Abstract: A self-supporting tyre for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure, a tread band, a pair of sidewalls, and at least one elastic stiffening insert. The carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply provided with end flaps engaged with respective annular reinforcing structures. The annular reinforcing structures are disposed in coaxial relationship with a geometric rotation axis of the tyre at positions axially spaced apart from each other. Each annular reinforcing structure includes at least one first circumferentially inextensible annular anchoring insert. The at least one elastic stiffening insert is incorporated into the carcass structure, at least at one of the sidewalls, and includes a radially internal end portion at least partly disposed in axial side-by-side relationship against the at least one first annular anchoring insert. A method of making the tyre is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tyre for vehicle wheels has a pair of beads (5) each having a frusto-conical rest surface (5a) and showing a cross-section profile converging towards the rotation axis of the tyre (1) away from an equatorial plane (X-X) of same. Each bead (5) incorporates an annular anchoring structure (4) comprising an anchoring portion (16) of a flattened profile extending in parallel to the rest surface (5a), and a stiffening portion (12) extending in a radial direction. Associated with the carcass structure (2) is a circumferential centring ridge (20) radially jutting out within the tyre (1) at a crown portion of the latter. Also described is a rim (23) provided with engagement seats (24) the shape of which matches that of the beads (5) and with a guide race (25) conforming in shape to the centring ridge (20).

Abstract: A first carcass ply (3) is formed by depositing onto a toroidal support (11), strip-like lengths (13) cut to size from a continuous strip-like element and each comprising longitudinal thread-like elements (14) incorporated into a layer of elastomer material (17). The strip-like lengths are laid down sequentially in mutual circumferential side by side relationship, to form side portions (25) partly superposed on each other and crown portions (24) in mutual circumferential side by side relationship. Associated with the carcass ply (3) are annular structures (4) comprising a first and a second circumferentially inextensible annular inserts (27, 28) and an elastomer filling (29) interposed therebetween. A second carcass ply (31) is made in superposed position to the first carcass ply (3) and the annular structures (4). A belt structure (5), a tread band (8) and sidewalls (9) are combined with the carcass structure (2) thus formed, to define a tire (1) to be vulcanized.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tyres includes making a plurality of structural components for tyres, assembling the components following a pre-established sequence at respective work stations disposed along a manufacturing line, transferring the tyres to a curing line, and curing the tyres in respective vulcanization moulds. The tyres are sequentially transferred along the manufacturing line from a first work station to successive work stations. At least one series of tyres is simultaneously processed on the manufacturing line and the curing line, and the at least one series of tyres includes at least one first tyre model and at least one second tyre model different from the at least one first tyre model. The tyres are transferred from the manufacturing line to the curing line at a same rate as the tyres are sequentially transferred along the manufacturing line from the first work station to the successive work stations.

Abstract: A method of making a tire includes forming at least one first carcass ply of a structure, forming at least one circumferentially-inextensible annular structure, and applying the at least one circumferentially-inextensible annular structure to a region close to inner cicumferential edges of the at least one first carcass ply. Forming the at least one first carcass ply includes preparing first strip lengths, each first strip length including longitudinal and parallel thread elements at least partly coated with at least one layer of raw elastomer material, and depositing the first strip lengths onto a toroidal support to define two side portions and a crown portion. The crown portions are disposed consecutively in side-by-side relationship along a circumferential extension of the toroidal support. The side portions of each first strip length cover in part or are partly covered by a side portion of at least one circumferentially-consecutive first strip length.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing elastomeric material components of a tyre for a vehicle wheel includes feeding a continuous elongated element from a delivery member for application onto a support, giving the support a rotary motion around a geometrical rotation axis of the support, so that the elongated element is circumferentially distributed on the support, and carrying out controlled relative displacements for transverse distribution between the support and the delivery member to form the elastomeric material components of the tyre with the elongated element. Feeding the elongated element takes place by extrusion of elastomeric material through at least one extrusion screw and at least one gear pump. The component is defined by a plurality of coils laid down in a pre-established deposition pattern depending on a cross-section outline to be given to the component. An apparatus for manufacturing elastomeric material components of a tyre for a vehicle wheel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-supporting tyre (1) has reinforcing structures at the beads (4) defining rest surfaces (4a) for a corresponding rim (1a) which have a profile converging towards the tyre rotation axis away from the equatorial plane (X-X) of the tyre itself. The carcass plies (3a, 3b) are each made by sequential deposition of strip-like sections circumferentially distributed on a toroidal support (11). Elastic-support inserts (16, 21) are interposed between the side portions (13a, 14a) of axially internal sections (13), axial intermediate sections (15). In this manner around at least one of said support inserts opening degree of which can be modulated depending on requirements, by modifying the land/empty space ratio determined by the distance existing between the side portions (13a, 14a, 15a) of the strip-like sections (13, 14, 15) covering each of the axially opposite sides of the support insert itself.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tires includes the steps of making structural components for tires, assembling the structural components of each tire following a pre-established sequence at respective work stations disposed along a manufacturing line, transferring the tires to a curing line, and curing the tires in respective vulcanization molds. The tires are sequentially transferred along the manufacturing line from a first work station to successive work stations. At least one series of tires is simultaneously processed on the manufacturing line and the curing line. The at least one series of tires comprises at least one first tire model and at least one second tire model different from the at least one first tire model. The tires are transferred from the manufacturing line to the curing line at a same rate as the tires are sequentially transferred along the manufacturing line from the first work station to the successive work stations.

