TWI896058B - Patterned structure of tire sidewall - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a patterned structure of tire sidewall. A tire body is provided with a tread portion around its circumference, and two sides of the tread portion each is provided with a sidewall portion. A plurality of protruding units are arranged on the sidewall portion. Each protruding unit is a polygonal pattern composed of a plurality of protruding parts, and a polygonal space is correspondingly formed between adjacent protruding parts. Moreover, the protruding units are disposed on the sidewall portion with blocks arranged in a staggered manner at parallel or diagonal intervals, thereby presenting the visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional braided pattern. This can improve the visibility and three-dimensional appearance of tire sidewall and therefore increases product competitiveness.

Description

Tire tread structure

The present invention relates to a tread block structure on the tread of a tire that can produce a visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern.

To enhance brand recognition and aesthetic appeal, tires typically feature raised or recessed text, embossing, or graphics on both sides of the tire's bead, enhancing its visibility. For example, Patent No. CN109720155, "Pneumatic Tire," published by the Mainland China Institute on August 27, 2021, discloses a pneumatic tire that achieves an excellent blurring effect by creating a convex-concave effect at the component boundaries of the sidewall. The pneumatic tire has a sawtooth structure formed by a plurality of basic ridges arranged at intervals along the tire's circumference. Multiple secondary ridges are provided on the sidewall surface, extending in a direction intersecting the basic ridges and being shorter than the basic ridges. These secondary ridges do not connect adjacent basic ridges.

The basic ridges of the patent's prior art have a consistent ridge pattern, so they are not very effective in improving unevenness and it is difficult to achieve a complete visual effect.

Another patent, "Pneumatic Tire," patent application No. CN115697726, published in mainland China on February 23, 2023, discloses a pneumatic tire capable of enhancing the decorativeness and visibility of the sidewall while making the unevenness of the sidewall less noticeable, and reducing tire design drawing time. In a pneumatic tire having a decorative portion on the outer surface of the sidewall, the decorative portion includes a plurality of decorative elements arranged in a staircase pattern along parallel reference lines. Each decorative element forms a hexagon, and the hexagon is configured so that the three regions forming a parallelogram share adjacent sides. Multiple ridges extending in the same direction are formed within each region of each decorative element, and the ridges have different inclination directions within the three regions forming each decorative element.

Each ridge in the prior art patent has the same height, thus failing to increase visibility and resulting in a poor visual effect.

In view of the aforementioned shortcomings of existing tire bead patterns, the present invention provides a bead pattern structure comprising: a tire body having a tread portion formed on its circumference, with a bead portion formed on each side of the tread portion; a plurality of raised units arranged on the bead portion, each of the raised units forming a polygonal pattern with a polygonal space formed between the raised portions. The raised units are arranged in a staggered arrangement, longitudinally, transversely, or diagonally, on the bead portion, creating the visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern.

Each of the protrusions is provided with two corresponding long sides and two corresponding short sides around its periphery.

The heights between the protrusions are equal or unequal.

The protrusion unit is provided with four protrusions, and any short side of each protrusion is perpendicular to the middle section of the long side of another adjacent protrusion.

There is a distance between the short side of the protrusion and the long side of another adjacent protrusion.

Each of the protrusions is composed of a plurality of spaced protrusions, and the spacing between the protrusions is equal or unequal.

The width of the bumps mentioned above ranges from 0.1mm to 0.5mm, and the height of the bumps ranges from 0.4mm to 1.2mm.

The width of the bump is 0.2mm, and the height is 0.6mm.

The height of the protrusions is arranged in a gradually increasing or decreasing shape from one of the long sides toward the other long side, and the protruding portions of each protrusion unit are arranged in a gradually increasing or decreasing shape toward the space area.

The top of the protrusion is configured to be a flat surface, a curved surface, or an inclined surface.

Each of the protrusions is composed of a plurality of protrusions connected in a step-like manner, and the protrusions are connected to each other without any spacing.

Each of the protrusions is composed of a single beveled protrusion.

A polygonal protrusion is protruding from the above-mentioned space area.

The protrusion unit is provided with three protrusions, wherein any short side of one protrusion is inclined to correspond to the long side of another adjacent protrusion.

Based on the above technical features, it has the following advantages:

1. By providing raised units on the tire's tread, arranged in a staggered pattern at intervals vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern can be visually presented, thereby enhancing the tire's brand recognition and aesthetics.

2. The protrusions of each protruding unit are arranged in a gradient pattern toward the space, creating a stepped visual effect at different angles to enhance visibility and three-dimensionality.

