WO2017116410A1 - Pneumatic tire with reduced height annular bead area ply and methods for use with wheel - Google Patents

Pneumatic tire with reduced height annular bead area ply and methods for use with wheel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017116410A1
WO2017116410A1 PCT/US2015/067787 US2015067787W WO2017116410A1 WO 2017116410 A1 WO2017116410 A1 WO 2017116410A1 US 2015067787 W US2015067787 W US 2015067787W WO 2017116410 A1 WO2017116410 A1 WO 2017116410A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tire
rim
area
bead area
flange
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/067787
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Cesar Zarak
Brian Gannon
Zuqing QU
Original Assignee
Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. filed Critical Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
Priority to PCT/US2015/067787 priority Critical patent/WO2017116410A1/en
Publication of WO2017116410A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017116410A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C15/00—Tyre beads, e.g. ply turn-up or overlap
    • B60C15/06—Flipper strips, fillers, or chafing strips and reinforcing layers for the construction of the bead
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B25/00—Rims built-up of several main parts ; Locking means for the rim parts
    • B60B25/04—Rims with dismountable flange rings, seat rings, or lock rings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B25/00—Rims built-up of several main parts ; Locking means for the rim parts
    • B60B25/04—Rims with dismountable flange rings, seat rings, or lock rings
    • B60B25/10—Seat rings for the tyre bead part, e.g. split
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B25/00—Rims built-up of several main parts ; Locking means for the rim parts
    • B60B25/04—Rims with dismountable flange rings, seat rings, or lock rings
    • B60B25/10—Seat rings for the tyre bead part, e.g. split
    • B60B25/12—Seat rings for the tyre bead part, e.g. split with integral flange part
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B25/00—Rims built-up of several main parts ; Locking means for the rim parts
    • B60B25/04—Rims with dismountable flange rings, seat rings, or lock rings
    • B60B25/14—Locking means for flange rings or seat rings
    • B60B25/18—Arrangement of split rings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C15/00—Tyre beads, e.g. ply turn-up or overlap
    • B60C15/06—Flipper strips, fillers, or chafing strips and reinforcing layers for the construction of the bead
    • B60C2015/0614—Flipper strips, fillers, or chafing strips and reinforcing layers for the construction of the bead characterised by features of the chafer or clinch portion, i.e. the part of the bead contacting the rim
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C15/00—Tyre beads, e.g. ply turn-up or overlap
    • B60C15/06—Flipper strips, fillers, or chafing strips and reinforcing layers for the construction of the bead
    • B60C15/0628—Flipper strips, fillers, or chafing strips and reinforcing layers for the construction of the bead comprising a bead reinforcing layer
    • B60C2015/065—Flipper strips, fillers, or chafing strips and reinforcing layers for the construction of the bead comprising a bead reinforcing layer at the axially outer side of the carcass turn-up portion not wrapped around the bead core
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C15/00—Tyre beads, e.g. ply turn-up or overlap
    • B60C15/06—Flipper strips, fillers, or chafing strips and reinforcing layers for the construction of the bead
    • B60C15/0628—Flipper strips, fillers, or chafing strips and reinforcing layers for the construction of the bead comprising a bead reinforcing layer
    • B60C2015/0692—Flipper strips, fillers, or chafing strips and reinforcing layers for the construction of the bead comprising a bead reinforcing layer characterised by particular materials of the cords

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to pneumatic tires, and methods for using pneumatic tires with wheels.
  • Pneumatic tires may be mounted on a variety of different wheels.
  • Wheels generally include a central barrel and a pair of rim-flanges spaced axially along the central barrel and between which a tire is installed.
  • Certain wheels, such as multi-piece wheels, can have a gap along a rim-flange that can decrease the life of the tire.
  • the gap is also referred to as a void or spacing.
  • a gap is generated by opposing ends of a rim-flange, the opposing ends forming terminal ends of a discontinuous ring, the ring extending annularly from one terminal end to the other terminal end. The terminal ends are closely spaced to form the ring, but are spaced apart to form a gap in the ring.
  • the rim-flange is attached to a central barrel of the wheel after the tire has been installed upon the central barrel for the purpose of constraining the tire on the central barrel and complete installation of the tire on the wheel.
  • Multi-piece wheels can form a two-piece wheel, where one of the pair of rim-flanges is a single annular component separable from the wheel, or a three-piece wheel, where one of the pair of rim- flanges comprises two annular components each being separable from the wheel. It is appreciated that the gap arranged in the rim-flange can impact tire life.
  • pneumatic tires are known to include one or more body plies that extend radially downward from a central portion of the tire that includes the tire tread.
  • one or more body plies extend radially downward, partially wrap around the bead, and extend radially outward from an outer side of the bead to a terminal end located along the bead area or sidewall associated with the bead, which forms a body ply turn up.
  • annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged outside the body ply turn up, extending radially outward from a location adjacent the bead to a location above an area of the tire configured to be arranged adjacent to a rim-flange of the wheel, which is referred to herein as a rim-flange area of the tire.
  • Embodiments of the present invention include an annular reinforced bead area ply for use along a bead area of a pneumatic tire, a pneumatic tire employing at least one annular reinforced bead area ply, a method of using the pneumatic tire with wheel, and a method for forming the pneumatic tire.
  • a pneumatic tire includes a pair of beads, a pair of sidewalls, and a central portion arranged between the pair of sidewalls and including a tire tread having an outer, ground-engaging side.
  • the pair of beads are each arranged in a bead area of the tire, each bead area forming an inner-radial portion of the tire from which one of the pair of sidewalls extend radially outward to the central portion.
  • Each pair of beads with each associated bead area and pair of sidewalls being spaced apart axially along a rotational axis of the tire.
  • the tire further includes an annular reinforced bead area ply arranged within the thickness of the tire between one of the pair of beads and the external side of the associated bead area, the annular reinforced bead area ply including a plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within an elastomeric matrix within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply, the annular reinforced bead area ply extending radially outward from a first terminal end arranged adjacent to the bead and to a second terminal end located within a rim-flange area of the bead area, the rim-flange area being an area configured to be arranged adjacent to a rim-flange of a wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of a tire within the prior art.
  • FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a tire, and more specifically a bead area and rim-flange area of a tire, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary two-piece multi-piece wheel having a gap in a rim-flange.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view of the multi-piece wheel of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an exemplary three-piece multi-piece wheel upon which the tire of FIG. 2 is installed.
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of the tire of FIG. 2 installed on the multi-piece wheel of FIG. 3.
  • Embodiments of the present invention comprise reduced-height annular reinforced bead area plies for use along a bead area of a pneumatic tire, pneumatic tires employing at least one reduced-height annular reinforced bead area ply, methods of using the pneumatic tire with a multi-piece wheel, and methods for forming the pneumatic tire. It has been determined that reducing the height, or width (as used synonymously herein), of the annular reinforced bead area ply improves tire durability issues generated by having a sidewall/bead area that is too stiff.
  • wheels having a gap in a rim-flange thereof include multi-piece wheels, which are also referred to as flat-seat wheels.
