Folding tire including a brand

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable pneumatic 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) wrapping 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 pneumatic tire (1), an assembly comprising such a pneumatic tire (1) and a tie holding the pneumatic tire (1) in the folded or rolled position, as well as to a method for manufacturing such an assembly. Figure for abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Foldable pneumatic tire comprising a mark FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of tires, and more specifically relates to a foldable tire comprising a mark on its internal band.

[0002] The invention applies to foldable tires of the tubeless type, that is to say mounted directly on a rim without an inner tube or to tires of the "tube-type" type requiring the presence of an inner tube. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] A tire is a toroidal structure intended to be mounted on a rim, pressurized by an inflation gas and crushed on the ground under the action of a load.

[0004] By convention, we consider a reference (O, OX, OY, OZ), the center O of which coincides with the center of the tire, the circumferential OX, axial OY, and radial OZ directions 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.

[0005] By radially inner, respectively radially outer, is meant closer, respectively further, from the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0006] By axially inner, respectively axially outer, is meant 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.

[0007] By circumferential direction is meant the direction which is tangent to a circle whose center is on the axis of rotation of the tire or the blank.

[0008] By meridian plane is meant a plane parallel to and containing the axis of rotation of the tire or of the blank or of the building support and perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0009] The term “rough tire” means the presence of crosslinkable or vulcanizable compositions in the non-crosslinked or non-vulcanized state. In other words, the rough tire corresponds to the tire before it is cured, i.e. vulcanized.

[0010] The constitution of a tire is usually described by a representation of its constituents in a meridian plane, that is to say a plane containing the axis of rotation of the tire. Such a choice is motivated by the axisymmetry of the geometry of the tire around its axis of rotation.

[0011] Usually, a tire comprises a tread intended to be in contact with a ground and a carcass reinforcement located radially inside the tread. The tread has a rolling surface intended to come into contact with the ground.

[0012] According to a known design, the carcass reinforcement of a bicycle tire comprises at least one carcass layer wrapped, from the inside outwards, around two bead wires, to form a turn-up and thus defining two beads. Each bead extends radially outwards by a sidewall, the sidewalls joining the tread radially outwards. The carcass reinforcement thus forms the sidewalls. In other words, the sidewalls are parts of the carcass reinforcement. The free ends of the respective turn-ups of each carcass layer are radially superimposed, radially inside the tread, at the crown, which can form an overlap. In addition, the carcass layer comprises a set of wire reinforcements substantially parallel to each other, the wire reinforcements being able to be coated with an elastomeric mixture.

[0013] By elastomeric mixture is meant an elastomeric material obtained by a process mixing various constituents. An elastomeric mixture conventionally comprises an elastomeric matrix with at least one diene elastomer of natural or synthetic rubber type, at least one reinforcing filler of carbon black type and / or silica type, a crosslinking system most often based on sulfur, and protective agents. For certain applications, the elastomers considered may also comprise thermoplastics (TPE).

[0014] We know of tires for two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles, which are foldable and which are sold folded in a box which carries all the information of the tire which is both commercial (designation, dimension, range, sales pitch, etc.) and mandatory information (regulatory, bar code, etc.).

[0015] Once the folding tire is removed from its box, the box is generally immediately thrown away by the consumer, which represents an environmental problem. In addition, all the information on the tire is lost. This can, for example, pose a problem when you want to recycle the tire and there is no means of traceability to retrieve the information on the tire to recycle it in the best way. There is therefore a need for an easy-to-implement solution to ensure the marketing and identification of tires in a more eco-responsible manner. Statement of the invention

[0016] An aim of the invention is to make tires more environmentally friendly in a manner that is easy to implement.

[0017] According to a first aspect, there is provided a foldable tire comprising a tread, two bead wires, a carcass reinforcement extending radially inwardly to the tread, the carcass reinforcement forming two sidewalls and comprising at least one carcass layer wrapping around the two bead wires, and an inner band arranged radially inwardly relative to the tread, wherein the inner band comprises a mark.

