Abstract: A tread 20 has an equatorial centerplane and a plurality of tread elements 40, 42, 44 oriented into a first shoulder row 22, a second shoulder row 24 and a central array 30. The central array 30 forms a repeating pattern of tread elements 40 wherein each array 30 has at least five tread elements 40 distinct in size, shape or orientation relative to adjacent tread elements 40 within the array. The array 30 extends circumferentially adjacent the first or second shoulder row 22, 24 and has a centerline L inclined less than 45° relative to the equatorial centerplane. Each array 30 forms a large distinctive mosaic pattern repeating around the tread circumference, the array 30 having at least two rows of tread elements 40 oriented with at least one tread element 40 being on each side of the centerline L at the equatorial centerplane of the tread 20.

Abstract: An on/off-road tread (40) for passenger or light truck tire (10) has an off-road tread (40) including a central on road tread (100). The tread (40) extends from at or above a radial location of the maximum section width SW of the tire (10) but less than a radial location of 65% of the section height SH of the tire (10).

Abstract: An on/off road radial pneumatic light truck or automobile tire has a tread with at least one wide groove having an average width of at least 7% of the tread width. At least two axially adjacent rows of traction elements are separated by the wide groove. The tread has a plurality of protrusions extending from traction elements into the wide groove. The protrusions are sloped radially inwardly at an angle in the range of 20.degree. to 60.degree. relative to the radial direction from the outer surface of the traction element toward the tread base and crossing axially more than halfway across the wide groove width toward an intersection of a lateral groove and the wide groove. The protrusions extending from traction elements on one side of the wide groove are circumferentially offset and at least partially axially aligned with protrusions extending from traction elements on the opposite side of the wide groove.