BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to pneumatic tires, and methods for forming pneumatic tires.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Pneumatic tires are known to have at least one body ply and a pair of annular beads spaced apart along a rotational axis of the tire, the at least one body ply extending lengthwise in an annular direction around the tire, and extending across a width of the tire by wrapping partially around a first bead of the pair of beads, then extending to the second bead of the pair of beads, and then partially around the second bead within the thickness of the tire. The wraps at each of the beads are commonly referred to as body ply turn-ups, there the terminal end of the body ply for each turn-up is commonly referred to as a turn-up ending. The body ply turn-ups are employed to anchor the body ply in association with the beads to provide structural integrity by allowing the body ply to properly operate under tension within the tire. This body ply is continuous along its length, except for any splice in the body ply length, should a splice be present, and is continuous along its width. In addition to the body ply, a pneumatic tire may also include a bead filler arranged atop each bead, a chafer wrap extending at least partially around the bead (with or without any bead filler), and/or a sidewall stiffening ply arranged along each side wall, commonly at or near the body ply turn-up. The chafer wrap and sidewall stiffening ply are generally formed of a material different from the material used to form the body ply. For example, the chafer ply is commonly formed of a square-woven fabric, while the sidewall stiffening ply includes metallic reinforcements biased relative to the radial direction of the tire. This invention focuses on segmenting the body ply to deter the migration of oxygen to the tire summit.

[0003] It has been found that tire endurance can be affected by the migration of oxygen through the tire carcass, where the oxygen reacts with the rubber to increase the cross-link density of the rubber. By doing so, the elastic modulus of the rubber increases while the rubber peel strength and elongation-to-break properties decrease. Additionally, the reinforcements within the body ply, which can be cords or cables, can act as a conduit for oxygen to the summit of a tire, where the summit is the central portion of the tire arranged between the sidewalls of the tire and which contains the tire tread. While an inner liner may reduce this migration of oxygen, oxygen may still migrate to the body ply reinforcements and ultimately to the tire summit.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to further impede the migration of oxygen, and more generally air or gases, to the summit of a tire.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention include a pneumatic tire and a method for forming a pneumatic tire. In particular embodiments, a pneumatic tire includes a pair of annular beads spaced apart in an axial direction of the tire, the pair of annular beads comprising a first annular bead and a second annular bead. The pneumatic tire also includes a central portion including a tire tread and extending annularly around the tire and between a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall extending radially outward from the first bead and to the central annular portion, the second sidewall extending radially outward from the second bead and to the central annular portion. Said tire further includes a first side body ply and optionally a second side body ply arranged within a thickness of the tire, each of the first and second side body plies comprising a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements. The first side body ply extends from an outer terminal end of the first side body ply radially inward along an axially-outer side portion of the first sidewall to an axially-outer side of the first bead, and around a radially-inner side of the first bead to an axially-inner side of the first bead, and radially outward along an axially-inner side portion of the first sidewall to an inner terminal end of the first side body ply. When present, the second side body ply extends from an outer terminal end of the second side body ply radially inward along an axially-outer side portion of the second sidewall to an axially-outer side of the second bead, and around a radially-inner side of the second bead to an axially-inner side of the second bead, and radially outward along an axially-inner side portion of the second sidewall to an inner terminal end of the second side body ply.

[0006] Further embodiments of the invention form a method of forming a pneumatic tire. Particular embodiments of the method include: (1) arranging a pair of annular beads spaced apart in an axial direction of an uncured tire assembly, the pair of annular beads comprising a first annular bead and a second annular bead; (2) arranging a first side body ply and a second side body ply within the uncured tire assembly, each of the first and second side body plies comprising a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements; and, (3) curing the uncured tire assembly to form a pneumatic tire according to any embodiment contemplated above or otherwise described herein.

[0007] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG.1 is a widthwise sectional view of a tire having a side body ply and a central body ply, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0009] FIG.2 is a partial widthwise sectional view of a tire having a side body ply and a central body ply, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0010] FIG.3 is a partial widthwise sectional view of a tire having a side body ply and a central body ply, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG.4 is a partial widthwise sectional view of a tire having a side body ply and a central body ply, in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG.5 is a sectioned top view of the side and central body plies of FIG.1, taken below a tread and belt of the tire.