  • the annular reinforced bead area ply is configured to substantially or fully span the radial height of the rim-flange gap (at least the portion of the rim-flange gap arranged adjacent to the tire), in addition to substantially or fully spanning the width of the rim-flange gap (at least the portion of the rim-flange gap arranged adjacent to the tire).
  • a width of the plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially or fully span the radial height of the gap (at least the portion of the rim-flange gap arranged adjacent to the tire), while the plurality of reinforcements arranged therein substantially or fully span the width of the gap (at least the portion of the rim-flange gap arranged adjacent to the tire).
  • the portion of the rim-flange (with or without the gap thereof) arranged adjacent to the tire is the portion of the rim-flange (or gap) configured to engage the tire during tire/wheel operation and/or the portion of the rim-flange (or gap) configured to be arranged adjacent to the rim-flange area of the tire.
  • annular reinforced bead area ply and pneumatic tires employing one or more of said annular reinforced bead area plies, improved tire durability is achieved. This benefit may be observed when said pneumatic tire is mounted and used on any wheel, and in certain instances, when mounted and used on a wheel having a gap in a rim-flange thereof.
  • a pneumatic tire as used herein, includes a pair of beads and a pair of sidewalls.
  • the pair of annular beads are spaced apart in an axial direction of the tire, where a radial center of each annular bead is arranged along a common axis, namely, the rotational axis of the tire.
  • Each bead may form any bead used in the art of forming pneumatic tires or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any obvious variation thereof.
  • a bead may be formed of one or more rubber-coated metal wires wound one or more revolutions to form a ring having a cross-section formed of a plurality of wires.
  • rubber connotes any natural or synthetic rubber or rubber blend.
  • a bead filler is commonly placed atop (that is, on the radially outer side of) each bead, the bead filler being made of any suitable material known within the industry, such as, an elastomeric or rubber material.
  • One or more body plies may also be arranged to extend downward from a central portion of the tire to partially wrap around the bead. More specifically, a body ply extends radially inward from the central portion and along a sidewall to an axially-inner side of the bead and then to a location below a radially inward side, or bottom side, of the bead.
  • the body ply extends radially outward along an external side of the tire to a terminal location along the tire sidewall.
  • Each bead of the pair of beads is arranged in a bead area of the tire, where each bead area forms an inner-radial portion of the tire from which one of the pair of sidewalls radially outward.
  • the bead area is generally a portion of the tire within which a bead is arranged, and is more specifically defined herein to extend from the radially inner side, which forms a bottom side of the bead area, and to a radially outer extent of the bead filler, which is also referred to as a top of the bead filler.
  • the external side of the bead area includes the area of the tire along which a wheel rim-flange is intended to be adjacently arranged, the external bead area being arranged axially outward from the associated bead.
  • a rim-flange area which is defined to extend radially outward from the bottom side of the bead area, located adjacent to and radially inward from a tire bead, and to the top of an area configured for adjacent arrangement to a rim-flange of a wheel, the area extending to the radial height of the rim-flange.
  • the entire rim-flange may not be adjacently arranged to the tire, as a portion of the rim-flange may extend outwardly from the tire (such as, from the top of the rim-flange area of the tire), where this outwardly extending portion of the rim-flange is not necessarily arranged adjacent to the tire.
  • the rim- flange area is an area of the tire that a portion of the rim-flange will engage or contact the tire when the tire is mounted on the wheel and/or during tire/wheel operation.
  • the rim-flange area is particularly contoured to receive a rim-flange of a wheel.
  • a pneumatic tire 110 is shown to include a sidewall 120 extending radially outward from a bead area 111. More specifically, bead area 111 is shown to include an annular bead 112, forming one of a pair of annular beads spaced apart in an axial direction of the tire.
  • a bead filler 114 is shown placed atop each bead and a body ply 116, the body ply arranged to extend downward/inward from a central portion of the tire to partially wrap around the bead.
  • the body ply 116 extends radially inward along a sidewall 120 to an axially-inner side ISno of the bead 112 and then to a location below a radially inward side, or bottom side, of the bead. From the bottom side of the bead, the body ply 116 extends radially outward along an external side OSno of the tire to a terminal location along the tire sidewall 120.
  • the bead area 111 extends from the radially inner side, which forms a bottom side BSno of the bead area and of the tire, and to a radially outer extent, or top side, of the bead filler 114.
  • a rim-flange area RFAn 0 which is defined to extend radially outward from the bottom side BSno of the bead area/tire and to an outer radial extent forming a top of the rim-flange area configured for adjacent arrangement to a rim-flange of a wheel.
  • the top of the rim-flange area RFAu 0 is defined by a radius R RFAO extending radially outward from a rotational axis A of the tire, while a bottom of the rim-flange area is defined by radius R BS , which is arranged at the junction of the rim-flange area and bottom side BSno.
  • bead area 111 includes a contoured portion defined by radius r RF A It is appreciated that other contours may be employed to receive differently shaped rim-flanges.
  • a prior art tire is also shown to include a bead area 11, bead 12, bead filler 14, body ply 16, and sidewall 20.
  • the pneumatic tire as used herein further includes a central portion arranged between the pair of sidewalls, the central portion including a tire tread having an outer, ground-engaging side.
  • the central portion of the pneumatic tire is annular and forms the portion of the tire arranged between a pair of tire sidewalls.
  • the central portion includes a tire tread having an outer, ground-engaging side, and may further include a belt extending annularly around the tire and comprising one or more belt plies.
  • the belt plies each comprise a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements, such as cord or cable.
  • a tire 100 is shown to include a sidewall 120 extending radially outward from the bead area 111 of the tire and to a central portion 122 that includes a tread 124 having a ground-engaging side 126.
  • the pneumatic tire further includes one or more annular reinforced bead area plies.
  • the annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged within the thickness of the tire between one of the pair of beads and the external side of the associated bead area.
  • Each reinforced bead area ply includes a plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within an elastomeric matrix within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply.
  • Each annular reinforced bead area ply also extends radially outward from a first terminal end arranged adjacent to the bead.
  • the second terminal end is located radially outward from the bead area.
  • the second terminal end is located within the bead area.
  • annular reinforced bead area ply is commonly referred to as a chafer ply. It is further appreciated that the annular reinforced bead area ply may be formed of any known material or ply of material, the difference being that the second terminal end of the annular reinforced bead area ply in the present invention is arranged radially inward relative to the annular reinforced bead area ply in prior art tires. This may be achieved by using a shorter ply or a ply of the same size but which is arranged radially lower on the tire.
  • the radial height of the annular reinforced bead area ply is selected and the annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged to extend substantially or fully to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the top (outward radial extent) of a rim-flange area of the tire, to the top (outward radial extent) of a portion of a wheel rim-flange arranged adjacent to the tire, and/or to the top (outward radial extent) of a gap arranged in the wheel rim-flange.
