Abstract: Provided are a cap tread rubber composition for cold weather tires enabling a balanced improvement in fuel economy, abrasion resistance, performance on ice/snow, and high-speed performance on snow-/ice-free cold roads, and a cold weather tire formed from the same. The rubber composition contains: a rubber component including BR, SBR, and NR and/or IR; and a filler, the composition having a combined amount of NR, IR, and BR of 80% by mass or more, an amount of BR of 30% by mass or more, and an amount of SBR of 0.3-10% by mass, each per 100% by mass of the rubber component, the filler including 60% by mass or more of silica per 100% by mass of the filler, the composition containing, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, 50 parts by mass or more of a fine particle silica having a N2SA of 190 m2/g or more.

Abstract: A rubber composition contains a diene rubber including a styrene-butadiene copolymer component including a styrene-butadiene copolymer and a reinforcing filler. (1) The bonded styrene content is from 5 to 50 wt. %. (2) The total amount of styrene of an ozone decomposed component S1 including one styrene-derived unit and an ozone decomposed component S1V1 including one styrene-derived unit and one 1,2-bonded butadiene-derived unit is less than 80 wt. % of the amount of bonded styrene. The total amount of styrene of the decomposed component S1V1 is less than 10 wt. % of the amount of bonded styrene. (3) The integrated intensity of an ozone decomposed component S1V2 including one styrene-derived unit and two 1,2-bonded butadiene-derived units is less than 15% of the integrated intensity of all decomposed components including styrene-derived units. (4) The vinyl content of a butadiene portion is not less than 20% and less than 50%.

Abstract: A rubber composition contains a diene rubber containing a styrene-butadiene copolymer component including a styrene-butadiene copolymer and a reinforcing filler. (1) The content of bonded styrene is from 5 to 50 wt. %. (2) The total content of styrene of an ozone decomposed component S1 including one styrene-derived unit and an ozone decomposed component S1V1 including one styrene-derived unit and one 1,2-bonded butadiene-derived unit is less than 80 wt. % of the amount of bonded styrene. The total content of styrene of the decomposed component S1V1 is less than 10 wt. % of the amount of bonded styrene. (3) The integrated intensity of an ozone decomposed component S1V2 including one styrene-derived unit and two 1,2-bonded butadiene-derived units is not less than 15% of the integrated intensity of all the decomposed components including styrene-derived units. (4) The vinyl content of a butadiene portion is not less than 20% and less than 50%.

Abstract: The present technology provides a rubber composition containing a diene rubber including a styrene-butadiene copolymer component including at least one type of styrene-butadiene copolymer and a reinforcing filler. The bonded styrene content is from 5 to 50 wt. %. The total amount of styrene of an ozone decomposed component S1 including one styrene-derived unit and an ozone decomposed component S1V1 including one styrene-derived unit and one 1,2-bonded butadiene-derived unit is less than 80 wt. % of the amount of bonded styrene. The total amount of styrene of the decomposed component S1V1 is not less than 10 wt. % of the amount of bonded styrene. The integrated intensity of an ozone decomposed component S1V2 including one styrene-derived unit and two 1,2-bonded butadiene-derived units is less than 15% of the integrated intensity of all decomposed components including styrene-derived units. The vinyl content of a butadiene portion is not less than 50%.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is provided in the tread portion with zigzag middle main grooves 4 and shoulder main grooves 5 to define middle land regions 7 therebetween. The middle main groove is composed of alternately-arranged, oppositely-inclined long first oblique segments 11 and short second oblique segments 12. The middle land regions are provided with middle transverse grooves 20 shallower than the middle main grooves. The first oblique segments are inclined axially outwardly toward the opposite direction to the intended tire rotational direction R. The middle transverse grooves are inclined to the same direction as the first oblique segments or in parallel with the tire axial direction. The axially inner end of each of the middle transverse grooves is connected to one of the second oblique segments so as to include at least a part of an axially outwardly protruding outside corner portion 4A of the middle main groove.

Abstract: A run-flat radial tire having a tire cross-section height of 115 mm or greater including: a carcass spanning between a pair of bead portions; a vehicle mounting direction outer side side-reinforcing rubber layer that is provided to a tire side portion at a vehicle mounting direction outer side and that extends in a tire radial direction along an inner face of the carcass; and a vehicle mounting direction inner side side-reinforcing rubber layer that is provided to a tire side portion at a vehicle mounting direction inner side and that extends in the tire radial direction along an inner face of the carcass, a tire radial direction outer side end portion of the vehicle mounting direction inner side side-reinforcing rubber layer being closer to a tire equatorial plane than a tire radial direction outer side end portion of the vehicle mounting direction outer side side-reinforcing rubber layer.

