A wheel device includes: a wheel member; a tire disposed on the outside of the wheel member, the tire comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and a plurality of hollow pipes disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the inner layer comprises grooves; a plurality of support members each having a circular arc shape; and a plurality of spoke members respectively connecting the wheel member to the plurality of support members. The plurality of spoke members are configured to move the plurality of support members between a first position and a second position. In the first position, each of the support members are disposed in the grooves. In the second position, each of the support members are disposed closer to a central axis of the tire than when the support members are in the first position.

A wheel device includes: a wheel member; a tire disposed on the outside of the wheel member, the tire comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and a plurality of hollow pipes disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the inner layer comprises grooves; a plurality of support members each having a circular arc shape; and a plurality of spoke members respectively connecting the wheel member to the plurality of support members. The plurality of spoke members are configured to move the plurality of support members between a first position and a second position. In the first position, each of the support members are disposed in the grooves. In the second position, each of the support members are disposed closer to a central axis of the tire than when the support members are in the first position.

An improved spoke for a tire attaching an outer tread to a hub, the spoke having a spoke element possessing spoke element reinforcements, the spoke element joined by a joint body comprised of an elastomer connecting the spoke element to an outer compliant band where the joint body possesses an aperture so as to reduce the weight and hysteresis of the spoke.

A non-pneumatic wheel having a hub, an outer tread band and a plurality of spokes connecting the hub with the outer tread band, each of the plurality of spokes having first and second spoke elements joined by a body comprised of an elastomer connecting the first spoke element to the second spoke element.

A non-pneumatic wheel having a hub, an outer tread band and a plurality of spokes connecting the hub with the outer tread band, each of the plurality of spokes having first and second spoke elements joined by a body comprised of an elastomer connecting the first spoke element to the second spoke element.

A one-piece tire has an elastomer material composition that is homogeneous and consistent throughout the entire tire. An annular outer portion of the one-piece tire includes an outwardly facing surface that defines an outer circumference of the tire and a width of the tire between a first edge on a first lateral side and second edge on a second lateral side of the tire. An annular inner portion defines an inner circumference of the tire. The annular inner portion has a first edge on the first lateral side of the tire and a second edge on the second lateral side of the tire. An annular resilient spring portion extends from a first junction near the first edge of the annular inner portion to a second junction near the second edge of the annular outer portion.

A one-piece tire has an elastomer material composition that is homogeneous and consistent throughout the entire tire. An annular outer portion of the one-piece tire includes an outwardly facing surface that defines an outer circumference of the tire and a width of the tire between a first edge on a first lateral side and second edge on a second lateral side of the tire. An annular inner portion defines an inner circumference of the tire. The annular inner portion has a first edge on the first lateral side of the tire and a second edge on the second lateral side of the tire. An annular resilient spring portion extends from a first junction near the first edge of the annular inner portion to a second junction near the second edge of the annular outer portion.

A non-pneumatic and method of making a non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire includes a lower ring having a first diameter and an upper ring having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The upper ring is substantially coaxial with he lower ring. A support structure extends between the lower ring and the upper ring. The support structure includes a first face and a second face opposite the first face, a first axial edge and a second axial edge. The first and second axial edges space the first face rom the second face. At least one of the first edge and the second edge may have a geometry that provides the support structure with a nonrectangular cross section. At least one of the first face and the second face may have a surface roughness of less than 25 microns. The support structure may be free from orthogonal axial edges.

A non-pneumatic and method of making a non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire includes a lower ring having a first diameter and an upper ring having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The upper ring is substantially coaxial with he lower ring. A support structure extends between the lower ring and the upper ring. The support structure includes a first face and a second face opposite the first face, a first axial edge and a second axial edge. The first and second axial edges space the first face rom the second face. At least one of the first edge and the second edge may have a geometry that provides the support structure with a nonrectangular cross section. At least one of the first face and the second face may have a surface roughness of less than 25 microns. The support structure may be free from orthogonal axial edges.

The present invention provides an annular beam of monolithic construction of one homogeneous material and a related efficient, low-cost non-pneumatic tire. Specific geometric design, combined with nonlinear elastomer physical properties, enable the suppression of all reinforcing belts, continuous fibers, or other strengthening layers in the annular beam. The annular beam consists of at least two bands that are continuous in the circumferential direction and connected by a web geometry. The non-pneumatic tire consists of the annular beam, a ground contacting portion, a central wheel, and a plurality of web spokes that connect the wheel and beam. When the tire is loaded to a design load against a flat surface over a design contact length, a contact area of essentially uniform pressure is produced, while the load is transmitted from the beam to the hub via tension in the web spokes. The tire can be economically manufactured.