FR3161389A1 - Folding tire including a brand - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable tire (1) comprising a tread (120), two bead wires (13), a carcass reinforcement (15) extending radially inwardly to the tread (120), the carcass reinforcement (15) forming two sidewalls (122) and comprising at least one carcass layer (151) wrapped around the two bead wires (13), and an inner band (14) arranged radially inwardly relative to the tread (120), wherein the inner band (14) comprises a mark (2). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a tire (1), an assembly comprising such a tire (1) and a tie holding the tire (1) in the folded or rolled position, as well as a method for manufacturing such an assembly. Figure for abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Folding inflatable including a brand FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of tires, and more specifically to a folding tire comprising a mark on its inner band.

The invention applies to tubeless folding tires, i.e. mounted directly on a rim without an inner tube, or to "tube-type" tires requiring the presence of an inner tube.

STATE OF THE ART

A tire is a toroidal structure designed to be mounted on a rim, pressurized by an inflation gas and compressed on the ground under the action of a load.

By convention, we consider a frame of reference (O, OX, OY, OZ), whose center O coincides with the center of the tire, the circumferential direction OX, axial direction OY, and radial direction OZ respectively designate a direction tangent to the rolling surface of the tire in the direction of rotation, a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire, and a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the tire.

By radially inside, respectively radially outside, we mean closer, respectively further away, from the axis of rotation of the tire.

By axially inside, respectively axially outside, we mean closer, respectively further from the median plane of the tire, the median plane of the tire being the plane passing through the middle of the tread of the tire and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire.

Circumferential direction means the direction which is tangent to a circle whose center is on the axis of rotation of the tire or blank.

By meridian plane, we mean a plane parallel to and containing the axis of rotation of the tire or of the blank or of the manufacturing support and perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

The term "tire blank" refers to the presence of crosslinkable or vulcanizable compositions in their uncrosslinked or unvulcanized state. In other words, a tire blank corresponds to the tire before it is cured, i.e., vulcanized.

The structure of a tire is usually described by representing its components in a meridian plane, that is, a plane containing the tire's axis of rotation. This choice is motivated by the axisymmetry of the tire's geometry around its axis of rotation.

Typically, a tire consists of a tread designed to be in contact with the ground and a carcass reinforcement located radially inside the tread. The tread has a rolling surface intended to come into contact with the ground.

According to a known design method, the carcass reinforcement of a bicycle tire comprises at least one casing layer wrapped from the inside out around two beads to form a inversion and thus define two beads. Each bead extends radially outward as a sidewall, the sidewalls joining radially outward to the tread. The casing reinforcement thus forms the sidewalls. In other words, the sidewalls are parts of the casing reinforcement. The free ends of the respective inversions of each casing layer are radially overlapped, radially inside the tread, at the crown, potentially forming an overlap. In addition, the casing layer includes a set of wire reinforcements substantially parallel to each other, the wire reinforcements possibly being coated with an elastomeric compound.

An elastomeric blend is defined as an elastomeric material obtained by a process that blends various constituents. An elastomeric blend typically comprises an elastomeric matrix with at least one diene elastomer of the natural or synthetic rubber type, at least one reinforcing filler of the carbon black and/or silica type, a crosslinking system most often sulfur-based, and protective agents. For certain applications, the elastomers considered may also include thermoplastics (TPEs).

We know of tires for two-wheeled vehicles like bicycles, which are foldable and are sold folded in a box which carries all the information about the tire, both commercial (designation, size, range, sales pitch…) and mandatory information (regulatory, barcode…).

Once a folding tire is removed from its box, the box is usually immediately discarded by the consumer, which poses an environmental problem. Furthermore, all the tire's information is lost. This can be problematic, for example, when recycling the tire, as there is no traceability system to retrieve the tire's information for optimal recycling.
Therefore, on the one hand, there is a need for an easy-to-implement solution to ensure the marketing and identification of tires in a more environmentally responsible way.