Abstract: A winter tire includes a tread portion with a ground contact surface. The ground contact surface of the tread portion is provided with a recess. The recess is provided with a hole for fixing a stud pin and at least one projection extending radially outwardly and arranged at a location apart from the hole.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising a tread, the tread comprising a rubber composition comprising a diene elastomer, silica, a blocked mercaptosilane, a traction resin, and a low molecular weight polybutadiene functionalized with a hydroxyl functional group.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a tire tread is a rubber composition containing from 66 to 110 parts by weight of a filler containing not less than 50 wt. % of a silica per 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber containing not less than 40 wt. % of a terminal-modified styrene-butadiene rubber, from 8 to 35 wt. % of a natural rubber, and from 15 to 40 wt. % of a butadiene rubber; the terminal-modified styrene-butadiene rubber having a terminal functional group derived from a compound reacting with silanol groups; a styrene unit content thereof being from 38 to 48 wt. %; an oil-extended oil content thereof being less than 30 wt. %; a ratio (BR/NR) of a compounded amount of the butadiene rubber (BR) to the natural rubber (NR) being more than 1.0 and not more than 2.5; and an embrittlement temperature of the rubber composition being not more than ?45° C.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread which has designated direction to be mounted on a vehicle and has an inner tread edge on vehicle inner side and an outer tread edge on vehicle outer side when mounted on a vehicle. The tread has main grooves, and lateral grooves extending in direction crossing the main grooves. The lateral grooves include inner and outer middle-lateral grooves. The inner middle-lateral grooves include first and second inner middle-inclined grooves inclining in directions opposite with respect to each other and formed alternately with the first inner middle-inclined grooves. The outer middle-lateral grooves include first and second outer middle-inclined grooves inclining in directions opposite with respect to each other and formed alternately with the first outer middle-inclined grooves. The total number of the first and second outer middle-inclined grooves is set to be less than the total number of the first and second inner middle-inclined grooves.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp and an electronic candle lamp, which comprise a baseplate, a plurality of groups of lamp bodies, a lamp shade and a controlling device. The plurality of groups of lamp bodies are disposed on the baseplate, and each group of the lamp bodies respectively comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged in a matrix form; the lamp shade is disposed on the baseplate and has the plurality of groups of lamp bodies nested therein; and the controlling device is electrically connected to the plurality of groups of lamp bodies to control part of the LEDs in each group of the lamp bodies to emit light so that the electronic candle lamp presents a candlelight effect with flickering flames. The LED lamp and the electronic candle lamp of the present disclosure are electronically controlled to realistically simulate the candlelight effect with flickering flames.

Abstract: A method of making a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight is described. A conjugated diolefin is reacted in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an initiator to form a polymer. After forming the polymer, alkoxy silane terminal functionalizing groups are bonded to the polymer. A stabilizing agent having the formula (R)4-nSi(OH)n wherein R is a C1 to C18 alkyl, C1 to C18 alkyl group containing a heteroatom such as nitrogen or oxygen, C4 to C8 cycloalkyl, or C6 to C18 aromatic group is then added to the polymer, optionally in the presence of hydrocarbon oil. The polymer is then desolvatizing, resulting in a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight, even over prolonged periods of time. Compositions and articles containing the polymer are also described.

Abstract: A rubber mix for tires including at least one cross-linkable polymer base, a reinforcing filler, a vulcanization system, a reinforcing resin and a dithiol chemical according to the formula SHRSH, wherein, in the formula, R is an aliphatic or aromatic group composed of 3 to 12 atoms.

Abstract: Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compositions incorporating polymers that include hydroxyl group-containing aryl functionalities, silica or other particulate filler(s) that contain or include oxides of silicon and a group or compound that can act to covalently bond the filler particles and the polymer. The group can be provided as a substituent of the filler particle, or a discreet compound can be provided in the composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire with tread for promoting a combination of cold weather service at low temperatures and wet traction. The tread is of a rubber composition containing cis 1,4-polybutadiene and dual styrene/butadiene elastomers with reinforcing filler comprised of pre-hydrophobated precipitated silica and rubber reinforcing carbon black. The tread rubber composition may contain triglyceride vegetable oil such as soybean oil.

