Abstract: A tire includes at least one sidewall support exhibiting a substantially progressive increase in rigidity as the tire sags during depressurization. The support, which is disposed in the substantially median portion of the tire's sidewalls, includes a circumferential cord disposed in undulating manner in the sidewalls, whereby the axial position of the cord varies around the tire's circumference. At rated pressure, the structural rigidity of the sidewalls is that of a standard tire, while at reduced pressure the sidewalls rigidify in such a way as to be able to bear the load.

Abstract: A tire designed to be mounted on a mounting rim J of maximum diameter Dc the type comprising beads designed to cooperate with seats of the mounting rim, the beads comprising at least one annular bead reinforcement structure; a crown comprising a reinforcement structure, this crown being surmounted radially on the outside by a tread; on either side of the tire's crown, a sidewall providing connection to each bead; a carcass reinforcement extending between the crown and the beads; wherein at least one sidewall comprises at least two additional annular reinforcement structures, each additional annular structure having an inner diameter at least equal to the maximum diameter Dc of the rim; the carcass reinforcement is anchored at least partially on each annular bead reinforcement structure and on each additional annular sidewall reinforcement structure; the difference between the inner diameter of the radially innermost additional annular reinforcement structure in each sidewall and the diameter Dj of the rim sea

Abstract: An aircraft tire has an inflation pressure greater than 9 bar and a deflection greater than 30%. The tire includes a crown, two sidewalls and two beads, a carcass reinforcement anchored in the two beads and a crown reinforcement. The carcass reinforcement includes at least one circumferential alignment of reinforcement elements and the mechanism for anchoring the reinforcement elements within each bead includes circumferentially oriented reinforcement elements axially bordering the circumferential alignments of said reinforcement elements of the carcass reinforcement. The reinforcement elements of the carcass reinforcement and the circumferentially oriented reinforcement elements are separated from each other by a bonding rubber mix of very high elasticity modulus. The circumferentially oriented reinforcement elements are in the form of cables having a penetrability of between 80 and 100%, the breaking load of the cables being greater than 150 daN, and the cables having an elongation at break greater than 4%.

Abstract: A tire for a vehicle wheel, comprising two sidewalls joined at their radially outer portions by a crown zone, beads, a reinforcement structure extending substantially radially from each of the beads, towards the crown zone, at least one of said beads comprising: a bead seat of inverted type; an anchoring zone for the reinforcement structure in said bead, comprising an arrangement of circumferential cords comprising at least two stacks distributed on either side of the reinforcement structure, said reinforcement structure being arranged so as to obtain a circumferential distribution of the cords on either side of at least one of said stacks. In this manner, a supplementary adjustment means is obtained which makes it possible to produce arrangements in which the aim is as far as possible towards equilibrium or uniformity of the stresses. Numerous benefits obtained in terms of durability and reliability.

Abstract: A method of building a tyre includes forming a carcass structure comprising at least one carcass ply, applying a belt structure at a radially external position with respect to the at feast one carcass ply, applying a pair of sidewalls at an axially external position with respect to side surfaces of the at least one carcass ply, applying a tread band to the belt structure at a radially external position of the belt structure, and applying annular stiffening inserts against the side surfaces of the at least one carcass ply before applying the sidewalls. Ends of the at least one carcass ply engage respective circumferentially inextensible annular anchoring structures. Each sidewall extends radially away from one of the annular anchoring structures. Each annular insert extends between one of the annular anchoring structures and a corresponding edge of the belt structure. A tyre for a two-wheeled vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a pair of spaced apart bead components, a connecting carcass between said bead components, and a rubber chafer positioned around at least a portion of each of said bead components and intended for contacting a rigid rim of a wheel, wherein said chafer comprises a self lubricating rubber composition, the self lubricating rubber composition comprising at least one rubber and from 1 to 50 phr of at least one additive selected from alcohols of formula I, esters of formula II, or amides of formula III wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from C12-C36 alkyl, C12-C36 alkenyl, or C12-C36 alkadienyl.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire 1 including a carcass 6 and a belt layer 7 is provided with a cord-reinforced layer 12 with reinforcing cords of organic fiber being disposed at angles of 30 to 60 degrees with respect to a tire circumferential direction at a buttress portion Bs thereof. A ply turnup portion 11 of the carcass 6 is terminated radially outside a tire maximum width point M. The cord-reinforced layer 12 is arranged such that its outer end portion in the radial direction 12U is pinched between the carcass 6 and the belt layer 7 and such that its radially inner end portion 12L is secured between the ply main portion 10 and the ply turnup portion 11 of the carcass 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire with a rubber lump applied to the bead part, and more particularly, to a pneumatic tire wherein the bead part is reinforced by applying a rubber lump on the side surface of the lower portion of the bead with a carcass ply. A flipper, which provides reinforcement, can also be used. The carcass play is spirally wound through the upper, side and lower portion of said rubber lump to an arbitrary point of the upper portion of said bead so that by minimizing the movement of the bead by way of the carcass ply or the flipper, the bead portion of the tire is not easily broken away from the rim when air is evacuated from the tire which is installed on a special rim that does not have a flange, or while driving with a tire with low air pressure.

