Pneumatic Tire Having Reinforced Support Structure and Method of Manufacturing the Same

Abstract

To provide a non-pneumatic tire having a support structure comprising a reinforcement layer and a method of making the same.SOLUTION: A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a support structure extending between the inner ring and the outer ring. The support structure has a reinforcement layer disposed therein, where the reinforcement layer has cords containing multiple filaments or strands of filaments, and the cord satisfies the following relationship: x*y<18,000, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm. The reinforcement layer may contain cords having a Lang lay construction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a non-pneumatic tire having a support structure including a reinforcing layer and a method of manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] Various tire structures have been developed that enable 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 relatively high speeds for an extended period after a puncture and the loss of pressurized air, either completely or partially. Non-pneumatic tires may include a plurality of spokes, webbing, or other support structures that connect an inner ring to an outer ring.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a non-pneumatic tire includes an inner ring having a first diameter and an outer ring having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The outer ring is substantially coaxial with the inner ring. The tire further includes a support structure extending between the inner ring and the outer ring. The support structure includes at least one reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer includes one or more cords including a plurality of filaments or strands of filaments, and the cords satisfy the following relationship: x*y < 18,000, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm.

[0004] In another embodiment, the non-pneumatic tire includes an inner ring having a first diameter and an outer ring having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The outer ring is substantially coaxial with the inner ring. The tire further includes a support structure extending between the inner ring and the outer ring. The support structure includes a plurality of loops extending laterally from a first side of the non-pneumatic tire to a second side of the non-pneumatic tire. Each of the plurality of loops defines an opening visible from the first side of the non-pneumatic tire. Each of the plurality of loops is in direct contact with the inner ring and the outer ring. The plurality of loops includes at least a first loop and a second loop, and the first loop is in direct contact with the second loop. At least one of the plurality of loops includes at least one reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer includes one or more cords including a plurality of filaments or strands of filaments, and the cords satisfy the following relationship: x * y < 18,000, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, the non-pneumatic tire includes an inner ring having a first diameter and an outer ring having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The outer ring is substantially coaxial with the inner ring. The tire further includes a support structure extending between the inner ring and the outer ring. The support structure includes a plurality of spokes having a first spoke end and a second spoke end. Each of the plurality of spokes follows a path deviated from a perfect straight line between the first spoke end and the second spoke end. Each of the plurality of spokes includes at least one reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer includes one or more cords including a plurality of filaments or strands of filaments, and the cords satisfy the following relationship: x * y < 18,000, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7a

Figure 7b

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire 100. The non-pneumatic tire 100 includes an inner ring 110 having a first diameter and an outer ring 120 having a second diameter 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 a hub H. A plurality of spokes 130 extend between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120. In an alternative embodiment, a webbing or other support structure may be employed instead of the spokes. It should be understood that the term "support structure" may mean either a webbing or a spoke.

[0009] In the illustrated embodiment, a circumferential tread 140 is disposed around the outer ring 120. The tread 140 may include tread elements such as grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, sipes, studs, and other elements. A shear band or other shear element or reinforcement structure (not shown) may be disposed between the outer ring 120 and the tread 140. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a separate tread may be omitted and, instead, tread elements may be formed directly on the outer ring.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged front view of the non-pneumatic tire of FIG. 1. As can be seen from this figure, the spokes 130 are formed by a plurality of loops disposed continuously circumferentially around the tire. Each of the individual loops extends laterally from a first side of the non-pneumatic tire 100 to a second side of the non-pneumatic tire 100. Each of the plurality of loops defines an opening that is visible from the first side of the tire.

[0011] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of loops is in direct contact with both the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120. A plurality of fillets 150 are also disposed between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120. The plurality of fillets 150 includes an inner fillet 150i and an outer fillet 150o. The inner fillet 150i is in direct contact with the inner ring 110 and each adjacent pair of loops of both the first loop and the second loop. The outer fillet 150o is in direct contact with the outer ring 120 and each adjacent pair of loops of both the first loop and the second loop.

[0012] The inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120 may be constructed of a polymeric material such as natural or synthetic rubber, or other elastomeric materials. Alternatively, the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120 may be constructed of a harder polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The spoke 130 is formed of loops that may be constructed of an elastomeric material having a single layer of reinforcing material disposed therein. The loops may be constructed from a sheet of elastomeric material or a helical ribbon of elastomeric material having a single layer of reinforcing material disposed therein. When the loops are formed by a sheet, the ends of the sheet may be butted and joined together. The joint may be positioned on the inner or outer ring of the non-pneumatic tire. When the loops are formed by a helical ribbon, the butting joint may be omitted.

