TIRE INCLUDING CONCAVE RECESSES IN A CIRCUMFERENTIAL TREAD

FIELD OF INVENTION

[00011 The present application relates to a tire that includes one or more concave recesses in a tread of the tire. More particularly, the present application relates to a tire that includes one or more concave recesses defined by at least one concave surface having sipes and/or a channel formed therein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many motor vehicle tires have a circumferential tread provided with a plurality of spaced-apart circumferential grooves that define ribs therebetween. Typically, generally lateral slots can be provided in the ribs to form a plurality of shaped blocks. These shaped blocks can be distributed along the tread according to a specific pattern. Sipes, which are generally narrow slits cut into the tread, can be provided in the shaped blocks in a specific pattern.

[0003] Within the tread pattern in which the circumferential grooves are provided, the shaped blocks are typically distributed in several side-by-side rows. A proper distribution of the shaped blocks gives the tire the desired characteristics of directional control stability and road gripping in relation to the sidewise thrusts directed parallel to the wheel axis. The lateral slots, in turn, give the tire the desired traction (i.e., the capability of efficiently transmitting tangential thrusts parallel to the running direction during speeding up and slowing down of the vehicle). In principle, the traction of the tire on snow laden surfaces tends to become greater as the number of the lateral slots arranged in the tread increases and the orientation of the slots themselves approach an orientation that is perpendicular to the running direction of the tire.

[0004] Also, sipes provided in a rib or shaped block of a tire can improve snow traction of the tire. For example, as the tire rolls, the sipes present multiple "edges" to the snow-laden surface. These edges can act as fingers to grip the snow, thereby improving traction of the tire in snow. Thus, the more sipes provided in a rib or shaped block, the greater the circumferential edge density of the tire, which results in improved snow traction of the tire.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one embodiment, a circumferential tread of a tire is provided. The tread comprises a plurality of concave recesses. The plurality of concave recesses includes first and second, concave recesses, each of which is defined by a concave surface, has a longitudinal axis oriented at an acute angle relative to the equatorial plane of the tire, and includes a channel disposed in the concave surface. The longitudinal axis of the channel is oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axes of the first and second concave recesses.

[0006] In another embodiment, a tire is provided. The tire has an equatorial plane and includes a circumferential tread. The tread includes at least one recess defined by at least one concave surface having a plurality of sipes formed therein. In another embodiment, a tire is provided with a circumferential tread having a plurality of shoulder blocks circumferentially- spaced about the tire, wherein an outer edge of one or more shoulder blocks is at least partially defined by a concave surface that includes a plurality of sipes disposed therein.

[0007] In another embodiment, a vulcanization mold for producing a tire is provided. The mold includes a mold housing having tread imparting structure configured to form a tread in a green tire. The tread imparting structure includes at least one recess-forming element configured to form at least one concave recess in the tread of the tire. The at least one recess-forming element has a longitudinal axis, at least one convex surface, and a plurality of sipe-forming elements configured to form a plurality of sipes in the tread of the tire. One or more of the sipe- forming elements are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one recess-forming element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] In the accompanying drawings, tires, tread patterns, and molds are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. In the drawings and description that follows, like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration. The illustrated boundaries of the elements in the drawings represent one example of the boundaries.

10009] Figure 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a tire 100 including concave recesses provided in ribs of a tread of the tire.

[0010] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along longitudinal axis A in Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 3 is a plan view of another embodiment of a tire 300 including concave recesses provided in ribs of a tread of the tire.

[0012] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along longitudinal axis A in Figure 3.

[0013] Figure 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a tire 500 including recesses provided in blocks of a tread of the tire.

[0014] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of another embodiment of a tire 600 including concave recesses provided in a tread of the tire.

[0015] Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the tire 600 of Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of terms may be within the definitions.

[0017] "Axial" or "axially" refer to a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation of a tire.

[0018] "Circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to lines or directions extending along the perimeter of the surface of the tread parallel to the equatorial plane and perpendicular to the axial direction of the tire.

[0019] "Equatorial plane" refers to the plane that is perpendicular to the tire's axis of rotation and passes through the center of the tire's tread.

[0020] "Groove" refers to an elongated void area in the tread of the tire that extends circumferentially in a straight, curved, wavy, zig-zag, or any other non-straight manner.

