The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company

Bridgestone/firestone, Inc.

Lynn A Bryant

Louis W Shurman

Joseph H Tazewell

Durward T Roberts, Jr

David F Lawson

Thomas W Bell

James F Cetnar

Joseph A Beckman

A composite comprises a coating which is adhered to a highly saturated elastomer having a corona discharge activated surface which is chemically fixed by a halogenating agent. A coating such as a paint, a weather-resistant film, etc., or an adhesive layer, is adhered to the activated and fixed surface. Various halogenating agents include N-halohydantoins, N-haloimides, N-haloamides, aqueous chlorine or bromine solutions, and acidified hypochlorite solutions. The composite is useful for EPDM roofing and consumer goods, e.g., a flexible polyurethane paint applied to the sidewalls of tires, as a decorated article, bonded composites, and the like.

Adhesively-bonded coated composites of highly saturated elastomers

An apparatus and technique for applying markings or decorations to the sidewall of a cured tire. A thin polyester carrier sheet has a thermoplastic transfer stock thereon. A heated die is provided having thereon the geometric configuration of the desired marking or decoration. The heated die is urged against the transfer laminate to impinge the transfer stock against the sidewall of the cured tire. The heat of the die effects a release of the transfer stock from the carrier sheet in areas congruent with the indicia carrier by the die. The affinity of the transfer stock for the tire is greater than its affinity for the carrier sheet and the transfer is thus made.

Apparatus for postcure marking and decorating tires

A polymeric paint applique is transferred from a substrate to the sidewall of a tire during the curing process. Upon curing, the bond between the tire and the applique is significantly greater than that between the substrate and the applique. The substrate may remain intact with the applique bonded to the tire sidewall until the tire is put into use, serving as a protective layer for the applique.

Process for making a tire having decorative applique

A pneumatic tire having a decorative applique on the sidewall thereof. The applique is protected from damage when the sidewall is curbed by the provision of a rib concentric with the applique and interposed upon the sidewall between the applique and the tire tread. A decoupling groove interconnects the applique and the rib and allows the portion of the sidewall maintaining the applique to decouple from the remainder of the sidewall, deflecting inwardly when the sidewall makes contacting engagement with a vertical surface such as a curb. The deflection of the applique prevents contact with the curb and allows the rib to draw inwardly and over the outer edge of the applique, further protecting it from scuffing action.

Curb scuff protection for tire sidewall

Apparatus for positioning and maintaining a substrate within a tire mold. The substrate receives an applique which is to be transferred to the sidewall of a tire during the curing process. The substrate is of steel construction and is adapted to engage a receiving member within a circumferential surface of the tire mold. The receiving member is magnetized to attract the steel substrate and to retain the substrate and its applique in proper registration with the sidewall of the tire during closure of the mold and the curing process. A lip or pins are provided in association with the retainer to assure proper registration of the applique-bearing substrate with the tire sidewall.

Apparatus for introducing appliques to the sidewall of a tire

Paint compositions suitable for forming decals which can be applied to vehicle tire sidewalls. The compositions comprise a saturated elastomer having a glass transition temperature not higher than -40 degrees C., a pigment which is preferably titanium dioxide in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10 times the weight of elastomer, and a solvent. Compositions of this invention are resistant to ultraviolet light and ozone, maintain color and integrity during outdoor aging, and have a long fatigue life.

Growing community of inventors

Canton, OH, United States of America

Lynn A Bryant