Patent Description:
Known pneumatic tires are constructed of one or more body plies turned up around a pair of bead portions. A circumferential belt and an optional cap ply are disposed above a crown region of the body plies. Tread rubber and sidewall rubber are disposed about the body plies to form a green tire. Additional inserts and reinforcements may be included at various locations to enhance tire performance under certain conditions. After the green tire is assembled it is cured in a vulcanization mold.

Non-pneumatic tire constructions enable a tire to run in an uninflated condition. Some non-pneumatic tires employ a unitary tire and wheel construction. Other non-pneumatic tires are fastened to wheels using fasteners such as bolts. Non-pneumatic tires may include spokes that buckle or deflect upon contact with the ground. Such spokes may be constructed of a material that is relatively stronger in tension than in compression, so that when the lower spokes buckle, the load can be distributed through the remaining portion of the wheel.

<CIT> discloses a composite laminated product that forms a deformable cellular structure comprising an upper band and a lower band which are connected by connection cylinders including fibers embedded in a resin matrix. The composite laminated product can be used in a non-pneumatic resilient wheel as a shear band having a high resistance to flexural/compressive stresses and having a high endurance to such repeated stresses.

<CIT> discloses a non-pneumatic tire with at least one annular band having an inner ring and a deformable outer ring, a plurality of generally flexible web-spokes connecting the inner ring to the outer ring and a ground contacting tread cap affixed to the annular band. The non-pneumatic tire may also comprise a deflection limiter connected to or being an integral part of a central hub. The deflection limiter may be made from polymers, metal or a composite material. The deflection limiter may be solid or may have gaps or cutouts allowing the deflection limiter to act as a low rate spring in the radial plane.

Another non-pneumatic tire is disclosed in <CIT>.

According to the invention, a method of making a tire as defined in claim <NUM> and a green tire as defined in claim <NUM> are provided.

The dependent claims define preferred and/or advantageous embodiments of the invention.

"3D printer" refers to a machine used for 3D printing.

"3D printing" refers to the fabrication of objects through the deposition of a material using a print head, nozzle, or another printer technology.

"Additive manufacturing" refers to a process of joining materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies. Additive manufacturing includes 3D printing, binder jetting, directed energy deposition, fused deposition modeling, laser sintering, material jetting, material extrusion, powder bed fusion, rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, sheet lamination, and vat photopolymerization.

"Additive systems" refer to machines used for additive manufacturing.

"Axial" and "axially" refer to a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation of a tire.

"Bead" refers to the part of the tire that contacts a wheel and defines a boundary of the sidewall.

"Circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to a direction extending along the perimeter of the surface of the tread perpendicular to the axial direction.

"Equatorial plane" refers to the plane that is perpendicular to the tire's axis of rotation and passes through the center of the tire's tread.

"Radial" and "radially" refer to a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a tire.

"Sidewall" refers to that portion of the tire between the tread and the bead.

"Spoke" refers to one or more bars, rods, webbing, mesh, or other connecting member extending from a lower member to an upper member. A spoke may include a solid sheet of material.

"Subtractive manufacturing" refers to making objects by removing of material (for example, buffing, milling, drilling, grinding, carving, cutting, etc.) from a bulk solid to leave a desired shape, as opposed to additive manufacturing.

"Tread" as used herein, refers to that portion of the tire that comes into contact with the road or ground under normal inflation and normal load.

"Tread width" refers to the width of the ground contact area of a tread which contacts with road surface during the rotation of the tire under normal inflation and load.

Directions are stated herein with reference to the axis of rotation of the tire. The terms "upward" and "upwardly" refer to a general direction towards the tread of the tire, whereas "downward" and "downwardly" refer to the general direction towards the axis of rotation of the tire. Thus, when relative directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" or "top" and "bottom" are used in connection with an element, the "upper" or "top" element is spaced closer to the tread than the "lower" or "bottom" element. Additionally, when relative directional terms such as "above" or "below" are used in connection with an element, an element that is "above" another element is closer to the tread than the other element.

The terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to a general direction towards the equatorial plane of the tire, whereas "outward" and "outwardly" refer to a general direction away from the equatorial plane of the tire and towards the sidewall of the tire. Thus, when relative directional terms such as "inner" and "outer" are used in connection with an element, the "inner" element is spaced closer to the equatorial plane of the tire than the "outer" element.

