Patent Description:
Various tire constructions have been developed which enable a tire to run in an uninflated or underinflated condition. Non-pneumatic tires do not require inflation, while "run flat tires" may continue to operate after receiving a puncture and a complete or partial loss of pressurized air, for extended periods of time and at relatively high speeds. Non-pneumatic tires may include a plurality of spokes, a webbing, or other support structure that connects a lower ring to an upper ring.

According to its opening statement, <CIT> describes a vehicle tire. Its aim is to provide a vehicle tire wherein pneumatic elements, subject to puncture and deterioration, may be dispensed with.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes a non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly that incorporates a tire tread and a conventional vehicle wheel with an elastomer tire body element molded for engagement intermediate the tread and wheel. The tire body element includes multiple concentric layers with alternating spokes. A bonded multilayer cover may be employed which is received within a recess in an outer surface of the tire body element from the tire tread. A mounting plate is engaged to the cover and attached to the wheel.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes a non-pneumatic tire including a tire body which includes a tire wheel, a non-pneumatic circular inner wheel which a plurality of first bumping ribs is arranged between the tire wheel and the non-pneumatic circular inner wheel, and a non-pneumatic circular outer wheel which a plurality of second bumping ribs is arranged between the non-pneumatic circular inner wheel and the non-pneumatic circular outer wheel; circular rings which are arranged on both sides of the tire body and which resists an external force and maintains the shape of the non-pneumatic circular inner wheel; and tire covers which are arranged on the outer side of the non-pneumatic circular outer wheel to partially cover the non-pneumatic circular outer wheel and joined to the circular rings.

In one embodiment, a non-pneumatic tire, rim, and cover assembly is provided. The assembly includes a non-pneumatic tire having a lower ring with a first diameter and an upper ring with a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The upper ring is substantially coaxial with the lower ring. The non-pneumatic tire also includes support structure extending between the lower ring and the upper ring. The assembly further includes a rim connected to the lower ring of the non-pneumatic tire. The assembly also includes an upper cover connected to a first side of the non-pneumatic tire. The upper cover has an annulus shape that covers at least a portion of the support structure. A lower portion of the upper cover includes a circumferential projection that projects axially outward relative to a region above the circumferential projection. The assembly further includes a lower cover connected to the upper cover. The lower cover has a circumferential groove disposed on a rear surface that receives the circumferential projection of the upper cover.

In another embodiment, a method of covering a side of a non-pneumatic tire is provided. The method includes providing a non-pneumatic tire having a lower ring with a first diameter and an upper ring with a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The upper ring is substantially coaxial with the lower ring. The non-pneumatic tire also has support structure extending between the lower ring and the upper ring. The method further includes providing a rim and mounting the non-pneumatic tire on the rim. The method also includes providing an upper cover having an annulus shape and connecting the upper cover to the non-pneumatic tire. The upper cover has a lower circumferential projection that projects axially outward relative to a region above the lower circumferential projection. The method further includes providing a lower cover having a circumferential groove disposed on a rear surface, and attaching the lower cover onto the upper cover by inserting the lower circumferential projection of the upper cover into the circumferential groove of the lower cover.

In yet another embodiment, a non-pneumatic tire having a cover is provided. 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 the lower ring. The non-pneumatic tire further includes support structure extending between the lower ring and the upper ring. The non-pneumatic tire also includes a flexible cover having an annulus shape that covers at least a portion of a first side of the support structure, wherein a lower portion of the flexible cover includes a circumferential projection that projects axially outward relative to a region above the circumferential projection.

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

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

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

"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.

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.

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 surface 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 surface 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 side 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.

<FIG> is a perspective view of one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly. The assembly includes a non-pneumatic tire <NUM> having a lower ring <NUM> with a first diameter and an upper ring <NUM> having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The upper ring <NUM> is substantially coaxial with the lower ring <NUM>. A plurality of spokes <NUM> extend between the lower ring <NUM> and the upper ring <NUM>.

