Patent Description:
While various tire constructions enable a tire to run in an uninflated or underinflated condition, non-pneumatic tires do not require inflation. Rather, non-pneumatic tires include a plurality of spokes, webbing, cells, or other open-sided support structure that connects an inner ring to an outer ring. Some non-pneumatic tires include a tread mounted to the outer ring and a rim mounted to the inner ring.

The open-sided support structure of a non-pneumatic tire undergoes various loading conditions in operation. Moreover, dirt, water, snow, sand, mud, or other debris can come into contact with or accumulate on the open-sided support structure. While the support structure is constructed of materials selected to provide desirable structural characteristics, certain materials degrade when exposed to environmental factors. Accordingly, a spoke for a non-pneumatic tire capable of undergoing the various loading conditions of a tire while also withstanding exposure to harmful environmental factors is needed.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes 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 support elements joined by a first elastomeric joint body connecting the first support element to the second support element. This non-pneumatic wheel further provides a multilayered spoke structure having reinforcements.

Described herein is a non-pneumatic tire that includes an annular inner ring, an annular outer ring, and a support structure extending from the annular inner ring to the annular outer ring. The support structure includes a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure includes a skim layer, a plurality of cords embedded in the skim layer, and an outer protective layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the skim layer.

Also described herein is a non-pneumatic tire that includes an annular inner ring, an annular outer ring, and a support structure extending from the annular inner ring to the annular outer ring. The support structure includes a first support element including a first skim layer, a first plurality of cords embedded in the first skim layer, and a first outer protective layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the first skim layer; and a second support element including a second skim layer, a second plurality of cords embedded in the second skim layer, and a second outer protective layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the second skim layer. The first and second support elements are coupled at an interface.

Also described herein is a method of making a non-pneumatic tire that includes the steps of: forming a multilayer structure, incorporating the multilayer structure into a support structure, and positioning the support structure extending from an annular inner ring to an annular outer ring. The step of forming a multilayer structure includes applying an outer protective layer to at least a portion of a surface of a skim layer having a plurality of cords embedded in the skim layer. The outer protective layer has greater resistance to ozone exposure than the skim layer.

<FIG> illustrate one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> known in the art. The non-pneumatic tire <NUM> is merely an exemplary illustration of a tire that may be used with one or more of a rim assembly, a tread, and a multilayer spoke. It is not intended to be limiting.

In the illustrated embodiment, the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> includes a generally annular inner ring <NUM> that has an internal surface <NUM> and an external surface <NUM> and a generally annular outer ring <NUM> that has an internal surface <NUM> and an external surface <NUM>. One or both of the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM> can be made of cross-linked or uncross-linked polymers. In this disclosure, the term "polymer" means cross-linked or uncross-linked polymers. In some embodiments, one or more of the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM> can be made of metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.).

The non-pneumatic tire <NUM> further includes an interconnected web <NUM> that connects the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM>. The interconnected web <NUM> is a support structure extending radially from the outer surface <NUM> of the generally annular inner ring <NUM> to the inner surface <NUM> of the generally annular outer ring <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the interconnected web <NUM> has at least two radially adjacent layers <NUM>, <NUM> of web elements <NUM>, <NUM> that define a plurality of generally polygonal openings <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, a plurality of spokes or other open-celled support structure can connect the inner ring <NUM> to the outer ring <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM> are made of the same material as the interconnected web <NUM>. The generally annular inner ring <NUM>, the generally annular outer ring <NUM>, and the interconnected web <NUM> can be made by injection or compression molding, castable polymer, additive manufacturing, or any other method generally known in the art and can be formed at the same time so that their attachment is formed by the material comprising the inner ring <NUM>, the outer ring <NUM>, and the interconnected web <NUM> cooling and setting.

The internal surface <NUM> of the generally annular inner ring <NUM> is configured to engage a rim assembly (not shown) to which the tire <NUM> is mounted. A tread layer <NUM> is attached to the outer surface <NUM> of the generally annular outer ring <NUM>. Attachment can be done adhesively or using other methods commonly available in the art.