Abstract: A tire includes a carcass-type reinforcement structure anchored on either side of the tire in a bead. Each of the beads includes an anchoring zone having a plurality of circumferential cord windings cooperating with the adjacent portion of the reinforcement structure. The cord windings are arranged to form a cord stack in which the distance between the cord of a radially innermost winding and an adjacent portion of the reinforcement structure differs from the distance between the cord of the radially outermost winding and an adjacent portion of the reinforcement structure, wherein the stack is non-parallel to the reinforcement.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a pair of bead portions each having a bottom face and an axially outer side face which contact with a bead seat and a flange of a wheel rim, respectively, wherein the axially outer side face comprises a radially outer part for contacting with a radially outermost curved portion of the rim flange; and a radially inner part for contacting with a radially inner flat portion of the rim flange. In a meridian section of the tire, the radially inner part is a substantially straight line, and the radially outer part is (A) a substantially straight line or (B) convex line or (C) a curved concave line having a radius of curvature of not less than 300 mm, and the radially outer part extends radially outwards from the radially outer end of the radially inner part while inclining axially outwards.

Abstract: A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass, a tread band radially external to the carcass, and a pair of axially distanced sidewalls. The carcass includes at least one carcass ply including ends associated with bead cores. Each bead core is incorporated in a respective bead and each bead includes a bead filler. Each sidewall is disposed, in a radial direction, between the tread band and a respective bead and is disposed in an axially outermost position. Each bead core includes a plurality of windings of a single wire. The plurality of windings is axially arranged side-by-side in a plurality of radially superposed layers, defines a transverse hexagonal section symmetrical with respect to an axis substantially parallel to the radial direction, and includes radially innermost and radially outermost layers. An axial width of the radially innermost layer is greater than an axial width of the radially outermost layer.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire, comprising a bead part (4) having a bead reinforcement layer (10) continuously extending from the inside part (10a) of a bead core (5) positioned on the axial inside of the tire to the outside part (10c) thereof on the axial outside of the tire through a bottom part (10b) passing the radial inside of the tire, the bead reinforcement layer (10) further comprising reinforcement cords (11) arranged at an angle of 20 to 60° relative to the circumferential direction of the tire, the outside part (10c) further comprising a main part (C1) extending to an area (Y) adjacent to a bead apex rubber (8) and a folded part (C2) folded up at the radial outer end (Ce) thereof, wherein the folded part (C2) terminates on the radial inside of the radial outer surface (5s) of the bead core (5).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire including a radial carcass (5) of at least one carcass ply including a main body portion (3a) and a turnup portion (3b), and a reinforcing member (7) including at least two reinforcing layers. The at least two reinforcing layers (6a, 6b) are cross reinforcing layers (21) arranged so as to envelop at least the turnup portion of the radial carcass and cross cords of these layers with each other. Outer ends of the cross reinforcing layers, located outward from the turnup portion (3b) of the radial carcass in the widthwise direction of the tire, are outward from an outer end (13) of the turnup portion of the radial carcass in the radial direction of the tire. A crossing angle ? between cords of adjacent cross reinforcing layers with respect to a circumferential direction (15) of the tire is more than 50° but less than 130°.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion with tread edges, a pair of sidewall portions, a pair of bead portions each with a bead core therein, and a carcass ply of cords comprising a main portion extending between the bead cores through the tread portion and sidewall portions and a wound portion wound around the bead core in each said bead portion from the inside to the outside of the tire, and an edge of the wound portion is disposed between the bead core and a bead apex rubber disposed radially outside the bead core to be secured therebetween.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass comprised of at least one carcass ply containing a steel cord(s) arranged at a cord angle of 70–90° with respect to an equatorial plane of the tire and toroidally extending between a pair of bead cores and turned up around the bead core inward or outward in a radial direction to form a turnup portion, wherein a wrap part wrapping on a peripheral face of the bead core therealong is formed in the turnup portion of the carcass ply.