  • the radial height of the annular reinforced bead area ply is selected and the annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged such that an arrangement of the plurality of reinforcements arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply extends substantially or fully to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the top (outward radial extent) of a rim-flange area of the tire, to the top (outward radial extent) of a portion of a wheel rim-flange arranged adjacent to the tire, and/or to the top (outward radial extent) of a gap arranged in the wheel rim-flange.
  • “Substantially” means up to 5 percent or up to 10% of the associated dimension.
  • the annular reinforced bead area ply and/or the arrangement of elongate reinforcements arranged therein may or may not be, in different embodiments, configured to substantially or fully span the radial height of a gap in a wheel rim-flange.
  • annular reinforced bead area ply 18 is shown extending radially outward from a first terminal end 18j arranged adjacent to bead 12 to a second terminal end 18 0 located radially outward from rim-flange area RFAio.
  • Annular reinforced bead area ply 18 also includes a plurality of elongate reinforcements 19A arranged in a matrix 19B formed of elastomeric material.
  • the arrangement of reinforcements has a width WI9A-
  • the location of second terminal end 18 may be described as being located at a radius Ris 0 from the rotational axis of the tire.
  • annular reinforced bead area ply extending beyond the rim-flange area RFAio in the prior art tire can be described as being the difference between radius Ris 0 and radius RRFA O -
  • a second terminal end 118rada of an annular reinforced bead area ply 118 is shown located within rim- flange area RFAno of bead area 111, the second terminal end forming a radially outward end of the ply.
  • Annular reinforced bead area ply 118 is also shown extending radially outward from a first terminal end 118j forming a radially inward end arranged adjacent to bead 112.
  • Annular reinforced bead area ply 118 also includes a plurality of elongate reinforcements 119A arranged in a matrix 119B formed of elastomeric material.
  • the arrangement of reinforcements has a width WJM.
  • the annular reinforced bead area ply can be described as being formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, and reinforced with a plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply.
  • the plurality of elongate reinforcements are arranged within an elastomeric matrix within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply.
  • the reinforcements may be arranged in any known manner, such as being arranged lengthwise in a parallel arrangement or cross-woven, such that one or more reinforcements cross one or more of other reinforcements within the ply.
  • Cross-woven may form an over and under woven pattern, where reinforcements alternate overtop and below other reinforcements in a woven arrangement, or may simply provide an overlay of one or more reinforcements over other reinforcements.
  • the ply when using woven reinforcements, is arranged such that the reinforcements are generally arranged 45 degrees relative to the radial direction of the tire. It is appreciated that any suitable elongate reinforcement may be employed.
  • the elongate reinforcements are made of steel, and may take the form of wire or cable.
  • the elongate reinforcements are made of aramid or nylon, such as when using a woven arrangement of reinforcements, for example, and may take the form of a strand or cord.
  • the annular reinforced bead area ply may be installed within the tire in any known manner.
  • the annular reinforced bead area ply is installed during a tire assembly process and before the tire is cured.
  • the annular reinforced bead area ply is uncured at the time of installation, and is later cured with the tire during a vulcanization process.
  • the pneumatic tire according to any embodiment of the present invention may be used with, that is, mounted on, any desired wheel.
  • Wheels upon which pneumatic tires are mounted generally include a central barrel and a pair of rim-flanges spaced axially along the central barrel and between which a tire is installed. Each rim-flange extends radially outward from the central barrel by a radial height.
  • any embodiment of the pneumatic tire described herein may be used in association with a wheel having a gap arranged along a rim-flange of the wheel.
  • the wheel having a gap along a rim-flange of the wheel is a multi- piece wheel having a central barrel and a pair rim-flanges extending radially outward from the central barrel, where one of the rim-flanges has a gap.
  • the gap is also referred to as a void or spacing.
  • the rim-flange having the gap is separable from the wheel and positionable between installed and uninstalled arrangements. In such instances, the gap is generated by opposing ends of the separable rim-flange, the opposing ends forming terminal ends of a discontinuous ring, the ring extending annularly from one terminal end to the other terminal end.
  • the terminal ends are closely spaced to form the ring, but are spaced apart to form a gap in the ring.
  • the span of the gap can vary between wheel manufactures.
  • the width (span) of the gap annularly along the ring is as much as 20 millimeters (mm), and in certain variations, ranges from 5 mm to 20 mm. It is appreciated that the gap may be even greater than 20 mm.
  • the gap also has a height extending in a radial direction of the wheel, relative a rotational axis of the wheel. In certain instances, the gap has height extending the full radial height of the rim-flange.
  • Multi-piece wheels can form a two-piece wheel, where one of the pair of rim-flanges is a single annular component separable from the wheel, or a three-piece wheel, where one of the pair of rim-flanges comprises two ring components each being separable from the wheel, where at least one of the two ring components has a gap.
  • one of the two ring components is a lock ring that has a gap and the other ring is a continuous ring without a gap.
  • the second terminal end of the annular reinforced bead area ply is configured to substantially or fully extend to the radial height of the gap.
  • the annular reinforced bead area ply of the tire is sized and arranged to substantially or fully span a radial height of the gap.
  • the plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply form an arrangement of reinforcements configured to extend substantially or fully up to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim- flange of the wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted.
  • the arrangement of reinforcements are configured to substantially or fully span the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim-flange of the wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted.
  • an exemplary multi-piece wheel 130 is shown, the wheel being a two-piece wheel.
  • Wheel 130 includes a pair of rim- flanges 132, 136. Rim-flange 136 is fixed while rim-flange 132 is separable from the wheel 130, and more specifically, from central barrel 138. This is more clearly shown in FIG. 4, where a separable rim-flange 132 is shown in association with a central barrel 138.
  • Each rim-flange 132, 136 has a radial height H RF .
  • Rim flange height H RF extends radially outward from the central barrel 138, or more generally from a location where the tire sits on the wheel.
  • rim-flange 132 includes opposing terminal ends Ei 32 that are closely spaced apart to form a gap 134, which extends the full radial height H RF of the rim-flange (at least locally).
  • a three-piece wheel is shown in association with a pneumatic tire 110, where the separable rim-flange 232 comprises two (first and second) ring components 232A, 232B, each of which is annular or substantially annular. Separable rim- flange 232 also includes a gap (not shown) similar to the gap 134 shown in FIG.
  • a method of installing a tire onto a wheel includes providing a pneumatic tire, the pneumatic tire comprising any tire contemplated herein having an annular reinforced bead area ply that extends up to, and not substantially radially outward or beyond, the radial extent of a rim- flange area of the tire. Further steps of the method include providing a wheel, the wheel comprising any wheel contemplated herein.
  • the wheel is a multi- piece wheel including a central barrel and a pair rim-flanges extending radially outward from the central barrel, where at least one of the rim-flanges has a gap.
  • step of mounting the tire is mounted such that the second terminal end of the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially or fully extends to the radial height of the gap of the one of the pair of rim-flanges.
  • the tire is mounted such that the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially or fully spans a width and radial height of the gap of the one of the pair of rim-flanges.
