Patent Description:
It is generally known for tire molding surfaces, especially sidewall tire molding surfaces, of a tire mold to be provided with negative (i.e., mirror image) patterns, such as a negative logo or lettering pattern, which, through the tire molding process, results in the curing of such logo or lettering on the tire sidewall of the cured tire. However, existing tire molds provide uniform patterns that create a specific design, such as a logo, or lettering/numbering, such as a manufacturer's name or tire model number. Likewise, negative tread patterns defined by tread molding surfaces of the tire mold conventionally provide uniform tread patterns.

Some existing tire molds provide negative patterns beyond letters, numbers, or logos for various purposes. For example, one existing tire mold includes ridges that extend in a spiral pattern along the tire molding surface to prevent adhesion of the outer surface of the tire sidewall to the molding surface, which can produce undesirable tire defects. However, such existing patterns on tire molds typically follow a uniform or regular pattern (e.g., linear uniformly spaced apart lines) that repeat or can be followed in a fairly predictable manner. Conventional tire sidewalls include such uniform or regular patterns on their exterior surfaces.

Further, it is generally desirable to provide tire sidewalls with a deep black and moist texture, i.e., glossy. Likewise, it is generally undesirable, i.e., aesthetically unpleasing, for tire sidewalls to have a coarse texture or visually discernible surface irregularities, which are generally considered tire defects or shortcomings. Document <CIT> discloses a tire avoiding a glossy appearance by providing sidewalls having a limited surface roughness. Document <CIT> discloses a tire having coarse surfaces forming a camouflage pattern.

The inventors have discovered that intentionally providing a non-uniform, rough surface texture finish to a tire sidewall via a negative non-uniform, rough surface texture pattern on the tire mold unexpectedly produces a unique, visually appealing look that differs from the typical glossy surface finish that is conventionally sought after.

The present invention is defined by claim <NUM> and generally provides a pneumatic tire with a non-uniform rough textured surface finish, method of manufacturing, and mold that overcomes the herein fore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided a tire mold having a sidewall molding surface with a negative irregular rough surface texture pattern extending circumferentially along the sidewall molding surface so as to mold at least one annular exterior surface of a tire sidewall of a tire with an irregular rough surface texture, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern defining recessed portions disposed non-uniformly between raised portions, the recessed portions having an irregularity depth of <NUM> millimeters.

In accordance with another implementation, the recessed portions and the raised portions vary non-uniformly in size and shape along the sidewall molding surface.

In accordance with yet another implementation, the sidewall molding surface is a surface of a sidewall ring plate.

In accordance with yet another implementation, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern is configured to mold a rough sandpaper pattern on the at least one annular exterior surface of the tire sidewall, the rough sandpaper pattern being visually discernible from other exterior surfaces of the tire by an observer.

In accordance with another implementation, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern is configured to mold a pebble pattern on the at least one annular exterior surface of the tire sidewall, the pebble pattern being visually discernible from other exterior surfaces of the tire by an observer.

In accordance with another implementation, the sidewall molding surface defines a negative indicia pattern with an indicia depth that is greater than the depth of the recessed portions so as to mold the at least one annular exterior surface of the tire sidewall with the indicia pattern overlaying the irregular rough surface texture.

In accordance with an additional implementation, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern is formed by laser etching a planar sidewall molding surface in a non-uniform laser pattern to create the recessed portions, said laser-etched recessed portions thereby defining the raised portions, the raised portions being portions of the planar sidewall molding surface not laser etched.

In accordance with another implementation, the tire mold includes a tread molding surface, the tread molding surface with a negative irregular rough surface texture pattern corresponding to the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern on the sidewall molding surface so as to mold at least one annular exterior surface of a tire tread with an irregular rough surface texture corresponding to the irregular rough surface texture of the tire sidewall.

The negative irregular rough surface texture pattern extends circumferentially continuously <NUM> degrees along the sidewall molding surface.

In accordance with the invention, a pneumatic tire including a first and a second sidewall each axially spaced apart from one another and extending from respective opposite ends of a tread; and at least one of the first and second sidewalls having an annular exterior surface with an irregular rough surface texture. The irregular rough surface texture: has an irregularity depth of <NUM> millimeters, is integrally formed on the annular exterior surface, and is formed so as to provide a non-uniform, coarse surface texture finish that extends circumferentially along the annular exterior surface of the at least one of the first and second sidewalls.

Although various implementations are illustrated and described herein as embodied in a pneumatic tire with a textured surface, method of manufacturing, and textured mold, the invention is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term "providing" is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.

