Abstract: A pneumatic tire constituting part or all of the part members constituting the pneumatic tire by a rubber composition containing, based on a total 100 parts by weight of a rubber containing at least 70 parts by weight of an ethylenic unsaturated nitrile-conjugated diene-based highly saturated rubber having a content of conjugated diene units of not more than 30 percent by weight, 0 to 120 parts by weight of zinc methacrylate and 0 to 60 parts by weight of carbon black and having a total of formulations of zinc methacrylate and carbon black of 10 to 120 parts by weight, and providing, between the above part members and the adjoining diene-based rubber layer, a bonding rubber layer comprising of a rubber composition containing, based on a total 100 parts by weight of a predetermined diene-based rubber and acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer rubber, 5 to 80 parts by weight of a predetermined aromatic petroleum resin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rubber component for a pneumatic tire which comprises a process of overlap-winding at least one rubber tape into a target cross sectional shape for the rubber component, wherein each rubber tape has a thickness of from 0.3 to 3.0 mm and a width of from 5 to 40 mm, and an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the rubber component are defined by a surface layer made of windings of the rubber tape which windings are overlapped by a width WJ less than 75% of the rubber tape width but more than 1.0 mm.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tire having a sidewall rubber, which has improved weatherability and flexing fatigue resistance and is not discolored.

Abstract: A tire having at least one crescent-shaped rubber composition as an insert in its sidewall region which is comprised of at least one diene-based elastomer, carbon black and, optionally, silica and at least one of dithiodipropionic acid, benzoic acid and salicylic acid.

Abstract: At least one carcass ply is formed by depositing a strip element, comprising longitudinal thread elements incorporated into a layer of elastomer material, onto a toroidal support. Deposition of the strip element takes place in alternated deposition sections, each comprising two radially-extending side portions and a crown portion extending at a radially external position. The side portions of each deposition section are at least partly overlapped with side portions belonging to an adjacent deposition section. Associated with the carcass ply are an anchoring element. A belt structure, a tread band, and sidewalls are combined with the thus-formed carcass structure to define a tire to be submitted to a vulcanization step.

Abstract: The invention is a process of manufacture, namely an automobile tire that is made of a colored composition that is of a single, inherent non-black color. The rubber composition of the tire is thus enhanced by the use of a coloring agent such as a pigment or dye that will yield a desired color upon completion of the tire manufacturing process. Such dye or pigment may be enhanced by the use of reflective, luminescent or photochromic agents that will enhance certain effects and appearances of the tire including: ease of visibility, other safety concerns including wear and puncture identification, and aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A tire with light reflecting fluorescent strips for helping enhance the visibility of a vehicle. The tire with light reflecting fluorescent strips includes a spaced apart pair of side walls and a tread portion connecting the side walls together. The tread portion has a plurality of alternating ridges and grooves therearound. The tread portion also has at least one annular light reflecting reflective strip in at least one of the grooves of the tread portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a sidewall component of an EPDM-based rubber composition prepared with specified precipitated silica reinforcement and an organosilane disulfide material. In one aspect, such rubber composition may be exclusive of carbon black and may thereby be of color other than black.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition comprised of a combination of cis 1,4-polybutadiene and at least one liquid hydroxyl terminated polyalkylene polymer together with a halogenated copolymer of isobutylene and p-methylstyrene and a minor amount of at least one conjugated diene-based elastomer, preferably cis 1,4-polyisoprene. The rubber composition contains particulate reinforcement as carbon black or as carbon black and silica together with a coupling agent. The invention also relates to a tire having a sidewall of such rubber composition.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive labels, which desirably are coated with fluorescent ink having a non-stick pull tab end portion are utilized to indicate a substantially maximum or minimum radial distance of a tire tread and to indicate, respectively, a substantial minimum or maximum radial distance of a matingly engagable tire rim. The tire is applied to the rim with the labels in substantial radial alignment so as to reduce the out of round portion of the tire tread.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having an outer-facing sidewall area extending from opposing edges of a belt reinforcing structure to corresponding tire beads, the improvement comprising an outer layer of veneer covering said sidewall in whole or in part and said veneer comprising (a) from 85 to 92 parts by weight of polyisoprene; (b) from 15 to 8 parts by weight of a styrene-butadiene rubber; and (c) from 5 to 20 phr of a high styrene resin.

