Abstract: The elliptically-shaped tire has a pair of oppositely-opposed bead cores, a carcass structure each end of which is wrapped around a bead core, an apex disposed between the carcass structure and each of the ends thereof, a pair of oppositely-opposed sidewalls overlying the carcass structure, a chafer strip positioned between the carcass structure and each of the sidewalls, and a tread overlying the carcass structure and a belt reinforcing structure positioned therebetween. The carcass structure has a carcass aspect ratio of about 60. Additionally, the tire has a pair of oppositely-opposed sidewall portions having a relatively thin radially outer portion and a relatively thick radially inner portion.

Abstract: A method of increasing the tread and sidewall life of a radial belted pneumatic tire with an open end belt in which the tire is cured in a mold with the central portion of the tread in a curved configuration having the same tread radius and the margins of the tread having an increased tread radius. The sidewalls are cured with the maximum sectional width of the tire spaced from the bead baseline a predetermined distance greater than 55 percent of the maximum section height of the tire so that upon inflation of the completely manufactured tire to design inflation pressure, the tread surface of the tire will have a substantially constant tread radius across the tread profile for even wear of the tread and the tension in the sidewalls will be reduced for increased life of the tire.

Abstract: A method of increasing the tread and sidewall life of a radial belted pneumatic tire with an open end belt in which the tire is cured in a mold with the central portion of the tread in a curved configuration having the same tread radius and the margins of the tread having an increased tread radius. The sidewalls are cured with the maximum sectional width of the tire spaced from the bead baseline a predetermined distance greater than 55 percent of the maximum section height of the tire so that upon inflation of the completely manufactured tire to design inflation pressure, the tread surface of the tire will have a substantially constant tread radius across the tread profile for even wear of the tread and the tension in the sidewalls will be reduced for increased life of the tire.