(19)

(11)

EP 1 220 756 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 10.07.2002 Bulletin 2002/28 (21) Application number: 99949659.9 (22) Date of filing: 15.09.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B60C 23/04, B60C 23/20 (86) International application number: PCT/US9921/198 (87) International publication number: WO 0119/626 (22.03.2001 Gazette 2001/12)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (71) Applicant: THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY Akron,Ohio 44316-0001 (US)	(72) Inventors: DUNN, William, Frank Stow, OH 44224 (US) BROWN, Robert, Walter Medina, OH 44256 (US) (74) Representative: Leitz, Paul  Goodyear Technical Center,Patent Department,Avenue Gordon Smith 7750 Colmar-Berg 7750 Colmar-Berg (LU)