A plurality of fillets <NUM> are disposed between the lower ring <NUM> and the upper ring <NUM> at the end of each spoke <NUM>. The plurality of fillets <NUM> includes lower fillets <NUM>l and upper fillets <NUM>u. The lower fillets <NUM>l are in direct contact with the lower ring <NUM>. The upper fillets <NUM>u are in direct contact with the upper ring <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the fillets may be omitted.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) a plurality of ears may be disposed between pairs of adjacent spokes. Each ear includes an aperture. The aperture may be a threaded aperture or a smooth aperture. In an alternative embodiment, the ears may be omitted. In another alternative embodiment, a webbing or other support structure may be employed instead of spokes.

A circumferential tread <NUM> is disposed about the upper ring <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment. The tread <NUM> may include tread elements such as grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, sipes, studs, and other elements. A shear band or other shear element or reinforcement structure (not shown) may be disposed between the upper ring <NUM> and the tread <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the separate tread may be omitted and instead tread elements may be formed directly on the upper ring.

The lower and upper rings <NUM>, <NUM> may be constructed of a polymeric material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, or other elastomeric material. Alternatively, the lower and upper rings <NUM>, <NUM> may be constructed of a harder polymeric material such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The spokes <NUM> may be constructed of elastomeric material having a single layer of reinforcement disposed therein. The tread <NUM> and fillets <NUM> may be constructed of an elastomeric material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, or other elastomeric material.

The assembly further includes a rim <NUM>. The lower ring <NUM> is attached to the rim <NUM>, such as by an adhesive or a chemical bonding process. The rim <NUM> may be attached to a vehicle through a plurality of bolts (not shown).

<FIG> is a perspective view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having an upper cover <NUM>. The upper cover <NUM> may also be simply referred to as the cover. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper cover <NUM> has an annulus shape that covers a portion of a first side of the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. Specifically, the upper cover <NUM> covers a portion of the spokes <NUM>. The upper cover <NUM> has an inner diameter that is greater than the diameter of the lower ring <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper fillets <NUM>u and upper portions of the spokes <NUM> are covered by the upper cover <NUM>, while the lower ring <NUM>, the lower fillets <NUM>l, and lower portions of the spokes <NUM> are uncovered. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the upper cover is dimensioned to cover the upper fillets, the spokes, the lower fillets, and the lower ring.

In one embodiment, the upper ring <NUM> is covered by the upper cover <NUM>. In other words, the outer diameter of the upper cover <NUM> is greater than the diameter of the upper ring <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the upper ring <NUM> is uncovered. In other words, the outer diameter of the upper cover <NUM> is less than the diameter of the upper ring <NUM>. Similarly, in one embodiment, a shoulder region of the tread <NUM> is covered by the cover <NUM>, while in an alternative embodiment the shoulder region of the tread <NUM> is uncovered.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having an upper cover as shown in <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, a circular wire <NUM> is attached to the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> at a plurality of locations. In one embodiment, the circular wire <NUM> is connected to the upper ring <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the circular wire <NUM> is connected to the spokes <NUM>. In another alternative embodiment, the circular wire <NUM> is connected to the tread <NUM>, such as at a shoulder portion of the tread.

The upper cover <NUM> is attached to the circular wire <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper cover includes a recess defined by a hook-shaped component <NUM> at the top of the cover <NUM>. The hook-shaped component may extend circumferentially about the entire upper cover <NUM>, or it may take the form of a series of hooks spaced about the upper cover. In one embodiment, at least one of the upper cover <NUM> and the circular wire <NUM> is a flexible component, allowing the upper cover <NUM> to snap onto the circular wire <NUM>. In one embodiment, the upper cover <NUM> is sufficiently flexible to accommodate a vertical displacement of the tread <NUM> of between <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (<NUM>-<NUM>). For example, the upper cover <NUM> may be constructed of fiberglass, plastic, fabric, aramid, rubber, or other flexible material. The upper cover may be formed as a mesh, or include a plurality of apertures to increase flexibility.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the upper cover is directly attached to the non-pneumatic tire at a plurality of locations. For example, the upper cover may be bolted to the non-pneumatic tire or attached with removable fasteners, such as clips. In another alternative embodiment, the upper cover may be permanently attached to the non-pneumatic tire by adhesive or permanent fasteners.