While similar terms used in the following descriptions describe common tire components, it should be understood that because the terms carry slightly different connotations, one of ordinary skill in the art would not consider any one of the following terms to be purely interchangeable with another term used to describe a common tire component.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a partially assembled non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. The non-pneumatic tire <NUM> includes a plurality of sheets of green rubber <NUM> having a substantially circular shape. In this particular embodiment, each sheet of green rubber includes an upper ring <NUM>, a lower ring <NUM>, and a plurality of spoke portions <NUM> extending from the upper ring <NUM> to the lower ring <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), not every sheet of green rubber includes an upper ring, a lower ring, and a plurality of spoke portions. In one such example, some sheets include an upper ring, a lower ring, and a plurality of spoke portions, while other sheets omit the spoke portion or the lower ring. In another example, some sheets omit the upper ring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper ring <NUM> of each sheet includes a tread portion. The tread portion is shaped to form a tread design. In the illustrated embodiment, the tread portion forms a tread design having a plurality of rectangular tread blocks separated by a plurality of lateral grooves. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the tread portion may form a tread design having ribs, circumferential grooves, sipes, or tread blocks of various shapes and sizes. The tread may be symmetric or asymmetric.

In the illustrated embodiment, each sheet of green rubber includes <NUM> spoke portions. In alternative embodiments, each sheet of green rubber may have any number of spoke portions. In some examples, each sheet of green rubber has <NUM>-<NUM> spoke portions.

In the illustrated embodiment, each sheet of green rubber <NUM> has the same number of spoke portions <NUM>. Additionally, each spoke portion <NUM> in each sheet <NUM> has substantially the same shape and size. Further, the spoke portions <NUM> of adjacent sheets <NUM> are aligned with each other. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, some sheets may have a different number of spoke portions. Additionally, in other alternative embodiments, the sizes and shapes of the spoke portions on a given sheet may vary. Likewise, in still other alternative embodiment, the spoke portions on a given sheet may have different sizes and shape with respect to the spoke portions on another sheet. Moreover, the spoke portions of different sheets may not be aligned with each other.

In one embodiment, each sheet of green rubber is constructed of green rubber. In an alternative embodiment, each sheet of green rubber is constructed of cured rubber. In alternative embodiments, the sheet of green rubber may be constructed of a foamed polymer, polyurethane, thermoplastics, resins, or other elastomeric or green rubber. In another alternative embodiment, the sheet is formed of metal instead of a green rubber. In one embodiment, each sheet is made of a uniform material. In an alternative embodiment, each sheet is constructed of a plurality of different materials. For example, the tread portion, upper ring, lower ring, and spokes may be constructed of different materials. Additionally, different sheets may be constructed of different materials. In any of the above embodiments, adhesive may be employed between sheets of material.

In one embodiment, each sheet of green rubber is formed by an additive manufacturing method. For example, each sheet may be made by 3D printing, binder jetting, directed energy deposition, fused deposition modeling, laser sintering, material jetting, material extrusion, powder bed fusion, rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, sheet lamination, or vat photopolymerization. A jig or other fixture may be employed to aid in the assembly of multiple sheets to ensure proper orientation of each sheet. Alternatively, a jig or fixture may help define the shape of an individual sheet during the additive manufacturing process.

In an alternative embodiment, each sheet of green rubber is formed by a subtractive manufacturing method. For example, the sheet of green rubber may be cut (such as with a die, knife, or laser). Where a subtractive process is used, the sheet may be shaped before it is placed on top of the other sheets. Alternatively, the sheet may be only partially formed before it is placed on top of the other sheets, and then cut to its final shape after placement. Such a process would obviate the need for exactly placement of the sheet.

In another alternative embodiment, each sheet of green rubber is formed by a molding process.