  • the plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply form an arrangement of reinforcements such that, upon mounting the tire upon the wheel, the arrangement of reinforcements extend substantially or fully up to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim-flange of the wheel.
  • the arrangement of reinforcements substantially or fully span the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim- flange of the wheel upon which the tire is mounted.
  • a pneumatic tire comprising the pneumatic tire of FIG. 2 is shown mounted on a multi-piece wheel comprising the 2-piece wheel of FIG. 3.
  • the rim-flange 132 and gap 134 of wheel 130 are each arranged within the rim-flange area RFAuo of the tire.
  • the annular reinforced bead area ply spans the width and radial height of gap 134 of rim-flange 132, and more specifically the width and radial height of the gap.
  • the annular reinforced bead ply 118 is sized and arranged such that the radial height of the annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged to extend substantially or fully up to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the top (outward radial extent) of a rim-flange area RFAuo of the tire, to the top (outward radial extent) of a portion of a wheel rim-flange arranged adjacent to the tire as reflected by height HRF, and to the top (outward radial extent) of a gap (not shown but described above) arranged in each wheel rim-flange 232, 236.
  • the radial height of the annular reinforced bead area ply 118 is selected and the annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged such that an arrangement of the plurality of reinforcements 119A within the annular reinforced bead area ply, and a width WU9A thereof, extends substantially or fully up to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the top (outward radial extent) of a rim-flange area RFAuo of the tire, to the top (outward radial extent) of a portion of a wheel rim-flange arranged adjacent to the tire as reflected by height H RF , and to the top (outward radial extent) of a gap (not shown but described above) arranged in the wheel rim-flange 232, 236.
  • the height or width of the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially extends the full height of the rim-flange and the portion thereof adjacently arranged to the tire and rim-flange area of the tire
  • any such pneumatic tire is formed by: • arranging a pair of annular beads spaced apart in an axial direction of an uncured tire assembly;
  • each one or more body plies comprising a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements
  • annular reinforced bead area ply may be formed during assembly of the uncured tire assembly at a tire building machine.

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include a pneumatic tire (110) and a method of installing or using the pneumatic tire (110) onto a wheel. The pneumatic tire (110) includes an annular reinforced bead area ply (118) arranged within the thickness of the tire between one of a pair of beads (112) and an external side of the associated bead area (111), the annular reinforced bead area ply (118) including a plurality of elongate reinforcements (119A) arranged within an elastomeric matrix (119B) within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply (118). The annular reinforced bead area ply (118) extends radially outward from a first terminal end (118i) arranged adjacent to the bead (112) and to a second terminal end (118o) located within a rim-flange area (rRFAHO) of the bead area (111). In particular embodiments, the radial height of the annular reinforced bead area ply (118) is configured to substantially span a gap (134) in a wheel rim-flange (132).

Description

PNEUMATIC TIRE WITH REDUCED HEIGHT ANNULAR BEAD AREA PLY AND
METHODS FOR USE WITH WHEEL
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates generally to pneumatic tires, and methods for using pneumatic tires with wheels.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Pneumatic tires may be mounted on a variety of different wheels. Wheels generally include a central barrel and a pair of rim-flanges spaced axially along the central barrel and between which a tire is installed. Certain wheels, such as multi-piece wheels, can have a gap along a rim-flange that can decrease the life of the tire. The gap is also referred to as a void or spacing. A gap is generated by opposing ends of a rim-flange, the opposing ends forming terminal ends of a discontinuous ring, the ring extending annularly from one terminal end to the other terminal end. The terminal ends are closely spaced to form the ring, but are spaced apart to form a gap in the ring. The rim-flange is attached to a central barrel of the wheel after the tire has been installed upon the central barrel for the purpose of constraining the tire on the central barrel and complete installation of the tire on the wheel. Multi-piece wheels can form a two-piece wheel, where one of the pair of rim-flanges is a single annular component separable from the wheel, or a three-piece wheel, where one of the pair of rim- flanges comprises two annular components each being separable from the wheel. It is appreciated that the gap arranged in the rim-flange can impact tire life.
[0003] Additionally, pneumatic tires are known to include one or more body plies that extend radially downward from a central portion of the tire that includes the tire tread. In particular instances, one or more body plies extend radially downward, partially wrap around the bead, and extend radially outward from an outer side of the bead to a terminal end located along the bead area or sidewall associated with the bead, which forms a body ply turn up. Additionally, an annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged outside the body ply turn up, extending radially outward from a location adjacent the bead to a location above an area of the tire configured to be arranged adjacent to a rim-flange of the wheel, which is referred to herein as a rim-flange area of the tire. By employing this annular reinforced bead area ply in this configuration, the associated portion of the tire is rigidified. While this rigidification generates certain wear performance benefits when using the tire with a multi-piece wheel, it has also been determined to reduce tire life in the bead area.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need to improve tire durability generally, and more specifically, with regard to pneumatic tires to be used with a multi-piece wheels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention include an annular reinforced bead area ply for use along a bead area of a pneumatic tire, a pneumatic tire employing at least one annular reinforced bead area ply, a method of using the pneumatic tire with wheel, and a method for forming the pneumatic tire. In particular embodiments, a pneumatic tire includes a pair of beads, a pair of sidewalls, and a central portion arranged between the pair of sidewalls and including a tire tread having an outer, ground-engaging side. The pair of beads are each arranged in a bead area of the tire, each bead area forming an inner-radial portion of the tire from which one of the pair of sidewalls extend radially outward to the central portion. Each pair of beads with each associated bead area and pair of sidewalls being spaced apart axially along a rotational axis of the tire. The tire further includes an annular reinforced bead area ply arranged within the thickness of the tire between one of the pair of beads and the external side of the associated bead area, the annular reinforced bead area ply including a plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within an elastomeric matrix within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply, the annular reinforced bead area ply extending radially outward from a first terminal end arranged adjacent to the bead and to a second terminal end located within a rim-flange area of the bead area, the rim-flange area being an area configured to be arranged adjacent to a rim-flange of a wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted.
[0006] Further embodiments provide a method of installing a tire onto a wheel, the method including providing a wheel having a central barrel and a pair rim-flanges extending radially outward from the central barrel and a pneumatic tire such as described above, where the method further includes mounting the tire onto the wheel where the rim-flange of the pair of rim-flanges is arranged adjacent to the rim-flange area of the bead area.
