Abstract: A tire is provided having features in the tread elements that provide improved resistance to wear and, more particularly, irregular wear. More specifically, lamellae are provided along tread elements of the tire and between such tread elements to provide for improved wear patterns and particularly to provide resistance to irregular wear at the leading and trailing edges of the tread element.

Abstract: A tire is provided having a plurality of shoulder blocks separated by axial grooves and located along at least one side of the tire. Apertures extend through the shoulder blocks to connect with a circumferential groove. The apertures are located within a certain radial position relative to the axial grooves. Each aperture has a bottom positioned at a radial depth HB relative to the shoulder block and extends completely through the shoulder block along the axial direction. Each aperture has a radial overlap HL with the axial grooves. The ratio HL/Ho is about 0.15 or less and the ratio of HB/H is in the range of about 1.0 to about 1.1.

Abstract: A tire is provided having features on the side of the tire that provide improved protection against irregular wear. More specifically, apertures provided at certain depths, densities, and locations along the side of the tire can provide for improved wear patterns, including a decrease in irregular shoulder wear, particularly in regional applications. The apertures can be constructed as holes or incisions in various shapes and combinations.

Abstract: A tire is provided having features in the tread elements that provide improved resistance to wear and, more particularly, irregular wear. More specifically, lamellae are provided along tread elements of the tire and between such tread elements to provide for improved wear patterns and particularly to provide resistance to irregular wear at the leading and trailing edges of the tread element.

Abstract: A tire is provided having a plurality of shoulder blocks separated by axial grooves and located along at least one side of the tire. Apertures extend through the shoulder blocks to connect with a circumferential groove. The apertures are located within a certain radial position relative to the axial grooves. Each aperture has a bottom positioned at a radial depth HB relative to the shoulder block and extends completely through the shoulder block along the axial direction. Each aperture has a radial overlap HL with the axial grooves. The ratio HL/Ho is about 0.15 or less and the ratio of HB/Ho is in the range of about 1.0 to about 1.1.

Abstract: A tire comprising a pair of beads; a carcass ply having ends, each ends anchored to a respective bead; at least one belt ply extending circumferentially around the tire and disposed radially outward of the carcass ply; and a tread portion disposed radially outward of the belt ply. The tread portion has a plurality of tread ribs or blocks and at least one groove disposed between adjacent tread ribs or blocks. In one aspect of the invention, the tread portion is formed from first and second rubber portions. The second rubber portion has a hysteresis value greater than the first rubber portion and a modulus value less than first rubber portion. In another aspect of the present invention, the tread portion is formed from a first and second tread compound. The hysteresis value of the second tread compound is greater than the hysteresis value of the first tread compound and the modulus value of the first tread compound is less than the modulus value of the second tread compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a truck tire with a siping geometry to protect the main ribs of the tire's tread by delaying the onset of irregular wear and the growth thereof. The improved tire tread comprises a plurality of main ribs formed by grooves extending generally circumferentially around an outer surface of the tire forming a tread width for contacting the supporting surface. A plurality of sipes, positioned on both lateral edges of each one of the main ribs, provide protection for the main ribs to delay the onset of irregular wear. A pitch length and a sipe length are both selected to be within a certain range of values, as well as a ratio of the sipe length to the pitch length is selected. The sipes are preferably narrow in width having a maximum width dimension of about 0.40 millimeter.