[0018] By "trademark" is meant a material sign of various nature (such as a word, a number, a design, a code, or a combination of such signs) applied to an object to indicate certain characteristics, in particular technical or commercial. The mark being located on the internal band, it is at least partially visible and offers better readability to the user when the tire is folded and / or rolled and is at least partially turned over to expose the internal band so that the mark is at least partially visible.

[0019] By "internal band" is meant the element of the tire architecture exposing a toroidal-shaped surface in contact with the pressurized cavity of the tire.

[0020] Thus the internal band may be, in a non-limiting manner, the carcass reinforcement exposing a surface in the pressurized cavity. In another embodiment of the tire, the internal band may be a sealing rubber arranged radially internal to the carcass reinforcement, sealing rubber exposing a surface in the pressurized cavity.

[0021] By "foldable" is meant the ability of the tire and in particular of the bead wire to be able to have 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 rolling surface of the tread.

[0022] The fact that the mark is located on the inner strip, and not on the tread, makes it possible to avoid wear of the mark. The mark therefore remains legible despite wear of the tire tread. This facilitates in particular the recycling of the tire to the extent that this mark can indicate information, such as a product code, necessary for proper recycling of the tire.

[0023] In addition, the inner strip has a surface available for the mark, the mark being fully protected from the wear phenomenon. The wear phenomenon appears at the interface between the surface of the tire and the ground as soon as the tire is rolling. Although the outer sidewalls of a tire are a known marking surface, the sidewalls, however, have a more restricted surface compared to the surface of the inner strip. This aspect is exacerbated on foldable tires like bicycle tires. Thus, the use of the surface of the internal band allows for a larger mark and a more compact aspect ratio.

[0024] The term "more compact aspect ratio" means that, for the same amount of information on the tire to be marked, the aspect ratio of the mark on the surface of the inner strip is less elongated than the mark on the outer surface of the sidewalls. This more compact aspect ratio makes it easier for the user to read the tire information.

[0025] Since the information on the foldable tire is numerous, it requires a large surface area and a form factor for the mark that allows the user (or the reading means implemented by the user) to easily identify and read the information on the tire. This technical constraint is particularly critical on bicycle tires which, in the meridian plane, have a relatively small dimension. Thus, affixing the mark on the internal strip makes it possible to maximize the useful marking surface while having an aspect ratio adapted to readability by a user.

[0026] By affixing tire information to the surface of the inner strip already present on the outer surface of the tire sidewalls, useful surface area can also be freed up for aesthetic purposes.

[0027] 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.

[0028] According to 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 of the sidewalls being the radial height from a radially outer end of the bead wire of each of the sidewalls to a radially inner end of the rolling surface of the tread; - each rod is made of textile reinforcements such as aramid; - the mark includes a one- or two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code; - the mark is affixed to a label, the label being applied to the inner band of the tire; - the label comprises an elastomeric material; - the mark is applied by printing ink on the internal band; - the mark is applied in the form of an imprint on the strip internal ; - the tire is a bicycle tire.

[0029] According to a second aspect, there is provided an assembly comprising:

[0030] - a tire as presented previously, said tire being in a folded and / or rolled position and being at least partially turned over to expose the inner band so that the mark is at least partially visible, and

[0031] - a link holding the tire in the folded or rolled position.

[0032] According to a third aspect, there is proposed a method of manufacturing a tire as presented previously comprising the following step:

[0033] - marking of the inner band of the tire, respectively of the inner band of a blank of the tire, so as to affix the mark on the internal band of said tire, respectively on the internal band of said blank.

[0034] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics:

[0035] - the marking step comprises:

[0036] - a step of applying a label on which the mark is affixed to the inner band of the tire, respectively on the inner band of the blank, and

[0037] - a step of vulcanizing the label on the internal strip of the tire, respectively a step of vulcanization of the blank and the label on the internal strip of the blank.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing an assembly as presented previously comprising the following steps:

[0039] - at least partial turning of the tire to expose the inner band and folding and / or rolling the tire so that the mark is at least partially visible, and

[0040] - binding by means of the tie so as to hold the tire at least partially turned over and folded and / or rolled. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0041] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the appended figures, including:

[0042] - [Fig.l] illustrates a tire;

[0043] - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a tire comprising a mark on its internal band;

[0044] - [Fig.3] represents the steps of a manufacturing process for the tire of the [Fig.2] according to a certain embodiment;

[0045] - [Fig.4] represents an assembly comprising a folded tire and a link;

[0046] - [Fig.5] represents the steps of a manufacturing process for the entire [Fig.4], DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Pneumatic

[0047] With reference to [Fig.l], there is provided 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 wrapping 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 at least one mark 2.