As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term "longitudinal" should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the tire mold.

As used herein, the terms "axial" and "axially" is intended to indicate lines or directions that are parallel to the axis of rotation of a tire. The terms "radial" and "radially" are defined as lines or directions radially toward or away from the axis of rotation of the tire. "Circumferential," as used herein, is intended to indicate circular lines or directions extending along the surface of the annular sidewall or the annular sidewall molding surface, perpendicular to the axial direction.

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and can be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a novel and efficient tire mold, pneumatic tire, and method of producing the same with an irregular rough surface texture finish on the annular exterior surfaces of the tire that provides a unique textured visual appearance. Embodiments include irregular rough surface texture finishes with recessed portions non-uniformly disposed between irregular raised portions on a tire sidewall. In addition, embodiments of include the recessed portions having an irregularity depth of between <NUM> millimeters and <NUM> millimeters. As used herein, the term "between" and the ranges recited herein are intended to be inclusive of the outer limits defining the range (e.g., inclusive of <NUM> millimeters and <NUM> millimeters). In one embodiment, the rough surface texture finish may resemble rough sandpaper and, in an alternative embodiment, the rough surface texture finish may resemble a non-uniformly spaced apart pebble arrangement.

Referring now to <FIG>, one embodiment is shown in a perspective view. <FIG> shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the embodiments can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a tire molding surface <NUM> with a negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, is provided in the form of a sidewall ring plate <NUM>.

As will be discussed herein below, with reference to <FIG>, a tire mold <NUM> used in accordance with the present invention may be a three-piece tire mold with a pair of sidewall ring plates 104a and 104b (for each sidewall) and a tread molding portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The sidewall molding surfaces in accordance with the present invention will be discussed with reference to the annular surface of the sidewall ring plate <NUM>; however, it should be understood that some alternative embodiments may provide for sidewall molding surfaces in other types of tire molds, such as a one-piece tire mold in which the sidewall molding surfaces and the tread molding surfaces are integral with one another.

As can be seen in <FIG>, in a preferred embodiment, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> extends circumferentially along substantially the entire sidewall molding surface <NUM>, except for the portions of the sidewall molding surface with lettering-numbering and/or logos. Stated another way, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> may extend circumferentially continuously <NUM> degrees along the sidewall molding surface <NUM>. Accordingly, as a result of a green tire <NUM> being cured in the tire mold <NUM> (see <FIG>), an annular exterior surface <NUM> of a tire sidewall <NUM> is provided with an irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> that extends continuously circumferentially along the tire sidewall <NUM> (see <FIG>). As should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the negative pattern <NUM> on the sidewall molding surface <NUM> should be a mirror image of the resulting pattern on the cured tire sidewall <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> may extend circumferentially less than <NUM> degrees along the sidewall molding surface <NUM>, such as, for example <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees along the sidewall molding surface <NUM>. As should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the negative pattern <NUM> on the sidewall molding surface <NUM> should be a mirror image of the resulting pattern on the cured tire sidewall <NUM>.

In yet other embodiments, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> may extend discontinuously, circumferentially along the sidewall molding surface <NUM>. In other words, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> may have intervals or gaps between sub-sections of the negative irregular rough surface texture. The intervals or gaps may be formed as smooth surfaces to contrast with the irregular rough surface texture sub-sections. Alternatively, the intervals or gaps between sub-sections of the negative irregular rough surface texture may be formed as a different/alternating negative irregular rough surface texture sub-sections. In a further embodiment, the negative irregular rough surface texture sub-sections may be equally spaced apart from one another. As should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, a discontinuous, negative pattern <NUM> on the sidewall molding surface <NUM> should be a mirror image of the resulting pattern on the cured tire sidewall <NUM>.

Referring now primarily to <FIG>, a sidewall ring plate <NUM> (similar to the sidewall ring plate <NUM> depicted in <FIG>) is shown in a front elevational view with multiple negative irregular rough surface texture patterns 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d. Although preferred embodiments include the sidewall molding surface <NUM> with a single irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> extending circumferentially along the molding surface <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>; for illustrative purposes the sidewall ring plate <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes four patterns 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d on each quarter of the molding surface <NUM> for purposes of describing the various rough surface patterns that may be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> defined on the sidewall molding surface <NUM> may be considered a pebble pattern 102a. Stated another way, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> may be configured to mold a pebble pattern on the annular exterior surface <NUM> of the tire sidewall <NUM>.

