal spoke 300. In this embodiment, the skeletal spoke 300 is substantially the same as the skeletal spoke 230 except for the differences described below. In the skeletal spoke 300, the elongated member is formed by a steel cord bundle 310. Since the steel cord bundle 310 resembles the bead of a pneumatic tire, it may be referred to as the bead 310.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of the skeletal spoke 400. In this embodiment, the skeletal spoke 400 is substantially the same as the skeletal spokes 230 and 300, except for the differences described below. In the skeletal spoke 400, the elongated member is formed by a bar 410 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the bar may have any geometric cross-section.

[0034] FIGS. 6-11 are schematic views showing front views of various embodiments of a reinforcing layer at least partially wound around an elongated member. Each of these embodiments depicts an elongated member (i.e., a rod) having a circular cross-section, but it should be understood that any of the above-described elongated members may be used.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a front view of a reinforcing layer 150 wound around the elongated member 140 of the non-pneumatic tire of FIG. 1. As can be seen from this figure, the reinforcing layer 150 is a continuous layer wound around the elongated member 140.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a front view of an alternative embodiment of a reinforcing layer 500 wound around the elongated member 140. In this embodiment, the reinforcing layer 500 includes a first reinforcing layer 510 that winds around the left side of the elongated member 140 and terminates at a first end below the elongated member 140. The reinforcing layer 500 further includes a second reinforcing layer 520 that winds around the right side of the elongated member 140 and terminates at a second end below the elongated member 140 and below a portion of the first reinforcing layer 510. In this embodiment, the end of the first reinforcing layer 510 may be attached to the end of the second reinforcing layer 520.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a front view of another alternative embodiment of a reinforcing layer 600 wound around an elongated member 140. In this embodiment, the reinforcing layer 600 includes a first reinforcing layer 610 that wraps around the left side of the elongated member 140 and terminates at a first end below the elongated member 140. The reinforcing layer 600 further includes a second reinforcing layer 620 that wraps around the right side of the elongated member 140 and terminates at a second end below the elongated member 140. However, in this embodiment, the ends of the first reinforcing layer 610 and the second reinforcing layer 620 do not overlap each other. Instead, the ends of the first reinforcing layer 510 and the second reinforcing layer 520 may be attached to a rim or other component.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a front view of yet another alternative embodiment of a reinforcing layer 700 having a first reinforcing layer 710 and a second reinforcing layer 720, each of which is wound around an elongated member 730. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated member 730 is a split member, and the first reinforcing layer 710 and the second reinforcing layer 720 each pass through a central channel of the split elongated member 730. After passing through the central channel, the first reinforcing layer 710 partially wraps around the lower left portion of the elongated member 730, and the second reinforcing layer 720 wraps around the lower right portion of the elongated member 730.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a front view of a reinforcing layer 800 wound around an exemplary webbing elongated member 140 of a non-pneumatic tire. It should be understood that the webbing may have any shape, and the webbing shown in this figure is for illustrative purposes only.

[0040] The reinforcing layer 800 is substantially the same as the other reinforcing layers described above, except that instead of spokes extending in the radial direction, the reinforcing layer 800 defines a part of the web. The reinforcing layer 800 may be a continuous layer wound around a series of rigid members forming the webbing. Alternatively, the reinforcing layer 800 may be formed by a plurality of reinforcing layers. For example, any of the multilayer embodiments illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 7-9 may be applied to the webbing embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a front view of a reinforcing layer 900 wound around an exemplary curved spoke elongated member 140 of a non-pneumatic tire. It should be understood that the spoke may have any shape, and the curved spoke shown in this figure is for illustrative purposes only.

