Core of non-pneumatic tire and method of forming core

A core of a non-pneumatic tire, the core being configured to have a tread formed thereon and comprising:

• a hub configured to be coupled to a machine;
• an inner circumferential portion associated with the hub;
• an outer circumferential portion radially spaced from the inner circumferential portion, the outer circumferential portion extending between opposed, axially-spaced side edges;
• and
• a support structure extending between the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion and coupling the inner circumferential portion to the outer circumferential portion, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of first ribs extending between the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion, and wherein at least some of the first ribs at least partially form cavities in the support structure, and
• wherein at least some of the cavities in the support structure are adjacent the outer circumferential portion, such that a radially outward facing surface of the core includes alternating regions that are relatively more flexible and relatively less flexible.

A method of forming a core of a non-pneumatic tire, the core being configured to have a tread formed thereon, the method comprising:

• mounting a non-pneumatic tire in a lathe;
• activating the lathe such that the tire rotates about an axis of rotation of the tire;
• applying a cutter against a surface of the tire such that the cutter removes material from the tire;
• and
• continuing to apply the cutter against the tire until an outer circumferential portion of the tire has a radially outward facing surface having a substantially constant diameter spanning between opposed, axially-spaced side edges of the outer circumferential portion.