NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE WITH A FLEXIBLE LOOPED SPOKE AND METHOD OF FORMING

A non-pneumatic tire (100) comprising a ground contacting annular tread portion (200), a shear band (300) and at least one spoke loop structure (400) connected to the shear band (300) and its method of manufacturing is disclosed. The spoke loop structure (400) has a plurality of flexible loops (420) extending inward from the shear band (300). Each flexible loop (420) is formed from a strip of elastomeric material and is connected to a wheel (500). The method comprises: forming an annular tread portion (200) having a shear band (300); forming a base and loop subassembly by providing a base (400') having a plurality of grooves (412), inserting a layer of elastomer strip into each groove (412) and forming a loop (420) between each of the grooves (412); inserting the base and loop subassembly into the shear band (300) so that the base (400') is positioned adjacent the shear band (300); curing the base and loop subassembly into the shear band (300); providing a wheel (500); and connecting each loop (420) to the wheel (500).