System and method for making a band and tread assembly for a non-pneumatic tire
AssigneeBridgestone Bandag, LLC
InventorsWade L. Terrill, Merle R. Schlapkohl, Alexander G. Tomtschik, Chad M. Zeck, Terry A. Westaway
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for assembling a circumferential tread and a band for a non-pneumatic tire includes a curing wrap dimensioned to receive a band for a non-pneumatic tire and a circumferential tread. The curing wrap includes a valve. The system also includes a fastener configured to secure a first side of the curing wrap to the circumferential tread and to secure a second side of the curing wrap to the first side of the curing wrap.
Claims20
A method of making a band and tread assembly for a non-pneumatic tire, the method comprising:
- providing a band;
- providing an elastomeric tread circumferentially about a top surface of the band;
- providing a flexible wrap having a valve extending therefrom, the flexible wrap having a first end and a second end;
- placing the flexible wrap about an inner circumference of the band and an outer circumference of the elastomeric tread such that the first end overlaps the second end;
- securing the flexible wrap about the band and the elastomeric tread;
- and
- applying heat within the flexible wrap.
A system for assembling a circumferential tread and a band for a non-pneumatic tire, the system comprising:
- a curing wrap dimensioned to receive a band for a non-pneumatic tire and a circumferential tread such that the curing wrap contacts a lower surface of the band and an upper surface of the circumferential tread, the curing wrap including a valve;
- and
- a fastener configured to secure a first side of the curing wrap to the circumferential tread and to secure a second side of the curing wrap to the first side of the curing wrap.
A method of making a non-pneumatic tire, the method comprising:
- providing an upper band;
- providing an elastomeric tread circumferentially about a top surface of the upper band;
- securing a curing wrap about the elastomeric tread and the upper band;
- applying heat within the curing wrap to form an upper band and tread assembly;
- providing a support structure connected to a lower band;
- and
- affixing the upper band and tread assembly to the support structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.