[0042] The reinforcing layer 900 is substantially the same as the other reinforcing layers described above, except that instead of defining spokes extending in the radial direction, the reinforcing layer 800 defines curved spokes. The reinforcing layer 900 may be a continuous layer wound around each of a plurality of elongated members 140 of the tire. Alternatively, the reinforcing layer 900 may be formed by a plurality of reinforcing layers. For example, any of the multilayer embodiments illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 7-9 may be applied to the curved spoke embodiment shown in FIG. 11.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a front view of the elongated member 140 and the bead filler 910. The bead filler 910 is disposed above the elongated member 140 and provides additional rigidity. The bead filler 910 also prevents wear from the reinforcing layer. The bead filler 910 is shown with an elongated member 140 having a circular cross-section (i.e., a rod), but it should be understood that any of the above-described elongated members may be used. The bead filler may be composed of an elastomeric material. In one embodiment, the bead filler is composed of the same material as the embedding material. In an alternative embodiment, the bead filler is composed of a material harder than the embedding material. For example, the bead filler may be made of glass fiber or metal.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the bead filler 910 is in contact with the elongate member 140. In an alternative embodiment, the bead filler is spaced apart from the elongate member.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the bead filler 910 is shown as having a substantially triangular shape and a height approximately equal to the diameter of the elongate member 140. However, it should be understood that the shape and dimensions of the bead filler may be varied to achieve the desired performance. For example, the bead filler 910 may have a height less than 20% of the spoke height. In another embodiment, the bead filler 910 may have a height equal to 20 - 40% of the spoke height. In another embodiment, the bead filler 910 may have a height equal to 40 - 60% of the spoke height. In another embodiment, the bead filler 910 may have a height equal to 60 - 80% of the spoke height. In another embodiment, the bead filler 910 may have a height equal to 80 - 100% of the spoke height.

[0046] The bead filler 910 can control the rotation of the elongate member 140 with respect to the reinforcement layer 150 and with respect to the mounting points on the rim. Changing the length and other dimensions of the bead filler affects such rotation.

[0047] In addition, the bead filler 910 can affect how the spokes flex during compression. The material and dimensions of the bead filler can be selected to control the amount and direction of such flexure.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a front view of an embodiment of a spoke of a non-pneumatic tire. In this embodiment, a reinforcing layer 150 and an embedded material 1000 are wound around an elongated member 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing layer 150 and the embedded material 1000 form a spoke similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-9. However, it should be understood that the embedded material may be used in any spoke or webbing design, such as those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, as well as the alternative designs described above.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the embedded material 1000 is shown as having a consistent thickness along the entire spoke. In one embodiment, the embedded material 1000 is composed of a single material. The embedded material 1000 may be composed of a polymeric material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or other elastomeric materials. Alternatively, the embedded material 1000 may be composed of a harder polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Alternatively, the embedded material may be one or more resins.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the embedded material 1000 may be formed from different materials in different regions of the tire. In another alternative embodiment, different regions of the tire may have multiple embedded materials of different materials.

[0051] The tire can be vulcanized or heated in another way so that the embedded material 1000 softens. During such a process, the reinforcing layer 150 can be embedded within the embedded material 1000. Thus, the final tire may not have two separate layers.

[0052] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a front view of an alternative embodiment of the reinforcing layer 150 and the embedded material 1010 wrapped around the elongated member 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing layer 150 and the embedded material 1010 form spokes similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-9. However, it should be understood that the embedded material may be used in any spoke or webbing design such as those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, as well as the alternative designs described above.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the embedded material 1010 is shown as having various thicknesses. Here, the left side of the spoke is shown as having a thicker embedded material than the right side of the spoke. However, it should be understood that this figure is merely illustrative. The thickness of the embedded material 1010 may vary at any point along the tire.

[0054] In one embodiment, the embedded material 1010 is composed of a single material. The embedded material 1010 may be composed of a polymeric material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or other elastomeric materials. Alternatively, the embedded material 1010 may be composed of a harder polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Alternatively, the embedded material may be one or more resins.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the embedded material 1010 may be formed from different materials in different regions of the tire. In another alternative embodiment, different regions of the tire may have multiple embedded materials of different materials.

[0056] The tire can be vulcanized or heated in some other way so that the embedded material 1010 softens. During such a process, the reinforcing layer 150 can be embedded within the embedded material 1010. Thus, the final tire may not have two separate layers.

[0057] Figures 15 to 17 show a non-pneumatic tire and a rim assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-pneumatic tire 100 of FIG. 1 is shown attached to a rim 1100. However, these figures are not intended to be limiting, and it should be understood that any of the alternative embodiments of the non-pneumatic tire described above can be attached onto the rim 1100.