[0007] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of a tire within the prior art.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a tire, and more specifically a bead area and rim-flange area of a tire, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary two-piece multi-piece wheel having a gap in a rim-flange.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view of the multi-piece wheel of FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an exemplary three-piece multi-piece wheel upon which the tire of FIG. 2 is installed.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of the tire of FIG. 2 installed on the multi-piece wheel of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention comprise reduced-height annular reinforced bead area plies for use along a bead area of a pneumatic tire, pneumatic tires employing at least one reduced-height annular reinforced bead area ply, methods of using the pneumatic tire with a multi-piece wheel, and methods for forming the pneumatic tire. It has been determined that reducing the height, or width (as used synonymously herein), of the annular reinforced bead area ply improves tire durability issues generated by having a sidewall/bead area that is too stiff. However, in certain instances, it is advisable to limit the reduction in height (width) to a minimum, such as when the pneumatic tire is configured to be used with a wheel having a gap in a rim-flange thereof. In certain instances, wheels having a gap in a rim-flange thereof include multi-piece wheels, which are also referred to as flat-seat wheels. In these instances, the annular reinforced bead area ply is configured to substantially or fully span the radial height of the rim-flange gap (at least the portion of the rim-flange gap arranged adjacent to the tire), in addition to substantially or fully spanning the width of the rim-flange gap (at least the portion of the rim-flange gap arranged adjacent to the tire). In certain embodiments, a width of the plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially or fully span the radial height of the gap (at least the portion of the rim-flange gap arranged adjacent to the tire), while the plurality of reinforcements arranged therein substantially or fully span the width of the gap (at least the portion of the rim-flange gap arranged adjacent to the tire). Because the rim- flange can extend outwardly from the tire, the portion of the rim-flange (with or without the gap thereof) arranged adjacent to the tire is the portion of the rim-flange (or gap) configured to engage the tire during tire/wheel operation and/or the portion of the rim-flange (or gap) configured to be arranged adjacent to the rim-flange area of the tire. The portion of the tire arranged adjacent the rim-flange, which is configured to receive and/or be engaged by the rim-flange when the tire is mounted on the wheel and/or during tire operation, is referred to as the rim-flange area of the tire. By use of the reduced-height annular reinforced bead area ply and pneumatic tires employing one or more of said annular reinforced bead area plies, improved tire durability is achieved. This benefit may be observed when said pneumatic tire is mounted and used on any wheel, and in certain instances, when mounted and used on a wheel having a gap in a rim-flange thereof.
[0015] A pneumatic tire, as used herein, includes a pair of beads and a pair of sidewalls. The pair of annular beads are spaced apart in an axial direction of the tire, where a radial center of each annular bead is arranged along a common axis, namely, the rotational axis of the tire. Each bead may form any bead used in the art of forming pneumatic tires or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any obvious variation thereof. For example, a bead may be formed of one or more rubber-coated metal wires wound one or more revolutions to form a ring having a cross-section formed of a plurality of wires. When using the term "rubber" herein, "rubber" connotes any natural or synthetic rubber or rubber blend. A bead filler is commonly placed atop (that is, on the radially outer side of) each bead, the bead filler being made of any suitable material known within the industry, such as, an elastomeric or rubber material. One or more body plies may also be arranged to extend downward from a central portion of the tire to partially wrap around the bead. More specifically, a body ply extends radially inward from the central portion and along a sidewall to an axially-inner side of the bead and then to a location below a radially inward side, or bottom side, of the bead. From the bottom side of the bead, the body ply extends radially outward along an external side of the tire to a terminal location along the tire sidewall. Each bead of the pair of beads is arranged in a bead area of the tire, where each bead area forms an inner-radial portion of the tire from which one of the pair of sidewalls radially outward. The bead area is generally a portion of the tire within which a bead is arranged, and is more specifically defined herein to extend from the radially inner side, which forms a bottom side of the bead area, and to a radially outer extent of the bead filler, which is also referred to as a top of the bead filler. The external side of the bead area includes the area of the tire along which a wheel rim-flange is intended to be adjacently arranged, the external bead area being arranged axially outward from the associated bead. Specifically, within the bead area is a rim-flange area, which is defined to extend radially outward from the bottom side of the bead area, located adjacent to and radially inward from a tire bead, and to the top of an area configured for adjacent arrangement to a rim-flange of a wheel, the area extending to the radial height of the rim-flange. In being adjacently arranged to a rim-flange of a wheel, it is appreciated that the entire rim-flange may not be adjacently arranged to the tire, as a portion of the rim-flange may extend outwardly from the tire (such as, from the top of the rim-flange area of the tire), where this outwardly extending portion of the rim-flange is not necessarily arranged adjacent to the tire. Described differently, in particular embodiments, the rim- flange area is an area of the tire that a portion of the rim-flange will engage or contact the tire when the tire is mounted on the wheel and/or during tire/wheel operation. In certain tires, the rim-flange area is particularly contoured to receive a rim-flange of a wheel.
[0016] With reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a pneumatic tire 110 is shown to include a sidewall 120 extending radially outward from a bead area 111. More specifically, bead area 111 is shown to include an annular bead 112, forming one of a pair of annular beads spaced apart in an axial direction of the tire. A bead filler 114 is shown placed atop each bead and a body ply 116, the body ply arranged to extend downward/inward from a central portion of the tire to partially wrap around the bead. Specifically, the body ply 116 extends radially inward along a sidewall 120 to an axially-inner side ISno of the bead 112 and then to a location below a radially inward side, or bottom side, of the bead. From the bottom side of the bead, the body ply 116 extends radially outward along an external side OSno of the tire to a terminal location along the tire sidewall 120. The bead area 111 extends from the radially inner side, which forms a bottom side BSno of the bead area and of the tire, and to a radially outer extent, or top side, of the bead filler 114. Within the bead area 111 is a rim-flange area RFAn0, which is defined to extend radially outward from the bottom side BSno of the bead area/tire and to an outer radial extent forming a top of the rim-flange area configured for adjacent arrangement to a rim-flange of a wheel. The top of the rim-flange area RFAu0 is defined by a radius RRFAO extending radially outward from a rotational axis A of the tire, while a bottom of the rim-flange area is defined by radius RBS, which is arranged at the junction of the rim-flange area and bottom side BSno. Stated differently, the radial height or extent of the rim-flange area is the difference between radius RRFAO and radius RBS Because certain rim-flanges are contoured, or simply to configure a location along the tire to receive a rim-flange, in the embodiment shown, bead area 111 includes a contoured portion defined by radius rRFA It is appreciated that other contours may be employed to receive differently shaped rim-flanges. In FIG. 1, a prior art tire is also shown to include a bead area 11, bead 12, bead filler 14, body ply 16, and sidewall 20.
[0017] The pneumatic tire as used herein further includes a central portion arranged between the pair of sidewalls, the central portion including a tire tread having an outer, ground-engaging side. The central portion of the pneumatic tire is annular and forms the portion of the tire arranged between a pair of tire sidewalls. The central portion includes a tire tread having an outer, ground-engaging side, and may further include a belt extending annularly around the tire and comprising one or more belt plies. The belt plies each comprise a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements, such as cord or cable. With reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a tire 100 is shown to include a sidewall 120 extending radially outward from the bead area 111 of the tire and to a central portion 122 that includes a tread 124 having a ground-engaging side 126.
