Patent Publication Number: US-2020298630-A1

Title: Decorative body

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a decorative body formed on a tire side portion. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) Nos. 2013-71572, 2008-273505, 2008-189165, 2012-101754, and Japanese National-Phase Publication No. 2002-52294 disclose tires in which a tire side portion is contoured in order to improve the visual impact of the tire. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     In the tire disclosed in JP-A No. 2013-71572, plural pattern elements having the same outline shape and having directionality so as to cause light reflection characteristics to change continuously or in stages along one direction are disposed continuously to each other in a tire circumferential direction and a tire radial direction. The placement direction is varied periodically around the tire circumferential direction, and pattern elements adjacent to each other in the tire radial direction have different placement directions to each other. This placement of pattern elements causes the location where the pattern elements are disposed to appear to have 3D contours to a person observing. However, although any unevenness present at an outer surface of a sidewall portion is rendered less obvious, the intention is not to improve the visual impact of the tire itself. 
     In the tire disclosed in JP-A No. 2008-273505, an outer surface of a sidewall portion is formed with concave and convex portions. Reflective faces are provided to the surfaces of at least some of the concave portions, and roughened faces are provided around the reflective faces so as to achieve varying light reflecting properties. Although the external appearance of the tire is improved, the intention is not to improve the visual impact of the tire itself. Moreover, if dirt enters the concave portions of the roughened faces, such dirt is difficult to remove. 
     In the tire disclosed in JP-A No. 2008-189165, a ring shaped decorative body configured by a collection of numerous polygonal pyramids is provided to a sidewall portion. Although this makes unevenness caused by a spliced edge or a folded-back edge of a carcass layer that appears at the surface of the sidewall portion less obvious, the intention is not to improve the visual impact of the tire itself. 
     In the tire disclosed in Japanese National-Phase Publication No. 2002-522294, light reflection is varied between a text portion and a background portion. Although this creates contrast between the text portion and the background portion, enabling the text to be distinguished clearly, the intention is not to improve the visual impact of the tire itself. 
     The tire disclosed in JP-A No. 2012-101754 generates a visual effect in which a second decorative body provided within a first decorative body appears to be emphasized, thereby enabling unevenness arising in an outer surface of a sidewall to be less obvious and enabling decorative qualities to be improved. However, the intention is not to improve the visual impact of the tire itself. 
     The decoration and the like applied to these tire side portions stands out when the tire is observed closely, and the respective technologies described above are employed to make unevenness of the tire side portion appear less obvious, to improve the visual impact of text or the like, and so on. The intention is not to improve the visual impact of the tire. 
     In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a decorative body capable of improving the visual impact of a tire. 
     Solution to Problem 
     A decorative body according to a first aspect includes plural solid shapes including a bottom face configured at a surface of a tire side portion and plural inclined faces each inclined in a direction that is not a direction of the bottom face or a direction of a plane perpendicular to the bottom face, an incline angle of an inclined face having a smallest incline angle with respect to the bottom face of a corresponding solid shape being set within a range of from 3° to 60° with respect to the bottom face, and including at least three types of the solid shapes having different vector orientations from each other when the tire side portion is viewed in plan view and when a vector is defined as an inclined face vector running in a direction from a highest location side toward a lowest location side of the inclined face having the smallest incline angle. 
     In a decorative body that satisfies all these conditions, for example, light shone onto a tire can be reflected in the direction of an observer at the side of the tire using a number of discrete inclined faces from out of the plural inclined faces having the smallest incline angle. When at least one out of the tire or the observer moves such that the tire and the observer move relative to each other, the inclined faces reflecting the light toward the observer change in a random fashion. Thus, the light appears to twinkle at plural different positions of the decorative body. In other words, the decorative body has an external appearance that appears to sparkle. 
     “Sparkling” is defined as follows. 
     A twinkling effect in which highlight points (points that appear brightest when viewed from a given range) on a target appear to change accompanying a change in viewpoint. Also, a twinkling effect in which highlight points change accompanying a change in an illuminating light source when viewed in a static state. 
     A second aspect is the decorative body according to the first aspect, wherein the incline angle is set within a range of from 4° to 45°. 
     Setting the incline angle of the inclined face having the smallest incline angle within the range of from 4° to 45° enables the sparkling impression to be emphasized in comparison to cases in which the incline angle is not set within this range. 
     A third aspect is the decorative body according to the first aspect, wherein the incline angle is set within a range of from 5° to 30°. 
     Setting the incline angle of the inclined face having the smallest incline angle within the range of from 5° to 30° enables the sparkling impression to be emphasized in comparison to cases in which the incline angle is not set within this range. 
     A fourth aspect is the decorative body according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the solid shapes include a solid shape that has its greatest height at a side located above an outer side of the bottom face, or a solid shape that has a single apex located above an outer side of the bottom face. 
     When an inclined face having a small incline angle is compared against an inclined face having a large incline angle in the solid shapes arranged in the tire side portion, the inclined face having a small incline angle will reflect a greater proportion of light from the surroundings toward an observer at the side of the tire than the inclined face having a large incline angle. 
     When a solid shape that has its greatest height at a side located above an outer side of the bottom face is compared against a solid shape having its greatest height at a side located at a position away from above an outer side of the bottom face, the former solid shape enables a greater surface area to be obtained for the inclined face having the smallest incline angle. This enables the sparkling external appearance of the decorative body to be emphasized. 
     Moreover, when a solid shape having a single apex (point of greatest height) located above an outer side of the bottom face is compared against a solid shape having an apex located at a position away from above an outer side of the bottom face, the former solid shape enables a greater surface area to be obtained for the inclined face having the smallest incline angle. This enables the sparkling external appearance of the decorative body to be emphasized. 
