(19)

(11)

EP 1 141 482 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 10.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/41 (21) Application number: 98964985.0 (22) Date of filing: 30.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: D21G 1/00, D21G 1/02 (86) International application number: PCT/US9827/727 (87) International publication number: WO 0040/798 (13.07.2000 Gazette 2000/28)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT (71) Applicant: THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY Akron,Ohio 44316-0001 (US)	(72) Inventors: DOWNING, Daniel, Ray Uniontown, OH 44685 (US) REESE, David, Thomas Norton, OH 44203 (US) (74) Representative: Leitz, Paul  Goodyear Technical Center,Patent Department,Avenue Gordon Smith 7750 Colmar-Berg 7750 Colmar-Berg (LU)