[0018] The pneumatic tire further includes one or more annular reinforced bead area plies. The annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged within the thickness of the tire between one of the pair of beads and the external side of the associated bead area. Each reinforced bead area ply includes a plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within an elastomeric matrix within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply. Each annular reinforced bead area ply also extends radially outward from a first terminal end arranged adjacent to the bead. In the prior art, the second terminal end is located radially outward from the bead area. In the present invention, the second terminal end is located within the bead area. An annular reinforced bead area ply is commonly referred to as a chafer ply. It is further appreciated that the annular reinforced bead area ply may be formed of any known material or ply of material, the difference being that the second terminal end of the annular reinforced bead area ply in the present invention is arranged radially inward relative to the annular reinforced bead area ply in prior art tires. This may be achieved by using a shorter ply or a ply of the same size but which is arranged radially lower on the tire. In particular embodiments, the radial height of the annular reinforced bead area ply is selected and the annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged to extend substantially or fully to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the top (outward radial extent) of a rim-flange area of the tire, to the top (outward radial extent) of a portion of a wheel rim-flange arranged adjacent to the tire, and/or to the top (outward radial extent) of a gap arranged in the wheel rim-flange. In more specific embodiments, the radial height of the annular reinforced bead area ply is selected and the annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged such that an arrangement of the plurality of reinforcements arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply extends substantially or fully to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the top (outward radial extent) of a rim-flange area of the tire, to the top (outward radial extent) of a portion of a wheel rim-flange arranged adjacent to the tire, and/or to the top (outward radial extent) of a gap arranged in the wheel rim-flange. "Substantially" means up to 5 percent or up to 10% of the associated dimension. In extending substantially or fully to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the top of a rim-flange area of the tire, the annular reinforced bead area ply and/or the arrangement of elongate reinforcements arranged therein may or may not be, in different embodiments, configured to substantially or fully span the radial height of a gap in a wheel rim-flange.
[0019] With reference to a prior art tire 10 in FIG. 1, an annular reinforced bead area ply 18 is shown extending radially outward from a first terminal end 18j arranged adjacent to bead 12 to a second terminal end 180 located radially outward from rim-flange area RFAio. Annular reinforced bead area ply 18 also includes a plurality of elongate reinforcements 19A arranged in a matrix 19B formed of elastomeric material. The arrangement of reinforcements has a width WI9A- The location of second terminal end 18„ can be described as being located at a radius Ris0 from the rotational axis of the tire. The height of the annular reinforced bead area ply extending beyond the rim-flange area RFAio in the prior art tire can be described as being the difference between radius Ris0 and radius RRFAO- With reference to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in FIG. 2, a second terminal end 118„ of an annular reinforced bead area ply 118 is shown located within rim- flange area RFAno of bead area 111, the second terminal end forming a radially outward end of the ply. Annular reinforced bead area ply 118 is also shown extending radially outward from a first terminal end 118j forming a radially inward end arranged adjacent to bead 112. Annular reinforced bead area ply 118 also includes a plurality of elongate reinforcements 119A arranged in a matrix 119B formed of elastomeric material. The arrangement of reinforcements has a width WJM. In the embodiment shown, it is apparent that the annular reinforced bead area ply 118 of FIG. 2 is a shorter ply as compared to the annular reinforced bead area ply 18 of the prior art tire shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] The annular reinforced bead area ply can be described as being formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, and reinforced with a plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply. Stated differently, the plurality of elongate reinforcements are arranged within an elastomeric matrix within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply. The reinforcements may be arranged in any known manner, such as being arranged lengthwise in a parallel arrangement or cross-woven, such that one or more reinforcements cross one or more of other reinforcements within the ply. Cross-woven may form an over and under woven pattern, where reinforcements alternate overtop and below other reinforcements in a woven arrangement, or may simply provide an overlay of one or more reinforcements over other reinforcements. In certain embodiments, when using woven reinforcements, the ply is arranged such that the reinforcements are generally arranged 45 degrees relative to the radial direction of the tire. It is appreciated that any suitable elongate reinforcement may be employed. In certain exemplary embodiments, the elongate reinforcements are made of steel, and may take the form of wire or cable. In other exemplary embodiments, the elongate reinforcements are made of aramid or nylon, such as when using a woven arrangement of reinforcements, for example, and may take the form of a strand or cord. It is also appreciated that the annular reinforced bead area ply may be installed within the tire in any known manner. For example, in particular embodiments, the annular reinforced bead area ply is installed during a tire assembly process and before the tire is cured. In such instances, the annular reinforced bead area ply is uncured at the time of installation, and is later cured with the tire during a vulcanization process.
[0021] It is appreciated that the pneumatic tire according to any embodiment of the present invention may be used with, that is, mounted on, any desired wheel. Wheels upon which pneumatic tires are mounted generally include a central barrel and a pair of rim-flanges spaced axially along the central barrel and between which a tire is installed. Each rim-flange extends radially outward from the central barrel by a radial height. In particular embodiments, any embodiment of the pneumatic tire described herein may be used in association with a wheel having a gap arranged along a rim-flange of the wheel. In more specific embodiments, the wheel having a gap along a rim-flange of the wheel is a multi- piece wheel having a central barrel and a pair rim-flanges extending radially outward from the central barrel, where one of the rim-flanges has a gap. The gap is also referred to as a void or spacing. The rim-flange having the gap is separable from the wheel and positionable between installed and uninstalled arrangements. In such instances, the gap is generated by opposing ends of the separable rim-flange, the opposing ends forming terminal ends of a discontinuous ring, the ring extending annularly from one terminal end to the other terminal end. The terminal ends are closely spaced to form the ring, but are spaced apart to form a gap in the ring. It is noted that the span of the gap can vary between wheel manufactures. For example, in certain instances, the width (span) of the gap annularly along the ring is as much as 20 millimeters (mm), and in certain variations, ranges from 5 mm to 20 mm. It is appreciated that the gap may be even greater than 20 mm. The gap also has a height extending in a radial direction of the wheel, relative a rotational axis of the wheel. In certain instances, the gap has height extending the full radial height of the rim-flange. The rim- flange is installed along a central barrel of the wheel after the tire has been installed upon the central barrel for the purpose of constraining the tire on the central barrel and complete installation of the tire on the wheel. Multi-piece wheels can form a two-piece wheel, where one of the pair of rim-flanges is a single annular component separable from the wheel, or a three-piece wheel, where one of the pair of rim-flanges comprises two ring components each being separable from the wheel, where at least one of the two ring components has a gap. In certain instances, for the three-piece wheel, one of the two ring components is a lock ring that has a gap and the other ring is a continuous ring without a gap. With regard again to the pneumatic tire described herein, in particular embodiments, where at least one of the rim- flanges of the wheel has a gap, the second terminal end of the annular reinforced bead area ply is configured to substantially or fully extend to the radial height of the gap. In further variations, the annular reinforced bead area ply of the tire is sized and arranged to substantially or fully span a radial height of the gap. In further embodiments of such tires, the plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply form an arrangement of reinforcements configured to extend substantially or fully up to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim- flange of the wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted. In more specific variations, the arrangement of reinforcements are configured to substantially or fully span the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim-flange of the wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted.