Referring now specifically to <FIG>, with reference still to <FIG>, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> (shown in <FIG> as a cross-section of the pebble pattern 102a) may define recessed portions <NUM> disposed non-uniformly between raised portions <NUM>. The raised portions <NUM> may be the irregular-shaped pebble portions of the pattern 102a and the recessed portions <NUM> may be the irregular-shaped spaces between pebble portions of the pattern 102a. The pebble portions may be considered generally circular or oval in overall shape, yet follow an irregular curve-shaped path/outline, similar to the irregular-shape of pebbles, hence the name "pebble pattern. " The spaces between the pebble portions may be non-linear and non-uniform in dimension in some embodiments (as shown in <FIG>).

The recessed portions <NUM> and the raised portions <NUM> may be considered to vary non-uniformly in size and shape, one from another, along the sidewall molding surface <NUM>. Stated another way, the dimensions of the recessed portions <NUM> and the dimensions of the raised portions <NUM> may vary randomly along the sidewall molding surface <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> shows an embodiment in which the widths of the recessed portions <NUM>, Wa(recess) - Wn(recess), vary non-uniformly one from the other. Similarly, <FIG> shows an embodiment in which the widths of the raised portions <NUM>, Wa(raised) - Wn(raised), vary non-uniformly one from the other. The number of raised portions <NUM> and the number of recessed portions <NUM> may be any number from a to n.

In one embodiment, the raised portions <NUM> may have a maximum width, Wa(raised), or diameter that is <NUM> millimeters. In another embodiment, the raised portions <NUM> may have a maximum width, Wa(raised), that is <NUM> millimeter. In yet another embodiment, the raised portions <NUM> may have a maximum width, Wa(raised), that is <NUM> millimeters. In yet other embodiments, the raised portions <NUM> may have a maximum width, Wa(raised), that is outside of those ranges.

In some embodiments, a width and a depth of the recessed portions <NUM> may be the same across the pattern <NUM>, yet the path and shape of the recessed portions <NUM> may still be irregular and follow a non-uniform path across the pattern <NUM>. This may be the case, for example, in embodiments in which a laser beam may be used to etch an irregular pattern on a generally planar steel plate. The laser beam may create recessed portions <NUM> that have substantially the same width and depth (corresponding to the strength and size of the laser beam); however, the path that the laser beam follows should be irregular or non-uniform to create an irregular, non-uniform rough surface texture on the molding surface <NUM>.

Similarly, a height of the raised portions <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be the same across the pattern <NUM>, yet the shape and/or width of the raised portions <NUM> may be irregular and non-uniform across the pattern <NUM>. In other words, the shape of one raised portion <NUM> may be different from the shape of its neighboring raised portion <NUM>, as with actual pebbles (see for example <FIG> pebble).

The recessed portions <NUM> and raised portions <NUM> should be provided with dimensions that create an irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> on the tire sidewall <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) that is visually discernable by an outside observer. In other words, the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> (whether it resembles sandpaper or a pebble pattern) should be visually discernible as compared to the other exterior surfaces of the tire. Stated yet another way, the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> should be configured as an apparent tire sidewall pattern that was intentionally created to provide a unique visual effect on the tire sidewall <NUM>, as opposed to mere random surface defect irregularities that may only be visible by a very close-up tire inspection.

In one embodiment, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> may be provided with dimensions to create an irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> on the tire sidewall <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) that is visually discernible by an observer from at least <NUM> feet away from the tire sidewall <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> may be configured to be visually discernible by an observer from at least <NUM> feet away from the tire sidewall <NUM>. Importantly, the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> should provide a unique look and feel to the tire sidewall <NUM>, which departs from the conventional glossy sidewall appearance that is sought after, or the uniform regular tire sidewall patterns existing in the art today.

In one embodiment, the recessed portions <NUM> have a depth <NUM> of at least <NUM> millimeters. In another embodiment, the recessed portions <NUM> may have a depth <NUM> that is <NUM> millimeters. In yet another embodiment, the recessed portions <NUM> may have a depth <NUM> that is <NUM> millimeters. In yet another embodiment, the recessed portions <NUM> may have a depth <NUM> of between <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters. The depth <NUM> of the recessed portions <NUM> may also be referred to as an irregularity depth.

