Annular structure having multiple reinforcement bands

摘要

A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.

主权项

1. A method of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire having an annular reinforcement structure that includes an inner reinforcement band, an outer reinforcement band; and a core positioned between the inner and outer reinforcement bands, the method comprising the steps of:
providing the inner and outer reinforcement bands in a first mold with the inner and outer reinforcement bands positioned in concentric, spaced relationship so as to form an annular space between the inner and outer reinforcement bands; inserting material for the core into the first mold into the space between the inner and outer reinforcement bands so as to provide a casting that includes a core having a density of 0.75 g/cm3 or greater that is located between the inner and outer reinforcement bands; placing the casting from said step of inserting into a second mold, the second mold providing at least one cavity for the molding of one or more features of the non-pneumatic wheel; and introducing a matrix material in the second mold so as to form one or more features of the non-pneumatic wheel.