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: 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.