Abstract: A tire for a motor vehicle includes at least one carcass ply, a belt structure radially external to the at least one carcass ply, a tread band radially external to the belt structure, a pair of sidewalls axially-external to the at least one carcass ply, and a pair of beads. The beads include bead wires or circumferentially-inextensible annular inserts. Opposite lateral edges of the at least one carcass ply are associated with respective beads. The at least one carcass ply includes a first composition having an elastic modulus at 70° C. less than or equal to 5.0 MPa and a viscous modulus at 70° C. less than or equal to 0.50 MPa. The sidewalls include a second composition having an elastic modulus at 70° C. greater than or equal to 3.5 MPa and a viscous modulus at 70° C. less than or equal to 0.50 MPa.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial ply tire 100 for use on aircraft has a radial reinforced carcass 20 having at least one axially inner ply 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D of textile cords 21 wound around a pair of bead cores 33. The improved bead structure 30 has a flipper 50 having an axially inner leg LI and axially outer leg LE. The ends LI, LE of the flippers 50 are above the bead core height Bh and below the apex A of an elastomeric strip 40 satisfying the relation Bh<LE<0.7D and Bh<LI<0.7D. Additionally, the tire carcass 20 has at least one axially outer ply 2E, 2F of textile cords 21 extending from bead 30 to bead 30 along the turn-ups 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D of the axially inner plies 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. The plies 21 are closely spaced along the natural ply path.

Abstract: A self-supporting tyre for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure, a tread band, a pair of sidewalls, and at least one elastic stiffening insert. The carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply provided with end flaps engaged with respective annular reinforcing structures. The annular reinforcing structures are disposed in coaxial relationship with a geometric rotation axis of the tyre at positions axially spaced apart from each other. Each annular reinforcing structure includes at least one first circumferentially inextensible annular anchoring insert. The at least one elastic stiffening insert is incorporated into the carcass structure, at least at one of the sidewalls, and includes a radially internal end portion at least partly disposed in axial side-by-side relationship against the at least one first annular anchoring insert. A method of making the tyre is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial ply tire 100 for use on aircraft has a radial reinforced carcass 20 having at least one axially inner ply 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D of textile cords 21 wound around a pair of bead cores 33. The improved bead structure 30 has a flipper 50 having an axially inner leg LI and axially outer leg LE. The ends LI, LE of the flippers 50 are above the bead core height Bh and below the apex A of an elastomeric strip 40 satisfying the relation Bh<LE<0.7D and Bh<LI<0.7D. Additionally, the tire carcass 20 has at least one axially outer ply 2E, 2F of textile cords 21 extending from bead 30 to bead 30 along the turn-ups 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D of the axially inner plies 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. The plies 21 are closely spaced along the natural ply path.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial ply tire 100 for use on aircraft has a radial reinforced carcass 20 having at least one axially inner ply 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D of textile cords 21 wound around a pair of bead cores 33. The improved bead structure 30 has a flipper 50 having an axially inner leg LI and axially outer leg LE. The ends LI, LE of the flippers 50 are above the bead core height Bh and below the apex A of an elastomeric strip 40 satisfying the relation Bh<LE<0.7 D and Bh<LI<0.7 D. Additionally, the tire carcass 20 has at least one axially outer ply 2E, 2F of textile cords 21 extending from bead 30 to bead 30 along the turn-ups 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D of the axially inner plies 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. The plies 21 are closely spaced along the natural ply path.

Abstract: The invention can firmly fix both ends of a carcass ply while maintaining a weight saving and an effect of inhibiting a bead damage high. A pneumatic tire is provided with a bead core (5) constituted by core separated pieces (20U, 20L) separated into upper and lower sides in a radial direction, a bead apex rubber (8) extending from an upper surface thereof to an upper side in the radial direction, and a carcass ply (6A) having a ply lock portion (11) locked to the bead core (5).

