Structurally supported, non-pneumatic wheel with continuous loop reinforcement assembly
AssigneesMichelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
InventorsMichael Edward Dotson, Patrick A. Petri, Kirkland W. Vogt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A non-pneumatic wheel is provided having a continuous loop reinforcement assembly that can support a load and have performance similar to pneumatic tires. Various configurations of a non-pneumatic wheel, including variations of the continuous loop reinforcement assembly, are provided. One or more resilient spacers can be positioned with the continuous loop reinforcement assembly and can be configured for the receipt of a matrix material.
Claims20
A non-pneumatic wheel, the wheel defining radial, circumferential, and transverse directions, the wheel comprising:
- an annular band supporting a ground contacting tread portion, said annular band extending about the circumferential direction;
- a continuous loop reinforcement assembly positioned within said annular band, the continuous loop reinforcement assembly comprising one or more materials wound into a helix that includes at least three revolutions about the circumferential direction;
- a mounting band positioned radially inward of said annular band;
- and,
- a plurality of web spokes connected to, and extending radially between, said annular band and said mounting band.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.