In one embodiment, each sheet of green rubber <NUM> has a thickness of about <NUM> (~<NUM> inches). In alternative embodiments, each sheet of green rubber may have a thickness between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inch). In one embodiment, each sheet of green rubber in the tire has substantially the same thickness. In alternative embodiments, the thickness of the sheets may vary. For example, thicker or thinner sheets may be used at different locations to change the spacing or placement of a reinforcement. It should be understood that in an additive manufacturing process, the sheets may not be visibly distinct from each other and thus they may not have a discernible thickness.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> further includes a plurality of reinforcements <NUM>, with each reinforcement <NUM> being disposed between adjacent sheets of green rubber <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement <NUM> is a plurality of cords forming a pair of upper rings <NUM>, a lower ring <NUM>, and a plurality of spoke reinforcements <NUM>. The cords may also be referred to as wires or filaments. The upper rings <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM> are sandwiched between the upper rings <NUM> of adjacent sheets of green rubber <NUM>. Likewise, the lower ring <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM> is sandwiched between the lower rings <NUM> of adjacent sheets of green rubber <NUM>. Additionally, the spoke reinforcements <NUM> are sandwiched between the spoke portions <NUM> of adjacent sheets of green rubber <NUM>.

The pair of upper rings <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM> are positioned such that when the tire <NUM> is cured, the upper rings <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM> form a shear element defined by the upper pair of rings <NUM> of the sheets of green rubber <NUM>. In other words, a portion of the upper rings <NUM> of the green rubber <NUM> is an elastic material disposed radially between the substantially inelastic membranes formed by the pair of upper rings <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM>.

However, it should be understood that the shape of the reinforcement <NUM> shown in <FIG> is merely exemplary. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the upper rings <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM> may be omitted. Likewise, some or all of the lower rings <NUM> of the reinforcement <NUM> may be omitted. Additionally, some or all of the spoke reinforcements <NUM> may be omitted. In other alternative embodiments, multiple reinforcements may be employed on some portions. While the reinforcements are continuous components in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that the reinforcements may be discontinuous. For example, the reinforcements may be chopped fibers that are distributed along portions of a polymeric sheet.

The reinforcement <NUM> may be constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of steel, polyester, nylon, carbon fiber, aramid, fiber glass, cotton, hemp, polyurethane and other plastic, other synthetic or natural fibers, and other metal materials. While the reinforcement <NUM> is shown as a plurality of cords in <FIG>, in alternative embodiments, the reinforcement is a mesh of material or a sheet of material. In another alternative embodiment, the reinforcement may be chopped fibers.

To construct the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>, the method includes forming a first sheet of green rubber <NUM> having a substantially circular shape. The first sheet of green rubber <NUM> may be formed using any of the methods described above. The first sheet of green rubber <NUM> may be formed on a flat surface, or it may be formed on a jig or fixture.

The method then includes placing a reinforcement <NUM> on the first sheet of green rubber <NUM>. In one embodiment, the reinforcement <NUM> has a preformed shape before it is placed on the first sheet of green rubber <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcement <NUM> may be shaped as it is being placed on the first sheet of green rubber <NUM>. For example, the reinforcement may be extruded or 3D printed onto the first sheet of green rubber <NUM>.

The method further includes placing a second sheet of green rubber having a substantially circular shape on the first sheet of green rubber, such that the reinforcement <NUM> is sandwiched between the first sheet of green rubber and the second sheet of green rubber. The method is then repeated, so that additional reinforcements and additional sheets of green rubber are placed on top of each other until a tire is built having a predetermined width. In other words, the tire is built in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire, and the number of layers and their width determines the width of the tire. In one embodiment, the tire has a width of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In other embodiments, the tire has a width of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches). A tire having a plurality of layers in the axial direction may be referred to as a composite layer tire.

In one embodiment, adhesive or cement may be applied to a sheet of green rubber before or after the reinforcement is placed on it. Additionally, additives or chemical treatment may be selectively applied to the polymeric sheets or to the reinforcements during the build process. Further, some sheets of green rubber may have a contoured surface or a roughened surface to promote adhesion. For example, a sheet of green rubber may go through a roughening process after it is placed on the tire.

While <FIG> shows alternating layers of polymeric sheets and reinforcements, it should be understood that several layers of polymeric sheets may be placed together or several layers of reinforcements may be placed together. It should also be understood that the reinforcements may vary on different layers. For example, a lower ring reinforcement may be placed on a first sheet, a pair of upper ring reinforcements may be placed on a second sheet, and spoke reinforcements may be placed on a third sheet.

After the tire <NUM> is built, it is then cured. In one embodiment, the tire is cured in a vulcanization mold. When the tire is cured in a vulcanization mold, the outer surfaces of the tire may be further shaped during vulcanization. In an alternative embodiment, the tire is cured in an autoclave. An autoclave may cure the tire at lower pressures than a typical vulcanization mold, thereby allowing the tire to maintain its shape. In yet another embodiment, the tire may be cured between metal plates of other materials. In still another embodiment, the curing step may be omitted.