[0048] The tire 1 is advantageously a tire 1 for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle.

[0049] As explained previously, a tire 1 is a toric structure intended to be mounted on a rim, pressurized by an inflation gas and crushed on a ground under the action of a load.

[0050] Thus, the tread 120 is intended to come into contact at least partially with the ground. The inner strip 14 is preferably opposite the tread 120.

[0051] 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 outside the carcass reinforcement 15.

[0052] The tread 120 is advantageously made from a polymeric composition, for example an elastomeric composition comprising at least one elastomer, preferably diene, for example natural rubber.

[0053] According to a certain embodiment, the inner band 14 corresponds to the portion of the carcass reinforcement 15 having a surface exposed to the pressurized cavity of the tire, the carcass reinforcement 15 being embedded in an elastomer mixture. In other words, the inner band 14 is the inner surface of the carcass reinforcement 15.

[0054] According to another embodiment, the internal strip 14 may be a sealing rubber arranged radially internally to the carcass reinforcement 15, sealing rubber exposing a surface in the pressurized cavity. More generally, the internal strip 14 may be arranged radially internally relative to the carcass reinforcement 15.

[0055] The tire 1 further comprises two bead wires 13 and a carcass reinforcement 15 extending radially inwardly to the tread 120 and comprising at least one carcass layer 151 wound around the two bead wires 13. The carcass layer 151 is wound around each bead wire 13 so as to form a bead 16 at each bead wire 13. The tire 1 therefore comprises two beads 16.

[0056] The carcass reinforcement 15 comprises the sidewalls 122.

[0057] Advantageously, each sidewall 122 comprises a protective layer 123 made from a polymeric composition, for example an elastomeric mixture or an elastomeric composition comprising at least one elastomer, preferably diene, 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 coated by the protective layer 123 and by the tread 120.

[0058] The tire 1 is foldable. The tire 1 is therefore suitable for being folded or rolled, for example to allow it to be stored in a less bulky manner. Document WO 2014 / 001167 A1 presents an example of a method for folding a tire.

[0059] Advantageously, the rods 13 are made of textile reinforcements, such as aramid, so that the tire 1 is more easily foldable.

[0060] As schematically illustrated in [Fig.2], the inner band 14 of the tire 1 comprises a mark 2. The inner band 14 may comprise a plurality of marks 2.

[0061] Thus, the mark 2 is more durable, more lasting than if it were placed on the tread 120 and / or on the sidewalls 122 of the tire 1.

[0062] The inner strip 14 comprises a mark 2 at least on a portion of its surface. In other words, the inner strip 14 does not necessarily comprise a mark 2 on its entire surface.

[0063] 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 starting from a radially outer end of the bead wire 13 of each of the sidewalls 122 to a radially inner end of the rolling surface of the tread 120. Thus, the surface area of ​​the mark 2 and the aspect ratio are maximized, so that the legibility of the mark 2 is improved.

[0064] The mark 2 may for example include information concerning the composition of the tire 1 which makes it possible to determine the recycling process adapted to the tire 1.

[0065] As another example, the mark 2 may also include information concerning the dimensions of the tire 1 or concerning the types of vehicles concerned by the tire 1.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the mark 2 comprises a one- or two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code (quick response code). Therefore, the mark 2 has a reduced surface area while being able to provide access to numerous information concerning the tire 1, for example via a device for reading said QR code and the information system associated with it.

[0067] Mark 2 may have different shapes. For example, it may be rectangular, circular or triangular.

[0068] Mark 2 can be colored.

[0069] The mark 2 can be applied to the tire 1 in different ways.