[0021] "Lateral" or "laterally" refer to a direction along the tread of the tire going from one sidewall of the tire to the other sidewall.

[0022] "Radial" or "radially" refer to a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0023] "Rib" or "ribs" define the circumferential extending strip or strips of rubber on the tread that is bounded by one circumferential groove and either a second groove or a lateral edge of the tread.

[0024] "Sipe" refers to a thin slit formed in the surface of the tread that may extend laterally, circumferentially, or at an acute angle with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire. The sipe can be straight, curved, zig-zag, wavy, or take the form of any other non-straight configuration.

[0025] "Slot" refers to an elongated void in the tread of the tire that extends laterally or at an acute angle relative to the circumferential direction of the tire. The slot can be straight, curved, zig-zag, wavy, or take the form of any other non-straight configuration.

[0026] "Tread" refers to that portion of the tire that comes into contact with the road under normal loading.

[0027] Directions are also stated in this application with reference to the axis of rotation of the tire. The terms "upward" and "upwardly" refer to a general direction towards the tread of the tire, whereas "downward" and "downwardly" refer to the general direction towards the axis of rotation of the tire. Thus, when relative directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are used in connection with an element, the "upper" element is spaced closer to the tread than the "lower" element. Additionally, when relative directional terms such as "above" or "below" are used in connection with an element, an element that is "above" another element is closer to the tread than the other element. The terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to a general direction towards the equatorial plane of the tire, whereas "outward" and "outwardly" refer to a general direction away from the equatorial plane of the tire and towards the sidewall of the tire. Thus, when relative directional terms such as "inner" and "outer" are used in connection with an element, the "inner" element is spaced closer to the equatorial plane of the tire than the "outer" element.

[0028] Illustrated in Figure 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a tire 100. The tire 100 includes a tread 110 extending circumferentially around the tire 100. As shown in Figure 1, the tread 110 is defined by three grooves 120a-c that extend circumferentially around the tire 100. These three grooves 120a-c divide the tread 110 into four axially spaced-apart ribs 130a-d. The ribs 130 define the road engaging portion of the tire 100 and define an approximate width of the tread 110. In alternative embodiments (not shown), depending on the tread design, the tread 110 of the tire 100 can be configured with n number of circumferential grooves and n+1 number of circumferential ribs, where n is equal to an integer of 1 or more.

[0029] With continued reference to Figure 1, the tread 110 is provided with a plurality of concave recesses 140 disposed in ribs 130b,c. Although Figure 1 illustrates four total concave recesses 140, the tread 110 can include any number of concave recesses in other embodiments. Additionally, although Figure 1 shows a plurality of concave recesses 140 provided in ribs 130b,c, the concave recesses may be provided in one rib, any combination of ribs, or all ribs.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, each concave recess 140 has a longitudinal axis A that is oriented substantially parallel to an equatorial plane E of the tire 100 and substantially parallel to each other. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the longitudinal axis A of one or more of the concave recesses 140 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to or at an acute angle relative to the equatorial plane E of the tire 100. Additionally, the longitudinal axis A of one or more concave recesses 140 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to or at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axes of other concave recesses disposed in the tread 110.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the concave recesses 140, when viewed from the top, are rectangular in shape. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the concave recesses 140 may take the form of any shape when viewed from the top, including without limitation a circle, semi-circle, ellipse, square, parallelogram, trapezoid, or any other polygon.

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged cross-section, taken along the longitudinal axis A, of the concave recess 140 provided in the rib 130c of the tire 100. The concave recess 140 is defined by structure provided in the rib 130c of the tread 110 of the tire 100 (hereinafter referred to as "recess-defining structure") that includes a concave surface 145.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the concave surface 145 has first and second side portions 150a,b and a bottom portion 155 provided between the side portions 150a,b of the concave surface 145. The side portions 150a,b of the concave surface 145 are defined by radii Ri, R ₂ , respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, Rj is equal to R ₂ . However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), Ri and R ₂ may have different values. In other embodiments (not shown), one or both of the side portions 150a,b of the concave surface may be parabolic-shaped or may be defined by an irregular curve.

