Reinforced bicycle tire

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bicycle tire (1) comprising a tire carcass (10) defining an inner space (20) for an inflation fluid, having opposing sidewalls (11, 12) and a central wall (13) connecting the sidewalls (11, 12), the sidewalls (11, 12) defining a tire base (40) configured to be fixed to a bicycle rim, a tread (60) covering at least the central wall (13) of the tire carcass (10) from the outside, and one or more lipstop fabrics (70) attached to the tire carcass (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bicycle tire having a reinforcing structure described in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a reinforced bicycle tire having higher tear resistance and puncture resistance, as well as reduced weight.

Background Art

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

[0004] Since a bicycle tire needs to be lightweight to maintain a light load, it has a thinner thickness than, for example, a tire suitable for the automotive industry.

[0005] Therefore, when there are sharp objects such as nails, glass pieces, and / or metal pieces on the road, such sharp objects can easily penetrate the tread portion and reach the carcass, potentially causing damage or puncture of the bicycle tire.

[0006] As a result, in order to solve such problems, known bicycle tires are provided with different reinforcing systems arranged within the tread and / or between the tread and the carcass.

[0007] Such a reinforcing system includes a more resistant rubber having a thick tread.

[0008] In other examples, the reinforcing system includes a cut-resistant fiber reinforcement so that the tire is protected from punctures.

[0009] The relatively rigid material or weight of the reinforcing system insert may adversely affect the performance of the bicycle tire.

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

[0011] Furthermore, it should be noted that the reinforcing ply is disposed on the carcass. This particular positioning can cause problems during manufacturing and undesirable behavior of the tire during normal use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0012] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a bicycle tire that can solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0013] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle tire that can improve the tear resistance without increasing the total weight of the bicycle tire.

[0014] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide an alternative method for improving the tear resistance of a bicycle tire without increasing the total weight of the bicycle tire.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0015] The above-mentioned technical problems and the above-mentioned objects are substantially achieved by a bicycle tire having technical features as disclosed in one or more of the appended patent claims.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] According to the present disclosure, by using one or more ripstop fabrics on the carcass, the weight of the bicycle tire can be reduced.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the manufacturing process can be simplified by using one or more ripstop fabrics for the carcass.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the reliability and durability of the bicycle tire can be improved by using one or more ripstop fabrics for the carcass.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the puncture resistance and tear resistance can be improved by using one or more ripstop fabrics for the carcass without affecting the performance of the bicycle tire itself.

[0020] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following illustrative and non-limiting description of a preferred non-exclusive embodiment of a bicycle tire as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Even if not explicitly stated, each feature described with reference to a particular embodiment is to assist other features described with reference to other exemplary embodiments and / or to be replaceable with other features.

[0023] In the following description, the features of the present invention are described in relation to a so-called clincher tire structure, but the same features are also applicable to a tubeless tire structure.

[0024] In the scope of this specification, the ripstop fabric is intended as a woven fabric having reinforcing yarns.

[0025] Preferably, the woven fabric can be made of cotton, silk, polyester, polypropylene, etc.

[0026] The reinforcing yarns can be made of cotton, nylon, aramid, etc.

[0027] According to this specification, the ripstop fabric can be realized in any available pattern and shape such as regular or irregular geometric shapes.

[0028] It should be further noted that the ripstop fabric can have a surface area that can vary from the smallest manufacturable size to the largest size suitable for use in a carcass.

[0029] Such reinforcing yarns can be woven into the woven fabric.

[0030] Each ripstop fabric may preferably include a woven fabric layer having reinforcing yarns.

[0031] Within the scope of this specification, the carcass is a component that defines and forms the contour of the internal tire space for the inflation fluid. That is, the carcass is a casing for the inflation fluid.

[0032] The carcass is in the form of a sheet that defines the internal tire space by bending around the internal tire space one or more times or by defining a single structure.

[0033] In the case of a clincher tire structure, the sheet can wrap around the associated bead, and in the case of a tubeless tire structure, the sheet can wrap around the connection end.

[0034] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates the entire bicycle tire of the present disclosure.

[0035] The bicycle tire 1 includes a tire carcass 10 that defines an internal tire space 20 for the inflation fluid. The tire carcass 10 has an inner surface 10a facing the internal tire space 20 and an outer surface 10b on the opposite side.