Abstract: A fluorescent label can be used to identify the location of variations, e.g. radial variations, in a pneumatic tire so the tire can be precisely mixed and matched with other components such as tire rims which may have compensating variations. The fluorescent label desirably includes a release backing, a pressure sensitive adhesive to bind said label to a tire, a nontransparent face sheet that reflects a substantial portion of incident light back towards its source, transparent top layer which contains one or more fluorescent dye(s) disproportionately present in the surface portion of the layer and preferably in the layer nearest the adhesive side. The location of the largest portion of the fluorescent dye is important as commercial labels with the dye on the exterior surface suffer from fluorescent reading losses apparently due to migration of mobile molecules from other tires stored in contact with the label's exterior surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vulcanized rubber substrate such as, for example, a tire and a colored, crosslinked, non-black, non-staining, opaque, rubber composition layer therein such as, for example, a colored sidewall. In one preferred embodiment, the invention relates to such a tire wherein said white sidewall is partially colored with a contrasting color prior to vulcanization. The color is desirably applied after mixing with a plasticizer for the white sidewall composition. During vulcanization the color penetrates and colors the visible portion of the white sidewall composition.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a tire comprising a colored motif and a decal inted to be applied to the outer surface of a vulcanized rubber tire. The decal is made of a thin sheet serving as temporary support for a motif made with one or more vulcanizable colored inks. The support has at least one cutout having a shape adapted to permit the fitting therein of at least one element in relief protruding from the surface of a tire at the place selected for the colored motif.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass extending between bead portions through a tread portion and a pair of sidewall portions, and a sidewall rubber disposed axially outside the carcass in each sidewall portion, the sidewall rubber comprising an axially outer layer and and an axially inner layer, the outer layer disposed along the outside of the tire and containing powder rubber, the inner layer disposed along the axially inside of the outer layer and containing no powder rubber, the thickness of the outer layer being 3 to 50% of the total thickness of the sidewall rubber, and the outer layer composed of 100 parts by weight of a base rubber compound and 5 to 20 parts by weight of the powder rubber. The powder rubber has a maximum particle diameter of 30 to 80 meshes.

Abstract: A pneumatic rubber tire having a rubber sidewall with at least a portion of its outer surface being composed of white rubber devoid of carbon black reinforcement and composed of an elastomer composition which contains a combination of trans 1,4-polybutadiene and synthetic cis 1,4-polyisoprene rubber and an exclusion of, or substantial exclusion of, natural cis 1,4-polyisoprene rubber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatic rubber tire having a rubber sidewall with at least a portion of its outer surface being composed of white rubber devoid of carbon black reinforcement and composed of an elastomer composition prepared as a combination of EPDM, chlorobutyl rubber, diene-based elastomers and liquid EPDM. The liquid EPDM component replaces at least a portion of a traditionally used naphthenic/paraffinic processing oil.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic tire having decreased rolling resistance employing at least one tire component selected from the group consisting of subtreads, black sidewall, body ply skims and bead fillers, prepared from a vulcanizable elastomeric composition having reduced hysteresis comprises from about 10 to 100 parts by weight of an elastomer comprising a plurality of polymer molecules, wherein substantially each polymer molecule contains at least one functional group at the site of initiation, and having a hysteresis reduction of at least about 10 percent compared to the same elastomer without a functional group on substantially each polymer molecule; from about 0 to 90 parts by weight of an elastomer having greater hysteresis than the elastomer having reduced hysteresis and selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber and blends thereof; and, from about 20 to about 100 parts by weight of carbon black, per 100 parts of the elastomer.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a strip of white rubber which is added to the otherwise black tire sidewall. The strip is molded separately from the other tire components and is added to the unvulcanized tire at the tire curing press. The strip is pressed into a recess in the sidewall forming surface of the upper tire mold half by a carrier ring which swings into the tire press with the green tire loader. The strip of white rubber is then affixed to the tire during molding of the tire.

Abstract: Poly(vinyl alcohol) used in combination with a marking composition including a fluorescent pigment or dye can be used to identify the location of variations, e.g. radial variations, in a pneumatic tire so the tire can be precisely mixed and matched with other components such as tire rims which may have compensating radial variations. The fluorescent marking can include poly(vinyl alcohol) or alternatively be applied as another layer over a poly(vinyl alcohol) based protective coating in which case the fluorescent marking composition need not contain poly(vinyl alcohol).

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl acetate-based composition which can be applied to a cured rubber surface, such as the white sidewall of a tire, to provide a protective coating against staining and scuffing. Preferably, the aqueous composition includes a polysiloxane agent for increasing the scuff resistance and high humidity resistance.

