Abstract: There is provided a pneumatic tire having an aspect ratio of not less than 60 and considerably improving run flat durability as compared with the conventional type of the run flat tire, wherein at least one cushion rubber layer having a loss tangent lower than a loss tangent (tan ?) of a coating rubber for cords of a carcass ply is arranged between an end portion of a belt and a reinforcing rubber layer in a shoulder region and between mutually adjacent tire constitutional members. And also, when the carcass is comprised of plural plies, at least one ply is separated off in a zone beneath the belt, whereby the ride comfort against vibrations can be more improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber composition which contains starch/plasticizer composite, precipitated silica and carbon black reinforcement together with a coupling agent wherein the coupling agent is an organosilane polysulfide having an average of from about 2 to about 2.6 connecting sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge. The invention provides for a chemical reaction between a coupling agent and silica which is substantially decoupled from a reaction between a coupling agent and starch/plasticizer to form a filler reinforcement network in situ within the elastomer host followed by a subsequent phase mixing of the carbon black therewith. The invention further relates to the resulting rubber composition and articles of manufacture, including tires, having at least one component comprised of said rubber composition.

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 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 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 tyre for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure, a tread band, and sidewalls. The carcass structure includes at least one first and second carcass ply and a pair of annular reinforcing structures. The carcass plies are formed of strip sections extending in a substantially U-shaped conformation, including at least two parallel thread elements at least partly coated with elastomer material. The at least one first (second) carcass ply includes a first (third) and second (fourth) series of strip sections arranged in mutually-alternating sequence along a circumferential extension of the carcass structure. The annular reinforcing structures include first and second primary portions. The first (second) primary portion includes an axially-inner side turned towards end flaps of the strip sections of the first (third) series and an axially-outer side turned towards end flaps of the strip sections of the second (fourth) series.

Abstract: A strip of tire ply stock is reinforced with steel cords wherein the steel cords are constructed of high strength wire filament having at least a tensile strength of ?2000×D+4400 MPa where D is the filament diameter in mm. Tires are constructed with the ply stock in the belt and/or carcass.

Abstract: A (metal/rubber) composite comprising a rubber matrix reinforced with a metallic body adhering to the rubber matrix by means of an adhesive interphase; the rubber matrix is based on diene elastomer; the metal is a carbon steel, the carbon content of which is between 0.35% and 1.2%; to constitute the adhesive interphase, the carbon steel is coated with a metallic layer bearing aluminium oxides or hydroxides, which itself is covered by an organosilane film providing, as coupling agent, the bond between the aluminium oxides-hydroxides on one hand, and the rubber matrix on the other hand. The invention also relates to articles or semi-finished products made of rubber which are reinforced with or formed by such a composite, in particular tires.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a cord-reinforced layer such as carcass, belt, bead reinforcing layer which is made of metallic cords, each metallic cord is made up of six to twelve metallic filaments whose diameter is in a range of from 0.15 to 0.45 mm, the metallic filaments include waved filaments and unwaved filaments, each waved filament is two-dimensionally waved at a wave pitch and wave height before twisted, the wave pitch is in a range of from 5.0 to 35.0 times the diameter of the filament, and the wave height is in a range of from 0.2 to 4.0 times the diameter of the filament, and the metallic filaments are twisted together into the cord at a twist pitch of from 10 to 40 mm so that the two-dimensionally waved filaments are each subjected to a certain rotation around its axial.

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: There is provided a pneumatic radial tire for a motorcycle capable of developing an excellent steering stability in a high-speed cornering subjected to a large camber angle, and having an aspect ratio of 0.50–0.85, in which a tensile strength at break of a carcass ply cord is not less than 980 MPa, and an absolute value of a carcass total rigidity obtained by adding carcass rigidities of carcass plies is not less than 30000, and a tensile strength at break of a belt layer cord is not less than 2350 MPa, and an absolute value of a belt total rigidity obtained by adding belt rigidities of belt layers is not less than 170000, and a bending rigidity ratio as a ratio of out-of-plane bending rigidity to in-plane bending rigidity is within a range of 4.20–9.10.