As shown in <FIG>, the outer ring <NUM> can be configured to deform in an area <NUM> around and including a footprint region <NUM> of the tread layer <NUM>, which decreases vibration and increases ride comfort of the tire <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a tire <NUM> known in the art having a generally annular inner ring <NUM>, a generally annular outer ring <NUM>, and an internal support structure in the form of a flexible, interconnected web <NUM> extending between the inner ring <NUM> and the outer ring <NUM>. The flexible, interconnected web <NUM> is formed by a plurality of web elements <NUM> that define polygonal openings <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, the web elements <NUM> form a plurality of hexagonal and substantially trapezoidal shapes, including an outer series of alternating hexagonal and trapezoidal opening and an inner series of alternating hexagonal and trapezoidal openings. It should be understood that the geometries shown in <FIG> are merely exemplary and that any geometries may be employed. Similarly, spokes or other support structure may be employed to provide an interconnected web.

<FIG> additionally shows the tire <NUM> mounted on a rim assembly <NUM> at the generally annular inner ring <NUM>. The rim assembly <NUM> may be rotated about rotation axis <NUM> (as shown by arrow A). Rotation can be imparted by an axle of a vehicle, or by other means to rotate the tire <NUM>. A tread <NUM> is attached to the generally annular outer ring <NUM>. The tread <NUM> can be manufactured from rubber or other elastomeric material.

<FIG> show example embodiments of different types of non-pneumatic tires <NUM>. For simplicity, the non-pneumatic tires <NUM> of <FIG> are illustrated without a tread and rim assembly, both of which may be substantially the same as rim assembly <NUM> and tread <NUM> described with respect to the tire <NUM> of <FIG>. Like reference numerals are used for like components.

<FIG> shows an example of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> having a generally annular inner ring <NUM>, a generally annular outer ring <NUM>, and an undulating spoke 230a extending between the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM>. As represented by arrow <NUM>, the undulating spoke 230a can be formed by winding a sheet or ribbon <NUM> of spoke material back and forth between the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM> in an undulating pattern.

<FIG> shows an example of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> having a generally annular inner ring <NUM>, a generally annular outer ring <NUM>, and a plurality of linear spokes 230b extending between the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of linear spokes 230b extend in a substantially radial direction. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the plurality of linear spokes extend at an angle with respect to the radial direction. In one such embodiment, the plurality of linear spokes are generally parallel to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of linear spokes extend at diverging angles.

The plurality of linear spokes 230b can be manufactured by securing a linear spoke <NUM> between the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM>. Alternatively, the plurality of linear spokes 230b can be formed, molded, or manufactured to provide each linear spoke <NUM> as an integral component of the plurality of linear spokes 230b.

<FIG> shows an example of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> having a generally annular inner ring <NUM>, a generally annular outer ring <NUM>, and a plurality of non-linear spokes 230c extending between the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM>. Each non-linear spoke <NUM> is illustrated as an oval-shaped loop, although other shaped spokes (e.g., circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, curved, wave-shaped, irregular-shaped, etc.) may be employed in further embodiments. While non-linear spoke <NUM> is illustrated as a continuous loop, non-continuous structures (e.g., U-shaped, V-shaped, S-shaped, arc-shaped, etc.) may also be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, each non-linear spoke <NUM> is radially spaced from adjacent spokes such that there is a space between adjacent spokes. The plurality of non-linear spokes 230c can be manufactured by securing each non-linear spoke <NUM> between the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> having a generally annular inner ring <NUM>, a generally annular outer ring <NUM>, and a plurality of spokes 230d extending between the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM>. Each spoke <NUM>, <NUM> is formed as the structure between at least two adjacent voids <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, each spoke <NUM>, <NUM> is the structure between adjacent circular voids <NUM>, <NUM>, although other shaped voids (e.g., oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, etc.) may be employed in further embodiments. The voids <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed, molded, or manufactured into the plurality of spokes 230d to provide the plurality of spokes 230d as an integral component. Alternatively, the plurality of spokes 230d can be manufactured by securing a plurality of continuous structures (e.g., circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, etc.) or non-continuous structures (e.g., U-shaped, V-shaped, S-shaped, arc-shaped, etc.) between the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM>.