As can be seen in <FIG>, a lower portion of the upper cover <NUM> includes a circumferential projection <NUM> that projects axially outward relative to a region above the circumferential projection. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential projection <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM> is defined by a lower circular wire <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the circumferential projection may be molded into the upper cover <NUM>. The circumferential projection may be a continuous projection, or may be defined by a plurality of spaced-apart projections.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having the upper cover <NUM> and a lower cover <NUM> that covers a portion of a first side of the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower cover <NUM> is a circular disk that covers a first side of the lower ring <NUM>, the lower fillets <NUM>l and a lower portion of the spokes <NUM>, as well as the rim <NUM>. It should be understood, however, that the upper and lower covers <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized to cover different components of the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the lower cover is an annulus.

In one embodiment, the lower cover <NUM> is a rigid component constructed of a rigid material, such as metal, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass-filled plastic, or other plastic. In an alternative embodiment, the lower cover may be flexible.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower cover <NUM> is attached to the rim <NUM> at a plurality of locations by bolts <NUM>. Thus, the lower cover <NUM> is removeably attached to the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly. In alternative embodiments, other removable fasteners may be employed. In another alternative embodiment, the lower cover may be permanently attached to the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly by adhesive or permanent fasteners.

While the illustrated embodiment shows the lower cover <NUM> as being attached to rim <NUM>, it should be understood that the lower cover may be attached at other locations. For example, the lower cover may be attached to the non-pneumatic tire at the lower ring, the lower fillets, or the spokes or other support structure.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having an upper cover and a lower cover as shown in <FIG>. As can be seen from this view, the rim <NUM> includes apertures <NUM> configured to receive the bolts <NUM>, thus allowing the lower cover <NUM> to be directly attached to the rim <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the bolts <NUM> extend axially into the rim <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the bolts may extend radially or at an angle. In one embodiment, the apertures <NUM> are threaded. In an alternative embodiment, the apertures are smooth.

A rear surface of the lower cover <NUM> has a circumferential groove <NUM> that receives the circumferential projection <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> may be mounted to the assembly by snapping the circumferential groove <NUM> of the lower cover <NUM> onto the circumferential projection <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM>, or otherwise inserting the lower circumferential projection <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM> into the circumferential groove <NUM> of the lower cover <NUM>. After the lower cover <NUM> has been attached to the upper cover <NUM>, the lower cover <NUM> may be bolted to the rim <NUM>.

Employing both the upper cover <NUM> and the lower cover <NUM> prevents debris from entering the openings in the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. Such debris could add weight to the tire and potentially damage the spokes <NUM> or other components. The upper cover <NUM> and the lower cover <NUM> can also protect the tire <NUM> from curb damage. The upper cover <NUM> and the lower cover <NUM> may also make the tire <NUM> more aerodynamic.

As explained above, the upper cover <NUM> may be constructed of a semi-flexible material, such as plastic or rubber, while the lower cover <NUM> is constructed of a rigid material, such as metal, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass-filled plastic, or other plastic. Thus, the upper cover <NUM> (whether used alone or in combination with the lower cover <NUM>) may flex if the spokes <NUM> buckle or flex during rotation. The lower cover <NUM> (whether used alone or in combination with the upper cover <NUM>) may function as a "bump stop" and contact the tread <NUM> or a road surface if the tire <NUM> flexes beyond a predetermined amount.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly. In this embodiment, the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> may be substantially the same as non-pneumatic tire <NUM>, or any of the alternative embodiments described above. Thus, the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> is not described in further detail.

