Foldable tyre comprising at least one mark

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable tyre (1) comprising: a tread (120); two bead wires (13); a carcass reinforcement (15) extending radially inside the tread (120), the carcass reinforcement (15) forming two sidewalls (122) and comprising at least one carcass layer (151) winding around the two bead wires (13); and an inner band (14) arranged radially inside the tread (120), wherein the inner band (14) comprises at least one mark (2; 2A, 2B). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a tyre (1), an assembly comprising such a tyre (1), and a link maintaining the tyre (1) in the folded or rolled-up position, as well as a method for manufacturing such an assembly.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Folding tire including at least one brand

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of tires, and more specifically relates to a foldable tire comprising at least one mark on its internal band.

[0005] The invention applies to tubeless type foldable tires, i.e. mounted directly on a rim without an inner tube, or to "tube-type" type tires requiring the presence of an inner tube.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] 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.

[0008] By convention, we consider a reference (0, OX, OY, OZ), whose center O coincides with the center of the tire, the circumferential directions OX, axial OY, and radial OZ respectively designate a direction tangent to the rolling surface of the tire according to 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.

[0009] By radially inner, respectively radially outer, we mean closer, respectively further, from the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0010] Axially inner, respectively axially outer, means 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 tire tread and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0011] Circumferential direction means the direction which is tangent to a circle whose center is on the axis of rotation of the tire or the blank.

[0012] By meridian plane is meant a plane parallel to and containing the axis of rotation of the tire or the blank or the building support and perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0013] The term "tyre blank" refers to the presence of crosslinkable or vulcanizable compositions in the uncrosslinked or unvulcanized state. In other words, the tire blank corresponds to the tire before it is cured, i.e. vulcanized.

[0014] The construction 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The tread surface of a tire for a two-wheeled vehicle is the surface of the tread by which the tire mounted on the rim is brought into contact with the ground between the two maximum camber angles at a reference load and pressure.

[0017] Reference load and pressure means the reference pressure indicated by the ETRTO or “European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation” standard for a load capacity at the reference pressure. The maximum camber angles for folding tyres intended to equip a two-wheeled vehicle are +45° and -45°.

[0018] The camber angle is defined as the angle formed by the median plane of the tire with the direction normal or perpendicular to the ground. A zero camber angle corresponds to a position where the tire is perpendicular to the ground, i.e. the perpendicular to the ground is in the median plane of the tire and the contact point at the center of the rolling surface passes through the median plane.

[0019] According to a known design method, the carcass reinforcement of a bicycle tire comprises at least one carcass layer wrapped, from the inside out, around two bead wires, to form a turn-up and thus defining two beads. Each bead extends radially outwardly by a sidewall, the sidewalls joining the tread radially outwardly. 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.

[0020] An elastomeric blend is an elastomeric material obtained by a process mixing various constituents. An elastomeric blend typically 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 include thermoplastics (TPE).

[0021] 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.).

[0022] Once the folding tire is removed from its box, the box is usually immediately discarded by the consumer, which represents an environmental problem. In addition, all information on the tire is lost. This can be a problem, for example, when you want to recycle the tire and there is no traceability method to retrieve the tire's information for the best recycling.

[0023] For example, document EP 1 181 190 B1 describes a bicycle tire, which is foldable.

[0024] Furthermore, document DE 10 2012 010344 A1 describes a method for marking a vehicle tire, in particular a truck tire, which involves providing a machine-readable and human-readable marking on the inside of the tire tread.

[0025] Also described in document EP 3 482 922 B1 is a method of manufacturing a vehicle tire comprising a visual code printed on a sidewall of the tire.

[0026] 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.

[0027] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0028] One aim of the invention is to make tires more environmentally friendly in a way that is easy to implement.

[0029] According to a first aspect, there is provided a foldable tire comprising a tread, two bead wires, a carcass reinforcement extending radially inwardly of 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 of the tread, wherein the inner band comprises at least one mark.