[0058] The mechanical interaction between the elongate member and the attachment point on the rim may be selected to achieve different performances. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the elongate member to be fixed relative to the rim attachment point. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the elongate member to rotate relative to the rim attachment point without translation. In still other embodiments, it may be desirable for the elongate member to translate relative to the rim attachment point without rotation. In such embodiments, the inner diameter of the tire effectively changes as the elongate member moves relative to the rim during operation. In still other embodiments, it may be desirable for the elongate member to rotate and translate relative to the rim attachment point.

[0059] In one embodiment, the slot and the elongate member each have an irregular geometry to limit rotation. For example, the elongate member may have a protrusion that forms a stopper.

[0060] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire and a rim assembly. The non-pneumatic tire 100 is attached to a rim 1100. In one embodiment, the rim 1100 includes a circumferential groove (not shown) configured to receive a respective portion of each of a plurality of elongate members 140. The rim 1100 further includes a plurality of openings 1110, each sized to receive one of the plurality of elongate members 140. In this embodiment, the circumferential groove and the plurality of openings 1110 together define a plurality of mounts, each configured to receive an elongate member 140 of a corresponding spoke 130.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the rim 1100 includes a plurality of axially extending slots (not shown) instead of circumferential grooves. Each slot is configured to receive a portion of one of the plurality of elongate members 140. In this embodiment, the plurality of slots and the plurality of openings 1110 together define a plurality of mounts, each mount being configured to receive an elongate member 140 of a corresponding spoke 130.

[0062] FIG. 16 is a detailed view of an elongate member 140 of a spoke 130 received in an embodiment of a rim mount 1120. A portion of the elongate member 140 is received within a slot or circumferential groove 1130. The first and second ends of the elongate member 140 extend through a pair of openings 1110. Although only a single opening 1110 can be seen in this figure, it should be understood that the same opening is located on the opposite side of the rim mount 1120. In one embodiment, the elongate member 140 is a threaded rod, and each rod is attached to a corresponding mount by a first nut fastened to the first end and a second nut fastened to the second end. In an alternative embodiment, a pin, clip, or other fastener may be used instead of a nut. In another alternative embodiment, the first end of the elongate member includes a flange, and only the second end of the elongate member receives a fastener such as a nut, pin, or clip.

[0063] In each of the embodiments described, the opening 1110 is a circular opening having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the elongate member 140. The fastener is attached such that the elongate member 140 is able to rotate within the circular opening 1110. The fastener prevents axial translation of the elongate member 140, and the circular opening 1110 prevents radial or circumferential translation of the elongate member 140.

[0064] FIG. 17 is a detailed view of the elongated member 140 of the spoke received in an alternative embodiment of the rim mount 1200. A portion of the elongated member 140 is received within a pair of slots or circumferential grooves 1210. Only a single opening 1210 can be seen in this figure, but it should be understood that identical openings are located on the opposite side of the rim mount 1200. In one embodiment, the elongated member 140 is a threaded rod, and each rod is attached to the corresponding mount by a first nut fastened to the first end and a second nut fastened to the second end. In an alternative embodiment, pins, clips, or other fasteners may be used instead of nuts. In another alternative embodiment, the first end of the elongated member includes a flange, and only the second end of the elongated member receives a fastener such as a nut, pin, or clip.

[0065] In each of the embodiments described, the opening 1210 is a slot that extends radially and is sized slightly larger than the diameter of the elongated member 140. The fastener is attached so as to allow the elongated member 140 to rotate within the slot 1210, while the fastener prevents axial translation of the elongated member 140. The slot allows radial translation but prevents circumferential translation of the elongated member 140. In other words, the elongated member 140 rotates freely and translates freely radially.

[0066] In one embodiment, the slot may define two or more distinct attachment points. Instead of floating the elongated member to any position within the slot, a cam mechanism can be used to move it between predetermined attachment points. In such an embodiment, the tire and rim assembly is a static system during use. The user adjusts the cam between the predetermined attachment points and locks the cam in place while the tire is not in use. The attachment points are thus fixed during use. In another such embodiment, the tire and rim assembly is a dynamic system during use. An electrical, mechanical, or computer system adjusts the cam between the predetermined attachment points during use of the tire.

