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: This application discloses a tire comprising a circumferential tread including at least one tread element having a top surface, at least one edge, and at least one chamfered surface extending between the top surface and the edge. The chamfered surface is oriented at an angle relative to the top surface of the tread element that varies along the length of the chamfered surface. Alternatively, the chamfered surface may have a width and a height that vary along their respective lengths.

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: The invention provides a method for balancing tire performance with both increased and decreased numbers of lugs on the ribs while also having desirable tire noise performance. This method allows the tire designer to take advantage of the benefits of both high and low pitch count patterns while minimizing undesirable tire noise. The method involves the design of the fundamental pitch of the tire tread pattern and the design of the tread pattern for the tire. The invention also provides tires incorporating the fundamental pitch and tread patterns.

Abstract: A band for use on a tire having a circumferential tread with one or more circumferential grooves provided therein. The band is configured to be installed into one of the grooves in the tread to affect the appearance and/or performance of the tire.