Abstract: A runflat radial ply tire (70) having a thread (72), a carcass (86) and a belt structure (74) radially located between the thread and the carcass has two sidewalls (80, 82) each reinforced with a circumferentially disposed wedge insert (50a?, 50b?) having a saw-tooth cross-sectional shape. The saw-tooth cross-sectional shape of each wedge insert (50a?, 50b?) is defined by a plurality of circumferentially disposed segments (52a–52e), each of which is separated from adjacent segments by circumferentially disposed grooves (54a–54d). During heavy loading of the tire, or during runflat operation, the radially loaded sidewall portions deform until the grooves (54a?–54d?) undergo closure.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial ply tire with an aspect ratio of less than 50 has a ground contacting tread radially outward of a circumferential belt structure which in turn is radially ourtward of a carcass structure. The carcass structure has a pair of bead areas that include a bead foot compatible with a conventionally-shaped wheel rim having flanges with laterally extending portions. The carcass structure has a cord-reinforced elastomeric ply layer extend laterally between the two bead areas and radially inward of the belt structure. The tread area is directly connected to the bead areas without a sidewall. Rim flange protectors comprising a continuous circumferential elastomeric projection extend laterally outward from each bead/tread area and thereby radially outward of the rim flanges.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial ply tire with an aspect ratio of less than 50 has a ground contacting tread radially outward of a circumferential belt structure which in turn is radially ourtward of a carcass structure. The carcass structure has a pair of bead areas that include a bead foot compatible with a conventionally-shaped wheel rim having flanges with laterally extending portions. The carcass structure has a cord-reinforced elastomeric ply layer extend laterally between the two bead areas and radially inward of the belt structure. The tread area is directly connected to the bead areas without a sidewall. Rim flange protectors comprising a continuous circumferential elastomeric projection extend laterally outward from each bead/tread area and thereby radially outward of the rim flanges.