EP4301610A1

EP4301610A1 - Sidewall insert for a motorcycle tyre

Info

Publication number: EP4301610A1
Application number: EP22711269.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Florian VILCOT
Original assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Current assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Priority date: 2021-03-03
Filing date: 2022-03-01
Publication date: 2024-01-10
Also published as: CN116917143A; CA3207035A1; WO2022185004A1; FR3120329B1; FR3120329A1; US20240131862A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (18) of a tyre (12) for a motorcycle and at least one insert (16) for a sidewall of the tyre (12). The insert (16) is removably attached to the sidewall. The sidewall insert (16) comprises two free end edges arranged such that, when the tyre (12) is mounted on a mounting support (14) to form a mounted unit (10) and when the mounted unit (10) is mounted on the motorcycle, the insert (16) is capable of being mounted on, and removed from, the sidewall of the tyre (12) without the mounted unit (10) being removed from the motorcycle. The invention also relates to an insert (16) and a set of inserts to be used in such an assembly (18), and to a method for mounting an insert (16) or a set of inserts to form such an assembly (18).

Description

FLANGE INSERT FOR MOTORCYCLE TIRE

[001] The present invention relates to an insert for a tire sidewall for a motorcycle, a set of several inserts, an assembly of an insert and a tire and a method of mounting an insert or a set of several inserts on a sidewall of a motorcycle tire.

[002] Known from the state of the art is a sidewall insert for a tire for a motorcycle. Such a sidewall insert makes it possible to decorate each tire of the motorcycle on which it is mounted in a personalized manner. Thus, some users wish to have a tire having a portion of the sidewall having a color close to or even identical to that of the fairing of the motorcycle. To this end, before mounting the tire on its mounting support, for example a rim, a qualified technician positions a crown of the appropriate color between the tire and each mounting edge of the mounting support so that, after inflation of the tire on the mounting bracket, the insert is wedged between the tire and the mounting bracket. After inflation and balancing, the mounted assembly is then mounted on the motorcycle, either at the front on a fork arm, or at the rear on a swing arm.

[003] However, when the user wishes to change the insert either because it is damaged or because he wishes to change color, the user must then involve a qualified technician which, in addition to being relatively expensive, requires immobilizing the motorcycle in order to disassemble the assembled assembly of the motorcycle and to allow the disassembly of the insert and the assembly of a new insert.

[004] The object of the invention is to provide a sidewall insert for a tire for a motorcycle allowing the insert to be changed without requiring the intervention of a qualified technician. [005] To this end, the subject of the invention is an insert for a sidewall of a tire for a motorcycle and capable of being removably fixed to a sidewall of the tire for a motorcycle, the sidewall insert forms an angular sector of a crown, the angular sector ranging from 330° to 380°, preferably from 350° to 370° and more preferably is substantially equal to 360°, the insert comprising two free end edges arranged so as to, when the tire is mounted on a mounting support to form a mounted assembly and when the mounted assembly is mounted on the motorcycle, allowing the mounting and dismounting of the insert on the sidewall of the tire without dismounting the mounted assembly from the motorcycle.

[006] Since the insert is removable, it can be fitted and removed at will without this altering the attachment of the insert to the sidewall of the tire, nor damaging the tire. It will thus be possible to envisage fixing using chemical means, for example using an adhesive layer, or else fixing using mechanical means. [007] In the invention, so as to allow it to be assembled and disassembled without disassembling the mounted assembly of the motorcycle, the insert is delimited by two free end edges allowing, by moving them relative to one on the other, to create sufficient space for the passage of the insert around a fork arm, a branch of a swinging arm or a hub of the mounted assembly of the motorcycle. Thus, the need for the intervention of a qualified technician is avoided.

[008] The insert according to the invention can be such that the two free end edges can be brought into contact with one another so that the insert completely forms a crown around a central point, for example the axis of rotation of the tire. The insert according to the invention can also be such that the two free end edges cannot be brought into contact with one another so that the insert only forms a portion of a crown. In both cases, the insert forms an angular sector of a crown. A crown extends circumferentially around a central point so as to completely encircle it. As described above, the angular sector of the crown delimited between each free end edge may be such that the insert entirely forms the crown or else may be such that the insert only forms a portion of the crown.

[009] In the case where the insert entirely forms the crown, the crown has a discontinuity located between the free edges of the ends of the insert. The insert is such that a portion of the insert can be twisted so as to axially offset each free end edge relative to the other and to allow the passage of the insert around an arm of fork, a branch of a swing arm or a hub of the mounted assembly of the motorcycle. Alternatively or in combination with twisting, the insert is such that a portion of the insert can be compressed and a portion can be extended so as to circumferentially separate each free end edge from the other and to allow the passage of the insert around a fork arm, a branch of a swing arm or a hub of the mounted assembly of the motorcycle.

[010] In the case where the insert only forms a portion of the crown, the insert is such that there is sufficient space between each free end edge to allow the insert to pass around an arm fork, a branch of a swing arm or a hub of the mounted assembly of the motorcycle without movement of a free end edge relative to the other. Alternatively, the insert is such that there is insufficient space between each free end edge to allow the insert to pass around a fork arm, a branch of a swing arm or a hub of the mounted assembly of the motorcycle. In this case, the insert is such that it comprises a portion which can be twisted and/or a portion which can be compressed and a portion which can be extended as described above. [011] In order to determine the angle of the angular sector, the theoretical circle passing through the two free edges of the ends of the insert is considered. The angular sector is the angle between the straight lines joining the free edges of the ends of the insert and the center of the theoretical circle, center which is located equidistant from the free edges of the ends of the insert and the concave side of the angular sector . The free end edges are the visible edges of the insert once it is mounted on the tire. Thus, the angle of the angular sector does not take account of any zone of overlap between two portions of the insert, at least one portion of which is not visible once the insert is mounted on the tire.

[012] A single insert can be used per flank, this insert integrally forming the discontinuous crown at one point. This makes it possible to limit the number of interfaces between free end edges as well as their adjustment. When the two free end edges are in contact with each other, the crown forms a visually circumferentially continuous assembly.

[013] Optionally and advantageously, the insert comprises first and second circumferential ends, each first and second circumferential end carries complementary locking means of each first and second circumferential end with each other between:

- an unlocked position in which each first and second circumferential end is movable relative to the other end, and

- a locked position in which each first and second circumferential end is fixed relative to the other end and in which the complementary locking means cooperate with each other.