[0013] FIG.6 is a sectioned top view of the side and central body plies taken below a tread and belt of the tire, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG.7 is a partial widthwise sectional view of a tire having a segmented body ply, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG.8 is a partial widthwise sectional view of a tire having a segmented body ply, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention comprise pneumatic tires and methods for forming any such inventive pneumatic tire, where any such pneumatic tire is characterized as having a body ply formed of multiple sections or segments, in lieu of having a single body ply extending from bead to bead and radially outward at each turn-up relative each bead. One benefit of the inventive tire construction contemplated herein is to reduce the migration of oxygen or other gases from the bead or sidewall areas to the tire summit. Other benefits may also be realized by this tire construction. [0017] It is appreciated that for any known pneumatic tire construction, that is, the assembly of components forming the pneumatic tire, for any body ply formed of a single sheet of reinforced material, the segmented body ply discussed herein is substituted therefor to form the inventive pneumatic tire. More particular embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully.

[0018] Generally, the pneumatic tire includes a pair of annular beads spaced apart in an axial direction of the tire, where a radial center of each annular bead is arranged along a common axis, namely, the rotational axis of the tire. The pair of annular beads can be said to comprise a first annular bead and a second annular bead. Each bead may form any bead used in the art of forming pneumatic tires or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any obvious variation thereof. For example, a bead may be formed of one or more rubber-coated metal wires wound one or more revolutions to form a ring having a cross-section formed of a plurality of wires. When using the term "rubber" herein, "rubber" connotes any natural or synthetic rubber or rubber blend. A bead filler is commonly placed atop (that is, on the radially outer side of) each bead, the bead filler being made of any suitable material known within the industry, such as, an elastomeric or rubber material.

[0019] A pneumatic tire also generally includes a central annular portion. The central annular portion forms the portion of the tire arranged between a pair of tire sidewalls, which includes the tire tread. Specifically, the central portion extends annularly around the tire and between a first sidewall and a second sidewall of the tire, the first sidewall extending radially outward from the first bead and to the central annular portion, the second sidewall extending radially outward from the second bead and to the central annular portion. The "summit" of the tire refers generally to the central annular portion, and more specifically refers to the region of the central annular portion surrounding the widthwise centerline of the central portion (which is commonly also the widthwise centerline of the tire).

[0020] It is appreciated that, in certain embodiments, the central portion (and a thickness thereof) includes a belt comprising one or more belt plies, the belt extending annularly around the tire. As with any body ply, the belt plies each comprise a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements, such as cord or cable. The belt is arranged below the tire tread. Commonly, the belt is arranged between the tire tread and any body ply extending within the central portion, but any known or desired variation may be employed. [0021] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, exemplary embodiments of a pneumatic tire 10 is shown. In each embodiment, the tire 10 includes a pair of sidewalls 12, each of which include a bead 18. A bead filler 19 is shown arranged atop each bead 18. The sidewalls 12 extend radially outward to a central portion 14. The central portion includes a tread 16 and a belt 30 comprising belt plies 30ι, 3Ο2. The belt is shown to extend in a lateral direction of the tire (also referred to as an axial direction or widthwise direction of the tire) between belt side edges 32 to define a width of the belt. It is noted that the widthwise or lateral centerline of the tire is represented by the broken line identified as CL in the figures.

[0022] As noted previously, in lieu of a continuous body ply extending between the pair of beads, a segmented body ply is provided. It follows that, in particular embodiments, the inventive tire includes a first side body ply and a second side body ply arranged within a thickness of the tire. It can be said that the first side body ply and the second side body ply together form a segmented body ply.

