A method of curing spokes (10) is provided in which first molds of a first (14) and second series (16) of molds are placed into a platen, and force and heat applied. The platen (12) is opened and the first mold (1(1)) of the first series (14) is moved relative to the platen while the position of the first mold (1(2)) of the second series (16) is kept the same relative to the platen. Force and heat are applied to the molds. The platen (12) is opened, and the first mold (1(1)) of the first series is removed while the second mold (2(1)) of the first series is kept within the platen. A cured spoke is removed from the first mold of the first series.

A non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly which includes a rim, and a spoke ring structure having an inner ring that is mounted on an outer surface of the rim. The inner ring has one or more retention nubs aligned for reception in complementary shaped grooves on the outer surface of the rim, wherein the spoke ring structure has a plurality of spoke members, and an outer tread ring is mounted on the outer circumference of the spoke ring.

A method of assembling spokes into a non-pneumatic tire (10) is provided in which a shear band (16) is located outward from a hub (12) in a radial direction. A segment (20) is present that has a plurality of spokes (22), and both inner and outer radial bonding ends (24, 26). The plurality of spokes (22) engage both of these bonding ends (24, 26). The outer radial bonding end (24) is attached to the shear band (16) using adhesive (28), and the inner radial bonding end (26) is attached to the hub (12) using adhesive (28). This segment (20) extends less than 360 degrees about the central axis (14) in a circumferential direction.

A method of assembling spokes into a non-pneumatic tire (10) is provided in which a shear band (16) is located outward from a hub (12) in a radial direction. A segment (20) is present that has a plurality of spokes (22), and both inner and outer radial bonding ends (24, 26). The plurality of spokes (22) engage both of these bonding ends (24, 26). The outer radial bonding end (24) is attached to the shear band (16) using adhesive (28), and the inner radial bonding end (26) is attached to the hub (12) using adhesive (28). This segment (20) extends less than 360 degrees about the central axis (14) in a circumferential direction.

An injection molded composite comprising a first bonding surface of a diene rubber composition bonded to a second bonding surface of a polar thermoplastic elastomer composition. There may be no more than 25% of the bonding surfaces having an adhesive applied to them or alternatively, no adhesive is applied. Furthermore, the polar thermoplastic elastomer composition was injected against the first bonding surface to form the second bonding surface and the first bonding surface has an active halogen moiety.

An injection molded composite comprising a first bonding surface of a diene rubber composition bonded to a second bonding surface of a polar thermoplastic elastomer composition. There may be no more than 25% of the bonding surfaces having an adhesive applied to them or alternatively, no adhesive is applied. Furthermore, the polar thermoplastic elastomer composition was injected against the first bonding surface to form the second bonding surface and the first bonding surface has an active halogen moiety.

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.

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.

A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of loops extending between the inner ring and the outer ring. The plurality of loops including at least a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first loop and the second loop are each in direct contact with both the inner ring and the outer ring. The first loop has a single reinforcement layer disposed therein, and includes a first extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring and a second extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring. The second loop has a single reinforcement layer disposed therein, and includes a third extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring and a fourth extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring. The second extent is in direct contact with the third extent.

A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of loops extending between the inner ring and the outer ring. The plurality of loops including at least a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first loop and the second loop are each in direct contact with both the inner ring and the outer ring. The first loop has a single reinforcement layer disposed therein, and includes a first extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring and a second extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring. The second loop has a single reinforcement layer disposed therein, and includes a third extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring and a fourth extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring. The second extent is in direct contact with the third extent.