Tires equipped with temporary identification labels

Abstract

A tire (2) having a toroidal carcass (8) having a central cavity (6) and consisting of at least one body ply (9), the body ply (9) being partially folded on itself and thus having two turn-ups in the lateral direction, each of the two turn-ups having an edge portion of the body ply (9) abutting an intermediate portion of the body ply (9); two annular beads (10) each surrounded by the body ply (9) and having a bead core and a bead filler (12); and an identification label (19) removably secured by gluing and disposed around the annular beads (10), carrying a temporary RFID device (20) that can be read remotely.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to tires equipped with a temporary identification label (i.e., an identification label that is used only during handling of the tire and is removed once the tire is mounted on a corresponding rim).

[0002] The invention finds advantageous application in the handling of so-called TBR ("Truck and Bus Radial") tyres, i.e. tyres with large dimensions, to which explicit reference is made in the following description, without loss of generality. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally speaking, when tires need to be handled at the end of a production line (typically to load them into a freight container) or in a warehouse, an operator will use a forklift with (at least) a pair of forks to lift the tire bundle from below (typically when the bundle is on a pallet), or a forklift with clamps to hold the bundle laterally.

[0004] In recent years, so-called "smart" tires have been developed that are equipped with RFID devices (where RFID stands for "Radio Frequency Identification" and typically a transponder), which allow for the remote communication of items of information such as the tire's identification, characteristics and history.

[0005] As a result, an operator is required not only to move the tires using a forklift, but also to have access to this information and to read the RFID devices associated with the tires with a suitable reader, for example to verify that the RFID device is working with the correct tire and / or to store possible changes in the tire's position in an electronic register.

[0006] An operator operating a forklift truck is typically equipped with a manual reader (i.e., a lightweight reader that is easily carried). After loading tires onto the forklift truck, the operator gets off the forklift truck, approaches the tires with the reader, and reads the corresponding RFID device in order to identify the tires in a specific manner. However, this mode of operation is inefficient and results in a significant waste of time, since the operator must get off the forklift truck (and thus stop the forklift truck and place it in a safe parking arrangement). Furthermore, the operator must place the manual reader near each tire in order to read the corresponding RFID device (i.e., known manual readers cannot simultaneously read the RFID devices of all tires in a tire bundle, but rather require the reader to be placed near each tire in the bundle).

[0007] In this respect, it should be noted that the maximum read distance of an RFID device integrated into a single tire is often approximately 1-2 meters, whereas a stack of tires usually has a height of more than 3 meters (thus exceeding the maximum read distance). Furthermore, when several tires are close together (stacked together), shielding and / or reflection phenomena may occur due to the metal parts of the tires, further reducing the maximum read distance of the RFID device integrated into the tire.

[0008] To ensure that the RFID device of the tire can be read, manufacturers have proposed to apply an identification label, removably and on the outer surface of the tire (i.e. on the tire's tread). The identification label carries an additional, temporary RFID device (as it is obviously removed when the tire is first mounted on the corresponding rim), which is not shielded by the tire (placed on the outside) and therefore can be read from a greater distance than the RFID device integrated into the tire's structure. However, this solution does not completely solve the problem, since when using a forklift equipped with clamps that clamp the tire bundle laterally, the (obviously metallic) clamps may completely shield the RFID device by covering it, or, in the worst case scenario, the clamps may even destroy the additional RFID device applied to the tread. Therefore, it is necessary to apply at least two identification labels (each carrying an additional, temporary RFID device) to the tread and place them at approximately 90° to each other (in this way, at least one identification label is always free when the tire bundle is clamped laterally by the clamps). However, this solution doubles the cost, since two different identification labels must be applied to each tire. Moreover, according to this solution, each identification label must face the reader's antenna (i.e., the identification label must be in the "Line Of Sight" (LOS) of the reader's antenna). Therefore, the reader's antenna must be moved around the tire bundle to read the temporary RFID devices of all tires in the bundle. In fact, when the identification label is on the opposite side of the tire to the reader's antenna, all the metal and "lossy material" of the tire will shield the identification label (or in any case jeopardize the performance of the identification label), making it difficult, if not impossible, to read the corresponding temporary RFID device. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a tire with a temporary identification label, which does not suffer from the above-mentioned drawbacks and at the same time is easy and economical to manufacture.

