Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting tread portion, a reinforced annular band disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the reinforced annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The reinforced annular band comprises an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer.

Abstract: A tire tread comprising a rubber composition based on (phr: parts by weight per hundred parts of elastomer): (i) a diene elastomer; (ii) more than 50 phr of an inorganic filler as reinforcing filler; (iii) between 2 and 15 phr of an (inorganic filler/diene elastomer) coupling agent; (iv) between 1 and 10 phr of a methylene acceptor, and (v) between 0.5 and 5 phr of a methylene donor. This tread has, after mechanical running-in of the tire for which it is intended (“auto-accommodation”), a rigidity gradient which increases radially from the surface towards the inside of the tread. Use of such a tread for the manufacturing or recapping of tires. Tires comprising a tread according to the invention, in particular of the snow or ice type (“winter” tires).

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for producing an artificial snow surface for tire evaluation is provided. The process provides for manufacturing a series of snow layers, each layer followed by a packing and a grooming step to provide a multi-layered snow surface. Desirable shear strength properties of the snow surface are enhanced by a surface grooming technique that applies a layer of water to the upper snow surface followed by grooming of the surface. The manufactured snow surface allows the testing and evaluation of tires that compares favorably to tire evaluation data obtained from outdoor testing facilities.

Abstract: A tire mold according to the invention includes a plurality of tread sectors for forming a tread portion of a tire and two shell inserts for molding the sidewalls of a tire wherein the tread sectors and the shell inserts are castings formed from the same model. A method for manufacturing a mold in accordance with the invention includes the steps of providing a casting model having the tread and sidewall features of a tire, the casting model having parting zones between the tread and sidewall, casting an element from the model, the cast element accordingly having parting zones between the tread and sidewall portions, and separating the cast element into a plurality of tread sectors and opposing sidewall shells.

Abstract: An electronic communication device for a tire includes a radio device and an antenna intended to be attached to or embedded in a tire, the antenna being spirally or helically shaped to absorb tensile and bending stress applied by the tire. The antenna body may be a wire formed of spring steel, brass or zinc coated spring steel, or spring brass. A coating of insulating material coats the radio device and antenna for mounting on or in, and operation in, a tire structure.

Abstract: A pressure measuring and inflation/deflation control system for tires, comprising: a pressure sensor, a pressure variation detector capable on the one hand of responding in a safety time interval to a substantially significant and rapid variation in the pressure inside the cavity of the tire, and on the other hand of acting on another element cooperating with said detector; a management module, capable of receiving and processing informations provided by the pressure sensor on the one hand and on the other hand by the pressure variation detector and capable, on the basis of the information provided by the pressure variation detector, of actuating the shift from a so-called “normal” pressure measuring mode to a so-called “accelerated” measuring mode, or the shift from the “accelerated” mode to the “normal” mode.

Abstract: The invention is a runflat insert comprising an outer contacting portion for contacting the interior surface of the tire during deflated operation; a reinforced annular band disposed radially inward of the outer contacting portion comprising an elastomeric shear layer, a membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer; a sidewall portion extending radially inward from the contacting portion for connecting the annular band to a base member fitted around the wheel rim for securing the insert to the rim; and a carcass layer adhered to the annular band and extending radially inward from the annular band and anchored in the base member. The elastomeric shear comprises a dienic composition that includes a metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and a peroxide curative agent.

Abstract: A run-flat insert 200 for enabling a vehicle to run for limited duration on a deflated tire 20, is mounted in an assembly comprising a pneumatic tire 20 and a wheel rim 10, and said insert is mounted inside the tire and secured to the wheel rim. The insert 200 has improved characteristics in load carrying, vehicle handling, mass, and shock transmission. Such a run-flat insert 200 comprises an outer, reinforced annular band 220 that is coupled with a sidewall portion 230 having little resistance to compressive loads, and the sidewall portion 230 tell mates in a base member 240 fitted around the wheel rim 10 for securing the insert 200 to the rim 10.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lubricating composition usable for lubricating an interface between a tire and a safety support mounted on a wheel rim within said tire, and a mounted assembly for an automobile provided with said lubricating composition. The lubricating composition according to the invention comprises an aqueous or non aqueous lubricating agent, and a polysaccharide intended to thicken said lubricating agent. The lubricating agent comprises glycerine in a mass fraction equal to or greater than about 60% of the lubricating agent and the lubricating agent is present in said composition in a mass fraction of between about 95% and 99%. The invention also relates to the lubrication between the support and the tire when traveling on a flat tire, following a drop in inflation pressure within said tire.

Abstract: A device for attenuating noise generated in a rolling tire and wheel assembly includes strips arranged as a circumferential ring in the tire/wheel cavity. The strips are spaced circumferentially to provide a profile of ridges and gaps in the ring. The rings may be placed on the interior surface of the tire or the wheel or both. Preferably, two rings are formed, and the gaps of the rings are in staggered relationship about the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A compliant wheel includes a compliant band and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and inward from the reinforced compliant band for attachment to a hub. The compliant band bends to comply with a contact surface and to envelope obstacles. The web spokes transmit load forces between the compliant band and the hub through tension in the web spokes not connected to the ground contacting portion of the wheel. The outer surface of the compliant band may be formed to include a tread, or a separate tread band may be attached.