For example, as represented by the dashed lines in <FIG>, the plurality of spokes 230d may be formed by securing a first circular loop <NUM> and a second circular loop <NUM> between the generally annular inner ring <NUM> and the generally annular outer ring <NUM> with the first circular loop <NUM> contacting the second circular loop <NUM> at an interface <NUM>, <NUM>. The first circular loop <NUM> and the second circular loop <NUM> are coupled together at the interface <NUM>, <NUM> by one or more of a mechanical fastener (e.g., bolt, clamp, bracket), adhesive (e.g., glue, welding, brazing, or a chemical bonding process, which may include heating, or other method of coupling).

In some embodiments, the method of coupling the first circular loop <NUM> and the second circular loop <NUM> may fuse materials of the first circular loop <NUM> with materials of the second circular loop <NUM> to form the interface <NUM> as a continuous boundary. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the method of coupling the first circular loop <NUM> and the second circular loop <NUM> may form the interface <NUM> as a non-continuous boundary. Irrespective of whether the interface <NUM>, <NUM> of the multilayer spoke <NUM>, <NUM> is continuous or non-continuous, additional material <NUM> may optionally be added between the first circular loop <NUM> and the second circular loop <NUM> to fill gaps and provide additional support to the multilayer spoke <NUM>, <NUM>.

While <FIG> show non-pneumatic tires having spokes, it should be understood that non-pneumatic tires may have other support structures such as an interconnected web. For example, an interconnected web may be formed by a lower set of spokes and an upper set of spokes, each set of spokes being similar to one of the embodiments shown or described above.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> showing the multilayer undulating spoke 230a. The multilayer undulating spoke 230a includes a plurality of cords <NUM> embedded in a skim layer <NUM>. Each cord <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the plurality of cords <NUM> may be constructed of metal (e.g., steel, brass, brass-plated steel) to provide structural support and reinforcement to the multilayer undulating spoke 230a. Other examples of materials from which one or more of the plurality of cords <NUM> may be constructed include polymeric materials, thermoplastic polymer resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, rayon, natural cotton, or other tire reinforcement material. The skim layer <NUM> may be a rubber compound formulated to adhere to the cords <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the skim layer <NUM> may be a rubber compound including cobalt formulated to adhere to brass-plated steel cords <NUM>-<NUM>. Other examples of rubber compounds formulated to adhere to the plurality of cords <NUM> from which the skim layer <NUM> may be constructed include resorcinol formaldehyde latex chemistry in the case of a polymeric reinforcing material. The multilayer undulating web spoke 230a further includes an outer protective layer <NUM>. The outer protective layer <NUM> abuts the skim layer <NUM> and provides the multilayer undulating spoke <NUM> with improved resistance to ozone degradation. That is, relative to the skim layer <NUM>, the outer protective layer <NUM> is formulated to have material properties that are better at withstanding exposure to the ozone than the skim layer <NUM>. The outer protective layer <NUM> may include tire sidewall compound, veneer compound, synthetic rubber such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, neoprene, butyl rubber, a hydrogenated diene rubber, or other compounds formulated to withstand exposure to ozone.

