Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tire curing bladder, the method includes the steps of (i) providing a cured tire curing bladder; and (ii) applying an air barrier composition to the cured tire curing bladder to form an air barrier layer. A method of restoring the air retention of a tire curing bladder, the method includes the steps of (i) providing a used tire curing bladder; and (ii) applying an air barrier composition to the used tire curing bladder to form an air barrier layer.

Abstract: A method of preparing a tire including the steps of: providing a cured tire, the tire including a first bead, a second bead, a carcass layer extending from the first bead to the second bead, and an optional innerliner layer disposed interior to the carcass layer; applying a pair of reinforcing members to the carcass layer or to the optional innerliner layer, if present; and applying an air barrier composition to the pair of reinforcing members, and to a portion of the carcass layer or to a portion of the optional innerliner layer to thereby form an air barrier layer.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a bead filler molded over a bead bundle to form an over-molded bead. The bead bundle may include at least one bead wire. The bead bundle may be over-molded with the bead filler, forming an over-molded bead. The over-molded bead may be formed into a variety of shapes and may be constructed from a variety of materials.

Abstract: A rubber article having a metallic tubular bead structure is provided. The bead structure may include a substantially hollow cavity. In one embodiment, a bead structure for use in a vehicle tire is provided, the bead structure comprising: a wall defining a cavity, wherein the wall includes at least one of a substantially teardrop-shaped cross-section and a substantially triangular cross section; and a bead filler portion; wherein the bead structure is formed into an annulus.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a sidewall cover layer for application of a printing ink and/or paint is provided. In one embodiment, the tire comprises: a sidewall portion including a cushion layer and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer is oriented axially outwardly of the cushion layer, wherein the cover layer is bonded to the cushion layer, wherein the cover layer is formed from a material that contains wax in a concentration of less than 0.03 pph, and wherein the cushion layer does not contain a wax.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tire assembly having an inner tire and an outer tire are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tire assembly having an inner tire and an outer tire are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for balancing tire performance with both increased and decreased numbers of lugs on the ribs while also having desirable tire noise performance. This method allows the tire designer to take advantage of the benefits of both high and low pitch count patterns while minimizing undesirable tire noise. The method involves the design of the fundamental pitch of the tire tread pattern and the design of the tread pattern for the tire. The invention also provides tires incorporating the fundamental pitch and tread patterns.