Abstract: A tire for a vehicle wheel is provided which comprises a carcass structure, and a belt structure applied to the carcass structure at a circumferentially-outer position of the carcass structure. A tread band is also provided which is circumferentially superposed on the belt structure, and sidewalls are laterally applied to opposite sides of the carcass structure. The carcass structure comprises at least one carcass ply, and a pair of annular reinforcing structures, wherein the at least one carcass ply comprises a first series and a second series of strip segments consecutively arranged along a circumferential development of the carcass structure, and each strip segment extends according to a substantially U-shaped conformation. In addition, each strip segment comprises at least two filiform elements, positioned longitudinally and parallel to each other, and at least partially coated by at least one layer of elastomer material.

Abstract: A method for moulding and curing a tyre for a vehicle wheel includes building a tyre on a toroidal support, placing the tyre carried by the toroidal support into a moulding cavity, pressing an outer surface of the tyre against walls of the moulding cavity using a working fluid under pressure, and heating the working fluid. The toroidal support includes an outer surface whose shape substantially matches the tyre's inner surface. The walls of the moulding cavity conform in shape to an outer surface of the tyre when vulcanization is completed. The working fluid flows in at least one diffusion gap between the toroidal support and the tyre. The working fluid in contact with the tyre has a critical temperature lower than a vulcanization temperature and the working fluid is submitted to circulation. An apparatus for moulding and curing a tyre for a vehicle wheel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carcass structure for vehicle tires includes the steps of making at least one carcass ply by deposition of elongated sections circumferentially distributed on a toroidal support and applying annular reinforcing structures to a region close to inner circumferential edges of the at least one carcass ply. Each of the elongated sections extends in a U-shaped configuration around a cross-sectional outline of the toroidal support to define two side portions mutually spaced apart in an axial direction and one crown portion extending at a radially outer position between the side portions. Each of the elongated sections is laid down substantially in a plane parallelly offset relative to a meridian plane of the toroidal support. A related carcass structure and tire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for monitoring deformations of a moving tire mounted on a rim associated with a vehicle includes a moving station and a fixed station. The moving station is operatively coupled to the rim. The moving station measures, at least intermittently and in at least one direction, a distance between the moving station and an inner surface of the tire. The fixed station is operatively coupled to the vehicle. The fixed station receives from the moving station, at least intermittently, at least one first signal associated with the measurement. The moving station measures the distance within a time interval when a first antenna associated with the moving station and a second antenna associated with the fixed station are in proximity to each other. Related methods for monitoring deformations of a moving tire mounted on a rim associated with a vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a vehicle with tyre wheels includes an immobilization device, at least one detection control unit, and at least one sensor. The immobilization device activates an anti-theft procedure. The at least one detection control unit is connected to the immobilization device and verifies an alarm condition. The at least one sensor is associated with one or more of the tyre wheels, communicates with the at least one detection control unit, detects movement of one or more of the tyre wheels, and detects inflation pressure of one or more of the tyre wheels. A method for activating an anti-theft device for a vehicle with tyre wheels includes detecting an alarm condition from at least one of the tyre wheels, receiving the detected condition, and activating an anti-theft procedure.