[0010] According to the present invention there is provided a tire provided with a temporary identification label as set out in the accompanying claims.

[0011] According to the present invention there is also provided a logistics system for managing a tire warehouse and a method for managing a tire warehouse, as set out in the accompanying claims.

[0012] The appended claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention and form an integral part of this specification.

[0013] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show non-limiting embodiments thereof. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a warehouse for tires that need to be loaded into containers or trucks for delivery to customers, each equipped with a temporary identification label. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a bundle of tires in the warehouse of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tire obtained at the warehouse of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a temporary identification label affixed to a tire obtained at the warehouse of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a temporary identification label affixed to a tire obtained at the warehouse of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram of the warehouse of FIG. 1 highlighting the stacks of tires oriented horizontally rather than vertically as in FIG. 1; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the warehouse of FIG. 1 with a variation of a forklift. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the warehouse of FIG. 1 with a variation of a forklift. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In FIG. 1, the number 1 indicates as a whole a warehouse for so-called TBR ("Truck and Bus Radial") tyres 2 which need to be loaded into containers or trucks for delivery to customers.

[0016] Inside the warehouse 1 there are a number of support elements 3, each designed to support a vertically oriented bundle of tires 2 at a given distance from the ground (i.e. from the floor of the warehouse 1). In other words, the support elements 3 are shelves or racks, which support and keep the bundle of tires 2 elevated from the ground. It should be noted that the bundle of tires 2 can be oriented vertically (for example as shown in FIG. 1) or horizontally (for example as shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 or FIG. 8). In a vertically oriented bundle of tires 2, the tires 2 are placed on top of each other, increasing the height of the bundle. On the other hand, in a horizontally oriented bundle of tires 2, the tires 2 are placed next to each other, increasing the length of the bundle. It is clear that in the same warehouse 1 there can be both vertically oriented bundles of tires 2 and horizontally oriented bundles of tires 2.

[0017] A series of forklifts 4 operate inside the warehouse 1, i.e. they move the bundles of tyres 2, in particular placing them coming from the production line on the support elements 3 and removing them from the support elements 3 in order to place them in containers or trucks.

[0018] Each forklift 4 is a wheeled operating means, powered by an electric motor, a diesel engine or a gas engine. Each forklift 4 also comprises a holding device 5 arranged at the front and designed to pick up the bundle of tyres 2. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the holding device 5 consists of a pair of forks (only one of which is visible in the accompanying drawings) which lift the bundle of tyres 2 from the bottom side. According to a different embodiment not shown here, the holding device 5 consists of a clamp which clamps the bundle of tyres 2 laterally.

[0019] According to figures 2 and 3, each tire 2 has an annular shape with a central cavity 6. Furthermore, each tire 2 is provided with its own persistent RFID device 7 (in particular a transponder, tag, smart label), i.e. an electronic device (usually passive, i.e. without its own power source) capable of storing information (in particular a unique identification code associated with the tire 2) and capable of communicating by radio frequency. According to a preferred embodiment, each persistent RFID device 7 is in accordance with the ISO 20910 standard and may store a so-called "Unique Item Identifier (UII)" for applications in the tire industry, coded with "SGTIN-96" coding ("96 bits - Serialized Global Trade Item Number") according to the "GS1 EPC Tag Data" standard.

[0020] In other words, each permanent RFID device 7 is a small smart label, known as a reader (or interrogation device), that is integrated inside the tire 2 and is designed to reply to interrogations made remotely by a suitable fixed or mobile device. The reader communicates with the permanent RFID device 7 by radio frequency, thereby making it possible to read and / or write the information contained in the permanent RFID device 7. As a result, the permanent RFID device 7 is part of a wireless reading and / or writing system that operates according to the so-called RFID ("Radio Frequency Identification") technology.