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 pneumatic tire includes a body having a plurality of main body cords. The tire includes an upper section above the maximum section width and a lower section below the maximum section width. The modulus of the body cords is configured to be larger in the lower section than in the upper section. This modulus ratio decreases the rolling resistance of the tire. The increased modulus in the lower section is achieved by providing intermediate body cords disposed between the main body cords. In another embodiment, the increased modulus is achieved by changing the material and/or size of the cords in the lower section.

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: A tire for a vehicle wheel, comprising two sidewalls joined by a crown zone provided on its radially outer portion with a circumferential tread, a bead arranged at the radially inner portion of each of the sidewalls, each bead comprising a seat and an outer flange which are intended to come into contact with the rim. The bead seat has a generatrix, the axially inner end of which lies on a circle of diameter greater than the diameter of the circle on which the axially outer end is located. A carcass-type reinforcement structure extends substantially radially from each of the beads, along the sidewalls, towards the crown zone, such bead being reinforced by a substantially radial arrangement of circumferential cords arranged in stacks. A portion of the carcass-type reinforcement structure is arranged in the immediate vicinity of at least one portion of a stack, and the space between these portions is generally occupied by a rubber mix of 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: 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: The invention generally relates to thermoplastic blends having improved properties. Optionally, these blends may be dynamically vulcanized. More specifically, this invention is directed to a composition comprising a blend of chloromethylated(styrene-isobutylene) polymer and a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, polysulfones, polyacetals, polyacetones, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene resins, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, styrene-acrylonitrile resins, styrene-maleic anhydride resins, polyamides, aromatic polyketones, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer and mixtures thereof. Tires and tire components such as air permeation prevention films comprising these compositions are also provided.

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 strip of tire ply stock is reinforced with steel cords wherein the steel cords are constructed of high strength wire filament having at least a tensile strength of ?2000×D+4400 MPa where D is the filament diameter in mm. Tires are constructed with the ply stock in the belt and/or carcass.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to thermoplastic blends having improved properties. Optionally, these blends may be dynamically vulcanized. More specifically, this invention is directed to a composition comprising a blend of chloromethylated(styrene-isobutylene) polymer and a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, polysulfones, polyacetals, polyacetones, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene resins, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, styrene-acrylonitrile resins, styrene-maleic anhydride resins, polyamides, aromatic polyketones, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer and mixtures thereof. Tires and tire components such as air permeation prevention films comprising these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire wherein both end portions of at least one layer of a carcass layer are turned up around right and left bead cores from the inside to the outside of the tire, and at least two layers of belt layers formed by arranging reinforcing cords in such a fashion that their inclining directions with respect to a tire circumferential direction cross one another in mutually opposite directions between the layers are disposed on the outer circumferential side of the carcass layer of a tread portion. A carcass strength coefficient K defined by the formula (1) in the specification is 0.15 to 0.35 N/mm·kPa at portions on the tread portion center side of positions P which are away by 10% of a belt width of a belt layer having the second greatest width from both edges thereof towards its inside, and is 0.5 N/mm·kPa at portions from the positions P to the bead portions.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire including a carcass containing a ply of cords defining the innermost reinforcing cord layer extending between bead portions, and an airtight layer disposed inside the cords of the carcass ply along the inner surface of the tire, covering substantially the entire inner surface of the tire, wherein the airtight layer is made of air-impermeable rubber including at least 10 weight % of halogenated butyl rubber and/or halogenated isobutylene-paramethyl styrene copolymer in its rubber base, and the thickness of the airtight layer measured from the inner surface of the tire to the cords of the carcass ply is in a range of from 0.2 to 0.7 mm.

Abstract: Fabric treatment layers (130a, 130b, 132a, 132b) are deployed in the sidewall regions of a runflat tire (100) having a metal-reinforced first ply (120). In one embodiment, parallel cord, reinforced fabric treatment layers (130a, 130b, 132a 132b) sandwich the metal forced first ply (120) and inhibit buckling of the reinforcing cords (70) of the first ply during runflat operation when the ply cords or wires are bearing compression loads. In another embodiment, a single woven fabric treatment layer (170a, 170b) is disposed in each sidewall region (152,154) at a location immediately axially inward of the metal-reinforced first ply (160).