[0030] The term "trademark" means a material sign of various kinds (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 characteristics. The mark being located on the inner 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 inner band so that the mark is at least partially visible. Thus, the mark is capable of being at least partially visible when the tire is folded and / or rolled and is at least partially turned over to expose the inner band.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 part of the surface of the pressurized cavity can come into contact with itself and / or part of the rolling surface of the tread.

[0034] The fact that the mark is located on the inner band, and not on the tread, helps prevent wear of the mark. The mark therefore remains legible despite wear of the tire tread. This facilitates the recycling of the tire in particular, as this mark can indicate information, such as a product code, necessary for proper recycling of the tire.

[0035] In addition, the inner strip provides a surface area available for the mark, the mark being fully protected from wear. The wear phenomenon appears at the interface between the tire surface and the ground as soon as the tire is rolling. Although the outer sidewalls of a tire are a known marking surface, the sidewalls have a smaller surface area compared to the surface of the inner strip. This aspect is exacerbated on folding tires such as bicycle tires. Thus, the use of the surface of the inner strip allows at least one mark to be affixed with a larger size and a more compact aspect ratio.

[0036] The term "more compact aspect ratio" means that, for the same amount of tire information to be marked, the aspect ratio of the mark on the surface of the inner band 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. Since the information on a foldable tire is numerous, it requires a large surface area and a mark aspect ratio that allows the user (or the reading means implemented by the user) to easily identify and read the tire information. 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 inner band makes it possible to maximize the useful marking surface while having an aspect ratio adapted to readability by a user.

[0037] By applying tire information to the surface of the inner strip already present on the outer surface of the tire sidewalls, additional useful surface area can be freed up for aesthetic purposes.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 starting from a radially outer end of the bead wire of each of the sidewalls to a radially inner end of the running surface of the tread; the curvilinear width of the mark, in a meridian plane of the tire, is at least equal to 50%, preferably at least equal to 70%, of the curvilinear width of an internal surface of the tire in a meridian plane of the tire; the internal surface of the tire being delimited by the inflation cavity of the tire, also called the pressurized cavity of the tire; each bead wire is made of textile reinforcements such as aramid;the mark comprises 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 inner band; the mark is applied in the form of an imprint on the inner band; the tire is a bicycle tire; the inner band comprises at least two marks, which are preferably angularly offset from each other about the axis of rotation of the tire; angularly offset means that the first and second marks do not overlap circumferentially; the inner band comprises exactly two marks; the curvilinear width of the mark is the maximum width of the mark.;

[0040] According to a second aspect, there is provided an assembly comprising: a tire as presented above, 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 or each mark is at least partially visible, and a tie holding the tire in the folded or rolled position.

[0041] According to a third aspect, a method of manufacturing a tire as presented previously is proposed, comprising the following step: marking the inner band of the tire, respectively the inner band of a blank of the tire, so as to affix the mark or each mark on the inner band of said tire, respectively on the inner band of said blank.

[0042] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics:

[0043] - the marking stage includes:

[0044] - a step of applying a label on which the mark is affixed to the internal strip of the tire, respectively to the internal strip of the blank, and

[0045] - a step of vulcanizing the label on the inner band of the tire, respectively a step of vulcanizing the blank and the label on the inner band of the blank.

[0046] According to a fourth aspect, a method of manufacturing an assembly as presented previously is proposed comprising the following steps:

[0047] - at least partially turning the tire over to expose the inner band and folding and / or rolling the tire so that the mark or each mark is at least partially visible, and

[0048] - binding by means of the tie so as to keep the tire at least partially turned over and folded and / or rolled. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0049] 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:

[0050] - figure 1 illustrates a tire;

[0051] - figure 2 schematically illustrates a tire comprising a mark on its internal band;

[0052] - figure 3 schematically illustrates a tire comprising two marks on its internal band;

[0053] - figure 4 represents the steps of a manufacturing process of the tire of figure 2 or figure 3 according to a certain embodiment;

[0054] - figure 5 represents an assembly comprising a folded tire and a link;

[0055] - Figure 6 represents the steps of a manufacturing process for the assembly of Figure 5.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] Pneumatic

[0058] With reference to Figure 1, 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, in which the inner band 14 comprises at least one mark 2, for example a single mark 2.