One aim of the invention is to make tires more environmentally friendly in a way that is easy to implement.

According to a first aspect, a folding tire is proposed comprising a tread, two beads, a carcass reinforcement extending radially inwardly to the tread, the carcass reinforcement forming two sidewalls and comprising at least one layer of carcass wrapping around the two beads, and an inner band arranged radially inwardly with respect to the tread, in which the inner band includes a mark.

The term "trademark" means a tangible sign of various kinds (such as a word, number, design, code, or a combination of such signs) applied to an object to indicate certain characteristics, particularly technical or commercial ones. Since the trademark is located on the inner tread, it is at least partially visible and offers improved legibility to the user when the tire is folded and/or rolled and is at least partially turned inside out to expose the inner tread so that the trademark is at least partially visible.

By "internal band" we mean the element of the tire architecture exposing a toroidal-shaped surface in contact with the pressurized cavity of the tire.

Thus, the inner band can be, but is not limited to, the carcass reinforcement exposing a surface within the pressurized cavity. In another embodiment of the tire, the inner band can be a sealing rubber arranged radially internally to the carcass reinforcement, this sealing rubber exposing a surface within the pressurized cavity.

By "foldable", we mean the ability of the tire and in particular of the bead to be able to present a radius of curvature such that a part of the surface of the pressurized cavity can come into contact with itself and/or a part of the tread surface of the tire.

The fact that the brand is located on the inner band, and not on the tread, prevents wear. The brand therefore remains legible even as the tire tread wears. This facilitates tire recycling, as the brand can provide information, such as a product code, necessary for proper recycling.

Furthermore, the inner tread offers ample surface area for the brand, which is fully protected from wear. Wear occurs at the interface between the tire surface and the ground as soon as the tire is in motion. While the outer sidewalls of a tire are a known marking surface, they offer a smaller area compared to the inner tread. This is especially true for folding tires, such as bicycle tires. Therefore, utilizing the inner tread allows for a larger brand with a more compact aspect ratio.

A "more compact aspect ratio" refers to the fact that, for the same amount of tire information to be marked, the aspect ratio of the mark on the inner tread is less elongated than the mark on the outer sidewall. This more compact aspect ratio makes it easier for the user to read the tire information.

Because folding tires contain a large amount of information, they require a significant surface area and a brand shape that allows the user (or the reading devices used by the user) to easily identify and read the tire information. This technical constraint is particularly critical for bicycle tires, which have a relatively small dimension in the meridian plane. Therefore, placing the brand on the inner tread maximizes the usable marking area while maintaining a shape ratio suitable for user readability.

By placing tire information on the surface of the inner band already present on the outer surface of the tire sidewalls, additional usable surface area can be freed up for aesthetic purposes.

Finally, the fact that the brand is permanent and accessible on the tire makes it possible to significantly simplify the packaging and in particular to eliminate the box.

• la largeur curviligne de la marque, dans un plan méridien du pneumatique, est au moins égale à la hauteur radiale de chaque flanc, la hauteur radiale de chacun des flancs étant la hauteur radiale partant d’une extrémité radialement extérieure de la tringle de chacun des flancs jusqu’à une extrémité radialement intérieure de la surface de roulement de la bande de roulement ;
• chaque tringle est constituée de renforts textiles tels que l’aramide ;
• la marque comprend un code-barres à une ou deux dimensions, tel qu’un code QR ;
• la marque est apposée sur une étiquette, l’étiquette étant appliquée sur la bande interne du pneumatique ;
• l’étiquette comprend un matériau élastomérique ;
• la marque est appliquée par impression d’encre sur la bande interne ;
• la marque est appliquée sous la forme d’une empreinte sur la bande interne ;
• le pneumatique est un pneumatique pour vélo.