[014] The locking means ensure the maintenance of the insert in its locked position and thus contribute to a permanent fixing of the insert on the side.

[015] As a variant, each first and second circumferential end has a tapered profile complementary respectively to each second and first circumferential end in at least part of an overlap zone between the first and second ends. Thus, the manufacture of the insert is simplified. By tapered profile, it is meant that, considering an average thickness of the insert, the thickness of the insert is strictly less than the average thickness of the insert over at least a portion starting from each first and second end.

[016] Preferably and optionally, the crown has a center of symmetry.

[017] Thus, the insert can be positioned without it being necessary to azimuth it relative to a specific point on the tire sidewall.

[018] In addition, the insert is delimited radially by a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge. Each radially inner and outer edge may follow, for example, a circular curve, a wavy curve, a jagged curve, an oval curve, a straight curve or a broken curve around the center point between each end free edge. Here the word "curve" is to be understood in the geometric sense of the term according to which the word "curve" designates certain subsets of the plane and of the usual space. For example, circles or portions of circles, lines, segments, polygonal lines, sinusoids are curves.

[019] The tire according to the invention is a tire for a motorcycle. A tire for a motorcycle is, for example, defined in the manual of the standard of the European Tire and Rim Technical Organization or "ETRTO", 2020. Such a tire has a section in a meridian section plane characterized in particular by a height of section H and a nominal section width SW as defined in the ETRTO Handbook, 2020.

[020] A tire for a motorcycle, unlike a tire for a passenger car, has a very curved tread, having a distinctive marked curvature. In particular, this curvature is characterized by the value of the degree of curvature H'/SW, where H' represents the radial height of the tread separating the radially outermost point of the tire from the equatorial circumferential plane E passing through the ends radially exteriors of said tread and SW represents the nominal section width within the meaning of the ETRTO standard manual, 2020 as represented in figure 2. Most often, the nominal section width SW is measured on an axial line which coincides with the equatorial circumferential plane E. In other cases, the nominal section width SW is measured on an axial line which is radially offset from the equatorial circumferential plane E. The value of SW is indicated on the tire sidewall marking and the value of H' is measured on the mounted tire inflated to its nominal pressure on a measuring rim as defined according to the ETRTO manual, 2020. Such pn tires for a motorcycle are preferably characterized by a degree of curvature ranging from 0.15 to 0.50, preferably ranging from 0.20 to 0.40.

[021] Advantageously, the tires covered by the invention are such that the nominal aspect ratio AR, expressed as a percentage and as defined according to the ETRTO manual, 2020, is at least equal to 40, preferably at least equal to 65 and is at most 100, preferably at most 80, and the nominal section width SW as defined by ETRTO Handbook, 2020, is at least 50mm, preferably at least 90mm and more preferably at least equal to 100 mm and at most equal to 240 mm, preferably at most equal to 180 mm, more preferably at most equal to 150 mm. Furthermore the nominal hook diameter D, as defined according to the ETRTO manual, 2020, is at least equal to 8 inches, preferably at least equal to 13 inches and at most equal to 24 inches, preferably at most equal to 21 inches.

[022] By axial direction is meant the direction substantially parallel to the main axis of the tire, that is to say the axis of rotation of the tire.

[023] Circumferential direction means the direction which is substantially perpendicular both to the axial direction and to a radius of the tire (in other words, tangent to a circle whose center is on the axis of rotation of the pneumatic).

[024] The term radial direction means the direction along a radius of the tire, that is to say any direction intersecting the axis of rotation of the tire and substantially perpendicular to this axis.

[025] The median plane of the tire (denoted M) means the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire which is located halfway between the axial distance of the two beads and passes through the axial center of the crown reinforcement.

[026] By equatorial circumferential plane of the tire (denoted E) is meant, in a meridian section plane, the plane passing through the equator of the tire, perpendicular to the median plane and to the radial direction. The equator of the tire is, in a meridian section plane (plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction and parallel to the radial and axial directions) the axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire and passing through the axially outermost points of the pneumatic.

[027] The height H of the tire is the radial distance between the radially outermost point of the tread intended to be in contact with the ground and the radially innermost point of the tire intended to be in contact with a support, for example a rim.

[028] By meridian plane, we mean a plane parallel to and containing the axis of rotation of the tire and perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[029] By bead, we mean the portion of the tire intended to allow the attachment of the tire to a mounting support, for example a wheel comprising a rim. Thus, each bead is in particular intended to be in contact with a hook of the rim allowing it to be attached.

[030] Any interval of values designated by the expression "between a and b" represents the range of values going from more than a to less than b (that is to say limits a and b excluded) while any interval of values designated by the expression “from a to b” means the range of values going from a to b (that is to say including the strict limits a and b).

[031] In one embodiment making it possible to obtain an insert that globally follows the curvature of the tire, the insert forms an angular sector of a circular crown.

[032] By circular crown, it is understood that there is at least one circle of which all the points belong to the insert. Thus, a circular crown may have radially inner and radially outer edges following a circular curve or radially inner and radially outer edges following a crenellated or wavy curve.

[033] In one embodiment making it possible to obtain an insert whose radially inner and outer edges follow the curvature of the tire, the insert comprising a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge, each radially inner and outer edge follows a curve circular.

[034] Circular means that each radially inner and outer edge follows a curve whose radius of curvature is non-infinite and constant.

[035] Whatever the embodiment, preferably, optionally, the insert comprises removable means for fixing the insert to the sidewall of the tire comprising means for fixing by reversible elastic clipping of the insert on the sidewall of the pneumatic.

[036] Clipping or reversible snapping is an assembly process based on the elastic deformation of the parts during assembly. Here, we take advantage of the elasticity of the sidewall of the tire, generally made of an elastomeric material, to ensure the reversible embedding of the insert on the sidewall and therefore ensure the removability of the insert with respect to the sidewall.

[037] Compared to an insert comprising chemical fixing means, the insert comprising fixing means by reversible elastic clipping, which are mechanical means, makes it possible to ensure the durability of the removability of the insert.

