| 摘要 |
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 DEG to 75 DEG 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.
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