Depending on advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any combination:

• the curvilinear width of the mark, in a meridian plane of the tire, is at least equal to the radial height of each sidewall, the radial height of each sidewall being the radial height from a radially outside end of the bead of each sidewall to a radially inside end of the tread surface;
• Each rod is made of textile reinforcements such as aramid;
• the brand includes a one- or two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code;
• the brand is affixed to a label, the label being applied to the inner band of the tire;
• the label includes an elastomeric material;
• the brand is applied by printing ink onto the inner strip;
• the brand is applied in the form of an imprint on the inner band;
• The tire is a bicycle tire.

According to a second aspect, a set is proposed comprising:

- a tire as described above, said tire being in a folded and/or rolled position and being at least partially turned inside out to expose the inner tread so that the mark is at least partially visible, and

- a link holding the tire in a folded or rolled position.

According to a third aspect, a manufacturing process for a tire, as previously presented, is proposed, comprising the following step:

- marking of the inner band of the tire, or of the inner band of a tire blank, so as to affix the mark to the inner band of said tire, or of the inner band of said blank.

According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics:

- The marking stage includes:

- a step of applying a label on which the mark is affixed to the inner tread of the tire, or respectively to the inner tread of the blank, and

- a step of vulcanizing the label on the inner band of the tire, respectively a step of vulcanizing the blank and the label on the inner band of the blank.

According to a fourth aspect, a manufacturing process for an assembly as previously presented is proposed, comprising the following steps:

- at least partial reversal of the tire to expose the inner tread and folding and/or rolling of the tire so that the mark is at least partially visible, and

- tying using the tie so as to keep the tire at least partially turned over and folded and/or rolled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the accompanying figures, including:

- there FIG. 1 illustrates a tire;

- there FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a tire including a mark on its inner tread;

- there FIG. 3 represents the steps in a tire manufacturing process of the FIG. 2 according to a certain embodiment;

- there FIG. 4 represents an assembly comprising a folded tire and a link;

- there FIG. 5 represents the steps in a manufacturing process for the entire FIG. 4 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Pneumatic

With reference to the FIG. 1 , a folding tire 1 is proposed comprising a tread 120, two beads 13, a carcass reinforcement 15 extending radially inwardly to the tread 120, the carcass reinforcement 15 forming two sidewalls 122 and comprising at least one carcass layer 151 wrapping around the two beads 13, and an inner band 14 arranged radially inwardly with respect to the tread 120, wherein the inner band 14 comprises at least one mark 2.

Tire 1 is advantageously a tire 1 for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle.

As explained previously, a tire 1 is a toroidal structure intended to be mounted on a rim, pressurized by an inflation gas and crushed on a ground under the action of a load.

Thus, the tread 120 is intended to come into at least partial contact with the ground. The inner rib 14 is preferably opposite the tread 120.

The tread 120 is the part of the tire 1 intended to come into contact with the ground when the tire 1 is rolling on the ground, the tread 120 being arranged radially externally to the carcass reinforcement 15.

The 120 tread is advantageously made in a polymeric composition, for example an elastomeric composition comprising at least one elastomer, preferably diene, for example natural rubber.

In one embodiment, the inner band 14 corresponds to the portion of the carcass reinforcement 15 whose surface is exposed to the pressurized cavity of the tire, the carcass reinforcement 15 being embedded in an elastomeric compound. In other words, the inner band 14 is the inner surface of the carcass reinforcement 15.

According to another embodiment, the inner band 14 can be a sealing rubber arranged radially internally to the frame reinforcement 15, the sealing rubber exposing a surface in the pressurized cavity. More generally, the inner band 14 can be arranged radially internally with respect to the frame reinforcement 15.

The tire 1 further comprises two beads 13 and a carcass reinforcement 15 extending radially inward to the tread 120 and comprising at least one carcass layer 151 wrapping around the two beads 13. The carcass layer 151 wraps around each bead 13 so as to form a bead 16 at the level of each bead 13. The tire 1 therefore comprises two bead 16.

