A method of making a tire includes placing substantially circular sheets of polymeric material on top of each other until a tire is built to a predetermined width. A predetermined tread shape is formed along a circumference of the substantially circular sheets of polymeric material.

A shear band for a tire includes a first belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, a second belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, and a shear band coupon radially interposed between the first belt layer and the second belt layer. The shear band coupon includes a first reinforcing ply radially adjacent the first belt layer, a third reinforcing ply radially adjacent the second belt layer, and a second reinforcing ply radially interposed between the first reinforcing ply and the second reinforcing ply. The first reinforcing ply includes a first three dimensional layer enclosed by a first fabric layer. The second reinforcing ply includes a second three dimensional layer enclosed by a second fabric layer. The third reinforcing ply includes a third three dimensional layer enclosed by a third fabric layer.

A shear band for a tire includes a first belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, a second belt layer extending circumferentially around the tire, and a shear band radially interposed between the first belt layer and the second belt layer. The shear band includes a first reinforcing ply radially adjacent the first belt layer, a third reinforcing ply radially adjacent the second belt layer, and a second reinforcing ply radially interposed between the first reinforcing ply and the second reinforcing ply. The first reinforcing ply includes a first flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a first rubber layer. The second reinforcing ply includes a second flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a second rubber layer. The third reinforcing ply includes a third flattened, braided tube layer enclosed by a third rubber layer.

The present invention is directed to a non-pneumatic tire comprising a hub portion, a ring member essentially concentrically arranged about the hub portion, a plurality of tread portions radially extending out of a radially outer surface of the ring member, and a plurality of spokes extending from a radially outer surface of the hub portion to a radially inner surface of the ring member for supporting the ring member on the hub portion. Moreover, the tire comprises a plurality of channels fluidly connecting the hub portion with radially inner sides of the tread portions. In addition, the present invention is directed to a kit comprising such a tire and a capsule receivable in the tire.

A non-pneumatic tire is provided. The non-pneumatic tire includes an outer annular portion, an inner annular portion, and a load bearing ring positioned between the outer annular portion and the inner annular portion, the load bearing ring including an inner layer of matrix material, an outer layer of matrix material, and a wave shaped spring positioned between the inner layer of matrix material and the outer layer of matrix material.

A wheel and tire assembly includes a plurality of support elements for supporting part of a load of a vehicle and an annular shear band extending circumferentially around the support elements. The band has a radially inner circumferential membrane, a radially outer circumferential membrane, and a shear layer interconnecting the inner membrane and the outer membrane. The shear layer has a plurality of closed cells for controlling shear deflection between the inner membrane and the outer membrane.

A shear band that may be used e.g., in a non-pneumatic tire is provided. The shear band uses interlaced reinforcing elements positioned within a shear layer of elastomeric material. A variety of configurations may be used to create the interlaced positioning of the reinforcing elements including e.g., a horizontal diamond or vertical diamond configuration. The shear layer formed from a rubber composition having a very low hysteresis.

A system manufactures a tire assembly. The system includes a core having a cylindrical hub and radially protruding extensions projecting radially outward from the hub, a plurality of internal arcuate members for positioning a reinforcing layer of the about the core, the internal arcuate members each being wrapped with a reinforcement layer, the internal arcuate members being disposed in spaces circumferentially between the extensions of the core, a first side plate for securing the internal arcuate members in place relative to the core; and a second side plate for securing the core and internal arcuate members to each other.

A system manufactures a tire assembly. The system includes a core having a cylindrical hub and radially protruding extensions projecting radially outward from the hub, a plurality of internal arcuate members for positioning a reinforcing layer of the about the core, the internal arcuate members each being wrapped with a reinforcement layer, the internal arcuate members being disposed in spaces circumferentially between the extensions of the core, a first side plate for securing the internal arcuate members in place relative to the core; and a second side plate for securing the core and internal arcuate members to each other.

A solid tire (4; 8) is described comprising two or more circular layers overlapped in a radial direction. At least the outermost layer is made of elastic material and consists of an external portion or tread (16). The solid tire (4; 8) furthermore comprises at least one layer for indicating excessive wear (10), arranged in a predefined position inside the outermost portion or tread (16). The layer for indicating excessive wear (10) is made in a colour different from the one of the external portion or tread (16). The layer for indicating excessive wear (10) is made with a specific compound of materials. This specific compound of materials makes the layer for indicating excessive wear (10) easy to see. This specific compound of materials also makes the solid tire (4; 8) less hysteretic, and therefore less subject to the development of heat, when compared to similar solid tires.