[038] Alternatively, the means for fixing the insert by reversible elastic clipping to the sidewall of the tire comprise at least one tab or a fixing nipple carried by a face of the insert intended to be not visible when the insert is attached to the sidewall of the tire. A tongue is relatively elongated while a teat has a lesser elongation. The tongue or the teat is intended to cooperate respectively with a groove or a complementary cavity formed in the sidewall of the tire. Unlike a variant in which the tongue or nipple would be carried by the sidewall of the tire, the variant described here makes it possible to preserve the general appearance of the sidewall of the tire by avoiding elements which would protrude from the outer surface of the sidewall in the case where the sidewall of the tire does not carry an insert. In addition, in this variant, it is possible to use a tongue or nipples whose radial width is relatively small compared to the height of the sidewall of the tire on which it is intended to be mounted. Thus, the additional housing provided in the sidewall of the tire also has a relatively small radial width compared to the flank height. When the user chooses not to use the insert or when he uses one or more inserts forming an angular sector of less than 360°, the additional housing or the portion of the additional housing then visible on the side does not alter the aesthetics of the tire.

[039] In another variant that is just as advantageous from an aesthetic point of view when the tire has no insert, the insert comprising a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge, the means for fastening by reversible elastic clipping of the insert on the sidewall of the tire comprise at least one fixing tab carried by each radially inner and outer edge of the insert. In this variant, in order to avoid any untimely unclipping of the insert relative to the sidewall, the radius of curvature of the interface between the insert and the sidewall will be relatively large.

[040] In these two variants, the tab preferably extends over a total curvilinear length at least equal to 50% of the curvilinear length of the insert. The tongue can be continuous or discontinuous.

[041] In one configuration, the insert having a face intended to be visible when the insert is attached to the sidewall of the tire, the visible face is monochrome and/or has a texture with a unique appearance. By monochrome, we mean that the face of the insert has only one color. By texture of unique appearance, it is meant that each point of the surface of the insert has the same characteristics of orientation, roughness and undulation which define, in a known manner, a surface appearance.

[042] In this configuration, the manufacturing costs of the insert are reduced. In the embodiment in which several inserts are used on the same flank, it is thus possible to have several colors and or several appearance textures by using inserts each having a monochrome visible face and/or having a unique appearance texture.

[043] In another configuration, the insert having a face intended to be visible when the insert is attached to the sidewall of the tire, the visible face is polychrome and/or has several textures with different appearances. By polychrome, we mean that the face of the insert has, on different parts of the insert, several distinct colors. By textures of different appearance, it is meant that several parts of the surface of the insert have different characteristics of orientation and/or roughness and/or undulation.

[044] For example, it is thus possible to envisage an insert comprising portions of the visible face of a first color, portions of the visible face comprising graphics, for example writing, of the first color on a background of a second color, the graphics being produced with a texture of identical or different appearance to the texture of the portions without graphics.

[045] Thus, this makes it possible to have several colors and/or several aspect textures without having to worry about the interfaces between possible several inserts.

[046] In a particularly inexpensive embodiment, the insert is formed from a monolithic material. Preferably, the monolithic material is tinted in the mass. Advantageously, the monolithic material comprises a polymeric material. The polymeric material can be thermosetting or else thermoplastic.

[047] In another embodiment, the insert comprises a first part formed in a first monolithic material and a second part formed in a second monolithic material different from the first monolithic material. Advantageously, the first part is intended to be visible when the insert is fixed to the sidewall of the tire and the second part comprises the fixing means by reversible elastic clipping. Thus, the first part forms a visible aspect part and the second part forms a functional fixing part.

[048] Preferably, the first part is dyed in the mass. Advantageously, the first monolithic material comprises a polymeric material. The polymeric material can be thermosetting or else thermoplastic. It is possible to envisage a first polymeric material and a second metallic material overmolded by the first material. Alternatively, the first part is made of a natural material such as wood, cotton, hemp, linen, leather. Whether it is by means of polymeric or natural material, we can consider that these materials form fabrics whether they are smooth or ruffled, for example to imitate fur.

[049] In another embodiment, the insert may comprise a means of reflecting light, for example as a reflective surface. Alternatively or in combination, the insert may also comprise a means of generating light, for example such as a strip of light-emitting diodes.

[050] Another subject of the invention is the use of an insert for a sidewall of a motorcycle tire capable of being removably fixed to a sidewall of the tire for a motorcycle, the sidewall insert forming an angular sector of a crown, the insert comprising two free end edges arranged so as, when the tire is mounted on a mounting support to form a mounted assembly and when the mounted assembly is mounted on the motorcycle, to allow mounting and dismounting of the insert on the sidewall of the tire without removing the mounted assembly from the motorcycle.

[051] In one embodiment using the insert described above, a single sidewall insert is used, the single insert being intended to be fixed in a removable manner to a sidewall of a tire for a motorcycle, the single insert of flank forming an angular sector of a crown, the angular sector ranging from 330° to 380°, preferably from 350° to 370° and more preferably being substantially equal to 360° and comprising two edges free of ends arranged so as, when the tire is mounted on a mounting support to form a mounted assembly and when the mounted assembly is mounted on the motorcycle, to allow the mounting and dismounting of the single insert on the sidewall of the tire without removing the mounted assembly from the motorcycle.

[052] Another subject of the invention is the use of a set of several inserts, in which each of the inserts of the set being intended to be removably fixed to a sidewall of a tire for a motorcycle, each insert sidewall comprising two free end edges arranged so as, when the tire is mounted on a mounting support to form a mounted assembly and when the mounted assembly is mounted on the motorcycle, to allow the mounting and dismounting of each insert on the sidewall of the tire without removing the mounted assembly from the motorcycle.

[053] Thus, thanks to the assembly according to the invention, it will be possible to envisage rectilinear inserts that do not individually form an angular sector of a crown but whose assembly between them can define a crown in the shape of a polygon.

[054] Preferably, the number of inserts in the assembly ranges from 2 to 10, more preferably from 2 to 6.

[055] In one embodiment, an assembly is used in which, the angular sector of each insert being substantially equal to 360 N, with N>2, preferably N ranging from 2 to 10, more preferably N ranging from 2 to 6, the inserts of the assembly entirely form a discontinuous ring when the inserts are arranged circumferentially adjacent to each other.

