Patents by Inventor Sebastien Rigo

Sebastien Rigo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10315465
    Abstract: A reinforced product (21) comprises: an elastomer matrix (23), several reinforcing elements (44) embedded in the elastomer matrix (23), the reinforcing elements (44) being arranged side by side in a main direction (X1). Each reinforcing element (44) comprises: at least one filamentary element, and at least one sheath coating the filamentary element and comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic polymer composition. The ratio R1=ODO/E of the mean minimum thickness ODO of elastomer present on the back of the sheath to the mean thickness E of the reinforced product (21) is less than or equal to 0.17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Sylvain Petitjean, Cecile Barbier, Sebastien Rigo
  • Publication number: 20190100056
    Abstract: A reinforced product, which can be used in particular for the reinforcing of a finished rubber article, comprises one or more textile or metallic reinforcing threads, the said thread or threads being covered individually or collectively with a sheath comprising a sheathing composition comprising one or more block copolymers comprising at least one polyamide block and at least one polyolefin block, the sheathed thread or threads being themselves embedded in a rubber composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: SEBASTIEN RIGO, QUENTIN PINEAU
  • Publication number: 20180361791
    Abstract: During the process for the manufacture of a tire (20) assemblage (24) comprising: a first woven or knitted fabric (26) comprising several first threadlike elements (64, 66), a second woven or knitted fabric (28) comprising several second threadlike elements (68, 70), a bearing structure comprising bearing elements (32) connecting the first and second woven or knitted fabric(s) (26, 28) together, each first threadlike element (64, 66) is coated with a layer of a first adhesive composition and each second threadlike element (68, 70) is coated with a layer of a second adhesive composition, each first and second coated threadlike element (64, 66, 68, 70) is then heat treated, so as to crosslink each first and second adhesive composition, each first and second coated and heat-treated threadlike element (64, 66, 68, 70) is then assembled with the bearing elements (32), so as to form the assemblage (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: SÉBASTIEN RIGO, FLORIAN VILCOT, NICOLE DAJOUX, MAGALY BROUSSEAU
  • Publication number: 20180361790
    Abstract: A tire assembly includes an assemblage formed of first and second impregnated woven or knitted structures, a bearing structure, and at least one sacrificial holder. The first impregnated woven or knitted structure includes a first woven or knitted fabric and a first layer of a first polymeric composition. The second impregnated woven or knitted structure includes a second woven or knitted fabric and a second layer of a second polymeric composition. The bearing structure includes bearing elements connecting the first and second woven or knitted fabrics together. Each sacrificial holder is structured to hold temporarily the first and second impregnated structures in contact with each other, connecting the first and second woven or knitted fabrics together. When the first and second impregnated woven or knitted structures are separated from each other, each sacrificial holder breaks before any breakage of the bearing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: SÉBASTIEN RIGO, FLORIAN VILCOT, DANIEL BEAULATON, BASTIEN LIMOZIN, DAMIEN FOMBELLE, MAGALY BROUSSEAU
  • Publication number: 20180194169
    Abstract: Bearing structure (6) has identical bearing elements (61) in tension outside contact patch (A) with the ground and in compression in the contact patch (A). Bearing elements (61) are filamentary and are connected to radially inner face (23) of radially outer structure of revolution (2) by radially outer fabric (71) and to radially outer face (33) of radially inner structure of revolution (3) by radially inner fabric (72), respectively. Furthermore, mean surface density D of bearing elements (61) per unit area of radially outer structure of revolution (2), expressed in 1/m2, is at least equal to (S/SE)*Z/(A*Fr), where S is area, in m2, of radially inner face (23) of radially outer structure of revolution (2), SE is connecting area, in m2, of radially outer fabric (71) with radially inner face (23) of radially outer structure of revolution (2), Z is nominal radial load, in N, A is area of contact with the ground, in m2, and Fr is the force at break, in N, of bearing element (61).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Florian VILCOT, Sébastien RIGO, Daniel BEAULATON
  • Publication number: 20180056722
    Abstract: A reinforcing assembly for a tire includes a knit and a plurality of reinforcing elements. The knit includes a right side and a wrong side. The reinforcing elements extend parallel to one another and each criss-cross the knit over at least a portion of the knit. The knit is arranged in such a way that the right side is positioned radially outside relative to the wrong side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: BASTIEN LIMOZIN, SÉBASTIEN RIGO, LAURENT BUCHER
  • Patent number: 9821606
    Abstract: A composite reinforcer that can adhere directly to a diene rubber matrix is usable as a reinforcing element for a pneumatic tire. The composite reinforcer includes at least one reinforcing thread, such as a carbon steel cord. Covering each thread individually or several threads collectively is a layer of a thermoplastic polymer composition. The thermoplastic polymer composition includes at least one thermoplastic polymer have a glass transition temperature that is positive, a poly(p-phenylene ether) (PPE), and a functionalized unsaturated thermoplastic styrene (TPS) elastomer having a glass transition temperature that is negative. The TPS elastomer includes a functional group selected from: an epoxide group, a carboxyl group, an acid anhydride group, and an ester group. A process for manufacturing such a composite reinforcer is presented, as well as a process for producing a rubber article, especially a pneumatic tire, incorporating such a composite reinforcer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Abad, Sébastien Rigo, Emmanuel Custodero