     A fifth aspect is the decorative body according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein a surface area taken up by the inclined faces having the smallest incline angle occupies a range of from 70% to 100% per unit surface area in plan view. 
     In the solid shapes arranged in the tire side portion, when an inclined face having a small incline angle is compared against an inclined face having a large incline angle, the inclined face having the small incline angle will reflect a larger proportion of light from the surroundings toward an observer at the side of the tire than the inclined face having a large incline angle. 
     Accordingly, setting the surface area taken up by the inclined faces having the smallest incline angle in the range of from 70% to 100% per unit surface area of the decorative body when the decorative body is viewed in plan view enables the surface area of locations that reflect light toward an observer positioned directly in front of the tire to be secured, such that the locations that reflect light so as to appear to light up appear bright to the observer, enabling the sparkling impression to be promoted. Note that if the surface area taken up by the inclined faces having the smallest incline angle occupies less than 70% per unit surface area of the decorative body, the surface area of the inclined faces that reflect light toward the observer positioned directly in front of the tire decreases, resulting in a somewhat insufficient effect with regard to promoting the sparkling impression. 
     A sixth aspect is the decorative body of any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the inclined faces having the smallest incline angle are planar faces that are smoother than the tire side portion. 
     Configuring the inclined faces having the smallest incline angle as planar faces that are smoother than the tire side portion enables the inclined faces to be configured as reflective faces less prone to scattering light than the tire side portion, enables more of the light incident to the reflective faces to be reflected in the direction of the observer, and thus enables the sparkling impression to be enhanced. Moreover, configuring the inclined faces as planar faces enables the surface area that reflects light toward the observer to be increased in comparison to cases in which the inclined faces are curved faces, enabling the inclined faces to appear to light up in their entirety from the perspective of the observer, and thereby enabling the sparkling impression to be enhanced. Note that if the inclined faces were curved, even when the inclined faces appear to light up, the inclined faces would only appear to light up in parts (a location reflecting light toward the observer would only be part of the corresponding inclined face), with the result that the sparkling impression cannot be enhanced as it can be in cases in which the inclined faces are configured by planar faces. 
     A seventh aspect is the decorative body according to of any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein from 3 to 200 of the solid shapes are provided per 1 cm 2 . 
     In the decorative body, when the number of solid shapes per unit surface area is small, the number of locations that appear to light up is too small, making a sparkling impression difficult to achieve. When the number of solid shapes per unit surface area is too large, the surface area of locations that appear to light up is too small, making it difficult to make the locations that appear to light up appear bright, and thus difficult to achieve a sparkling impression. Thus, from 3 to 200 of the solid shapes are preferably disposed per 1 cm 2  in order to emphasize the sparkling external appearance of the decorative body. 
     An eighth aspect is the decorative body according to of any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein in a case in which the bottom face is a polygonal shape with four or more sides, a number of faces perpendicular to the bottom face is smaller than a number of sides of the bottom face for some of the plural solid shapes. 
     In this decorative body, in solid shapes in which the bottom face is a polygonal shape with four or more sides, when the number of faces perpendicular to the bottom face is smaller than the number of sides of the bottom face, at least one inclined face inclined with respect to the bottom face is formed. 
     When light such as sunlight is shone obliquely downward from above toward a face perpendicular to the bottom face of the solid shape (so as to run parallel to a tire side portion perpendicular to a road surface in a state in which a tire is fitted to a vehicle), and toward a face that is inclined with respect to the bottom face, the face that is inclined with respect to the bottom face is better able to reflect light toward an observer at the side of the tire (directly in front or at an oblique front side of the tire side portion) than the face that is perpendicular to the bottom face. Thus, the decorative body of the eighth aspect, in which the number of inclined faces that can be formed inclined with respect to the bottom face is at least one, enables the sparkling external appearance to be emphasized. 
     A ninth aspect is the decorative body according to of any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, wherein at least some of the plural solid shapes are solid shapes having different heights from each other. 
     In this decorative body, at least some of the plural solid shapes are solid shapes having different heights to each other, thereby enabling variation in the gradients of the inclined faces to be achieved. In other words, plural solid shapes with inclined faces with different gradients are included in the plural solid shapes, thereby enabling the sparkling external appearance to be emphasized compared to cases in which the inclined faces of the plural solid shapes all have the same gradient. 
     Advantageous Effect of Invention 
     The decorative body of the present disclosure enables the decorative body to be configured with an external appearance that appears to sparkle, and is thus capable of improving the visual impact of the tire. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view (face-on view of a tire) illustrating part of a tire side portion of a tire formed with a decorative body according to an exemplary embodiment in the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged plan view of a decorative portion illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view illustrating reflective cells. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view illustrating reflective cells with heights of inclined faces of reflective pieces indicated by graded shading. 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view illustrating dimensions of a first set configured by a pair of reflective pieces. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged plan view illustrating a decorative portion with heights of inclined faces of reflective pieces indicated by graded shading. 
         FIG. 7(A)  is a plan view illustrating a first set,  FIG. 7(B)  is a plan view illustrating the first set with heights of inclined faces of reflective pieces indicated by graded shading,  FIG. 7(C)  is a vertical cross-section of the first set, and  FIG. 7(D)  is a diagram illustrating a relationship between shading density and height dimensions. 
         FIG. 8(A)  is a plan view illustrating one reflective piece of a second set,  FIG. 8(B)  is a plan view illustrating the other reflective piece of the second set,  FIG. 8(C)  is a plan view illustrating the second set with heights of inclined faces of the reflective pieces indicated by graded shading,  FIG. 8(D)  is a cross-section illustrating the one reflective piece of the second set, and  FIG. 8(E)  is a cross-section illustrating the other reflective piece of the second set. 