Abstract: A tire includes a circumferential tread having a tread element disposed thereon, wherein the tread element includes a top surface that defines a first plane. The tire further includes at least one substantially helicoid-shaped sipe disposed in the tread element. The substantially helicoid-shaped sipe is defined by an opening in the top surface extending in a first direction in the first plane when the tire is new, and is further defined by a base extending in a second direction in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The second direction is disposed at an angle between 45° and 135° with respect to the first direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire with tread for promoting a combination of cold weather service at low temperatures and wet traction. The tread is of a rubber composition containing cis 1,4-polybutadiene and dual styrene/butadiene elastomers with reinforcing filler comprised of pre-hydrophobated precipitated silica and rubber reinforcing carbon black. The tread rubber composition may contain triglyceride vegetable oil such as soybean oil.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire having a tread comprising a vulcanizable rubber composition comprising, based on 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), 100 phr of a diene based elastomer having a glass transition temperature less than ?50° C.; from 30 to 65 phr of a fatty acid monoester of formula 1 where R1 is selected from C1 to C8 linear or branched alkyl, C1 to C8 linear or branched alkenyl, and C2 to C6 linear or branched alkyl substituted with from one to five hydroxyl groups; R2 is C11 to C21 alkyl or C11 to C21 alkenyl; less than 10 phr of a petroleum-derived oil; and from 50 to 130 phr of silica.

Abstract: A method of lubricating an expandable rubber bladder is described for use during a vulcanization of a green tire within a metal press. The method can include applying compositions in the form of emulsions of silicone oils to the inner surface of the green tires and/or to the outer surface of the vulcanization bladders to facilitate the molding-demolding thereof during the manufacture of the tires.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a pneumatic radial tire for a passenger car, the tire having cross sectional width SW and outer diameter OD satisfying a predetermined relationship formula when the tire is assembled with a rim and inflated at internal pressure of at least 250 kPa; a tire-rim assembly formed by assembling bead portions of said tire with the rim; and a method for using a tire, including preparing a pneumatic radial tire for a passenger car in which cross sectional width SW and outer diameter OD of the tire satisfy a predetermined relationship formula, and using the tire at internal pressure of at least 250 kPa.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes: a plurality of land portions; and in at least one land portion of the plurality of land portions, a sipe extending in the tread width direction, of which ends open at the circumferential grooves or the tread ends. The sipe has at least one bent portion extending continuously in the extending direction of the sipe from one of the end regions of the sipe to the other end region in the depth direction of the sipe. The at least one bent portion is located on the outer side in the tire radial direction in the center region than in the end regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber composition containing diene based elastomer(s) coupled with a silica coupler in situ in the rubber composition to a precipitated silica which is partially pre-hydrophobated with an alkylsilane comprised of an alkoxyalkylsilane, its preparation and to a tire containing a component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a silica-treated functionalized resin composition comprising the steps of reacting a polymer backbone with a hydrosilylation agent to produce a silane-functionalized resin composition, wherein the polymer backbone is selected from at least one of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)-based polymers, cyclopentadiene (CPD)-based polymers, DCPD-styrene copolymers, C5 homopolymers and copolymer resins, C5-styrene copolymer resins, terpene homopolymer or copolymer resins, pinene homopolymer or copolymer resins, C9 homopolymers and copolymer resins, C5/C9 copolymer resins, alpha-methylstyrene homopolymer or copolymer resins, and combinations thereof; and mixing the silane-functionalized resin composition with a silica to produce a silica-treated functionalized resin composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a silane-functionalized resin composition comprising the steps of mixing a polymer backbone, a silane, and a free radical initiator; and producing a silane-functionalized resin composition. The polymer backbone is selected from at least one of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)-based polymers, cyclopentadiene (CPD)-based polymers, DCPD-styrene copolymers, C5 homopolymers and copolymer resins, C5-styrene copolymer resins, terpene homopolymer or copolymer resins, pinene homopolymer or copolymer resins, C9 homopolymers and copolymer resins, C5/C9 copolymer resins, alpha-methylstyrene homopolymer or copolymer resins, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing a rubber composition comprises: (a) forming a mixture of: (i) at least one thiocarboxyl-functional hydrolyzable silane, (ii) at least one rubber containing carbon-carbon double bonds, (iii) at least one silane-reactive filler, (iv) at least one activating agent, and (v) water; (b) mixing the composition formed in step (a) under reactive-mechanical-working conditions and in the absence of vulcanizing agent(s); (c) adding at least one vulcanizing agent (vi) to the composition of step (b); (d) mixing the composition of step (c) under non-reactive-mechanical-working conditions; and, (e) optionally, curing the rubber composition of step (d).