[0021] 3, each tire 2 comprises a toroidal carcass 8 made of a body ply 9 that is partially folded on itself and thus has two "turn-ups" (i.e., two overlapping layers) on either side. At each turn-up of the body ply 9, an edge portion (i.e., a terminal portion) of the body ply 9 abuts an intermediate portion of the body ply 9.

[0022] On either side of the carcass 8, there are two annular beads 10, each having a bead core 11 surrounded by the body ply 9 (i.e., surrounded by a turn-up portion of the body ply 9) and reinforced with a number of metal wire loops, and a bead filler 12. In other words, the bead core 11 consists of steel wires embedded in rubber and ensures a perfect bond between the tire 2 and the rim. As a result, each bead core 11 is essentially made of a metal material, i.e., each bead core 11 is a metal body covered by a relatively thin layer of rubber.

[0023] The carcass 8 supports an annular tread 13. Between the carcass 8 and the tread 13 there is interposed a tread belt 14 comprising two tread plies 15. Each tread ply 15 comprises a number of cords (not shown) embedded in a rubber belt and arranged next to one another at a given pitch, forming an inclination angle determined in relation to the equatorial plane of the tire 2.

[0024] Inside the body ply 9 is an inner liner 16 which is air impermeable, constitutes an inner coating, and has the function of retaining air inside the tire 2 to maintain the tire pressure of the tire 2 for a long period of time.

[0025] The body ply 9 supports a pair of side walls 17 disposed outside the body ply 9 between the tread 13 and the beads 10 .

[0026] Finally, the body ply 9 supports a pair of wearing gum strips 18 disposed below and outboard of the sidewalls 17 and around the periphery of the beads 10 .

[0027] A permanent RFID device 7 is integrated (embedded) inside each tire 2, in particular around the periphery of the sidewall 17 (e.g. the outer sidewall 17, i.e. the sidewall that faces the outside of the vehicle when the tire 2 is mounted on the rim).

[0028] According to figures 2 and 3, each tire 2 also comprises an identification label 19, which is (at least) removably fixed by gluing and carries a temporary RFID device 20 that can be read remotely (shown in figure 4). It should be noted that in each tire 2, the permanent RFID device 7 is integrated inside the tire 2 and therefore always remains coupled to the tire 2 (and is used when the tire 2 is mounted on a rim), while the temporary RFID device 20 is only used inside the warehouse 1 and, if necessary, also during the transportation of the tire 2 to the end user, but is usually removed from the tire 2 (and therefore discarded) before mounting the tire 2 on a rim. The temporary RFID device 20 is a "stand-in" for the permanent RFID device 7, i.e. a "replica" of the permanent RFID device 7, used to be (much) easier to read when the tires 2 are in a bundle (as described below). As a result, the temporary RFID device 20 contains at least part of the information contained in the permanent RFID device 7, and in particular always contains information that allows identifying the tire 2 (e.g. its serial number). In particular, the temporary RFID device 20 contains the so-called "Unique Item Identifier (UII)" mentioned above.

[0029] In each tire 2, an identification label 19 (carrying a temporary RFID device 20) is arranged around the annular bead 10 and in particular radially overlaps the bead core 11 (preferably, but not necessarily, the identification label 19 radially overlaps only one bead core 11, i.e. it does not extend past the bead core 11 and therefore does not reach the bead filler 12). Figure 3 shows two different (and perfectly coordinated) positions of the identification label 19 on the tire 2. The identification label 19 can be connected to the outer edge of the annular bead 10 or the identification label 19 can be connected to the inner edge of the annular bead 10. Although Figure 3 shows two identification labels 19 in two different positions, it is clear that in reality there is only a single identification label 19. It should be noted that the identification label 19 is positioned around the periphery of the bead core 11 (i.e., radially overlaps with the bead core 11), but is not in direct contact with the bead core 11 because the outside of the bead core 11 is covered by the wear gum strip 18.