         FIG. 9(A)  is a plan view illustrating a third set,  FIG. 9(B)  is a plan view of the third set with heights of inclined faces of reflective pieces indicated by graded shading, and  FIG. 9(C)  is a vertical cross-section of the third set. 
         FIG. 10(A)  is a plan view illustrating one reflective piece of a fourth set,  FIG. 10(B)  is a plan view illustrating the other reflective piece of the fourth set,  FIG. 10(C)  is a plan view illustrating the fourth set with heights of inclined faces of the reflective pieces indicated by graded shading,  FIG. 10(D)  is a cross-section illustrating the one reflective piece of the fourth set, and  FIG. 10(E)  is a cross-section illustrating the other reflective piece of the fourth set. 
         FIG. 11(A)  to  FIG. 11(D)  are a plan view and perspective views illustrating reflective cells configuring a decorative body according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12(A)  to  FIG. 12(D)  are a plan view and perspective views illustrating reflective cells configuring a decorative body according to yet another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 13(A)  to  FIG. 13(D)  are a plan view and perspective views illustrating reflective cells configuring a decorative body according to yet another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 14(A)  to  FIG. 14(D)  are a plan view and perspective views illustrating reflective cells configuring a decorative body according to yet another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15(A)  is a plan view illustrating a reflective cell set in which vector start points are adjacent to each other and vector orientations are in opposite directions to each other,  FIG. 15(B)  is a plan view illustrating a reflective cell set in which vector end points are adjacent to each other and vector orientations are in opposite directions to each other.  FIG. 15(C)  is a plan view illustrating three consecutive reflective cells (in a lateral direction) in which the vector orientations are in the same direction as each other,  FIG. 15(D)  is a plan view illustrating three consecutive reflective cells (in a longitudinal direction) in which the vector orientations are in the same direction as each other,  FIG. 15(E)  is a plan view illustrating a reflective cell set in which the vector orientations are different to each other, and  FIG. 15(F)  is a plan view illustrating a reflective cell set including a reflective cell with a vector and a reflective cell without a vector (with an apex face running parallel to a bottom face). 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view illustrating three consecutive reflective cells in a case in which a vector rotation direction changes by the same angle in the same rotation direction. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view to explain an apex face (inclined face) of a reflective cell. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view to explain an angle of an inclined face of a reflective cell. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view illustrating a vector of a triangular column shaped reflective cell. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view illustrating a vector of another triangular column shaped reflective cell. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view illustrating a vector of a square column shaped reflective cell. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view illustrating a vector of another square column shaped reflective cell. 
         FIG. 23(A)  and  FIG. 23(B)  are a plan view and a side view illustrating three reflective cells having the same vector orientation as each other in plan view, and having inclined faces with the same incline angle as each other. 
         FIG. 24(A)  and  FIG. 24(B)  are a plan view and a side view illustrating three reflective cells having the same vector orientation as each other in plan view, and having inclined faces with different incline angles to each other. 
         FIG. 25  is a table of test results. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Explanation follows regarding a tire  10  according to an exemplary embodiment in the present invention, with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a tire side portion  12  of the tire  10  is provided with an annular decorative body  14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the decorative body  14  is configured by eight types of reflective pieces  16 , as an example of solid shapes that appear substantially triangular when the tire side portion  12  is viewed in plan view. Specifically, the reflective pieces  16  are configured by reflective pieces  16 A to  16 H, the shapes of which will be described in detail later. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in the present exemplary embodiment a first set  18 A, a second set  18 B, a third set  18 C, and a fourth set  18 D are configured as examples of third solid shape pairs having substantially rhomboidal external profiles configured by combining any two of the reflective pieces  16 A to  16 G so as to oppose each other along their longest sides. In a reflective cell  20  of the present exemplary embodiment, the first set  18 A is configured by combining the reflective piece  16 A and the reflective piece  16 B in a substantially rhombus shape, the second set  18 B is configured by combining the reflective piece  16 C and the reflective piece  16 D in a substantially rhombus shape, the third set  18 C is configured by combining the reflective piece  16 E and the reflective piece  16 F in a substantially rhombus shape, and the fourth set  18 D is configured by combining the reflective piece  16 G and the reflective piece  16 H in a substantially rhombus shape. The first set  18 A, the second set  18 B, the third set  18 C, and the fourth set  18 D are arranged in this sequence along one direction (the left-right direction in the illustration of  FIG. 3 ) so as to configure the reflective cell  20  with a narrow elongated substantially parallelogram shaped external profile. 
     The decorative body  14  of the present exemplary embodiment is configured by tessellating the reflective cells  20  configured as described above as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , along both the length direction and short direction (a direction orthogonal to the length direction) of the reflective cells  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , one reflective cell  20  and another reflective cell  20  adjacent in the short direction are disposed slightly offset with respect to one another in the length direction of the reflective cells  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , when the tire side portion  12  is viewed in plan view, the reflective cells  20  are disposed such that a length direction D (direction indicated by arrows) of the reflective cells  20  is inclined by 65° (the angle θ in  FIG. 2 ) with respect to a radial direction r (direction indicated by arrows) of the annular decorative body  14 . 
     Reflective Piece  16 A 
     As illustrated in plan view in  FIG. 5 , the reflective piece  16 A includes a first side  16 Aa running parallel to the length direction D of the reflective cell  20 , a second side  16 Ab inclined at a comparatively large angle with respect to the length direction D of the reflective cell  20 , and a third side  16 Ac, this being the longest side, inclined at a comparatively small angle with respect to the length direction D of the reflective cell  20 . Note that the first side  16 Aa and the second side  16 Ab are straight lines in plan view, whereas the third side  16 Ac is curved, for example with a radius of curvature R of 73.7 mm, so as to arch toward the inside of the triangular shape. In the present exemplary embodiment, an angle θ 1  formed between the first side  16 Aa and the second side  16 Ab is 106.1° (deg) in plan view. 