[0013] In either case, the reinforcing material may be a steel cord. In other embodiments, the reinforcing material may be formed by a cord constructed of nylon, polyester, glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid, glass, polyethylene (polyethylene terephthalate), or other reinforcing materials. In alternative embodiments, the loops may be constructed of an elastomeric material having two or more layers of reinforcing material.

[0014] In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer includes one or more cords that include a plurality of filaments or strands of filaments, and the cords satisfy the following relationship: x * y < 18,000, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in millimeters.

[0015] To determine the stiffness of the cords discussed in this disclosure and any embodiments herein, the cords are subjected to a tensile strength test in accordance with ASTM D-2969 using a 660 mm gauge length. The stress is calculated by dividing the load (N) on the cord by the cross-sectional area (mm2) of the cord. The cross-sectional area of the cord is the sum of the actual cross-sectional areas of the individual filaments in the cord and not the area obtained by circumscribing a circle around the entire cord. The stress values (MPa) for a given strain (mm / mm) are plotted up to the cord break point, and the entire curve is fitted to a linear trend line. The slope of the trend line represents the stiffness of the cord.

[0016] It has been found that improving the fatigue resistance performance of the reinforcing layer, it is desirable to use cords having a relatively low stiffness in combination with cords having a relatively small diameter. In one embodiment, the cord may have a stiffness of less than 90,000 MPa. In another embodiment, the cord may have a stiffness of less than 70,000 MPa, and in yet another embodiment, the stiffness may be less than 50,000 MPa. In one embodiment, the diameter of the largest filament in the cord may be 0.2 mm or less. In another embodiment, the diameter of the largest filament in the cord may have a diameter of less than 0.19 mm, and in yet another embodiment, a diameter of less than 0.18 mm.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cord has a Lang Lay construction. The Lang Lay construction is a structure in which the filaments constituting the strand are arranged in a helical pattern and are twisted in the same direction as the strand is arranged and twisted to form the cord. The Lang Lay construction provides improved fatigue resistance, which is beneficial for the support structure of a non-pneumatic tire.

[0018] When the loop has one or more reinforcing layers, at least one layer has the following relationship: x*y < 18,000 is satisfied, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm, the cord having.

[0019] In other embodiments having multiple layers of reinforcing material, one or more layers, or all layers, may have the following relationship: x*y < 18,000 is satisfied, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm, the cord may have.

[0020] Similarly, when the loop has one or more reinforcing layers, in one embodiment, one layer may have a cord with a Lang Lay construction. In an alternative embodiment, one or more layers may have a cord with a Lang Lay construction. In other alternative embodiments, all layers of the reinforcing material may have a cord with a Lang Lay construction.

[0021] Both the tread 140 and the fillet 150 may be constructed of an elastomeric material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or other elastomeric materials.

[0022] Additional details of the loop of the non-pneumatic tire shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be shown in FIG. 3, which is a schematic view illustrating a partial front view of the non-pneumatic tire 200 during its construction. The non-pneumatic tire 200 includes an inner ring 210 having a first diameter and an outer ring 220 having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The outer ring 220 is substantially coaxial with the inner ring 210. As shown in this figure, the spoke 230 is formed by a first loop 240a and a second loop 240b. The first loop includes a first layer 250a of reinforcing cords, and the first loop forms a first substantially radial range 260a and a second substantially radial range 260b. The second loop includes a second layer 250b of reinforcing cords, and the second loop forms a third substantially radial range 260c and a fourth substantially radial range 260d.

[0023] In addition, a first fillet 270a is disposed between the first loop 240a, the second loop 240b, and the inner ring 210. Similarly, a second fillet 270b is disposed between the first loop 240a, the second loop 240b, and the outer ring 220.