[056] In this embodiment, the inserts of the assembly are intended to be fixed on the same side and to entirely form a discontinuous ring at several points. Each insert only forms a portion of the crown. Thus, it is possible, in a variant of this embodiment, to use several inserts of different color and/or textures of different appearance so as to form all or part of the crown and personalize the tire as well as possible.

[057] In this embodiment, optionally and advantageously, each insert comprises first and second circumferential ends, each first and second circumferential end carries respectively first and second complementary locking means of each first and second circumferential end one with the other between:

- an unlocked position in which each first and second circumferential end is movable with respect to respectively a second and a first circumferential end of an insert carrying identical complementary locking means, and - a locked position in which each first and second circumferential end is fixed with respect to respectively a second and a first circumferential end of an insert carrying identical complementary locking means and in which the complementary locking means of the two inserts cooperate with each other.

[058] Analogously to the embodiment described above, the locking means ensure the maintenance of each insert in its locked position with an adjacent insert and thus contribute to a permanent fixing of the inserts on the side. [059] In this embodiment, as a variant, each first and second circumferential end of each insert has a tapered profile complementary respectively to each second and first circumferential end of an insert comprising first and second identical circumferential ends, in at least part of an overlap zone between the first and second ends of the inserts.

[060] In another embodiment, an assembly is used in which the angular sector of each insert being substantially equal to (360°-A)/N with N>2 and A ranging from 10° to 330°, each insert is circumferentially at a distance from the two inserts which are adjacent to it when the inserts are evenly distributed circumferentially relative to each other.

[061] In this embodiment, the insert can be used within a set of several inserts, the inserts of this set being intended to be fixed on the same side and to form only a portion of the crown. The inserts may be separated two by two by an angular sector not covered with the sidewall. The sum of the angles of the uncovered angular sectors of the sidewall is equal to A ⁰ .

[062] Another subject of the invention is an assembly of a tire for a motorcycle and of at least one insert for a sidewall of the tire, the or each insert being removably fixed to the sidewall, the or each insert of sidewall comprises two free end edges arranged so as, when the tire is mounted on a mounting support to form a mounted assembly and when the mounted assembly is mounted on the motorcycle, to allow the insert to be fitted and removed on the sidewall of the tire without removing the mounted assembly from the motorcycle.

[063] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a single sidewall insert removably attached to the sidewall, the sidewall insert forming an angular sector of a crown, the angular sector ranging from 330° to 380° , preferably from 350° to 370° and more preferably being substantially equal to 360°.

[064] In an embodiment comprising N>2 inserts, the angular sector of each insert being substantially equal to 3607N, preferably N ranging from 2 to 10, plus preferably N ranging from 2 to 6, the sidewall comprises N portions arranged circumferentially adjacent to each other, each of the N inserts cooperating with each portion of the sidewall arranged circumferentially adjacently so as to entirely form a discontinuous crown.

[065] In another embodiment comprising N>2 inserts, the angular sector of each insert being substantially equal to (360°-A)/N with A ranging from 10° to 330°, the flank comprises:

- N dressed portions of the sidewall cooperating with each of the N inserts and,

- N’>2 bare portions of the sidewall with no insert, each covered portion of the sidewall being circumferentially adjacent to and arranged between two bare portions of the sidewall.

[066] Preferably, in this other embodiment, each bare portion of the sidewall being unable to cooperate with each of the N inserts.

[067] The invention further relates to a method for mounting an insert on a sidewall of a tire for a motorcycle, the insert being capable of being removably fixed to the sidewall of the tire for a motorcycle, the flank insert forming an angular sector of a crown, the angular sector ranging from 330° to 380°, preferably from 350° to 370° and more preferably being substantially equal to 360°, the insert comprising two free edges of ends, method in which: in a step of passing the insert around a fork leg, a branch of a swinging arm or a hub of the mounted assembly of the motorcycle:

- each free edge of the end is shifted axially with respect to the other so as to allow the passage of the insert around the fork arm, the branch of the swinging arm or the hub of the mounted assembly, and/or

- each free end edge is circumferentially moved away from the other so as to allow the insert to pass around the fork arm, the branch of the swing arm or the hub of the mounted assembly, removable way the insert on the side.

[068] Finally, the subject of the invention is a method for mounting several inserts on a sidewall of a tire for a motorcycle, each insert being able to be fixed in a removable manner on the sidewall of the tire for a motorcycle, the sidewall insert forming a angular sector of a crown and comprising two free end edges, the angular sector of each insert being substantially equal to 3607N with N>2, preferably N ranging from 2 to 10, more preferably N ranging from 2 to 6 or the angular sector of each insert being substantially equal to (360°-A)/N with N>2 and A ranging from 10° to 330°, method in which: in a step of passing each insert around an arm of fork, a branch of a swinging arm or a hub of the mounted assembly of the motorcycle: - the or each insert being such that there is sufficient space between each free end edge to allow the passage of the or each insert around the fork arm, the swing arm branch or the hub of the mounted assembly without displacement of one free end edge relative to the other, the fork arm, the branch of the swinging arm or the hub of the mounted assembly is passed through the space between each free end edge, Where

- the or each insert being such that there is insufficient space between each free end edge to allow the passage of the or each insert around the fork arm, the swing arm branch or the hub of the mounted assembly :

^■ each free end edge is offset axially with respect to the other so as to allow the passage of each insert around the fork arm, the branch of the swingarm or the hub of the mounted assembly, and/or

^■ each free end edge is circumferentially moved away from the other so as to allow the passage of the fork arm, the branch of the swing arm or the hub of the assembly mounted in the space between each free edge of end, each insert is removably fixed to the sidewall.

[069] These two methods according to the invention can be implemented when the mounted assembly is mounted on the motorcycle but also when the mounted assembly is removed from the motorcycle.