Abstract: A sidewall 4 for a tire, the sidewall 4 has an annular exterior surface having a first background pattern 20,30,40 formed by numerous ridges 22,32,42 interrupted by a plurality of contrasting surface patterns 21,31,41. The contrasting surface patterns 21,31,41 are preferably smooth but can be textured or grainy in appearance, it being most preferred that these surface patterns 21,31,41 be similar in texture but not in shape. The combination of the numerous linear extending ridges 22,32,42 and the plurality of surface patterns 21,31,41 create an irregular mosaic background pattern 20,30,40.

Abstract: An improved tire sidewall 12 for a tire 10 has an annular outer surface 11, the annular outer surface 11 having a design pattern having a first pattern 15 and a second pattern 17. The second pattern 17 is superimposed over a portion of ridges 20 of the first pattern 15. The improvement has the ridges 20 of the first pattern 15 within a sidewall sector 13 defined by parallel planes passing through a plane (T) parallel to the equatorial plane of the tire 10 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the annular tire sidewall 12 to form lines 21 all having the same slope (x/y). Preferably the ridges 20 have a substantially triangular cross section having an included angle of about 100.degree. at the apex. The sectors 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D can be any portion of the tire sidewall 12, preferably the sectors 13 being quadrants, halves, or the whole annular surface 11. The resulting patterns yield a decorative sidewall 12 having unique contrasting light and dark appearance.

Abstract: A rubber article has a rubber base body and a non-black areal member attached to the surface of the rubber base body. The rubber base body is made of a rubber compound containing at least one a basic, amino-group containing, aromatic anti-oxidant. The non-black areal member contains inorganic acidic components.

Abstract: A cured rubber tire has adhered thereto a layer of heated and mixed, productive urethane composition fluid sidewall material which has been flowed from a nozzle into a groove in the sidewall of a shaped tire. The tire is rotated under the nozzle a distance equal to the circumferential length of the groove so that the ends of the layer may be joined after which the flow of productive urethane composition sidewall material is terminated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for ablating selected surfaces of an elastomeric product or an attached work piece. A tire is positioned beneath a laser system such that a laser beam is cast upon the tire sidewall or applied work piece. A microprocessor controls the directing of the laser beam and the position of the tire with respect thereto such that various informational and/or decorative designs and configurations may be ablated into the surface impinged by the laser beam. The dwell time of the laser beam upon the surface and other factors control the depth of ablation. In certain embodiments of the invention, a multi layered work piece is employed such that the depth of ablation will correlate to contrasting or complimentary colors or will effect a desired relief appearance.

Abstract: A product and process for imparting decorative appliques to the sidewalls of tires during the curing operation are presented. A spool of applique composite material is maintained for feeding into a tire mold or onto a transfer device, thereby defining a ring for vulcanization to a tire. The applique consists of a laminate received upon a carrier, the laminate having a first barrier layer and a congruent second decorative layer. The laminate is received by a tire sidewall between two grooves which serve to isolate the decorative layer from the tire itself.

Abstract: A product and process for imparting decorative appliques to the sidewalls of tires during the curing operation are presented. In one embodiment, a spool of applique composite material is maintained for feeding into a tire mold or onto a transfer device, thereby defining a ring for vulcanization to a tire. The applique consists of a laminate received upon a carrier, the laminate having a first barrier layer and a congruent second decorative layer. The laminate is received by a tire sidewall between two grooves which serve to isolate the decorative layer from the tire itself. In another embodiment a laminate of white and barrier rubber stock is formed and then configured into a cylinder. A plurality of bands are cut from the cylinder then transferred to a fixture by reorienting the bands to conform to the angle of the sidewall of the tire at the point with which the band is to be adhered.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a tread rubber layer disposed radially outside a carcass, a sidewall rubber layer disposed axially outside the carcass in each sidewall portion, the sidewall rubber layer softer than the tread rubber layer, a protective rubber layer disposed on the outer surface of the sidewall rubber layer, the protective rubber layer made of a fiber-reinforced rubber composition contains 10 to 50 parts by weight of short fibrous reinforcements, 20 to 70 parts by weight of carbon black, and 100 parts by weight of rubber base consisting of 20 to 100 parts by weight of natural rubber or isoprene rubber and 80 to 0 parts by weight of butadiene rubber, the short fibrous reinforcements oriented in the tire circumferential direction.

