U.S. patent application number 11/470064 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for tire with exo-belt skin.
This patent application is currently assigned to SWEETSKINZ, INC.. Invention is credited to Josh Deetz, Yann Mellet.
Application Number | 20070000589 11/470064 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37072371 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070000589 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mellet; Yann ; et
al. |
January 4, 2007 |
TIRE WITH EXO-BELT SKIN
Abstract
A tire assembly for insertion into a tire mold including a
partially cured base tire and a partially cured skin. The partially
cured base tire includes a plurality of spaced tread members. The
skin includes a predetermined percentage of reinforcing fiber
comprised of a crushed mono-filament aramid fiber material and the
skin includes a predetermined printed pattern. The partially cured
skin is at least slightly larger than the partially cured base tire
and surrounds and engages an entire outer periphery of the
partially cured base tire. The partially cured skin surrounds and
engages an entire tread surface of the tread members. The partially
cured base tire and the partially cured skin are insertable into
the tire mold. The predetermined pattern is visible on an external
peripheral surface of the tire assembly.
Inventors: |
Mellet; Yann; (Philadelphia,
PA) ; Deetz; Josh; (Taiping City, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD L.L.P.
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE
2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2200
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
SWEETSKINZ, INC.
2309-11 Wallace Street
Philadelphia
PA
|
Family ID: |
37072371 |
Appl. No.: |
11/470064 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10253837 |
Sep 24, 2002 |
7118643 |
|
|
11470064 |
Sep 5, 2006 |
|
|
|
60325523 |
Sep 28, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
152/209.4 ;
152/209.5; 152/524 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60C 11/00 20130101;
B60C 11/005 20130101; B60C 13/001 20130101; Y10T 152/10513
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
152/209.4 ;
152/524; 152/209.5 |
International
Class: |
B60C 1/00 20060101
B60C001/00; B60C 11/00 20060101 B60C011/00 |
Claims
1. A tire assembly for insertion into a tire mold, the tire
assembly comprising: a partially cured base tire; and a partially
cured skin including a predetermined pattern, the predetermined
pattern being printed on an entire external peripheral surface of
the skin, the partially cured skin being approximately the same
size as the partially cured base tire and surrounding and engaging
an entire outer surface of the partially cured base tire, the
partially cured base tire and the partially cured skin being
insertable into the tire mold together, the predetermined pattern
being visible on the external peripheral surface of the tire
assembly.
2. The tire assembly of claim 1 wherein the predetermined pattern
includes a retro-reflective material.
3. The tire assembly of claim 3 wherein the retro-reflective
material is comprised of at least one of particles and beads.
4. The tire assembly of claim 1 wherein the partially cured base
tire and the partially cured skin are constructed of a
predetermined rubber composition.
5. The tire assembly of claim 1 wherein the rubber composition of
the skin includes a retro-reflective material therein.
6. The tire assembly of claim 1 wherein the skin includes a
predetermined percentage of reinforcing fiber, the reinforcing
fiber comprised of an aramid fiber material.
7. The tire assembly of claim 1 wherein the predetermined pattern
is comprised of a plurality of discrete decorative patterns.
8. The tire assembly of claim 1 wherein the predetermined pattern
is comprised of an advertisement printed on the skin.
9. The tire assembly of claim 1 wherein a retro-reflective material
is added to at least one of one of the partially cured skin and the
predetermined pattern.
10. The tire assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of
spaced tread members, the partially cured skin surrounding and
engaging an entire tread surface of the plurality of spaced tread
members.
11. A tire for a vehicle comprising: a base tire constructed of a
first rubber mixture; and a skin constructed of a second rubber
mixture, the skin mounted to and covering an entire outer
circumferential surface of the base tire; and a predetermined
pattern printed onto an entire external peripheral surface of the
skin.
12. The tire of claim 11 wherein the first and second rubber
mixtures include a predetermined percentage by volume of
reinforcing fiber comprised of an aramid fiber material.
13. The tire of claim 11 wherein the predetermined pattern is
comprised of a plurality of discrete decorative patterns.
14. The tire of claim 11 wherein the first and second rubber
mixtures include between one and twelve percent (1-12%) by weight
of aromatic polyamide fibers therein.
15. The tire of claim 14 wherein the first and second rubber
mixtures include eight percent (8%) by weight of aromatic polyamide
fibers therein.