[0023] The first side body ply has an outer terminal end and an inner terminal end. In the pneumatic tire, the first side body ply extends from its outer terminal end radially inward toward the rotational axis of the tire and to an axially-outer side of the first bead. The axially-outer side is the side of the first bead facing the axially-outer side of the first sidewall and facing away from the second bead or the widthwise centerline of the tire. The first side body ply continues its extension from the axially-outer side of the bead, and along the radially-inner or bottom side of the bead to the axially-inner side of the bead. The axially- inner side is the side of the first bead facing the axially inner side of the first sidewall and facing the second bead or the widthwise centerline of the tire. From the axially-inner side of the bead, the first side body ply extends radially outward to its inner terminal end. In summary, the first side body ply wraps partially around the first bead as the first side body ply extends from an outer side of the first sidewall and to an inner side of the first sidewall.

[0024] With reference again to FIGS. 1-4, 7, and 8, various exemplary embodiments of a pneumatic tire 10 are shown and include a first side body ply 20i and a second body ply 2Ο2 (shown in FIG. 1 only). Each first side body ply 20i has an outer terminal end 22 and an inner terminal end 24. Each first side body ply 20i is shown to extend from its outer terminal end 22 radially inward toward the rotational axis of the tire and to an axially-outer side OSis of the first bead I81. This portion of the first side body ply 20i is referred to as an outer portion (or axially-outer portion) or turn-up 20 _o of the first side body ply, the outer terminal end 22 forming a turn-up ending along the turn-up. The axially-outer side OS ₁₂ is the side of the first bead I8 ₁ facing the axially-outer side OS ₁₂ of the first sidewall 12i and facing away from the second bead I8 ₂ or the widthwise centerline CL of the tire. The first side body ply 20i continues its extension from the axially-outer side OSis of the first bead I8 ₁ , and along the radially-inner or bottom side BSis of the bead to the axially- inner side ISis of the bead. The axially-inner side ISis is the side of the first bead I8 ₁ facing the axially inner side IS ₁₂ of the first sidewall 12i and facing the second bead or the widthwise centerline CL of the tire. From the axially-inner side ISis of the bead, the first side body ply 20i extends radially outward to its inner terminal end 24. This inner extension of the first side body ply 20i from the bead I8 ₁ is referred to as an inner portion (or axially- inner portion) and is identified as 20i in the figure. The same is true for the second side body ply 2Ο2, shown in association with a second sidewall 12 ₂ and a second bead I8 ₂ of the pair of beads.

[0025] In similar fashion to the first side body ply, the second side body ply has an outer terminal end and an inner terminal end. In the pneumatic tire, the second side body ply extends from its outer terminal end radially inward toward the rotational axis of the tire and to an axially-outer side of the second bead. The axially-outer side is the side of the second bead facing the axially outer side of the second sidewall and facing away from the first bead or the widthwise centerline of the tire. The second side body ply continues its extension from the axially-outer side of the bead, and along the radially-inner or bottom side of the bead to the axially-inner side of the bead. The axially-inner side is the side of the second bead facing the axially inner side of the second sidewall and facing the first bead or the widthwise centerline of the tire. From the axially-inner side of the bead, the second side body ply extends radially outward to its inner terminal end. In summary, the second side body ply wraps partially around the second bead as the second side body ply extends from an outer side of the second sidewall and to an inner side of the second sidewall.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the inner terminal end of the first side body ply extends further and into the central portion of the tire. When extending into the central portion, to improve securement of the inner terminal end of the first side body ply in certain instances, the inner terminal end of the first side body ply is arranged underneath or below (radially inward) a belt or at least one belt ply, such that the tire belt overlaps the first side body ply or, in other words, where the belt is partially arranged overtop (radially outward) the inner terminal end of the first side body ply, such that the belt is arranged between the tread and the first side body ply. Additionally, or in the alternative, the inner terminal end of the second side body ply extends further and into the central portion of the tire. When extending into the central portion, to improve securement of the inner terminal end of the second side body ply in certain instances, the inner terminal end of the second side body ply is arranged underneath or below (radially inward) a belt comprising one or more belt plies, such that the tire belt overlaps the second side body ply or, in other words, where the belt is partially arranged overtop (radially outward) the inner terminal end of the second side body ply, such that the belt is arranged between the tread and the second side body ply. In certain embodiments, each inner terminal end of the first and second side body plies is arranged a distance of at least 25 millimeters (mm) from one of a pair of side edges of the belt or belt ply, the pair of side edges defining a width of the belt or belt ply. Stated differently, the first and second side body plies each overlap the belt by at least 25 mm. In other variations, each inner terminal end of the first and second side body plies is arranged 25 to 40 mm from one of a pair of side edges of the belt or belt ply.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 1 and the exemplary tire 10 shown, an inner terminal end 24 of the first side body ply 20i extends from an axially inner portion of the first sidewall 12i and into the central portion 14 of the tire. The inner terminal end 24 of the first side body ply 20i is arranged underneath or below the tire belt 30, such that the tire belt overlaps the first side body ply or, in other words, where the belt is partially arranged overtop (radially outward) the inner terminal end of the first side body ply, such that the belt is arranged between the tread and the first side body ply. The inner terminal end 24 of the first side body ply 20i is spaced apart by a distance Δ24/32 of at least 25 millimeters (mm) from a corresponding or adjacent side edge 32 of the belt 30 arranged closest to the inner terminal end, on the same corresponding side of the tire centerline CL. In other variations, distance