A height <NUM> of the raised portions <NUM> may correspond to the depth <NUM> of the recessed portions <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment where a smooth/planar sidewall molding surface is laser etched with an irregular rough surface texture pattern to create the rough textured, sidewall ring plate <NUM>, the laser beam may create the recessed portions <NUM>, which thereby define the raised portions <NUM>. In other words, the raised portions <NUM> may be considered the remaining surfaces of the planar sidewall molding surfaces that were not cut/etched by the laser beam. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the raised portions <NUM> may have a height <NUM> of at least <NUM> millimeter. In another embodiment, the raised portions <NUM> may have a height <NUM> that is <NUM> millimeters. In yet another embodiment, the raised portions <NUM> may have a height <NUM> that is <NUM> millimeters. In yet another embodiment, the raised portions <NUM> may have a height <NUM> of between <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters.

The amount and dimensions of the raised portions <NUM> and the amount and dimensions of the recessed portions <NUM> should preferably be selected to be sufficiently substantial to be visually discernible by an outside observer, but also not too large to be susceptible to cracks in the tire sidewall. For example, while a greater depth <NUM> of the recessed portions <NUM> and a greater height <NUM> of the raised portions <NUM> may be more visually discernible to an outside observer for some patterns, if the recessed portions <NUM> are too deep over time the tire sidewall may be at an unacceptable risk of forming cracks too early in the tire life cycle.

Although the description thus far has been primarily focused on describing the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM>, with reference to the pebble pattern 102a depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, it should be understood that other embodiments may provide other types of irregular rough surface texture patterns 102b, 102c, and 102d. The description herein above with respect to the dimensions of the raised portions <NUM> and the recessed portions <NUM> and other arrangements and configurations of the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> apply also with respective to such alternative patterns 102b, 102c, and 102d.

Referring now again to <FIG>, the sidewall ring plate <NUM> illustrates various alternative negative irregular rough surface texture patterns 102a-d. The pattern 102b may be considered an inverse pebble pattern 102b. <FIG> illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the inverse pebble pattern 102b. With the inverse pebble pattern 102b, the recessed portions <NUM> and the raised portions <NUM> are the inverse of the pebble pattern 102a. Specifically, the raised portions <NUM> correspond to the irregular-shaped spaces between the pebble portions and the recessed portions <NUM> correspond to the irregular-shaped pebble portions. As described herein above, the irregular-shaped pebble portions are considered generally circular or oval in overall shape, yet follow an irregular curve-shaped path/outline, similar to the irregular-shape of pebbles, hence the name "pebble pattern. " The description herein above with respect to the dimensions and arrangement of the pebble pattern 102a apply also to the inverse pebble pattern 102b and therefore will not be expressly repeated.

Referring again to <FIG>, with reference also to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pattern 102c may be considered a rough sandpaper pattern 102c. As with the pebble patterns 102a and 102b, the rough sandpaper pattern 102c may include recessed portions <NUM> disposed non-uniformly between raised portions <NUM> in a manner that resembles a sandpaper surface. In a preferred embodiment, the recessed portions <NUM> may have a depth <NUM> of <NUM> millimeters. In a further embodiment, the sidewall molding surface <NUM> may be created by laser etching a smooth sidewall ring plate with cuts <NUM> millimeters deep. In other embodiments, the depth <NUM> may be slightly greater or less than <NUM> millimeters. In yet other embodiments, the depth <NUM> of the recessed portions <NUM> may be in the range of <NUM> millimeters to <NUM> millimeters. In yet further embodiments, the depth <NUM> of the recessed portions <NUM> may be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters. Importantly, the cuts or depth of the recessed portions <NUM> and the overall arrangement of recessed portions <NUM> and raised portions <NUM> should appear intentionally coarse, in other words, resembling rough sandpaper. <FIG> is a close-up view of the sandpaper patterns 102c, 102d on the sidewall molding surface <NUM>.

As with real sandpaper, the texture of the sandpaper pattern 102c, 102d can vary in terms of its coarseness or grit. Generally, the size of the grain, or in this case the dimensions of the raised portions <NUM>, is proportional to the coarseness of the sandpaper surface. The pattern 102d may be considered a smooth sandpaper pattern 102d, as compared to the rough sandpaper pattern 102c.

Referring now primarily to <FIG>, with reference to <FIG>, the sidewall molding surface <NUM> may also define a negative indicia pattern <NUM> overlaying the negative irregular rough surface texture patterns 102c, 102d. The negative indicia pattern <NUM> may include a negative space in the mold for creating sidewall lettering, manufacturer names, tire model information, and the like, and may include letters, numbers, as well, as other symbols, such as logos. In one embodiment, the negative indicia pattern <NUM> may include an indicia depth <NUM> that is greater than the depth of the recessed portions <NUM> so as to mold the annular exterior surface <NUM> of the tire sidewall <NUM> with sidewall indicia <NUM> (see <FIG>). The sidewall indicia <NUM> preferably protrudes outwardly extending beyond the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> created by the mold texture pattern <NUM>. In other words, the sidewall indicia <NUM> preferably overlays the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM>.