     The first side  16 Aa of the reflective piece  16 A has a length L 1  of 2.1 mm, and a dimension h in a direction orthogonal to the first side  16 Aa is 2.325 mm. 
     As an example, a connection portion  16 As 1  between the first side  16 Aa and the second side  16 Ab is formed in a circular are shape with a radius of curvature R of 2.1 mm. Moreover, a connection portion  16 As 2  between the first side  16 Aa and the third side  16 Ac, and a connection portion  16 As 3  between the second side  16 Aa and the third side  16 Ac, are, for example, formed with circular arc shapes with a radius of curvature R of 0.1 mm in plan view. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , considered overall, the reflective piece  16 A has a triangular column shape that projects out by a short height from a base portion of the tire side portion  12 . In the reflective piece  16 A, the third side  16 Ac has the greatest height, this being a uniform height of 0.4 mm across the entire third side  16 Ac. The height of an apex face of the reflective piece  16 A (also referred to hereafter as an inclined face  16 At) gradually decreases at a uniform incline angle on progression from the third side  16 Ac toward the connection portion  16 As 1  between the first side  16 Aa and the second side  16 Ab. Namely, the height of the inclined face  16 At is lowest (for example a height of 0 mm) at the connection portion  16 As 1 . Note that the inclined face  16 At is a planar face. 
     In  FIG. 7(B) , an incline direction (downward sloping direction) of the inclined face  16 At of the reflective piece  16 A is indicated by an arrow. The darker the shading, the higher the location, while the lighter the shading, the lower the location (see  FIG. 7(D) ). 
     Reflective Piece  16 B 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the reflective piece  16 B includes a first side  16 Ba running parallel to the length direction D of the reflective cell  20 , a second side  16 Bb inclined at a comparatively large angle with respect to the length direction D of the reflective cell  20 , and a third side  16 Bc, this being the longest side, inclined at a comparatively small angle with respect to the length direction D of the reflective cell  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first side  16 Ba and the second side  16 Bb of the reflective piece  16 B are straight lines in plan view, whereas the third side  16 Bc is curved, for example with a radius of curvature R of 73.7 mm, so as to arch toward the inside of the triangular shape. In the present exemplary embodiment, an angle θ 1  formed between the first side  16 Ba and the second side  16 Bb is 106.1° (deg) in plan view. 
     As an example, a connection portion  16 Bs 1  between the first side  16 Ba and the second side  16 Bb is formed in a circular arc shape with a radius of curvature R of 2.1 mm in plan view. Moreover, a connection portion  16 Bs 2  between the first side  16 Ba and the third side  16 Bc, and a connection portion  16 Ba 3  between the second side  16 Bb and the third side  16 Bc, are, for example, formed with circular arc shapes with a radius of curvature R of 0.1 mm in plan view. In this manner, the plan view profile of the reflective piece  16 B has point symmetry to the reflective piece  16 A, with the symmetry centered on a center point of the first set  18 A that has a substantially rhombus shape in plan view. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , considered overall, the reflective piece  16 B has a triangular column shape that projects out by a short height from the base portion of the tire side portion  12 . The height of an apex face of the reflective piece  16 B (also referred to hereafter as an inclined face  16 Bt) is highest at the connection portion  16 Bs 1  between the first side  16 Ba and the second side  16 Bb (for example at a height of 0.4 mm), and inclines downward on progression from the connection portion  16 Bs 1  toward the third side  16 Bc, such that the entire third side  16 Bc has the lowest height of the reflective piece  16 B (for example a uniform height of 0 mm). Note that the inclined face  16 Bt is a planar face. 
     In  FIG. 7(B) , an incline direction (downward sloping direction) of the inclined face  16 Bt of the reflective piece  16 B is indicated by an arrow. The darker the shading, the higher the location, while the lighter the shading, the lower the location. 
     Reflective Piece  16 C 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the reflective piece  16 C has the same plan view profile (a triangular shape) as the reflective piece  16 A. 
     Considered overall, the reflective piece  16 C has a triangular column shape that projects out by a short height from the base portion of the tire side portion  12 . In the reflective piece  16 C, a first side  16 Ca has the greatest height (for example a height of 0.4 mm), and the reflective piece  16 C is inclined downward on progression from the first side  16 Ca toward a connection portion  16 Cs 3  between a second side  16 Cb and a third side  16 Cc. The connection portion  16 Cs 3  has the lowest height of the reflective piece  16 C (for example a height of 0 mm). Namely, an inclined face  16 Ct of the reflective piece  16 C is inclined downward on progression from the first side  16 Ca toward the connection portion  16 Cs 3  between the second side  16 Cb and the third side  16 Cc, and has its lowest height at the connection portion  16 Cs 3  (for example, a height of 0 mm). Note that the inclined face  16 Ct is a planar face. 
     In  FIG. 8(C) , an incline direction (downward sloping direction) of the inclined face  16 Ct of the reflective piece  16 C is indicated by an arrow. The darker the shading, the higher the location, while the lighter the shading, the lower the location. 
     Reflective Piece  16 D 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the reflective piece  16 D has the same plan view profile (a triangular shape) as the reflective piece  168 . 
     Considered overall, the reflective piece  16 D has a triangular column shape that projects out by a short, uniform height (for example 0.2 mm) from the base portion of the tire side portion  12 . Note that an apex face  16 Dt of the reflective piece  16 D is a planar face running parallel to a bottom face  16   b.    