Abstract: A heat activated transfer which is particularly suitable for marking elastomeric articles comprises a lower elastomeric layer bonded to an upper polyester layer. The upper polyester layer in turn carries indicia which is a sublimation dye heat transferred into the polyester layer. The polyester is preferably a high temperature saturated polyester resin, preferably polyethylene terephthalate. The lower layer is preferably a thermoplastic elastomeric layer. The two layers are bonded together by a thermoplastic adhesive, preferably a polyester.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying personalized alphanumeric characters and the like to the sidewall of a tire is disclosed. The method allows a tire owner to adorn the tires with a desired name, phrase, slogan, logo, etc., quickly and at low cost. In addition, the apparatus allows the tire owner to space the characters properly on the sidewall to ensure a professional appearance.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a pneumatic tire includes a cured tread area, an outer sidewall area connected to the tread area, and an outer bead connected to the sidewall area at an end thereof and defining an opening for receiving a wheel. The tire also includes a pre-cured, elastomeric, decorative applique and an applique-contacting adhesive layer positioned between the sidewall and the applique. A method according to the present invention, of providing a cured pneumatic tire with a decorative outer sidewall, includes the step of bonding to the outer sidewall of the cured pneumatic tire a cured, elastomeric, decorative applique with an adhesive layer.

Abstract: A product and process for imparting decorative appliques to the sidewalls of tires during the curing operation are presented. In one embodiment, a spool of applique composite material is maintained for feeding into a tire mold or onto a transfer device, thereby defining a ring for vulcanization to a tire. The applique consists of a laminate received upon a carrier, the laminate having a first barrier layer and a congruent second decorative layer. The laminate is received by a tire sidewall between two grooves which serve to isolate the decorative layer from the tire itself. In another embodiment a laminate of white and barrier rubber stock is formed and then configured into a cylinder. A plurality of bands are cut from the cylinder then transferred to a fixture by reorienting the bands to conform to the angle of the sidewall of the tire at the point with which the band is to be adhered.

Abstract: A tire which is provided on a sidewall with an embossed mark (3), the embossed mark has an indent portion (5) and an outline portion (6), the outline portion has a top surface (6A) having a light color different from a dark color of the sidewall surface (2S) the bottom (5A) of the indent portion is provided with a rough surface to have a less luster than the sidewall surface, and preferably, the radial height of the mark is in the range from 15 mm to 60 mm, and the bottom of the indent portion is provided with a cross mesh pattern whose mesh pitches are 0.01 to 0.1 times the radial height H of the mark.

Abstract: A cured rubber tire having a surface coated with at least one of polyvinylpyrrolidone and a monavalent water soluble salt of methylvinylether/maleic acid copolymer.

Abstract: A method for improving the aging resistance of the sidewalls of retreaded tires is provided. The method involves the steps of treating the surface of the sidewalls of the worn tire to be retreaded with an aqueous solution or dispersion containing a film-forming polymer and an antiozonant, retreading the treated tire and then curing the treated retreaded tire thereby causing the antioxidant to migrate into the inner portion of the sidewall.The method of the invention is particularly useful for improving the aging resistance of the sidewalls of worn truck and bus tires which are conventionally retreaded several times.

Abstract: A radial tire for motorcycles which comprises: at least one ply of radially arranged organic fiber cords turned up around the bead cores to form two turned up portions and a main portion therebetween; a tread disposed radially outside the carcass to define the tread portion; sidewalls disposed axially outside the carcass to define the sidewall portions; a belt disposed radially outside the carcass and inside the tread; a bead apex disposed between the carcass main portion and each carcass turned up portion and extending radially outwardly and taperingly from the bead core; the radial height of the radially outer edge of each carcass turned up portion being 0.3 to 0.5 times the radial height of the tread edge, both from the bead base; the radial height of the radially outer edge of each bead apex from the bead base being 0.3 to 0.5 times the radial height of the tread edge; the belt composed of at least one spirally wound cord having an elastic modulus of not less than 600 kgf/sq.

Abstract: For a wide variety of reasons, it would be desirable to affix identification labels, such as serial numbers, to tires. Such labels should be capable of lasting the entire life of the tire which may include being retreaded on multiple occasions. From a commercial standpoint, it is also very important for the label and the means of affixing it to the tire to be inexpensive. This invention discloses such a technique for affixing identification labels to tires.

Abstract: A cured rubber tire having a surface coated with at least one of polyvinylpyrrolidone and a monovalent water soluble salt of methylvinylether/maleic acid copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a whitened polymeric blend composition in which the whiteness is achieved by the substitution of from about 0 to about 20 parts per hundred rubber of calcium sulfate for from about 0 to about 20 parts per hundred rubber of titanium dioxide by volume. The invention allows for a reduction of up to 20 percent of the titanium dioxide, while maintaining a brightness of at least 85 as measured on the L scale of the Minolta Chroma Meter test.

