초록 ▼

A non-pneumatic tire (“NPT”) is integrally molded from a stiff, resilient elastomeric material with particular specifications, to form a unitary structure comprising outer and inner cylindrical coaxial and coextensive members (“hoops”). The outer hoop is supported and cushioned by a plurality of cir

A non-pneumatic tire (“NPT”) is integrally molded from a stiff, resilient elastomeric material with particular specifications, to form a unitary structure comprising outer and inner cylindrical coaxial and coextensive members (“hoops”). The outer hoop is supported and cushioned by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart, planar rib members (ribs) and a planar central web member (web) which connects the hoops at their circumferential center lines. The web lies in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the NPT. The ribs extend axially along the inner and outer hoops, connecting them, and the edges of the ribs lie along the opposite faces of the web. The ribs are angulated in the range from 15°to 75°to radial planes which intersect them at their radially inner ends. A rubber tread is secured to the outer surface of the outer hoop. The coaction of the structural elements of the NPT provide a load-supporting structure which, in operation, is subjected to continuous compression and tensile forces as it travels over the ground. Its deformation and buckling characteristics which are derived from the unique interaction of the structural elements provide the NPT with “ride” and “handling”characteristics surprisingly similar to those of a conventional pneumatic tire.

대표청구항 ▼

A tire rotatable about an axis, comprising an annular body of resilient elastomeric material, said body consisting essentially of a generally cylindrical outer member at the outer periphery of said body, a generally cylindrical inner member spaced radially inward from and coaxial with said outer mem

A tire rotatable about an axis, comprising an annular body of resilient elastomeric material, said body consisting essentially of a generally cylindrical outer member at the outer periphery of said body, a generally cylindrical inner member spaced radially inward from and coaxial with said outer member, a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced-apart first and second rib members connected at their corresponding inner and outer ends to said inner and outer cylindrical members, said rib members being generally inclined at substantially equal angles of about 15°to 75°to radial planes which intersect them at their inner ends, and a unitary circumferential web member having opposite side faces, said web member having its inner and outer peripheries connected respectively to said inner and outer cylindrical members, said web member being connected on one side face to said first rib members and on the other side face to said second rib members, said first rib members being inclined oppositely to said second rib members with respect to said radial planes, to form with said inner and outer cylindrical members and said web member a load-carrying structure in which locally loaded members are enabled to buckle.