The open-sided support structure (i.e., undulating spoke 230a) of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> undergoes various loading conditions in operation and is, therefore, constructed to undergo such loading. For example, the plurality of cords <NUM> embedded in the skim layer <NUM> may be constructed to undergo such loading. Moreover, air, road dirt, water, snow, sand, mud, or other debris can come into contact with or accumulate on the undulating spoke 230a. While the undulating spoke 230a, including the plurality of cords <NUM> and the skim layer <NUM>, is constructed of materials selected to provide desirable structural characteristics, certain materials degrade when exposed to environmental factors (e.g., ozone). In particular, the skim layer <NUM> may not be suitable for exposure to ozone. As noted, the skim layer <NUM> is formulated to adhere to the cords <NUM>-<NUM>. Such formulation, while providing good adhesion to the cords <NUM>-<NUM>, may render the skim layer <NUM> susceptible to degradation from ozone exposure. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that re-formulating the skim layer <NUM> to be more ozone resistant reduces the adhesion characteristics of the skim layer <NUM> relative to the plurality of cords <NUM>. Thus, with an outer protective layer <NUM> that is more ozone resistant than the skim layer <NUM>, the skim layer <NUM> adheres suitably to the plurality of cords <NUM> and the outer protective layer <NUM> suitably protects the skim layer <NUM> and cords <NUM> from exposure to ozone and other environmental factors.

Additional features of multilayer spokes <NUM>-<NUM> for a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> are described with respect to <FIG> with the understanding that one or more features of one or more spokes <NUM>-<NUM> can be provided alone or in combination to provide a multilayer spoke for a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Thus, one or more features of one or more multilayer spokes <NUM>-<NUM> can be provided alone or in combination to provide one or more of the spoke structures <NUM>, 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d discussed with respect to <FIG>. Like reference numerals are used for like features. Accordingly, the multilayer spokes <NUM>-<NUM> for a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> of the present disclosure are capable of undergoing the various tire loading conditions while also withstanding exposure to harmful environmental factors.

Referring to <FIG>, the multilayer undulating spoke 230a includes an outer protective layer <NUM> that circumscribes the skim layer <NUM>, entirely enclosing the skim layer <NUM> and thus covering any outer surfaces of the skim layer <NUM> with respect to the environment. The cross-sectional view of <FIG>, showing the cross-sectional view of a portion <NUM> of multilayer undulating spoke 230a taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> is also illustrative of the cross-sectional view of the multilayer linear spoke <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. For simplicity and not limitation, features of the multilayer spokes 230a, 230b in <FIG> will be described in <FIG> with respect to the portion <NUM> of multilayer undulating spoke 230a of <FIG> with the understanding that the features apply in a same or similar manner with respect to multilayer linear spoke <NUM> of <FIG>. Additionally, it should be understood that the cross-section shown and described with respect to <FIG> may be applied to any of the support structures for non-pneumatic tires shown or described above.

As shown in <FIG>, the outer protective layer <NUM> includes a first outer protective layer <NUM> abutting the skim layer <NUM> on a first side of the spoke <NUM> and having an outer surface <NUM> exposed to the environment, a second outer protective layer <NUM> abutting the skim layer <NUM> on a second side of the spoke <NUM> and having an outer surface <NUM> exposed to the environment, a third outer protective layer <NUM> abutting the skim layer <NUM> on a third side of the spoke <NUM> and having an outer surface <NUM> exposed to the environment, and a fourth outer protective layer <NUM> abutting the skim layer <NUM> on a fourth side of the spoke <NUM> and having an outer surface <NUM> exposed to the environment. Although shown as separate protective layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the outer protective layer <NUM> can be provided as a single, continuous protective layer circumscribing the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the skim layer <NUM>.