[0030] According to figures 3, 4 and 5, each identification label 19 has an outer part 21 (i.e. located further outward in the radial direction) that is fixed (glued) to the periphery of the bead core 11 (i.e. overlapping radially with the bead core 11) and an inner part 22 (i.e. located further inward in the radial direction) that protrudes freely, i.e. like a flag, from the annular edge of the central cavity 6 of the tire 2 to the center point of the central cavity 6. As a result, in each identification label 19, the outer part 21 of the identification label 19 has a connection surface that is fixed to the periphery of the bead core 11 (in particular glued with glue 23). On the other hand, in each identification label 19, the inner part 22 of the identification label 19 is completely free and hangs down to the periphery. That is to say, the entire surface of the inner part 22 is in the air and does not contact any part of the tire 2.

[0031] Each identification label 19 is fixed (glued) to the outer surface of the tire 2 using glue 23 (adhesive 23), which allows the identification label 19 to be subsequently removed in a relatively simple manner. For example, by using a non-drying re-adhesive glue 23 (adhesive 23), the identification label 19 can be relatively easily removed from the outer surface of the corresponding tire 2.

[0032] According to a preferred (but non-binding) embodiment shown in Fig. 4, each temporary RFID device 20 comprises an antenna comprising an element 24 arranged on the outer part 21 (thus on the side adjacent to the bead core 11) and an element 25 arranged on the inner part 22 (thus completely in the air). According to the drawing, elements 24 and 25 each consist of a flat rectangular (conductive) metal plate.

[0033] Moreover, element 24 is preferably larger than element 25. In particular, element 24 extends in the range of 5 to 10 times that of element 25. The elements 24 of the antenna of each temporary RFID device 20 are arranged around the bead core 11 and use the metal parts of the bead core 11 as part of the radiating or radiator element (i.e. as antenna parts) to improve the performance of the antenna of the temporary RFID device 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the antenna of the temporary RFID device 20 has a monopole antenna structure, where element 24 is a ground plane and element 25 or radiating or radiator element is serpentine to minimize the dimensions. In particular, the two elements 24 and 25 of the antenna of the temporary RFID device 20 are obtained using linear conductors carrying electric currents that remotely irradiate an electromagnetic field. Furthermore, each temporary RFID device 20 comprises a microchip 26 (i.e. a small electronic circuit) connected to the two antennas 24 and 25 and equipped with a non-volatile memory (typically an EEPROM or FRAM memory, the latter being more expensive but more technologically advanced). The microchip 26 comprises an auto-tuning mechanism capable of automatically adjusting its internal impedance to optimize and improve the readability performance, thereby allowing an increased tolerance in the production and positioning of the identification labels 19.

[0034] Each identification label 19 includes a support 27 in which a temporary RFID device 20 is housed, typically consisting of a thin sheet of Mylar, plastic such as PET or PVC, or other similar material.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, each tire 2 comprises both (at least) a permanent RFID device 7 integrated inside the tire 2 and (at least) a temporary RFID device 20 glued to the outside of the tire 2. According to a different variant, the tire 2 may only comprise (at least) a temporary RFID device 20 glued to the outside of the tire 2, i.e. the tire 2 may not comprise a permanent RFID device 7 integrated inside the tire 2.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 2, reader devices 28, each comprising an electronic control unit 29 and an antenna 30, are arranged at fixed positions within the warehouse 1. Each antenna 30 is operative to radiate / receive RF signals having a frequency in the "Ultra High Frequency (UHF)" band, preferably within the frequency range of 860-960 MHz, more preferably within the sub-range of frequencies of 865-868 MHz and / or within the sub-range of frequencies of 902-928 MHz. Furthermore, optional requirements for each antenna 30 advantageously include a gain greater than 0 dB and circular polarization.