Abstract: A self-supporting tire for vehicle wheels includes a carcass structure having at least one carcass ply, a belt structure, a tread band, at least one pair of sidewalls, and at least one pair of resilient stiffening inserts incorporated into the carcass structure. The at least one carcass ply includes axially-inner strip lengths and axially-outer strip lengths, and may also include axially-intermediate strip lengths. Each of the strip lengths extend in a U-shaped configuration around a cross-section outline of the carcass structure to define two side portions spaced apart from each other in an axial direction and a crown portion extending at a radially-outer position between the side portions. The resilient stiffening inserts are axially interposed between the side portions of the axially-inner strip lengths and the side portions of the axially-outer strip lengths.

Abstract: A tire comprising at least one reinforcement structure of carcass type anchored on each side of the tire in a bead, a crown reinforcement, sidewalls meeting up radially towards the outside with a tread, the carcass-type reinforcement structure extending circumferentially from the bead towards said sidewall and being discontinuous over at least a portion of the crown of the tire, said crown reinforcement comprising on the one hand at least one primary reinforcement structure covering substantially the entire width of the crown and on the other hand at least one series of circumferential reinforcements also covering substantially the entire width of the crown, said series of circumferential reinforcements comprising a portion of lateral circumferential reinforcements disposed radially to the outside relative to said primary reinforcement structures and a portion of median circumferential reinforcements disposed radially to the inside relative to said primary reinforcement structures.

Abstract: A bias tire comprises a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions, a pair of bead portions each with a bead core therein, a carcass extending between the bead portions and comprising two cross plies of cords, and a tread rubber disposed radially outside a crown portion of the carcass to define a tread face, wherein the loss tangent of the tread rubber is in a range of 0.40 to 0.60 under a temperature of 50 deg.C., the distance between the tread rubber and the adjacent cords of the radially outermost carcass ply is at most 1.0 mm, and the two cross plies include at least one ply of PEN cords made of polyethylene 2,6 naphthalate fibers twisted together.

Abstract: A tire (10) has a composite ply (40). The composite ply (40) has a primary ply (40A) reinforced with parallel inextensible cords (41) and a pair of ply extensions (40B) having synthetic cords (43). The method of manufacturing the tire (10) is described. The tire (10) can be made as a runflat type tire.

Abstract: A tire for vehicle wheels includes a carcass, a tread strip, and a belt structure. The carcass has a central crown portion and two axially opposite sidewalls terminating in a pair of beads. Each bead includes at least one circumferentially unextendable annular reinforcing core having a series of spirals of metal wire radially superimposed and axially arranged alongside each other. The carcass has a reinforcing structure including at least one ply of rubberized fabric reinforced with metal cords lying in radial planes containing an axis of rotation of the tire. The reinforcing structure includes ends secured to the annular reinforcing cores and a neutral profile, lying in a radial cross-sectional plane, axially extending from bead to bead. The neutral profile intersects a cross section of a zone enclosing the annular reinforcing cores and has a continuous curvature devoid of inflection points along an extension between the beads.

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: The present invention is a crown-stiffening underlay structure comprised of a flat strip of elastomeric material reinforced with essentially inextensible cords. The cord-reinforced flat strip is wrapped helically around the green tire carcass prior to blowup into the characteristic toroidal shape of a tire carcass. In one embodiment, the underlay structure is disposed between breakers and the radial ply structure. In another embodiment, the underlay is disposed between the radial ply structure and the innerliner. In another embodiment, the afore described underlay structure has an additional and structurally contiguous beam made of elastomeric material.

Abstract: The pneumatic tire has a single carcass ply reinforced with parallel metallic cords, each cord composed of at least one filament having a tensile strength of at least (−2000×D+4400 MPa) ×95%, where D is the filament diameter in millimeters. The turnup portion of the single carcass ply 12 in the bead portion of a pneumatic tire is interposed between the bead core 11 and a toe guard 18, and the radially outer edge of each turnup portion being in contact with the main portion of the carcass ply and extending to an end point 0.5 to 4.0 inches (12.7 to 101.6 mm) radially outward of the bead core. The toe guard 18 has a first and second end and each end is disposed directly adjacent to the carcass ply. The first end 18a of the toe guard is located on the axially inner side of the main portion of the carcass ply at a location about 0.4 to 3.

