Abstract:
A non-pneumatic tire and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. More particularly, a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforcement structure with one or more spacers is provided along with a method of placement of a spacer between reinforcing bands of a non-pneumatic tire. A jig can be used to facilitate placement of the spacer.
Abstract:
A method is provided for making an annular reinforcement structure having inner and outer reinforcement bands maintained in concentric alignment by a resilient spacing element positioned between the bands. The method includes the steps of placing the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band and compressing the spacing element with a jig, adjacent the top edge of the outer reinforcement band. The spacing element is sufficiently compressed to allow the inner reinforcement band to slide into concentric alignment with the outer reinforcement band, with a minimum of deflection and/or distortion of the inner reinforcement band.
Abstract:
A non-pneumatic tire and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. More particularly, a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforcement structure with one or more spacers is provided along with a method of placement of a spacer between reinforcing bands of a non-pneumatic tire. A jig can be used to facilitate placement of the spacer.
Abstract:
A non-pneumatic wheel is provided having a continuous loop reinforcement assembly that can support a load and have performance similar to pneumatic tires. Various configurations of a non-pneumatic wheel, including variations of the continuous loop reinforcement assembly, are provided. One or more resilient spacers can be positioned with the continuous loop reinforcement assembly and can be configured for the receipt of a matrix material.
Abstract:
Molds for preparing a viscoelastic material for dynamic analysis that include mold sections that when closed in alignment define such elements as a specimen cavity having an open end and dimensioned to provide a sample of the viscoelastic material of a predetermined size. Other elements may include a support member holder adjacent to the open end of the specimen cavity and a fill channel in fluid communication between the specimen cavity and a fill port. The fill port is adapted for receiving a reactive mixture of the viscoelastic material to fill the specimen cavity, wherein the support member holder is adapted for securing a support member having a surface that seals the open end of the specimen cavity.
Abstract:
The present invention provides improved spoke edge geometry for a non-pneumatic or hybrid tire that is less prone to fatigue when used. The present invention also provides a way to manufacture such geometry in a mold, In particular the spoke edge geometry is provided with a reduced cross-section that reduces the bending stresses locally and allows a unique mold construction that changes the placement and orientation of potential flash and reduces other potential molding flaws when a liquid such as polyurethane is introduced into the cavity of the mold to form a spoke. This change results in a reduction in the possibility of a stress riser being found near the edge of the spoke, enhancing the durability of the tire.
Abstract:
The invention provides a rubber composition comprising at least a diene elastomer, at least 60 phr of a reinforcing inorganic filler, and 20 to 100 phr of a plasticizer comprising more than 4 phr of a mercapto-modified silicone oil.
Abstract:
A method is provided for making an annular reinforcement structure having inner and outer reinforcement bands maintained in concentric alignment by a resilient spacing element positioned between the bands. The method includes the steps of placing the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band and compressing the spacing element with a jig, adjacent the top edge of the outer reinforcement band. The spacing element is sufficiently compressed to allow the inner reinforcement band to slide into concentric alignment with the outer reinforcement band, with a minimum of deflection and/or distortion of the inner reinforcement band.
Abstract:
The invention provides a rubber composition comprising at least a diene elastomer, at least 60 phr of a reinforcing inorganic filler, and 20 to 100 phr of a plasticizer comprising more than 4 phr of a mercapto-modified silicone oil.
Abstract:
A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.