Abstract: A rubber composition obtained by dry-mixing a rubber wet masterbatch A containing a carbon black A having a nitrogen adsorption specific: surface area (N2SA) of NA (m2/g) with a rubber wet masterbatch B containing a carbon black B having a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (N2SA) of NB (m2/g), wherein the content ratio of the rubber wet masterbatch A to the rubber wet masterbatch B is from 5/95 to 40/60, and when the content proportion of the carbon black A in the rubber wet masterbatch A is represented by LA, and that of the carbon black B in the rubber wet masterbatch B is represented by LB, the specific expressions are satisfied.

Abstract: In order to suppress the dimensions and mass of an aircraft tire from becoming uneven around the tire circumferential direction, an aircraft tire includes: a belt layer provided further to a tire radial direction outside than a carcass; and a sheet shaped belt protection member that is wound around a tire circumferential direction TC between a tread section and the belt layer, and that includes incision portions incised along a tire width direction TW, with the incision portions formed at uniform intervals around the tire circumferential direction TC.

Abstract: Provided are core-shell structured polymer particles capable of enhancing abrasion resistance, rolling resistance and wet slip resistance of rubber while improving mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tensile elongation, a rubber composition including the same, and a molded rubber article, for example, a tire, prepared therefrom. Such core-shell structured polymer particles are capable of enhancing abrasion resistance (lifespan property), rolling resistance (fuel efficiency performance) and wet slip resistance (brake performance) while providing excellent mechanical properties to rubber. Accordingly, the molded rubber article, for example, a tire, prepared from the rubber composition including the core-shell structured polymer particles is capable having an excellent lifespan property, fuel efficiency performance and brake performance while exhibiting excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire with five land parts formed by four circumferential main grooves wherein middle land parts each include a first sub groove and a second sub groove that are formed independently and arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction on two sides of the middle land part in the tire width direction, the first sub groove being formed by the lug groove having one end thereof opening to one of the circumferential main grooves and the other end terminating in the middle land part, the second sub groove being formed by the lug groove having one end thereof opening to one of the circumferential main grooves and the other end terminating in the middle land part, and the middle land part further includes a concave part on a wall on an outer side of the middle land part in the tire width direction and spaced by each sub groove.

Abstract: Tire treads having improved traction properties while surprisingly still maintaining good material cohesion properties, the tire treads comprising a rubber composition based upon a highly unsaturated diene elastomer and between 95 phr and 160 phr of an inorganic reinforcing filler. The composition may further include between 60 phr and 130 phr of a plasticizing system made up of a plasticizing resin having a Tg of at least 25° C. and a plasticizing liquid. The rubber composition is cured with an ultra-efficient sulfur curing system having a sulfur to accelerator weight ratio adjusted between 0.02 and 0.2 to provide the rubber composition with an MA300/G* ratio of greater than 1.7, wherein the elongation modulus MA300 at 300% is measured at 23° C. and the shear modulus G* is measured at 60° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler comprising at least carbon black having a CTAB specific surface of greater than or equal to 130 m2/g, a plasticizing oil and also a crosslinking system, the dispersion of the filler in the elastomeric matrix having a Z score of greater than or equal to 70.

Abstract: Identifying recipients to receive communication based on content selection may be provided. An indication of content selected by a user is received. The content may be part of group communication that is communicated among users via an online communication application. The content and an author of the content are identified. One or more criteria may be applied to the content to determine the recipients of the communication. The communication may be transmitted as a single message to the recipients simultaneously.

Abstract: To provide a multilayer structure that may adhere to rubber material without the necessity of providing an adhesive layer, an inner liner and a pneumatic tire using the multilayer structure. According to the present invention, a multilayer structure 1 is formed by alternately laminating elastomer layers 3 containing thermoplastic elastomer and barrier layers 2 containing a gas barrier resin, wherein an outermost layer 4 laminated uppermost among layers constituting the multilayer structure 1 contains an elastomer component that may heat-adhere to diene rubber.