[0028] It is appreciated that in certain instances, the outer terminal end of any first or second side body ply is arranged within the central portion, in addition to or separate from the inner terminal end of the corresponding side body ply. By way of example, with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , an outer terminal end 22 of first side body ply 20i is arranged within the central portion 14 of the tire. As with the inner terminal end of any first or second side body ply, the outer terminal end may be arranged below the belt to improve securement thereof. Also, in an effort to stagger the locations of ply endings, when desired, the second terminal end is spaced apart from the inner terminal end of the corresponding first or second side body ply within the central portion. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the outer terminal end 22 of the first side body ply 20i in the exemplary tire 10 is arranged below the belt 30 and spaced apart laterally from the inner terminal end 24 of the first side body ply. Specifically, the outer terminal end 22 of the first side body ply 20i is located underneath belt 30 by a distance Δ22/32 from the corresponding belt edge 32 (that is, from the closest belt edge arranged along the same side of the tire centerline CL). While distance Δ22/32 may comprise any desired distance, in particular embodiments, distance Δ22/32 is at least 15 mm and in other instances, 15 to 25 mm. In any such embodiment, the distance Δ24/32 between inner terminal end 24 of the first side body ply and the corresponding belt edge 32 may form any desired distance, including any distance noted previously or elsewhere herein.

[0029] It is appreciated that the first and second side body plies may exist without any additional body ply extending there between, such that the first and second side body plies, and each of their inner and outer terminal ends, are spaced apart. In other variations, a central body ply is arranged within a thickness of the tire to extend from the first side body ply and to the second side body ply, such that the segmented body ply comprises the first and second side body plies and the central body ply. In doing so, the central body ply overlaps with at least one or both the first and second side body plies along the inner terminal ends thereof. In other words, a first side edge of the central body ply overlaps with the first side body ply and/or a second side edge of the central body ply overlaps with the second side body ply, where the first and second side edges of the central body ply define a lateral width of the central body ply. It is appreciated that in certain instances, the central body ply overlaps one or both of the first and second side body plies, where the central body ply is arranged on top of, that is, radially outward of, the overlapped portion of the respective first or second side body ply. In other instances, one or both of the first and second side body plies overlap the central body ply, where the central body ply is arranged below, that is, radially inward of, the overlapped portion of the respective first or second side body ply. It is appreciated that this overlap distance may comprise any desired distance, although in certain embodiments, the overlap is at least 10 mm. When the central body ply overlaps one or both of the first and second side body plies, in certain variations, the central body ply is arranged between the inner and outer terminal ends of each of the first and second side body plies. In doing so, an outer portion of the first or second side body ply including the outer terminal end thereof extends along the outer side of the corresponding first or second sidewall and into the central portion such that the outer terminal end is positioned within the central portion of the tire.