  • Patent number: 9617661
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal cord with two concentric layers of wires is provided. The cord includes an internal layer of M wires, M having a value from 1 to 4, and an external layer of N wires. The cord is rubberized from within in situ. That is, during manufacture of the cord, the cord is rubberized from inside. According to the method, the internal layer is sheathed with rubber or a rubber compound by passing the internal layer through an extrusion head, and the N wires of the external layer are assembled around the sheathed internal layer to form a two-layer cord rubberized from the inside. The rubber is an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer that is extruded in a molten state, and preferably is a thermoplastic styrene (TPS) type of thermoplastic elastomer, such as an SBS or an SIS block copolymer, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Custodero, Sébastien Rigo, Jérémy Toussain
  • Patent number: 9617662
    Abstract: A metal cord has an M+N construction with two concentric layers. An internal first layer or core includes M wire(s) of diameter d1, M having a value from 1 to 4. An external second layer includes N wires of diameter d2 and is positioned around the core, the N wires being wound in a helix. Between the wires of the two layers are gaps, some or all of which include a filling rubber based on an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer. The filling rubber may be, for example, based on an SBS or an SIS block copolymer. When used in a molten state, the thermoplastic elastomer presents no problem due to unwanted stickiness if the filling rubber overspills outside the cord after manufacture. The unsaturated and therefore (co)vulcanizable nature of the thermoplastic elastomer makes it compatible with diene rubber matrices used as calendering rubber in metal fabrics intended for reinforcing tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Thibaud Pottier, Sébastien Rigo, Jérémy Toussain
  • Publication number: 20170043624
    Abstract: The tire (10) comprises a crown (12) surmounted by a tread (22), two sidewalls (24), two beads (26), each sidewall (24) connecting each bead (26) to the crown (12), a carcass reinforcement (34) anchored in each of the beads (26) and extending in the sidewalls (24) as far as the crown (12). The carcass reinforcement (34) comprises one carcass ply (44) comprising carcass reinforcing elements (46) having a mean laying pitch (P) strictly greater than 1.5 mm. The carcass ply (44) comprises an elastomer matrix (54) in which the carcass reinforcing elements (46) are embedded, each carcass reinforcing element (46) comprising: one filamentary element (56), and one sheath (58) coating the filamentary element (56) and comprising at least one layer (60) of a thermoplastic polymer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Laurent BUCHER, Philippe LESOEURS, Sébastien RIGO, Aurore LARDJANE, Sébastien NOEL
  • Publication number: 20170043626
    Abstract: A tire having a radial carcass reinforcement having at least one layer of metal reinforcing elements. The tire includes a crown reinforcement, itself radially capped by a tread. The tread is connected to two beads by two sidewalls. The reinforcing elements of at least one layer of the carcass reinforcement have at least one filamentary element and at least one sheath covering the at least one filamentary element. The at least one sheath includes at least one layer of a thermoplastic polymer composition. The thickness of rubber compound between the internal surface of the tire cavity and the point of a metal reinforcing element of the carcass reinforcement that is closest to the internal surface of the cavity is less than or equal to 3.8 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Laurent BUCHER, Philippe LESOEURS, Sébastien RIGO, Aurore LARDJANE, Sébastien NOEL, François BARBARIN
  • Patent number: 9540766
    Abstract: Composite reinforcer (R-2) that is self-adhesive, by curing, to a diene rubber matrix, which can be used as reinforcing element for a pneumatic tire, comprising: one or more reinforcing thread(s) (20), for example a carbon steel cord; a first layer (21) of a thermoplastic polymer, the glass transition temperature of which is positive, for example a polyamide, covering said thread, individually each thread or collectively several threads; a second layer (22) of a composition comprising a poly(p-phenylene ether) (“PPE”) and a functionalized diene elastomer bearing functional groups selected from epoxide, carboxyl, acid anhydride and acid ester groups, in particular an epoxidized SBR, covering the first layer (21). Process for manufacturing such a composite reinforcer and rubber article or semi-finished product, especially a pneumatic tire, incorporating such a composite reinforcer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Abad, Sébastien Rigo, Emmanuel Custodero
  • Publication number: 20160167439
    Abstract: A reinforced product (21) comprises: an elastomer matrix (23), several reinforcing elements (44) embedded in the elastomer matrix (23), the reinforcing elements (44) being arranged side by side in a main direction (X1). Each reinforcing element (44) comprises: several filamentary elements (46), and at least one communal sheath collectively coating the filamentary elements (46) and comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic polymer composition. The ratio R1=ODO/E of the mean minimum thickness ODO of elastomer present on the back of the sheath to the mean thickness E of the reinforced product (21) is less than or equal to 0.17, the mean minimum thickness of elastomer ODO and mean thickness E of the reinforced product (21) being measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction (X1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: MICHEL AHOUANTO, SANDRINE BRAUD, SEBASTIEN RIGO
  • Publication number: 20160167438