     Reflective Piece  16 E 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the reflective piece  16 E has the same plan view profile (a triangular shape) as the reflective piece  16 A. 
     Considered overall, the reflective piece  16 E has a triangular column shape that projects out by a short height from the base portion of the tire side portion  12 . In the reflective piece  16 E, a connection portion  16 Es 1  between a first side  16 Ea and a second side  16 Eb has the greatest height (for example a height of 0.4 mm), and the reflective piece  16 E is inclined downward on progression toward a third side  16 Ec. The third side  16 Ec has the lowest height of the reflective piece  16 E (for example a uniform height of 0 mm). Namely, an inclined face  16 Et of the reflective piece  16 E is inclined downward on progression from the connection portion  16 Es 1  between the first side  16 Ea and the second side  16 Eb toward the third side  16 Ec, and has its lowest height at the third side  16 Ec. Note that the inclined face Et is a planar face. 
     In  FIG. 9(B) , an incline direction (downward sloping direction) of the inclined face  16 Et of the reflective piece  16 B is indicated by an arrow. The darker the shading, the higher the location, while the lighter the shading, the lower the location. 
     Reflective Piece  16 F 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the reflective piece  16 F has the same plan view profile (a triangular shape) as the reflective piece  163 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , considered overall, the reflective piece  16 F has a triangular column shape that projects out by a short height from the base portion of the tire side portion  12 . In the reflective piece  16 F, a third side  16 Fc has the greatest height (for example a height of 0.4 mm), and the reflective piece  16 F is inclined downward on progression toward a connection portion  16 Fs 1  between a first side  16 Fa and a second side  16 Fb, such that the connection portion  16 Fs 1  has the lowest height of the reflective piece  16 F (for example a height of 0 mm). Namely, an inclined face  16 F 1  of the reflective piece  16 F is inclined downward on progression from the third side  16 Fc toward the connection portion  16 Fs 1  between the first side  16 Fa and the second side  16 Fb, and has its lowest height at the connection portion L 6 Fs 1 . Note that the inclined face  16 Ft is a planar face. 
     In  FIG. 9(B) , an incline direction (downward sloping direction) of the inclined face  16 Ft of the reflective piece  16 F is indicated by an arrow. The darker the shading, the higher the location, while the lighter the shading, the lower the location. 
     Reflective Piece  16 G 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the reflective piece  16 G has the same plan view profile (a triangular shape) as the reflective piece  16 A. 
     Considered overall, the reflective piece  16 G has a triangular column shape that projects out by a short, uniform height (for example 0.2 mm) from the base portion of the tire side portion  12 . An apex face  16 Gt of the reflective piece  16 G is a planar face running parallel to a bottom face  16   b.    
     Reflective Piece  16 H 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the reflective piece  16 H has the same plan view profile (a triangular shape) as the reflective piece  16 B. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , considered overall, the reflective piece  16 H has a triangular column shape that projects out by a short height from the base portion of the tire side portion  12 . In the reflective piece  16 H, a connection portion  16 Hs 3  between a second side  16 Hb and a third side  16 Hc has the greatest height (for example a height of 0.4 mm), and the reflective piece  16 H is inclined downward on progression toward a first side  16 Ha, such that the first side  16 Ha has the lowest height of the reflective piece  16 B (for example a uniform height of 0 mm). Namely, an inclined face  16 Ht of the reflective piece  16 H is inclined downward on progression from the connection portion  16 Hs 3  between the second side  16 Hb and the  16 Hc toward the first side  16 Ha, and has its lowest height at the first side  16 Ha. Note that the inclined face  16 Ht is a planar face. 
     In  FIG. 10(C) , an incline direction (downward sloping direction) of the inclined face  16 Ht of the reflective piece  16 H is indicated by an arrow. The darker the shading, the higher the location, while the lighter the shading, the lower the location. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , narrow elongated rhombus shaped gaps S 1  are formed extending in a diagonal direction between the reflective piece  16 A and the reflective piece  16 B, between the reflective piece  16 B and the reflective piece  16 C, between the reflective piece  16 E and the reflective piece  16 F, and between the reflective piece  16 G and the reflective piece  16 H, and correspond to the base portion of the tire side portion  12 . 
     Moreover, a gap S 2  of uniform width (for example 0.1 mm) is provided between one reflective cell  20  and another reflective cell  20  arranged in the short direction of the reflective cells  20 . Such gaps S 2  also correspond to the base portion of the tire side portion  12 . 
     The respective apex faces (inclined faces) of the reflective pieces  16  of the decorative body  14  are preferably smoother than the tire side portion  12  so as to reflect light more regularly, or in other words so as to scatter light less. The surface roughness thereof is preferably from 1 to 15 Rz (Rt). 
     The incline angles with respect to the surface of the tire side portion  12  (the bottom faces  16   b  of the reflective pieces) of the inclined face  16 At of the reflective piece  16 A, the inclined face  16 Bt of the reflective piece  16 B, the inclined face  16 Ct of the reflective piece  16 C, the inclined face  16 Et of the reflective piece  16 E, the inclined face  16 Ft of the reflective piece  16 F, and the inclined face  16 Ht of the reflective piece  16 H are preferably within a range of from 30 to 60°, are more preferably within a range of from 4° to 45°, and are even more preferably within a range of from 5° to 30°. 
