Reinforced bicycle tire

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle tire (1) comprising: a tire carcass (10) defining a tire interior space (20) for an inflation fluid and having opposite side walls (11, 12) and a central wall (13) connecting the side walls (11, 12), the side walls (11, 12) defining a tire base (40) configured for fastening to a bicycle rim; a tread (60) externally covering at least the central wall (13) of the tire carcass (10); and one or more tear resistant fabrics (70) applied in the tire carcass (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bicycle tire with a reinforced structure according to the pre-characterized portion of claim 1 .

[0002] More particularly, the present disclosure relates to reinforced bicycle tires having increased tear and puncture resistance and reduced weight. Prior art

[0003] Generally, a bicycle tire includes a carcass portion forming a frame of the tire and a tread portion located on one side of a ground contacting surface between the ground and the carcass.

[0004] Since bicycle tires need to be lightweight to keep the load light, bicycle tires have a smaller thickness relative to tires suitable for use in, for example, the automotive industry.

[0005] Therefore, in the event that there are sharp objects (such as nails, glass pieces, and / or metal pieces) on the road, such sharp objects may easily penetrate the tread portion and reach the carcass, resulting in damage or puncture of the bicycle tire.

[0006] Therefore, in order to avoid such problems, known bicycle tires are provided with different reinforcement systems arranged in the tread and / or between the tread and the carcass.

[0007] Such reinforcement systems include more wear-resistant rubber with a thick tread.

[0008] In other cases, the reinforcement system includes cut-resistant fiber reinforcements, thereby protecting the tire from punctures.

[0009] The relatively rigid material or weight of the reinforcement system insert may negatively impact the performance of the bicycle tire.

[0010] In still other embodiments, the reinforcement system may include a reinforcement ply made from multifilament threads of thermoplastic liquid crystal polyester filaments that increases the weight of the bicycle tire to a level that is unacceptable for use of such tires in semi-professional or professional activities.

[0011] It should also be noted that the reinforcing ply is arranged on the carcass. This specific positioning can lead to problems during production and undesirable behavior of the tire during normal use. Summary of the invention

[0012] Therefore, the technical object of the present disclosure is to provide a bicycle tire that can avoid the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0013] Specifically, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a bicycle tire which can improve tear resistance without increasing the overall weight of the bicycle tire.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide an alternative way to improve the tear resistance of a bicycle tire without increasing the overall weight of the bicycle tire.

[0015] The above technical aims and objectives are substantially achieved by a bicycle tyre comprising the technical characteristics as disclosed in one or more of the appended claims.

[0016] Advantages of the present invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, the use of one or more ripstop fabrics in the carcass allows for a reduction in the weight of a bicycle tire.

[0018] Additionally, according to the present disclosure, the use of one or more ripstop fabrics in the carcass allows for a simplified production process.

[0019] Additionally, according to the present disclosure, the use of one or more ripstop fabrics in the carcass allows for improved reliability and durability of the bicycle tire.

[0020] Additionally, in accordance with the present disclosure, the use of one or more ripstop fabrics in the carcass allows for improved puncture resistance and tear resistance without affecting the performance of the bicycle tire itself. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer from the illustrative, non-limiting description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a bicycle tire as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] - Figure 1 A perspective view showing a portion of a bicycle tire according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, with some components removed to better illustrate other components, wherein portions of the coating of the carcass have been omitted to better illustrate the built-in ripstop fabric;

[0023] - Figure 2 A perspective view showing a portion of a bicycle tire according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, with some components removed to better illustrate other components, wherein a portion of the coating of the carcass has been omitted to better illustrate the built-in ripstop fabric;

[0024] - Figure 3 A perspective view showing a portion of a bicycle tire according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, with some components removed to better illustrate other components, wherein portions of the coating of the carcass have been omitted to better illustrate the built-in ripstop fabric;

[0025] - Figure 4A perspective view showing a portion of a bicycle tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, with some components removed to better illustrate other components, wherein portions of the coating of the carcass have been omitted to better illustrate the built-in ripstop fabric;

[0026] - Figure 5 A perspective view of a portion of a bicycle tire according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown with some components removed to better show other components, wherein portions of the coating of the carcass have been omitted to better show the built-in ripstop fabric. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Even if not explicitly stated, individual features as described with reference to a specific embodiment should be intended to be auxiliary to and / or interchangeable with other features described with reference to other exemplary embodiments.