[0024] At the stage shown in FIG. 3, the first loop 240a is spaced apart from the second loop 240b. This spacing may be emphasized for illustrative purposes. During the process of forming the non-pneumatic tire, heat and pressure are applied during a curing process. Specifically, pressure is applied to the second range 260b of the first loop 240a and the third range 260c of the second loop 240b to bring the second range 260b into contact with the third range 260c. When heat and pressure are applied, the second range 260b is joined to the third range 260c, thereby forming a single spoke 230 having two layers of the two-layer reinforcing cord formed by the first and second layers of the reinforcing cords 250a, b for the first loop 240a and the second loop 240b. The resulting spoke 230 extends substantially radially in the same manner as the spoke 130 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least half of the second range 260b is in contact with at least half of the third range 260c. In an alternative embodiment, at least 2 / 3 of the second range 260b is in contact with at least 2 / 3 of the third range 260c.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first layer 250a and the second layer 250b of the reinforcing cords extends substantially radially of the resulting spoke 130. In an alternative embodiment, one or both of the layers of reinforcing cords are deflected with respect to the radial direction. In such an embodiment, one or both of the layers of reinforcing cords are deflected at an angle of 50° to 90°. In such an embodiment, the butted joint may also be angled.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the region between the inner ring and the outer ring is not linear but curved. The curved region may be used to control the direction and extent of buckling of the spokes as the tire rotates. Such a curved region may still be considered to be substantially radial. In such an embodiment, the reinforcing cords may have the same curvature as the region. In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing cords may have a different curvature from the region. In another alternative embodiment, the reinforcing cords may extend linearly, while the region is curved.

[0028] In other alternative embodiments, the region is substantially linear, while one or more of the layers of reinforcing cords are curved with respect to the radial direction. The curved layer of reinforcing cords may be used to control the direction and extent of buckling of the spokes as the tire rotates. In such an embodiment, even if one or more of the layers of reinforcing cords are curved, the resulting spokes may still extend linearly when in an uncompressed state. In such a configuration, the spokes may be described as having a pre-curvature of the reinforcement.

[0029] To construct non-pneumatic tires such as non-pneumatic tires 100 and 200, the operator may perform a step of providing an inner ring of an elastomeric material, a step of providing an outer ring of an elastomeric material, and a step of arranging the inner ring and the outer ring such that the inner ring is substantially coaxial with the outer ring. In one embodiment, the operator provides a sheet of reinforced elastomeric material and forms a plurality of loops using the sheet of reinforced elastomeric material. The elastomeric material satisfies the following relationship: x*y < 18,000, and where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm, and the cord is reinforced.

[0030] The cord may have a Lang lay structure. Each loop may be formed by butting and joining the ends of the sheet together. The operator then places the loops of reinforced elastomeric material between the inner ring and the outer ring. The loops may be arranged such that the butt joint contacts either the inner ring or the outer ring.

[0031] In another embodiment, the operator provides a ribbon of reinforced elastomeric material. In a particular embodiment, the operator forms the ribbon by extruding a green rubber ribbon together with exactly two steel cords, thereby forming a green rubber ribbon with two steel cords embedded therein.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the operator forms the ribbon by extruding a green rubber ribbon together with one steel cord. In yet another embodiment, the operator forms the ribbon by extruding a green rubber ribbon together with three or more steel cords.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the ribbon may be made by a calendaring operation rather than an extrusion operation. For example, in one embodiment, the ribbon is made by calendaring rubber onto a cord and slitting the calendared sheet into thin ribbons containing one, two, or more cords.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire 300. The non-pneumatic tire 300 includes an inner ring 310 having a first diameter and an outer ring 320 having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The outer ring 320 is substantially coaxial with the inner ring 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner ring 310 is shown as being attached to a hub 330.

[0035] The circumferential tread 340 is disposed around the outer ring 320. The tread 340 may include tread elements such as grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, sipes, studs, and other elements. A shear band or other shear element or reinforcement structure (not shown) may be disposed between the outer ring 320 and the tread 340. In an alternative embodiment, a separate tread may be omitted and instead, the tread elements may be formed directly on the upper ring.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of individual spokes 350 extend between the inner ring 310 and the outer ring 320. In this embodiment, each one of the plurality of spokes 350 has a substantially identical design. However, in an alternative embodiment, the plurality of spokes may include spokes having different designs.

[0037] Each spoke 350 has a first spoke end 370 and a second spoke end 380 and follows a path that deviates from a perfect straight line between the first spoke end 370 and the second spoke end 380.

[0038] The inner ring 310 and the outer ring 320 may be constructed of a polymeric material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or other elastomeric materials. Alternatively, the inner ring 310 and the outer ring 320 may be constructed of a harder polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The spoke 350 may be constructed of an elastomeric material having a single reinforcing layer 360 disposed therein. More specifically, the spoke 350 may be constructed of a sheet of elastomeric material having a single reinforcing layer 360 disposed therein.