[0030] With reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a central body ply 26 is shown extending across a width of the central portion 14 of the tire, and from the first side body ply 20i. The central body ply 26 is arranged below the tire tread 16 and belt 30. Additionally, the central body ply 26 is shown to overlap with the first side body ply 20i along the inner terminal end 24 thereof. Stated differently, a first side edge 28 of the central body ply 26 overlaps with the first side body ply 20i. Of specific note, the central body ply 26 is specifically shown arranged on top of, that is, radially outward of, the overlapped portion of the respective first side body ply 20i. It is noted that opposing, spaced apart side edges 28 of the central body ply define a lateral width W26 of the central body ply, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, by example. The overlap between the central body ply and the first side body ply is represented in FIG. 1 as distance Δ24/28, which, as stated above, is at least 10 mm in certain embodiments. It is also appreciated that each side edge 28 of the central body ply 26 is arranged under the belt or along a sidewall of the tire. In the embodiment shown, a side edge 28 of the central body ply 26 is arranged under the belt 30 by a distance Δ28/32 (forming the distance between side edge 28 and belt edge 32), which is at least 5 mm or 5 to 10 mm in certain embodiments. Of course, other desired distances may be employed.

[0031] With reference now to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a tire 10 is shown to include a central body ply 26 that is arranged between the outer and inner terminal ends 22, 24 of the first side body ply 20i. In doing so, an outer portion of the first or second side body ply 20i including the outer terminal end 22 thereof extends along the axially-outer side OS12 of the first sidewall 12 and into the central portion 14 such that the outer terminal end 22 is positioned within the central portion of the tire such that the outer terminal end is spaced apart from the corresponding or adjacent belt edge 32 by a distance Δ22/32, which may comprise any distance noted herein. Additionally, the outer and inner terminal ends 22, 24 are shown spaced apart by a distance Δ22/24, which may comprise any distance although in certain embodiments distance Δ22/24 is at least 10 mm.

[0032] In particular instances where the outer terminal end of any first or second side body ply is positioned along a corresponding sidewall of the tire, meaning, the outer terminal end is not arranged along the center portion of the tire, a secondary outer side body ply is arranged to overlap a corresponding first or second side body ply at the outer terminal end thereof and extend therefrom to a location within the central portion of the tire. This may be done in lieu of extending the outer portion of any first or second side body ply into the central portion of the tire. The secondary outer side body ply is considered a second outer side body ply, considering the outer turn-up of the corresponding first or second side body ply (also referred to as the outer portion of the corresponding first or second body ply) as a first outer side body ply. The outer ply has a length extending annularly around the tire and a width defined by (and extending to and from) a first terminal edge and a second terminal edge. Further to the arrangement of the secondary outer side ply within the pneumatic tire, the first terminal edge of the secondary outer side body ply overlaps with the corresponding first or second side body ply while the second terminal edge of the secondary outer side ply is arranged within the central portion of the tire. In certain embodiments, when overlapping with the corresponding first or second side body ply, the secondary outer side ply is arranged between the corresponding side body ply and the corresponding first or second bead or vice versa in other embodiments. Additionally, when the second terminal edge is arranged within central portion of the tire, it is appreciated that the second terminal edge may be arranged under the tire belt and/or may overlap with the central body ply when present. Lastly, in certain instances, the second terminal edge is spaced apart from the inner terminal end of the corresponding first or second side body ply.