Many variations of composite layer tires are possible. For example, the type of material used as reinforcement may be selected to optimize the weight, stiffness, and other characteristics of the tire. Likewise, the amount and location of the reinforcement may also be selected to optimize characteristics of the tire. Examples of various composite layer tires are shown in <FIG> and described below. It should be understood that these examples are not meant to be limiting and that further modifications may be made to enhance selected characteristics of the tire.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. Additionally, <FIG> illustrates a partial circumferential cross-sectional view of the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> taken along line A-A. The tire <NUM> includes an outer ring <NUM>, an inner ring <NUM>, and a plurality of spokes <NUM> extending between the outer ring <NUM> and inner ring <NUM>. In this embodiment, first reinforcements <NUM> are located in the outer ring and second reinforcements <NUM> are located in the inner ring. The spokes <NUM> do not include reinforcements.

As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the first reinforcements <NUM> include a pair of upper and lower reinforcements that may act as a shear element. Likewise, the second reinforcements <NUM> include a pair of upper and lower reinforcements that may act as a shear element. In other words, when an inner or outer ring bends, one of the reinforcements is placed in compression and the other reinforcement is placed in tension. Such an arrangement provides additional stiffness in the rings in both tension and compression. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the upper and lower rings includes a single reinforcement layer. In another alternative embodiment, some of the spokes may include reinforcements.

<FIG> illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a partially assembled, composite layer, non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. The tire <NUM> includes a tread portion <NUM> and a plurality of spokes <NUM>. Each spoke <NUM> includes a reinforcement <NUM> extending in a radial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, a single reinforcement cord <NUM> is placed on each spoke portion of a sheet of green rubber. During the building process, cords may be placed in the same location on each layer, such that the cords define a reinforcement plane extending in an axial direction for each spoke. Alternatively, the cords may be placed in different locations on different layers to form a non-planar reinforcement or to form reinforcements extending axially in a selected pattern.

The single cord reinforcement <NUM> in each spoke <NUM> provides additional stiffness in tension. This may be advantageous in non-pneumatic tires that are designed to carry some or all of a load in tension.

<FIG> illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. The tire includes a tread portion <NUM> and a plurality of spokes <NUM>. A reinforcement mesh <NUM> is disposed between sheets of green rubber. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement mesh <NUM> extends over the entire sheet of green rubber. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the mesh may extend only over selected portions of the polymeric sheet.

The reinforcement mesh <NUM> provides additional stiffness in both tension and compression. This may be advantageous in non-pneumatic tires that are designed to carry some or all of a load in tension, as well as in non-pneumatic tires that are designed to carry some or all of a load in compression.

<FIG> illustrates a partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. The tire <NUM> includes a tread portion <NUM> and a plurality of spokes <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the spokes <NUM> are shown as bending under compression, but are straight when no force is present. In an alternative embodiment, the spokes are curved when no force is present.

Each spoke <NUM> includes a pair of reinforcements <NUM> extending in a substantially radial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of reinforcement cords <NUM> is placed on each spoke portion of a sheet of green rubber. Cords may be placed in the same location for each layer, such that the cords define a pair of reinforcement planes extending in an axial direction for each spoke. Alternatively, the cords may be placed in different locations on different layers to form a non-planar reinforcement or to form reinforcements extending axially in a selected pattern. Examples of several such embodiments are shown in <FIG>, each of which shows a radial cross-section of a spoke <NUM>, looking downwards towards the center of the tire in a radial direction.

<FIG> illustrates a radial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a spoke 520a. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of reinforcements 530a is disposed on each sheet of green rubber. After placing a new sheet of green rubber during the tire build, the next pair of reinforcements 530a is placed at a location that is offset circumferentially from the previous pair of reinforcements 530a. The resulting reinforcements 530a are distributed in a diagonal direction across the width of the spoke 520a from one side of the tire to the other.

<FIG> illustrates a radial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a spoke 520b. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of reinforcements 530b is disposed on each sheet of green rubber. After placing a new sheet of green rubber during the tire build, the next pair of reinforcements 530b is placed at a location that is offset circumferentially from the previous pair of reinforcements 530b. The reinforcements 530c are offset in a first direction on a first half of the tire, and then offset in an opposite direction on the second half of the tire. The resulting reinforcements 530b are distributed in a V-shape across the width of the spoke 520b from one side of the tire to the other.