Although illustrated as a rectangular cross-section with a skim layer <NUM> having four sides, the multilayer spoke <NUM> may define other shaped cross-sections (e.g., triangular, square, trapezoidal, polygonal, circular, oval, etc.) such that the skim layer <NUM> includes one or more sides. The outer protective layer <NUM> is provided on at least a portion of one or more sides of the skim layer <NUM> to protect the skim layer <NUM> from the environment. For example, in some embodiments, outer protective layer <NUM> and <NUM> may be optionally omitted, in which case, a portion of the skim layer <NUM> may be exposed to the environment. In such instances, without being bound by theory, it is believed that exposing a relatively small surface area of the skim layer <NUM> to the environment while protecting a relatively larger surface area of the skim layer <NUM> from the environment with the outer protective layers <NUM>, <NUM> can provide the spoke structure 230a capable of undergoing the various tire loading conditions while also withstanding exposure to harmful environmental factors. Thus, unless otherwise noted, it should be understood that the outer protective layer <NUM> can cover at least a portion of the skim layer <NUM> in some embodiments and the entire skim layer <NUM> in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The manner in which the plurality of cords <NUM> are embedded in the skim layer <NUM> is not intended to be limiting and can be accomplished with various manufacturing techniques. Likewise, unless otherwise noted, the outer protective layer <NUM> may be applied to the skim layer <NUM> in a variety of manners. For example, the plurality of cords <NUM>, skim layer <NUM>, and outer protective layer <NUM> can be manufactured by a calendaring process where rollers compress the skim layer <NUM> and the plurality of cords <NUM> together to embed the plurality of cords <NUM> within the skim layer <NUM>. Prior to, at the same time as, or subsequent to embedding the plurality of cords <NUM> in the skim layer <NUM>, rollers may compress the outer protective layer <NUM> and the skim layer <NUM> to provide the outer protective layer <NUM> on the outer surface of the skim layer <NUM>. Alternatively, one or more of the skim layer <NUM>, the plurality of cords <NUM>, and the outer protective layer <NUM> may be co-extruded to manufacture the skim layer <NUM> with the plurality of cords <NUM> embedded therein, and the outer protective layer <NUM> covering the outer surface of the skim layer <NUM>.

In other examples, the outer protective layer <NUM> may be applied to the skim layer <NUM> by one or more of dipping the skim layer <NUM> into a liquid state of the outer protective layer <NUM>, applying the outer protective layer <NUM> to the skim layer <NUM> in a liquid state using direct application such as painting or spraying, or adhering the outer protective layer <NUM> (in solid or liquid state) to the skim layer <NUM> during manufacture of the skim layer <NUM> with the embedded cords <NUM>-<NUM>. Moreover, although five cords <NUM>-<NUM> are illustrated, it should be understood that the multilayer spoke <NUM> can include any number of a plurality of cords <NUM> without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In some embodiments, the plurality of cords <NUM> may be arranged in a plurality of layers. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of non-linear spoke <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> illustrating a multilayer non-linear spoke <NUM> with a plurality of cords <NUM> arranged in two layers. The first layer includes cords 301a-305a and the second layer includes cords 301b-305b. The first layer of cords 301a-305a is aligned with the second layer of cords 301b-305b, although in other embodiments, the cords 301a-305a, 301b-305b may be offset relative to each other. Additionally, one or more cords of the plurality of cords <NUM> may contact (e.g., be wound, braided, overlap, or otherwise intertwined) without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, it should be understood that the cross-section shown and described with respect to <FIG> may be applied to any of the support structures for non-pneumatic tires shown or described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of cords <NUM> extend in a radial direction. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of cords <NUM> may extend in other directions, such as the axial direction, the circumferential direction, or biased at an angle with respect to the radial direction, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The plurality of cords <NUM> may extend in the same direction as the multilayer spokes <NUM>-<NUM> or may extend in different directions relative to the direction or directions along which the multilayer spokes <NUM>-<NUM> extend.

The plurality of cords <NUM> are intended to provide structural reinforcement to the skim layer <NUM>, and it is therefore envisioned that any combination, orientation, or configuration of cords 301a-305a, 301b-305b embedded within the skim layer <NUM> is within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims as is any combination, orientation, or configuration of the multilayer spokes <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a multilayer spoke <NUM> including a continuous interface <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. It should be understood that the cross-section shown and described with respect to <FIG> may be applied to any of the support structures for non-pneumatic tires shown or described above. In one example, the first circular loop <NUM> and the second circular loop <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be coupled together to form the multilayer spoke <NUM> with a continuous interface <NUM>. By continuous interface <NUM> it is meant that the skim layers <NUM> of adjacent first and second circular loops <NUM>, <NUM> abut each other and are coupled together according to any one or more of the methods of coupling described with respect to <FIG>.