[0033] With reference to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer terminal end 22 of first side body ply 20i is positioned along a first sidewall 12i of the exemplary tire 10. In this embodiment, a secondary outer side body ply 40 is arranged to overlap the first side body ply 20i at the outer terminal end 22 thereof and extend therefrom to a location within the central portion 14 of the tire. The outer ply has a width defined by (and extending to and from) a first terminal edge 42 and a second terminal edge 44. In each embodiment, the first terminal edge 42 of the secondary outer side body ply 40 is shown to overlap with the corresponding first side body ply 20i while the second terminal edge 44 of the secondary outer side ply is arranged within the central portion 14 of the tire. With specific reference to FIG. 3, in overlapping with the first side body ply 20i, the first side body ply 20i is arranged between the secondary outer side body ply 40 and the first bead 18. With specific reference to FIG. 4, in overlapping with the first side body ply 20, the secondary outer side ply 40 is arranged between the first side body ply 20i and the first bead 18. Additionally, in each embodiment shown, the second terminal edge 44 is arranged within central portion 14 of the tire, such that the second terminal edge is arranged under the tire belt 30 and overtop central body ply 26 such that the central body ply is arranged between the secondary outer side body ply and the first side body ply 20i. It is finally noted that in each such embodiment, the second terminal edge 44 is spaced apart from the belt edge 32 by a distance Δ32/44, which may comprise any distance contemplated for distance Δ22/32 herein Likewise, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the distance Δ24/44 between second terminal edge 44 and the inner terminal end 24 of the first side body ply 20i may comprise any distance contemplated for distance Δ22/32 herein.

[0034] It is appreciated that each of the first and second side body plies, as well as the central body ply, secondary outer body ply, and intermediate body ply (discussed further below), when present, comprise a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements. It is appreciated that any known or desired sheet of reinforced elastomeric material may be employed. Elastomeric material includes natural or synthetic rubber or a blend thereof, while the elongate reinforcements include any desired cord or cable. Cord is commonly formed of one or more textiles, such as aramid, nylon, and polyester, for example, in the form of one or more strands woven, wound, and/or twisted into a desired cord configuration. It is appreciated that any known cord may be employed. Cable is commonly formed of one or more metals, such as steel, for example, in the form of one or more wires woven, wound, and/or twisted into a desired cord configuration. It is appreciated that any known cable may be employed.

[0035] As to the arrangement of the elongate reinforcements within the pneumatic tire, any arrangement may be employed. For example, in certain instances, the first and second side body plies extend generally in a radial direction of the pneumatic tire (referred to as a "radial extension"), as commonly employed in radial tires. As is known, this radial extension describes the elongate reinforcements of the first and second side body plies when extending within the first and second sidewalls, respectively, but if and when these first and second side body plies extend into the central portion of the tire and into the vicinity of the tire tread and belt, this radial extension transitions into an extension in the lateral direction of the tire. The lateral direction can also be described as extending in the direction of the tire width or in an axial direction of the tire (a direction forming or parallel with the rotational axis of the tire). Of course, in other variations, the elongate reinforcements in the first and second side body plies may extend in any other direction biased to the radial direction.

[0036] As to the arrangement of the elongate reinforcements of the central body ply, when present in the pneumatic tire, in certain embodiments, the elongate reinforcements of the central body ply extends in the same direction of the elongate reinforcements of first and second side body plies. In certain instances, this same direction is the lateral direction of the tire, as described above. In other variations, the elongate reinforcements in the central body ply are arranged in the tire to extend in a direction different from the direction along which the elongate reinforcements extend in the first and second side body plies. For example, in certain instances, the elongate reinforcements of the central body ply extend in a direction biased relative to the lateral direction of the tire.

[0037] With reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, an exemplary tire 10 is shown in a top, radially outer view with the tread and belt removed to show the central body ply 26 with elongate reinforcements 26R and first and second side body plies 20i, 2Ο2 with elongate reinforcements 20R. In this embodiment, the elongate reinforcements 26R of the central body ply 26 are shown to extend in the same direction of the elongate reinforcements 20R of first and second side body plies 20ι, 2Ο2, where each of the reinforcements 20R, 26R extend in a lateral direction of the tire in the central portion of the tire. The same reinforcements 20R, in the embodiment shown, extend in a radial direction of the tire when extending into each sidewall from the central portion. With reference now to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the elongate reinforcements 26R in the central body ply are shown to extend in a direction different from the direction along which the elongate reinforcements 20R extend in the first and second side body plies 20ι, 2Ο2. It is also noted that the elongate reinforcements 26R of the central body ply 26 extend in a direction biased to the lateral direction of the tire 10.