[0034] In other embodiments (not shown), the concave surface 145 may be defined by a combination of several tangent radii. For example, the concave surface 145 may be defined by two or more radii with tangents (viewed in cross section) that work together to form a continuous surface. In another embodiment (not shown), the cross-section of the recess-defining structure may define a concave surface that is a portion of a circle (which is defined by a single radius). For example, the cross-section of the recess-defining structure may be a semi-circle, thereby giving the concave recess a "half-pipe" shape.

[0035] Each concave recess 140 has a depth Di measured from an outer surface of the tread 110 of the tire 100 (hereinafter "the outer tread surface T") to the bottom surface 155. In one embodiment, the depth Di of the concave recess 140 is less than the full depth D ₂ of one of the grooves 120 (e.g., groove 120b) measured from the outer tread surface T to the base B of the groove 120b. Preferably, the depth Di of each concave recess 140 is about 80% of the full depth D ₂ of the groove 120b. In other embodiments (not shown), the depth Di of one or more of the concave recesses 140 can be between about 50% and about 90% of the full depth D ₂ of the groove 120b.

[0036] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the concave surface 145 includes a plurality of sipes 160 disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the sipes 160 include a first set of sipes 160 and a second set of sipes 160b. The first set of sipes 160a includes first ends 165a that begin in the first side portion 150a of the concave surface 145 and second ends 170a that terminate in the bottom portion 160 of the concave surface 145. The second set of sipes 160b includes first ends 165b that begin in the first side portion 150b of the concave surface 145 and second ends 170b that terminate in the bottom portion 160 of the concave surface 145 and are

spaced from the second ends 170a of the first set of sipes 160a. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the concave surface 145 can include one or more continuous sipes that extend from the first side portion 150a to the second side portion 150b. Additionally, in other embodiments (not shown), the concave surface 145 can include one or more sipes disposed in the first side portion 155a, in the second side portion 150b, in the bottom portion 155, or combination thereof. Simply put, the sipes disposed in the concave surface 145 can extend along the entire length of the concave surface 145 or any portion thereof.

[0037] With reference back to Figure 1, the sipes 160 are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the concave recess 140. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the sipes 160 (if they are rectilinear as shown in Figure 1) may be oriented at an acute angle with respect to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the concave recess 140. In another embodiment (not shown), one or more of the concave surfaces 145 may not include any sipes 160.

[0038] Each sipe 160 has a depth X measured from the concave surface 145 of the concave recess 140 to the bottom of the sipe 160. In one embodiment, the depth X of one or more of the sipes 160 is about 0.030 inches. In other embodiments, the depth X of one or more of the sipes 160 can be between about 0.010 inches and about 0.050 inches. In other embodiments, one or more sipes 160 can be deeper depending on the design.

[0039] Illustrated in Figure 3 is a plan view of another embodiment of a tire 300. The tire 300 includes a tread 310 extending circumferential Iy around the tire 300. As shown in Figure 3, the tread 310 is defined by three grooves 320a-c that extend circumferentially around the tire 300. These three grooves 320a-c divide the tread 310 into four axially spaced-apart ribs 330a-d. The ribs 330 define the road-engaging portion of the tire 300 and define an approximate width of the tread 310. In alternative embodiments (not shown), depending on the tread design, the tread 310 of the tire 300 can be configured with n number of circumferential grooves and n+1 number of circumferential ribs, where n is equal to an integer of 1 or more.

[0040] With continued reference to Figure 3, the tread 310 is provided with a plurality of concave recesses 340 disposed in ribs 330b,c. Although Figure 3 illustrates four total concave recesses 340, the tread 310 can include any number of concave recesses in other embodiments.

Additionally, although Figure 3 shows a plurality of concave recesses 340 provided in ribs 130b,c, the concave recesses may be provided in one rib, any combination of ribs, or all ribs.

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged cross-section, taken along the longitudinal axis A, of the concave recess 340 provided in the rib 330c of the tire 300. The concave recess 140 is defined by structure provided in the rib 330c of the tread 310 of the tire 300 (hereinafter referred to as "recess-defining structure") that includes a concave surface 345.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, each concave recess 340 has a longitudinal axis A that is oriented substantially parallel to an equatorial plane E of the tire 300 and substantially parallel to each other. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the longitudinal axis A of one or more of the concave recesses 340 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to or at an acute angle relative to the equatorial plane E of the tire 300. Additionally, the longitudinal axis A of one or more concave recesses 340 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to or at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axes of other concave recesses disposed in the tread 310.