16. The tire of claim 11 wherein the first and second rubber
mixtures are comprised of a blend of approximately twenty-five
percent (25%) synthetic rubber and approximately seventy-five
percent (75%) natural rubber.
17. The tire of claim 16 wherein the synthetic rubber is comprised
of a styrene-butadiene rubber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/253,837, filed Sep. 24, 2002, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/325,523,
filed Sep. 28, 2001, the entire subject matters of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to tire enhancement
and, more particularly, to a tire having an exo-belt cover or skin
incorporated into at least a portion of the peripheral surface
thereof.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Briefly stated, in one embodiment, the present invention
comprises a method of making a tire with a skin covering at least a
portion of the outer peripheral surface of the tire. The method
comprises the steps of: providing a partially cured tire; providing
a partially cured skin; installing the partially cured tire and the
partially cured skin in a tire mold with the skin engaging and
covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the tire and
with the skin facing an inner surface of the mold; applying heat
and pressure to the tire to press the skin and the tire against the
inner surface of the mold; and maintaining the heat and pressure
for a predetermined time period to vulcanize and bond together the
tire and the skin.
[0004] The present invention further comprises a tire assembly. The
tire assembly includes a partially cured tire formed of a first
predetermined rubber composition. A partially cured skin is formed
of a second predetermined rubber composition. The second
predetermined rubber composition is substantially the same as the
first predetermined rubber composition. The partially cured skin is
at least slightly larger than the partially cured tire and
surrounds and engages at least a portion of the outer periphery of
the partially cured tire. The partially cured tire and the
partially cured skin are cured together as a single unit to bond
the skin to the tire to form the tire assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0006] In the drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cover or skin for a tire
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a
bicycle tire showing the skin of FIG. 1 applied thereto;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of a skin for a tire
in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of a
partially cured standard bicycle tire;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a partially cured bicycle tire
illustrating the initial stage of application of the skin of FIG.
3; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a rim-mounted bicycle tire
with the skin applied thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates to a base tire or tire 2
having an exo-belt skin or skin 1 which is applied to the external
surface thereof, as described more fully herein below. In the
present embodiment, a standard or specialty bicycle tire 2 is shown
in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 to illustrate the invention. It should be
understood, however, that the skin 1 could be applied to other
types of tires including other types of bicycle tires, motorcycle
tires, automobile tires or any other circumferential type of tire,
if desired. It is the primary intention of the skin 1, to enhance
the visual interest or appeal of the tire 2 and to improve wear and
performance, however, other advantages of having the skin 1 on a
tire 2 will hereinafter become apparent.
[0014] As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base (partially cured)
tire or tire 2 (shown in radial cross-section) has a
circumferential ply or base 4 with an outer circumferential surface
6, a pair of spaced apart annular side walls 8 at the distal ends
of the base 4, a pair of rim engaging annular beads 9 on the distal
ends of the side walls 8, and a tread pattern extending along the
outer circumferential surface 6. The tread pattern of the present
embodiment includes a plurality of spaced tread members 10, each of
which extend radially outwardly from the outer circumferential
surface 6 of the base 4. The specific tread pattern for a
particular tire will vary depending upon the style and type of tire
and some tires may not include a tread pattern at all. In addition,
the number of plies of the tire 2 may vary to include multiple
plies such as 3 ply, 4 ply, 5 ply, 6 ply, etc., in some
applications. Bicycle tires of the type illustrated by FIG. 5 are
typically formed utilizing a rubber mixture containing about 75% by
weight of natural rubber and about 25% by weight of synthetic
rubber. However, the percentages of the natural rubber and
synthetic rubber of the mixture may vary in particular
applications. In addition, in the case of some bicycle tires,
reinforcing fibers may be added to the rubber mixture to improve
performance. Typically, when such reinforcing fibers are added to
the mixture, the mixture is referred to as a "3D compound". The
reinforcing fibers may comprise any suitable fiber, preferably
mono-filament fiber, such as Kevlar.RTM., which may be crushed and
mixed into the rubber mixture. Kevlar.RTM. is an aromatic polyamide
or aramid mono-filament fiber, as is know by one having ordinary
skill in the art. Typically, such 3D compounds include
approximately 3% by weight of the reinforcing fibers. However, the
percentage of reinforcing fibers in the 3D compound may be less
than or greater than 3% for particular applications.
[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 6, the present invention
comprises a skin 1, which is adapted to be permanently installed
upon or applied to at least a portion of the outer periphery of a
base tire 2. In the preferred embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 3,
the skin 1 is generally comprised of an elongated belt or strip
which is substantially the same length as the circumferential
dimension of the outer circumferential surface 6 of the tire 2.
