Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improvement in the "wide stance" method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire. In this method the space between the two annular wire bead bundles of the tire is substantially greater than the space between the beads in their operable condition, mounted on the recommended rim. The improvement comprises the steps of locating the bead areas of the uncured tire which contain the annular wire bead bundles in annular cavities in the tire mold which are adapted to receive the bead areas. This maintains the wire bead bundles in their proper location during the entire curing operation.

Abstract: This disclosure related to a pneumatic tire which is collapsible in its uninflated shape. This disclosure relates to a pneumatic tire and the rim combination of the pneumatic tire and a rim wherein the bead areas of the tire are capable of rotating in their mounted, uninflated shape to attain a different configuration in their mounted, inflated shape. The tire may have the characteristic wherein the sidewalls are capable of being folded axially inwardly toward each other when the tire is mounted on the rim and uninflated. In the uninflated and folded shape the tire and the combination of the tire and rim of this disclosure conserve space and weight over a standard tire and tire and rim combination. This uninflated, folded feature is designed primarily to be used as a spare tire replacement in automobiles.

Abstract: An electronic alarm circuit indicates an abnormal pressure condition in a pneumatic tire on a vehicle. The circuit includes an indicator, either in the form of a light or sound buzzer, or both, which can transmit two distinguishable signals, one indicating the presence of an abnormal pressure condition and the other to test the circuit. An actuation circuit includes a normally open pressure switch which communicates with the internal pressure of the tire and closes upon the detection of the abnormal pressure to activate the indicator. The actuation circuit also includes a resistance connected across the pressure switch to provide a path for electrical current when the switch is open to provide the test signal, as may be desired.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a pneumatic tire construction which has a decoupled bead latch located axially outwardly of the rim flange in the lower sidewall area of the tire. This decoupled feature of the bead latch is obtained by incorporating a circumferential groove therein, a series of radial grooves therein, or a combination of both. The decoupled bead latch permits it to act independently of the tire body; thereby, lessening the abrasion type of wear (chafing) which occurs on its periphery.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a pneumatic tire construction which has a bead latch located axially outwardly of the rim flange in the lower sidewall area of the tire. This construction provides a safer configuration for the tire when it is run flat or under abnormal conditions. The bead latch prevents the bead from becoming unseated on the rim and moving into the drop center portion of the rim.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a pneumatic tire that is designed to be run-flat for a certain distance without destroying the remaining life of the tire as a result of injuries to the tire during its run-flat operation. The disclosure further relates to a combination of this tire with a special rim and internal lubricating means within the air chamber defined by the rim and tire. This combination further enhances the non-destructive run-flat characteristics of the tire.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a radial ply pneumatic tire having one or more body plies containing radially directed inextensible reinforcing cords with the ply ends of such cords terminating on the same side of the bead bundle as the ply; that is, the ply ends are neither turned up or turned down around the bead bundle. The tire further has a bead connector ply containing radial, inextensible reinforcing cords, which is wrapped around the bead bundle. The inextensible radial cords of the bead connector ply and the radial cords of the body ply give the effect of one ply which is wrapped around the bead bundle. These plies may be considered to nest together to form a strong tire construction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fluid reservior and dispensing means and pneumatic tire-rim combination containing the reservoir and dispensing means. The reservoir is a hollow annular structure adapted to be located in the drop center area of the rim. The dispensing means is a breakable valve attached to the reservoir which is so situated in the tire cavity that it will be fractured by the tire when the tire is run uninflated thereby releasing the fluid into the tire cavity.