Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a reinforcing belt which includes a first ply of cords formed from a synthetic material having a high modulus of elasticity and a second ply of metallic cords. The first ply has a width substantially equal to the width of the tread of the tire. The second ply has a width between one-fourth and three-fourths of the width of the tread. The second ply reinforces the median region of the tread. Each cord of the first ply intersects the median equatorial plane of the tire at a first angle of from 14.degree. to 30.degree.; each cord of the second ply intersects the median equatorial plane of the tire at a second angle of from 22.degree. to 32.degree.. The second angle is opposite in direction from the first angle. At least one strip of cords formed from a synthetic material having a low modulus of elongation overlaps an edge region of the second ply. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as a complete exposition of the present invention.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle tire having a run-flat capability and a hub adapted for use with such a tire are disclosed. The tire includes a carcass, a tread overlying the crown region of the carcass, sidewalls overlying the lateral portions of the carcass, the sidewalls terminating in respective beads at their radially inwardmost ends and merging into the tread at their radially outwardmost ends and an annulus of elastomeric material positioned between the inner surfaces of the beads for maintaining the beads in firm contact with the hub. Each of the sidewalls has an annular groove formed therein between its inwardmost and outwardmost ends for establishing the flexure zone of the tire and thereby controlling the folding point of the tire upon its deflation. The hub includes a rigid annulus, a first annular flange extending from one side of the annulus and permanently attached thereto and the second annular flange extending from the other side of the annulus, the second flange being removably attached to the annulus.

Abstract: An inner tube assembly for a pneumatic tire is disclosed. The assembly includes a pair of inner tube systems, one of which surrounds the other and intercommunicates therewith via a valve unit that is adapted to allow a pneumatic fluid to flow unidirectionally from the inner one of such tube systems to the outer one of said tube systems and effect an equilibrium of pressure. The valve unit, however, is adapted to close when the outer one of such tube systems is punctured and undergoes a pressure drop relative to the inner one of such tube systems, thereby to pneumatically isolate the interiors of such tube systems from one another.

Abstract: The pneumatic tire incorporates a reinforcement belt comprising two superposed median plies of metallic material and two laterally disposed marginal plies of nonmetallic material. The marginal plies are folded to form superposed flaps, with the corresponding flaps of each marginal ply being substantially aligned.In all embodiments of the invention at least one pair of corresponding opposite, laterally disposed flaps align with one of the median plies. In at least one embodiment of the invention the second pair of opposite, laterally disposed flaps align with the second median ply. In other embodiments of the invention the second pair of opposite, laterally disposed flaps overlap the terminal ends of the second median ply. And in still further embodiments of the invention the second pair of opposite, laterally disposed flaps are positioned radially outward or radially inward of the second median ply.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which a radially and axially expandable and contractable tire building drum is used in a single-stage building of a pneumatic tire carcass, particularly tire carcasses for heavy service. The essential parts of the tire are applied and the manufacturing steps are accomplished without transferring or removing the tire carcass from the drum upon which it is built. The essential parts are applied and steps are accomplished including applying the carcass layers, positioning of the bead wire rings, turning the marginal edges around the bead wire rings, rolling and stitching, shaping the carcass into the toroidal configuration, applying, rolling and stitching of a reinforcing belt and a tread and application and shaping of the sidewalls. Shaping of the carcass into the toroidal configuration is accomplished by pneumatic pressure being applied between the carcass and the building drum.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having improved speed, stability and cornering characteristics is disclosed. The tire is formed with an annular, axially extending protuberance or bulge formed in the shoulder region on each side of the tire and also has, between the carcass and tread thereof, a reinforcing breaker or belt whose width is wider than that of the rolling contact surface of the tread with the ground and whose lateral sides correspondingly extend into the axially extending protuberances. The radially external surface of the tread and the axially outward protuberance, as viewed when the tire is mounted on a vehicle, are connected along an uninterrupted, convex profile.

Abstract: A belted pneumatic tire is disclosed in which an annular protuberance projects axially from the buttress region on each side of the tire. The protuberances are positioned radially inward of the tire tread and the lateral edges of the belt or breaker extend into the protuberances such that the breaker edges are removed from the vicinity of the tread-ground contact patch to thereby improve uniformity and edge separation problems. A relatively wide breaker having a low cross-sectional curvature is also utilized to thereby provide firm support to the tread and consequent improved performance characteristics.

Abstract: A radial ply pneumatic tire, characterized by uniform tread wear and improved traction is disclosed. The tire includes a radial ply carcass, first and second sidewalls overlying the lateral portions of the carcass, a tread overlying the crown region of the carcass, a breaker positioned between the tread and the crown region of the carcass, and a cushion positioned between the breaker and the tread. The cushion is constituted by a rubber mixture which is softer than the rubber mixture constituting the tread and it extends symmetrically about the median equatorial plane of the tire, thereby providing a more pliable support in the central portion of the tread than in the shoulder region thereof. This abstract is not to be taken either as a complete exposition or as a limitation of the present invention, however, the full nature and extent of the invention being discernible only by reference to and from the entire disclosure.

Abstract: A belted pneumatic tire is disclosed in which an annular protuberance projects axially from the buttress region on each side of the tire. The protuberances are positioned radially inward of the tire tread and the lateral edges of the belt or breaker extend into the protuberances such that the breaker edges are removed from the vicinity of the tread-ground contact patch to thereby improve uniformity and edge separation problems. A relatively wide breaker having a low cross-sectional curvature is also utilized to thereby provide firm support to the tread and consequent improved performance characteristics.