[0028] In the following description, features of the invention are described in connection with a so-called open-end tire construction, but the same features can also be applied to a tubular tire construction.

[0029] For the scope of this description, a ripstop fabric is intended to be a woven fabric with reinforcement threads.

[0030] Preferably, the woven fabric can be made of cotton, silk, polyester or polypropylene or the like.

[0031] The reinforcing wire can be made of cotton, nylon or aramid.

[0032] According to the present description, the ripstop fabric may be implemented in any usable pattern and shape, such as regular or irregular geometric shapes.

[0033] It should also be noted that the ripstop fabric can have a variable surface area, ranging from the smallest size that can be produced to the largest size that is compatible with application in a carcass.

[0034] Such reinforcing threads may be interwoven into the woven fabric.

[0035] Each ripstop fabric may comprise a woven fabric layer, preferably with reinforcement threads.

[0036] For the scope of this specification, the carcass is the component that defines and delimits the tire interior space for the inflating fluid. That is, the carcass is the shell for the inflating fluid.

[0037] The carcass is in the form of a thin sheet that defines the interior space of the tire by being bent around itself one or more times or by defining a unitary structure.

[0038] In the case of an open tire construction, the sheet may be bent around the associated bead, and in the case of a tubular tire construction, the sheet may be bent at the connecting end portion.

[0039] Referring now to the drawings, reference numeral 1 generally designates a bicycle tire of the present disclosure.

[0040] The bicycle tire 1 includes a tire carcass 10 defining a tire interior space 20 for inflating fluid. The tire carcass 10 has an inner surface 10a facing the tire interior space 20 and an opposite outer surface 10b.

[0041] The inflation fluid may be air or a fluid mixture known to those skilled in the art and is therefore not described in detail.

[0042] The inner space 20 includes Figure 1 and Figure 4 The air cavity 21 shown or Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The inflatable area 22 is shown.

[0043] It should be noted that the tire carcass 10 may include a bicycle rim that is to be mounted on an associated bicycle wheel rim.

[0044] The tire carcass 10 has two opposite side walls 11 , 12 and a center wall 13 connecting the side walls 11 , 12 .

[0045] It should be noted that the sidewalls 11 , 12 define a tire base 40 that is configured for fastening to a bicycle rim.

[0046] The sidewalls 11 , 12 and the central wall 13 define a substantially U-shaped empty rim, or alternatively an O-shaped empty rim, wherein opposite the central wall 13 the tire carcass 10 can be fastened to a bicycle rim.

[0047] In the open tire construction, the sidewalls 11 , 12 and the center wall 13 define a substantially U-shaped hollow rim, and the tire carcass 10 has an opening 18 at a position opposite to the center wall 13 .

[0048] In the case of tubular tire construction, it should be noted that the sidewalls 11, 12 and the center wall 13 define a closed cavity for fluid. In fact, when coupled with a bicycle rim, such an empty rim can be filled with fluid (such as air) in the air cavity 21 or directly in the inflation area 22.

[0049] In the case of an open tire construction, each sidewall 11,12 has a free end 14,15 defining a bead 16,17. Each bead 16,17 is a bend of the relative sidewall 11,12 at the free end 14,15.

[0050] Whatever the embodiment (tubular tire construction or open-end tire construction), the tire carcass 10 comprises a bead core 30 arranged inside each bead 16 , 17 of the free end 14 , 15 of the sidewalls 11 , 12 .