However, the skin 1 could have a length which is greater than or
less than the circumference of the outer circumferential surface 6
of the tire 2. The length will be determined by the aesthetic and
performance characteristics one wishes to impart to the tire 2
through the use of the skin 1. For example, the skin 1 of the
preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, wherein the skin 1 is a belt
or strip, enhances aesthetic and visual as well as the performance
characteristics of the tire 2 around the entire circumference of
the tire 2. In an alternative embodiment, best shown in FIG. 1, the
skin 1 is a continuous loop which enhances both the aesthetic and
performance characteristics of the entire tire 2. It is also
contemplated that the skin 1 may be for covering only a segment of
the tire 2 to achieve desired characteristics for the tire 2.
[0016] The skin 1 of the preferred embodiment preferably has a
width that encompasses the entire width of the tread pattern and
each side wall 8 of the tire 2 extending from one bead 9 to the
other bead 9. In other words, it is preferred that the entire
exposed outer peripheral surface of the tire 2 be covered by the
skin 1. It is contemplated, however, that the width of the skin 1
may be less than that of the preferred embodiment. For example, the
skin 1 could be configured to overlie and cover at least a portion
of only one of the side walls 8 of the tire 2 or just the tread
members 10 and outer circumferential surface 6 of the tire 2 (and
not the side walls 8). Again, the width of the skin 1 will depend
on the visual and performance characteristics one would like to
impart to the tire 2. Since one of the functions of the skin 1 is
decorative, the width of the skin 1 and the portions of the tire 2
on which the skin 1 is applied will be determined by the visual
effect to be created. The decorative function of the skin 1 will be
discussed more fully below.
[0017] Additional factors to be considered in determining the
length and width of the skin 1 are the added weight and cost of the
skin 1. Inasmuch as rotational weight, particularly at the outer
circumference of a tire, dramatically increases the amount of work
required to increase the rotational speed of the tire, minimizing
the rotational weight is important to overall tire performance.
Accordingly, the skin 1 must be carefully tailored to balance
between the added tire weight and the aesthetic and performance
purposes and visual effect sought to be achieved. Whereas in the
preferred embodiment, the skin 1 is intended to enhance the
aesthetic characteristics of the tire 2 around the entire outer
periphery of the tire 2, one may desire that the visual aesthetic
characteristics be more locally limited on the outer
circumferential surface 6 and tread members 10 of the tire 2.
[0018] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 the skin 1 preferably has
visual characteristics that extend throughout at least some portion
of the skin 1. More preferably, the visual characteristics could
extend throughout the entire surface of the skin 1. Preferably, the
skin 1 extends from the base 4 to embrace the entire outer
periphery of the tire 2 including the outer circumferential surface
6 and the entire surface of each of the tread members 10. The skin
1 preferably extends the entire length of the tread members 10,
including the end portion, so as to completely cover the entire
periphery of each tread member 10 once the skin 1 has been applied
to the tire 2.
[0019] Preferably, the skin 1 which, before being applied to the
base tire 2 is in a green or partially cured state, is made of a
composite rubber mixture, preferably a blend of about 25% synthetic
rubber, such as styrene-butadiene rubber and about 75% natural
rubber. Preferably, the composition of the skin 1 is the same as or
similar to the composition of the base tire 2 to which the skin 1
is applied. In this manner, bonding between the skin 1 and the base
tire 2 is enhanced. Additionally, a combination of rubber and a
polymeric material could be used. Other materials known to those
skilled in the art could be used, if desired. In the preferred
embodiment, reinforcing fibers are added to the skin 1 to enhance
performance. Preferably, the reinforcing fibers are of the
mono-filament type, such as Kevlar.RTM. and are crushed and mixed
into the rubber mixture. The reinforcing fibers, preferably the
aromatic polyamide mono-filament fibers, could comprise between
1-12% by weight of the rubber mixture but preferably comprise about
8% of the mixture. The material(s) elected must provide both
durability and light weight to the skin 1 and be such that the skin
1 will bond to the tires during production. Preferably the skin 1
is limited in thickness to that which is sufficient to permit
effective transfer and retention of the desired image onto the
desired portion of the outer periphery of the tire 2 and provide
the desired performance characteristics. However, it is also
contemplated that the skin 1 be constructed of a substantial
thickness so as to help protect the tire 2 from wear and
abrasions.