[0043] Each concave recess 340 has a depth Di measured from an outer surface of the tread 310 of the tire 300 (hereinafter "the outer tread surface T") to the bottom surface 355. In one embodiment, the depth Di of the concave recess 340 is less than the full depth D ₂ of one of the grooves 320 (e.g., groove 320b) measured from the outer tread surface T to the base B of the groove 320b. Preferably, the depth Di of each concave recess 340 is about 80% of the full depth D ₂ of the groove 320b. In other embodiments (not shown), the depth Dj of one or more of the concave recesses 340 can be between about 50% and about 90% of the full depth D ₂ of the groove 320b.

[0044] Each concave recess 340 has a cross-section, taken along the longitudinal axis A, that is substantially similar to the cross-section of the concave recess 140 described above and illustrated in Figure 2, except that it is provided with a channel 375 in a bottom portion 355 of the concave surface 345. Accordingly, the concave recess 340 in this embodiment has substantially the same shape and characteristics as the concave recesses 140 described above and illustrated in Figure 2.

[0045] With reference to Figure 3, the channel 375 has a longitudinal axis B that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the concave recess 340. In alternative embodiments, the longitudinal axis B of the channel 375 may be oriented substantially parallel to or at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the concave recess 340. Alternatively, two or more channels may be provided in the concave surface 345.

[0046] The channel 375 is defined by structure provided in the rib 330c of the tread 310 of the tire 300 (hereinafter referred to as "channel-defining structure"). As shown in Figure 4, the channel-defining structure is substantially U-shaped, thereby forming the channel 375 having a cross-section that is substantially rectangular-shaped having two rounded corners 380. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the cross-section of the channel 375 can take the form of various shapes, including without limitation semi-circular, parabolic, curved, square, trapezoid, or any other polygon. Moreover, the cross-section of the channel 375 may be uniform (as shown) or non-uniform.

[0047] Each channel 375 has a depth D3 measured from an outer tread surface T to the bottom of the channel 375. In one embodiment, the depth D ₃ of the concave recess 340 is about 100% of the full depth D ₂ θf one of the grooves 320 (e.g., groove 320b) measured from the outer tread surface T to the base B of the groove 320b. In other embodiments (not shown), the depth D ₃ of one or more of the channels 375 can be between about 70% and about 100% of the full depth D ₂ of the groove 320b.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the concave surface 345 also includes a plurality of sipes 360 disposed therein that are substantially similar to the sipes 360 discussed above and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Each sipe 360 has a depth X measured from the concave surface 345 of the concave recess 340 to the bottom of the sipe 360. In one embodiment, the depth X of one or more of the sipes 360 is about 0.030 inches. In other embodiments, the depth X of one or more of the sipes 360 can be between about 0.010 inches and about 0.050 inches. In other embodiments, one or more sipes 360 can be deeper depending on the design.

[0049] Figure 5 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a tire 500 configured with a plurality of concave recesses disposed in a tread of the tire 500. The tire 500 includes a tread 510 extending circumferentially around the tire 500. The tread 510 is defined by three

grooves 520a-c that extend circumferentially around the tire 500, thereby dividing the tread 510 into axially spaced-apart ribs 530a-d. The ribs 530 define the road engaging portion of the tire 500 and define an approximate tread width. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the tread 510 of the tire 500 can include n number of circumferential grooves and n+1 number of circumferential ribs, where n is equal to 1 or more.

[0050] In this embodiment, the tread 510 is further defined by substantially rectilinear slots 532 that divide the ribs 530 into circumferentially spaced-apart blocks 534. As shown in Figure 3, the slots 532 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the equatorial plane E of the tire 500. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the slots 532 may be oriented substantially parallel to or at an acute angle with respect to equatorial plane E of the tire 500. Alternatively, one or more of the slots 532 may be curved, wavy, or zigzag-shaped to form various shaped blocks.

[0051] With continued reference to Figure 5, the tread 510 is provided with a plurality of concave recesses 540 disposed in the blocks 534. The concave recesses 540 in this embodiment have substantially the same shape, orientation, and characteristics (including a channel and sipes) as the concave recess 340 described above and illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Although Figure 5 shows a concave recess 540 disposed in each block 534, one or more blocks 534 may be provided without concave recesses 540.