[0059] The tire 1 is advantageously a tire 1 for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle.

[0060] As explained previously, a tire 1 is a toroidal structure intended to be mounted on a rim, pressurized by an inflation gas and crushed on a ground under the action of a load.

[0061] Thus, the tread 120 is intended to come into contact with the ground at least partially. The inner band 14 is preferably opposite the tread 120. 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 elastomeric mixture. In other words, the inner band 14 is the inner surface of the carcass reinforcement 15.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The carcass reinforcement 15 comprises the sidewalls 122.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 more space-saving manner. Document WO 2014 / 001167 A1 presents an example of a method for folding a tire.

[0069] Advantageously, the rods 13 are made of textile reinforcements, such as aramid, so that the tire 1 is more easily foldable.

[0070] As schematically illustrated in Figure 2, the inner band 14 of the tire 1 comprises a mark 2. The inner band 14 may comprise a plurality of marks 2. Thus, the mark 2 is more durable, more long-lasting than if it were arranged on the tread 120 and / or on the sidewalls 122 of the tire 1.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figure 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 HR 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 running 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.

[0073] Advantageously, the curvilinear width LC of the mark 2, in a meridian plane of the tire 1, is at least equal to 50%, preferably at least equal to 70%, of the curvilinear width of an internal surface of the tire 1 in a meridian plane of the tire 1.

[0074] Preferably, the curvilinear width LC of mark 2 is the maximum width of mark 2.

[0075] Mark 2 may, for example, include information concerning the composition of tire 1 which makes it possible to determine the recycling process suitable for tire 1.

[0076] As another example, mark 2 may also include information concerning the dimensions of tire 1 or concerning the types of vehicles concerned by tire 1.

[0077] According to a certain embodiment, the mark 2 comprises a one- or two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code (quick response code). Consequently, the mark 2 has a reduced surface area while being able to provide access to a great deal of information concerning the tire 1, for example via a device for reading said QR code and the information system associated with it.

[0078] Mark 2 can have different shapes. For example, it can be rectangular, circular or triangular.

[0079] Mark 2 can be colored.

[0080] Mark 2 can be applied to tire 1 in different ways.

[0081] According to a certain embodiment, the mark 2 is affixed to a label 20, said label 20 being applied to the internal strip 14.

[0082] 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 bends easily which facilitates the folding, including turning over, of the tire 1.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Advantageously, the label 20 is made of a rubber identical to that constituting the internal strip 14.

[0085] The label 20 can have different shapes. For example, it can be rectangular, circular or triangular.

[0086] Preferably, the label 20 has a thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.

[0087] Preferably, the label 20 comprises an adhesive layer suitable for adhering to the internal strip 14.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Printing can be done using an inkjet process.

[0090] Advantageously, the printing is carried out using inks adapted to the material of the internal strip 14.

[0091] According to a certain embodiment, the mark 2 is applied in the form of an imprint, such as a thermal imprint, on the inner band 14. In other words, the mark 2 is formed by hollows and protruding parts of the inner band 14. As with ink printing, this embodiment guarantees a homogeneous rigidity of the tire.

[0092] 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.

[0093] According to a certain embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the tire 1 comprises at least two marks 2A, 2B, preferably exactly two marks 2A, 2B. In other words, the inner band 14 comprises at least two marks 2A, 2B, preferably exactly two marks 2A, 2B. Advantageously, one of the two marks 2A, 2B, also called first mark 2A, is offset on the inner band 14 relative to the other mark 2, also called second mark 2B.

