Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a rubber tread comprised of cap/base construction where the tread cap layer provides the running surface of the tread and the tread base layer underlies the tread cap layer and thereby provides a transition between the tread cap layer and the tire carcass. For this invention, the tread cap layer is comprised of a plurality of individual circumferential load-bearing zones of rubber compositions, which exhibit graduated physical properties, and which extend from the outer running surface of the tread cap layer radially inward to said tread base layer. In one aspect, the zoned rubber tread cap layer and rubber tread base layer are co-extruded together to form a unit as an integral tread rubber composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a circumferential tread of a cap/base configuration composed of an outer tread rubber cap layer with a running surface of the tread and an underlying tread rubber base layer, wherein said tread cap layer is composed of two longitudinal adjacent zones, namely a primary tread cap zone and a minor lateral outboard control element (zone). The primary tread cap zone and the lateral outboard tread cap element provide a significant gradation of cold dynamic storage moduli (G?) at ?25° C. and hot tan delta values at 100° C., yet similar warm dynamic storage moduli (G?) at 60° C. The primary tread cap zone and lateral outboard control tread cap element are load bearing in the sense of extending from the running surface of the tread radially inward to the unitary (non-zoned) tread base rubber layer. The zoned rubber tread cap layer and unitary rubber tread base layer are an integral tread composite in a sense of being co-extruded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a rubber tread comprised of cap/base construction where the tread cap layer provides the running surface of the tread and the tread base layer underlies the tread cap layer and thereby provides a transition between the tread cap layer and the tire carcass. For this invention, the tread cap layer is comprised of a plurality of individual circumferential load-bearing zones of rubber compositions, which exhibit graduated physical properties, and which extend from the outer running surface of the tread cap layer radially inward to said tread base layer. In one aspect, the zoned rubber tread cap layer and rubber tread base layer are co-extruded together to form a unit as an integral tread rubber composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a rubber tread comprised of cap/base construction where the tread cap layer provides the running surface of the tread and the tread base layer underlies the tread cap layer and thereby provides a transition between the tread cap layer and the tire carcass. For this invention, the tread cap layer is comprised of a plurality of individual circumferential load-bearing zones of rubber compositions, which exhibit graduated physical properties, and which extend from the outer running surface of the tread cap layer radially inward to said tread base layer. In one aspect, the zoned rubber tread cap layer and rubber tread base layer are co-extruded together to form a unit as an integral tread rubber composite.

Abstract: A pneumatic run-flat tire has a bead configuration wherein the axially inner end is radially inward of the axially outer end of the bead. The sidewall of the tire, from the bead region to the upper sidewall is reinforced to form a pillar support in the sidewall. The bead configuration and the pillar reinforcement enable the tire to lock itself onto a tire rim during low pressure operation and be self-supporting.

Abstract: A run-flat tire has a radial carcass reinforcement ply extending through a pair of opposing sidewalls and anchored in opposing bead portions. At least one of the bead portions having a bead heel and a bead toe wherein the bead heel is radially outward and axially inward from the bead toe. At least one of the bead portions has a bead composite and a bead apex therein. The bead composite has a maximum axial width WB, the axial width being measured perpendicular to the tire equatorial plane. The maximum axial width WB is greater than 50% of the maximum axial width W of the at least one bead portion, as measured from the opposing axial sides of the bead portion.

Abstract: The pneumatic tire tread has a radially outermost surface defining a circumferential length of the tire and the tread has at least one circumferentially extending groove. The groove has a spiral configuration across the tread surface and a pair of laterally spaced terminal ends. The circumferential length of the spiral groove, as measured between the terminal ends of the groove, is greater than 50% of the circumferential length of the tire. The spiral groove creates a spiral rib or projecting tread element row that moves across the tread width.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a circumferential tread of a cap/base configuration composed of an outer tread rubber cap layer with a running surface of the tread and an underlying tread rubber base layer, wherein said tread cap layer is composed of two longitudinal adjacent zones, namely a primary tread cap zone and a minor lateral outboard control element (zone). The primary tread cap zone and the lateral outboard tread cap element provide a significant gradation of cold dynamic storage moduli (G?) at ?25° C. and hot tan delta values at 100° C., yet similar warm dynamic storage moduli (G?) at 60° C. The primary tread cap zone and lateral outboard control tread cap element are load bearing in the sense of extending from the running surface of the tread radially inward to the unitary (non-zoned) tread base rubber layer. The zoned rubber tread cap layer and unitary rubber tread base layer are an integral tread composite in a sense of being co-extruded.

Abstract: A tire has a carcass reinforcement extending between a pair of opposing bead portion. At least one of the bead portions terminates axially to the outside by a tip and is intended to be mounted on a wheel rim having a bead seat that has an axially outer end closer to the axis of rotation than the axially inner end thereof. Within the bead portion are a bead ring and a bead apex. The radial carcass reinforcement ply is anchored in each bead portion and has at least one terminal end located in the bead portion. In the bead portion, the reinforcement ply passing radially inward of the bead ring, extending axially outward of the bead ring. The reinforcement ply terminates without passing back under the bead ring.