[0020] In some applications, at least the exposed outer surface of
the skin 1 could be coated with a protective coating (not shown) to
protect the skin 1 from the effects of wear and abrasion both
following manufacture (in transport, etc.) and during use.
Preferably the protective coating is urethane, but it is
contemplated that the protective coating could be any transparent
or translucent, durable, flexible material with sufficient bonding
characteristics to adhere to the skin 1 under the conditions of
anticipated use. Preferably, the protective coating selected also
provides protection to the skin 1 from ultraviolet light and the
like.
[0021] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the skin 1 preferably
includes a decorative pattern 16 which may be a pattern
incorporating the trade dress of a particular manufacturer,
retailer or the like (not shown) or some other pattern such as a
snake skin pattern and/or other natural or non-natural patterns or
the like (not shown), as examples. The decorative pattern 16 may
comprise virtually any pattern or simply one or more solid colors.
To enhance the safety and aesthetic characteristics of the tire 2,
the decorative pattern 16 may include a phosphorescent material 17,
as shown in FIG. 2, applied in a pattern such as stripes as shown
in FIG. 2, or as a solid color as shown in FIG. 1. The decorative
pattern 16 may also include reflective or retro-reflective
particles or beads such as Scotchlite.RTM. from 3M to enhance the
visual and safety aspects of the tire 2. It should be understood
that the decorative pattern 16 can be incorporated on or into the
skin 1 itself, or into the protective coating (not shown), or both.
The retro-reflective material could be added to the rubber
composition of the skin 1 and/or could be applied to the ink used
to form the decorative pattern of the skin 1. The decorative
pattern 16 could also include specifically directed advertising
related or unrelated to the tire 2, bicycle (not shown) or the
like. The decorative pattern 16 may be comprised of a plurality of
discrete decorative patterns 16a, 16b, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
The decorative pattern 16 need not be distributed over the entire
skin 1, but may be distributed over only a portion of the skin 1.
For example, a portion of the decorative pattern 16 could be
located only on the portion of the skin 1 that overlies the side
walls 8 of the tire 2.
[0022] The decorative pattern 16 is visible on at least a portion
of the peripheral surface of the skin 1, i.e., it is applied to the
surface of the skin 1. Preferably, the skin 1 is produced with the
intended colored design printed thereon. Alternatively, it is to be
understood that the decorative pattern could be embedded within a
portion of the skin 1.
[0023] The skin 1 may be made by any of several methods well known
to those skilled in the art. Most preferably, the skin 1 is made by
creating a thin sheet of rubber composition material (not shown)
which is partially cured. Preferably, the skin 1 will have a
thickness in the range of 0.5 to 1 millimeter and more preferably
is in the range of 0.5 mm to 0.75 mm. Preferably, a membrane (not
shown) is applied to one side of the skin 1 to enable the skin 1 to
be handled more easily. It should be understood that the use of a
membrane for handling is not necessary. The decorative pattern 16
is printed on the skin 1 using any of a number of techniques known
to those skilled in the art, but preferably is printed using offset
and other known printing techniques which are well-known.
Preferably the ink applied to the skin 1 is sufficiently rubberized
or flexible to be able to withstand the rigors of tire use,
including expansion during inflation and flexure during use based
on the cycle of alternate tension/compressive stresses created on
the tire during normal use.
[0024] In an alternative embodiment, at least some of the three
dimensional tread members 10 will be positioned on the outer
circumferential surface 6 in a pattern that will correspond in
theme or design to the design printed two dimensionally to the skin
1. In a further alternative embodiment, at least some of the tread
members 10 will be shaped to correspond in theme or design to the
design printed on the skin 1. It is contemplated that the tread
members 10 may be both shaped and positioned so to correspond in
design or theme to the design printed on the skin 1.
[0025] The skin 1 is preferably applied to the base tire 2 during
the tire manufacturing process. As stated above, the skin 1 is in a
partially cured, green state at the time it is constructed.
Preferably the skin 1 is applied to the tire 2 when the tire 2 is
also in a green or partially cured state and the tire 2 and skin 1
are thereafter fully cured (vulcanized) together to form an
assembled whole. The molding equipment used for curing the tire 2
and skin 1 is conventional equipment used during tire manufacture
and well known to those skilled in the art. Other equipment and/or
methods may be employed to secure the skin 1 to the base tire 2.