     Operation and Advantageous Effects 
     When light (for example external light such as sunlight) is shone onto the decorative body  14 , this light is reflected by the respective apex faces of the respective reflective pieces. The respective apex faces of the respective reflective pieces configuring the decorative body  14  face in various directions (see  FIG. 6 ), and the tire side portion  12  on which the decorative body  14  is formed has a curved face. Accordingly, for example, when an observer standing directly in front or at an oblique front side of the tire  10  observes the tire  10 , the apex faces reflecting the light toward the observer are distributed between various positions in the decorative body  14 . When the tire  10  rotates, or when the observer moves while the tire  10  is stationary, such that the observer and the decorative body  14  of the tire  10  move relative to each other, the apex faces reflecting the light toward the observer change together with this relative movement, such that the positions of locations (namely the inclined faces and the apex faces) that appear to light up when the observer looks at the decorative body  14  change randomly to create a shifting impression, giving the decorative body  14  an external appearance that appears to sparkle. 
     The decorative body  14  of the present exemplary embodiment is configured including at least three types of the reflective pieces  16  with different vector orientations from each other when the tire side portion  12  is viewed in plan view. This enables the sparkling impression to be enhanced in comparison to cases in which the decorative body  14  is configured including reflective pieces that all have the same vector orientation as each other, or cases in which the decorative body  14  is configured including two types of the reflective pieces  16  with different vector orientations from each other. 
     Moreover, in the decorative body  14  of the present exemplary embodiment, the inclined face  16 At of the reflective piece  16 A, the inclined face  16 Bt of the reflective piece  16 B, the inclined face  16 Ct of the reflective piece  16 C, the inclined face  16 Et of the reflective piece  16 E, the inclined face  16 Ft of the reflective piece  16 F, and the inclined face  16 Ht of the reflective pieces  16 A to  16 H, these being the inclined faces of the respective reflective pieces  16  having the smallest incline angle with respect to the bottom faces  16   b , each have an incline angle with respect to the tire side portion  12  (the bottom face  16   b  of the reflective piece) within a range of from 3° to 60°, thereby enabling the sparkling impression to be enhanced in comparison to cases in which the incline angles are outside of this range. 
     The decorative body  14  is thus capable of improving the visual impact of the tire  10  of the present exemplary embodiment, and capable of creating an impression of high quality stemming from a textured effect. 
     Note that if the incline angle is less than 3°, the incline angle of the respective inclined faces becomes too small, and is close to becoming parallel to the surface of the tire side portion  12 , and do not sufficiently reflect light in a manner that enhances the sparkling impression. On the other hand, if the incline angle is greater than 60°, the incline angle of the respective inclined faces becomes too large, thus decreasing the surface area of the respective inclined faces in plan view of the tire side portion  12 , making the sparkling impression difficult to enhance. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the reflective cells  20  are each configured by the eight types of reflective pieces  16 A to  16 G The reflective cells  20  are tessellated along both the length direction and the short direction to configure the decorative body  14 . This enables mold design and processing to form the tire  10  to be simplified in comparison to cases in which the inclined faces of all the reflective pieces configuring the decorative body  14  have different vectors to each other. 
     Although explanation has been given regarding the tire  10  according to an exemplary embodiment in the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above. Obviously, various modifications may be implemented within a range not departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     In the exemplary embodiment described above, the greatest height of the reflective pieces  16 A,  16 B,  16 C,  16 E,  16 F, and  161 H is 0.4 mm. However, the greatest height is not limited to 0.4 mm. Moreover, although the heights of the reflective pieces  16 D and  16 G are 0.2 mm, the heights are not limited to 0.2 mm. Note that the reflective pieces  16 A to  16 H preferably project out from the base portion of the tire side portion  12  by 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. 
     In the exemplary embodiment described above, each of the reflective pieces  16  configuring the decorative body  14  has a triangular column shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the decorative body  14  may be configured by reflective pieces  22  with square column shapes having a square shape in plan view as illustrated in  FIG. 11(A) , with inclined faces  22   t  thereof having vectors running in different directions to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 11(B)  to  FIG. 11(D) . Alternatively, the decorative body  14  may be configured by reflective pieces  24  with circular column shapes having a circular shape in plan view as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , with inclined faces  24   t  thereof having vectors running in different directions to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 12(B)  to  FIG. 12(D) . Alternatively, the decorative body  14  may be configured by reflective pieces  26  with pentagonal column shapes having a pentagonal shape in plan view as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , with inclined faces  26   t  thereof having vectors running in different directions to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 13(B)  to  FIG. 13(D) . Alternatively, the decorative body  14  may be configured by reflective pieces  28  with hexagonal column shapes having a hexagonal shape in plan view as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , with inclined faces  28   t  thereof having vectors running in different directions to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 14(B)  to  FIG. 14(D) . In this manner, various other shapes may be adopted for the plan view profiles of the reflective pieces. Moreover, the decorative body  14  may be configured by a combination of reflective pieces having different shaped bottom faces. 
     Trapped explanation follows regarding the decorative body  14 . 
