Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC

Steven J Jenkins

Zachary G Lorenz

Robert W Asper

Brandon P Nelson

A non-pneumatic tire includes an annular inner ring, an annular outer ring, and a support structure extending from the annular inner ring to the annular outer ring. The support structure includes a plurality of spokes, webbing, cells, or other open-sided support structure. The tire includes a bump stop. The bump stop includes an inner member radially extending from a radially outer surface of the annular inner ring. The inner member has a radially outer surface facing a radially inner surface of the annular outer ring. The bump stop includes an outer member radially extending from a radially inner surface of the annular outer ring. The outer member has a radially inner surface facing a radially outer surface of the annular inner ring.

Bump stop for non-pneumatic tire

Mold assemblies used for curing non-pneumatic tires include a mold section and curing shoe assemblies supported on the mold section. The curing shoe assemblies include a first actuation member supported on the mold section in radially-offset alignment with a mold axis. A second actuation member is supported for axial displacement relative to the first actuation member. First and second curing shoes are spaced laterally from the first and second actuation members. The first and second curing shoes are operatively connected to the first and second actuation members such that movement of the first and second actuation members toward one another displaces the first and second curing shoes laterally away from one another. In some cases, movement of the first and second actuation members away from one another displaces the first and second curing shoes laterally toward one another. Methods of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire are also included.

Curing mold assemblies for non-pneumatic tires as well as methods of manufacture

Mold assemblies used for curing non-pneumatic tires include a mold section and curing shoe assemblies supported on the mold section. The curing shoe assemblies include an actuation cup supported on the mold section in radially-offset alignment with a mold axis. First and second curing shoes are spaced laterally from the actuation cup and are operatively connected thereto by actuation members. Fluid pressure generates movement of the actuation members away from one another, which displaces the first and second curing shoes laterally away from one another. Methods of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire are also included.

Mold assemblies for curing non-pneumatic tires include first and second mold sections that are axially displaceable relative to one another. Lateral-pressure members are supported on the first mold section. The first lateral pressure members include a first pressure member wall with first and second edge surface portions. A first curing shoe cooperatively engages the first edge surface portion of the first lateral-pressure member and an associated less-than-fully-cured non-pneumatic tire. A second curing shoe abuttingly engages the second edge surface portion of the first lateral-pressure member and the associated less-than-fully-cured nonpneumatic tire. Methods of manufacturing non-pneumatic tires are also included.

Mold assemblies used for curing non-pneumatic tires include a mold base having a mold axis. An assembly rod has a rod axis is supported on the mold base in radially-offset alignment with the mold axis. A first rocker arm is supported on the assembly rod with a first curing shoe supported on the first rocker arm. A second rocker arm is supported on the assembly rod and a second curing shoe is supported on the second rocker arm. Methods of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire are also included.

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Nashville, TN, United States of America

Steven J Jenkins