[0051] Each bead core 30 may be made of a rigid and elastic material such as metal, and is used to provide a basic rigid structure to the bicycle tire 1 .

[0052] A bead core 30 extends in the relative beads 16 , 17 defining two rims.

[0053] Furthermore, the bead core 30 inserted into the associated bead 16, 17 defines a tire base (40) configured for fastening to a bicycle wheel rim.

[0054] That is, the tire base 40 includes a retaining element defined by the assembly of the beads 16 , 17 , wherein the bead core 30 is configured to engage an associated locking device formed on the bicycle rim to secure the bicycle tire 1 to the bicycle rim and keep it secured during the use condition of the bicycle tire 1 .

[0055] In the case of a tubular tire construction, each sidewall 11, 12 has a connecting end portion configured to connect to the other connecting end portion. Each connecting end portion includes a reinforcing bead and a connecting element configured to connect the connecting end portions to each other. In addition, the connecting end portion defines a tire base 40 configured to be fastened to a bicycle rim (such as by a gluing process).

[0056] The central wall 13 extends between two opposite peripheral edges 13a, 13b. Each side wall 11, 12 in turn extends from the relative peripheral edge 13a, 13b to a bead 16, 17 or to a respective connecting end portion.

[0057] The bicycle tire 1 comprises a tread 60 which externally covers at least the central wall 13 of the tire carcass 10 .

[0058] It should be noted that the tread 60 may be applied to the tire carcass 10 by bonding, or the tread 60 may be embedded at at least a portion of the tire carcass 10 .

[0059] That is, the tread 60 may be applied on an outer surface of the tire carcass 10 opposite to the inner surface facing the interior space 20 .

[0060] In this embodiment, a tread 60 having a coupling surface facing the tire carcass 10 and an opposing environmental surface generally facing the external environment is attached to the tire carcass 10 by coupling the outer surface 10b of the tire carcass 10 and the coupling surface of the tread 60 .

[0061] Such coupling may be performed by vulcanization or other forms of bonding such as gluing.

[0062] In the embedded condition, the tire carcass 10 is at least partially submerged in the tread 60 , such that the relevant outer surface is arranged between the coupling surface and the ambient surface (that is to say arranged in the thickness of the tread 60 ).

[0063] In further embodiments, the tire carcass 1 may include a reinforcement layer arranged between the tire carcass 10 and the tread 60 to further improve the performance and resistance of the tire.

[0064] Preferably, the tread 60 comprises a central cover 80 arranged for ground contact and covering at least the central wall 13 of the tire carcass 10 .

[0065] Specifically, the center cover 80 extends on the center wall 13 between two opposing side edges 81 , 82 and has a center cover thickness Tcc.

[0066] In detail, the center cover 80 is disposed at the center wall 13 to cover the center wall. The center cover 80 may have different patterns formed on the surrounding surface according to bicycle tire applications such as a mountain bike or a Corsa racing bike.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the tread 60 comprises side covers 90 , 100 extending from the respective lateral edges 81 , 82 to the beads 16 , 17 or to the respective connecting end portions.

[0068] Specifically, each side cover 90 , 100 is configured to cover an associated sidewall 11 , 12 of the tire carcass 10 .

[0069] Furthermore, like the center cover 80 , the side covers 90 , 100 have a side thickness T1c.

[0070] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the side covers 90 , 100 extend from the central cover 80 at the opposite side edges 81 , 82 as far as the beads 16 , 17 or as far as the respective connecting end portions.

[0071] As such, the side covers 90 , 100 are configured to be coupled with the bicycle rim at the beads 16 , 17 or at corresponding connecting end portions.

[0072] According to the present description, the bicycle tire 1 includes one or more ripstop fabrics 70 applied in the tire carcass 10 .

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are arranged in the sidewalls 11, 13 and / or in the central wall 13. According to an alternative and combinable embodiment, one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are arranged on or in the inner surface 10a of the carcass 10.