Abstract: Tires having white sidewalls are very popular in the United States and Canada. Tires having white lettering thereon are also very popular. This invention discloses a process for preparing such tires having decorative appliques thereon. By practicing the process of this invention, tires having better uniformity can be built at lower costs than when standard tire building techniques are utilized. This invention specifically relates to a method of preparing a pneumatic rubber tire having a decorative design on the sidewall thereof which comprises (a) applying the decorative applique to the sidewall of an uncured tire and (b) curing the tire; wherein the decorative applique is comprised of from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a melting point which is within the range of about 70.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C.

Abstract: A composition comprised of polyvinylalcohol coating containing at least one water soluble ultraviolet absorber. In one aspect, there is provided a rubber tire having at least one surface coated with such composition.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting comprising a monolayer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in an elastomeric support layer and protruding from the front side of the support layer, and an omni-directionally elastic filamentary reinforcing web at least partially embedded in the rear portion of the support layer, wherein at least the back stratum of the support layer is a vulcanizable or curable elastomer. The back stratum comprises an elastomer which is compatible with the desired substrate. The reinforcing web is typically a knit or nonwoven web. The support layer may be monolayer, dual-layer or multi-layer.

Abstract: Tires having white sidewalls are very popular in the United States and Canada. This invention discloses a process for preparing such tires having decorative appliques thereon. By practicing the process of this invention, tires having better uniformity can be built at lower costs than when standard tire building techniques are utilized. This invention specifically relates to a method of preparing a pneumatic rubber tire having a decorative applique on the sidewall thereof which comprises (a) applying the decorative applique to the sidewall of a cured tire and (b) binding the decorative applique to the sidewall by the application of heat and pressure; wherein the decorative applique is comprised of from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene or blends of SPBD having melting points which are within the range of about 70.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for applying markings or decorations to the sidewall of a cured tire. A thin polyester carrier sheet has a thermoplastic transfer stock thereon. A heated die is provided having thereon the geometric configuration of the desired marking or decoration. The heated die is urged against the transfer laminate to impinge the transfer stock against the sidewall of the cured tire. The heat of the die effects a release of the transfer stock from the carrier sheet in areas congruent with the indicia carrier by the die. The affinity of the transfer stock for the tire is greater than its affinity for the carrier sheet and the transfer is thus made.

Abstract: Tires having white sidewalls are very popular in the United States and Canada. Tires having white lettering thereon are also very popular. This invention discloses a process for preparing such tires having decorative appliques thereon. By practicing the process of this invention, tires having better uniformity can be built at lower costs than when standard tire building techniques are utilized. This invention specifically relates to a method of preparing a pneumatic rubber tire having a decorative design on the sidewall thereof which comprises (a) applying the decorative design to the sidewall of an uncured tire and (b) curing the tire; wherein the decorative design is comprised of from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a melting point which is within the range of about 100.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C.

Abstract: A white sidewall band for radial ply tires consisting of upstanding wall areas extending axially outward from surrounding sidewall areas and having white rubber disposed radially across the width of the band and recessed axially inward from one wall area to the other. Sidewalls of this type can be made using buffing stones having buffing surfaces of convex cross-section, and result in white sidewalls protected from dirtying during transportation, storage, and the like without introducing structural weakness in the sidewall area.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a coating on at least one of its surfaces comprised of (a) polyvinyl-alcohol coating material containing (B) aluminum hydroxide.

Abstract: A wear-indicating tire includes a tread section that is formed of a plurality of visually different plys that present a visually different effect as the tire tread wears down. The sidewall section of the tire also includes a pattern or that cooperates with the visual signal from the tire tread section to provide an overall aesthetic appearance that is pleasing.

Abstract: A curable rubber compound having enhanced tack and rubber articles and components, such as tires and treads, made therefrom. Compounds of the invention do not contain wax in an amount that is in excess of the wax's solubility in the rubber. Treads made from compounds of the invention generally do not require cement to secure their splices. Compounds of the invention typically include a formulated fatty acid or alkylated aromatic or phenolic resin, carbon black, natural and/or synthetic rubber, paraffinic or naphthenic oils, and a curing agent. Compounds of the invention have a tack of at least about 3 Newtons. Rubber compounds of the invention, and rubber components made therefrom, can be protected from ozone attack and oxidation by coating an outer surface of the compound and/or component with wax. Treads protected using these methods should have the wax applied to their outer surface subsequent to securing any tread splice.