Non-pneumatic tire

US7418988B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A. · CH

Inventors

• Steven M. Cron · Simpsonville, US
• Jean-Pierre Pompier · Riom, FR
• Timothy B. Rhyne · Greenville, US
• Ronald H. Thompson · Greenville, US
• Kenneth W. Demino · Anderson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 27, 2005
• Grant date: Sep 2, 2008
• Expiry date: Apr 27, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60C11/0306
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A structurally supported tire includes an outer annular band, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The annular band may further comprise a shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the shear layer, and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the shear layer. A preferred web spoke has a cutaway section transverse to the annular band. The cutaway section has a profile formed by straight line segments joined by a blending radius. The profile of the cutaway comprises a height and a maximum depth greater than five percent of the height and less than thirty percent of the maximum width. The profile has an angle alpha formed by a line tangent to the profile relative to the horizontal at least equal to ten degrees at the radially outermost and radially innermost extent of said profile. The minimum radius of curvature of the profile is at least equal to twenty percent of the height of the cutaway section.