[070] The invention and its advantages will be easily understood in the light of the detailed description and the non-limiting examples of embodiment which follow, as well as the following figures relating to these examples in which: FIG. 1 is a side view of a mounted assembly comprising an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising a tire and an insert according to a first embodiment according to the invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1, Figure 3 is a side view of the insert of the assembly of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a sectional view of the insert of Figure 3, Figures 5 and 6 are side views of a mounted assembly comprising the assembly of FIG. 1 mounted on a mounting support mounted on a motorcycle and illustrating two variants of the method of mounting the insert on the tire, FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 of an assembly according to a second embodiment comprising a tire and a set of several inserts according to a first embodiment, each insert being according to a second embodiment, the Figure 8 is a side view of the set of several inserts of Figure 7, Figures 9 and 10 are views similar to those of Figures 7 and 8 of an assembly according to a third embodiment and of a set of several inserts according to a second embodiment of the invention, each insert being according to a third embodiment, FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 7 and 9 of an assembly according to a fourth embodiment comprising the set of several inserts according to the second embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, Figure 12 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 of an assembly according to a fifth embodiment comprising an insert according to a fourth me embodiment, Figure 13 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 of the insert of Figure 12, Figure 14 is a view similar to that of Figure 3 of an insert according to a fifth embodiment , FIG. 15 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 4 and 13 of an insert according to a sixth embodiment, FIG. 16A is a detail view of an insert according to a seventh embodiment, FIG. 16B is a detail view of an insert according to a variant of the insert of figure 16A, figure 17 is a view similar to that of figures 8 and 10 of a set of several inserts according to a third embodiment, figures 18 and 19 are views similar to those of FIGS. 3 and 14 respectively of inserts according to an eighth and a ninth embodiment, FIG. 20 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 of an assembly according to a sixth embodiment comprising inserts according to tenth and eleventh embodiments.

[071] In the figures relating to the tire, an X, Y, Z mark has been shown corresponding to the usual axial (Y), radial (Z) and circumferential (X) directions respectively of a tire.

[072] There is shown in Figure 1 a mounted assembly designated by the general reference 10. The mounted assembly 10 comprises a tire 12 for a motorcycle as well as a mounting bracket 14 on which the tire 12 is mounted. The mounted assembly 10 also includes an insert 16 for a sidewall of the tire 12 according to a first embodiment. The tire 12 and the insert 16 form an assembly 18 according to a first embodiment.

[073] Referring to Figure 2, the tire 12 is substantially of revolution around an axis substantially parallel to the axial direction Y. The tire 12 is here intended for a motorcycle and has dimensions 130/80B17. Being intended for a motorcycle, the tire is in particular characterized by a degree of curvature ranging from 0.15 to 0.50, preferably ranging from 0.20 to 0.40 and here equal to 0.36 with H -47 mm and SW= 130mm.

[074] The tire 12 comprises a crown 20 comprising a tread 22 intended to come into contact with the ground during travel. The tire 12 also comprises a sealing layer 24 to an inflation gas being intended to delimit an internal cavity closed with the mounting support 14 once the tire 12 is mounted on the mounting support 14. The tire 12 comprises two sidewalls 26 extending the crown 20 radially inwards. The tire 12 also comprises two beads 28 radially inside the sidewalls 26. Each sidewall 26 connects each bead 28 to the crown 20.

[075] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the insert 16 forms an angular sector of a circular crown 30 having a center of symmetry O and comprises first and second circumferential ends 32, 34 respectively carrying first and second edges free of ends 36, 38. Crown 30 is discontinuous at a single point. The insert 16 also comprises a radially inner edge 40 as well as a radially outer edge 42. Each radially inner 40 and outer 42 edge follows a circular curve. In this first embodiment, the angular sector formed by the insert 16 between the first and second free end edges 36, 38 ranges from 330° to 380°, preferably from 350° to 370° and is here substantially equal 360°.

[076] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the insert has a face 44 visible when the insert 16 is attached to the side 26 and a support face 46 of the insert 16 against the side 26, the face of support 46 being intended to be invisible when the insert 16 is attached to the sidewall 26. Here, the visible face 44 is monochrome and has a unique texture appearance.

[077] The insert 16 comprises means 48 for removable fixing of the insert 16 to the side 26. These removable fixing means 48 comprise means for fixing 50 by reversible elastic clipping of the insert 16 on the side 26. The fastening means by reversible elastic clipping 50 here comprise two fastening tongues 52, 54 carried by the bearing face 46. Thus, the insert 16 of FIG. Figures 1 and 2, the insert 16 is removably attached to the sidewall 26. [078] The sidewall 26 of the tire 12 comprises fixing means complementary to the removable fixing means 48 of the insert 15. The complementary fixing means provided in the tire will preferably be positioned sufficiently far from the bead in order to prevent these means additional fasteners do not get caught in the rim hook when mounting the tire 12 on the mounting bracket 14.

[079] The insert 16 is formed from a mass-dyed monolithic material. Here, the monolithic material comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material, here polypropylene.

[080] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the insert 16 is such that the first and second free end edges 36, 38 are arranged so that, when the tire 12 is mounted on the mounting support 14 to form the mounted assembly 10 and when the mounted assembly 10 is mounted on the motorcycle, here on a fork 56 of the motorcycle via a hub 58 of the mounted assembly 10, allow mounting and disassembly of the insert 16 on the side 26 without disassembling the mounted assembly 10 of the motorcycle.

[081] During the process of mounting the insert 16 on the sidewall 26, a step of passing the insert 16 around the fork arm 56 or the hub 58 is carried out.

[082] For this, one can, as shown in Figure 5, axially offset each first and second free end edge 36, 38 relative to each other so as to allow the passage of the insert 16 around of the fork arm 56 or of the hub 58 of the mounted assembly 10. To effect this shift, a force F is applied to at least one of the first and second ends 32, 34 so as to twist a portion 60 of insert 16.

[083] It is also possible, as shown in Figure 6, circumferentially separate each first and second free end edge 36, 38 relative to each other so as to allow the passage of the insert 16 around the arm of the fork 56 or of the hub 58 of the mounted assembly 10. To effect this circumferential separation, a force F is applied to each first and second end 32, 34 so as to put a portion 62 of the insert 16 in compression and a portion 64 of the insert 16 in extension.

[084] Of course, each first and second free end edge 36, 38 can be simultaneously shifted axially and moved apart circumferentially.

[085] Once the insert 16 passage step has been completed, the insert 16 is removably fixed to the side 26.

[086] We will now describe an assembly according to a second embodiment comprising a tire and a set of several inserts according to a first embodiment. embodiment with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The elements similar to those described in the first embodiment are designated by identical references.