[0039] The reinforcing material may be a steel cord. In other embodiments, the reinforcing material may be formed by a cord constructed of nylon, polyester, glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid, glass, polyethylene (polyethylene terephthalate), or other reinforcing materials. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the spoke may be constructed of an elastomeric material having two or more reinforcing layers.

[0040] The reinforcing layer satisfies the following relationship: x*y < 18,000, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm, including the cord.

[0041] In one embodiment, the cord may have a stiffness of less than 90,000 MPa. In another embodiment, the cord may have a stiffness of less than 70,000 MPa, and in yet another embodiment, the stiffness may be less than 50,000 MPa. In one embodiment, the diameter of the largest filament in the cord may be 0.2 mm or less. In another embodiment, the diameter of the largest filament in the cord may have a diameter of less than 0.19 mm, and in yet another embodiment, a diameter of less than 0.18 mm. In one embodiment, the cord has a Lang lay structure.

[0042] When the spoke has one or more reinforcing layers, at least one layer has the following relationship: x * y < 18,000 is satisfied, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm, and has a cord.

[0043] In other embodiments having multiple layers of reinforcing material, one or more layers, or all layers, have the following relationship: x * y < 18,000 is satisfied, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm, and may have a cord.

[0044] Similarly, when the spoke has one or more reinforcing layers, in one embodiment, one layer may have a cord with a lang lay structure. In an alternative embodiment, one or more layers may have a cord with a lang lay structure. In other alternative embodiments, all layers of the reinforcing material may have a cord with a lang lay structure.

[0045] The tread 340 may be constructed of an elastomeric material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or other elastomeric materials.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows another alternative embodiment of the non-pneumatic tire 400, and FIG. 6 shows a close-up front view of the non-pneumatic tire 400 shown in FIG. 5. The non-pneumatic tire 400 includes an outer ring 410. The outer ring 410 may be constructed from a rubber ply 420. Alternatively, the outer ring 410 may be constructed from a material other than rubber. In an alternative embodiment, the outer ring is formed by a ply constructed from a foamed polymer, polyurethane, thermoplastic, resin, or other elastomeric or polymeric material. In another alternative embodiment, the ply is constructed of metal instead of a polymeric material. In another alternative embodiment, the outer ring 410 is a solid hoop.

[0047] The tire 400 further includes a plurality of loops 430 extending inwardly from the outer hoop 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the loops 430 are formed by a serpentine spoke ply continuously arranged about the central axis of the tire 400 such that the longitudinal axis of the serpentine spoke ply is substantially parallel to the equatorial plane of the tire 400. The serpentine spoke ply follows a tortuous path between the inner diameter and the outer diameter such that the serpentine spoke path has a plurality of inner portions 430i extending substantially circumferentially about the inner diameter. The serpentine spoke path further has a plurality of outer portions 430o extending substantially circumferentially about the outer diameter. A plurality of spoke portions 430s extend substantially radially between the inner diameter and the outer diameter.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, all of the inner portions 430i have substantially the same arc length. Similarly, each outer portion 430o also has substantially the same arc length, and the arc length of the outer portion 430o is longer than the arc length of the inner portion 430i. In one embodiment, the total arc length of the inner portions 430i is between 120° and 240°. The total arc length of the outer portions 430o is also between 120° and 240°. In one embodiment, the sum of the total arc length of the inner portions 430i and the total arc length of the outer portions 430o is 360°. In an alternative embodiment, the sum of the total arc length of the inner portions and the total arc length of the outer portions is less than 360°. In another alternative embodiment, the sum of the total arc length of the inner portions and the total arc length of the outer portions is greater than 360°.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the different inner portions may have different arc lengths. Similarly, the different outer portions may also have different arc lengths.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, loop 430 is constructed of a ply having a width equal to the width of tire 400. In an alternative embodiment, the loop is constructed of a ply that is narrower than the tire. In such an embodiment, the ply may be offset with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire. In one such embodiment, each of the spoke portions of the meandering spoke ply extends at an angle of less than 45° with respect to the radial direction. Similarly, each of the inner portions of the meandering spoke ply extends at an angle of less than 45° with respect to the equatorial plane, and each of the outer portions of the meandering spoke ply extends at an angle of less than 45° with respect to the equatorial plane.