3. The woven pattern is formed by interweaving the protruding quadrilaterals in different directions, either perpendicularly or tilted to each other. The resulting pattern blocks are all straight lines, making it easy to clean the tire edge.

4. The treads on both sides of the tire can be formed with raised or recessed text, patterns, or graphics based on the arrangement and combination of the raised units for advertising, promotional materials, or identification purposes.

5. It can improve the visibility of the tire tread and correct any defects. It also considers mold cleaning methods to reduce mold maintenance and costs.

6. Further providing a three-dimensional visual effect, improving the integrity of the tire to increase purchasing power and enhance product competitiveness.

1: Tire body

11: Tread

12: Tire edge

2: Raised unit

21: Protrusion

22: Space Area

23: Long side

24: Short side

25: Bump

26: Top

2A: Raised unit

21A: Protrusion

22A: Space Area

23A: Long side

25A: Bump

2B: Raised unit

21B: Protrusion

22B: Space Area

23B: Long side

25B: Bump

2C: Raised unit

21C: Protrusion

22C: Space Area

27C: Bump

2D: Raised cells

21D: Protrusion

22D: Space Area

24D: Short side

23D: Long side

21E: Protrusion

25E: Bump

26E: Top

21F: Protrusion

25F: Bump

26F: Top

M: Width

N: Height

[Figure 1] is a schematic plan view of the tire according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 2] is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a plurality of raised units arranged continuously to form a polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern.

[Figure 3] is a three-dimensional external view of the protruding unit of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 4] is a plan view of the quadrilateral protrusion unit of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 5] is an enlarged schematic diagram of section V in Figure 4 of the present invention.

[Figure 6] is a VI-VI cross-sectional view in Figure 4 of the present invention.

[Figure 7] is a three-dimensional external view of the protruding unit of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protrusion is composed of a plurality of protrusions connected in a step-like manner.

[Figure 9] is a three-dimensional external view of the protruding unit of the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention in which the protrusion is composed of a single beveled bump.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a polygonal protrusion protruding from a space area in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 12] is a plan view of a unit with a triangular protrusion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 13] is a schematic diagram showing the top of the bump being configured as a curved surface in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the top of the bump being inclined in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the protrusion of the present invention being composed of four protrusions arranged at intervals.

Figure 16 is a partially enlarged view of the protrusion of the present invention, which is composed of four protrusions arranged at intervals.

Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the protrusion of the present invention being composed of four protrusions arranged without spacing.

Figure 18 is a partially enlarged view of the protrusion of the present invention, which is composed of four protrusions arranged without any gaps.

[Figure 19] is a schematic diagram showing that the protrusion of the present invention is composed of a single protrusion.

[Figure 20] is a partially enlarged view of the present invention where the protrusion is composed of a single protrusion.

[Figure 21] is a diagram of a common tire with unidirectional tread blocks on the market.

Referring to the first and second figures, the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a tire body 1 and a plurality of protrusion units 2, wherein:

The tire body 1 has a tread portion 11 formed on its circumference, and a bead portion 12 is formed on each side of the tread portion 11.

The raised units 2 are arranged in a plurality on the tire tread 12. The raised units 2 are arranged in a staggered pattern, spaced vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, creating a visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each protrusion unit 2 is formed of a polygonal pattern comprised of a plurality of protrusions 21. A corresponding polygonal space 22 is formed between the protrusions 21. The protrusion unit 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises four protrusions 21, forming a relatively protruding quadrilateral pattern block. The space 22 is relatively recessed, forming a quadrilateral planar area. The protrusions 21 may be of equal or unequal height. Each protrusion 21 is circumferentially defined by two corresponding long sides 23 and two corresponding short sides 24. Each short side 24 of a protrusion 21 is perpendicular to the midpoint of the long side 23 of another adjacent protrusion 21. In this way, the protrusions 21 are tilted in different directions, interwoven perpendicularly to each other to form a woven pattern. The resulting pattern blocks are all designed in straight lines, making it easy to clean the tire tread 12.

As shown in FIG5, there is a distance between the short side 24 of the protrusion 21 and the long side 23 of another adjacent protrusion 21.

As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, each protrusion 21 is composed of a plurality of spaced-apart bumps 25. In the first embodiment of the present invention, each protrusion 21 is composed of four spaced-apart bumps 25, and the four bumps 25 are arranged at intervals, with the spacing between the four bumps 25 being equal or unequal. The width M of the bumps 25 ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, with the optimal width M being 0.2 mm. The height N of the bumps 25 ranges from 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, with the optimal height N being 0.6 mm. The heights of the four bumps 25 are arranged in a gradually increasing or decreasing manner from one long side 23 toward the other long side 23. The four protrusions 21 of each protrusion unit 2 are arranged in a gradient pattern toward the space 22, creating a stepped visual effect at different angles to enhance visibility and three-dimensionality. Furthermore, the top 26 of each protrusion 25 is flat.