[0094] Advantageously, the first and second marks 2A, 2B are angularly offset from each other about the axis of rotation of the tire 1. Preferably, the second mark 2B is offset by a predetermined angle from the first mark 2A about the axis of rotation of the tire 1 when the tire 1 is unfolded and / or unrolled. Thus, when the tire 1 is in a folded and / or rolled position and is at least partially turned over to expose the inner band 14, the first mark 2A is at least partially visible and the second mark 2B is also at least partially visible.

[0095] Advantageously, each of the first mark 2A and the second mark 2B includes information as previously described.

[0096] For example, the first mark 2A is intended to address the user of the tire, and then includes at least one element from among commercial information, an image, a one or two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code, which designates for example additional information of the tire 1.

[0097] For example, the second mark 2B is intended to be addressed to a person in charge of logistics and / or shelf-stacking, and then includes at least one element from an identifier such as a traceability identifier, a one- or two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code, which designates for example a product code.

[0098] In other words, the second mark 2B is affixed in the same way as the first mark 2A, on the inside of the tire 1, but at a separate azimuth so that once the tire 1 is folded and / or rolled, the second mark 2B is on the opposite side to the first mark 2A, the second mark 2B remaining visible to a user once the tire 1 is in a folded and / or rolled position and is at least partially turned over to expose the inner band 14. Alternatively, the second mark 2B may be on the same side as the first mark 2A.

[0099] Tire manufacturing process

[0100] With reference to Figure 4, a method of manufacturing a tire 1 as presented previously is proposed. The method comprises a step a) of marking the inner band 1 of the tire 1 so as to affix the mark 2 or each mark 2A, 2B on the inner band 14 of said tire 1.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the label 20 comprises an adhesive layer and thus adheres to the inner strip 14.

[0104] 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.

[0105] Preferably, the vulcanization is carried out simultaneously with a step of baking and vulcanization of 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 baking of the blank of the tire 1. It is recalled that the blank of a tire corresponds to the tire before it is baked, 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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 inner strip 14. The imprint may for example be a thermal imprint. For example, a stamp is heated to a temperature allowing the inner strip 14 to be melted locally. The stamp is applied to the inner strip 14, thus forming hollows in the inner strip 14. The hollows, and the complementary protruding parts, formed in the inner strip 14 form the mark 2.

[0110] Preferably, the imprint is formed on the inner strip 14 of the tire, that is to say after the baking and vulcanization of the tire blank.

[0111] Together

[0112] Referring to Figure 5, there is provided an assembly 3 comprising a tire 1 as previously described, said tire 1 being in a folded and / or rolled position of the tire 1 of Figure 2 (variant shown with mark 2) or of Figure 3 (alternative variant shown with first mark 2A and second mark 2B) and being at least partially turned over to expose the inner band 14 so that mark 2 or the first and second marks 2A, 2B are at least partially visible.

[0113] In other words, at least a portion of the inner strip 14, comprising at least a portion of the mark 2, or at least a portion of the first and / or second mark 2A, 2B, is visible.

[0114] Advantageously, the mark 2 or the first and second marks 2A, 2B are fully visible when the tire 1 is in a folded and / or rolled position and at least partially turned over. Preferably, when the tire 1 comprises the first and second marks 2A, 2B, the first mark 2A is at least partially visible on a first face F1 of the tire 1, and the second mark 2B is at least partially visible on a second face F2 of the tire 1 opposite the first face F1. In other words, a user can view the first mark 2A when observing the first face F1, and can view the second mark 2B when observing the second face F2.

[0115] The assembly 3 further comprises a link 4 which holds the tire 1 in the folded or rolled position.

[0116] Link 4 surrounds, for example, tire 1.

[0117] Link 4 can for example be a plastic wire or a cord.

[0118] Such an assembly 3 has the advantage of not requiring a box, for example made of cardboard, which would then be thrown away by the consumer. Indeed, the mark 2, or the first and / or second mark 2A, 2B, includes the information useful to the consumer, and this mark 2 or these first and second marks 2A, 2B are 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.

[0119] Additionally, Set 3 is less bulky since it does not include a box.

