Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes an axis of rotation and a tread. The tread has a plurality of traction elements, a circumferential groove, and a lateral groove. The circumferential groove has a base interposed between radially extending sides formed by side walls of the traction elements. The lateral groove has a base interposed between radially extending sides formed by side walls of the traction elements. The tire is further characterized by the bases of the circumferential groove and the lateral groove each defining a matrix of circumferentially extending rectangular ramp structures, one ramp structure of the plurality extending circumferentially, from a radially inner first end portion, in a direction of rotation of the tire and radially outward to a radially outer second end portion, the radially outer second end portion defining an edge portion extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire, the edge portion improving traction of the tire and evacuation of the circumferential and lateral grooves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber tire having a rubber tread intended to be ground-contacting which is relative electrically insulating and which has at least one thin, narrow, carbon black reinforced rubber strip integral the outer surface, or face, of said tread, each strip extending laterally across the tread to each of the tire's carbon black reinforced sidewalls.In one aspect, said outer rubber strip, extends laterally across the outer surface of the tread which is designed to be ground contacting and connects with carbon black reinforced tire sidewalls to provide a path of reduced electrical resistance from the outer surface of the tire tread to the bead portion of the tire carcass and, thereby, such a reduced electrical resistance path from a vehicle to the road surface.In another aspect, the said rubber tread intended to be ground-contacting, is primarily reinforced with silica.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying residual cornering force (RCF) or residual self-aligning torque (RSAT) of a tire 12. The tire mold 30 is modified by removing or adding removable chamfer mold pieces or material 50,150 to the interior surface of the tire mold 30. The removable chamfer mold pieces chamfer portions of the tire tread 10 at key locations, addition or deletion of such chamfer portions 50,150 at selected locations can modify the tire's RCF and/or RSAT parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying residual cornering force (RCF) or residual self-aligning torque (RSAT) of a tire 12. The tire mold 30 is modified by removing or adding removable chamfer mold pieces or material 50,150 to the interior surface of the tire mold 30. The removable chamfer mold pieces chamfer portions of the tire tread 10 at key locations, addition or deletion of such chamfer portions 50,150 at selected locations can modify the tire's RCF and/or RSAT parameters.