[0036] Since the inflation fluid can be air or a mixture of fluids known to those skilled in the art, it will not be described in detail here.

[0037] The internal space 20 includes the air chamber 21 of FIGS. 1 and 4, or the inflation region 22 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5.

[0038] It should be noted that the tire carcass 10 may include a bicycle ring that is attached to the associated bicycle rim.

[0039] The tire carcass 10 has two opposing sidewalls 11, 12 and a central wall 13 connecting the sidewalls 11, 12.

[0040] It should be noted that the sidewalls 11, 12 define a tire base 40 configured to be fixed to a bicycle rim.

[0041] The sidewalls 11, 12 and the central wall 13 define a substantially U-shaped hollow ring or, alternatively, an O-shaped hollow ring, and on the opposite side of the central wall 13, the tire carcass 10 can be fixed to a bicycle rim.

[0042] In a clincher tire structure, the sidewalls 11, 12 and the central wall 13 define a substantially U-shaped hollow space, and the tire carcass 10 has an opening 18 on the opposite side of the central wall 13.

[0043] In the case of a tubular tire structure, it should be noted that the sidewalls 11, 12 and the central wall 13 define a closed chamber for fluid. In fact, such a hollow ring can be directly filled with a fluid (such as air) within the air chamber 21 or within the inflation region 22 when coupled to a bicycle rim.

[0044] In the case of a clincher tire structure, each sidewall 11, 12 has free ends 14, 15 that define beads 16, 17. Each bead 16, 17 is a bent portion of the associated sidewall 11, 12 at the free ends 14, 15.

[0045] Regardless of the embodiment (tubular tire structure or clincher tire structure), the tire carcass 10 includes a bead core 30 disposed inside each bead 16, 17 of the free ends 14, 15 of the sidewalls 11, 12.

[0046] Each bead core 30 can be made of a rigid and elastic material such as metal to impart a base rigid structure to the bicycle tire 1.

[0047] The bead core 30 passes through the associated beads 16, 17 that define two rings.

[0048] Furthermore, the bead cores 30 inserted into the associated beads 16, 17 define a tire base 40 configured to be fixed to a bicycle rim.

[0049] That is, the tire base 40 includes a holding element defined by an assembly of the bead cores 30 and the beads 16, 17 configured to engage with associated capturing means formed on the bicycle rim to fix the bicycle tire 1 to the bicycle rim and hold the bicycle tire 1 during use of the bicycle tire 1.

[0050] In the case of a tubeless tire structure, each sidewall 11, 12 has a connecting end configured to interconnect the other connecting end. Each connecting end includes a reinforcing bead and a connecting element configured to interconnect the connecting ends. Furthermore, the connecting end defines a tire base 40 configured to be fixed to a bicycle rim by an adhesion process or the like.

[0051] The central wall 13 extends between two opposing peripheries 13a, 13b. On the one hand, each sidewall 11, 12 extends from the associated peripheries 13a, 13b to the beads 16, 17 or to their respective connecting ends.

[0052] The bicycle tire 1 includes a tread 60 that at least externally covers the central wall 13 of the tire carcass 10.

[0053] Note that the tread 60 can be attached to the tire carcass 10 by adhesion, or the tread 60 can embed at least a part of the tire carcass 10.

[0054] That is, the tread 60 can be attached to the outer surface of the tire carcass 10 on the side opposite to the inner surface facing the internal space 20.

[0055] In this embodiment, the tread 60 having a bonding surface facing the tire carcass 10 and an opposite environmental surface usually facing the external environment is attached to the tire carcass 10 by bonding the outer surface 10b of the tire carcass 10 and the bonding surface of the tread 60.

[0056] Such bonding can be performed by vulcanization or other bonding such as an adhesive.

[0057] In the case of embedding, the tire carcass 10 is at least partially submerged in the tread 60, and as a result, the associated outer surface is arranged between the bonding surface and the environmental surface, that is, within the thickness of the tread 60.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the tire carcass 1 may include a reinforcing layer disposed between the tire carcass 10 and the tread 60 to further improve the performance and durability of the tire.

[0059] Preferably, the tread 60 is provided for grounding and includes a central cover 80 that covers at least the central wall 13 of the tire carcass 10.