[0120] Manufacturing process of the assembly

[0121] With reference to Figure 6, a method of manufacturing an assembly 3 as presented previously is proposed.

[0122] The method comprises a step i) of at least partially turning over the tire 1 to expose the inner band 14 and of folding and / or rolling the tire 1 so that the mark 2 or the first and second marks 2A, 2B are at least partially visible, preferably entirely visible.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the tire 1 is completely turned over so that the inner strip 14 is exposed over its entire surface. Then, the tire 1 is folded and / or rolled so that the mark 2 or the first and second marks 2A, 2B are at least partially visible, preferably fully visible.

[0124] By at least partially visible, it is meant that, when the tire 1 is in a folded and / or rolled position, at least a portion of the first and / or second mark 2A, 2B can be seen by a user, such as the consumer, who does not need to unfold and / or unroll the tire 1 to see the mark 2, or to see the first and / or second mark 2A, 2B.

[0125] By fully visible, it is meant that, when the tire 1 is in a folded and / or rolled position, the mark 2, or the first and / or second mark 2A, 2B, can be fully seen by a user, such as the consumer, who does not need to unfold and / or unroll the tire 1 to see the mark 2, or to see the first and / or second mark 2A, 2B.

[0126] The method further comprises a step ii) of tying by means of the tie 4 so as to keep the tire 1 at least partially turned over and folded and / or rolled. The tying step ii) aims to prevent the tire 1 from unfolding and / or unrolling.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Foldable pneumatic tire (1) comprising: - a tread (120), - two rods (13), - a carcass reinforcement (15) extending radially internally 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 internally relative to the tread (120), characterized in that the inner band (14) comprises at least one mark (2; 2A, 2B).

2. Tire (1) according to claim 1, in which the curvilinear width (LC) of the mark (2; 2A, 2B), in a meridian plane of the tire (1), is at least equal to the radial height (HR) of each sidewall (122), the radial height (HR) of each of the sidewalls (122) being 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).

3. Tire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the curvilinear width (LC) of the mark (2; 2A, 2B), in a meridian plane of the tire (1), is at least equal to 50%, preferably at least equal to 70%, of the curvilinear width of an internal surface of the tire (1) in a meridian plane of the tire (1).

4. Tire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each bead wire (13) is made of textile reinforcements such as aramid.

5. A tire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mark (2; 2A, 2B) comprises a one- or two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code.

6. Tire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the mark (2; 2A, 2B) is affixed to a label (20), the label (20) being applied to the internal strip (14) of the tire (1).

7. Tire (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the label (20) comprises an elastomeric material.

8. Tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the mark (2; 2A, 2B) is applied by printing ink on the internal strip (14).

9. Tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the mark (2; 2A, 2B) is applied in the form of an imprint on the internal strip (14).

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

11. Tire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner band (14) comprises at least two marks (2A, 2B), which are angularly offset from each other around the axis of rotation of the tire (1).

12. Set (3) comprising: - a tire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, 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) or each mark (2A, 2B) is at least partially visible, and - a link (4) holding the tire (1) in the folded or rolled position.

13. Method of manufacturing a tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following step: - marking (a) of the internal strip (14) of the tire (1), respectively of the internal strip of a blank of the tire (1), so as to affix the mark (2) or each mark (2A, 2B) on the internal strip (14) of said tire (1), respectively on the internal strip of said blank.

14. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the marking step comprises: - a step of applying (a1) a label (20) on which the mark (2) is affixed to the internal strip (14) of the tire (1), respectively to the internal strip of the blank, and - a step of vulcanization (a2) of the label (20) on the internal strip (14) of the tire (1), respectively a step of vulcanization of the blank and of the label (20) on the internal strip of the blank.

15. Method of manufacturing an assembly (3) according to claim 12, comprising the following steps: - at least partially turning over (i) the tire (1) to expose the inner band (14) and folding and / or rolling the tire (1) so that the mark (2) or each mark (2A, 2B) is at least partially visible, and - binding (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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