[0037] According to FIG. 1, some antennas 30 are arranged horizontally at a given height (higher than the maximum height of the bundle of tires 2) to read the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of the vertical bundle. According to FIG. 6 or FIG. 8, some antennas 30 are arranged vertically in a position considered appropriate to read the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of the horizontal bundle. For example, one or two antennas 30 can be arranged on both sides of a door / gate through which a support element 3 supporting at least one horizontally arranged bundle of tires 2 passes. Generally speaking, a horizontal antenna 30 can read the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of the vertical bundle (as shown in FIG. 8) or a vertical antenna 30 can read the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of the horizontal bundle. Indeed, to effectively read the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of the bundle, the antenna 30 must face the central cavity 6 of the stacked tires 2 so that it can "see" all the corresponding temporary RFID devices 20 located in the central cavity 6. As a result, to "see" all the temporary RFID devices 20 on the tires 2 of a vertical bundle of tires 2, the antenna 30 must be oriented horizontally and positioned above or below the bundle. On the other hand, to "see" all the temporary RFID devices 20 on the tires 2 of a horizontal bundle of tires 2, the antenna 30 must be oriented vertically and positioned beside the bundle.

[0038] In other words, each bundle of tires 2 to be identified is placed near the antenna 30 of the reader device 28, in particular below or next to the antenna 30, with the antenna 30 facing and aligned with the central cavity 6 of the tires 2 that make up the bundle.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, a single antenna 30 is sufficient to read all the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of a bundle of tires 2, i.e. the single antenna 30 is placed at one end (top, bottom or side) of the bundle. Alternatively, for greater certainty (reliability), two antennas 30 can be used to read all the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of a bundle of tires 2, i.e. the two antennas 30 are placed opposite each other at two ends (top, bottom or side) of the bundle.

[0040] However, it should be noted that theoretically speaking, the antenna 30 is anyway capable of reading the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of a bundle that are positioned both vertically and horizontally, regardless of their orientation.

[0041] In use, a bundle of tires 2 to be identified is placed in the reading area of ​​the antenna 30 of the reader device 28 (i.e. under or beside the antenna 30), allowing the reader device 28 to read the temporary RFID devices 20 of all tires 2. In particular, the bundle of tires 2 (usually transported by the holding device 5 of the forklift 4) may stop briefly around the antenna 30 of the reader device 28 or may be moved slowly forward around the antenna 30 of the reader device 28. If, in addition to reading the temporary RFID devices 20 of all tires 2, the reader device 28 were to also read one or more permanent RFID devices 7, the reading of the permanent RFID devices 7 would simply be redundant compared to the reading of the temporary RFID devices 20 and could be ignored as "stand-ins" without any problems. In particular, according to the "RFID EPC Gen2 GS1" protocol, when two RFID devices 7 and 20 having identical names and therefore no unique EPC are read, only the single RFID device 7 or 20 present in the reading area is indicated following interrogation of the reader device 28.

[0042] Due to the above, it is evident that the warehouse 1 is equipped with a logistic system, where the handling of the tires 2 is managed in a highly automated manner, thanks to the autonomous reading of the temporary RFID devices 20 coupled to the tires 2 (i.e. without manual intervention of the operator). In particular, the reader device 28 is connected to a control server 31 of the warehouse 1 (schematically shown in Fig. 1). The control server 31 is also connected to a tablet computer 32 (or a similar portable device) used by the operator of the forklift 4. Through the tablet computer 32, the operator of the forklift 4 receives operational instructions from the control server 31, communicates the execution of the assigned tasks to the control server 31 and updates in real time the state of the warehouse 1, i.e. the state of the removed and currently present tires 2 stored in the warehouse 1. In other words, the control server 31 runs a management software that manages the communication between the reader device 28 and the human operators (the part of the operator driving the forklift 4).

