Abstract: Various embodiments of a tire tread having one or more flexible gate apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tire having a tread is provided, the tire comprising: a groove comprising a groove base and at least one groove sidewall; at least one flexible gate apparatus comprising a plurality of adjacent flexible gate elements oriented in a single row across at least a portion of the groove; wherein the plurality of flexible gate elements extend from the groove base; wherein the at least one flexible gate apparatus comprises a rigidity such that the at least one flexible gate apparatus does not substantially deflect at the application of an air pressure during operation; and wherein the at least one flexible gate apparatus comprises a rigidity such that the at least one flexible gate apparatus deflects at the application of a water pressure during operation.

Abstract: A tire having an indicator device that visually indicates exposure of the tire to a pre-selected temperature is provided, and an indicator device that may be positioned on a tire, for indicating that the tire has been exposed to a pre-selected temperature. The device includes expandable graphite dispersed within a pouch or binder. Also described is a method for detecting that a tire has been exposed to excessive temperature. The method includes providing a tire that includes at least one indicator device that contains a pouch or binder and expandable graphite dispersed in the pouch or binder. Visual inspection of the tire to detect a change in the appearance, shape, volume or texture of the indicator device can indicate that the tire has been exposed to a temperature that meets or exceeds a pre-selected temperature.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tire tread having one or more flexible gate apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tire having a tread is provided, the tire comprising: a groove comprising a groove base and at least one groove sidewall; at least one flexible gate apparatus comprising a plurality of adjacent flexible gate elements oriented in a single row across at least a portion of the groove; wherein the plurality of flexible gate elements extend from the groove base; wherein the at least one flexible gate apparatus comprises a rigidity such that the at least one flexible gate apparatus does not substantially deflect at the application of an air pressure during operation; and wherein the at least one flexible gate apparatus comprises a rigidity such that the at least one flexible gate apparatus deflects at the application of a water pressure during operation.

Abstract: A tire has an axis of rotation and a tread pattern that includes a plurality of tread blocks having differing circumferential shear stiffness values. The tread pattern also includes a plurality of sub-surface features that are operatively associated with at least some of the tread blocks. The combination of a tread block and a sub-surface feature can alter the circumferential shear stiffness value of tread block to thereby tune the tread pattern. A method of manufacture is also included.

Abstract: A tire having an equatorial plane and a circumferential tread is provided. The tread includes at least one recess defined by at least one concave surface having a plurality of sipes formed therein. Optionally, the at least one concave surface can include one or more channel disposed therein.

Abstract: A tire having an equatorial plane and a circumferential tread is provided. The tread includes at least one recess defined by at least one concave surface having a plurality of sipes formed therein. Optionally, the at least one concave surface can include one or more channel disposed therein.

Abstract: A tire comprising a circumferential tread including at least one tread block having at least one edge. The tread block includes at least one void provided therein not more than about 4 millimeters from the edge of the tread block. Exemplary voids include sipes, such as one-end open sipes, two-end open sipes, and internal sipes, and cutouts, such as internal cut-outs and edge cut-outs.

Abstract: A tire or rim for use on a racing vehicle comprising colored indicia disposed on a sidewall of the tire wherein the color marking is configured to be used as a designator. The colored indicia can designate, among other things, 1) left or right side installation of the tire on the racing vehicle, 2) that the tire is constructed of a certain rubber compound, 3) a points leader of a vehicle racing series, and/or 4) a pole position holder of a vehicle racing event.

Abstract: A tire having an equatorial plane and a circumferential tread is provided. The tread includes at least one recess defined by at least one concave surface having a plurality of sipes formed therein. Optionally, the at least one concave surface can include one or more channel disposed therein.

Abstract: A reinforced blade for use in a tire vulcanization mold is provided. The reinforced blade, having a thickness of less than 0.030 inches, is configured to form a sipe in a tread of a tire in the tire vulcanization mold. The reinforced blade includes a main segment and a support segment extending from one end portion of the main segment of the reinforced blade and configured to support the end portion of the main segment of the reinforced blade in the mold during vulcanization.

Abstract: A tire having a circumferential tread is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of synthetic fibers are embedded in the circumferential tread such that a portion of at least one of the plurality of synthetic fibers is exposed to a surface of the circumferential tread, wherein the plurality of synthetic fibers have empty cavities configured to be at least partially filled with a liquid.

Abstract: A tire comprising a circumferential tread including at least one tread block having at least one edge. The tread block includes at least one void provided therein not more than about 4 millimeters from the edge of the tread block. Exemplary voids include sipes, such as one-end open sipes, two-end open sipes, and internal sipes, and cutouts, such as internal cut-outs and edge cut-outs.

Abstract: A tire is provided with at least one textured marking on an outer surface of a sidewall of the tire. The at least one textured marking includes crumb rubber adhered to the sidewall of the tire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that utilize a fluid to affect accumulations of water on a road surface in a path of a vehicle. The fluid can be water or an air-water mixture in the environment of the vehicle. A tire is used to gather the fluid. A structure, such as a fender, is disposed adjacent to the tire to focus the fluid that has been gathered by the tire into a spray. The spray is projected ahead of the tire to reduce the depth of, or substantially dissipate, the accumulations of water.

Abstract: A tire having an equatorial plane and a circumferential tread is provided. The tread includes at least one recess defined by at least one concave surface having a plurality of sipes formed therein. Optionally, the at least one concave surface can include one or more channel disposed therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing tire performance by generating accurate, timely tire-to-surface slippage information under any operational/environmental conditions and on any road and/or off-road surface without requiring instrumentation of the roadway. The approach is capable of storing generated tire-to-surface slippage information for later retrieval and analysis and/or capable of supporting dynamic, real-time collection and dissemination of generated data. One exemplary embodiment generates and disseminates tire-to-surface slippage information in real-time that is compatible with and may be formatted for use by any consumer vehicle control system as well as external test and analysis equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing tire performance by generating accurate, timely tire-to-surface slippage information under any operational/environmental conditions and on any road and/or off-road surface without requiring instrumentation of the roadway. The approach is capable of storing generated tire-to-surface slippage information for later retrieval and analysis and/or capable of supporting dynamic, real-time collection and dissemination of generated data. One exemplary embodiment generates and disseminates tire-to-surface slippage information in real-time that is compatible with and may be formatted for use by any consumer vehicle control system as well as external test and analysis equipment.