Abstract: A method of making a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight is described. A conjugated diolefin is reacted in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an initiator to form a polymer. After forming the polymer, alkoxy silane terminal functionalizing groups are bonded to the polymer. A dialkoxysilane stabilizing agent is then added to the polymer in combination with a base material. The polymer is then desolvatizing, resulting in a polymer with stable Mooney viscosity and molecular weight, even over prolonged periods of time. Compositions and articles containing the polymer are also described.

Abstract: By adopting an appropriate block pattern, a pneumatic tire guarantees the tire ground contact area without impairing drainage performance and enhances on-ice performance. On the tread are formed land portions (5a, 5b) defined by at least one circumferential main groove (3) extending in the tire circumferential direction and blocks (11) in a shoulder land portion (5b) located outermost in the tire width direction among the land portions (5a, 5b), the blocks (11) being defined by narrow grooves (7a, 7b) with a groove width narrower than that of the circumferential main groove (3) and by at least one auxiliary groove (9) with a groove width that increases outward in the tire width direction at least in a region not adjacent to the circumferential main groove. The area of the tread surface of each of the blocks (11) is in a range of 100 mm2 to 200 mm2.

Abstract: A tire 1 according to the present invention comprises: a circumferential groove 12 formed in a tread portion; a land portion 22 divided by the circumferential groove 12; and transverse grooves formed in the land portion. The transverse grooves comprise a first transverse groove 32 dividing the land portion into several blocks, and a second transverse groove 51 dividing a block 42 divided by the first transverse groove into a first block portion 61 and a second block portion 62. A groove depth of the circumferential groove contacting the second block is smaller than the groove depth of the circumferential groove contacting the first block.

Abstract: The present invention is a rubber composition for tire treads, of which the temperature of the peak position of the temperature curve of tan ? is ?16.0° C. or higher and ?6.0° C. or lower, tan ? at the peak position is larger than 1.13, tan ? at 0° C. is 0.95 or more, and the value obtained by dividing the absolute value of the difference between tan ? at ?5° C. and tan ? at 5° C. by the temperature difference between ?5° C. and 5° C. {|(tan ? at ?5° C.)?(tan ? at 5° C.)|/10} (/° C.) is smaller than 0.045/° C. The invention provides the rubber compositions for tire treads that more highly satisfy both low-heat-generation property and wet braking performance.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for rough terrain comprises a tread portion provided with a plurality of blocks, the blocks comprising a plurality of center blocks arranged in a center region of the tread portion, a plurality of shoulder blocks arranged along each tread edge of the tread portion and a plurality of middle blocks arranged between the center region and the shoulder blocks, each of the center blocks, middle blocks and shoulder blocks comprising a top face and a sidewall face extending radially inward from the peripheral edge of the top face, wherein at least one of the middle blocks and shoulder blocks is a U-shaped block having a lateral slot which extends from an axially outer sidewall face of the block to an axially inner end thereof being terminated within the block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functionalized diene elastomer composed: a) of a diene elastomer functionalized, at the chain end or in the middle of the chain, by a tin functional group, exhibiting a monomodal distribution of molecular weights before functionalization and a polydispersity index before functionalization of less than or equal to 1.3, b) of a diene elastomer star-branched with a tin compound, exhibiting a monomodal distribution of molecular weights before star-branching and a polydispersity index before star-branching of less than or equal to 1.3, and c) of a content of less than 15% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the functionalized diene elastomer, of a non-tin-functional diene elastomer, the said diene elastomers a), b) and c) being, before optional functionalization or optional star-branching, the same in nature.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for running on rough terrain comprises a tread portion provided with center blocks, middle blocks and shoulder blocks to form a block tread pattern, wherein some or all of the center blocks are each provided with a slot positioned at the midpoint of the block in the tire circumferential direction, and extending axially inwardly from a sidewall surface of the block oriented toward a tread edge, and terminating within the block.

Abstract: A molding element for a mold for vulcanizing a tread of a tire, comprising a base able to mold part of the tread surface of the tread and a bar able to mold a groove in the tread, the bar comprising two longitudinal faces extending along its length and projecting from the base and an upper face connecting the longitudinal faces. The molding element comprises a contact edge formed by the base and the bar, intended to come into contact with another molding element to form all or part of the vulcanizing mold, and further comprising at least one recess in the bar, which opens onto the upper face and onto the contact edge, but does not open onto the longitudinal faces of the bar.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a display control unit, including a processor, configured to control a display to display a plurality of objects and receive a selection of one of the plurality of objects by a user as a selected object. The display control unit is configured to control the display to move the selected object when a move command is received from the user. The display control unit is configured to control the display to group additionally selected objects with the selected object when additional objects are selected by the user and a group command is received from the user. The display control unit is configured to control the display to independently move the additionally selected objects with respect to the selected object until the additionally selected objects are grouped with the selected object.