[0060] Specifically, the central cover 80 extends on the central wall 13 between two opposing side edges 81, 82 and has a central cover thickness Tcc.

[0061] In detail, the central cover 80 is disposed on the central wall 13 and covers the central wall 13. The central cover 80 may have different patterns formed on the environmental surface according to applications such as mountain bikes or Corsa speed bicycles.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the tread 60 includes side covers 90, 100 that extend from respective side edges 81, 82 to the beads 16, 17 or to respective connection ends.

[0063] Specifically, each side cover 90, 100 is configured to cover the associated side wall 11, 12 of the tire carcass 10.

[0064] Also, similar to the central cover 80, the side covers 90, 100 have a side thickness Tlc.

[0065] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the side covers 90, 100 extend from the central cover 80 to the beads 16, 17 or to their respective connection ends at the opposing side edges 81, 82.

[0066] Thus, the side covers 90, 100 are configured to be coupled to the bicycle rim at the beads 16, 17 or at their respective connection ends.

[0067] According to the present specification, the bicycle tire 1 includes one or more ripstop fabrics 70 attached to the tire carcass 10.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are disposed on the sidewalls 11, 13 and / or the central wall 13. According to an alternative and combinable embodiment, the one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are disposed on or within the inner surface 10a of the carcass 10.

[0069] Preferably, the one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are coated with a polymer to define part or all of the tire carcass 10.

[0070] In other words, the one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are coated on the inside with a polymer so as to form the contour of the tire carcass.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are disposed within the tire carcass 10 by a vulcanization process.

[0072] By positioning the ripstop fabric, that is, positioning it within the carcass 10, the ripstop fabric 70 improves the tear resistance and puncture resistance of the bicycle tire 1, while at the same time ensuring substantially the same weight as known bicycle tires.

[0073] Furthermore, by positioning the ripstop fabric 70, it is possible to prevent the tear or break from becoming large.

[0074] This is also achieved by one or more ripstop fabrics 70 including a woven fabric pattern and, preferably, reinforcing yarns. This can stop the propagation of tears in the bicycle tire 1.

[0075] Furthermore, since the ripstop fabric 70 is woven using a reinforced and densely woven cross-hatch pattern, it is extremely durable. As a result, the bicycle tire 1 has resistance to tearing, breaking, and fraying.

[0076] Note that one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are not disposed within the tread and / or between the tread and the carcass.

[0077] Note that the tire carcass 10 has a carcass thickness Tca.

[0078] Preferably, one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are disposed within the carcass thickness Tca.

[0079] Each ripstop fabric 70 attached to the tire carcass 10 is embedded in the tire carcass 10 so as to become part of the tire carcass 10 structure.

[0080] That is, each ripstop fabric 70 is preferably embedded, implanted, or sunk within the carcass thickness Tca by coating with rubber or other polymers, etc.

[0081] Specifically, each ripstop fabric 70 is disposed inside the tire carcass 10 such that layers or films of the material of the tire carcass 10 (e.g., coating material) are disposed on each of the two opposing surfaces of the ripstop fabric 70.

[0082] In other words, one or more ripstop fabrics 70 are pieces of material inserted into the tire carcass 10, which extend inside the tire carcass 10 at one or more portions of the tire carcass 10 or with respect to the entire tire carcass 10.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the bicycle tire 1 may comprise a plurality of ripstop fabrics 70 that at least partially or entirely overlap each other inside the tire carcass 10. The bicycle tire 1 may alternatively or in combination comprise a plurality of ripstop fabrics 70 arranged side by side within the tire carcass 10.

[0084] Each of the plurality of ripstop fabrics 70 may be independent of each other with respect to material, elongation, pattern, and shape.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the ripstop fabric 70 is attached to the central wall 13 of the tire carcass 10 at least between the sidewalls 11, 12. That is, the ripstop fabric 70 is disposed between the peripheral portions 13a, 13b of the tire carcass 10. In this embodiment, the central cover 80 of the tread 60 is disposed on the central wall 13. Specifically, the ripstop fabric 70 may extend between the peripheral portions 13a, 13b within the tire carcass.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ripstop fabric 70 is attached to at least a part of each sidewall 11, 12 of the tire carcass 10. Preferably, the sidewalls 11, 12 may be exposed to the external environment or may be covered by the side covers 90, 100 of the tread 60. The ripstop fabric 70 is disposed within the tire carcass 10 of each sidewall 11, 12 at least between the peripheral portions 13a, 13b and the respective beads 16, 17 or between the peripheral portions 13a, 13b and the connection end portions.