[0038] In certain instances, a portion of the segmented body ply terminates at or near the bead before otherwise wrapping around the bead to form a turning-up along an axially-outer side of the tire. In such instances, a portion of the segmented body ply extends radially inward or downward from the central portion of the tire and terminates at a location at or along the bead, or near the corresponding bead at a location radially outward from the bead without wrapping around the bottom of the bead and then radially upward to form a turn-up along an axially-outer side of the bead. In certain embodiments, the terminal end of said portion of the body ply terminates radially outward from a radial centerline of the corresponding bead by a distance of at least 5 mm, and in other embodiments by 5 to 10 mm, although other distances may be employed. In doing so, it is appreciated that the terminal end of the portion of the body ply is arranged radially outward from, at, or along the bead filler. In other variations, the terminal end of the portion of the body ply is arranged at or below the bead. The terminal end may even wrap to a location below the bead or along an outer side of the bead without forming a turn-up extending radially outward from or above the bead. Because this portion of the body ply (a bead-terminating portion) does not form a turn-up, a first side body ply and a second side body ply are each included, where each are arranged such that each forms a turn-up along each corresponding bead and such that the corresponding terminal end of the bead-terminating portion is arranged between inner and outer portions of the corresponding first and second side body ply. While the outer and inner terminal ends of the first and second body ply may be positioned as desired, in certain embodiments the outer and inner terminal ends are offset by a distance, which may be any distance, although in certain embodiments, said distance is at least 10 mm. In such instances, the outer terminal end for each of the first and second side body plies may be arranged a greater or closer distance from the associated bead than the inner terminal end of the corresponding first or second side body ply. It is appreciated that the outer and inner terminal end of the first and second body plies may be arranged any distance from the bead, where at least the inner terminal end is positioned along the respective sidewall (that is, it does not extend into the central portion of the tire) even though the outer terminal end either is positioned along the corresponding sidewall or extends into the central portion of the tire as otherwise contemplated herein. In certain instances, the outer terminal end is arranged 35 to 60 mm from the radial centerline of a corresponding bead. It is also appreciated that the bead-terminating portion of the segmented body ply may form a portion of a central body ply or any other ply arranged within the segmented body ply. For example, in lieu of forming a portion of a central body ply, on each side of the tire, the bead-terminating portion forms an intermediate body ply extending from the central portion of the tire. In doing so, the intermediate body ply may or may not extend from underneath the belt. Also, the intermediate body ply may be employed with or without a central body ply.

[0039] By way of example, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a portion of the segmented body ply terminates near a first bead 18i without partially wrapping around the bead to form a turn-up along the axially-outer side OS12 of the sidewall 12χ. Specifically, with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 7, the portion of the segmented body ply terminating near the first bead 18i is a side edge 28 of central body ply 26, while a first side body ply 20i wraps around the first bead to form a turn-up such that the central body ply is arranged between outer and inner portions 20 _o , 20i of the first side body ply. Side edge 28 of the central body ply 26 is arranged a distance Δ18/28 radially outward from the radial centerline CL18 of the first bead. In other embodiments, with reference to FIG. 8, the portion of the segmented body ply terminating near the first bead I8 ₁ is a lower terminal edge 52 of a first intermediate body ply 50i, the first intermediate body ply extending from an upper terminal edge 54 arranged underneath the belt 30 in the central portion 14 of the tire to the lower terminal edge 52 along the first sidewall 12χ. A second intermediate ply may be arranged along the second sidewall (not shown) in similar fashion. In this embodiment, a first side body ply 20i wraps around the first bead I8 ₁ to form a turn-up such that the lower terminal edge 52 of the intermediate body ply 50i is arranged between outer and inner portions 20 _o , 20i of the first side body ply. Lower terminal edge 52 of the intermediate body ply 50i is arranged a distance Δ18/52 radially outward from the radial centerline CLis of the first bead. It is appreciated that the upper terminal edge 54 of first intermediate body ply 50i may be arranged in any fashion contemplated herein when an inner terminal end of any first body ply extends into the central portion of the tire. In the embodiment shown, the upper terminal edge 54 is arranged below the belt 30 in the central portion 14 of the tire and by a distance Δ32/54 from the corresponding belt edge 32. Distance Δ32/54 may be any distance contemplated herein for distance Δ24/32, which pertains to the distance between an associated belt edge and inner terminal end of a first body ply. It is also noted that the overlap of central body ply 26 and intermediate body ply 50 is represented by distance Δ28/54, which may comprise any distance Δ24/28 as contemplated herein for the overlap between the central body ply and a first side body ply. The segmented body ply in each embodiment shown may or may not be similarly configured along the second sidewall/second half of a tire in other embodiments.