For example, such configuration arises when the first circular loop <NUM> and the second circular loop <NUM> include an outer protective layer <NUM> on their respective inner diameters and no outer protective layer on their respective outer diameters. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first circular loop <NUM> includes outer protective layer <NUM> with outer surface <NUM> on its inner diameter and no outer protective layer on its outer diameter. Likewise, the second circular loop <NUM> includes outer protective layer <NUM> with outer surface <NUM> on its inner diameter and no outer protective layer on its outer diameter. Thus, when coupled together, the outer diameter of the first circular loop <NUM> (with its skim layer <NUM> exposed) abuts the outer diameter of the second circular loop <NUM> (with its skim layer <NUM> exposed). The respective abutting skim layers <NUM> of each circular loop <NUM>, <NUM> define a continuous interface <NUM>, and the respective outer protective layers <NUM>, <NUM> with outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> protect the skim layers <NUM> from exposure to the environment.

<FIG> shows an alternative cross-sectional view of a multilayer spoke <NUM> including a non-continuous interface <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. It should be understood that the cross-section shown and described with respect to <FIG> may be applied to any of the support structures for non-pneumatic tires shown or described above. The first circular loop <NUM> and the second circular loop <NUM> (see <FIG>) are coupled together to form the multilayer spoke <NUM> with a non-continuous interface <NUM>. By non-continuous interface <NUM> it is meant that the skim layers <NUM> of adjacent first and second circular loops <NUM>, <NUM> do not abut each other when the first and second circular loops <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled together according to any one or more of the methods of coupling described with respect to <FIG>.

For example, such configuration arises when the first circular loop <NUM> and the second circular loop <NUM> include an outer protective layer <NUM> on their respective inner and outer diameters. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first circular loop <NUM> includes outer protective layer <NUM> with outer surface <NUM> on its inner diameter and outer protective layer <NUM> with surface <NUM> on its outer diameter. Likewise, the second circular loop <NUM> includes outer protective layer <NUM> with outer surface <NUM> on its inner diameter and outer protective layer <NUM> with surface <NUM> on its outer diameter. Thus, when coupled together, surface <NUM> of the outer protective layer <NUM> of the first circular loop <NUM> abuts surface <NUM> of the outer protective layer <NUM> of the second circular loop <NUM>. The respective skim layers <NUM> of each circular loop <NUM>, <NUM> are thus separated by the abutting outer protective layers <NUM>, <NUM> thereby defining a non-continuous interface <NUM>. The respective outer protective layers <NUM>, <NUM> with outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> protect the skim layers <NUM> from exposure to the environment.

For at least the reasons disclosed herein, the multilayer spokes <NUM>-<NUM> for a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> of the present disclosure are capable of undergoing the various tire loading conditions while also withstanding exposure to harmful environmental factors.

To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both. " When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage <NUM> (2d. Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto. " Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to," but also "indirectly connected to" such as connected through another component or components.

Claim 1:
A non-pneumatic tire (<NUM>) comprising:
an annular inner ring (<NUM>);
an annular outer ring (<NUM>);
a support structure (230a; 230b; 230c; 230d) extending from the annular inner ring (<NUM>) to the annular outer ring (<NUM>), wherein the support structure (230a; 230b; 230c; 230d) includes a multilayer structure (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) including:
a skim layer (<NUM>) formed from a rubber compound including cobalt,
a plurality of steel cords (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; 301a, 302a, 303a, 304a, 305a; 301b, 302b, 303b, 304b, 305b) embedded in the skim layer (<NUM>), and
an outer protective layer (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) covering at least a portion of a surface of the skim layer (<NUM>), wherein the outer protective layer (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) has greater resistance to ozone exposure than the skim layer (<NUM>).