[0052] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an enlarged plan view and a fragmentary perspective view, respectively, of a portion of a tire 600 configured with a plurality of concave recesses disposed in a tread of the tire 600. The tire 600 includes a tread 610 extending circumferentially around the tire 600. The tread 610 is defined by two grooves 620a,b that extend circumferentially around the tire 600, thereby dividing the tread 610 into three axially spaced-apart ribs 630. The ribs 630 include a central rib 630b centered with respect to an equatorial plane E of the tire 100 and outer ribs 630a,c (which also be referred to as shoulder ribs 630a,c). The ribs 630a-c define the road- engaging portion of the tire 600 and define an approximate tread width. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the tread 610 of the tire 600 can include n number of circumferential grooves and n+1 number of circumferential ribs, where n is equal to 1 or more.

[0053] With further reference to Figures 6 and 7, the tread 610 is further defined by slots 632 that divide the shoulder ribs 630a,c into circumferentially spaced-apart shoulder blocks 634a,c, respectively. The slots 632 may be straight, curved, wavy, or zigzag-shaped to form various shaped blocks. The tread 610 is also defined by slots 636 that form segmented tread portions 638 in the central rib 630b.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of concave recesses 640 are disposed in or between the segmented tread portions 638. Each concave recess 640 has a longitudinal axis A that is oriented at an acute angle relative to an equatorial plane E of the tire 600. Additionally, the longitudinal axis A of each concave recess 640 is oriented at an acute angle of substantially parallel relative to each other as shown in Figure 6. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the longitudinal axis A of one or more of the concave recesses 640 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to or substantially parallel with the equatorial plane E of the tire 600. Additionally, the longitudinal axis A of one or more concave recesses 640 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of other concave recesses disposed in the tread 610.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the concave recesses 640, when viewed from the top, take the shape of a parallelogram. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the concave recesses 640 may take the form of any shape when viewed from the top, including without limitation a circle, semi-circle, ellipse, square, rectangle, trapezoid, or any other polygon.

[0056] The concave recesses 640 are defined by structure provided in the segmented tread portions 638 of the tread 610 of the tire 600. Each concave recess 640 has a cross-section, taken along the longitudinal axis A, that is substantially similar to the cross-section of the concave recess 140 described above and illustrated in Figure 2. Accordingly, the concave recess 640 in this embodiment has substantially the same shape and characteristics as the concave recesses 140 described above and illustrated in Figure 2.

[0057] With continued reference to Figure 6, a channel 675 is disposed in a bottom surface of the structure that defines the concave recess 640. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross- section of the channel 670 is substantially similar to the cross-section of the channel 375 described above in relation to Figure 4. Accordingly, the channel 675 in this embodiment has

substantially the same shape and characteristics as the channel 375 described above and illustrated in Figure 4.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the channel 675 has a longitudinal axis B that is oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis A of the concave recess 640. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the longitudinal axis B of the channel 675 may be oriented substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the concave recess 640.

[0059] With continued reference to Figure 6, the recess-defining structure includes a plurality of sipes 660 disposed therein. The sipes 660 are substantially similar to the sipes 160 discussed above and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The sipes 660 have a longitudinal axis C that is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the concave recess 640. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the sipes 660 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to or at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis A of the concave recess 640.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the concave recesses 640 are arranged in a series circumferentially about the tread 610 of the tire 600. This series of recesses 640 includes first and second adjacent concave recesses 640a,b. The first and second concave recesses 640a,b include channels 675a,b respectively. As shown in Figure 6, the longitudinal axis B ₀ of the channel 675a of the first recess 640a is oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis Bb of the channel 670b of the second recess 640b. In this fashion, the longitudinal axes B of the channels 675 are arranged in an alternating pattern about the circumference of the tread 610 of the tire 600.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the tread 610 has a series of segmented tread portions 638 disposed circumferentially about the tire 600, with each block in this series having two concave recesses 640 disposed therein. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the blocks may have any number of concave recesses disposed therein.