[0051] Loop 430 may be constructed of an elastomeric material having a single layer of reinforcement 450 disposed therein. The reinforcement may be a steel cord. In other embodiments, the reinforcement may be formed by cords constructed of nylon, polyester, glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid, glass, polyethylene (polyethylene terephthalate), or other reinforcement. In an alternative embodiment, the loop may be constructed of an elastomeric material having two or more layers of reinforcement.

[0052] The layer of reinforcement 450 satisfies the following relationship: x * y < 18,000, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, and y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord, measured in mm, including the cord.

[0053] In one embodiment, the cord may have a stiffness of less than 90,000 MPa. In another embodiment, the cord may have a stiffness of less than 70,000 MPa, and in yet another embodiment, the stiffness may be less than 50,000 MPa. In one embodiment, the diameter of the largest filament in the cord may be 0.2 mm or less. In another embodiment, the diameter of the largest filament in the cord may have a diameter of less than 0.19 mm, and in yet another embodiment, it may have a diameter of less than 0.18 mm. In one embodiment, the cord has a Lang lay structure.

[0054] When the loop has one or more reinforcing layers, at least one layer has the following relationship: x * y < 18,000 is satisfied, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm, and the cord has.

[0055] In other embodiments having multiple layers of reinforcing material, one or more layers, or all layers, have the following relationship: x * y < 18,000 is satisfied, where x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals, y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm, and the cord may have.

[0056] Similarly, when the loop has one or more reinforcing layers, in one embodiment, one layer may have a cord with a Lang lay structure. In an alternative embodiment, one or more layers may have a cord with a Lang lay structure. In yet other alternative embodiments, all layers of the reinforcing material may have a cord with a Lang lay structure.

[0057] Figure 7a is a partial front view of a cord having a right Lang lay structure, and Figure 7b is a partial view of a cord having a left Lang lay structure. It can be understood that the twist of strand 510 is in the same direction as the twist of filament 520.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a representative cord structure that can be used in any of the reinforcing material layers described in this specification. In the illustrated embodiment, cord 600 is a 3×3 cord, which means that three filaments 610 are wound to form a strand 620, and three strands 620 are wound to form cord 600. Cord 600 is coated with an elastomeric material 630. In a particular embodiment, the cord is a steel cord having a lang lay structure of 3×3×0.17, which means that three filaments are wound to form a strand, three strands are wound to form a cord, and each of the filaments has a diameter of 0.17 mm.

[0059] As used in this specification or in the claims, the terms "includes" or "including" are intended to be inclusive, in the same sense as the term "comprising" is interpreted when used as a transitional phrase in a claim. Further, where the term "or" is used (e.g., A or B), it is intended to mean "A or B, or both." When Applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both," the term "only A or B but not both" is used. Accordingly, the use of the term "or" in this specification is inclusive, not exclusive. See Bryan 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" as used in this specification or in the claims. Further, where the term "connect" is used in this specification or in the claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to" but also, for example, "indirectly connected to" via another component.

[0060] This application has been illustrated by description of its embodiments and has been described in considerable detail, but it is not the intention of Applicants to limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail or to any form of limitation. Additional advantages and improvements will readily be apparent 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 illustrative examples shown and described. Thus, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of Applicants' general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A non-pneumatic tire, comprising: an inner ring having a first diameter; an outer ring having a second diameter larger than the first diameter and substantially coaxial with the inner ring; a support structure extending between the inner ring and the outer ring, the support structure including a reinforcing material layer disposed therein, the reinforcing material layer including at least one cord including a plurality of filaments or strands of filaments, the at least one cord having a Lang lay structure, and the at least one cord satisfying the following relationship: x * y < 18,000, wherein x is the stiffness of the cord measured in megapascals; y is the diameter of the largest filament in the cord measured in mm.

2. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cord is constructed of at least one of nylon, polyester, glass fiber, and glass.

3. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is constructed of an elastomeric material.

4. The support structure includes a plurality of loops extending laterally from a first side of the non-pneumatic tire to a second side of the non-pneumatic tire, each of the plurality of loops defining an opening visible from the first side of the non-pneumatic tire, each of the plurality of loops being in direct contact with both the inner ring and the outer ring, and the plurality of loops including at least a first loop and a second loop, the first loop being in direct contact with the second loop.

5. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of loops is formed by a helical ribbon of an elastomeric material having a single reinforcing material layer disposed therein.

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