[0043] According to a possible (but non-binding) embodiment, in order for the operator of the forklift 4 to quickly and confidently be sure that the reader device 28 has read all the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 constituting a bundle (a bundle of TBR truck tires 2 consisting of usually 5-8 TBR tires 2 placed on top of each other or next to each other depending on the size of the tires 2) transported by the holding device 5, the operator must each time input (type) using the tablet computer 32 the number of the tire 2 loaded into the holding device 5 (the software installed in the tablet computer 32 may suggest to the operator in advance a predefined limited selection of the numbers of the tires 2 loaded into the holding device 5). The software installed in the tablet computer 32 checks whether the number of the temporary RFID device 20 read by the reader device 28 corresponds (i.e. is the same) to the number of the tire 2 loaded into the holding device 5 of the forklift 4 (provided by the operator). If the numbers are identical, the software provides a positive signal (e.g., with a green light) and completes the read operation performed by the temporary RFID device 20. On the other hand, if the numbers are not identical, the software provides a negative signal (e.g., with a red light and an audio warning) and the read operation performed by the temporary RFID device 20 must be repeated.

[0044] It should also be noted that one and the same reader device 28 may comprise several antennas 30 arranged at different positions (in any case close to each other) and activated at different moments by the electronic control unit. In this way, the driver of the forklift 4 transporting the bundle of tyres 2 (at least) does not have to follow the predetermined set route exactly and can even deviate from it (more or less by accident), since the multiple antennas 30 allow the operator to cover a relatively large area around the predetermined set route.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 6, the antenna 30 of the reader device 28 is arranged in a fixed position inside the warehouse 1. That is, the antenna 30 of the reader device 28 is mounted on a fixed structure of the warehouse 1. In the variant shown in Figs. 7 and 8, at least one reader device 28 is installed on a forklift 4. In particular, the forklift 4 comprises a support device 33 (for example mounted on the roof of the forklift 4). The support device 33 supports the antenna 30 and places the antenna 30 near (typically, but not necessarily, on) the bundle of tires 2 (or a plurality of bundles of tires 2) carried by the holding device 5 of the forklift 4. The support device 33 may also have a telescopic arm that moves the antenna 30 near (typically, but not necessarily, on) the bundle of tires 2 (or a plurality of bundles of tires 2) carried by the holding device of the forklift 4 only when necessary. The antenna 30 (or a number of antennas 30 ) of the reader device 28 installed on the forklift 4 may also be mounted on the framework of the holding device 5 .

[0046] The embodiments described herein can thus be combined with one another without exceeding the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] The tire 2 described above has many advantages.

[0048] Firstly, the above-mentioned tires 2 allow efficient (fast) and effective (confident) identification of all tires 2 constituting a bundle, using a reader device 28 with a single antenna 30 located at a fixed position (and thus using a reader device 28 that is simple, economical and easy to use). This result is obtained due to the specific positioning of the identification label 19, which is always reliably readable, even when the tires 2 are stacked. In fact, the central cavity 6 of the tire 2 (where the identification label 19 is located) is always free from electromagnetic shielding (due to the Faraday cage created by the metal elements of the tire 2), even when the stacked tires 2 are handled.

[0049] Furthermore, the particular configuration of the antennas 24 and 25 of the temporary RFID device 20 allows the effective reading distance of the temporary RFID device 20 to be extended by utilizing the bulk metal parts of the tire 2 (i.e., the bead core 11), which are not a concern (for reading the permanent RFID device 20) but a beneficial factor (for reading the temporary RFID device 20). Several experiments have shown that a reader device 28 with a single antenna 30 oriented horizontally or vertically can read the temporary RFID devices 20 of all tires 2 in a bundle up to a distance of 6-8 meters from the farthest tire 2 in the bundle from the antenna 30.

[0050] Additionally, due to the positioning of the identification label 19 inside the tire 2 (i.e., protruding inwardly from the bead 10, around the periphery of the central cavity 6 of the tire 2), the identification label 19 is well protected and therefore substantially unaffected by damage or unintentional detachment. In fact, the area of ​​the bead 10 is never contacted in any manner during its handling.

[0051] Finally, because the temporary RFID device 20 can have relatively small antennas 24 and 25 (because it utilizes part of the metal mass of the tire 2), the identification label 19 is inexpensive (and therefore constitutes only a small portion of the total manufacturing cost of the tire).