[0070] According to a certain embodiment, the mark 2 is affixed to a label 20, said label 20 being applied to the internal strip 14.

[0071] By label 20 is meant a flexible part on which the mark 2 is printed. The mark 2 can be applied by printing ink on the label 20 or applied in the form of an imprint on the label 20. The label 20 being flexible, it folds easily which facilitates the folding, including turning over, of the tire 1.

[0072] Advantageously, the label 20 comprises an elastomeric material, such as rubber. Consequently, the label 20 is very flexible, bends easily, which facilitates the folding, including turning over, of the tire 1. In addition, the vulcanization of such a label 20 makes it possible to bond the label 20 to the tire 1 in a very durable manner. Advantageously, the label 20 is made of rubber.

[0073] Advantageously, the label 20 is made of a rubber identical to that constituting the internal strip 14.

[0074] The label 20 may have different shapes. For example, it may be rectangular, circular or triangular.

[0075] Preferably, the label 20 has a thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.

[0076] Preferably, the label 20 comprises an adhesive layer adapted to adhere to the internal strip 14.

[0077] According to a certain embodiment, the mark 2 is applied by printing ink on the internal strip 14. This ensures a homogeneous rigidity of the tire. Indeed, since no label is added, there is no local increase in the thickness of the tire at the mark. Consequently, the rigidity of the tire is homogeneous, which is beneficial in terms of mass and uniformity of the tire.

[0078] Printing may be carried out using an inkjet process.

[0079] Advantageously, the printing is carried out using inks adapted to the material of the internal strip 14.

[0080] According to a certain embodiment, the mark 2 is applied in the form of an imprint, such as a thermal imprint, on the internal strip 14. In other words, the mark 2 is formed by hollows and protruding parts of the strip internal 14. As with ink printing, this embodiment guarantees uniform rigidity of the tire.

[0081] The imprint may also be an engraving such as a laser engraving. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the internal strip is made of an elastomeric material such as rubber. Tire manufacturing process

[0082] With reference to [Fig.3], a method of manufacturing a tire 1 as presented previously is proposed.

[0083] The method comprises a step a) of marking the inner band 1 of the tire 1 so as to affix the mark 2 to the inner band 14 of said tire 1.

[0084] According to an embodiment where the mark 2 is affixed to a label 20, the marking step a) of the method comprises a step a1) of applying the label 20 to the internal strip 14.

[0085] In step a1), the label 20 is positioned on the internal strip 14 at the location where the mark 2 is to be affixed. The label 20 is applied to the internal strip 14 so that the mark 2 is visible.

[0086] According to a certain embodiment, the label 20 comprises an adhesive layer and thus adheres to the internal strip 14.

[0087] Advantageously, the marking step a) comprises a step a2) of vulcanizing the label 20 on the internal strip 14. The label 20 is thus fixed to the internal strip 14.

[0088] Preferably, the vulcanization is carried out simultaneously with a step of curing and vulcanizing the blank of the tire 1. In other words, a vulcanization step specific to the label 20 is not carried out. The vulcanization of the label 20 is carried out as part of the curing of the blank of the tire 1. It is recalled that the blank of a tire corresponds to the tire before it is cured, i.e. vulcanized. In this case, the marking step a) is carried out on the blank of the tire. In other words, step a) consists of marking the inner strip of the blank of the tire 1 so as to affix the mark 2 on the inner strip of the blank of the tire 1. Step a) comprises a step a1) of applying the label 20 to the inner strip of the blank and a step a2) of vulcanizing the label 20 on the inner strip, step a2) being implemented simultaneously with the vulcanization of the blank.The vulcanization of the label on the blank and the vulcanization of the blank therefore take place simultaneously so as to obtain a marked tire 1. The marking is therefore easy to implement since it requires few additional steps.

[0089] According to the embodiment where the label 20 comprises an adhesive layer, the step of vulcanizing the label 20 is not necessary, because the label 20 adheres to the internal strip 14 thanks to the adhesive layer having a sticky and functional surface at room temperature which does not require the application of heat, unlike vulcanization.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the marking step a) comprises a step a1) of applying the label 20 to the inner strip of the blank or to the inner strip 14 of the tire 1 and a step a2) of local vulcanization of the label 20 on the inner strip of the blank or on the inner strip 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 supply of heat and pressure allowing the vulcanization of the label in a few minutes.