[0062] With continued reference to Figures 6 and 7, each shoulder block 634a,c includes an inner edge 680 and an outer edge 682. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer edges 682 (or a portion thereof) of some of the shoulder blocks 634 have a concave surface 685. The concave

surface 685 can be defined by one or more radii, a parabola, or an irregular curved surface similar to the curved surface 145 described above and illustrated in Figure 2. Although Figure 6 illustrates both rows of shoulder blocks 634a,c having concave surfaces 685, only one row of shoulder blocks may be provided with concave surfaces 685 in another embodiment not shown.

[0063] The concave surface 685 includes a plurality of sipes 690 disposed therein. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the sipes 690 are circumferential Iy spaced apart and extend along a portion of the concave surface 685. In other embodiments (not shown), one or more of the sipes 690 can extend along the entire length of the concave surface 685.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the sipes 690 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the equatorial plane E of the tire 600. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the sipes 690 may be oriented at an acute angle with respect to or substantially perpendicular to the equatorial plane E of the tire 600. In another embodiment (not shown), the concave surface 685 may not include any sipes 690.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, concave surfaces 685 with sipes 690 are provided on the outer edges 682a,c of alternating shoulder blocks 634a,c. In this fashion, the shoulder blocks that do not have a concave surface at their outer edges help to protect the sipes 690 in the concave surfaces 685 of the shoulder blocks 634a,c, since the shoulder blocks not having concave surfaces at their outer edges extend further outward. In other embodiments (not shown), concave surfaces 685 with sipes 690 can be provided on the outer edges 682a,c of shoulder blocks 634a,c according to any pattern (e.g., every third shoulder block, every fourth shoulder block, or a random pattern).

[0066] By providing the concave recesses described above in the tread of the tire, vehicle handling on snow-laden surfaces can be improved. For example, the sipes provided in the concave recesses can capture the snow therein so that snow can be accumulated in the concave recess. Expressed differently, the sipes permit the snow to be wedged therein so that snow can be accumulated in the concave recess. This accumulation of snow in the concave recess promotes snow-to-snow traction as the tire rolls along a snow-laden surface, thereby improving tire traction on the snow-laden surface. Additionally, because the sipes in the concave recesses are relatively shallow, the chip/tear characteristics of the tire tread blocks can be improved.

[0067] The treads of the tires discussed above are not limited to the embodiments discussed above and illustrated in the figures. The tread of the tire may be configured in any desired tread design or pattern without departing from the scope of this application. For example, one or more grooves and/or one or more ribs can have a substantially constant or uniform cross-section around the circumference of the tire. Alternatively, one or more grooves and/or one or more ribs can have a variable cross-section that extends around the circumference of the tire. Additionally, both edge portions of the grooves and/or both edge portions of the ribs can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Furthermore, the ribs may include any combination of sipes, slots, etc. to form a wide variety of desired tread patterns.

[0068] The tires described above and illustrated in Figures 1-7 can be produced in a variety of ways. One exemplary production method includes the use of a tire vulcanization mold. The mold includes tread-imparting structure configured to form a tread onto a green tire being molded. The tread imparting structure can include one or more circumferential frame segments that protrude outward from a base surface. The circumferential frame segments can be arranged at certain intervals in the lateral direction of the tire.

[0069] To impart the concave recesses described above into the tread of the tire the tread imparting structure can include one or more recess-forming elements. The shape and dimensions of the recess-forming elements directly correspond to the shape and dimensions of the concave recess described above. For example, the recess-forming element can include a convex portion, a channel-forming portion, and a plurality of sipe-forming portions.

[0070] The recess-forming elements can be provided in the mold in a variety of ways. For example, the recess-forming element can be formed as a separate component that can be inserted into the mold and secured thereto via pins. Other means to secure the recess-forming element to the mold are possible and known in the art. Alternatively, the recess-forming element can be an integral part of the mold (e.g., formed directly in the mold during casting of the mold).

[0071] To produce the tire in the mold, a green tire is first placed in the mold. To support the green tire during the molding process, a high temperature and high pressure medium is charged into a bladder (not shown). As the mold is collapsed around the green tire, the tread imparting structure is forced into the green tire. In this manner, the circumferential frame segments form

one or more circumferential grooves in the outer surface of the tread of the tire. In this same manner, the recess-forming elements are forced into the green tire, thereby forming concave recesses in the outer surface of the tread of the tire.

[0072] While the present application illustrates various embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the claimed invention to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's claimed invention.