[0022] By example, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary multi-piece wheel 130 is shown, the wheel being a two-piece wheel. Wheel 130 includes a pair of rim- flanges 132, 136. Rim-flange 136 is fixed while rim-flange 132 is separable from the wheel 130, and more specifically, from central barrel 138. This is more clearly shown in FIG. 4, where a separable rim-flange 132 is shown in association with a central barrel 138. Each rim-flange 132, 136 has a radial height HRF. Rim flange height HRF extends radially outward from the central barrel 138, or more generally from a location where the tire sits on the wheel. As best shown in FIG. 3, rim-flange 132 includes opposing terminal ends Ei32 that are closely spaced apart to form a gap 134, which extends the full radial height HRF of the rim-flange (at least locally). In FIG. 5, a three-piece wheel is shown in association with a pneumatic tire 110, where the separable rim-flange 232 comprises two (first and second) ring components 232A, 232B, each of which is annular or substantially annular. Separable rim- flange 232 also includes a gap (not shown) similar to the gap 134 shown in FIG. 3, but which is formed solely by second ring component 232B, such that the resulting gap is limited to the radial height of ring component 232B and not the full effective radial height HRF of rim- flange 232. An opposing rim-flange 236 (fixed/non-removable) and central barrel 238 are also shown. As discussed previously, other wheel designs may be employed.
[0023] With regard to a method of installing a tire onto a wheel, particular embodiments of said method include providing a pneumatic tire, the pneumatic tire comprising any tire contemplated herein having an annular reinforced bead area ply that extends up to, and not substantially radially outward or beyond, the radial extent of a rim- flange area of the tire. Further steps of the method include providing a wheel, the wheel comprising any wheel contemplated herein. In particular embodiments, the wheel is a multi- piece wheel including a central barrel and a pair rim-flanges extending radially outward from the central barrel, where at least one of the rim-flanges has a gap. Further steps of such methods include mounting the pneumatic tire onto the wheel, where the each rim-flange of the wheel is arranged within one of a pair of rim-flange areas of the tire. As a result, in particular embodiments, where at least one of the rim-flanges of the wheel has a gap, in the step of mounting, the tire is mounted such that the second terminal end of the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially or fully extends to the radial height of the gap of the one of the pair of rim-flanges. In more specific embodiments, in the step of mounting, the tire is mounted such that the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially or fully spans a width and radial height of the gap of the one of the pair of rim-flanges. In yet further variations of these methods, the plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply form an arrangement of reinforcements such that, upon mounting the tire upon the wheel, the arrangement of reinforcements extend substantially or fully up to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim-flange of the wheel. In more specific embodiments, the arrangement of reinforcements substantially or fully span the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim- flange of the wheel upon which the tire is mounted.
[0024] By example, with reference to an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6, a pneumatic tire comprising the pneumatic tire of FIG. 2 is shown mounted on a multi-piece wheel comprising the 2-piece wheel of FIG. 3. As can be seen, the rim-flange 132 and gap 134 of wheel 130 are each arranged within the rim-flange area RFAuo of the tire. Accordingly, the annular reinforced bead area ply spans the width and radial height of gap 134 of rim-flange 132, and more specifically the width and radial height of the gap. With additional reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, where the tire 110 of FIG. 2 is shown mounted on a 3-piece multi-piece wheel 230, the annular reinforced bead ply 118 is sized and arranged such that the radial height of the annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged to extend substantially or fully up to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the top (outward radial extent) of a rim-flange area RFAuo of the tire, to the top (outward radial extent) of a portion of a wheel rim-flange arranged adjacent to the tire as reflected by height HRF, and to the top (outward radial extent) of a gap (not shown but described above) arranged in each wheel rim-flange 232, 236. In more specific embodiments, the radial height of the annular reinforced bead area ply 118 is selected and the annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged such that an arrangement of the plurality of reinforcements 119A within the annular reinforced bead area ply, and a width WU9A thereof, extends substantially or fully up to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the top (outward radial extent) of a rim-flange area RFAuo of the tire, to the top (outward radial extent) of a portion of a wheel rim-flange arranged adjacent to the tire as reflected by height HRF, and to the top (outward radial extent) of a gap (not shown but described above) arranged in the wheel rim-flange 232, 236. It is also noted that the height or width of the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially extends the full height of the rim-flange and the portion thereof adjacently arranged to the tire and rim-flange area of the tire.
[0025] It is appreciated that the pneumatic tire as described in association with any embodiment or variation may be assembled and formed using any known method(s) or apparatus(es). In particular embodiments, where the annular reinforced bead area ply is applied to an uncured pneumatic tire (also referred to as a green tire) and cured with the tire, any such pneumatic tire is formed by: • arranging a pair of annular beads spaced apart in an axial direction of an uncured tire assembly;
• arranging one or more body plies within other tire components within the uncured tire assembly, each one or more body plies comprising a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements;
• arranging an annular reinforced bead area ply within the uncured tire assembly;
• curing the uncured tire assembly at least partially in a pneumatic tire mold to form a pneumatic tire having an annular reinforced bead area ply arranged to extend radially within a rim-flange area, and radially no further than the rim- flange area, of the tire.
It is appreciated that the annular reinforced bead area ply may be formed during assembly of the uncured tire assembly at a tire building machine.
[0026] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having," as used in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. The terms "a," "an," and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably. The term "single" shall be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as "two," are used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms "preferably," "preferred," "prefer," "optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (i.e., not required) feature of the invention. Ranges that are described as being "between a and b" are inclusive of the values for "a" and "b" unless otherwise specified.
[0027] While this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the scope and content of the invention are to be defined only by the terms of the following claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any specific embodiment discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any one or more embodiments otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A pneumatic tire comprising:
a pair of beads,
a pair of sidewalls, and
a central portion arranged between the pair of sidewalls and including a tire tread having an outer, ground-engaging side, the pair of beads each arranged in a bead area of the tire, each bead area forming an inner-radial portion of the tire from which one of the pair of sidewalls extend radially outward to the central portion,
each pair of beads with each associated bead area and pair of sidewalls being spaced apart axially along a rotational axis of the tire, and
an annular reinforced bead area ply arranged within the thickness of the tire between one of the pair of beads and the external side of the associated bead area, the annular reinforced bead area ply including a plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within an elastomeric matrix within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply, the annular reinforced bead area ply extending radially outward from a first terminal end arranged adjacent to the bead and to a second terminal end located within a rim-flange area of the bead area, the rim-flange area being an area configured to be arranged adjacent to a rim-flange of a wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted.
2. The pneumatic tire of claim 1, where each bead area is defined to extend from the innermost radial extent of the tire located radially inward from each bead and radially outward beyond the rim-flange area and to the top of a bead filler arranged atop the bead of the pair of beads associated with the bead area.
3. The pneumatic tire of any one of claims 1 and 2, where the elastomeric material is rubber.
4. The pneumatic tire of any one of claims 1 to 3, where the plurality of elongate
reinforcements are formed of steel.
5. The pneumatic tire of any one of claims 1 to 3, where the plurality of elongate reinforcements are formed of nylon or aramid and are woven to form a woven arrangement of elongate reinforcements.