Thus, the present invention utilizes these raised elements 2 arranged in a staggered arrangement at intervals in both directions on the tire bead 12, creating a visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern, thereby enhancing the tire's brand recognition and aesthetic appeal. Depending on the arrangement and combination of these raised elements 2, the tire bead can be formed with embossed or recessed text, embossing, or graphics for advertising, promotional purposes, or identification. This invention improves the visibility of the tire bead and corrects defects, while also providing a mold cleaning method to reduce mold maintenance and costs. In addition to the aforementioned aesthetic improvements, it also provides a three-dimensional visual effect, enhancing tire integrity, increasing purchase value, and enhancing product competitiveness.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each of the protrusion units 2A of the second embodiment of the present invention is composed of a plurality of protrusions 21A forming a polygonal pattern, and a corresponding polygonal space area 22A is formed between the protrusions 21A. The main difference between the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment described above is that each of the protrusions 21A is composed of a plurality of protrusions 25A connected in a step-like manner. Each of the protrusions 21A of the second embodiment of the present invention is composed of four protrusions 25A connected to each other, and the four protrusions 25A are connected to each other without any spacing. The height of the four protrusions 25A is arranged in a gradient shape from one long side 23A to the other long side 23A. The four protrusions 21A of each protrusion unit 2A are arranged in a gradient pattern toward the space 22A, creating a stepped, angular visual effect that enhances visibility and a sense of three-dimensionality. Thus, by providing these protrusion units 2A with blocks arranged in a staggered arrangement, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, on the tire's tread, the visual effect of a continuous, polygonal, three-dimensional woven pattern is created.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, each protrusion unit 2B of the third embodiment of the present invention is composed of a single protrusion 21B forming a polygonal pattern, with correspondingly corresponding polygonal spaces 22B formed between the protrusions 21B. The primary difference between the third embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment described above is that each protrusion 21B is composed of a single, inclined bump 25B. The height of the bump 25B of each protrusion 21B in the third embodiment of the present invention increases or decreases from one long side 23B to the other long side 23B. The four protrusions 21B of each protrusion unit 2B are arranged in a gradient pattern toward the space 22B, creating a stepped, angular gradient effect that enhances visibility and a sense of three-dimensionality. Thus, by providing these protrusion units 2B with blocks arranged vertically, horizontally, or diagonally at intervals on the tire's tread, the visual effect of a continuous, polygonal, three-dimensional woven pattern is created.

Referring to Figure 11, the difference between the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment described above lies in that each protrusion unit 2C is formed of a plurality of protrusions 21C forming a polygonal pattern. A correspondingly polygonal space 22C is formed between the protrusions 21C. Within the space 22C, a pyramid-shaped raised block 27C is positioned. Thus, by providing the protrusion units 2C with blocks arranged in a staggered arrangement, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, on the tire tread, the visual effect of a continuous, polygonal, three-dimensional woven pattern is created.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the difference between the fifth embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment described above is that the protrusion unit 2D is provided with three protrusions 21D to form a relatively protruding triangular pattern block, while the space area 22D is relatively recessed to form a triangular planar area. The heights between each of the protrusions 21D may be equal or unequal. Any short side 24D of one of the protrusions 21D is tilted relative to the long side 23D of another adjacent protrusion 21D. In this way, the triangular protrusions 21D are tilted in different directions, interwoven with each other to form a woven pattern. The resulting pattern blocks are all designed in straight lines, making it easy to clean the tire edge. In this way, the raised units 2D are arranged in a staggered pattern at diagonal intervals on the tire tread, creating the visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern.

Referring to Figure 13, the difference between the sixth embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment described above lies in that each protrusion 21E is composed of four spaced-apart blocks 25E, each of which is arranged at intervals. Furthermore, the top 26E of each block 25E is designed to be curved. Thus, by providing these protruding units with a combination of blocks arranged in a staggered arrangement, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, on the tire tread, the visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern is created.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the difference between the seventh embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment described above lies in that each protrusion 21F is composed of four interspaced blocks 25F. These blocks 25F are arranged at intervals, and the top 26F of each block 25F is designed to be inclined. Thus, by providing these blocks in a staggered arrangement, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, on the tire tread, the visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern is created.

