Abstract: A tire sensor assembly that is embedded in an elastomeric tire at a particular radial depth inwardly from a contact patch of the tire includes a flexible generally pyramid-shaped body and a pair of first strain sensors disposed on first opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body, the first strain sensors detecting a force in a first direction. In addition, the assembly includes a pair of second strain sensors disposed on second opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body, the second strain sensors detecting a force in a second direction. Moreover, each face of the first and second opposed faces is non-planar. Preferably, the first and second opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body are curved and generally symmetrical about an axis extending longitudinally through the apex of the body so as to allow adjustment of the sensitivity of the sensor assembly generally independent of the radial depth.

Abstract: The tire of this invention has an asymmetrical tread pattern with a balanced inboard and outboard tread pattern. The tread pattern has a plurality of tread ribs with their average transverse widths equal to one another at the contact with the road surface. The total contact surface area on the inboard side of the mid-circumferential plane is essentially equal to the total contact surface area on the outboard side. The circumferential grooves between tread ribs have a groove base which is straight in the circumferential direction. The groove openings between the contact surface areas of adjacent ribs have a serpentine shape, except for the outermost outboard groove. The amplitude of the serpentine grooves increases from the outboard straight groove to the innermost inboard groove. The ribs have a rib base with a transverse width greater than the transverse width of each rib at the contact surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory for a flap for use with an inner tube and wheel, comprising a base of oblong shape whose upper face is provided with a rigid insert in the form of a hollow cylinder, said accessory being made by molding a single material that resists creep up to a temperature of 180° C., to prevent the flap creeping through an orifice in the wheel.