Abstract: A tire (10) having a continuous folded belt construction (24) is shown to be more durable than conventional tire made using conventional steel reinforced cut belts. The folded belt construction of the invention is made by folding a reinforced (22) strip upon itself, wherein the folding is always in the same direction. The continuous folded belt construction may include an elastomeric core (23) that provides adhesion between the folded layers, and reduces kinking at the folded edges. Also, a splice (28) is used wherein substantial overlap is provided between two ends of the folded belt construction, and is made by cutting a first end (32) of the belt construction to accommodate a second end 44 of the belt construction (24) without modifying the second end 44 of the belt construction, thereby using a minimum amount of labor.

Abstract: A run-flat radial ply pneumatic tire 10 has a carcass structure reinforced with pairs of elastomeric sidewall fillers 42,46,48 and at least three bead cores 26,26' and 37. At least one bead core 37 lies axially between the lateral edges of the tread 12 and extends radially inwardly of the tread 12 and reinforcing belts 36 and radially outwardly of the first and second bead cores 26,26' and a carcass reinforcing structure 30. In several embodiments improved wet traction tread designs are employed.