<FIG> illustrates a radial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a spoke 520c. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of reinforcements 530c is disposed on each sheet of green rubber. After placing a new sheet of green rubber during the tire build, the next pair of reinforcements 530c is placed at a location that is offset circumferentially from the previous pair of reinforcements 530c. The reinforcements 530c are offset in a first direction for a first portion of the tire, then offset in an opposite direction for a second portion of the tire. The direction of the reinforcements 530c continues to alternate, resulting in a zig-zag distribution across the width of the spoke 520c from one side of the tire to the other.

<FIG> illustrates a radial cross-sectional view of yet another alternative embodiment of a spoke 520d. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of reinforcements 530d is disposed on each sheet of green rubber. After placing a new sheet of green rubber during the tire build, the next pair of reinforcements 530d is placed at a location that is offset circumferentially from the previous pair of reinforcements 530d. The reinforcements 530d are offset in a first direction on a first half of the tire, and then offset in an opposite direction on the second half of the tire, with the offset gradually changing. The resulting reinforcements 530d are distributed in a curved formation across the width of the spoke 520d from one side of the tire to the other.

In each of the embodiments shown in <FIG>, equal spacing is maintained between the pair of reinforcements <NUM> on each layer. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the spacing may change on different layers.

In each of the embodiments shown and described in <FIG>, the pair of reinforcements <NUM> in each spoke <NUM> acts as a shear beam. In other words, when the spoke <NUM> bends, one of the reinforcements is placed in compression and the other reinforcement is placed in tension. Such an arrangement provides additional stiffness in the spokes in both tension and compression. This may be advantageous in non-pneumatic tires that are designed to carry some or all of a load in tension, as well as in non-pneumatic tires that are designed to carry some or all of a load in compression. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments a single reinforcement layer may be arranged in the orientations shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a partial perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. The tire <NUM> includes a tread portion <NUM> and a plurality of spokes <NUM>. In this embodiment, the spokes <NUM> are not solid, but instead have an opening <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening <NUM> is substantially rectangular. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the openings may be triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, oval, or have any geometric shape.

When a tire is cured at high temperatures and pressures, the green rubber may flow during the curing process. However, if the tire is cured at lower temperatures or lower pressures, the openings <NUM> may maintain their shape during the curing process. For example, the tire may be cured in an autoclave at a lower pressure than would be provided during a curing process in a tire vulcanization mold. In one embodiment, the tire is cured at a temperature between <NUM>° C to <NUM>° C (<NUM>° F to <NUM>° F) and at a pressure between <NUM> mPa to <NUM> mPa (<NUM> PSI to <NUM> PSI). However, it should be understood that the tire may be cured at other temperatures and pressures.

<FIG> illustrates a partial perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a composite layer, non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. The tire <NUM> includes a tread portion <NUM> and a plurality of spokes <NUM>. In this embodiment, the spokes <NUM> are not solid, but instead have a pair of opening <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings <NUM> are substantially rectangular. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the openings may be triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, oval, or have any geometric shape. While two openings are shown on each spoke, it should be understood that any number of openings may be employed.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the openings in the spokes may reduce the weight of the tire. The openings also allow air to flow around the tire in a manner different from tires having solid spokes. The size and location of the openings may be selected to control the air flow in a desired manner to reduce noise, cool the tires, enhance performance, or for other reasons. In other embodiments, the size and location of the openings may be selected to control the air flow in a desired manner to increase noise. For example, in a spare tire or other low-use tire, an increased noise may discourage a person from using the tire for an extended period of time. As another example, the size and location of the openings in the spokes may be selected to produce more noise when the tires are used at excessive speeds.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of yet another alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. Additionally, <FIG> illustrates a partial cutaway perspective view of the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. The tire <NUM> includes an upper ring <NUM>, a lower ring <NUM>, and a plurality of spokes <NUM> extending between the upper ring <NUM> and the lower ring <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the tire <NUM> further includes sidewalls <NUM> (or covers) on the outer ends. The sidewalls <NUM> may be constructed of the same material as the other components of the tire <NUM>. Alternatively, the sidewalls may be constructed of a different material. In one embodiment, the sidewalls <NUM> are constructed of a transparent material. The sidewalls may protect the spokes <NUM> and other elements of the tire <NUM> from damage by debris and may also keep the tire components clean from dust and dirt. Such solid layers could also be used at other axial locations on the tire to control the stiffness of the tire.