Abstract: Radial tire including a crown, two beads extended by sidewalls including a radial carcass reinforcement, the carcass reinforcement extending into the crown and anchored in each bead to at least one element that is inextensible in the circumferential direction, the tire including in at least one sidewall a supplementary reinforcement formed of rubber with reinforcing elements inclined relative to the circumferential direction and wherein, when viewed in meridian cross-section: the supplementary reinforcement includes at least one group of at least two strips that extend in the circumferential direction; each strip, of width Li essentially equal to or greater than the total width Lt of the reinforcement divided by the total number of strips in the group concerned, is formed of rubber reinforced by a plurality of cables or wires inclined at an angle ? between 30° and 90°; within any one group, each circumferential strip is superimposed partially with an adjacent strip.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions, a pair of bead portions, a carcass, a belt, and a reinforcing member arranged in a tire zone including at least the sidewall portion, wherein a shearing rigidity in the circumferential direction of the reinforcing member is made larger at a first tire zone located at an outside of the vehicle than at a second tire zone located at an inside of the vehicle in the same tire at a posture of mounting the tire onto a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tire comprising at least a first and a second bead radially extending to at least a first and a second sidewall, respectively, and the sidewalls being joined to a tread; said first bead having a seat the generatrix of which has its axially inner end on a circle of diameter greater than the diameter of the circle on which is located the axially outer end. The tire further comprises a carcass reinforcement formed of at least one carcass ply and anchored in the first bead to at least one annular bead anchoring element. When the tire is mounted on its operating rim and inflated to its recommended pressure, the meridian profile of the carcass reinforcement has a tangent to the point of tangency of the meridian profile with the anchoring element of the first bead that forms, relative to the axis of rotation, an angle open towards the outside and at most equal to 70°.

Abstract: A tire comprising two sidewalls, beads, a reinforcement structure extending radially from each of the beads towards the crown zone, at least one of said beads comprising: a bead seat of inverted type; an anchoring zone for the reinforcement structure in said bead, comprising an arrangement of circumferential cords, a bonding mix being arranged between the circumferential cords and the reinforcement structure, said bonding mix of the anchoring zone having a elasticity modulus at a deformation of 10% of less than 20 MPa and preferably between 10 and 20 MPa; an axially outer zone arranged in the zone of the bead; a bearing zone for said bead. The anchoring rubber mix makes it possible, in spite of its rigidity which is very much less than what was advocated previously, to retain very satisfactory endurance properties.

Abstract: A heavy duty tire comprises a carcass ply turned up around a bead core in each bead portion to form a pair of turnup portions and a main portion, and a bead reinforcing layer disposed in the bead portion and comprising an axially outer part and an axially inner part, wherein under a 50 kPa state of the tire in which the tire is mounted on a standard rim and inflated to 50 kpa: the turnup portion inclines towards the carcass ply main portion at an angle of less than 90 degrees; the distance La of the end of the turnup portion from the radially outer side of the bead core is in a range of from 5 to 12 mm; the radial height Ho of the axially outer part is in a range of from 20 to 35 mm; the distance To of the end of the axially outer part from the axially outer surface of the bead portion is in a range of from 6 to 12 mm; and the ratio To/Ho of the distance To to the height Ho is in a range of from 0.25 to 0.5.

Abstract: An antiabrasive band includes a vulcanized elastomeric compound including at least one natural or synthetic rubber. A value of a loss factor of the compound at 70° C. is less than or equal to 0.130. A value of a storage modulus of the compound at 70° C. is greater than or equal to 6 MPa. A tire for a vehicle wheel is also disclosed, including at least one carcass ply and a pair of beads. A first edge of the at least one carcass ply is folded externally around one or more first bead wires and a second edge of the at least one carcass ply is folded externally around one or more second bead wires. Each bead includes one or more respective bead wires, a bead filling, and the antiabrasive band.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire which comprises a tread portion, a pair of bead portions adapted to a wheel rim, a pair of sidewall portions therebetween, at least one of the sidewall portions provided with an axially protruding rim protector, the rim protector extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction so as to form an annular axially outer surface extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction and a radially inner surface extending radially inwardly from said annular axially outer surface towards the adjacent bead portion, wherein the radially inner surface is provided along the tire circumferential direction with at least one recess having a depth of from 0.5 to 7.0 mm.

