Tire with tensioned spokes

A nonpneumatic tire comprising:

• a tread portion;
• an upper ring;
• and
• a plurality of spokes extending radially downward from the upper ring, each spoke being configured to carry a load while in tension and while in compression,
• wherein the upper ring and the plurality of spokes are part of a unitary component constructed of a single material,
• wherein each spoke terminates at a lower end having a spoke mount with an opening configured to engage a corresponding hub mount,
• wherein each spoke is under substantially no tension when the tread portion is not in contact with a ground surface and when each spoke mount is disengaged from its corresponding hub mount, and
• wherein each spoke is under tension when the tread portion is not in contact with the ground surface and when each spoke mount is engaged with its corresponding hub mount.

A nonpneumatic tire and hub assembly comprising:

• a tire including:
• an upper ring,
• a tread portion disposed about the upper ring, and
• a plurality of spokes extending radially downward from the upper ring, wherein each spoke terminates at a lower end having a spoke mount, each spoke being configured to carry a load while in tension and while in compression, wherein the upper ring and the plurality of spokes are part of a unitary component constructed of a single material;
• and
• a hub having a plurality of hub mounts, each hub mount corresponding to a spoke mount,
• wherein each spoke is under substantially no tension when the tread portion is not in contact with a ground surface and when each spoke mount is disengaged from its corresponding hub mount, and
• wherein each spoke is under tension when the tread portion is not in contact with the ground surface and when each spoke mount is engaged with its corresponding hub mount.