[0052] In addition, it should be noted that, regardless of the orientation of the tires 2 and the way the bundle is held, it is always sufficient to apply a single identification label 19 to each tire 2, since a single identification label 19 is always read from above. It should be noted that in any case, it is not prohibited (even if it would be substantially wasteful) to combine two or more identification labels 19 on a single tire 2.

[0053] The present invention finds advantageous application in the handling of so-called TBR ("Truck and Bus Radial") tyres 2, but in any case the invention can be applied to any type of tyre 2 (larger or smaller than the so-called TBR tyres 2). [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 warehouse 2 Tires 3 Supporting elements 4. Forklift 5 Holding device 6 Central Cavity 7 Persistent RFID Devices 8. Carcass 9 Body ply 10 Beads 11 Bead core 12 Bead filler 13 Tread 14 Treadbelt 15 Tread Ply 16 Inner Liner 17 Side wall 18 Wearable gum strips 19 Identification Label 20 Temporary RFID device 21 Inner part 22 Outer part 23 Glue 24 Elements 25 Elements 26 Microchip 27 Support material 28 Reader Device 29 Electronic Control Unit 30 Antenna 31 Control Server 32 Tablet Computer 33 Support equipment

Claims

1. a toroidal carcass (8) having a central cavity (6); Two annular beads (10), each having at least one bead core (11); an identification label (19) removably secured, preferably by gluing, and carrying a remotely readable temporary RFID device (20); A tire (2) comprising: The tire (2), wherein the identification label (19) is disposed around one annular bead (10).

2. 2. The tire (2) according to claim 1, wherein the identification label (19) radially overlaps the bead core (11) and preferably does not extend radially past the bead core (11).

3. 2. The tire (2) according to claim 1, wherein the identification label (19) has an outer part (21) glued to the periphery of the bead core (11) and an inner part (22) protruding unrestrictedly, i.e. like a flag, from the annular edge of the central cavity (6) of the tire (2) to the centre point of the central cavity (6).

4. 4. Tyre (2) according to claim 3, wherein the outer part (21) of the identification label (19) has a connecting surface that is glued to the periphery of the bead core (11).

5. 4. Tyre (2) according to claim 3, wherein the inner part (22) of the identification label (19) is completely free and floating in the air, i.e. all faces of the inner part (22) are in the air.

6. 4. The tire (2) according to claim 3, wherein the temporary RFID device (20) comprises an antenna having a first element (24) arranged on the outer portion (21) and a second element (25) arranged on the inner portion (22).

7. 7. The tire (2) according to claim 6, wherein the first element (24) of the antenna of the temporary RFID device (20) is located around the bead core (11) and uses metallic parts of the bead core (11) to improve the performance of the antenna.

8. 1. A logistics system for managing a warehouse (1) for tires (2), the tires (2) being arranged in bundles and each equipped with an identification label (19), each of the tires (2) being as described in claim 1.

9. a reader device (28) designed to remotely read said RFID device and comprising at least one antenna (30); a bundle of tyres (2) to be identified, which in use is placed near the antenna (30) of the reader device (28), in particular under or next to the antenna (30), said antenna (30) facing and aligned with the central cavity (6) of the tyres (2) constituting said bundle; The logistics system of claim 8, comprising:

10. 10. The logistics system of claim 9, wherein the reader device (28) comprises a plurality of antennas (30) that are selectively activated to increase the area covered by the reading.

11. applying an identification label (19) to each tire (2) so that said tire (2) is one according to any one of claims 1 to 7; stacking said tires (2) into a bundle; A method for managing a warehouse (1) for tires (2), comprising:

12. providing a reader device (28) designed to remotely read said RFID device and comprising at least one antenna (30); placing a bundle of tires (2) to be identified near the antenna (30) of the reader device (28), in particular under or next to the antenna (30), the antenna (30) facing and aligned with the central cavities (6) of the tires (2) that constitute the bundle; The method of claim 11 further comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the reader device (28) comprises a plurality of antennas (30) that are selectively activated to increase the area covered by the reading.

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