Abstract: A self-supporting tyre (1) has reinforcing structures at the beads (4) defining rest surfaces (4a) for a corresponding rim (1a) which have a profile converging towards the tyre rotation axis away from the equatorial plane (X-X) of the tyre itself. The carcass plies (3a, 3b) are each made by sequential deposition of strip-like sections circumferentially distributed on a toroidal support (11). Elastic-support inserts (16, 21) are interposed between the side portions (13a, 14a) of axially internal sections (13), axial intermediate sections (15). In this manner around at least one of said support inserts opening degree of which can be modulated depending on requirements, by modifying the land/empty space ratio determined by the distance existing between the side portions (13a, 14a, 15a) of the strip-like sections (13, 14, 15) covering each of the axially opposite sides of the support insert itself.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for trucks having reduced weight and less material usage. The present invention utilizes an outside-in radial ply construction, which aids to torque the tire bead into the rim of the wheel to which it is mounted and allows the rim to provide greater support for the tire. The size of the bead may be reduced, permitting a reduction in the amount of rubber and reinforcement around and above the bead.

Abstract: A tire has a carcass reinforcement extending between a pair of opposing bead portion. At least one of the bead portions terminates axially to the outside by a tip and is intended to be mounted on a wheel rim having a bead seat that has an axially outer end closer to the axis of rotation than the axially inner end thereof. Within the bead portion are a bead ring and a bead apex. The radial carcass reinforcement ply is anchored in each bead portion and has at least one terminal end located in the bead portion. In the bead portion, the reinforcement ply passing radially inward of the bead ring, extending axially outward of the bead ring. The reinforcement ply terminates without passing back under the bead ring.

Abstract: A tire comprising a crown, two sidewalls and two beads, a carcass reinforcement anchored in each of the beads and a crown reinforcement. The carcass reinforcement comprises at least two circumferential alignments of first reinforcing threads of high elasticity modulus, each circumferential alignment of the first reinforcing threads being, within each bead, bordered axially inwardly and axially outwardly by second reinforcing threads, oriented substantially circumferentially, of a modulus greater than or equal to that of the first reinforcing threads. The first reinforcing threads and second reinforcing threads are separated by a layer of mix of very high elasticity modulus. Considering ?RI as being the total of the rigidities of extension of the second reinforcing threads arranged axially inwardly relative to the carcass reinforcement and considering ?RE as being the total of the rigidities of extension of the second reinforcing threads arranged axially on either side of the carcass reinforcement, then: 0.

Abstract: A tire comprising a crown, two sidewalls and two beads, a carcass reinforcement anchored in each of the beads and a crown reinforcement. The carcass reinforcement comprises at least two circumferential alignments of first reinforcing threads of high elasticity modulus, each circumferential alignment of the first reinforcing threads being, within each bead, bordered axially by second reinforcing threads oriented substantially circumferentially. The first reinforcing threads and the second reinforcing threads are separated by a layer of mix of very high elasticity modulus. The second reinforcements are arranged in a spiral and formed of monofilaments or unit threads of steel.

Abstract: A tire includes two beads and a carcass reinforcement anchored in the beads. The carcass reinforcement has at least two circumferential alignments of first reinforcing threads. Each such circumferential alignment is, within each bead, bordered axially inwardly and outwardly by second circumferential reinforcing threads having an elasticity modulus at least equal to that of the first threads. The first and second threads are separated by a rubber mix of high elasticity modulus. The outer surface of each bead includes a seat which includes an arc-shaped wall section having a geometrical center arranged axially outwardly relative to the bead. Considering an imaginary straight line passing through both the center and the bead at an angle ?=+45±5 degrees relative to the tire axis, all of the second threads are spaced from that axis by a radial distance no larger than the locus of the imaginary line.

Abstract: A tire comprising at least one reinforcement structure of the carcass type anchored on either side of the tire in a bead, the base of which bead is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, the reinforcement structure extending circumferentially from the bead towards the sidewall, at least one arrangement of main cords along a substantially circumferential path being arranged substantially adjacent to the structure, the arrangement of the cords of the at least one arrangement being such that the number of main cords arranged on the axially inner side relative to the structure is greater than the number of main cords arranged on the axially outer side relative to the structure.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial ply tire (500) comprises a tread (510), a belt structure (512), and a carcass (514). The carcass (514) has a radial ply (518) and two bead sections (530A, 530B). Each bead section (530A, 530B) has a bead (532) and a component apex (534) with a inner apex (534A), a middle apex (534B) and an outer apex (534C).

