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 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.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes a non-pneumatic tire that includes a tread, a rim part, inside and outside annular bands, a spoke member, and a pair of protective films. The tread comes into contact with a road surface. The rim part is connected to the axle of a vehicle. The inside and outside annular bands are disposed between the tread and the rim part, and are coaxially spaced apart from each other. The spoke member includes supports disposed in a predetermined pattern and configured to connect the inside and outside annular bands, and openings defined by the supports. The pair of protective films are disposed at both ends of the tire in the widthwise direction of the tire, and prevents foreign substances from infiltrating into the openings of the spoke member. The protective films are made of the same material as the spoke member and integrated with the spoke member.

A non-pneumatic tire, rim, and sidewall 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 further 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 has a lower sidewall cover connected to the rim. The lower sidewall cover includes an annulus portion that covers a first side of the lower ring and a portion of a first side of the support structure. The annulus portion of the lower sidewall cover has an inner diameter that is less than the first diameter. The annulus portion of the lower sidewall cover has an outer diameter that is less than the second diameter. The assembly also includes an upper sidewall cover having an annulus shape that covers a portion of the first side of the support structure. The upper sidewall cover has an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the annulus portion of the lower sidewall cover.

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, an upper ring with a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and support structure extending between the lower ring and the upper ring. The upper ring is substantially coaxial with the lower ring. The method further includes providing a rim and mounting the non-pneumatic tire on the rim. The method also includes providing a lower sidewall having an annulus portion and connecting the lower sidewall to the rim such that the annulus portion of the lower sidewall covers a first side of the lower ring and a lower portion of a first side of the support structure, and such that the lower sidewall does not cover an upper portion of the first side of the support structure.

A 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 an upper sidewall having an annulus shape that covers a portion of a first side of the support structure. The upper sidewall has an inner diameter that is greater than the first diameter.

"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 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.

<FIG> is a partial 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.

A plurality of ears <NUM> are disposed between pairs of adjacent spokes <NUM>. Each ear <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may be a threaded aperture or a smooth aperture. In an alternative embodiment, the ears may be omitted.

In an 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, 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>, fillets <NUM>, and ears <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 through a chemical bonding process. The rim <NUM> may be attached to a vehicle through a plurality of bolts (not shown) that extend through apertures <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having an upper sidewall cover <NUM>. The upper sidewall cover <NUM> may also be simply referred to as the upper sidewall or the upper cover. The upper sidewall cover <NUM> has an annulus shape that covers a portion of a first side of the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. Specifically, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> covers a portion of the spokes <NUM>. The upper sidewall 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 sidewall cover <NUM>, while the lower ring <NUM>, the lower fillets <NUM>l, and lower portions of the spokes <NUM> are uncovered.

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

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is directly attached to the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> at a plurality of locations. Specifically, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is bolted to the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> with bolts <NUM> extending into the apertures <NUM> of the ears <NUM>. Thus, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is removeably attached to the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, other removable fasteners such as clips may be employed. In another alternative embodiment, the upper sidewall cover may be permanently attached to the non-pneumatic tire by adhesive or permanent fasteners.

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

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in <FIG>. As can be seen from this view, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> includes an upper angled portion <NUM>, a radial portion <NUM>, and a lower angled portion <NUM>. In other words, an upper portion of the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is bent inwards towards the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>, and a lower portion of the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is likewise bent inwards towards the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the angled lower portion is bent away from the non-pneumatic tire. In another alternative embodiment, the lower portion of the upper sidewall cover extends in a radial direction. In yet another alternative embodiment, the upper portion of the upper sidewall cover extends in a radial direction. In one such embodiment, the upper sidewall cover is a flat, disc-shaped component.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having a lower sidewall cover <NUM>. The lower sidewall cover <NUM> may also be simply referred to as a lower sidewall or a lower cover. The lower sidewall cover <NUM> has an annulus portion <NUM> that covers a portion of a first side of the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. Specifically, the lower sidewall cover <NUM> includes an annulus portion <NUM> that covers a first side of the lower ring <NUM>, the lower fillets <NUM>l and a lower portion of the spokes <NUM>.

The annulus portion <NUM> of the lower sidewall cover <NUM> has an inner diameter that is less than the diameter of the inner ring <NUM>, and an outer diameter that is less than the diameter of the outer ring <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower ring <NUM>, the lower fillets <NUM>l, and lower portions of the spokes <NUM> are covered by the annulus portion <NUM> of the lower sidewall cover <NUM>, while the upper fillets <NUM>u and upper portions of the spokes <NUM> are uncovered.

The lower sidewall cover <NUM> also includes a cylinder <NUM> that has a diameter less than a diameter of the rim <NUM>. The cylinder <NUM> thus can be received by the rim <NUM>. The annulus portion <NUM> of the lower sidewall cover <NUM> extends radially outward from a first end of the cylinder <NUM>. An annular wall <NUM> extends radially inward from a second end of the cylinder <NUM>. The annular wall <NUM> includes a plurality of apertures (not shown) that align with bolts B that pass through apertures in the rim, thus allowing the annular wall <NUM> to be bolted to the rim <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower sidewall cover <NUM> is directly attached to the rim <NUM> at a plurality of locations. Thus, the lower sidewall 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 sidewall 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 sidewall cover <NUM> as being attached to rim <NUM>, it should be understood that the lower sidewall cover may be attached at other locations. For example, the lower sidewall cover may be attached to the lower ring, the lower fillets, or the spokes or other support structure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in <FIG>. As can be seen from this view, the annulus portion <NUM> of the lower sidewall cover <NUM> includes an upper angled portion <NUM>, a radial portion <NUM>, and a lower angled portion <NUM>. In other words, an upper portion of the lower sidewall cover <NUM> is bent outwards away from the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>, and a lower portion of the lower sidewall cover <NUM> is also bent outwards away from the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the angled upper portion is bent toward the non-pneumatic tire. In another alternative embodiment, the upper portion extends in a radial direction. In yet another alternative embodiment, the lower portion extends in a radial direction. In one such embodiment, the annulus portion of the lower sidewall cover is a flat, disc-shaped component.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having both an upper sidewall cover <NUM> and a lower sidewall cover <NUM>. While a user may employ only the upper sidewall cover, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, or only the lower sidewall cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, it may be desirable to employ both the upper sidewall cover <NUM> and the lower sidewall cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, a cap <NUM> is also attached to the lower sidewall cover <NUM> to cover the central opening. The cap <NUM> is optional.