Abstract: A tire comprising at least one reinforcement structure of carcass type, a crown reinforcement, each bead being extended radially towards the outside by a sidewall, the sidewalls joining a tread radially towards the outside, the reinforcement structure comprising:

Abstract: The innermost carcass ply of a runflat tire (50) having a radial carcass ply is a discontinuous ply (52) that includes two portions (52a, 52b) each disposed within one of the sidewalls (43, 45). In one embodiment, each of the two discontinuous ply portions is composed of two layers (64, 66) of cross-biased cords (65, 67) which are disposed be-tween the two wedge inserts (58b, 59b) in each side-wall. In another embodiment, the two portions (72a, 72b) of the discontinuous ply (72) are composed of wavy metal cords. In athird embodiment, a runflat tire incorporating either embodiment of the discontinuous ply (92a, 92b) is built using the locked, tie-in construction for the carcass ply.

Abstract: A tyre for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure, a tread band, and sidewalls. The carcass structure includes at least one first and second carcass ply and a pair of annular reinforcing structures. The carcass plies are formed of strip sections extending in a substantially U-shaped conformation, including at least two parallel thread elements at least partly coated with elastomer material. The at least one first (second) carcass ply includes a first (third) and second (fourth) series of strip sections arranged in mutually-alternating sequence along a circumferential extension of the carcass structure. The annular reinforcing structures include first and second primary portions. The first (second) primary portion includes an axially-inner side turned towards end flaps of the strip sections of the first (third) series and an axially-outer side turned towards end flaps of the strip sections of the second (fourth) series.

Abstract: The tire (70) of the invention incorporates a carcass ply cord material (93) with variable modulus of elasticity to provide an active sidewall structure (82a, 82b). The variable modulus cord material is incorporated in the axially outwardmost ply (90) of a carcass (80) having two plies (88, 90) separated by elastomeric inserts (89a, 89b) in the sidewalls (82a, 82b). The outer ply cord material (93) provides an increased modulus of elasticity with an increase in elongation. The inner ply cords (91) have a modulus that substantially exceeds that of the outer ply cords (93) under normal loads in the inflated mode. Thus, the inner ply (88) dominates the structural response of the sidewalls (82a, 82b) at normal loads in the inflated mode. Under severe sidewall deflection, such as when the tire is uninflated, the outer ply cord (93) is elongated, increasing its modulus of elasticity and thus, shifting the load from the axially inwardmost ply (88) to the axially outwardmost ply (90).

Abstract: A radial tire for vehicles, comprising two side-cut shields, which are disposed on both sidewalls of the radial tire, the side-cut shields comprising at least two plies, which comprise a first filament array, which consists of mutually substantially parallel filaments, and a second filament array, which consists of mutually substantially parallel filaments, the filaments in the first filament array being at an angle &agr; relative to the filaments of the second filament array, the angle &agr; being 20-90°, and the side-cut shields being disposed to extend from the bead areas of the radial tire to the shoulder areas of the radial tire such that the edges of the side-cut shields facing the shoulder area are disposed between the belt layers and the plies. A method for manufacturing such a radial tire is also disclosed.

Abstract: A strip of tire ply stock is reinforced with steel cords wherein the steel cords are constructed of high strength wire filament having at least a tensile strength of −2000×D+4400 MPa where D is the filament diameter in mm. Tires are constructed with the ply stock in the belt and/or carcass.

Abstract: A strip of tire ply stock is reinforced with steel cords wherein the steel cords are constructed of high strength wire filament having at least a tensile strength of −2000×D+4400 MPa where D is the filament diameter in mm. Tires are constructed with the ply stock in the belt and/or carcass.

Abstract: A tubeless pneumatic tire is provided including a carcass having a carcass cord web and topping rubber layers covering the opposite sides of the carcass cord web, the carcass extending from a tread portion through a sidewall portion to a bead portion and turned up around a bead core outwardly from the inside of the tire in the axial direction of the tire, wherein only the inner one of the topping rubber layers which faces the inside of the tire is made of a butyl-based rubber. The tubeless pneumatic tire is of lightened weight and exhibits anti-airleak property comparable or superior to that of conventional one even if it is provided with no inner liner.

