Abstract:
This invention relates to the preparation of a multi-layered rubber composite, said composite and a tire having a component prepared thereby. The multi-layered rubber composite is composed of at least two individual rubber compositions configured as at least three parallel aligned alternating rubber layers, wherein each rubber layer extends through the rubber composite thickness from one side to the other opposing side. The multi-layered rubber composite is prepared by co-extruding at least two individual rubber compositions, via an individual extruder for each rubber composition, to an internal cavity of a former. Said former is comprised of an internal cavity which contains a sequence of flow deflectors and channels for guiding the at least two individual rubber compositions to form said multi-layered rubber composite in a single manufacturing step.
Abstract:
A tire assembly (200) having runflat capability comprises a tire (202) mounted to a rim (203) to provide a tire cavity (204) defined by a carcass circumferential inner surface (246), two sidewall inner surfaces (248A,248B) and the rim. The tire assembly (200) is characterized by having a platform (206) disposed circumferentially around the rim within the tire cavity and one or more hoops (208A-208C) disposed within the tire cavity (204) between the platform (206) and the carcass circumferential inner surface (246) so that under normal inflation the one or more hoops do not contact either the carcass circumferential inner surface (246) or the sidewall inner surfaces (248A,248B), but below a first runflat inflation pressure, the one or more hoops (208A-208C) contact and support the carcass circumferential inner surface (246).
Abstract:
The invention relates to the extrusion of tire components with a large change of gauge across their cross-sectional area. It is provided a method and an assembly for extruding such a tire component with an extruder feeding a flow channel with a downstream die opening, whereby a deflector is provided in the flow channel upstream the die opening such that a flow of rubber is slowed down in front of broad portions of the cross-sectional area of the downstream die, avoiding distortion or bending of the extruded tire component.