Expanded rubber articles (11) and processes for making such, comprising: partially curing an expandable rubber formulation (2) by heating it in a first mold cavity (1) to form a molded blank (3); releasing the molded blank (3) from the first mold cavity (1) and allowing the molded blank (5) to expand to form an expanded molded blank (4); and further curing and expanding the expanded molded blank (4) by heating it to form the expanded rubber article (11) comprising an expanded rubber part (6), wherein the expanded molded blank (4) is heated in a second mold cavity (5). Optionally, the expanded molded blank (4) is contacted with a further rubber formulation (7) and a substrate comprising a base material (9) and an elastomer bonding layer (8) in the second mold cavity (5) to form an expanded rubber article additionally comprising a solid rubber part (10) and a substrate (8, 9).

The invention relates to a vehicle wheel assembly, comprising 1) a wheel rim (4) having two opposed circular rim flanges (5); 2) an outer tire (3) having two beads secured at the circular rim flanges (5); 3) a non-pneumatic inner tire (1) comprising expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), which inner tire (1) is enclosed by the outer tire (3) and the wheel rim (4); wherein the inner tire (1) in the assembly is in a compressed state S1, which state is compressed as compared to a relaxed state S2 when the inner tire (1) is not enclosed by the outer tire (3), the compression being such that the cross-sectional surface area SA of the inner tire (1), which area is perpendicular to the plane of the tire, is smaller in state S1 than in state S2.

A multi-layer or multi-section foam insert replacement for a pneumatic inner tube emulates the effect of air pressure, across a wide range of temperatures and pressures, while maintaining the weight of a conventional air-filled pneumatic tube. Through the use of different density materials and/or the orientation and thickness of such materials, desirable handling properties are achieved. The multi-layer/multi-section foam insert can be produced by steam molding or extrusion of foam materials.

A molded body is useful in non-pneumatic tires. The non-pneumatic tires containing the molded body are useful for vehicle wheels such as wheels for cars, bikes, motorcycles, trucks, e-scooters, toys, sports equipment, golf caddy, strollers, or wheelchairs. A process for manufacturing the molded body for non-pneumatic tires is also provided.

A molded body is useful in non-pneumatic tires. The non-pneumatic tires containing the molded body are useful for vehicle wheels such as wheels for cars, bikes, motorcycles, trucks, e-scooters, toys, sports equipment, golf caddy, strollers, or wheelchairs. A process for manufacturing the molded body for non-pneumatic tires is also provided.

A method for producing a tire filled with a (meth)acrylic hydrogel, the method comprises a) providing a mixture comprising at least one water-soluble (meth)acrylic compound, water and an initiator, and b) filling the mixture in a tire in which the mixture polymerizes to form the (meth)acrylic hydrogel. The tire filling material is suitable for producing flat proof tires, enables fast and controlled cure and is insensitive towards dosage errors. Moreover, the tire filling material is environmental friendly and cost effective.

A method for producing a tire filled with a (meth)acrylic hydrogel, the method comprises a) providing a mixture comprising at least one water-soluble (meth)acrylic compound, water and an initiator, and b) filling the mixture in a tire in which the mixture polymerizes to form the (meth)acrylic hydrogel. The tire filling material is suitable for producing flat proof tires, enables fast and controlled cure and is insensitive towards dosage errors. Moreover, the tire filling material is environmental friendly and cost effective.

Particular embodiments of the invention comprises a composition for reducing weight imbalances, force variations, and/or vibrations in a tire-wheel assembly, the composition comprising a first plurality of particulate for positioning within the tire-wheel assembly, where each particle in the first plurality of particulate is characterized as having low energy absorption capabilities, and a second plurality of particulate for positioning within the tire-wheel assembly, where each particle in the second plurality of particulate is characterized as having elevated energy absorption capabilities. Additional embodiments of the invention comprise a method for reducing force imbalances, force variations, and/or vibrations in a tire-wheel assembly, which includes the steps of providing a tire-wheel assembly and placing into a pressurization chamber of said tire-wheel assembly a composition as contemplated in any embodiment or combination of embodiments suggested herein.

Particular embodiments of the invention comprises a composition for reducing weight imbalances, force variations, and/or vibrations in a tire-wheel assembly, the composition comprising a first plurality of particulate for positioning within the tire-wheel assembly, where each particle in the first plurality of particulate is characterized as having low energy absorption capabilities, and a second plurality of particulate for positioning within the tire-wheel assembly, where each particle in the second plurality of particulate is characterized as having elevated energy absorption capabilities. Additional embodiments of the invention comprise a method for reducing force imbalances, force variations, and/or vibrations in a tire-wheel assembly, which includes the steps of providing a tire-wheel assembly and placing into a pressurization chamber of said tire-wheel assembly a composition as contemplated in any embodiment or combination of embodiments suggested herein.

A tire structure includes a tire; an attachment layer positioned between an inner surface of the tire and a spike supporting layer, and allowing the spike supporting layer to be coupled to the inside of the tire; and a spike supporting layer coupled to the inside of the tire by the attachment layer and supporting the spikes operated in conjunction with deformation of the tire, thereby enabling an existing tire to be used for the power generation system using tire deformation.