A support structure for a non-pneumatic tire and a tire incorporating such support structure. A continuous membrane extends between a radially-inner leg and a radially-outer leg. Joints and reinforcement may be provided on sides of the membrane. An annular band may be connected with the radially-outer leg. A wheel, hub, or other structure may be connected with the radially-inner leg.

The invention discloses a non-pneumatic tire, comprising a wheel hub; an annular belt located on the periphery of the wheel hub; spokes comprising a plurality of spokes circumferentially arranged between the annular belt and the wheel hub; each spoke being V-shaped, and the spoke comprising two inclined plates arranged at an angle and an arc-shaped apex corner area formed at the joint of the two inclined plates; a resistance part for limiting the deformation amount of the apex corner area to a deformation amount corresponding to the yield strength. According to the invention, plastic permanent deformation of spokes can be effectively avoided by adding resistance parts, and further the service life of non-pneumatic tires can be prolonged.

The invention discloses a non-pneumatic tire, comprising a wheel hub; an annular belt located on the periphery of the wheel hub; spokes comprising a plurality of spokes circumferentially arranged between the annular belt and the wheel hub; each spoke being V-shaped, and the spoke comprising two inclined plates arranged at an angle and an arc-shaped apex corner area formed at the joint of the two inclined plates; a resistance part for limiting the deformation amount of the apex corner area to a deformation amount corresponding to the yield strength. According to the invention, plastic permanent deformation of spokes can be effectively avoided by adding resistance parts, and further the service life of non-pneumatic tires can be prolonged.

A tire assembly transfers rotation about an axis from an outer flexible ring to an inner central rim. The tire assembly includes a spoke structure extending radially between the inner central rim and the outer flexible ring. The spoke structure defines a plurality of radially extending closed cavities and an alternating plurality of radially extending inlet openings disposed concentrically about the axis and allowing the flexible ring to deflect under load. The closed cavities extend axially and circumferentially at a helical angle relative to the axis.

A tire assembly transfers rotation about an axis from an outer flexible ring to an inner central rim. The tire assembly includes a spoke structure extending radially between the inner central rim and the outer flexible ring. The spoke structure defines a plurality of radially extending closed cavities and an alternating plurality of radially extending inlet openings disposed concentrically about the axis and allowing the flexible ring to deflect under load. The closed cavities extend axially and circumferentially at a helical angle relative to the axis.

A spoke for a wheel attaching an outer tread to a hub, the spoke having a first and second spoke elements joined by a joint body comprised of an elastomer connecting the first spoke element to a second spoke element.

A spoke for a wheel attaching an outer tread to a hub, the spoke having a first and second spoke elements joined by a joint body comprised of an elastomer connecting the first spoke element to a second spoke element.

A ride-on vehicle, such as for a child, includes a vehicle body and one or more wheels that support the vehicle body relative to a surface. At least one of the wheels includes a hub motor arrangement that provides a drive torque for propelling the vehicle. The hub motor arrangement includes a housing defining an interior space. An axle or other mounting element(s) define an axis of rotation of the housing. Preferably, the axle or other mounting element(s) do not pass completely through the housing. A motor drives the housing through a transmission. Preferably, the motor is a standard, compact motor that is positioned on the axis of rotation and can be laterally offset from a central plane of the housing. In some embodiments, a traction element is carried directly by the housing.

A ride-on vehicle, such as for a child, includes a vehicle body and one or more wheels that support the vehicle body relative to a surface. At least one of the wheels includes a hub motor arrangement that provides a drive torque for propelling the vehicle. The hub motor arrangement includes a housing defining an interior space. An axle or other mounting element(s) define an axis of rotation of the housing. Preferably, the axle or other mounting element(s) do not pass completely through the housing. A motor drives the housing through a transmission. Preferably, the motor is a standard, compact motor that is positioned on the axis of rotation and can be laterally offset from a central plane of the housing. In some embodiments, a traction element is carried directly by the housing.

An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire that includes a base and a plurality of elements that move relative to the base. The plurality of elements have a central axis, and the elements are disposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis and move in a radial direction towards and away from the central axis. A radial movement member, hub, and a plurality of spokes are also present. Each one of the spokes is disposed between adjacent ones of the elements. The elements and the spokes are moved inwards in the radial direction by the radial movement member towards the central axis so that the spokes are moved in the radial direction towards the hub. Adhesive engages the spokes and the hub at an attachment location of the spokes and the hub.