(19)

(11)

EP 1 021 305 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 26.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/30 (21) Application number: 97921394.9 (22) Date of filing: 25.04.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B60C 11/03 // B60C111/00, B60C115/00, B60C107/02 (86) International application number: PCT/US9707/008 (87) International publication number: WO 9849/021 (05.11.1998 Gazette 1998/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR IT (71) Applicant: THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY Akron,Ohio 44316-0001 (US)	(72) Inventor: BONKO, Mark, Leonard Uniontown, OH 44685 (US) (74) Representative: Leitz, Paul  Goodyear Technical Center,Patent Department,Avenue Gordon Smith 7750 Colmar-Berg 7750 Colmar-Berg (LU)