Abstract: A tire tread has at least one cavern formed in the sidewall of the traction elements of the tire. The cavern has a base with information therein to indicate the state of wear of the tire and a ceiling that is progressively worn away as the tread wears. Multiple caverns may be formed in the traction elements. If arranged in a series at progressively increasing or decreasing radial heights, the remaining tread life is communicated to an operator. If the caverns are located in different locations of the tread, relative wear patterns of the tire can also be indicated.

Abstract: A tire tread has two circumferential grooves and a circumferentially extending column of tetragon shaped blocks located between the two circumferential grooves. In the circumferential extending column of blocks, each block is separated from an adjacent block by an inclined lateral groove, the inclined lateral groove forming an angle between 10° to 25° with one of the circumferential grooves. Each block in the column has a circumferential length L greater than the normal pressure footprint length FL of the tire. The length of the blocks permits the column of adjacent blocks to act as a rib while maintaining desired block characteristics.

Abstract: A tire tread has at least one cavern formed in the sidewall of the traction elements of the tire. The cavern has a base with information therein to indicate the state of wear of the tire and a ceiling that is progressively worn away as the tread wears. Multiple caverns may be formed in the traction elements. If arranged in a series at progressively increasing or decreasing radial heights, the remaining tread life is communicated to an operator. If the caverns are located in different locations of the tread, relative wear patterns of the tire can also be indicated.