Preferably a BOM vertical mold is used but other molds such as a
toroidal clam shell mold or the like could be used, if desired.
Preferably, the partially cured skin 1 and the partially cured base
tire 2 are placed in the mold and thereafter the expandable
interior mold bladder is expanded using steam or other such
pressure to cause the skin 1 and the base tire 2 to expand into the
mold with the skin 1 facing the inner surface of the mold. Further
expansion of the mold bladder causes the skin 1 and base tire 2 to
conform to the inner surface of the mold thereby creating the
desired tire shape, texture and tread pattern. The bladder is
retained in place by the pressure for a predetermined time period
during which the tire 1 and the skin 2 are fully cured or
vulcanized by heat and pressure transmitted to the bladder via
steam or other well known methods. Preferably, the outer surface of
the mold is also heated in a manner known to those skilled in the
art to enhance curing of the combined skin 1 and base tire 2 and to
prevent under curing or over curing of the tire 2 or skin 1.
[0026] Preferably, the skin 1 is initially positioned in the mold
so that upon expansion of the mold bladder, the pattern of the skin
1 is in proper registry with the tread pattern imparted to the skin
1 and base tire 2 by the inner surface of the mold. It will be
recognized by those skilled in the art that the skin 1 will,
through the curing process, become fused or bonded to the base tire
2 due to the combination of both the skin 1 and tire 2 and the
final curing process. Thus, when the partially cured tire 2 and
partially cured skin 1 are subjected to the remainder of the curing
process to which a tire 2 is normally subjected and which is well
known to those skilled in the art the skin 1 becomes part of the
tire 2. The bonding of the base tire 2 and the skin 1 is enhanced
due to the composition of the skin 1 being the same as or similar
to the composition of the base tire 2. It is also preferred that
the skin 1 is applied prior to fully curing the tire 2 to help
avoid a costly double cure process and to create a permanent bond
between the skin 1 and the tire 2 so that the visual
characteristics of the tire remain aligned with or in registry with
the tire 2 in both the circumferential and axial directions. It
should be understood, however, that for some applications, the skin
1 may be applied to the tire 2 after the tire 2 is fully cured
using an adhesive or some other direct or intermediate bonding
agent or process.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the external surface 18 of the skin 1
may include a surface texture 20 for improving adhesion between the
skin 1 and the trail and/or road surface(s) to which the skin 1 is
exposed when on a tire 2. The surface texture could be imparted by
the mold during the curing process or could be created by adding a
textured material to the rubber composition of the skin 1. The
primary effect of the surface texture 20, which will preferably
cover portions of or the entire surface of the tread members 10 as
well as lie within the interstitial region between the tread
members 10 and the sides of the tread members 10, is to enhance the
ability of the tire 2 to grip trail and/or road surfaces, to shed
mud, and/or to channel water away from the tire 2. As shown in FIG.
3, the surface texture 20 may include a plurality of different
textures 20a, 20b, or the surface texture 20 may encompass only a
single texture (not shown). The surface texture 20 may be made up
of virtually any combination of bumps, knobs, depressions, ridges,
etc. that will provide a gripping, mud shedding, or water
channeling characteristic to the skin 1. As will be recognized by
those skilled in the art the surface texture 20 may also serve to
enhance the aesthetic characteristics of the tire 2.
[0028] Again, it should be noted that the skin 1 is intended to
cover the tread members 10 in their entirety, as contrasted to
prior techniques for decorating tires, such as that disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,794, which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference. This is advantageous not only for improving
the aesthetics of the tire 2 of the present invention over the
prior art by permitting the skin 1 to cover all or substantially
visual surfaces of the tire 2, but also permits the design to
incorporate the tread members 10 into, for example, a pattern
matching the decorative pattern 16 or surface texture 20 into image
specific treads. Additionally, covering the tread members 10 with
the skin 1 can cause the skin 1 to serve as a reinforced exo belt
which also improves the performance and wear resistance of the tire
2 over prior art designs particularly if the reinforcing fibers
have been used to form the skin 1.
[0029] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiment described above without
departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It should also
be understood that the above description was directed to a bicycle
tire 2 for purposes of providing one example of the types of tires
to which the present invention may be applied. It is clearly
contemplated that the present invention may be applied to any type
of tire, including, but not limited to, all types of bicycle tires
including sew-ups, tubeless and clincher tires, in addition to
motorcycle tires, automobile tires, heavy equipment tires, etc. It
is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all
modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0030] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *