Patent Publication Number: US-2021170802-A1

Title: Tyre tread

Description:
The invention relates to a tyre tread. The tyre tread is usable for a wide variety of vehicle tyres such as on road, off road and mud terrain tyres, and in particular for so-called all-terrain tyres. 
     All-terrain tyres are intended for off road use and are designed to provide good traction on multiple terrain types. All-terrain tyres are designed for driving on an underground of dirt, gravel stone, sand, mud or snow, and the tyre needs to provide sufficient traction on these undergrounds to keep an automobile moving forward. The treads of such tyres generally are provided with a plurality of blocks separated one from the other by grooves of generally transverse and circumferential grooves. The circumferential grooves on the other hand generate air column resonance noise when running on dry road. All-terrain tyre treads are provided with structural features for improvement of traction on different grounds, reduction of noise, as well as improvement of wet and dry performance. 
     US 2008/0141385 A1 describes a tyre including a tread portion being provided with a crown main groove extending continuously in a zigzag manner in a tyre circumferential direction and a shoulder main groove extending continuously in a zigzag manner in the tyre circumferential direction. The shoulder main groove is arranged outwardly of the crown main groove in a tyre axial direction. The crown main groove has a number of zigzag pitches in a range of from 0.21 to 0.32 times a number of zigzag pitches of the shoulder main groove. The modification of mainly the shoulder main grooves provides tyres capable of improving noise performance while maintaining wet performance. 
     US 2017/0015142 A1 describes a tyre tread that has a ground contact surface for contacting a road surface while the tyre is running, wherein the tread comprises at least one circumferential main groove extending in the tyre circumferential direction, a plurality of auxiliary grooves extending in the tyre rotation axis direction, and a plurality of blocks defined by the circumferential main groove and the auxiliary grooves, where the blocks comprise a reinforcing part and a waveform part provided on at least one front surface side wall. 
     US 2018/0264893 A1 describes a tyre comprising a tread portion comprising a plurality of blocks. US 2017/0120691 A1 describes a pneumatic tyre includes a tread portion provided with at least one block and a groove adjacent the at least one block. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,783 B2 describes a tyre including a tread band having a tread pattern defined by a plurality of grooves of substantially circumferential orientation and by a plurality of grooves of substantially transverse orientation, which grooves delimit a plurality of rubber blocks arranged in a plurality of rows of substantially circumferential orientation, each of the blocks being delimited by a contact face and at least three side faces, wherein at least some of the blocks include at least one side face of substantially transverse orientation provided with at least one irregularly shaped step having an upper face and a front face. This tread pattern provides reduced wear of the trailing edges of the blocks and less stone trapping. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,181,682 B2 describes a pneumatic tyre provided with main grooves extending in the tyre circumferential direction and transverse grooves connected to the main groove formed on a tread, and with blocks formed by the main grooves and the transverse grooves, wherein the phase difference of the two transverse grooves connected to the main groove is within 25% of the circumferential length of the blocks. U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,906 B2 describes a pneumatic tyre having a tread pattern for use on both on-road and off road vehicles. A sidewall reinforcing tread has a first set of lugs extending the inner tread surface and other two lugs having taper towards the sidewall. US 2017/0120685 A1 describes a pneumatic tyre with width direction sipes and width direction grooves. US 20170174007 A1 describes a pneumatic tyre that includes first and second side blocks formed respectively on a side portion such that the first and second side blocks extend toward the inside in a tyre radial direction from a tread shoulder portion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,969,224 B2 describes a vehicle tyre having outer shoulders and two tread halves. The tyre includes a tread having six block rows and a plurality of circumferential grooves. Mutually adjacent ones of the block rows are separated from each other by a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferential grooves. Each of the block rows has individual blocks separated from each other by mutually parallel essentially straight transverse grooves running at an angle to the axial direction of the tyre. The circumferential grooves include first circumferential grooves having a maximum profile depth and second circumferential grooves having a second profile depth less than the maximum profile depth. The transverse grooves have a depth approximately corresponding to a maximum profile depth at first outlet locations. The transverse grooves have a depth corresponding to the second profile depth at second outlet locations. 
     JP 2016022807 A describes a pneumatic tyre, in which at least five rows of land parts are partitioned by four main grooves, wherein the sipe density of the intermediate land parts is larger than sipe density of the center land part and shoulder land parts. 
     Further, numerous tyres are on the market. An example is the all-terrain tyre T/A KO2 (BFGoodrich). This tyre has wavy grooves in the shoulder blocks of the tread. However, such grooves decrease the stiffness of the block. 
     Optimizing the tread for traction normally results in trade-off in noise generation. Further, increasing groove volume for improving running performance on soft underground such as mud, usually referred to as “wet performance”, decreases the pattern rigidity of the tread and results in trade-off in steering stability on a dry road surface. There is thus a permanent need for an all terrain tyre providing improved traction, particularly on soft surfaces such as mud or sand, and a reduction of noise. Further performances needing improvement include water drainage and dry performance 
     It is thus an object of the invention to provide a tyre with a good traction on a variety of terrains. The tyre further should provide noise reduction and good dry performance. 
     The object is accomplished by a pneumatic tyre according to claim  1 . Preferred embodiments of the invention are given by the dependent claims, which can constitute each solely or in combination an aspect of the invention. 
     Accordingly, a pneumatic tyre is provided, the tyre having a circumferential direction, an axial direction and an equatorial plane (E), and the tyre comprising:
         a tread extending in a tyre circumferential direction, said tread comprising   at least one circumferential groove running continuously in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of axial grooves or transverse grooves running at an angle to the axial direction, and   a plurality of blocks defined by the circumferential groove and the axial grooves or transverse grooves,   said blocks extending radially between an inner surface of the tread and a tread surface to come into contact with the ground,   wherein at least some of the blocks comprise at least one wavy groove that extends from a circumferential groove inwardly into the block, and wherein the wavy groove has a depth extending radially from the tread surface to come into contact with the ground towards the inner surface that ends above the inner surface of the tread.       

     The tread pattern comprising the wavy grooves extending from a circumferential groove inwardly into the block provides improved traction of the tyre on multiple terrain types. It is assumed that the wavy groove reduces the stiffness of the block provided therewith and particularly helps to improve the wet performance and off road performance of the tyre. The pneumatic tyre is usable for a wide variety of vehicle tyres such as on road, off road and mud terrain tyres, and in particular for an all-terrain vehicle. The wavy groove has a depth extending radially from the ground contacting surface towards the inner surface. The depth ends above the inner surface. The wavy groove thus is less deep than the circumferential grooves. The depth of the wavy groove ending above the inner surface improves the stiffness of the block. The depth of the wavy groove may range from 10% to 90%, preferably from 20% to 50%, relative to the height of the block. 
     As used herein, the term “circumferential direction” refers to the direction along the tyre rolling movement. As used herein, the term “axial direction” refers to the direction along the tyre axis. As used herein, the term “radial direction” refers to the direction from the tyre central point to the tread. 
     As used herein, the term “tread” refers to a molded rubber component which, when bonded to a tyre casing, includes that portion of the tyre that comes into contact with the road when the tyre is normally inflated and under normal load. 
     As used herein, the term “groove” refers to an elongated void area in a tread that may extend longitudinally or circumferentially or may extend laterally about the tread in a straight, curved, or zigzag manner Grooves may be of varying depths in a tyre. As used herein, the term “circumferential groove” refers to continuous longitudinal grooves which are oriented in the circumferential direction. 
     As used herein, the term “sipe” refers to a narrow groove or an incision in the ground contacting surface of a block, being relatively small with respect to the grooves. Sipes may close completely in a tyre footprint. Sipes may have the same amplitude and wavelength between sizes, wherein the total length or the number of waves can differ. Usually, depending on tread width, larger tread blocks comprise longer sipes. 
     As used herein, the term “tie-bar” refers to an extra thickness of rubber at the bottom of a groove such that, in the location where the extra rubber is present, the groove depth is less than the groove depth at other locations. 
     As used herein, the term “pitch” refers to a repetitious geometrical pattern of a tyre tread that is arranged in a circular array about the circumference of a tyre. 
     Generally, tyres comprise one or more circumferential grooves running continuously in the circumferential direction and a plurality of axial and transverse grooves running at an angle to the axial direction, the circumferential and axial or transverse grooves thereby defining a plurality of tread blocks. 
     The tread may comprises on each side of the equatorial plane (E) a central circumferential groove running continuously in a zigzag manner in the circumferential direction, and a lateral circumferential groove running continuously in a zigzag manner in the circumferential direction, wherein the lateral circumferential groove is arranged outwardly of the central circumferential groove in the tyre axial direction. The circumferential grooves thereby define a center tread row delimited by the central circumferential grooves, a middle tread row arranged on each lateral side of the center tread row and delimited by the central circumferential groove and the lateral circumferential groove, and a shoulder tread row arranged on the lateral side of the of the middle tread row in the tyre axial direction. Each of the tread rows comprises a plurality of blocks, which blocks in each tread row being separated from each other by axial grooves or transverse grooves running at an angle, such as from 5° to 50°, to the axial direction. 
     Central and lateral circumferential grooves have a maximum profile depth extending radially between an inner surface of the tread and a tread surface to come into contact with the ground. The tread surface to come into contact with the ground in the following also is denoted ground contacting surface. At least the blocks of one of the middle tread row and the center tread row may comprise at least one wavy groove. The blocks of the middle tread row may comprise wavy grooves. For the middle blocks, the wavy grooves may extend from the central circumferential groove or the lateral circumferential groove inwardly into the blocks. 
     The wavy groove has a wavy outline. Such shape provides increased biting edges in different directions to improve traction on various terrains. Unlike the sipes, which usually have a uniform width along their length, the wavy groove has a width that is not uniform along the length of the wavy groove extending from a base in the circumferential groove to a tip in the block. The width of the wavy groove at the tip preferably is smaller than the width of the wavy groove at the base. The wavy groove may narrow along its length inwardly into the block. 
     The depth of the wavy grooves may vary along its length extending from a circumferential groove inwardly into the block. In embodiments, the depth of the wavy groove may decrease along its length inwardly into the block. An inwardly decreasing depth also improves the stiffness of the block. The wavy groove extending from a base at a circumferential groove inwardly into the block to a tip, may be less deep at the tip than at the base. Particularly, a wavy groove being narrower and less deep at the tip improves the stiffness of the block. 
     The wavy groove is formed as a non-continuous groove and terminates in the block body. The wavy groove may extend in transverse direction at an angle of from 10° to 50° to the axial direction. 
     In embodiments, the tyre tread comprises on each side of the equatorial plane (E) a central circumferential groove running continuously in a zigzag manner in the circumferential direction, and a lateral circumferential groove running continuously in a zigzag manner in the circumferential direction, wherein the lateral circumferential groove is arranged outwardly of the central circumferential groove in the tyre axial direction; and a center tread row delimited by the central circumferential grooves, a middle tread row arranged on each lateral side of the center tread row and delimited by the central circumferential groove and the lateral circumferential groove, and a shoulder tread row arranged on the lateral side of the of the middle tread row in the tyre axial direction; each of the tread rows comprising a plurality of blocks, said blocks in each tread row being separated from each other by axial grooves or transverse grooves running at an angle, such as from 5° to 50°, to the axial direction; wherein the blocks of the middle tread row comprise a wavy groove, and wherein the wavy grooves preferably alternatingly extend from the central circumferential groove or the lateral circumferential groove inwardly into the blocks. The position of the wavy grooves in the blocks of the middle tread row provides for a stiff block and a biting edge. Particularly on snow and soft surfaces, for example, the alternating positions of the wavy grooves provide biting edges in different directions. 
     Each block comprises a ground contact surface and several side surfaces, including a leading side wall and a trailing side wall and at least two longitudinal side walls facing the circumferential grooves. In embodiments, the blocks have a single step constructed as a recess of the ground contacting surface of the block in at least one of the longitudinal and lateral grooves. In embodiments, at least a leading side wall, a trailing side wall or at least a portion of one or two longitudinal side walls of the middle blocks comprise a step. Steps on the leading side wall and trailing side wall of the blocks, such as the middle blocks, protrude into the transverse grooves separating the blocks. In such embodiments, the tread is provided with steps in a substantially axial direction. Steps on the longitudinal side walls protrude into the central circumferential grooves or lateral circumferential grooves. The tread may comprise steps on the face of the zigzag longitudinal grooves. Particularly the shoulder blocks may comprise a step protruding into the lateral circumferential grooves. The steps help prevent stone trapping in the tread. The step may have a height extending radially from the inner surface ranging from 30% to 70%, preferably from 40% to 60%, relative to the height of the block. The step thus does not extend to the tread surface. 
     In embodiments, at least a portion of one or more longitudinal side walls of the middle blocks comprises a step, and the wavy groove is arranged on said portion of the longitudinal side wall and has a depth extending in radial direction from the tread surface to the step. The wavy grooves end at a depth above the bottom of the circumferential grooves. In embodiments, a step of a height corresponding to the depth of the wavy grooves protrudes on the face of the blocks towards the circumferential grooves. In these embodiments the wavy groove ends on said step. In embodiments, the wavy grooves end at a varying depth. In embodiments, the varying depth is decreasing as the wavy groove narrows along its length. In embodiments, a step of a height corresponding to the maximum depth of the wavy grooves protrudes on the face of the blocks towards the circumferential grooves. In these embodiments the wavy groove ends on said step. 
     In embodiments, the center blocks comprise at least one multi-step area on a longitudinal block side wall, the multi-step area protruding into the central circumferential grooves and comprising at least two or three steps above the inner surface. The multi-step area can prevent stone trapping, and help reduce pipe resonance. 
     The tread comprises central and lateral circumferential grooves. In embodiments, the pitch of the central circumferential groove is higher than the pitch of the lateral circumferential groove. The groove design may ensure water drainage on wet roads, and provide better control during off road driving. It is assumed that the tread design comprising two central circumferential grooves on either side of an equatorial plane, said grooves having a larger number of pitches than the two lateral circumferential grooves, improves hydroplaning, and provides for more traction generation that allows to improve traction on mud or snow. 
     The central and lateral circumferential grooves may have a twisted groove faces opening towards the radial and longitudinal directions, which may prevent stone trapping, and improve water drainage. 
     Each of the tread rows comprises a plurality of blocks, which blocks in each tread row are separated from each other by axial grooves or transverse grooves. The center blocks may be arranged in pairs of adjacent tread blocks, wherein each pair of center blocks in longitudinal direction is separated from the following pair by an axial groove. The blocks of each pair of center blocks may be separated from each other by a transverse groove. The middle blocks may be arranged in pairs of adjacent tread blocks, wherein each pair of middle blocks in longitudinal direction is separated from the following pair by a transverse groove. The blocks of each pair of center blocks may be separated from each other by a transverse groove. Also the shoulder blocks may be arranged in pairs of adjacent tread blocks, wherein each pair of shoulder blocks in longitudinal direction is separated from the following pair by an axial or transverse groove. 
     At least one of the center blocks, the middle blocks or the shoulder blocks comprise at least one zigzag shaped 3D sipe. Preferably, the center blocks, the middle blocks and the shoulder blocks comprise a plurality of zigzag shaped 3D sipes. Sipes formed as so-called 3D (three-dimensional) sipes are sipes whose shape changes in the depth direction. 3D sipes have a linear or wavy surface shape and inclined surfaces in the depth direction, the radial direction of the block. When longitudinal force such as braking or traction force is applied to the tyre, the walls of the inclined surfaces of the 3D sipes come into close contact with each other, thereby improving the stiffness of the block. The additional stiffness improves the dry handling. Further, the biting edges improve grip on all terrain. 
     The 3D sipes in the center and middle blocks may run in transverse direction at an angle, such as of from 8° to 30°, relative to the axial direction. The 3D sipes in the shoulder blocks inwardly from the tread edge may run in transverse direction at an angle, such as of from 0° to 20°, relative to the axial direction. The 3D sipes in the shoulder blocks outwardly from the tread edge on the side walls may run in substantial axial direction. Sipes running in these various directions provide multi directional block edges and can provide better traction on off road conditions. 
     In embodiments, the center blocks, the middle blocks and the shoulder blocks comprise a plurality of zigzag shaped 3D sipes, wherein the sipe density in the middle tread row is configured to be larger than the sipe density in the shoulder tread row. Higher sipe density in the center tread row and the middle tread row is considered to balance performance of wear, rolling resistance and traction. 
     In embodiments, the sipe density in the middle tread row is configured to be larger than the sipe density in the center tread row. Highest sipe density in the middle tread row is considered to particularly improve the traction of the tyre, while a lower sipe density in the shoulder and center rows may be considered to balance wear. 
     In embodiments where the blocks are arranged in pairs of blocks the blocks of each pair being denoted a and b, respectively, the sipe density D R  for each pair of blocks (pitch) per tread row may be determined by the following equation (1): 
         D   R =(Σ L   i /( A   a   +A   b ))×100, for  i={ 1,2, . . . , n}   (1)
 
     where, for one of the repeating pitches,
     n is the total number of sipes on one pair of blocks a and b, belonging to one pitch,   L i  is the cord length of each sipe i measured assuming that all individual sipe segments are extended along a straight line,   A a  is the surface area of the block a of the block pair,   A b  is the surface area of the block a of the block pair,
 
wherein the surface areas A a  and A b  are the total surface areas calculated for the block having no 3D sipes and having the surface area of the wavy groove removed.
   

     The sipe density for each of the tread rows D Wk , such as the center tread row, the middle tread row and the shoulder tread row, may be determined by the following equation (2): 
         D   Wk =(Σ D   Rjk ), for  j={ 1,2, . . . , m}; k={ 1,2,3}  (2)
 
     where:
     m is the total number of pitches in the tread row k, and   D R  is the sipe density for each pitch (pair of blocks) per tread row provided from Eq. (1).   

     The sipe density D R  units are inverse, e.g., if all the length measurements are in millimeters, then the sipe density units are mm −1 . In embodiments, the sipe density D R  in the center tread row may range from 3 mm −1  to 9 mm −1 , preferably from 4 mm −1  to 8 mm −1 . In embodiments, the sipe density D R  in the middle tread row may range from 5 mm −1  to 10 mm −1 , preferably from 6 mm −1  to 9 mm −1 . In embodiments, the sipe density D R  in the shoulder tread row may range from 4 mm −1  to 9 mm −1 , preferably from 5 mm −1  to 8 mm −1 . 
     In embodiments of a tyre for a passenger car, the sipe density D R  in the center tread row may range from 6 mm −1  to 9 mm −1 , sipe density D R  in the middle tread row may range from 8 mm −1  to 10 mm −1 , and/or and sipe density D R  in the shoulder tread row may range from 7 mm −1  to 9 mm −1 . 
     In embodiments of a tyre for a light truck, the sipe density D R  in the center tread row may range from 5 mm −1  to 7 mm −1 , sipe density D R  in the middle tread row may range from 5 mm −1  to 7 mm −1 , and/or sipe density D R  in the shoulder tread row may range from 3 mm −1  to 5 mm −1 . 
     In embodiments, the center blocks are arranged in pairs of adjacent tread blocks, wherein each pair of center blocks in longitudinal direction is separated from the following pair by an axial groove and each single center block is separated from the other block of the pair by a transverse groove, wherein the transverse groove has a segmented Z-shaped form. 
     In embodiments, the middle blocks are arranged in pairs of adjacent tread blocks, wherein each pair of middle blocks in longitudinal direction is separated from the following pair by a transverse groove and each single middle block is separated from the other block of the pair by a transverse groove, wherein the transverse groove has a segmented Z-shaped form. 
     The segmented Z-shaped form of the transverse grooves that separates the respective individual blocks of the central and middle block pair provides for three segments of the Z-line that provide three biting edges of different directions. The change of direction increases the number of biting edges which improves traction. 
     In embodiments, the transverse grooves separating the respective individual blocks of the central and middle block pair have a tie bar therein. Tie bars in the transverse grooves link block pairs and bridge the groove between the individual blocks of a block pair. The tie bars provide a higher stiffness of the tread rows. The radial height, the height extending radially from the inner surface of the tread, of the tie bars in the transverse and axial grooves generally may range from 35% to 65% relative to the height of the adjacent blocks of the respective row. The radial height of the tie bar in the transverse grooves of center tread row may be greater than the radial height of the tie bars in the transverse grooves of middle tread rows. The radial height of the tie bar in the transverse grooves in the center tread row may range from 45% to 55%, relative to the height of the center blocks. The radial height of the tie bar in the transverse grooves in the middle tread row may range from 40% to 50%, relative to the height of the middle blocks. In embodiments, the axial grooves separating the block pairs of the central tread row have a tie bar therein. The radial height of the tie bar in the axial grooves in the center tread row may range from 40% to 50%, relative to the height of the center blocks. Preferably, the tie bars will not extend over the full length of a groove, but extend only along the center portion of the groove, ending at a short distance before the respective ends of a groove. 
     In embodiments, at least some of the blocks, for example every second block, of the shoulder row comprises a recess along the tread edge, wherein the recess has a length l r  extending longitudinally from the block edge ranging from 30% to 60%, preferably from 40% to 50%, relative to the longitudinal length l b  of the block. Such recess may provide better traction on soft surfaces, such as mud, sand and snow. 
     In embodiments, at least some of the blocks of the shoulder row comprise a recess on the tread shoulder, the recess extending inwardly from the surface of the tread shoulder. The recess may have at least one side measured in a substantially longitudinal direction of a length l tr  ranging from 20% to 80%, preferably from 30% to 70%, relative to the longitudinal length l b  of the block. Such recesses may provide better traction on soft surfaces. The recess may have a cylindrical or oblong form, or may be triangular. 
     In embodiments, at least some of the blocks of the shoulder row comprise a protrusion on the tread shoulder, the protrusion extending outwardly from the surface of the tread shoulder. The protrusion may have a surface area of 2% to 5% with respect to the surface of the entire tread block to which particular protrusion belongs. Such protrusions may improve the traction on soft surfaces. The protrusion may have a cylindrical or oblong form, or may be triangular. 
     In embodiments, the tread may comprise a triangular recess, and a plurality of smaller triangular protrusions not aligned towards the radial direction. The tread may have a substantially uniform exterior lug surfaces in the axial direction. The tread may comprise a tread shoulder portion having tread blocks at a substantially equal level, that are not axially protruding and that substantially follow the contour of the tyre sidewall. Said tread shoulder may extend radially outward from a sidewall edge to a tread edge. 
    
    
     
       In the following the invention is explained in detail by the examples and drawings showing preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein each feature can constitute solely or in combination an aspect of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1 : is a simplified schematic view of a pneumatic tyre for an all-terrain vehicle. 
         FIG. 2 : is a schematic perspective view of a pneumatic tyre for an all-terrain vehicle. 
         FIG. 3 : is a schematic view of a pair of blocks of shoulder, middle and center row of a tread for a passenger car tyre. 
         FIG. 4 : is a schematic view of a pair of blocks of shoulder, middle and center row of a tread for a light truck tyre. 
     
    
    
     The  FIG. 1  illustrates a tyre tread  2  for an all-terrain vehicle having a circumferential direction, an axial direction and an equatorial plane E. The tread has first lateral tread edge  5  and a second lateral tread edge  6 . The tyre comprises a tread  2  extending in a tyre circumferential direction. The tread  2  comprises on each side of the equatorial plane E a central circumferential groove  14  running continuously in a zigzag manner in the circumferential direction, and a lateral circumferential groove  16  running continuously in a zigzag manner in the circumferential direction. The lateral circumferential groove  16  is arranged outwardly of the central circumferential groove  14  in the tyre axial direction. The pitch of the central circumferential groove  14  is higher than the pitch of the lateral circumferential groove  16 . Central and lateral circumferential grooves  14  and  16  have a maximum profile depth extending radially between an inner surface  26  of the tread  2  and a tread surface  33  to come into contact with the ground. 
     A center tread row  17  is delimited by the central circumferential grooves  14 . A middle tread row  18  arranged on each lateral side of the center tread row  17  is delimited by the central circumferential groove  14  and the lateral circumferential groove  16 . A shoulder tread row  19  is arranged on the lateral side of the of the middle tread row  18  in the tyre axial direction. Each of the tread rows  17 ,  18 ,  19  comprises a plurality of blocks  20   a ,  20   b ,  22   a ,  22   b ,  24   a ,  24   b . The plurality of blocks  20   a ,  20   b ,  22   a ,  22   b ,  24   a ,  24   b  is defined by the circumferential groove  14 ,  16  and the axial grooves  34  or transverse grooves  35 ,  36 . The blocks  20   a ,  20   b ,  22   a ,  22   b ,  24   a ,  24   b  in each tread row  17 ,  18 ,  19  are separated from each other by axial grooves  34  or transverse grooves  35 ,  36  running at an angle of from 5° to 50° to the axial direction. 
     The blocks  20   a ,  20   b ,  22   a ,  22   b ,  24   a ,  24   b  extend radially between an inner surface  26  of the tread  2  and a tread surface  33  to come into contact with the ground. The blocks  22   a ,  22   b  of the middle tread row  18  comprise a wavy groove  30  that extends from the circumferential groove  14 ,  16  inwardly into the block  22   a ,  22   b , whereby the wavy groove  30  narrows along its length. The wavy grooves  30  alternatingly extend from the central circumferential groove  14  or the lateral circumferential groove  16  inwardly into the blocks  22   a ,  22   b . The wavy groove  30  has a depth decreases along its length inwardly into the block  22   a ,  22   b . The wavy groove  30  is less deep at the tip  52  than at the base  50 . The wavy grooves  30  extend in transverse direction at an angle of from 10° to 50° to the axial direction. 
     Each block comprises a ground contact surface  33  and a leading side wall  42  and a trailing side wall  44  and at least two longitudinal side walls  40  facing the circumferential grooves. The leading side wall  42 , or the trailing side wall  44  and at least a portion of one or two of the longitudinal side walls  40  of the middle blocks  22   a ,  22   b  comprise a step  31 . The steps  31  on the leading side wall  42  and trailing side wall  44  protrude into the transverse grooves  36 . The steps  31  on the longitudinal side walls  40  protrude into the central circumferential grooves  14  or lateral circumferential grooves  16 . Also the shoulder blocks  20   a ,  20   b  comprise a step  31  protruding into the lateral circumferential grooves  16 . The wavy groove  30  is arranged on a portion of the longitudinal side wall  40  and has a depth extending in radial direction from the tread surface  33  to the step  31 . 
     The center blocks  24   a ,  24   b  each comprise a multi-step area  32  on a longitudinal block side wall  40 . The multi-step area  32  protrudes into the central circumferential grooves  14  and comprises three steps above the inner surface  26 . 
     The center blocks  24   a ,  24   b  are arranged in pairs of adjacent tread blocks, wherein each pair of center blocks  24   a ,  24   b  in longitudinal direction is separated from the following pair  24   a ,  24   b  by an axial groove  34  and each single center block  24   a ,  24   b  is separated from the other block of the pair by a transverse groove  35 . Also the middle blocks  22   a ,  22   b  are arranged in pairs of adjacent tread blocks, wherein each pair of middle blocks  22   a ,  22   b  in longitudinal direction is separated from the following pair  22   a ,  22   b  by a transverse groove  36  and each single middle block  22   a ,  22   b  is separated from the other block of the pair by a transverse groove  35 . The transverse grooves  35  have a segmented Z-shaped form. 
     The  FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic perspective view of a pneumatic tyre for an all-terrain vehicle. The tyre  1  comprises a tread  2  extending in a tyre circumferential direction. The tread  2  comprises a center tread row  17 , a middle tread row  18  arranged on each lateral side of the center tread row  17  and a shoulder tread row  19  arranged on the lateral sides of the of the middle tread rows  18  in the tyre axial direction. The center blocks  24   a ,  24   b  are arranged in pairs of adjacent tread blocks, wherein each pair of center blocks  24   a ,  24   b  in longitudinal direction is separated from the following pair  24   a ,  24   b  by an axial groove  34  and each single center block  24   a ,  24   b  is separated from the other block of the pair by a transverse groove  35 . The axial grooves separating the block pairs of the central tread row have a tie bar  46  therein. The center blocks  24   a ,  24   b , the middle blocks  22   a ,  22   b  and the shoulder blocks  22   a ,  22   b  comprise zigzag shaped 3D sipes  29 . 
     Some of the blocks  20   a  of the shoulder row  19  comprise a recess  39  along the tread edge  6 , wherein the recess  39  has a length l r  extending longitudinally from the block edge  46  of about 40% to 50%, relative to the longitudinal length l b  of the block  20   a . Some of the blocks  20   a ,  20   b  of the shoulder row  19  comprise a triangular recess  37  on the tread shoulder  4 , the triangular recess  37  extending inwardly from the surface of the block  20   a ,  20   b . Some of the blocks  20   a ,  20   b  of the shoulder row  19  comprise a triangular protrusion  38  on the tread shoulder  4 , the triangular protrusion  38  extending outwardly from the surface of the block  20   a ,  20   b . The tread  2  has a substantially uniform exterior block surfaces in the axial direction. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a pair of blocks of shoulder, middle and center row of a tread for a passenger car tyre. The center blocks  24   a ,  24   b , the middle blocks  22   a ,  22   b  and the shoulder blocks  22   a ,  22   b  comprise a plurality of zigzag shaped 3D sipes  29 . The sipe density in the blocks  22   a ,  22   b  of the middle tread row  18  is larger than the sipe density in the blocks  20   a ,  20   b  of the shoulder tread row  19 . Particularly, the sipe density of the blocks  22   a ,  22   b  of middle tread row  18  is larger than the sipe density in the blocks  24   a ,  24   b  of the center tread row  17 . 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a pair of blocks of shoulder, middle and center row of a tread for a light truck tyre. The center blocks  24   a ,  24   b , the middle blocks  22   a ,  22   b  and the shoulder blocks  22   a ,  22   b  comprise a plurality of zigzag shaped 3D sipes  29 . The sipe density in the blocks  22   a ,  22   b  of the middle tread row  18  is larger than the sipe density in the blocks  20   a ,  20   b  of the shoulder tread row  19 . Further, the sipe density of the blocks  22   a ,  22   b  of middle tread row  18  is larger than the sipe density in the blocks  24   a ,  24   b  of the center tread row  17 . 
     EXAMPLES 
     Sample sets of prototype pneumatic tyres 265/70R17 light truck tyres (LT 1, 2, 3, 4) and passenger car tyres (PCT 1, 2, 3, 4) having the basic tread pattern as illustrated in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 3 , respectively, were manufactured and outdoor performance was tested. Typical depth values for wavy grooves in the examples were from 19% to 43%. Outdoor testing included the following performance tests: R117 noise testing measuring noise values in dB(A) measured by instrument, testing of in cabin noise rated by expert assessment, dry handling rated by expert assessment, off road sand and mud performance rated by expert assessment, snow braking determining the objective braking distance, stone release tests rating the stone count after transit on gravel based on visual control, off road traction on gravel rated by expert assessment, aquaplaning determining the speed, wet breaking determining the objective braking distance, and wet handling rated by expert assessment. 
     Example 1: Outdoor Testing On-Road Evaluation 
     A sample set of four prototype light truck tyres 265/70R17 (LT 1) were mounted on a rim and fitted on a vehicle. A set of four prior art tyres size 265/70R17 (Ref 1) were mounted on a rim fitted on a vehicle and used as control and outdoor performance was tested for both tyre sets under identical conditions. For this experiment, the tyres were tested on an outdoor proving ground using the above test procedures. The table 1 below shows the test results of the tyres LT 1 in comparison to the reference tyres Ref 1. For the subjective ratings, the higher the score, the better the performance is. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 on-road evaluation of light truck tyres 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Pattern/Construction 
                 Ref 1 
                 LT 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Size 
                 LT 265/70R17 
                 LT 265/70R17 
               
               
                 Spec 
                 LT - Reference set 
                 LT 
               
               
                 Subjective Noise Rating 
                 6.75 
                 7.00 
               
               
                 Lateral Hydroplane Rating 
                 7.00 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 Lateral Hydroplane Speed 
                 88.51 
                 90.12 
               
               
                 (kph) 
               
               
                 Wet Handling Rating 
                 6.75 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 Wet Handling Lap Time 
                 61.20 
                 60.30 
               
               
                 (avg) 
               
               
                 Wet Lateral Circle G 
                 0.56 
                 0.60 
               
               
                 Lane Change Speed (kph) 
                 90 
                 93 
               
               
                 Lane Change Rating 
                 7.00+ 
                 7.5 
               
               
                 Dry Max Handling Rating 
                 7.00+ 
                 7.5 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As apparent from the test results as shown in Table 1, the example tyres showed improved levels of noise, wet performance, dry performance and limit handling capacity. 
     Example 2: Outdoor Testing Off Road Evaluation 
     A sample set of four prototype light truck tyres 265/70R17 (Proto 1) were mounted on a rim and fitted on a vehicle. A set of four prior art tyres size 265/70R17 (Ref 1) were mounted on a rim fitted on a vehicle and used as control and outdoor performance was tested for both tyre sets under identical conditions. For this experiment, the tyres were tested on an outdoor proving ground using the above test procedures. 
     The table 2 below shows the test results of the tyres LT 2 in comparison to the reference tyres 2. For the subjective ratings, the higher the score, the better the performance is. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 off road evaluation of light truck tyres 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Pattern/Construction 
                 Ref 2 
                 LT 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Size 
                 LT 265/70R17 
                 LT 265/70R17 
               
               
                 Spec 
                 LT - Reference set 
                 LT 
               
               
                 Loose Hill Climb Ability 
                 6.75 
                 7 
               
               
                 Side Slip/Side Slope Traction 
                 7 
                 7 
               
               
                 Gravel Bin Traction 
                 6.5 
                 6.75 
               
               
                 Sand Bin Traction 
                 7 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 Steering ability/side-bite ability 
                 7 
                 7 
               
               
                 Front path stability 
                 7 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 Forward traction/acceleration 
                 7 
                 7 
               
               
                 traction (Rock Surface) 
               
               
                 Mechanical Envelopment/Lug 
                 6.75 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 Engagement 
               
               
                 Overall Rating 
                 6.75 
                 7.00 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As apparent from the test results as shown in Table 2, the example tyres showed a noticeable increase in tread lug engagement on irregular rock/boulder surfaces, with increased outboard shoulder traction availability. The example tyres further showed lightly higher front path stability and lateral holding ability using smaller sections of contact patch than the reference tyres. 
     Example 3: Outdoor Testing of Mud Acceleration and Steering 
     A sample set of four prototype light truck tyres 265/70R17 (LT 3) were mounted on a rim and fitted on a vehicle. A set of four prior art tyres size 265/70R17 (Ref 3) were mounted on a rim fitted on a vehicle and used as control. Outdoor performance was tested for both tyre sets under identical conditions. For this experiment, the tyres were tested on an outdoor proving ground using the above test procedures. 
     The table 3 below shows the test results of the tyres LT 3 in comparison to the reference tyres Ref 3. For the subjective ratings, the higher the score, the better the performance is. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 mud acceleration and steering of light truck tyres 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Pattern/Construction 
                 Ref 3 
                 LT 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Size 
                 LT 265/70R17 
                 LT 265/70R17 
               
               
                 Spec 
                 LT - Reference set 
                 LT 
               
               
                 Initial Forward Acceleration 
                 6.5 
                 7 
               
               
                 (Low Wheel Speed) 
               
               
                 Forward Acceleration 
                 6.75 
                 7 
               
               
                 (High Wheel Speed) 
               
               
                 Steering Response &amp; Precision 
                 7 
                 7 
               
               
                 Controllability 
                 6.75 
                 7 
               
               
                 Overall Rating 
                 6.75 
                 7.00 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As apparent from the test results as shown in Table 3, the example tyres showed a noticeable increase in initial forward acceleration/material moving capability at low wheel speed, providing for higher longitudinal acceleration from standstill. The example tyres further showed an improved overall controllability compared to the prior art group, with reduced rear axle yaw movement/lateral movement during initial acceleration. 
     Example 4: Outdoor Testing of Snow Performance 
     A sample set of four prototype light truck tyres 265/70R17 (LT 4) were mounted on a rim and fitted on a vehicle. A set of four prior art tyres size 265/70R17 (Ref 4) were mounted on a rim fitted on a vehicle and used as control. Outdoor performance was tested for both tyre sets under identical conditions. For this experiment, the tyres were tested on an outdoor proving ground using the above test procedures. 
     The table 4 below shows the test results of the tyres LT 4 in comparison to the reference tyres Ref 4. For the subjective ratings, the higher the score, the better the performance is. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 snow performance of light truck tyres 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Pattern/Construction 
                 Ref 4 
                 LT 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Size 
                 LT 265/70R17 
                 LT 265/70R17 
               
               
                   
                 Spec 
                 LT - Ref. set 
                 LT 
               
               
                   
                 Braking snow ABS 
                 100% 
                 105% 
               
               
                   
                 Acc snow with ESP 
                 100% 
                 110% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As apparent from the test results as shown in Table 4, the example tyres showed improved levels of snow braking and acceleration compared to the reference. 
     Example 5: Outdoor Testing On-Road Evaluation 
     A sample set of four prototype passenger car tyres 265/70R17 (PCT 1) were mounted on a rim and fitted on a vehicle. A set of four prior art tyres size 265/70R17 (Ref 5) were mounted on a rim fitted on a vehicle and used as control and outdoor performance was tested for both tyre sets under identical conditions. For this experiment, the tyres were tested on an outdoor proving ground using the above test procedures. 
     The table 5 below shows the test results of the tyres PCT 1 in comparison to the reference tyres Ref 5. For the subjective ratings, the higher the score, the better the performance is. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 on-road evaluation of passenger car tyres 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Pattern/Construction 
                 Ref 5 
                 PCT 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Size 
                 P 265/70R17 
                 P 265/70R17 
               
               
                   
                 Spec 
                 PCT - Ref. set 
                 PCT 
               
               
                   
                 Ride 
                 7.00 
                 7.25− 
               
               
                   
                 Steering/Light Handling 
                 6.75 
                 7.50+ 
               
               
                   
                 Lateral Hydroplane Rating 
                 7.00+ 
                 7.25 
               
               
                   
                 Lateral Hydroplane Speed 
                 85.30 
                 86.90 
               
               
                   
                 (kph) 
               
               
                   
                 Wet Handling Rating 
                 6.75 
                 7.25+ 
               
               
                   
                 Wet Handling Lap Time (avg) 
                 60.63 
                 59.53 
               
               
                   
                 Wet Lateral Circle G 
                 0.62 
                 0.62 
               
               
                   
                 Lane Change Speed (kph) 
                 92 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                 Lane Change Rating 
                 7 
                 7.5 
               
               
                   
                 Dry Max Handling Rating 
                 7 
                 7.5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As apparent from the test results as shown in Table 5, the example tyres showed improved levels of ride, steering, wet performance, dry performance and limit handling capacity. 
     Example 6: Outdoor Testing Off Road Evaluation 
     A sample set of four prototype passenger car tyres 265/70R17 (PCT 2) were mounted on a rim and fitted on a vehicle. A set of four prior art tyres size 265/70R17 (Ref 6) were mounted on a rim fitted on a vehicle and used as control and outdoor performance was tested for both tyre sets under identical conditions. For this experiment, the tyres were tested on an outdoor proving ground using the above test procedures. 
     The table 6 below shows the test results of the tyres PCT 2 in comparison to the reference tyres 6. For the subjective ratings, the higher the score, the better the performance is. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 off road evaluation of passenger car tyres 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Pattern/Construction 
                 Ref 6 
                 PCT 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Size 
                 P 265/70R17 
                 P 265/70R17 
               
               
                 Spec 
                 PCT - Ref. set 
                 PCT 
               
               
                 Loose Hill Climb Ability 
                 6.75 
                 7 
               
               
                 Side Slip/Side Slope Traction 
                 7 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 Gravel Bin Traction 
                 6.5 
                 6.75 
               
               
                 Sand Bin Traction 
                 7.25 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 Steering ability/side-bite ability 
                 7 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 Front path stability 
                 7 
                 7 
               
               
                 Forward traction/acceleration 
                 7 
                 7 
               
               
                 traction (Rock Surface) 
               
               
                 Mechanical Envelopment/Lug 
                 6.75 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 Engagement 
               
               
                 Overall Rating 
                 6.75 
                 7.00 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As apparent from the test results as shown in Table 6, the example tyres showed increased mechanical edge envelopment compared to prior art group, showing reduced tread lug skipping, and higher loose hill climbing ability, gravel bin traction showing some improvement compared to control tyre group, with higher forward grip and equal sand acceleration performance. 
     Example 7: Outdoor Testing of Mud Acceleration and Steering 
     A sample set of four prototype passenger car tyres 265/70R17 (PCT 3) were mounted on a rim and fitted on a vehicle. A set of four prior art tyres size 265/70R17 (Ref 7) were mounted on a rim fitted on a vehicle and used as control. Outdoor performance was tested for both tyre sets under identical conditions. For this experiment, the tyres were tested on an outdoor proving ground using the above test procedures. 
     The table 7 below shows the test results of the tyres PCT 3 in comparison to the reference tyres Ref 7. For the subjective ratings, the higher the score, the better the performance is. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 mud acceleration and steering of passenger car tyres 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Pattern/Construction 
                 Ref 7 
                 PCT 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Size 
                 P 265/70R17 
                 P 265/70R17 
               
               
                 Spec 
                 PCT - Ref. set 
                 PCT 
               
               
                 Initial Forward Acceleration 
                 6.75 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 (Low Wheel Speed) 
               
               
                 Forward Acceleration 
                 6.75 
                 7.25 
               
               
                 (High Wheel Speed) 
               
               
                 Steering Response &amp; Precision 
                 7 
                 7 
               
               
                 Controllability 
                 6.75 
                 7 
               
               
                 Overall Rating 
                 6.75 
                 7.25 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As apparent from the test results as shown in Table 7, the example passenger car tyres showed a large increase in initial forward acceleration, generating higher longitudinal grip at lower wheel speeds than prior art group. Improved cleaning ability at high &amp; low speeds, with improved generating of forward grip. 
     Example 8: Outdoor Testing of Snow Performance of Passenger Car Tyres 
     A sample set of four prototype passenger car tyres 265/70R17 (PCT 4) were mounted on a rim and fitted on a vehicle. A set of four prior art tyres size 265/70R17 (Ref 8) were mounted on a rim fitted on a vehicle and used as control. Outdoor performance was tested for both tyre sets under identical conditions. For this experiment, the tyres were tested on an outdoor proving ground using the above test procedures. 
     The table 8 below shows the test results of the tyres PCT 4 in comparison to the reference tyres Ref 8. For the subjective ratings, the higher the score, the better the performance is. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 snow performance of passenger car tyres 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Pattern/Construction 
                 Ref 8 
                 PCT 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Size 
                 P 265/70R17 
                 P 265/70R17 
               
               
                   
                 Spec 
                 PCT - Ref. set 
                 PCT 
               
               
                   
                 Braking snow ABS 
                 100% 
                 102.5% 
               
               
                   
                 Acc snow with ESP 
                 100% 
                     102% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As apparent from the test results as shown in Table 8, the example passenger car tyres showed improved levels of snow braking and acceleration compared to benchmark. 
     Example 9: Determination of Sipe Density 
     The sipe density D R  for each pair of blocks (pitch)  20   a ,  20   b  of the shoulder tread row,  22   a ,  22   b  of the middle tread row, and  24   a ,  24   b  of the center tread row, of the tread of a passenger car tyre as illustrated in  FIG. 3  and a light truck tyre as illustrated in  FIG. 4  was determined according to the equation (1): 
         D   R =(Σ L   i ( A   a   +A   b ))×100, for  i={ 1,2, . . . , n}   (1).
 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 sipe densities of a passenger car tyre as illustrated in FIG. 3 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 blocks 
                 i 
                 n 
                 Σ Li 
                 A a  + A b   
                 D R   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 20a, 20b 
                 integer 1 to n 
                 4 
                 131.2 mm 
                 1701.6 mm 2   
                 7.71 mm −1   
               
               
                 22a, 22b 
                 integer 1 to n 
                 6 
                 153.1 mm 
                 1804.6 mm 2   
                 8.48 mm −1   
               
               
                 24a, 24b 
                 integer 1 to n 
                 4 
                 105.9 mm 
                 1609.3 mm 2   
                 6.58 mm −1   
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     This example illustrates a small pitch size of a pitch P1 of a passenger car tyre. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 sipe densities of a light truck tyre as illustrated in FIG. 4 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 blocks 
                 i 
                 n 
                 Σ Li 
                 A a  + A b   
                 D R   
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 20a, 20b 
                 integer 1 to n 
                 4 
                 143.8 mm 
                 2872.8 
                 mm 2   
                 5 
                 mm −1   
               
               
                 22a, 22b 
                 integer 1 to n 
                 7 
                 207.6 mm 
                 3315 
                 mm 2   
                 6.26 
                 mm −1   
               
               
                 24a, 24b 
                 integer 1 to n 
                 6 
                 182.6 mm 
                 2969.2 
                 mm 2   
                 6.15 
                 mm −1   
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     This example illustrates a large pitch size of a pitch P4 of a light truck tyre. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 
     
         
           1  tyre 
           2  tread 
           4  tread shoulder 
           5  tread edge 
           6  tread edge 
           14  central circumferential groove 
           16  lateral circumferential groove 
           17  center tread row 
           18  middle tread row 
           19  shoulder tread row 
           20   a, b  shoulder blocks 
           22   a, b  middle blocks 
           24   a, b  center blocks 
           26  inner surface 
           29  3D sipe 
           30  wavy groove 
           31  step 
           32  multiple step area 
           33  ground contacting surface 
           34  axial groove 
           35  transverse groove 
           36  transverse groove 
           37  recess 
           38  protrusion 
           39  shoulder edge recess 
           40  longitudinal block side wall 
           42  leading block side wall 
           44  trailing block side wall 
           46  block edge 
           48  tie bar 
           49  side wall edge 
           50  base of wavy groove 
           52  tip of wavy groove