[0087] That is, the ripstop fabric 70 extends between the peripheral portions 13a, 13b and the beads 16, 17, or between the peripheral portions 13a, 13b and the connection end portions, respectively, in the tire carcass of each side wall 11, 12.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ripstop fabric 70 is attached to at least each of the side walls 11, 12 and at least partially to the central wall 13.

[0089] That is, each ripstop fabric 70 can enter into the central wall 13 beyond the peripheral portions 13a, 13b and extend at least partially over both the side walls 11, 12 and the central wall 13.

[0090] According to an embodiment not shown, the ripstop fabric 70 can extend as an integral element between the side walls 11, 12.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, the tire carcass 10 is made of a ripstop fabric 70 such that the ripstop fabric 70 is attached within and to the side walls 11, 12.

[0092] That is, the tire carcass 10, the central wall 13, and the side walls 11, 12 are made of the ripstop fabric 70 and define the frame / casing as described above.

[0093] In other words, the tire carcass 10 corresponds to a ripstop fabric 70 coated with a polymer. In this way, the ripstop fabric 70 realizes a single sheet that forms the contour of the tire carcass 10.

[0094] Preferably, the side walls 11, 12 and the central wall 13 of the tire carcass 10 made of the ripstop fabric 70 can be at least partially covered or embedded by the tread 60 in and / or within the side walls 11, 12 as in the previous embodiment.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, the ripstop fabric 70 is attached to the inner surface 10a of the carcass 10 extending between the beads 16 and 17. That is, the ripstop fabric 70 at least partially, preferably entirely, covers the inner surface 10a of the carcass 10 from the bead 16 to the bead 17. In this embodiment, the ripstop fabric 70 is disposed inside the central wall 13 and the side walls 11 and 12.

[0096] Preferably, the ripstop fabric 70 is attached to the inner surface 10a according to a known bead-to-bead process.

[0097] Advantageously, the placement of the ripstop fabric 70 on the inner surface 10a from the bead 16 to the bead 17 provides additional tensile strength and abrasion resistance while still playing a central role in reducing crack propagation for the vulcanized casing structure.

Claims

1. A tire carcass (10) having an internal tire space (20) for an expanding fluid, and having opposing side walls (11, 12) and a central wall (13) connecting the side walls (11, 12), wherein the side walls (11, 12) define a tire base (40) configured to be fixed to a bicycle rim, The tread (60) covers at least the central wall (13) of the tire carcass (10) from the outside. A bicycle tire (1) equipped with, The bicycle tire (1) comprises one or more ripstop fabrics (70) attached to the tire carcass (10), wherein the ripstop fabric (70) is a woven fabric having reinforcing threads, and the reinforcing threads are woven into the woven fabric.

2. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ripstop fabric is attached to the central wall (13) of the tire carcass (10) between at least the side walls (11, 12).

3. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ripstop fabric (70) is attached to at least a portion of each side wall (11, 12) of the tire carcass (10).

4. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ripstop fabric (70) is attached at least partially to each of the side walls (11, 12) and at least partially to the central wall (13).

5. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tire carcass (10) is made of the ripstop fabric (70) such that the ripstop fabric (70) is attached to the side walls (11, 12) and the central 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 ripstop fabric (70) is embedded within the thickness (Tca) of the tire carcass (10).

7. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more ripstop fabrics (70) are placed inside the tire carcass (10) by a vulcanization process.

8. Each side wall (11, 12) has a free end (14, 15) that defines the bead (16, 17), The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bead core (30) defines a tire base (40) which is positioned inside each bead (16, 17) at the free ends of the side walls (11, 12) and is configured to be fixed to a bicycle rim.

9. Each side wall (11, 12) has a connecting end configured to interconnect the other connecting end, The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting end defines a tire base (40) configured to be fixed to a bicycle rim.

10. The bicycle tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the woven fabric is made of a material selected from cotton, silk, polyester, or polypropylene, and the reinforcing threads are made of a material selected from cotton, nylon, or aramid.

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