Furthermore, according to the contents disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, actual objects have been manufactured respectively, and it has been proved that by providing the raised units with blocks arranged in a staggered manner in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal manner on the tire edge, a visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern can be presented. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, it is revealed that each protrusion is composed of four protrusions arranged at intervals, and the spacing between the four protrusions is equidistant. And the height of the four protrusions is arranged in a gradually rising or gradually falling shape from one long side to the other long side. The four protrusions of each protrusion unit are arranged in a gradually rising or gradually falling shape toward the space area, thereby forming a gradual visual effect of different angles and steps to increase visibility and three-dimensionality.

As shown in Figures 17 and 18, each protrusion is constructed from four connected blocks, which are interconnected without any spacing. The heights of the four blocks increase or decrease from one long side to the other. The four protrusions of each protrusion unit are arranged in a gradually increasing or decreasing pattern toward the space, creating a stepped visual effect at different angles, enhancing visibility and a sense of three-dimensionality.

As shown in Figures 19 and 20, each protrusion is composed of a single, inclined block. The heights of the four blocks increase or decrease from one long side to the other, with a distance between the short side of a protrusion and the long side of another adjacent protrusion. The four protrusions of each protrusion unit are arranged in a gradually increasing or decreasing pattern toward the space, creating a stepped visual effect at varying angles, enhancing visibility and a sense of three-dimensionality.

A consumer survey was also conducted on the tires produced by the present invention. The first test set included tires with the tread pattern shown in Figure 15, the second test set included tires with the tread pattern shown in Figure 19, and a common commercial tire with unidirectional tread patterns (as shown in Figure 21) as a control. The survey included the following items:

Improve unevenness: When comparing the tire edges of test groups 1 and 2 with the control group, see if any visual defects are noticeable.

Visibility: Whether the tire edges of test groups 1 and 2 are more conspicuous when compared with the control group.

Stereoscopic perception: When comparing the tire edges of test groups 1 and 2 with those of the control group, the test subjects were assessed for a more pronounced sense of three-dimensionality.

The results of the questionnaire survey are shown in Table 1 below.

The survey results indicate that the present invention utilizes a combination of raised elements arranged in a staggered pattern, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, on the tire tread, creating a visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern. Compared to the tread blocks of conventional commercially available tires, this design offers a superior three-dimensional visual effect and aesthetic appeal.

The description of the above embodiments should provide a comprehensive understanding of the operation, use, and efficacy of the present invention. However, the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Simply equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the patent application and the description of the invention are also covered by the present invention.

2: Raised unit

21: Protrusion

22: Space Area

Claims (12)

A tire bead pattern structure comprises: A tire body having a tread portion formed around its circumference, and a bead portion formed on each side of the tread portion; A plurality of raised units are arranged on the tire tread. Each raised unit is formed by a plurality of protrusions forming a polygonal pattern, with corresponding polygonal spaces formed between the protrusions. The raised units are arranged in a staggered arrangement with vertical, horizontal, or diagonal spacing on the tire tread, creating the visual effect of a continuous polygonal three-dimensional woven pattern. Each protrusion is composed of a plurality of protrusions connected in a step-like manner, with the protrusions connected to each other without spacing, or each protrusion is composed of a single protrusion with an inclined surface. As in the tire tread pattern structure of claim 1, wherein the periphery of each protrusion is respectively provided with two corresponding long sides and two corresponding short sides. As in the tire tread structure of claim 2, wherein the heights between each of the protrusions are equal or unequal. As in the tire tread pattern structure of claim 2, wherein the protrusion unit is provided with four protrusions, and any short side of each protrusion is perpendicular to the middle section of the long side of another adjacent protrusion. As in the tire tread structure of claim 2, there is a distance between the short side of the protrusion and the long side of another adjacent protrusion. As in the tire tread structure of claim 2, each of the protrusions is composed of a plurality of spaced protrusions, and the spacing between the protrusions is equal or unequal. The tire tread structure of claim 6, wherein the width of the protrusion ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, and the height of the protrusion ranges from 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm. As in claim 7, the tire tread structure, wherein the width of the protrusion is 0.2 mm and the height of the protrusion is 0.6 mm. As in the tire tread pattern structure of claim 6, the heights of the protrusions are arranged in a gradually increasing or decreasing shape from one of the long sides toward the other long side, and the protrusions of each protrusion unit are arranged in a gradually increasing or decreasing shape toward the space area. As in the tire tread structure of claim 6, the tops of the protrusions are configured to be a plane, a curved surface or an inclined surface. As in the tire tread structure of claim 1, wherein a polygonal protrusion is protruding from the space area. As in the tire tread pattern structure of claim 2, the protrusion unit is provided with three protrusions, wherein any short side of one of the protrusions is inclined to correspond to the long side of another adjacent protrusion.