6. The pneumatic tire of any one of claims 1 to 5, where the annular reinforced bead area ply is sized and arranged to substantially or fully span a radial height of a gap arranged within a rim-flange of the wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted.
7. The pneumatic tire of claim 6, where the plurality of elongate reinforcements
arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply form an arrangement of reinforcements configured to span the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim-flange of the wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted.
8. The pneumatic tire of any one of claims 1 to 7, where a second annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged within the thickness of the tire between the other of the pair of beads and the external side of the associated bead area, the second annular reinforced bead area ply extending radially outward from a first terminal end arranged adj acent to the associated bead and to a second terminal end located within a second rim-flange area of the associated bead area, the second rim-flange area being an area configured to be arranged adjacent to a rim-flange of a wheel upon which the tire is to be mounted.
9. The pneumatic tire of claim 8, where the second annular reinforced bead area ply forms any annular reinforced bead area ply described in of any one of claims 1 to 7.
10. A method of installing a tire onto a wheel, the method comprising:
providing a wheel having a central barrel and a pair rim-flanges extending radially outward from the central barrel;
providing a pneumatic tire, the tire having a pair of beads, a pair of sidewalls, and a central portion arranged between the pair of sidewalls and including a tire tread having an outer, ground-engaging side, the pair of beads each arranged in a bead area of the tire, each bead area forming an inner-radial portion of the tire from which one of the pair of sidewalls extend radially outward to the central portion, each pair of beads with each associated bead area and pair of sidewalls being spaced apart axially along a rotational axis of the tire, and an annular reinforced bead area ply arranged within the thickness of the tire between one of the pair of beads and the external side of the associated bead area, the reinforced bead area ply including a plurality of elongate reinforcements arranged within an elastomeric matrix within a thickness of the annular reinforced bead area ply, the ply extending radially outward from a first terminal end arranged adj acent to the bead and to a second terminal end located within a rim flange area of the bead area, the rim-flange area being an area configured to be arranged adjacent to a rim-flange of a wheel upon which the tire is configured to be mounted;
mounting the tire onto the wheel where the rim-flange of the pair of rim-flanges is arranged adj acent to the rim-flange area of the bead area.
1 1. The method of claim 10, where each bead area is defined to extend from the
innermost radial extent of the tire located radially inward from each bead and radially outward beyond the rim-flange area and to the top of a bead filler arranged atop the bead of the pair of beads associated with the bead area.
12. The method of any one of claims 10 to 1 1, where at least one of the rim-flanges of the wheel has a gap, and in the step of mounting, the tire is mounted such that the second terminal end of the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially or fully extends to the radial height of the gap of the one of the pair of rim-flanges.
13. The method of claim 12, where in the step of mounting, the tire is mounted such that the annular reinforced bead area ply substantially or fully spans a width and radial height of the gap of the one of the pair of rim-flanges.
14. The method of any one of claims 12 and 13, where the plurality of elongate
reinforcements arranged within the annular reinforced bead area ply form an arrangement of reinforcements such that, upon mounting the tire upon the wheel, the arrangement of reinforcements extend substantially or fully up to, and not beyond or substantially beyond, the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim-flange of the wheel.
15. The method of claim 14, where the arrangement of reinforcements substantially or fully span the radial height of the gap arranged within the rim-flange of the wheel upon which the tire is mounted.
16. The method of any one of claims 10 to 15, where the elastomeric material is rubber.
17. The method of any one of claims 10 to 16, where the plurality of elongate
reinforcements are formed of steel.
18. The method of any one of claims 10 to 17, where the annular reinforced bead area ply is installed on the tire during a tire assembly process and before the tire is cured.
19. The method of any one of claims 10 to 18, where the wheel is a multi-piece wheel, and the gap is formed by opposing terminal ends of the associated rim-flange.
20. The method of any one of claims 10 to 19, where a second annular reinforced bead area ply is arranged within the thickness of the tire between the other of the pair of beads and the external side of the associated bead area, the second annular reinforced bead area ply extending radially outward from a first terminal end arranged adjacent to the associated bead and to a second terminal end located within a second rim-flange area of the associated bead area, the second rim-flange area being an area configured to be arranged adjacent to a rim-flange of a wheel upon which the tire is to be mounted, where the second annular reinforced bead area ply forms any annular reinforced bead area ply described in of any one of claims 10 to 17.
PCT/US2015/067787 2015-12-29 2015-12-29 Pneumatic tire with reduced height annular bead area ply and methods for use with wheel WO2017116410A1 (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023110026A1 (en) 2021-12-16 2023-06-22 Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh Load-resistant pneumatic vehicle tire

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB809575A (en) * 1956-10-12 1959-02-25 Firestone Tire & Rubber Co Improvements in tire and rim combination
EP0114994A2 (en) * 1983-01-28 1984-08-08 Continental Aktiengesellschaft Vehicle wheel
US6659148B1 (en) * 1998-12-01 2003-12-09 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Bead reinforcing structure for radial truck tires
DE102004059772A1 (en) * 2004-12-11 2006-06-14 Continental Aktiengesellschaft Vehicle tyre comprises a one or more layered carcass insert in the bead regions, and textile reinforcing layers
EP2165860A2 (en) * 2008-09-18 2010-03-24 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Reinforcing structure for pneumatic tires
EP2165861A1 (en) * 2008-09-18 2010-03-24 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Turnup reinforcing structure for pneumatic tires
US20100108228A1 (en) * 2006-12-18 2010-05-06 Giuseppe Cereda Tire having an improved bead structure
US20120103499A1 (en) * 2009-05-12 2012-05-03 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Reinforcement comprising two reinforcing materials and tire comprising such a reinforcement

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB809575A (en) * 1956-10-12 1959-02-25 Firestone Tire & Rubber Co Improvements in tire and rim combination
EP0114994A2 (en) * 1983-01-28 1984-08-08 Continental Aktiengesellschaft Vehicle wheel
US6659148B1 (en) * 1998-12-01 2003-12-09 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Bead reinforcing structure for radial truck tires
DE102004059772A1 (en) * 2004-12-11 2006-06-14 Continental Aktiengesellschaft Vehicle tyre comprises a one or more layered carcass insert in the bead regions, and textile reinforcing layers
US20100108228A1 (en) * 2006-12-18 2010-05-06 Giuseppe Cereda Tire having an improved bead structure
EP2165860A2 (en) * 2008-09-18 2010-03-24 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Reinforcing structure for pneumatic tires
EP2165861A1 (en) * 2008-09-18 2010-03-24 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Turnup reinforcing structure for pneumatic tires
US20120103499A1 (en) * 2009-05-12 2012-05-03 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Reinforcement comprising two reinforcing materials and tire comprising such a reinforcement

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023110026A1 (en) 2021-12-16 2023-06-22 Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh Load-resistant pneumatic vehicle tire
DE102021214495A1 (en) 2021-12-16 2023-06-22 Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh Stress-resistant pneumatic vehicle tire

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