[0091] According to the embodiment where the mark 2 is applied by ink printing, the marking step a) comprises a step a3) of printing the mark 2 using ink. 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 strip 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 strip of the tire. Preferably, the printing is carried out on the inner strip 14 of the tire, i.e. after the curing and vulcanization of the tire blank.

[0092] According to the embodiment where the mark 2 is applied in the form of an imprint, the marking step a) comprises a step a4) of forming an imprint on the internal strip 14. The imprint may for example be a thermal imprint. For example, a stamp is heated to a temperature allowing the internal strip 14 to be melted locally. The stamp is applied to the internal strip 14, thus forming hollows in the internal strip 14. The hollows, and the complementary protruding parts, formed in the internal strip 14 form the mark 2.

[0093] Preferably, the imprint is formed on the internal strip 14 of the tire, that is to say after the baking and vulcanization of the tire blank. Together

[0094] With reference to [Fig.4], there is provided an assembly 3 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.

[0095] In other words, at least a portion of the inner band 14, comprising at least a portion of the mark 2, is visible.

[0096] Advantageously, the mark 2 is visible in its entirety when the tire 1 is in a folded and / or rolled position and at least partially turned over.

[0097] The assembly 3 further comprises a link 4 which holds the tire 1 in the folded or rolled position.

[0098] The link 4 surrounds, for example, the tire 1.

[0099] The link 4 can for example be a plastic thread or a cord.

[0100] Such an assembly 3 has the advantage of not requiring a box, for example in cardboard, which would then be thrown away by the consumer. Indeed, mark 2 includes information useful to the consumer and this mark 2 is present directly on the internal strip 14 of the tire 1. No additional box or label is required. The assembly 3 therefore has the advantage of generating less waste.

[0101] Furthermore, the set 3 is less bulky since it does not include a box. Manufacturing process of the assembly

[0102] With reference to [Fig.5], a method of manufacturing an assembly 3 as presented previously is proposed.

[0103] The method comprises a step i) of at least partially turning over the tire 1 to expose the internal strip 14 and of folding and / or rolling the tire 1 so that the mark 2 is at least partially visible, preferably entirely visible.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the tire 1 is completely turned over so that the internal strip 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 entirely visible.

[0105] 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.

[0106] By fully visible, it is understood 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 comprises a step ii) of binding by means of the tie 4 so as to keep the tire 1 at least partially turned over and folded and / or rolled. The binding step ii) aims to prevent the tire 1 from unfolding and / or unrolling.

Claims

Claims

1. 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) wrapping 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).

2. A 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).

3. A tire (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein each bead wire (13) is made of textile reinforcements such as aramid.

4. A tire (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the mark (2) comprises a one- or two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code.

5. A tire (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the mark (2) is affixed to a label (20), the label (20) being applied to the inner band (14) of the tire (1).

6. A tire (1) according to claim 5, wherein the label (20) comprises an elastomeric material.

7. A tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mark (2) is applied by printing ink on the inner band (14).

8. A tire (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).

9. A tire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said tire (1) being for a bicycle.

10. Assembly (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 turned over to expose the inner band (14) so ​​that the mark (2) is at least partially visible, and - a tie (4) holding the tire (1) in the folded or rolled position.

11. Method of manufacturing a tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following step: - marking (a) the inner band (14) of the tire (1), respectively 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.

12. Method according to claim 11, in which the marking step comprises: - a step of applying (al) a label (20) on which the mark (2) is affixed to the inner band (14) of the tire (1), respectively to the inner band of the blank, and - a step of vulcanizing (a2) the label (20) on the inner band (14) of the tire (1), respectively a step of vulcanizing the blank and the label (20) on the inner band of the blank.

13. A method of manufacturing an assembly (3) according to claim 10, comprising the following steps: - at least partially turning over (i) the tire (1) to expose the inner strip (14) and folding and / or rolling 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.

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