    Abstract: A reinforced product (21) comprises: an elastomer matrix (23), several reinforcing elements (44) embedded in the elastomer matrix (23), the reinforcing elements (44) being arranged side by side in a main direction (X1). Each reinforcing element (44) comprises: at least one filamentary element, and at least one sheath coating the filamentary element and comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic polymer composition. The ratio R1=ODO/E of the mean minimum thickness ODO of elastomer present on the back of the sheath to the mean thickness E of the reinforced product (21) is less than or equal to 0.17.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: SYLVAIN PETITJEAN, CECILE BARBIER, SEBASTIEN RIGO
  • Publication number: 20160159154
    Abstract: A reinforced product (21) comprises: an elastomer matrix (23), several reinforcing elements (44) embedded in the elastomer matrix (23), the reinforcing elements (44) being arranged side by side in a main direction (X1). Each reinforcing element (44) comprises: at least one filamentary element (46) comprising a single monofilament, and at least one sheath coating the filamentary elements (46) and comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic polymer composition. The ratio R1=ODO/E of the mean minimum thickness ODO of elastomer present on the back of the sheath to the mean thickness E of the reinforced product (21) is less than or equal to 0.17, the mean minimum thickness of elastomer ODO and mean thickness E of the reinforced product (21) being measured in a direction (Y1) substantially perpendicular to the main direction (X1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: SEBASTIEN NOEL, AURORE LARDJANE, SEBASTIEN RIGO
  • Patent number: 9150984
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a multi-layer metal cord having a plurality of concentric layers of wires, comprising one or more inner layer(s) and an outer layer, of the type “rubberized in situ. The method includes the following steps: at least one step of sheathing at least one inner layer with the rubber or the rubber composition by passing through at least one extrusion head; and an assembling step in which the wires of the outer layer are assembled around the inner layer adjacent to it, in order to form the multi-layer cord thus rubberized from the inside. The rubber is an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer extruded in the molten state, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer of the thermoplastic stirene (TPS) elastomer type such as an SBS, SBBS, SIS or SBIS block copolymer for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Custodero, Sébastien Rigo, Jérémy Toussain
  • Patent number: 9010079
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing a metal cord with three concentric layers including a first layer of diameter dc made up of M wire(s) of diameter d1, around which layer are wound together as a helix at a pitch p2, as a second layer, N wires of diameter d2, around which are wound as a helix at pitch p3, as a third layer, P wires of diameter d3. The N wires of the second layer are assembled around the layer to form, at a point called “assembling point”, an intermediate cord called “core strand” of M+N construction; upstream and/or downstream of the assembling point, the layer and/or the core strand is sheathed with a rubber or rubber composition by passing through at least one extrusion head; then the P wires of the third layer are assembled around the core strand to form a cord of M+N+P construction thus rubberized from the inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissments Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Custodero, Sébastien Rigo, Jérémy Toussain
  • Patent number: 8973634
    Abstract: Composite reinforcement (R-2) that is self-adhesive by curing to a diene rubber matrix, which can be used as reinforcing element for a tire, comprising: at least one reinforcing thread (20), for example a carbon steel cord; a first layer (21) of a thermoplastic polymer, the glass transition temperature of which is positive, for example 6,6 polyamide, covering said thread; and a second layer (22) comprising an unsaturated thermoplastic stirene elastomer, the glass transition temperature of which is negative, for example an SBS (stirene-butadiene-stirene) copolymer, covering the first layer (21). Process for manufacturing such a composite reinforcement and rubber article or semi-finished product, especially a tire, incorporating such a composite reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Emmanuel Custodero, Sebastien Rigo
  • Patent number: 8968871
    Abstract: Composite reinforcer (R-2) self-adhesive, by curing, to a diene rubber matrix, which can be used as reinforcing element for a tire, comprising: one or more reinforcing thread(s) (20), for example a carbon steel cord; a first layer (21) of a thermoplastic polymer, the glass transition temperature of which is positive, for example, a polyamide 6,6, covering individually said thread or each thread or collectively several threads; a second layer (22) comprising a functionalized diene elastomer bearing functional groups selected from epoxide, carboxyl, acid anhydride and acid ester groups, for example, an epoxidized natural rubber, covering the first layer (21). Process for manufacturing such a composite reinforcer and rubber article or semi-finished product, especially a tire, incorporating such a composite reinforcer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Abad, Sebastien Rigo, Emmanuel Custodero
  • Publication number: 20150030851
    Abstract: A composite reinforcer capable of adhering directly to a diene rubber matrix, which can be used in particular as a reinforcing element for a tyre, comprises: one or more reinforcing thread(s), for example a thread or cord made of carbon steel; and a layer of a polymer composition which covers the said thread, individually each thread or collectively several threads, this layer comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, the glass transition temperature of which is positive, such as, for example, a polyamide, and an epoxidized diene elastomer, such as, for example, natural rubber or a butadiene homopolymer or copolymer. A process for the manufacture of such a composite reinforcer, and a finished article or semi-finished product made of rubber, in particular a tyre, incorporating such a composite reinforcer are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Vincent Abad, Sébastien Rigo, Emmanuel Custodero