Employing both the upper sidewall cover <NUM>, the lower sidewall cover <NUM>, and the optional cap <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 sidewall cover <NUM>, the lower sidewall cover <NUM>, and the optional cap <NUM> can also protect the tire <NUM> from curb damage. The upper sidewall cover <NUM>, the lower sidewall cover <NUM>, and the optional cap <NUM> may also make the tire <NUM> more aerodynamic.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is not directly attached to the lower sidewall cover <NUM>. Thus, the two components may move radially (or float) with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the upper sidewall <NUM> is constructed of a semi-flexible material, such as plastic or rubber, while the lower sidewall <NUM> is constructed of a rigid material, such as metal, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass-filled plastic, or other plastic. Thus, the upper sidewall <NUM> (whether used alone or in combination with the lower sidewall <NUM>) may flex if the spokes <NUM> buckle or flex during rotation. The lower sidewall <NUM> (whether used alone or in combination with the upper sidewall <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 cross-sectional view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having an upper sidewall cover <NUM> and a lower sidewall cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As explained above with respect to <FIG>, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> includes an upper angled portion <NUM>, a radial portion <NUM>, and a lower angled portion <NUM>. In other words, an upper portion of the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is bent inwards towards the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>, and a lower portion of the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is bent inwards towards the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. As further explained above with respect to <FIG>, the annulus portion <NUM> of the lower sidewall cover <NUM> includes an upper angled portion <NUM>, a radial portion <NUM>, and a lower angled portion <NUM>. In other words, an upper portion of the lower sidewall cover <NUM> is bent outwards away from the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>, and a lower portion of the lower sidewall cover <NUM> is also bent outwards away from the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower angled portion <NUM> of the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is radially below the upper angled portion <NUM> of the lower sidewall cover <NUM>. The two angled portions thus form a labyrinthine, or torturous path, to further prevent debris from entering the openings of the tire <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, the upper and lower sidewall covers could be bent in opposite directions. In other words, the angled upper portion of the lower sidewall cap may be bent toward the non-pneumatic tire, while the angled lower portion of the upper sidewall cap is bent away from the non-pneumatic tire. Such a configuration would still result in a labyrinthine, or torturous path.

In another alternative embodiment, the upper and lower sidewall covers simply overlap each other in a radial direction, without forming a labyrinthine or torturous path. Such a configuration may be easier to manufacture and assemble.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having an upper sidewall cover and a lower sidewall cover. In this embodiment, the non-pneumatic tire <NUM> may be substantially the same as the 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> includes an upper sidewall cover <NUM> and a lower sidewall cover <NUM>. The upper and lower sidewall covers <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially the same as the upper and lower sidewall covers <NUM>, <NUM> described above except for the differences detailed herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower sidewall cover <NUM> is directly attached to the upper sidewall cover <NUM> by a plurality of bolts <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, other temporary or permanent fasteners may be employed. In one embodiment, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> is not directly attached to the non-pneumatic tire <NUM>. Instead, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> may move radially (or float) with respect to the non-pneumatic tire if the spokes of the tire buckle or flex.

The assembly also includes a cap <NUM> attached to the lower sidewall cover <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the cap may be omitted.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the non-pneumatic tire and rim assembly having an upper sidewall cover <NUM> and a lower sidewall cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As can be seen in this view, the upper and lower sidewall covers <NUM>, <NUM> have the same bent configurations as the upper and lower sidewall covers <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG>. It should be understood that the alternatives described with respect to <FIG> may also apply to the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an upper sidewall cover <NUM> and a lower sidewall cover <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the upper sidewall cover and the lower sidewall cover as shown in <FIG>. As can be seen in these views, the upper sidewall cover <NUM> and lower sidewall cover <NUM> are directly attached to each other with a plurality of bolts <NUM>. The upper and lower sidewall covers <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially the same as the upper sidewall cover <NUM> and lower sidewall cover <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, except for the differences described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper sidewall 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.

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,<NPL>). 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>), and sidewall 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>) connected to the lower ring (<NUM>) of the non-pneumatic tire (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a lower sidewall cover (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) connected to the rim (<NUM>), the lower sidewall cover (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) including an annulus portion (<NUM>) that covers a first side of the lower ring (<NUM>) and a portion of a first side of the support structure (<NUM>),
wherein the annulus portion (<NUM>) of the lower sidewall cover (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) has an inner diameter that is less than the first diameter, and
wherein the annulus portion (<NUM>) of the lower sidewall cover (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) has an outer diameter that is less than the second diameter,
wherein a lower portion of the upper sidewall cover (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is bent inwards towards the non-pneumatic tire (<NUM>; <NUM>), and
wherein an upper portion of the lower sidewall cover (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is bent outwards away from the non-pneumatic tire (<NUM>; <NUM>);
an upper sidewall cover (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) having an annulus shape that covers a portion of the first side of the support structure (<NUM>),
wherein the upper sidewall cover (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) has an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the annulus portion (<NUM>) of the lower sidewall cover (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>).