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a pneumatic tire (300) with oppositely disposed annularly-shaped beads (324) for mounting on flange shoulders (304) of a wheel rim (302) with the opposed beads (324) spaced apart from one another by a distance “i”. The process comprises the steps of: forming a green tire assembly (308) including a tread (312), and a carcass (316) with a ply (320) and opposed sidewalls (318) that each include a radial inner-end bead portion (322) with one of the beads (324) and wherein each bead portion (322) is spaced apart from one another by a distance “f”. The green tire assembly (308) is cured by applying pressure thereto at an elevated temperature in a vulcanization mold (400). The process is characterized by the steps of spacing the opposed beads (324) apart from one another by a distance “g” which is substantially equal to the distance “f” therebetween when the green tire assembly (308) was formed.

Abstract: In a pneumatic tire, a cord spacing between an axially outer cord layer and an axially inner cord layer such as: a turnup portion and a main portion of a carcass ply; or a bead reinforcing cord layer and a carcass ply turnup portion, is increased from the radially inside to the outside of the tire to improve the durability of the bead portion.

Abstract: An aircraft tire, the inflation pressure of which is greater than 12 bar, comprises a crown, two sidewalls and two beads, a carcass reinforcement anchored in the two beads and a crown reinforcement. The carcass reinforcement comprises at least two circumferential alignments of first reinforcing threads of high elasticity modulus. The means for anchoring the first reinforcing threads within each bead comprises second reinforcing threads oriented circumferentially and axially bordering the circumferential alignments of the first reinforcing threads, the first reinforcing threads and second reinforcing threads being separated by a layer of mix of very high elasticity modulus.

Abstract: A carcass structure for vehicle wheel tires includes at least one carcass ply and a pair of annular reinforcing structures. The at least one carcass ply includes a first and a second series of strip segments consecutively arranged along a circumferential development of a toroidal support and including at least two filiform elements, positioned longitudinally and parallel to each other, at least partially coated by at least one layer of raw elastomer material. The annular reinforcing structures include at least one primary portion and at least one additional portion. The at least one primary portion includes a first circumferential-inextensible annular insert, a filling body, and at least one second circumferentially-inextensible annular insert. The at least one additional portion comprises at least one third circumferentially-inextensible annular insert. The annular inserts are each formed by at least one elongated element extending in concentric turns.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a crown-reinforcing insert which extends from under the tread substantially, such as at least one-third of the sidewall height, into the sidewall of the tire. Apexes extend from the beads substantially, such as at least one-third of the sidewall height, into the sidewall of the tire, thereby effecting a substantial, such as at least one-third of the sidewall height, “overlap” between end portions of the crown-reinforcing insert and the apexes. Additionally, at least one belt extends from under the tread substantially into the sidewall, and the turn-ups of at least some of the plies extend quite high, such as at least one-third of the sidewall height, into the sidewall. This combination of features yields superior runflat performance.

Abstract: A tire for vehicles carrying heavy loads, comprising in at least one bead an additional reinforcement composed of a plurality of discontinuous reinforcing elements, these discontinuous reinforcing elements being orientated essentially circumferentially to form a plurality of circles C, C1, C2 concentric on the rotation axis of the tire mounted on its rim, each circle being defined by a mean radius (R, R1, R2) measured relative to the said rotation axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire, specifically to improvements to the bead region of tires designed for runflat operations. The improvements comprise the addition of cavities or indentation (126) on the surface of the bead (127) that contacts the wheel rim (128). In a first embodiment a series of circular cavities (126) are located on the radial innermost surface of the bead in the proximity of the bead toe. In a second embodiment, a continuous groove-like torus cavity (226) is located in the radially innermost surface of the bead in the proximity of the bead toe. The series of cavities or torus cavity increase the adherence of the bead to the rim as a small volume of air at a low pressure, significantly inferior to the atmospheric pressure (air vacuum situation) is trapped in the void spaces created by the cavities or torus cavity and the bead seat.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire comprises a radial carcass extending between a pair of bead portions each including two bead cores therein and reinforcing a pair of sidewall portions and a tread portion, wherein the radial carcass is comprised of a rubberized ply of a continuous cord successively repeating round trip in at least one of the two bead cores as a pair between the pair of the bead portions along a circumference of the bead portion and a roundtrip return portion of the cord is existent in both the bead portions. In this case, at least one of the two bead cores has such a structure that one or more steel wires are arranged lengthwise and widthwise in radial and widthwise directions of the tire, and the cord of the carcass ply has a roundtrip return portion located through a side face of the bead core having the above structure so as to cover at least an innermost steel wire arrangement in the radial direction from an inner side in the radial direction of the tire.

