Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a black colored tread with at least one colored groove wherein the top surface of the tread designed to be ground-contacting is essentially free of non-black color. A non-black component is placed over the tread strip and covered with a thermoformable film prior to forming the groove pattern. After vulcanization, the film is removed, and the tread lugs buffed free of color, if necessary, thereby forming a tire having color localized in the tread grooves.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a black colored tread with at least one colored groove wherein the top surface of the tread designed to be ground-contacting is essentially free of non-black color. A non-black component is placed over the tread strip and covered with a thermoformable film prior to forming the groove pattern. After vulcanization, the film is removed, and the tread lugs buffed free of color, if necessary, thereby forming a tire having color localized in the tread grooves.

Abstract: A method of forming a ply by injection molding a fluid material such as polyester or polyamide and congealing to form a ply or plies, placing said plies in a mold and injecting in a fluid precursor material which when cured yields a tire having ply reinforcement. The injection molded plies and/or the preshaped member are then used to mold a reinforced tire.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating the spliced ends of a strip of white sidewall positioned on an unvulcanized tire. The unvulcanized tire is positioned such that the spliced ends of the strip rest against a resilient cushion located adjacent the inner peripheral surface of the tire. A heated pad is movable toward the cushion to compress the spliced ends of the strip together while simultaneously heating the ends to cause a crosslinking and at least a partial vulcanization of the rubber of the spliced ends to provide a highly improved splice which will not readily come apart under stress.