Reinforced ply material with untwisted sets of steel monofilaments

Abstract

Reinforced ply material having a plurality of reinforcement elements (e.g., steel monofilaments) embedded in an elastomeric (e.g., rubber) sheet. The reinforcement elements are grouped in untwisted sets and each set includes a plurality of reinforcement elements. In an apparatus and/or method for making the reinforced ply material, the reinforcement elements are guided by a guide insert having passages corresponding to the desired grouped arrangement of the reinforcement elements. The reinforced ply material can be used to make steel belts for pneumatic tires.

1 - 32 . (canceled)  
   
   
       33 . A method for making the reinforced ply material of claim  1 , said method comprising the steps of: 
 guiding the reinforcement elements in a path corresponding to their arrangement in the reinforced ply material; and    encapsulating the guided reinforcement elements in an elastomeric extrude.    
   
   
       34 . A method as set forth in  claim 33 , wherein said guiding step comprises inserting a guide insert into a die head so that the guide insert guides the reinforcement elements into a die throat, wherein the guide insert comprises passages through which the reinforcement element pass, and wherein the passages are arranged corresponding to the arrangement of the reinforcement elements in the reinforced ply material.