     As an example, a first solid shape pair  30  is defined as a pair of the reflective pieces  22  disposed adjacently to each other with a vector (arrow) start point of one of the reflective pieces  22  and the vector start point of the other of the reflective pieces  22  being adjacent to each other, and the vector of the one reflective piece  22  and the vector of the other reflective piece  22  being oriented in opposite directions to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 15(A) . A second solid shape pair  32  is defined as a pair of the reflective pieces  22  disposed adjacently to each other with a vector end point of one of the reflective pieces  16  and a vector end point of the other of the reflective pieces  22  being adjacent to each other, and the vector of the one reflective piece  22  and the vector of the other reflective piece  16  being oriented in opposite directions to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 15(B) . A solid shape group  34  is defined as a collection of three or more consecutive reflective pieces  22  having the same vector orientation as each other, as illustrated in  FIG. 15(C)  and  FIG. 15(D) . A third solid shape pair  36  is defined as a pair of two of the reflective pieces  22  not belonging to any out of the first solid shape pair  30 , the second solid shape pair  32 , or the solid shape group  34 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15(E)  and  FIG. 15(F) . A first condition is satisfied when the combined surface area of the third solid shape pairs  36  is greater than the combined surface area of the first solid shape pairs  30  when the tire side portion  12  is viewed in plan view. A second condition is satisfied when the combined surface area of the third solid shape pairs  36  is greater than the combined surface area of the second solid shape pairs  32  when the tire side portion  12  is viewed in plan view. A third condition is satisfied when the combined surface area of the third solid shape pairs  36  is greater than the combined surface area of solid shape groups  34 . The decorative body  14  should satisfy all of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition. In other words, as long as the above conditions are satisfied, the first solid shape pair  30 , the second solid shape pair  32 , and the solid shape group  34  may be present to some extent in the decorative body  14 . Note that in order to emphasize the sparkling impression, the decorative body  14  preferably satisfies a relationship in which the combined surface area of the third solid shape pairs  36  is greater than the combined surface area of the first solid shape pairs  30 , plus the combined surface area of the second solid shape pairs  32 , plus the combined surface area of the solid shape groups  34 . 
     Note that the first solid shape pair  30 , the second solid shape pair  32 , and the first solid shape group  34  make the sparkling impression more difficult to obtain, and thus do not need to be present in the decorative body  14 . In the decorative body  14  in the exemplary embodiment described above, the third solid shape pair  30  corresponds to the first set  18 A, the second set  18 B, the third set  18 C, and the fourth set  18 D. In the decorative body  14  in the exemplary embodiment described above, configurations corresponding to the first solid shape pair  30 , the second solid shape pair  32 , and the solid shape group  34  described above are not provided. 
     Moreover, in the decorative body  14  it is preferable to eliminate configurations in which, when as illustrated in  FIG. 16  as an example, three of the reflective pieces  22  disposed consecutively from one side to another side are considered together in plan view of the tire side portion  12 , a rotation direction orientation of the vectors changes by the same angle in the same rotation direction from the one side to the other side with reference to a normal line to the surface of the tire side portion  12  (for example 90° in  FIG. 16 ). If three reflective pieces  22  in which the rotation direction orientation of the vectors changes by the same angle in the same rotation direction are consecutive to each other, this creates the impression of a regular arrangement of the inclined faces, with the result that the arrangement of the inclined faces that reflect light appears insufficiently random. 
     The surface area of the inclined face having the smallest incline angle is preferably within a range of from 70% to 100% of the surface area of the bottom face  16   b  of the corresponding reflective piece  16  when the reflective piece  16  is viewed in plan view. This enables the sparkling impression to be emphasized. Moreover, from 3 to 200 of the reflective pieces  16  are preferably provided per 1 cm 2 , and more preferably from 10 to 100 of the reflective pieces  16  are provided per 1 cm 2 . This enables the sparkling impression to be emphasized. 
     Additional explanation follows regarding the light reflecting apex faces of the reflective pieces. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, within the reflective pieces serving as examples of solid shapes, the face that reflects light toward an observer in order to obtain a sparkling impression is the inclined face having the smallest incline angle with respect to the bottom face of the reflective piece. As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , when considering a reflective piece  22  with a square shaped bottom face, the highest location (apex)  22 T of the reflective piece  22  is preferably positioned above and further toward a peripheral outside of the bottom face of the reflective piece  22  than the center of gravity G of the bottom face of the reflective piece  22  in plan view, in order to increase the surface area of the inclined face that reflects light. Note that although not illustrated in the drawings, in cases in which the highest location is a side, a length direction central portion of that side configures the apex  22 T. In the reflective piece  22  illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the highest location  22 T is positioned at a location close to a side  23   a  of the bottom face. This enables a face to be formed with the largest surface area (the inclined face having the smallest incline angle with respect to the bottom face) out of the plural faces other than the bottom face of the reflective piece  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , when considering a triangular shaped hypothetical plane  25  including a perpendicular line HL that passes through the highest location  22 T of a reflective piece  22  and is perpendicular to the bottom face, and also includes a given point  23   ap  on the side  23   a  closest to the highest location  22 T out of the sides of bottom face and a given point  23   bp  on a side  23   b  opposing the side  23   a , if an angle formed between the bottom side of the hypothetical plane  25  and the sloping side on one side of the hypothetical plane  25  (the side linking the highest location  22 T and the point  23   ap  together) is denoted θa, and an angle formed between the bottom side of the hypothetical plane  25  and the other sloping side of the hypothetical plane  25  (the side linking the highest location  22 T and the given point  23   bp ) is denoted θb, then θb is preferably no less than 85° and no greater than 95°. This enables the surface area of the inclined face  22   t  set with the smallest incline angle with respect to the bottom face of the reflective piece  22  to be increased, thus enabling the sparkling impression to be emphasized. 
     Additional explanation follows regarding vectors of the light reflecting apex faces of the reflective pieces. 