The frame structure 15 includes the sides 122.

Advantageously, each sidewall 122 includes a protective layer 123 made of a polymeric composition, for example an elastomeric blend or an elastomeric composition comprising at least one elastomer, preferably a diene elastomer, for example natural rubber. Preferably, this protective layer 123 is continuous with the tread 120 in order to protect the carcass layer 151. Preferably, the carcass reinforcement 15 is encased by the protective layer 123 and by the tread 120.

Tire 1 is foldable. Tire 1 is therefore suitable for being folded or rolled, for example, to allow for more compact storage. Document WO 2014/001167 A1 presents an example of a method for folding a tire.

Advantageously, the rods 13 are made of textile reinforcements, such as aramid, so that the tire 1 is more easily foldable.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 The inner band 14 of the tire 1 includes a mark 2. The inner band 14 may include a plurality of marks 2.

Thus, mark 2 is more durable, more long-lasting than if it were placed on the tread 120 and/or on the sidewalls 122 of tire 1.

The inner band 14 includes a mark 2 at least on part of its surface. In other words, the inner band 14 does not necessarily include a mark 2 over its entire surface.

Advantageously, as illustrated in FIG. 2 The curvilinear width LC of the mark 2, in a meridian plane of the tire 1, is at least equal to the radial height HR of each sidewall 122. The radial height of each of the sidewalls 122 is the radial height from a radially outer end of the bead 13 of each of the sidewalls 122 to a radially inner end of the tread surface 120. Thus, the area of the mark 2 and the aspect ratio are maximized, so that the legibility of the mark 2 is improved.

For example, mark 2 may include information concerning the composition of tire 1 which allows the appropriate recycling process for tire 1 to be determined.

As another example, mark 2 may also include information concerning the dimensions of tire 1 or concerning the types of vehicles concerned by tire 1.

In one embodiment, mark 2 comprises a one- or two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code (quick response code). Consequently, mark 2 has a small surface area while still providing access to a wealth of information about tire 1, for example, via a QR code reader and its associated information system.

The mark 2 can have different shapes. For example, it can be rectangular, circular, or triangular.

Mark 2 can be colored.

Mark 2 can be applied to tire 1 in different ways.

According to a certain embodiment, the mark 2 is affixed to a label 20, said label 20 being applied to the inner band 14.

Label 20 is understood to be a flexible piece on which mark 2 is printed. Mark 2 can be applied by printing ink onto label 20 or applied as an imprint onto label 20. Because label 20 is flexible, it folds easily, which facilitates folding, including turning over, the tire 1.

Advantageously, label 20 comprises an elastomeric material, such as rubber. Consequently, label 20 is very flexible and bends easily, which facilitates folding, including turning, of the tire 1. Furthermore, the vulcanization of such label 20 allows for very durable adhesion of the label 20 to the tire 1. Advantageously, label 20 is made of rubber.

Advantageously, label 20 is made of the same rubber as that used in the inner band 14.

Label 20 can have different shapes. For example, it can be rectangular, circular, or triangular.

Preferably, label 20 has a thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.

Preferably, the label 20 includes an adhesive layer suitable for adhering to the inner strip 14.

In one embodiment, the mark 2 is applied by printing ink onto the inner band 14. This ensures uniform tire rigidity. Since no label is added, there is no local increase in tire thickness at the mark. Consequently, the tire rigidity is uniform, which is beneficial in terms of weight and overall tire uniformity.

Printing can be done using an inkjet process.

Advantageously, the printing is done using inks adapted to the material of the inner strip 14.

According to a certain embodiment, the mark 2 is applied in the form of an imprint, such as a thermal imprint, on the inner band 14. In other words, the mark 2 is formed by hollows and protruding parts of the inner band 14. As with ink printing, this embodiment ensures a homogeneous rigidity of the tire.

The imprint can also be an engraving such as a laser engraving. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the inner strip is made of an elastomeric material such as rubber.