Abstract: A carcass structure for vehicle wheel tires includes at least one carcass ply and a pair of annular reinforcing structures. The at least one carcass ply includes a first and a second series of strip segments consecutively arranged along a circumferential development of a toroidal support and including at least two filiform elements, positioned longitudinally and parallel to each other, at least partially coated by at least one layer of raw elastomer material. The annular reinforcing structures include at least one primary portion and at least one additional portion. The at least one primary portion includes a first circumferential-inextensible annular insert, a filling body, and at least one second circumferentially-inextensible annular insert. The at least one additional portion comprises at least one third circumferentially-inextensible annular insert. The annular inserts are each formed by at least one elongated element extending in concentric turns.

Abstract: A carcass structure for a vehicle wheel tyre includes at least one carcass ply comprising thread elements substantially disposed transversely of a circumferential extension of the carcass structure, and at least one pair of annular reinforcing structures disposed close to respective inner circumferential edges of the at least one carcass ply. Each of the annular reinforcing structures includes at least one first circumferentially-inextensible annular insert formed of at least one first elongated element extending in concentric coils, and at least one second circumferentially-inextensible annular insert formed of at least one second elongated element extending in concentric coils. The at least one carcass ply has end flaps each turned back around an inner circumferential edge of a respective first annular insert and each axially interposed between respective first and second annular inserts. A method of manufacturing the carcass structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plant for producing types of tyres different from each other includes a manufacturing unit including a plurality of work stations, devices for transfer and movement of the tyres being produced, and a vulcanizing unit including vulcanizing moulds for the tyres being produced. Each work station is designed to assemble at least one corresponding structural component on at least one type of tyre being produced. The devices for transfer and movement operate between the work stations and provide selective movement for each of the types of tyres being produced in proximity to corresponding work stations. The plant may also include a central processing unit. The central processing unit may control the devices for transfer and movement to coordinate processing stages for each type of tyre in the manufacturing unit and in the vulcanizing unit. Additionally, the plant may include holding stations associated with at least some of the work stations.

Abstract: A tire for vehicle wheels provided with a tread pattern includes at least one continuous central circumferential groove straddling an equatorial plane of the tire, at least two continuous lateral circumferential grooves having median planes substantially parallel to the equatorial plane of the tire, and a plurality of transverse grooves. These grooves delimit at least four circumferential rows of blocks, two central rows and two shoulder rows. Each block of the central rows is defined by a plurality of sides and at least four vertices, a pair of front vertices and a pair of rear vertices, in relation to a predetermined running direction of the tire. The blocks of the central rows include a first transverse notch having a first terminal end inside a respective block of the central rows and a first starting end communicating with the at least one central circumferential groove.

Abstract: A method for producing types of tires different from each other includes the steps of making a plurality of structural components for the tires, manufacturing the tires by assembling the structural components in proximity to corresponding work stations, moving the tires being manufactured to and from the corresponding work stations arranged in a manufacturing unit, transferring the manufactured tires to a vulcanizing unit, and vulcanizing the tires in corresponding vulcanizing moulds. The step of manufacturing the tires includes providing at least one series of tires to be produced, wherein the at least one series of tires includes a sequence of at least a first type of tire and a second type of tire arranged in a predetermined order, and modifying the predetermined order in proximity to at least one of the corresponding work stations. An associated plant for producing types of tires different from each other is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tyre for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a pair of annular reinforcing structures, a tread band, and a pair of sidewalls. The carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply including two lateral portions and a crown portion. The at least one carcass ply comprises elongated elements arranged in a substantially U-shaped configuration around a profile of a cross-section of the tyre. A density of the elongated elements is greater in the lateral portions than in the crown portion. The density of the elongated elements increases continuously and regularly in end zones of the lateral portions in directions away from the crown portion. A shape of a cross-section of each elongated element is constant. A method for forming the tyre includes preparing a plurality of strip elements, constricting end zones of each strip element, and laying the strip elements with constricted end zones on a toroidal support.

Abstract: A tire carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply and a pair of annular reinforcing structures. The at least one carcass ply includes a first and second series of strip segments. Each strip segment extends around a cross-section profile of the carcass structure to define two lateral portions and an annulus portion. Each annular reinforcing structure includes at least one primary portion and at least one additional portion. The at least one primary portion includes a first circumferentially-inextensible annular insert and a filling body. The at least one additional portion includes at least one second circumferentially-inextensible annular insert. The first annular insert and the at least one second annular insert include one or more elongated elements extending in substantially-concentric turns. A radial extension of the at least one second annular insert is less than a radial extension of the first annular insert.