Non-pneumatic tire having looped support structure and method of making same

A non-pneumatic tire comprising:

• an inner ring;
• an outer ring;
• a plurality of loops extending between the inner ring and the outer ring, the plurality of loops including at least a first loop and a second loop,
• wherein the first loop is in direct contact with both the inner ring and the outer ring,
• wherein the first loop is formed by a spiraled ribbon of elastomeric material having a single reinforcement layer disposed therein,
• wherein the first loop includes a first extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring and a second extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring,
• wherein the second loop is in direct contact with both the inner ring and the outer ring,
• wherein the second loop is formed by a spiraled ribbon of elastomeric material having a single reinforcement layer disposed therein,
• wherein the second loop includes a third extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring and a fourth extent that extends between the inner ring and the outer ring, and
• wherein the second extent is in direct contact with the third extent.

A method of making a non-pneumatic tire, the method comprising:

• providing an inner ring of elastomeric material;
• providing an outer ring of elastomeric material;
• arranging the inner ring and the outer ring such that the inner ring is substantially coaxial with the outer ring;
• providing a ribbon of reinforced elastomeric material;
• providing a plurality of cores;
• spirally winding the ribbon of reinforced elastomeric material about each of the plurality of cores;
• arranging the plurality of cores between the inner ring and the outer ring;
• and
• curing the inner ring, the outer ring, and the ribbon disposed about the plurality of cores.