Abstract: High modulus reinforcement is used to make a radial ply pneumatic tire having only one carcass ply, i.e. a monoply tire. Poly-ethylene naphthalate (PEN) reinforcement is prepared in a manner that provides sufficient strength whereby the monoply tire can be made having reduced weight (as compared to a two ply tire) while having comparable durability, some improved handling, reduced rolling resistance, and improved flatspotting properties.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial ply passenger tire (10) having a tread (12), a casing with two sidewalls (20), two radial plies (38, 40) extending from and wrapped about two annular beads (26) and a belt reinforcement structure (36) located radially between the tread and the plies. Inner ply (38) is reinforced with essentially inextensible metal cords and is designed to carry a compressive load during runflat operation. Outer ply (40) is reinforced with organic-fiber cords designed to withstand tensile stresses during runflat operation. A circumferentially deployed insert (42) is disposed between the inner and outer radial plies (38, 40) in each sidewall (20) adjacent to the shoulder of the tread. The metal cords (41) of inner ply (38) have compressive-load-hearing capacity which reduces the mass of the insert material (42). The metal cords (41) also have thermal conductivity properties that dissipate heat buildup from both ply (38) and insert (42).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carcass structure for vehicle tires includes preparing strip sections, each comprising longitudinal and parallel thread elements coated at least partly with at least one layer of raw elastomer material. A first series of strip sections is laid down onto a toroidal support. First primary portions of annular reinforcing structures are applied against end flaps of the first series strip sections. At least one second series of strip sections is laid down onto the toroidal support. Together, the first and second series define a first carcass ply. A third series of strip sections is laid down onto the toroidal support. Second primary portions of the annular reinforcing structures are applied against end flaps of the third series strip sections. At least one fourth series of strip sections is laid down onto the toroidal support. Together, the third and fourth series define a second carcass ply.

Abstract: Plant for producing tyres of different types simultaneously, comprising a plurality of operating units operating in succession, comprising a central processing unit capable of causing the sequential execution of a plurality of operating steps at work stations, each of which comprises at least one of the said operating units, according to one or more predetermined sequences of types of tyres. The plant also comprises a local processing unit associated with each work station and capable of identifying the type of tyre corresponding to a drum supplied to each of the said operating units, and of selecting, from a predetermined group of operating procedures for each of the said operating units, a specific procedure for the type of tyre corresponding to the drum being worked on.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass made from at least one cord array comprised of many arch portions of a cord extending between a pair of bead portions in a meridional direction and arranged over a full circumference of the tire at an equal interval P in a circumferential direction of the tire and many circumferential portions of the cord alternately arranged in the bead portions, each connecting ends of adjacent arch portions to each other in the bead portion and extending substantially in the circumferential direction. In this case, the cord array is arranged at n layers (n is an integer of 2 or more) while offsetting these layers by a distance L obtained by dividing the interval P by n in the circumferential direction. Further, the bead wire reinforcing layer is arranged outward from the overlap region of the circumferential portions in the radial direction so as to sandwich the cord array from both sides thereof.

Abstract: A tyre for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure, a tread band, and at least one pair of sidewalls. The carcass structure includes at least one circumferential centering ridge jutting out from a crown portion of the carcass structure. Each bead of the tyre includes a rest surface defining, in a direction away from an equatorial plane of the tyre, a profile converging toward the rotation axis of the tyre. A rim for a tyre includes a base body and two seats. Each seat defines an abutment surface facing radially away from a rotation axis of the rim and includes a frustoconical configuration converging away from a median diametrical plane of the rim. The base body further includes at least two opposite radial shoulders disposed to abut against the at least one centering ridge. A vehicle wheel, including the tyre and the rim, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire with at least one component of a rubber composition which contains oriented exfoliated platelets derived from an intercalated clay. Such tire component may be, for example, a rubber/cord laminate and, optionally, a sidewall insert and, optionally, an apex.

Abstract: A radial ply, passenger vehicle tire has a tread with a substantially flat tread profile, a belt structure, and a carcass comprising two sidewalls, two beads and one or more plies. The one or more plies have a loaded shoulder ply radius that is smaller than the tire's unloaded shoulder ply radius. This design eliminates tread-lift and eliminates the need for decoupling grooves in the shoulder regions of the tread.