Tire manufacturing process

With reference to the FIG. 3 , a manufacturing process for a tire 1 is proposed as previously presented.

The process includes a step a) of marking the inner band 1 of the tire 1 so as to affix the mark 2 on the inner band 14 of said tire 1.

According to an embodiment where the mark 2 is affixed to a label 20, the process marking step a) includes a step a1) of applying the label 20 to the inner band 14.

In step a1), the label 20 is positioned on the inner band 14 at the location where the mark 2 is to be affixed. The label 20 is applied to the inner band 14 so that the mark 2 is visible.

According to a certain embodiment, the label 20 includes an adhesive layer and thus adheres to the inner strip 14.

Advantageously, the marking step a) includes a step a2) of vulcanizing the label 20 onto the inner strip 14. The label 20 is thus fixed to the inner strip 14.

Preferably, vulcanization is carried out simultaneously with a curing and vulcanizing step of the tire blank 1. In other words, a separate vulcanization step is not performed for label 20. The vulcanization of label 20 is carried out as part of the curing of the tire blank 1. It should be noted that a tire blank is the tire before it is cured, i.e., vulcanized. In this case, step a) of marking is performed on the tire blank. In other words, step a) consists of marking the inner tread of the tire blank 1 so as to affix the mark 2 to the inner tread of the tire blank 1. Step a) comprises a step a1) of applying the label 20 to the inner tread of the blank and a step a2) of vulcanizing the label 20 onto the inner tread, with step a2) being carried out simultaneously with the vulcanization of the blank. The vulcanization of the label onto the blank and the vulcanization of the blank therefore occur simultaneously, resulting in a marked tire 1. The marking process is thus easy to implement as it requires few additional steps.

According to the embodiment where the label 20 includes an adhesive layer, the vulcanization step of the label 20 is not necessary, because the label 20 adheres to the inner strip 14 thanks to the adhesive layer having a sticky and functional surface at room temperature which does not require the input of heat, unlike vulcanization.

In one embodiment, the marking step a) comprises a step a1) of applying the label 20 to the inner band of the blank or to the inner band 14 of the tire 1 and a step a2) of locally vulcanizing the label 20 on the inner band of the blank or on the inner band 14 of the tire 1. In other words, in step a2), only the label 20 is vulcanized, the vulcanization of the blank having already been carried out. Step a2) consists, for example, of a localized application of heat and pressure enabling the vulcanization of the label in a few minutes.

Depending on the embodiment where mark 2 is applied by ink printing, the marking step a) includes an ink-based printing step a3) of mark 2. The printing can be carried out before or after the curing and vulcanization of the tire blank 1. In other words, the ink printing can be carried out on the inner tread of the blank and then the blank is subsequently vulcanized to obtain the tire, or the ink printing can be carried out on the inner tread of the tire. Preferably, the printing is carried out on the inner tread 14 of the tire, that is, after the curing and vulcanization of the tire blank.

In the embodiment where the mark 2 is applied in the form of an imprint, the marking step a) includes a step a4) of forming an imprint on the inner strip 14. The imprint can, for example, be a thermal imprint. For instance, a pad is heated to a temperature that allows the inner strip 14 to melt locally. The pad is applied to the inner strip 14, thus forming depressions in the inner strip 14. The depressions, and the complementary raised areas, formed in the inner strip 14 constitute the mark 2.

Preferably, the imprint is formed on the inner band 14 of the tire, that is to say after the curing and vulcanization of the tire blank.

Together

With reference to the FIG. 4 , a set 3 is proposed comprising a tire 1 as described above, said tire 1 being in a folded and/or rolled position and being at least partially turned over to expose the inner band 14 so that the mark 2 is at least partially visible.

In other words, at least part of the inner band 14, including at least part of mark 2, is visible.

Advantageously, mark 2 is fully visible when tire 1 is in a folded and/or rolled position and at least partially turned over.