While reinforcements are not expressly shown in the tire <NUM> in <FIG>, it should be understood that reinforcements may be employed in the manner described above. For example, any of the upper ring <NUM>, lower ring <NUM>, and spokes <NUM> may include one or more reinforcements.

<FIG> illustrate partial cross-sections in the circumferential direction of exemplary embodiments of tires 1000a, 1000b. In <FIG>, the tire 1000a includes an upper ring 1010a and a lower ring 1020a. In this embodiment, the lower ring 1020a includes a plurality of reinforcements 1030a and the remainder of the tire does not include reinforcements. An empty space 1040a is disposed between outside members 1050a. The outside members 1050a may be outer sidewalls or covers on the tire 1000a, such as the sidewalls <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the outside members 1050a may be part of a spoke having a window, such as the spoke <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the tire 1000b includes an upper ring 1010b and a lower ring 1020b. In this embodiment, the upper ring 1010b includes a plurality of reinforcements 1030b and the remainder of the tire does not include reinforcements. An empty space 1040b is disposed between outside members 1050b. The outside members 1050b may be outer sidewalls or covers on the tire 1000b, such as the sidewalls <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the outside members 1050b may be part of a spoke having a window, such as the spoke <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate partial cross-sections in the circumferential direction of exemplary embodiments of tires 1100a, 1100b. In <FIG>, the tire 1100a includes an upper ring 1110a and a lower ring 1120a. In this embodiment, the lower ring 1120a includes a plurality of reinforcements 1130a and the remainder of the tire does not include reinforcements. Empty spaces 1140a are disposed between outside members 1150a and a central member 1160a. The outside members 1150a may be outer sidewalls or covers on the tire 1100a (such as the sidewalls <NUM> shown in <FIG>) and the central member 1160a may be a solid circular portion disposed about the equatorial plane of the tire. Alternatively, the outside members 1150a and central member 1160a may form a spoke having a pair of windows, such as the spoke <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the tire 1100b includes an upper ring 1110b and a lower ring 1120b. In this embodiment, the upper ring 1110b includes a plurality of reinforcements 1130b and the remainder of the tire does not include reinforcements. Empty spaces 1140b are disposed between outside members 1150b and a central member 1160b. The outside members 1150b may be outer sidewalls or covers on the tire 1100b (such as the sidewalls <NUM> shown in <FIG>) and the central member 1160b may be a solid circular portion disposed about the equatorial plane of the tire. Alternatively, the outside members 1150b and the central member 1160b may form a spoke having a pair of windows, such as the spoke <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of still another alternative embodiment of non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. The tire <NUM> is an example of a tire having changing cross-sections. The tire includes spokes <NUM> that extend at varying angles at different axial locations along the tire. <FIG> shows a partial cross-section of the tire <NUM>. In this embodiment, the tire <NUM> includes reinforcements <NUM> that extend along the outer diameter of the tire and separate reinforcements <NUM> that extend along the spokes <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the reinforcements may be varied as desired. For example, any of the reinforcement configurations shown in <FIG> may be employed.

It should be understood that the tire <NUM> is merely exemplary, and that the method of making a composite layer tire may be employed to vary the thickness and shape of spokes or webbing at different axial locations on the tire.

<FIG> illustrate first and second perspective views of yet another embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. The tire <NUM> includes a tread <NUM> disposed on an outer ring <NUM>. The tire <NUM> further includes a plurality of spokes <NUM> extending from the outer ring <NUM> to an inner ring <NUM>. On the first side of the tire, shown in <FIG>, the tread <NUM>, outer ring <NUM>, spokes <NUM>, and inner ring <NUM> each extend to the outer boundary of the first side. On the second side of the tire, shown in <FIG>, only the tread <NUM> and outer ring <NUM> extend to the outer boundary of the second side. The inner ring <NUM> and lower portions of the spokes <NUM> terminate at a first location, while upper portions of the spokes <NUM> extend at an angle towards the outer boundary of the second side.