Abstract: A tire tread with certain features and a method for manufacturing such a tire tread are provided. More particularly, a tire tread is provided that has layers of apertures where some layers remain covered until after a certain amount of tread wear has occurred. Such apertures can comprise, for example, sipes, grooves, or other apertured features in the tread. A method of making such tire tread is also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a rubber compound containing silica, the method including a step of dispersing the silica in a polymer base, and a following step of mixing the previously formed mixture with curing agents. The step of dispersing the silica in the polymer base includes the following sequence of operations: soaking the polymer base in a liquid silica precursor to form a swollen polymer; —adding the swollen polymer to an organic solvent, and continually stirring the swollen polymer solution; —adding water and a silica synthesizing catalyst to the swollen polymer solution; —precipitating a polymer gel matrix by adding a precipitating agent; —separating and washing the precipitated polymer gel matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic rubber truck tire having a circumferential stratified dual cap rubber tread comprised of an outer tread cap and underlying tread sub cap. The underlying tread sub cap rubber layer is provided to support the outer tread cap rubber layer with similar physical properties. Both of the tread cap rubber compositions are comprised of a combination of natural cis 1,4-polyisoprene and dual cis 1,4-polybutadiene elastomers and contain reinforcing fillers comprised of precipitated silica and rubber reinforcing carbon black. The tread cap rubber compositions differ from each other by containing different levels of the individual cis 1,4-polybutadiene rubbers and by containing different rubber reinforcing carbon blacks and precipitated silica.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire according to the present invention includes, one or more main grooves extending in the tire circumferential direction, and a plurality of lateral grooves extending in the tire width direction, the main grooves and the lateral grooves defining a block row formed by a plurality of blocks, at least one sipe being disposed in each block. Each block has a first cutaway groove with one end opening into a lateral groove located on one side of the block and the other end terminating within the block, a second cutaway groove with one end opening into a lateral groove located on the other side of the block and the other end terminating within the block, and a connecting narrow groove having a groove width narrower than that of the first and the second cutaway groove and connecting the first and the second cutaway groove.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition which can further improve abrasion resistance without deterioration in energy efficiency, and a pneumatic tire using the rubber composition. The rubber composition comprises a polymer mixture obtained by modifying a polymer composed of at least one of a conjugated diene compound and an aromatic vinyl compound with a compound having at least one of an ester group and a carboxyl group; at least one of tetraamines; and silica, the polymer mixture having a weight-average molecular weight of 1.0×103 to 1.0×105, and the tetraamines being a compound represented by the following formula (I): wherein each of RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, RF, RG and RH independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and ALK represents a tetravalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread block having a top face provided with a three-dimensional sipe, the sipe extending along its longitudinal direction with an angle of 0 to 45 degrees with respect to a tire axial direction, the sipe having a first opening configuration extending in a wavy manner with amplitude W and a cycle a1 in a cross sectional view of the block parallel to the top face, the sipe having a second opening configuration extending in a wavy manner with amplitude W and a cycle a2 in a cross sectional view of the block perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sipe, and the sipe satisfying the following relation (1) in a rectangular coordinate system in which the x-axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction, the z-axis corresponds to a depth direction of the sipe: y=W·sin {(2?·x/a1)+(2?·z/a2)+?}.

Abstract: A tire tread having a layered design is provided. In a first layer of the tread, sipes extend transversely to provide traction in the first stage of the wear life of the tread. In a second layer of the tread, the width of the sipes along the circumferential direction is increased to provide for improved traction in a second stage of the wear life. The increased width is provided by a void that opens to a circumferential groove only along one end. Because the void opens only along one end, a decrease in acoustical effects such as drive by noise can be provided.

Abstract: A tire comprising at least a rubber composition based on at least a blend of natural rubber, NR, or synthetic polyisoprene, and a styrene-butadiene copolymer, SBR, the SBR having a content greater than or equal to 20 parts per hundred parts of elastomer, phr, a reinforcing filler comprising carbon black, characterized in that the composition comprises a plasticizing resin having a glass transition temperature, Tg, greater than or equal to 20° C. and that the SBR has a Tg greater than or equal to ?65° C.