Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved device for molding keyhole sipes larger in size, i.e. sipes having a wider passage, than currently being formed in treads that will avoid damaging the tread during formation and removal thereof from a mold. The device includes an elongated deformable body member having a blade extending in a direction away therefrom and substantially along the length thereof. The body member also includes a stiffening member securely fixed in position therein that extends substantially the length thereof. The stiffening member provides a desired rigidity to the deformable body member, thereby limiting flexion along its length under the stress of a rubber formulation when the mold is closed during the molding process. Also, the deformable body member provides low stress on the tread when a slit of the keyhole sipe is pulled around the body member during removal of the tread from a mold.

Abstract: A self-supporting pneumatic tire, capable of continued operation during under-inflation conditions, has at least one insert located in each tire sidewall. Forming the interior surface of the self-supporting tire is a stiffening layer of material having characteristics similar to that of the insert. In the tread region of the tire, and radially inward of the innermost carcass layer, and possibly in the interior bead region of the tire, is a partial inner liner layer of the bromobutyl rubber.

Abstract: A tire with a changing tread pattern is formed by first forming a tire having a tread, the tread having at least one circumferential or lateral groove. A wearable filler, having a configuration corresponding to at least a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove formed in the tire, is located in the radially outer portion of the circumferential or lateral groove or a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove, and secured within the grooves so as to create a groove void radially inward of the wearable filler, the void being exposed upon wear of the tire tread.

Abstract: A tire with a changing tread pattern is formed by first forming a tire having a tread, the tread having at least one circumferential or lateral groove. Formed separately is a wearable filler, the wearable filler having a configuration corresponding to at least a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove formed in the tire. After both the tire and the wearable filler have been cured, the wearable filler is located in the radially outer portion of the circumferential or lateral groove or a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove, and secured within the grooves so as to create a groove void radially inward of the wearable filler, the void being exposed upon wear of the tire tread.

Abstract: A radial ply tire (10) has a belt assembly (21) of at least two belt plies (22, 23). At least one of the belt plies has at least one folded portion (24, 25), such that there is at least one folded portion of a belt ply on each lateral side of the belt assembly. A spirally wound strip (26) of a cord reinforced elastomer extends transversely between the folded portions (24, 25).