To produce the tire <NUM> using a composite layer process, certain sheets of material (i.e., those sheets proximate to the first side of the tire) would include an outer ring portion, spoke portions, and an inner ring portion. Certain sheets closer to the second side of the tire would include outer ring portions and partial spoke portions, but no inner ring portion. Certain sheets proximate to the second side of the tire would include an outer ring portion, but no spoke portions or inner ring portion.

While <FIG> and <FIG> do not show reinforcements in the tire <NUM>, it should be understood that reinforcements may be included in any region of the tire. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a reinforcement may be present in regions of the tire where green rubber is absent. For example, one or more spoke portions may be absent from sheets of green rubber during the building of a tire, such that the spokes of the resulting tire consist of bare cords of reinforcement material.

<FIG> illustrates a radial cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. In this embodiment, the layers <NUM> are constructed of different materials. For example, each layer <NUM> may include a polymeric portion <NUM> and a metal portion <NUM>. The metal portion <NUM> may be employed for mounting the tire to a wheel, or to increase the stiffness of the tire. In an alternative embodiment, instead of a metal portion, the tire may be constructed of a combination of green rubbers having low stiffness and green rubbers having high stiffness.

Alternatively, metal materials could be fitted in between layers <NUM> and cured into the tire to allow for mounting of tire. For example, metal plates with brass coating may be cured into the tire to provide integrated bolt holes for mounting. As another example, brass coated metal pins or bushings could be inserted during or after the layering process and cured in for mounting purposes.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a partially assembled pneumatic tire <NUM>. The pneumatic tire <NUM> may be assembled using the same composite layer method described above. However, instead of spokes, the method is used to build bead portions (not shown), sidewalls <NUM>, and a tread <NUM> of the tire. Additionally, the method may be used to build sidewall reinforcement layers (not shown), circumferential belts <NUM>, and a cap ply <NUM>. After the green tire is assembled it is cured in a vulcanization mold or an autoclave.

It should be understood that the pneumatic tire <NUM> may be built with any number of alternative reinforcements or inserts to enhance performance under various conditions.

In both the pneumatic and non-pneumatic examples, electronics may be embedded into layers of the tire. For example, an RFID may be embedded in the tire. A conductive filament or material could be run through spokes or around other portions of the tire to allow for the detection of damage to the tire. For example, if a spoke is torn there would no longer be a conductive path and this could be sensed by the electronics in the tire. Conductive filaments may also be embedded in certain portions of the tire to aid in the discharge of static electricity that may build up as the tire rotates.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept as defined in the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A method of making a tire (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1000a, 1000b; <NUM>100a, 1100b; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), the method comprising:
forming a first sheet of green rubber (<NUM>) having a substantially circular shape,
wherein the first sheet of green rubber (<NUM>) includes a first upper ring (<NUM>; <NUM>; 1010a, 1010b; 1110a, 1110b) and a first lower ring (<NUM>; <NUM>; 1020a, 1020b; 1120a, 1120b), and
wherein the first sheet of green rubber (<NUM>) further includes a first plurality of spoke portions (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) extending from the first upper ring (<NUM>; <NUM>; 1010a, 1010b; 1110a, 1110b) to the first lower ring (<NUM>; <NUM>; 1020a, 1020b; 1120a, 1120b);
placing a reinforcement (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1030a, 1030b; 1130a, 1130b) on the first sheet of green rubber (<NUM>), including placing the reinforcement (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1030a, 1030b; 1130a, 1130b) on at least a portion of the first upper ring (<NUM>; <NUM>; 1010a, 1010b; 1110a, 1110b; <NUM>, <NUM>) wherein the reinforcement is a cord of material;
forming a second sheet of green rubber (<NUM>) having a substantially circular shape;
placing the second sheet of green rubber (<NUM>) on the first sheet of green rubber (<NUM>) such that the reinforcement (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1030a, 1030b; 1130a, 1130b) is sandwiched between the first sheet of green rubber (<NUM>) and the second sheet of green rubber (<NUM>);
placing additional sheets of green rubber (<NUM>) having substantially circular shapes and placing additional reinforcements (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1030a, 1030b; 1130a, 1130b) on the second sheet of green rubber (<NUM>), until a tire (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1000a, 1000b; 1100a, 1100b; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is built having a predetermined width, wherein the additional reinforcements are cords of material; and
curing the tire (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1000a, 1000b; 1100a, 1100b; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) at a temperature between <NUM>° C and <NUM>° C and at a pressure between <NUM> mPa and <NUM> mPa.