[0040] It is appreciated that a segmented body ply may include any combination of the embodiments discussed herein, such as where only one of a first and second side body ply is employed, where any intermediate and secondary side body ply are employed together along the same sidewall, and where any intermediate and secondary side body ply are arranged within one of the two sidewalls in any pneumatic tire. It is also appreciated that a tire may include a segmented body ply alone or together with any one or more conventional body plies or one or more additional segmented body ply. In instances where a plurality of segmented body plies are included in a single tire, the plurality may comprise the same or different segmented body ply designs.

[0041] It is also appreciated that the pneumatic tire as described in association with any embodiment or variation may be assembled and formed using any known method(s) or apparatus(es). Generally, in particular embodiments, any such pneumatic tire is formed by:

• arranging a pair of annular beads spaced apart in an axial direction of an uncured tire assembly, the pair of annular beads comprising a first annular bead and a second annular bead;

• arranging a first side body ply and a second side body ply within the uncured tire assembly, each of the first and second side body plies comprising a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements,

• curing the uncured tire assembly to form a pneumatic tire, the pneumatic tire having a central portion including a tire tread and extending annularly around the tire and between a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall extending radially outward from the first bead and to the central annular portion, the second sidewall extending radially outward from the second bead and to the central annular portion;

• the first side body ply extending from an outer terminal end of the first side body ply radially inward along an axially-outer side portion of the first sidewall to an axially-outer side of the first bead, and around a radially-inner side of the first bead to an axially-inner side of the first bead, and radially outward along an axially-inner side portion of the first sidewall to an inner terminal end of the first side body ply;

• the second side body ply extending from an outer terminal end of the second side body ply radially inward along an axially-outer side portion of the second sidewall to an axially-outer side of the second bead, and around a radially-inner side of the second bead to an axially-inner side of the second bead, and radially outward along an axially-inner side portion of the second sidewall to an inner terminal end of the second side body ply.

[0042] In certain instances, the inner terminal end of each of the first and second side body ply is arranged in the uncured tire assembly such that in the pneumatic tire, the inner terminal end of each of the first and second side body ply is positioned below a belt extending annularly below the tire tread within a thickness of the central annular portion of the tire. Additionally, or separately, in certain variations, each inner terminal end of each of the first and second side body ply is arranged in the uncured tire assembly such that in the pneumatic tire, each inner terminal end of each of the first and second side body ply is located 10 to 40 millimeters from one of a pair of side edges of the belt, the pair of side edges defining a width of the belt. As discussed previously in association with the pneumatic tire, other dimensions may be employed.

[0043] In particular variations, where a central body ply is arranged within the uncured tire assembly such that in the pneumatic tire, the central body ply extends within a thickness of the tire from the first side body ply and to the second side body ply, the central body ply being bonded to each of the first side body ply and the second side body ply and comprising a sheet of elastomeric material reinforced with elongate reinforcements.'

[0044] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having," as used in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. The terms "a," "an," and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably. The term "single" shall be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as "two," are used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms "preferably," "preferred," "prefer," "optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (i.e., not required) feature of the invention. Ranges that are described as being "between a and b" are inclusive of the values for "a" and "b" unless otherwise specified.

[0045] While this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the scope and content of the invention are to be defined only by the terms of the following claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any specific embodiment discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any one or more embodiments otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.