Method and apparatus for utilizing preprinted labels and appliqués on a tire

Abstract

A tire for displaying at least one indicium includes a label affixed to the tire at a mounting location. The label has a first side facing away from the tire and a second side connected to the tire. The label's first side is configured to receive at least one adhesive appliqué having at least one indicium. The mounting location is a location on a sidewall of the tire where the label undergoes a strain equal to or less than a threshold strain under pre-defined conditions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tire for displaying at least one indicium, the tire comprising:
 a label affixed to the tire on a mounting location,
 wherein the label has a first side facing away from the tire and a second side connected to the tire, 
   an adhesive appliqué affixed to the first side of the label, the adhesive appliqué having at least one indicium,
 wherein the adhesive appliqué has a threshold strain that can be identified based on a measurement of at least one of an ultimate tensile strength, a fatigue life, and a maximum elastic strain of the adhesive appliqué, and 
 wherein the mounting location is a location on a sidewall of the tire where the label undergoes a strain equal to or less than the threshold strain of the adhesive appliqué under pre-defined conditions. 
   
     
     
         2 . The tire of  claim 1 , wherein the pre-defined conditions include a condition in which the tire is loaded and in operation. 
     
     
         3 . The tire of  claim 1 , wherein the label first side includes at least one of a graphic, a phrase, and a logo. 
     
     
         4 . The tire of  claim 1 , wherein the label second side is affixed to the tire through a curing process. 
     
     
         5 . The tire of  claim 1 , wherein the label second side is affixed to the tire through an adhesive after the tire is cured. 
     
     
         6 . The tire of  claim 1 , wherein the label is substantially flush with the sidewall of the tire. 
     
     
         7 . The tire of  claim 1 , wherein the label contains one of a radio frequency identification tag and a radio frequency identification chip. 
     
     
         8 . A tire for displaying at least one indicium, the tire comprising:
 a circumferential tread;   a pair of sidewalls connected to the circumferential tread, wherein at least one of the pair of sidewalls includes a mounting location;   a label mounted on the mounting location, wherein the label is mounted on the mounting location by a curing process; and   an adhesive appliqué affixed to the label, the adhesive appliqué having a first threshold strain, wherein the mounting location undergoes a strain less than or equal to the first threshold strain under pre-defined conditions.   
     
     
         9 . The tire of  claim 8 , wherein the label contains a radio frequency identification tag or a radio frequency identification chip. 
     
     
         10 . The tire of  claim 8 , wherein the first threshold strain is 10%. 
     
     
         11 . The tire of  claim 8 , wherein the label is rubber-backed, and is at least partially vulcanized with the tire during curing. 
     
     
         12 . The tire of  claim 8 , wherein the label is substantially flush with one of the pair of sidewalls after curing. 
     
     
         13 . The tire of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive appliqué is affixed to the label after the tire has been cured. 
     
     
         14 . The tire of  claim 8 , wherein the pre-defined conditions include a condition in which the tire bears a pre-defined load and operates at pre-defined speeds. 
     
     
         15 . A tire for displaying at least one indicium, the tire comprising:
 a sidewall having a mounting location;   a label located on the mounting location; and   an adhesive appliqué affixed to the label,
 wherein the adhesive appliqué has a first threshold strain, and 
 wherein the label undergoes a strain less than or equal to the first threshold strain under pre-defined conditions. 
   
     
     
         16 . The tire of  claim 15 , wherein the adhesive appliqué is a gummed adhesive appliqué. 
     
     
         17 . The tire of  claim 15 , wherein the adhesive appliqué is provided by a tire manufacturer. 
     
     
         18 . The tire of  claim 15 , wherein the adhesive appliqué is a pre-printed adhesive appliqué. 
     
     
         19 . The tire of  claim 15 , wherein the label contains a radio frequency identification tag. 
     
     
         20 . The tire of  claim 15 , wherein the label contains a radio frequency identification chip.