[0067] In another embodiment, the rim attachment point is a slot, and the elongated member is attached to a spring, gasket, or other flexible member. Thus, the elongated member can float within the slot in a controlled manner. The stiffness of the spring, gasket, or flexible member can be selected to optimize movement within the slot.

[0068] In another alternative embodiment, the elongated member is a hollow rod attached to the rim by a bearing rod. The bearing rod allows the bottom of the spoke to rotate freely as the tire rotates.

[0069] In each of the above-described embodiments, the spoke 130 may be removably attached to the rim mount. By using fasteners such as nuts, clips, or pins, the spoke can be easily removed from the rim. In an alternative embodiment, the spoke may be permanently attached to the rim.

[0070] The terms "includes" or "including" are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the term "comprising" as construed when used as a transitional phrase in a claim, to the extent that the term is used in this specification or the claims. Further, where the term "or" is used (e.g., A or B), it is intended to mean "A or B, or both." Where 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" in this specification is inclusive, not exclusive. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d Ed. 1995). Also, the terms "in" or "into" are intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto" to the extent that the terms are used in this specification or the claims. Further, where 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 connected through one or more other components.

[0071] This application has been illustrated by the description of its embodiments and has been described in considerable detail, but it is not the intention of the Applicants to limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail or to limit them in any way. Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the application in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and examples shown and described. For this reason, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the Applicants' general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly, wherein the non-pneumatic tire comprises: a ring, a circumferential tread disposed around the ring, a plurality of spokes extending radially downward from the ring, each spoke terminating at a lower end defined by a member extending in the axial direction, each spoke including a reinforcing material that at least partially wraps around the member extending in the axial direction, the reinforcing material being selected from the group consisting of a plurality of cords of reinforcing material, a mesh of reinforcing material, and a sheet of reinforcing material, a plurality of spokes; and a rim including a plurality of mounts, each mount configured to receive the member extending in the axial direction of a corresponding spoke. The non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly, wherein the reinforcing material includes a first reinforcing material having a first end terminating below the member extending in the axial direction and a second reinforcing material having a second end terminating below the member extending in the axial direction, the first end of the first reinforcing material terminating at the rim, and the second end of the second reinforcing material terminating at the rim.

2. The reinforcing material is a serpentine reinforcing material continuously disposed around the central axis of the non-pneumatic tire, the serpentine reinforcing material following a meandering path along an inner portion of the ring and around the member extending in the axial direction of each spoke, according to claim 1.

3. Each member extending in the axial direction is a rod, each mount includes a first opening and a second opening, and each rod is received within a corresponding mount such that a first end of the rod extends through the first opening and a second end of the rod extends through the second opening, and each rod is received within the corresponding mount such that the rod rotates freely and translates freely in the radial direction, according to claim 1.

4. The reinforcing material is embedded in a polymeric material coated with a protective material, according to claim 1.

5. A non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly, wherein the non-pneumatic tire comprises: a ring, a circumferential tread disposed around the ring, a plurality of spokes extending radially downward from the ring, each spoke terminating at a lower end defined by a member extending in the axial direction, each spoke including a reinforcing material that at least partially wraps around the member extending in the axial direction, each spoke terminating at a lower end defined by a member extending in the axial direction, Each spoke includes a reinforcing member that at least partially wraps around a member extending in the axial direction, wherein the reinforcing member is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of cords of reinforcing material, a mesh of reinforcing material, and a sheet of reinforcing material, a non-pneumatic tire comprising a plurality of spokes, a rim including a plurality of mounts, each mount being configured to receive a member of the corresponding spoke extending in the axial direction, wherein each member extending in the axial direction is a rod, each mount includes a first opening and a second opening, and each rod is received in the corresponding mount such that a first end of the rod extends through the first opening and a second end of the rod extends through the second opening, and each rod is received in the corresponding mount such that the rod rotates freely and translates freely in the radial direction, a non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly. **Claim 6**: The reinforcing member is a meandering reinforcing member continuously disposed around the central axis of the non-pneumatic tire, and the meandering reinforcing member follows a winding path along the inner portion of the ring and around a member of each spoke extending in the axial direction. The assembly according to claim 5. **Claim 7**: The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the reinforcing member is embedded in a polymer material coated with a protective material.

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