Referring now primarily to <FIG>, yet another exemplary sidewall ring plate <NUM> (similar to the sidewall ring plate <NUM> depicted in <FIG> and the sidewall ring plate <NUM> depicted in <FIG>) is shown in a front elevational view with multiple negative irregular rough surface texture patterns 702a, 702b, 702c. The negative irregular rough surface texture pattern 702a may be considered a pinch or burl effect pattern, with raised and protruding portions arranged to resemble a pinch or burl effect, as depicted in <FIG>. The negative irregular rough surface texture pattern 702b may be considered a wide pebble pattern, with protruding portions more widely spaced apart than the other pebble patterns 102a and 102b (<FIG>, <FIG>). The negative irregular rough surface texture pattern 702c may be considered yet another sandpaper pattern with a different coarseness, as compared to the other sandpaper patterns 102c and 102d (<FIG> and <FIG>). The finish 702d may be considered a no structure, prior art pattern, having, for example, a smooth or a polished finish on the sidewall molding surface <NUM>, shown as a comparison of embodiments of the present invention to existing mold surfaces.

Referring now primarily to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view of the tire mold <NUM> is shown as a three-piece mold with the pair of sidewall ring plates 104a and 104b (for each sidewall) and the tread molding portion <NUM>. The general construction of tire molds is known by those of ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be described in great detail. In the exemplary embodiment, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> is provided on the sidewall molding surfaces <NUM> of the sidewall ring plates 104a, 104b. Specifically, the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> may extend circumferentially along each of the sidewall ring plates 104a, 104b.

As is generally known, the tread molding portion <NUM> may include a negative tread pattern. In a further embodiment, there may also be provided a negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> on the tread molding portion <NUM> to provide a unique visual effect on the annular exterior surface <NUM> of the tire tread <NUM>, as well. In one embodiment, the irregular rough surface texture of the tire tread <NUM> may be configured to resemble the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> of the tire sidewall <NUM>. In other embodiments, the tread molding portion <NUM> may not include a negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM>. Because tire sidewalls are more visually prominent than the tire tread <NUM> when installed on a vehicle, embodiments may only provide the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> on the tire sidewall <NUM>, rather than the tire tread <NUM>.

During the manufacturing process, the green tire <NUM> may be placed within the tire mold cavity <NUM> defined by the tread and sidewall molding surfaces of the tire mold <NUM>, as is generally known. After curing the green tire <NUM>, a pneumatic tire <NUM> is formed with the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> on the tire sidewall <NUM> (see <FIG>), the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> being a mirror image of the negative irregular rough surface texture pattern <NUM> on the sidewall ring plate <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

As is generally known, a tire includes a pair of tire sidewalls axially spaced apart from one another and extending from respective opposite ends of the tire tread <NUM>. Accordingly, although not shown, it should be apparent that the opposite tire sidewall (not shown in <FIG>) also includes the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the pneumatic tire <NUM> made with a sidewall molding surface having the rough sandpaper pattern 102c thereon. <FIG> illustrates another exemplary pneumatic tire <NUM> made with a sidewall molding surface having the pebble pattern 102a thereon.

By providing the tire mold <NUM> with negative irregular rough surface texture patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, the irregular rough surface texture finish <NUM> may be formed integrally with the tire sidewall <NUM>, rather than, for example, being molded onto the tire, after the green tire <NUM> is cured, as a separate manufacturing process. Doing so reduces the time, cost, and complexity of the manufacturing process, as compared with, for example, a process with a separate post-curing step.

Claim 1:
A pneumatic tire (<NUM>) comprising:
a first and a second sidewall (<NUM>) each axially spaced apart from one another and
extending from respective opposite ends of a tread (<NUM>); and
at least one of the first and second sidewalls (<NUM>) having an annular exterior surface (<NUM>) with an irregular rough surface texture (<NUM>), the irregular rough surface texture (<NUM>):
defining recessed portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed non-uniformly between raised portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the recessed portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having an irregularity depth (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> millimeters,
being integrally formed on the annular exterior surface (<NUM>), and the tire (<NUM>) being characterized in that the irregular rough surface texture (<NUM>) is formed so as to provide a non-uniform, coarse surface texture finish that extends continuously circumferentially along the annular exterior surface (<NUM>) of the at least one of the first and second sidewalls (<NUM>).