[087] Referring to Figure 7, assembly 18 comprises N>2 inserts 161, 162, 163, 164 with here N=4. Each sidewall 26 of tire 12 of assembly 18 comprises N=4 portions 261, 262, 263, 264 arranged circumferentially adjacent to one another. Each of the N inserts 161, 162, 163, 164 cooperates with each flank portion 261, 262, 263, 264 arranged circumferentially adjacently so as to fully form a crown 30 discontinuous at several points.

[088] Each visible face of each insert 161, 162 is monochrome and has a unique texture appearance. Each visible face of each insert 163, 164 is polychrome and has a unique appearance texture, here the same texture appearance as that of the visible faces of the inserts 161, 162. Here, the inserts 161, 162 are identical so that their respective visible face has the same single first color. The inserts 163, 164 are identical so that their respective visible face has the same colors.

[089] Unlike the insert according to the first embodiment, the angular sector of each insert 161, 162, 163, 164 is substantially equal to 3607N with here N=4, that is to say here substantially equal to 90°.

[090] Referring to Figure 8, the inserts 161, 162, 163, 164 form a set of inserts 17. When the inserts 161, 162, 163, 164 of the set 17 are arranged circumferentially adjacent to each other in contact with the others, whether on a sidewall of the tire as shown in FIG. 7 or else on a flat support, the inserts 161, 162, 163, 164 entirely form a ring 30 discontinuous at several points as illustrated in the figure 7.

[091] In this second embodiment, during the assembly process of the inserts 161,

162, 163, 164 on the flank 26, a step of passing each insert 161, 162,

163, 164 around the fork arm 56 or the hub 58.

[092] Here, each insert 161, 162, 163, 164 is such that there is sufficient space between each free end edge to allow the passage of each insert 161, 162, 163, 164 around the fork arm or of the hub of the mounted assembly without displacement of one free end edge relative to the other. Thus, the fork arm or the hub of the mounted assembly is simply passed through the space between each free end edge. [093] Then, each insert 161, 162, 163, 164 is removably fixed to the side 26.

[094] We will now describe an assembly according to a third embodiment comprising a tire and a set of several inserts according to a second embodiment with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The elements similar to those described in the previous embodiments are designated by identical references. [095] Referring to Figure 9, each sidewall 26 of the tire 12 of the assembly 18 comprises N=4 dressed portions 261, 262, 263, 264 of the sidewall cooperating with each of the N inserts 161, 162, 163, 164. Each sidewall 26 of the tire 12 of the assembly 18 comprises N'=4 bare portions 265, 266, 267, 268 of the sidewall devoid of insert. Each dressed portion 261, 262, 263, 264 is circumferentially adjacent to and arranged between two bare portions 265, 266, 267, 268. Here, each bare portion 265, 266, 267, 268 is unable to cooperate with each of the inserts 161, 162, 163, 164.

[096] Unlike the inserts of the second embodiment, the angular sector of each insert 161, 162, 163, 164 is substantially equal to (360°-A)/N with N>2 and A ranging from 10° to 330°. In this case, N=4 and A=180° so that the angular sector of each insert

161, 162, 163, 164 equals 45°.

[097] Unlike the inserts of the second embodiment, when the inserts 161,

162, 163, 164 of assembly 17 are evenly distributed circumferentially with respect to each other, whether on a tire sidewall as shown in FIG. 9 or on a flat support, each insert 161, 162, 163, 164 is circumferentially at a distance from the two inserts which are adjacent to it.

[098] We will now describe an assembly according to a fourth embodiment comprising a tire and the set of several inserts according to the second embodiment with reference to FIG. 11. The elements similar to those described in the previous embodiments are designated by identical references.

[099] Unlike the assembly of the third embodiment, each bare portion 265, 266, 267, 268 is able to cooperate with each of the inserts 161, 162, 163, 164. Thus, the user can position as he sees fit the inserts 161, 162, 163, 164 without being dependent on portions prepositioned on the sidewall of the tire.

We will now describe an assembly according to a according to a fifth embodiment comprising an insert according to a fourth embodiment with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The elements similar to those described in the previous embodiments are designated by identical references.

[0101] Unlike the previous embodiments, the fixing means 50 by reversible elastic clipping of the insert 16 on the sidewall 26 of the tire 12 comprise two tabs 52, 54 for fixing, each tab 52, 54 being carried by each radially inner 40 and outer 42 edge of the insert 16.

We will now describe an insert according to a fifth embodiment with reference to Figure 14. The elements similar to those described in the previous embodiments are designated by identical references.

[0103] Unlike the insert of the first embodiment, the visible face 44 is polychrome and has a unique texture appearance. In this case, the visible face 44 comprises first portions 441 having two different colors and second portions 442 having a single and same color. The texture is the same on the first and second portions 441, 442.

We will now describe an insert according to a sixth embodiment with reference to Figure 15. The elements similar to those described in the previous embodiments are designated by identical references.

[0105] Unlike the insert of the first embodiment, the insert 16 comprises a first part 13 formed in a first monolithic material and intended to be visible when the insert is fixed to the sidewall of the tire. The insert 16 comprises a second part 15 formed in a second monolithic material different from the first monolithic material and comprising the means of fixing by reversible elastic clipping 50. Here, the first monolithic material comprises a polymeric material, here polypropylene and the second material monolithic is metallic, here in steel.

We will now describe an insert according to a seventh embodiment with reference to Figure 16A. Elements similar to those described in the previous embodiments are designated by identical references.

Here, each first and second circumferential end 32, 34 carries means 66, 67 for complementary locking of each first and second circumferential end 32, 34 with each other between:

- an unlocked position, shown in Figure 16A, in which each first and second circumferential end 32, 34 is movable relative to the other end, and

- a locked position in which each first and second circumferential end 32, 34 is fixed relative to the other end and in which the complementary locking means 66, 67 cooperate with each other.

[0108] Here, the complementary locking means 66, 67 comprise locking means by reversible elastic clipping comprising a male tab 68 carried by the circumferential end 32 and a complementary housing 70 provided in the circumferential end 34.

When the insert 16 is mounted on the tire 12, the locking means 66, 67 are in an overlap zone 71 which is not taken into account to determine the angular sector which is determined from the two free edges of end 36, 38.