[0074] Preferably, one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are coated with a polymer to define part or all of the tire carcass 10 .

[0075] In other words, the one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are internally coated with a polymer so as to define the tire carcass.

[0076] According to one embodiment, one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are disposed within the tire carcass 10 by a vulcanization process.

[0077] Due to the location of the ripstop fabric (ie, inside the carcass 10 ), the ripstop fabric 70 improves the tear resistance and puncture resistance of the bicycle tire 1 while ensuring that the weight is substantially the same as that of known bicycle tires.

[0078] Furthermore, due to the position of the tear-stop fabric 70, the tearing or tearing can be prevented from becoming larger.

[0079] This object is also achieved by the fact that the one or more tear-stop fabrics 70 comprise a pattern of woven fabrics and preferably comprise reinforcing threads. This allows stopping the propagation of a tear in the bicycle tire 1 .

[0080] Furthermore, the ripstop fabric 70 is extremely durable because it is woven using a reinforced and tightly woven cross grain pattern. This makes the bicycle tire 1 resistant to tearing, ripping and abrasion.

[0081] It should be noted that the one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are not disposed in the tread and / or are not disposed between the tread and the carcass.

[0082] It should be noted that the tire carcass 10 has a carcass thickness Tca.

[0083] Preferably, one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are arranged in the carcass thickness Tca.

[0084] Each ripstop fabric 70 applied in the tire carcass 10 is embedded in the tire carcass 10 as a part of the structure of the tire carcass 10 .

[0085] That is, each ripstop fabric 70 is embedded, buried or submerged within the carcass thickness Tca (preferably by coating, such as with rubber or other polymer).

[0086] In detail, each tearstop fabric 70 is arranged inside the tire carcass 10 such that a layer or film of the tire carcass 10 material, such as a coating material, is arranged on each two opposite surfaces of the tearstop fabric 70 .

[0087] In other words, the one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are pieces of material that are inserted into the tire carcass 10 , extend inside the tire carcass 10 in one or more portions of the tire carcass 10 or extend throughout the tire carcass 10 .

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment, the bicycle tire 1 may include a plurality of tearstop fabrics 70 at least partially or completely overlapping each other inside the tire carcass 10. Alternatively or in combination, the bicycle tire 1 may include a plurality of tearstop fabrics 70 arranged side by side in the tire carcass 10.

[0089] Each of the ripstop fabrics 70 of the plurality of ripstop fabrics may be independent from one another in terms of material, extension, pattern, and shape.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, the tear-proof fabric 70 is applied at least in the central wall 13 of the tire carcass 10 between the sidewalls 11, 12. That is, the tear-proof fabric 70 is arranged in the tire carcass 10 between the perimeter edges 13a, 13b. In this embodiment, the center cover 80 of the tread 60 is arranged on the central wall 13. In detail, the tear-proof fabric 70 may extend in the tire carcass between the perimeter edges 13a, 13b.

[0091] according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present invention shown, a tear-proof fabric 70 is at least partially applied in each sidewall 11, 12 of the tire carcass 10. Preferably, the sidewalls 11, 12 may be exposed to the external environment or covered by the side covers 90, 100 of the tread 60. The tear-proof fabric 70 is arranged at least in the tire carcass 10 for each sidewall 11, 12, between the circumferential edges 13a, 13b and the corresponding beads 16, 17 or between the circumferential edges 13a, 13b and the connecting end portions.

[0092] That is, in the tire carcass for each sidewall 11, 12, the tearstop fabric 70 extends between the circumferential edges 13a, 13b and the beads 16, 17 or between the circumferential edges 13a, 13b and the connecting end portions, respectively.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the invention, a ripstop fabric 70 is applied at least in each side wall 11 , 12 and at least partially in the central wall 13 .

[0094] That is, each ripstop fabric 70 may extend beyond the perimeter edges 13 a , 13 b into the central wall 13 , at least partially into both the side walls 11 , 12 and the central wall 13 .

