Patent ID: 7650919

Claim:
A structurally supported tire comprising: a reinforced annular band comprising an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to a radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to a radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer, a tread portion disposed on a radially outer extent of the reinforced annular band a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the reinforced annular band; and means for interconnecting the plurality of web spokes with a wheel; wherein, each of the membranes has a longitudinal tensile modulus greater than the shear modulus of the shear layer, a ratio of a longitudinal tensile modulus of one of the membranes to the shear modulus of the shear layer is at least about 100:1, and a longitudinal compression modulus of said second membrane is at least equal to the longitudinal tensile modulus of said first membrane.