     In the reflective pieces serving as examples of solid shapes, the vector of the inclined face is defined as the direction from the highest location side toward the lowest location side of the inclined face having the smallest incline angle with respect to the bottom face of the reflective piece. However, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , for example, in the triangular column shaped reflective pieces  16 , in cases in which an apex  16 T of any of the triangular shapes is the highest location and a side  16   c  opposing the apex  616 T is the lowest location, the direction from the apex  16 T toward a center point  16   cc  of the side  16   c  corresponds to the vector (as indicated by the arrow). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , in the triangular column shaped reflective pieces  16 , in cases in which the side  16   c  of any of the triangular shapes is the highest location (with a uniform height) and a triangular apex  16   p  opposing the side  16   c  is the lowest location, the direction from the center point of the side  16   c  toward the apex  16   p  corresponds to the vector (as indicated by the arrow). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , in the square column shaped reflective pieces  22 , in cases in which a side  22   a  of any of the square shapes is the highest location (with a uniform height) and an opposing side  22   b  is the lowest location (with a uniform height), the direction from the center point of the side  22   a  toward the center point of the side  22   b  corresponds to the vector (as indicated by the arrow). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , in the square column shaped reflective pieces  22 , in cases in which a corner  22   p  of any of the square shapes is the highest location, and an opposing corner  22   d  is the lowest location, the direction from the one corner  22   p  to the other corner  22   d  corresponds to the vector (as indicated by the arrow). 
     Regardless of the shape, if the inclined face having the smallest incline angle with respect to the bottom face of the reflective piece is highest at a side with a uniform height, and lowest at a side with a uniform height, the vector start point is at the center point of the highest side, and the vector end point is at the center point of the lowest side. Moreover, in cases in which the inclined face has a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like, the highest point of an outer peripheral portion of the inclined face is the vector start point, and the lowest point of the outer peripheral portion of the inclined face is the vector end point. 
     Note that if a case in which three reflective pieces  22  with inclined faces  22   t  having the same incline angle as each other are consecutive to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 23  is compared to a case in which three reflective pieces  22  with inclined faces  22   t  having different incline angles and heights to each other are consecutive to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the latter is preferable in terms of obtaining a random appearance. Note that three or more of the reflective pieces  22  with inclined faces  22   t  having different incline angles and heights to each other may be provided consecutively to each other. 
     Test Example 1 
     Table 1 below illustrates evaluation results ranked in four grades, namely A, B, C, and D, to represent the level of the sparkling impression of decorative bodies in which the angles of the inclined faces (apex faces) having the smallest incline angle of the reflective pieces are varied. The sensory evaluation results signify the following: A=very good. B=good, C=acceptable, D=unacceptable. 
     The basic structure of the decorative bodies is similar to that described in the above exemplary embodiment (with the exception of the variation described above). 
     Sensory Evaluation Test Method
         In anticipation of being observed on a tire fitted to a vehicle, the decorative body is observed as a target in a state illuminated by light from above at an oblique angle of 45° from directly in front of the tire side surface applied with the target. The decorative body is observed from a position perpendicular to and directly in front of the tire side surface. The decorative body evaluated by being observed while moving toward the left and right by no greater than 50 cm to each side.   If the observer is not moving, as above the decorative body is evaluated by being observed from a position perpendicular to and directly in front of the tire side surface while rotating the tire by 45° to both the left and right.       

     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Tire 
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 7 
                 8 
                 9 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Incline angle (°) 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 10 
                 30 
                 45 
                 60 
                 61 
               
               
                 Sensory evaluation 
                 D 
                 C 
                 B 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 D 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     It can be seen from the test results given in Table 1 that the sparkling impression changes when the incline angle of the inclined face having the smallest incline angle of the reflective pieces is varied. The decorative bodies with an incline angle set within a range of from 3° to 60° obtained a sensory evaluation rank of C or better. The decorative bodies with an incline angle set within a range of from 4° to 45° obtained a sensory evaluation rank of B or better. The decorative bodies with an incline angle set within a range of from 5° to 30° obtained a sensory evaluation rank of A. 
     Accordingly, it can be seen that the incline angle of the inclined face having the smallest incline angle of the reflective pieces is preferably set within the range of from 3° to 60°, is more preferably set within the range of from 4° to 45°, and is even more preferably set within the range of from 5° to 30°. 
     Test Example 2 
       FIG. 25  illustrates evaluation (sensory evaluation) results ranked in five grades, namely A, B, C, D, or E, to represent the level of the sparkling impression of decorative bodies having different proportions taken up by the combined surface area of the inclined faces having the smallest incline angle per unit surface area of the decorative body when the decorative body is viewed in plan view, and different densities of the reflective pieces disposed in the decorative body  14 . 
     The decorative bodies employed in the test are configured by reflective pieces having a triangular shape in plan view. 
     Sensory Evaluation Test Method
         In anticipation of being observed on a tire fitted to a vehicle, the decorative body is observed as a target in a state illuminated by light from above at an oblique angle of 45° from directly in front of the tire side surface applied with the target. The decorative body is observed from a position perpendicular to and directly in front of the tire side surface. The decorative body is observed while moving toward the left and right by no greater than 50 cm each side to evaluate the sparkling impression.   If the observer is not moving, as above the decorative body is evaluated by being observed from a position perpendicular to and directly in front of the tire side surface while rotating the tire by 45° to both the left and right.       

     The sensory evaluation results signify the following: A=superb, B=very good, C=good, D=acceptable, E=unacceptable. 
     It can be seen from the test results in  FIG. 25  that the sparkling impression differs depending on the combination of the proportion of the surface area taken up by the apex faces of the reflective pieces (Configuration 1) and the density of the reflective pieces (Configuration 2). 
     Namely, it can be seen from the test results that when the decorative body  14  is viewed in plan view along the axial direction of the tire  10 , securing a large reflective surface area for the surface area taken up by the inclined faces of the reflective pieces is preferable. 
     Moreover, it can be seen from the test results that the density of the reflective pieces disposed in the decorative body  14  is preferably from 3 to 200 per 1 cm 2 , and is more preferably from 10 to 100 per 1 cm 2 . 
     The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-238078, filed on Dec. 12, 2017, is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
     All cited documents, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in the present specification are incorporated by reference in the present specification to the same extent as if each individual cited document, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.