[0095] According to one embodiment not shown in the figures, the ripstop fabric 70 may extend between the side walls 11 , 12 as an integral element.

[0096] According to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, the tire carcass 10 is made of the ripstop fabric 70 , such that the ripstop fabric 70 is applied inside the sidewalls 11 , 12 and inside the center wall 13 .

[0097] That is, the tire carcass 10, center wall 13 and side walls 11, 12 are made of ripstop fabric 70 and define a frame / casing as described above.

[0098] In other words, the tire carcass 10 corresponds to the ripstop fabric 70 coated with a polymer. In this way, the ripstop fabric 70 is realized as a one-piece sheet that delimits the tire carcass 10.

[0099] Preferably, as in the previous embodiments, the sidewalls 11 , 12 and the center wall 13 of the tire carcass 10 made of the tearstop fabric 70 may be at least partially covered by or embedded in the tread 60 at the sidewalls 11 , 12 and / or at the center wall 13 .

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 As shown, the tear-proof fabric 70 is applied on the inner surface 10a of the carcass 10, extending between the beads 16, 17. That is, the tear-proof fabric 70 at least partially (preferably completely) covers the inner surface 10a of the carcass 10 from the beads 16 to the beads 17. In this embodiment, the tear-proof fabric 70 is arranged internally at the center wall 13 and on the side walls 11, 12.

[0101] Preferably, a ripstop fabric 70 is applied on the inner surface 10a according to known full carcass puncture-proofing techniques.

[0102] Advantageously, the placement of the ripstop fabric 70 from bead 16 to bead 17 on the inner surface 10a provides additional stretch and abrasion resistance while still performing the core task of reducing tear propagation for the vulcanized casing structure.

Claims

1. A bicycle tire (1), comprising: - a tire carcass (10) defining an interior space (20) of the tire for inflating fluid and having opposite sidewalls (11, 12) and a center wall (13) connecting the sidewalls (11, 12), the sidewalls (11, 12) defining a tire base (40) configured to be fastened to a bicycle wheel rim; - a tread (60) which externally covers at least the central wall (13) of the tire carcass (10); The bicycle tire (1) is characterized in that it comprises one or more tear-proof fabrics (70) applied in the tire carcass (10), wherein the tear-proof fabric (70) is a woven fabric with reinforcement threads, wherein the reinforcement threads are interwoven in the woven fabric.

2. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tear-proof fabric is applied at least in the central wall (13) between the sidewalls (11, 12) of the tire carcass (10).

3. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tear-proof fabric (70) is at least partially applied in each sidewall (11, 12) of the tire carcass (10).

4. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tear-proof fabric (70) is applied at least partially in each side wall (11, 12) and at least partially in the central wall (13).

5. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tire carcass (10) is made of the tear-proof fabric (70) such that the tear-proof fabric (70) is applied inside the sidewalls (11, 12) and inside the center wall (13).

6. The bicycle tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tire carcass (10) has a carcass thickness (Tca), and the tear-proof fabric (70) is embedded in the thickness (Tca) of the tire carcass (10).

7. The bicycle tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more tearstop fabrics (70) are arranged inside the tire carcass (10) by a vulcanization process.

8. The bicycle tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - Each side wall (11, 12) has a free end (14, 15) defining a bead (16, 17); A bead core (30) is arranged inside each bead (16, 17) of the free end of the sidewalls (11, 12) and defines a tire base (40) configured to be fastened to a bicycle rim.

9. The bicycle tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - each side wall (11, 12) has a connecting end portion, which is configured to connect to another connecting end portion; - The connecting end defines a tire base (40) configured for fastening to a bicycle rim.

10. The bicycle tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the woven fabric is made of a material selected from cotton, silk, polyester fiber or polypropylene, and the reinforcing cord is made of a material selected from cotton, nylon or aramid.

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