In a variant of the insert of Figure 16A illustrated in Figure 16B, the insert 16 has no locking means carried by the first and second circumferential ends 32, 34 but includes first and second circumferential ends 32 , 34 having a complementary tapered profile respectively of each second and first circumferential end 34, 32 in at least part of the overlap zone 71 between the first and second circumferential ends 34, 32. in FIG. 17. Elements similar to those described in the previous embodiments are designated by identical references.

[0112] Unlike the assembly according to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, each insert 161, 162, 163, 164 of the assembly 17 according to the third embodiment comprises locking means 66, 67 similar to those described with reference to Figure 16A. Each first and second circumferential end 32, 34 respectively carries first and second complementary locking means 66, 67 of each first and second circumferential end with each other between:

- an unlocked position, illustrated in Figure 17, in which each first and second circumferential end 32, 34 is movable relative to respectively a second and a first circumferential end 34, 32 of an insert carrying complementary locking means 66, 67 identical, and

- a locked position in which each first and second circumferential end 32, 34 is fixed with respect to respectively a second and a first circumferential end 34, 32 of an insert carrying complementary locking means 66, 67 which are identical and in which the means complementary locking 66, 67 of the two inserts cooperate with each other.

We will now describe an insert according to eighth and ninth embodiments with reference to Figures 18 and 19. The elements similar to those described in the previous embodiments are designated by identical references.

In the eighth embodiment of Figure 18, the insert 16 forms a ring 30 discontinuous at a single point similarly to the embodiments of Figures 3 and 14. Unlike these embodiments, each radially inner 40 and outer 42 edge follows a broken curve around the central point between each first and second free end edge 36, 38.

In the ninth embodiment of Figure 19, the insert 16 also forms a ring 30 discontinuous at a single point similarly to the embodiments of Figures 3, 14 and 18. Unlike these modes of embodiment, each radially inner 40 and outer 42 edge follows a wavy curve around the center point between each first and second free end edge 36, 38.

[0116] It will be noted that variants of the eighth and ninth embodiments may be considered in which a set of several inserts following a straight curve (for the eighth embodiment) or an arc of a circle (for the ninth embodiment , allows, once the inserts form the assembly to form a discontinuous ring at several points.

We will now describe an assembly according to a sixth embodiment comprising inserts according to tenth and eleventh embodiments with reference to Figure 20.

The assembly 18 comprises a first insert 161 and a second insert 162. The first insert 161 forms an angular sector of a circular crown substantially equal to (360°-A)/N with N>2 and A ranging from 10° to 330°. Here N=8 and A=160° so that the angular sector of the first insert is substantially equal to 25°. The second insert 162 forms an angular sector of a circular crown ranging from 330° to 380° and here equal to 335°. The set of first and second inserts 161, 162 form a crown 30 discontinuous at two points. In this embodiment, during the assembly process, each first and second insert 161, 162 being such that there is sufficient space between each free end edge 36, 38 to allow the passage of each first and second insert 161 , 162 around the fork arm 56, the branch of the oscillating arm or the hub 58 of the mounted assembly 10 without displacement of a free end edge 36, 38 relative to the other, the arm is passed of the fork 56, the branch of the swing arm or the hub 58 of the mounted assembly 10 in the space between each free end edge 36, 38.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. [0120] Indeed, it is possible to combine the different embodiments described above, in particular to combine the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 11.

We can also apply the characteristics of the means for fixing the insert of Figures 12 and 13 to other embodiments.

[0122] Although the figures illustrate only one sidewall of the tire, the invention can obviously be used on both sidewalls of the tire.

Finally, in accordance with the invention, the invention can be used on a mounted assembly intended to be mounted or mounted on a branch of the swing arm of a motorcycle.

Claims

1. Insert (16) for sidewall (26) of tire (12) for a motorcycle and capable of being removably fixed to a sidewall (22) of the tire (12) for a motorcycle, characterized in that the insert (16 ) of flank forms an angular sector of a crown, the angular sector ranging from 330° to 380°, preferably from 350° to 370° and more preferably is substantially equal to 360°, the insert (16) comprising two edges free of ends (36, 38) arranged so that, when the tire (12) is mounted on a mounting bracket (14) to form a mounted assembly (10) and when the mounted assembly (10) is mounted on the motorcycle, allowing the mounting and dismounting of the insert (16) on the sidewall (26) of the tire (12) without dismounting the mounted assembly (10) of the motorcycle.

2. Insert (16) according to the preceding claim, forming an angular sector of a circular crown.

3. Insert (16) according to the preceding claim, comprising a radially inner edge (40) and a radially outer edge (42), each radially inner edge (40) and outer edge (42) follows a circular curve.

4. Insert (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising removable attachment means (48) of the insert (16) to the sidewall (26) of the tire (12) comprising means of attachment by reversible elastic clipping (50) of the insert (16) on the sidewall (26) of the tire (12).

5. Use of an insert (16) for a sidewall (26) of a tire (12) for a motorcycle capable of being removably fixed to a sidewall (22) of the tire (12) for a motorcycle, the insert (16) of sidewall forming an angular sector of a crown, the insert (16) comprising two free end edges (36, 38) arranged so as to, when the tire (12) is mounted on a mounting support (14) for form a mounted assembly (10) and when the mounted assembly (10) is mounted on the motorcycle, allow the mounting and dismounting of the insert (16) on the sidewall (26) of the tire (12) without dismounting the assembly (10) of the motorcycle.

6. Use according to claim 5, of a single insert (16) of a sidewall (26), the single insert being intended to be removably fixed to a sidewall (22) of a tire (12) for a motorcycle, the single flank insert (16) forming an angular sector of a crown, the angular sector ranging from 330° to 380°, preferably from 350° to 370° and more preferably being substantially equal to 360° and comprising two edges free of ends (36, 38) arranged so that, when the tire (12) is mounted on a mounting bracket (14) to form a mounted assembly (10) and when the mounted assembly (10) is mounted on the motorcycle, allow assembly and disassembly of the single insert (16) on the sidewall (26) of the tire (12) without removing the mounted assembly (10) from the motorcycle.