Abstract: Tire containing a crown, two sidewalls and two beads, a carcass reinforcement with first reinforcing cords placed adjacent, aligned circumferentially in at least one circumferential alignment from at least one of said beads to one of said sidewalls and anchored in said one bead, and a crown reinforcement, said one bead containing an anchoring zone enabling the carcass reinforcement to be maintained and including at least one circumferentially oriented second reinforcing cord cooperating with an adjacent portion of the carcass reinforcement by means of a rubber anchoring compound in contact with the second reinforcing cord and the adjacent sections of the first reinforcing cords, wherein the rubber anchoring compound has a modulus of elasticity at a 10% deformation ranging between 10 and 20 MPa and wherein the rubber anchoring compound comprises at least one synthetic elastomer in the SBR group and of polybutadienes with a total proportion of synthetic elastomer exceeding 50% of the total weight of elastomers.

Abstract: A tire plus-sizing software program for receiving data input and displaying data output for six different screens that can be used to correctly determine and convert tire and wheel information to correctly select proper tires and wheels for plus-sizing personal vehicles. The program provides information regarding the types of tires that can be used to “plus-size” tires for a given vehicle, i.e., to increase the wheel diameter without changing the tire diameter. The resulting vehicle with the “plus-sized” tires has improved vehicle performance, handling and appearance when compared with the original equipment wheels and tires.

Abstract: Tire, comprising at least one carcass-type reinforcement structure extending circumferentially from the bead to the sidewall and a crown reinforcement, each of the beads further comprising a main anchoring zone for supporting the reinforcement structure, the tire comprising a rim protector provided by a rubber projection extending axially outwardly relative to the sidewall and comprising at least one secondary anchoring zone comprising a plurality of circumferential cord windings, the windings cooperating with an adjacent portion of a secondary reinforcement structure via a rubber anchoring mix. Since anchoring is distributed between the bead and the rim protector, new architectural or design possibilities are opened up, for example permitting the use of the restricted space of the bead in an optimum manner. Thus, for example, the presence of the secondary anchoring zone at the rim protector helps greatly to improve the behavior of the tires, in particular resistance to drift.

Abstract: A tire P, which is intended to be mounted on a rim, the seats of which form an angle with the axis of rotation of between 0° and 6°, and comprises a radial carcass reinforcement (1) anchored within each bead B to a bead wire (2) so forming an upturn (10), said bead wire (2) being radially surmounted, axially between the main portion of the reinforcement (1) and its upturn (10), by at least one rubber mix profile (3) substantially triangular in form and of an elevated Shore A hardness, wherein the meridian profile of the axially outer surface of each bead B, exhibiting an abrupt discontinuity of curvature, is combined with the presence above the bead wire of a rubber mix profile (3) of elevated hardness, said profile (3) being axially in contact over its entire height with the upturn (10) of the carcass reinforcement (1) and separated from the main portion of said reinforcement (1) by a low hardness rubber mix profile (4), while a third profile (5), axially to the outside of the upturn (10), consists of a mix

Abstract: A tire carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply and a pair of annular reinforcing structures. The at least one carcass ply includes a first and second series of strip segments. Each strip segment extends around a cross-section profile of the carcass structure to define two lateral portions and an annulus portion. Each annular reinforcing structure includes at least one primary portion and at least one additional portion. The at least one primary portion includes a first circumferentially-inextensible annular insert and a filling body. The at least one additional portion includes at least one second circumferentially-inextensible annular insert. The first annular insert and the at least one second annular insert include one or more elongated elements extending in substantially-concentric turns. A radial extension of the at least one second annular insert is less than a radial extension of the first annular insert.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a carcass structure extending through a pair of opposing bead portions and an inner liner located inward of the carcass structure, each bead portion comprising a bead core about which is wrapped the carcass structure and a toeguard. Each bead portion has a bead toe, a bead base, and a bead heel, the bead base extending between the bead toe and the bead heel. The bead heel has a profile corresponding to a sector of an ellipse or approximates a sector of an ellipse by having a dual radius structure. The bead base may have a dual taper configuration. The bead core may be substantially centered in the bead portion, as determined by the material thickness at three locations about the bead core.