The non-pneumatic tire <NUM> is mounted on a rim <NUM> that has a plurality of ears <NUM> disposed thereon. Each of the ears <NUM> includes a curved slot <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, each ear includes a circular hole instead of a slot. While six ears are shown in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that any number of ears may be employed.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly of <FIG> having an upper cover <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the upper cover <NUM>. As can be seen in this view, the upper cover <NUM> includes a plurality of projections <NUM> extending axially inward. The projections are dimensioned to fit in between the spokes of a non-pneumatic tire and may provide additional stability and prevent twisting. In one embodiment, the projections are dimensioned to provide a force fit attachment to the tire. The projections may have a textured surface or have features molded therein to increase the friction between the projections and spokes. While the projections <NUM> are shown as having a constant diameter, in an alternative embodiment the projections may be tapered. In an alternative embodiment, the projections have a smaller dimension such that there is a clearance between the projections and the spokes.

A lower portion of the upper cover <NUM> also includes a circumferential projection <NUM> that projects axially outward relative to a region above the circumferential projection. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential projection <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM> is molded into the upper cover <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the circumferential projection may be defined by a lower circular wire. The circumferential projection may be a continuous projection, or may be defined by a plurality of spaced-apart projections.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having the upper cover <NUM> mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the upper cover <NUM> is constructed of fiberglass, plastic, fabric, aramid, rubber, or other flexible material. The upper cover may be formed as a mesh, or include a plurality of apertures to increase flexibility.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly of <FIG> having the upper cover <NUM> and a lower cover <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> is constructed of a rigid material, such as metal, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass-filled plastic, or other plastic. While the lower cover <NUM> is shown as a disk in this embodiment, it may be an annulus in other embodiments.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the lower cover <NUM>. As can be seen from this view, the lower cover <NUM> includes a plurality of apertures <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> also has a circumferential groove <NUM> disposed on a rear surface.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly with the upper cover <NUM> and the lower cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As can be seen in this view, the circumferential groove <NUM> of the lower cover <NUM> receives the circumferential projection <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> may be mounted to the assembly by snapping the circumferential groove <NUM> of the lower cover <NUM> onto the circumferential projection <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM>, or otherwise inserting the lower circumferential projection <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM> into the circumferential groove <NUM> of the lower cover <NUM>. After the lower cover <NUM> has been attached to the upper cover <NUM>, the lower cover <NUM> may be bolted to the rim <NUM> by passing bolts <NUM> through the apertures <NUM> of the lower cover <NUM> and through the slots <NUM> of the ears <NUM>.

While <FIG> illustrate an upper cover <NUM> in combination with a lower cover <NUM> and <FIG> illustrate an upper cover <NUM> in combination with a lower cover <NUM>, it should be understood that the disclosed covers, and the features of those covers are interchangeable.

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>; <NUM>), rim (<NUM>; <NUM>), and cover assembly, the assembly comprising:
a non-pneumatic tire (<NUM>; <NUM>) including:
a lower ring (<NUM>) having a first diameter,
an upper ring (<NUM>) having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the upper ring (<NUM>) being substantially coaxial with the lower ring (<NUM>), and
support structure (<NUM>) extending between the lower ring (<NUM>) and the upper ring (<NUM>);
a rim (<NUM>; <NUM>) connected to the lower ring (<NUM>) of the non-pneumatic tire (<NUM>; <NUM>);
an upper cover (<NUM>; <NUM>) connected to a first side of the non-pneumatic tire (<NUM>; <NUM>),
wherein the upper cover (<NUM>; <NUM>) has an annulus shape that covers at least a portion of the support structure (<NUM>),
wherein a lower portion of the upper cover (<NUM>; <NUM>) includes a circumferential projection (<NUM>; <NUM>) that projects axially outward relative to a region above the circumferential projection (<NUM>; <NUM>); and
a lower cover (<NUM>; <NUM>) connected to the upper cover (<NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the lower cover (<NUM>; <NUM>) has a circumferential groove (<NUM>; <NUM>) disposed on a rear surface that receives the circumferential projection (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the upper cover (<NUM>; <NUM>).