The assembly 3 further includes a link 4 which holds the tire 1 in a folded or rolled position.

Link 4, for example, surrounds tire 1.

Link 4 could, for example, be a plastic wire or a cord.

Such a set 3 has the advantage of not requiring a box, for example a cardboard one, which would then be discarded by the consumer. Indeed, brand 2 includes the information useful to the consumer, and this brand 2 is present directly on the inner tread 14 of the tire 1. No additional box or label is required. Set 3 therefore has the advantage of generating less waste.

In addition, set 3 is less bulky since it does not include a box.

Manufacturing process for the assembly

With reference to the FIG. 5 A manufacturing process for a set 3, as previously presented, is proposed.

The process includes a step i) of turning over at least partially the tire 1 to expose the inner band 14 and of folding and/or rolling the tire 1 so that the mark 2 is at least partially visible, preferably fully visible.

According to one embodiment, the tire 1 is completely turned inside out so that the inner band 14 is exposed over its entire surface. Then, the tire 1 is folded and/or rolled so that the mark 2 is at least partially visible, preferably fully visible.

By at least partially visible, it is understood that, when the tire 1 is in a folded and/or rolled position, at least part of the mark 2 can be seen by the consumer who does not need to unfold and/or unroll the tire 1 to see the mark 2.

Fully visible means that, when the tire 1 is in a folded and/or rolled position, the mark 2 can be fully seen by the consumer, who does not need to unfold and/or unroll the tire 1 to see the mark 2. The method further includes a step ii) of binding using the tie 4 so as to keep the tire 1 at least partially inverted and folded and/or rolled. The purpose of the binding step ii) is to prevent the tire 1 from unfolding and/or unrolling.

Claims (13)

Folding pneumatic (1) comprising:
- a tread (120),
- two curtain rods (13),
- a carcass reinforcement (15) extending radially inwardly to the tread (120), the carcass reinforcement (15) forming two flanks (122) and comprising at least one carcass layer (151) wrapping around the two beads (13), and
- an internal band (14) arranged radially internally with respect to the tread (120),
in which the inner band (14) includes a mark (2). Tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the curvilinear width of the mark (2), in a meridian plane of the tire (1), is at least equal to the radial height of each sidewall (122). Pneumatic (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each rod (13) is made of textile reinforcements such as aramid. Pneumatic (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mark (2) comprises a one- or two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code. Tire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mark (2) is affixed to a label (20), the label (20) being applied to the inner band (14) of the tire (1). Pneumatic (1) according to claim 5, wherein the label (20) comprises an elastomeric material. Pneumatic (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mark (2) is applied by printing ink on the inner band (14). Pneumatic (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mark (2) is applied in the form of an imprint on the inner band (14). Tire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said tire (1) being for bicycle. Set (3) comprising:
- a tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said tire (1) being in a folded and/or rolled position and being at least partially inverted to expose the inner tread (14) so that the mark (2) is at least partially visible, and
- a link (4) holding the tire (1) in a folded or rolled position. A method for manufacturing a tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following step:
- marking (a) of the inner band (14) of the tire (1), respectively of the inner band of a blank of the tire (1), so as to affix the mark (2) on the inner band (14) of said tire (1), respectively on the inner band of said blank. A method according to claim 11, wherein the marking step comprises:
- an application step (a1) of a label (20) on which the mark (2) is affixed to the inner band (14) of the tire (1), respectively on the inner band of the blank, and
- a vulcanization step (a2) of the label (20) on the inner band (14) of the tire (1), respectively a vulcanization step of the blank and of the label (20) on the inner band of the blank. A method for manufacturing an assembly (3) according to claim 10, comprising the following steps:
- at least partial reversal (i) of the tire (1) to expose the inner tread (14) and folding and/or rolling of the tire (1) so that the mark (2) is at least partially visible, and
- tying (ii) by means of the tie (4) so as to keep the tire (1) at least partially turned over and folded and/or rolled.