7. Use of a set (17) of several inserts (161, 162, 163, 164), each of the inserts (161, 162, 163, 164) of the set (17) being intended to be removably fixed on a sidewall (22) of a tire (12) for a motorcycle, each sidewall insert (161, 162, 163, 164) comprising two free end edges (36, 38) arranged so as to, when the tire ( 12) is mounted on a mounting bracket (14) to form a mounted assembly (10) and when the mounted assembly (10) is mounted on the motorcycle, allowing the assembly and disassembly of each insert (161, 162, 163 , 164) on the sidewall (26) of the tire (12) without dismantling the mounted assembly (10) of the motorcycle.

8. Use according to claim 7, wherein the angular sector of each insert (161, 162, 163, 164) being substantially equal to 3607N, with N>2, preferably N ranging from 2 to 10, more preferably N ranging from 2 to 6„ the inserts (161, 162, 163, 164) of the assembly (17) entirely form a discontinuous crown when the inserts (161, 162, 163, 164) are arranged circumferentially adjacent to each other in contact others.

9. Use according to claim 7, in which the angular sector of each insert (161, 162, 163, 164) being substantially equal to (360°-A)/N with N>2 and A ranging from 10° to 330 °, each insert (161, 162, 163, 164) is circumferentially at a distance from the two inserts (161, 162, 163, 164) which are adjacent to it when the inserts (16) are evenly distributed circumferentially relative to each other.

10. Assembly (18) of a tire (12) for a motorcycle and at least one insert (16; 161, 162, 163, 164) for a sidewall (26) of the tire (12), the or each insert (16; 161, 162, 163, 164) being removably fixed to the sidewall (26), characterized in that the or each sidewall insert (16; 161, 162, 163, 164) comprises two free edges of ends (36, 38) arranged so that, when the tire (12) is mounted on a mounting bracket (14) to form a mounted assembly (10) and when the mounted assembly (10) is mounted on the motorcycle, allow the insert (16; 161, 162, 163, 164) to be fitted and removed from the sidewall (26) of the tire (12) without removing the mounted assembly (10) from the motorcycle.

11. Assembly (18) according to claim 10, comprising a single flank (26) insert (16) removably fixed to the flank (26), the flank insert (16) forming an angular sector of a crown , the angular sector ranging from 330° to 380°, preferably from 350° to 370° and more preferably being substantially equal to 360°.

12. Assembly (18) according to claim 10, comprising N>2 inserts (161, 162, 163, 164) of sidewall (26) removably fixed to the sidewall (26), the angular sector of each insert being substantially equal to 3607N, preferably N ranging from 2 to 10, more preferably N ranging from 2 to 6, the flank (26) comprises N portions (261, 262, 263, 264) arranged circumferentially adjacent to each other to the others, each of the N inserts (161, 162, 163, 164) cooperating with each flank portion arranged circumferentially adjacently (261, 262, 263, 264) so as to entirely form a discontinuous ring.

13. Assembly (18) according to claim 10, comprising N>2 inserts (161, 162, 163, 164) of sidewall (26) removably fixed to the sidewall (26), the angular sector of each insert being substantially equal at (360°-A)/N with A ranging from 10° to 330°, the flank (26) comprises:

- N dressed portions (261, 262, 263, 264) of the sidewall (26) cooperating with each of the P inserts (161, 162, 163, 164) and,

- N′>2 bare portions (265, 266, 267, 268) of the sidewall (26) devoid of insert, each dressed portion (261, 262, 263, 264) of the sidewall (26) being circumferentially adjacent to and arranged between two bare portions (265, 266, 267, 268) of the sidewall (26).

14. Method for mounting an insert (16) on a sidewall (26) of a tire (12) for a motorcycle, characterized in that, the insert (16) being capable of being removably fixed to the sidewall (22) of the tire (12) for a motorcycle, the sidewall insert (16) forming an angular sector of a crown, the angular sector ranging from 330° to 380°, preferably from 350° to 370° and more preferably being substantially equal to 360°, the insert (16) comprising two free end edges (36, 38), method in which: in a step of passing the insert (16) around a fork arm ( 56), a branch of a swing arm or a hub (58) of the mounted assembly (10) of the motorcycle:

- each free end edge (34, 36) is shifted axially with respect to the other so as to allow the passage of the insert (16) around the fork arm (56), the branch of the oscillating arm or of the hub (58) of the mounted assembly (10), and/or

- each free end edge (34, 36) is spaced circumferentially with respect to the other so as to allow the passage of the insert (16) around the fork arm (56), the branch of the oscillating arm or of the hub (58) of the mounted assembly (10), the insert (16) is removably fixed to the side (26).

15. A method of mounting several inserts (161, 162, 163, 164) on a sidewall (26) of a tire (12) for a motorcycle, characterized in that each insert (161, 162, 163, 164) being able to be fixed in a removable manner to the sidewall (22) of the tire (12) for a motorcycle, the sidewall insert (16) forming an angular sector of a crown and comprising two free end edges (36, 38), the sector angle of each insert being substantially equal to 360 N with N>2, preferably N ranging from 2 to 10, more preferably N ranging from 2 to 6 or the angular sector of each insert being substantially equal to (360°-A)/N with N> 2 and A ranging from 10° to 330°, method in which: in a step of passing each insert around a fork leg (56), a branch of a swing arm of the motorcycle or a hub (58) of the mounted assembly

(10):

- the or each insert (161, 162, 163, 164) being such that there is sufficient space between each free end edge (36, 38) to allow the passage of the or each insert (161, 162, 163 , 164) around the fork leg (56), the swing arm leg or the hub (58) of the mounted assembly (10) without displacement of a free end edge (36, 38) relative to the other, the fork leg (56), the swing arm leg or the hub (58) of the mounted assembly (10) is passed through the space between each free end edge (36, 38) , or - the or each insert (161, 162, 163, 164) being such that there is insufficient space between each free end edge (36, 38) to allow the passage of the or each insert (161, 162 , 163, 164) around the fork leg (56), the swing arm leg or the hub (58) of the mounted assembly (10):

^■ each free end edge (36, 38) is shifted axially relative to the other so as to allow the passage of each insert

(161, 162, 163, 164) around the fork leg, swingarm leg or hub (58) of the mounted assembly (10), and/or

^■ each free end edge (36, 38) is spaced circumferentially with respect to the other so as to allow the passage of the fork arm, of the branch of the oscillating arm or of the hub (58) of the mounted assembly ( 10) in the space between each free end edge (36, 38), each insert (161, 162, 163, 164) is removably fixed to the sidewall (26).