Abstract: A multi-layer circumferentially reinforced radial pneumatic light truck tire having a belt structure of at least two layers of 2+2x.35ST cord for Load Range E.

Abstract: A multi-layer circumferentially reinforced radial pneumatic light truck tire having a belt structure of at least two layers of 2.degree.2x.30HT cord for both Load Range C and D.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a pair of axially-spaced annular tensile members forming a part of each bead. One or more continuous carcass plies extend between the annular tensile members and have lateral edge portions which are folded axially and radially outwardly around one of the annular tensile members. An air-impermeable liner is disposed axially and radially inwardly of the carcass plies. A layer of air-permeable rubber extends from a point axially inward and radially outward of one of the annular tensile members and is folded axially and radially outwardly around one of the annular tensile members such that the layer of air-permeable rubber abuts a rim flange when the tire is mounted. An air-impermeable gum strip is interposed between the layer of air-permeable rubber and the carcass plies such that the gum strip extends from a point radially outward and axially inward of one of the annular tensile members to a point radially beneath such annular tensile member.

Abstract: A tread for a pneumatic tire featuring generally zig-zag ribs defined by wide grooves. Circumferentially extending slots in the ribs are located near the wide grooves. The circumferentially extending slots define an edge zone between the slots and the nearest wide groove and a primary-load zone on the opposite side of the slot. Located in the edge zone there is means for reducing the unit tread pressure in the edge zone as compared to such pressure in the primary-load zone. The circumferential slots together with the means for reducing the unit tread pressure act to provide a breakwater against the spread of irregular wear known as "river wear".

Abstract: A vehicle tire (10) has a tread (20) with a plurality of ribs (30,31,32) extending circumferentially about the tread. The ribs each have a pair of lateral edges (48,49;60,61) which comprise edge segments placed end to end to present a zigzag configuration. Each rib has grooves (37,38;39,40) therein which intersect the lateral edges of the respective rib and have varying depths at said lateral edges. Preferably, the tread has an all-season configuration.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire (10) has a preferred cross-sectional shape which acts in concert with a preferred tread structure to provide varying performance characteristics under varying operating conditions. The tread (11) has a directional tread pattern, with the net-to-gross ratio being higher in a central portion (CP) of the tread than in the laterally outer portions (OP.sub.1, OP.sub.2). The stiffness of the block elements (64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71) of the tread also varies across the width of the tread.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire (10), designed for use on a military vehicle, comprises a single carcass ply (13) of aramid cords, a pair of steel cord belt plies (14, 15), and a ground-engaging tread portion (20). The ground-engaging tread portion is characterized by a plurality of series of independent traction elements (21), each series of traction elements extending from a lateral edge (22, 23) of the tread towards another lateral edge (22, 23) of the tread along a curved path. The traction elements in each series are separated from the next adjacent traction elements of that same series by straight grooves (24), the width of the straight grooves being less than the width of the curved grooves (25) separating circumferentially adjacent series of traction elements.

Abstract: A tire carcass (55) is built on a generally cylindrical drum (10) rotatable about an axis (12) by applying green tire components (50) to the cylindrical surface (14) and curved shoulder surfaces (32,34) of the drum (10). The radially inner surfaces (58) of the lower sidewalls (56) of the tire carcass (55) are formed on the surfaces (32,34) of the curved shoulders (28,30) which have a curvature which can be generated as a segment of a conic section which is at an angle other than a right angle to the axis of a cone. The curvature for each of the lower sidewall inner surfaces (58) as measured along a line of intersection (36) of a shoulder surface (32,34) of the drum (10) and a radial plane (A--A) containing the drum axis (12) is decreased from positions (38) adjacent the axially outer edges (40) of the drum (10) to positions (42) on the cylindrical surface (14 ) of the drum.